the bird in a cage (the beauties) shirley, james this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text s in the english short title catalog (stc ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. martin mueller incompletely or incorrectly transcribed words were reviewed and in many cases fixed by melina yeh lydia zoells this text has not been fully proofread earlyprint project evanston il, notre dame in, st.louis, washington mo distributed under a creative commons attribution-noncommercial . unported license a .xml the bird in a cage. a comedie. as it hath beene presented at the phœnix in drury-lane. the author iames shirley, servant to her majesty. shirley, james, - . dpi tiff g page images university of michigan, digital library production service ann arbor, michigan november (tcp phase ) stc ( nd ed.) . greg, ii, . a

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 the bird in a cage. a comedie. as it hath beene presented at the phœnix in drury-lane. the author iames shirley, servant to her majesty. shirley, james, - . [ ] p. printed by b. alsop. and t. fawcet. for william cooke, and are to be sold at his shop neere furnivals-inne gate, in holborne, london : .

partly in verse.

signatures: a b-k .

with a final errata leaf.

reproduction of the original in the folger shakespeare library.

 a shc the bird in a cage shirley, james melina yeh lydia zoells play comedy shc no a s (stc ). . b the rate of . defects per , words puts this text in the b category of texts with fewer than defects per , words. incorporated ~ , textual changes made to the shc corpus by hannah bredar, kate needham, and lydia zoells between april and july during visits, separately or together, to the bodleian, folger and houghton libraries as well as the rare book libraries at northwestern university and the university of chicago

the bird in a cage .

a comedie . as it hath beene presented at the phoenix in drury-lane . the author iames shirley , servant to her majesty .

iuven. satyra . .

et spes , & ratio studiorum , in caesare tantum .

london

printed by b. alsop . and t. fawcet . for william cooke , and are to be sold at his shop neere furnivals-inne gate , in holborne . .

the persons . dvke of mantua . perenotto captaine of his guard . philenzo lover of eugenia , under the disguise and name of rollyardo . noblemen . fvl. . orpiano . courtiers . morello , dondolo , grvtti . embassador of florence . bonamico a mountibanke , or decayed artist . servant . gvard . attendants . evgenia the dukes daughter . ladyes attendant on the princesse . donella , catherina , mardona , fidelia , cassiana .
to master vvilliam prinne , vtter-barrester of lincolnes-jnne .

sir ,

the fame of your candor and innocent love to learning , especially to that musicall part of humane knowledge poetry , and in particular to that which concernes the stage and scene ( your selfe as i heare , having lately written a tragedie ) doth iustly chalenge from me this dedication . i had an early desire to congratulate your happy retirement , but no poeme could tempt mee with so faire a circumstance as this in the title , wherein i take some delight to thinke ( not without imitation of your selfe ) who have ingeniously fancied such elegant and apposite names , for your owne compositions , as health's sicknesse , the vnlovelinesse of love-lockes , &c. ) how aptly i may present you at this time , with the bird in a cage . a comedy , which wanteth i must confesse , much of that ornament , which the stage and action lent it , for it comprehending also another play or interlude , personated by ladies , i must referre to your imagination , the musicke , the songs , the dancing , and other varieties , which i know would have pleas'd you infinitely in the presentment . i was the rather inclined to make this oblation , that posterity might read you a patron to the muses , and one that durst in such a criticall age , bind vp the wounds which ignorance had printed vpon wit and the professors : proceed ( inimitable mecenas ) and having such convenient leysure , and an pegasus , i meane your prose ( which scorneth the roade of common sence , and despiseth any stile in his way ) travell still in the pursuit of new discoveries , which you may publish if you please , in your next booke of digressions . if you doe not happen presently to convert the organs , you may in time confuse the steeple , and bring every parish to one bell . —

this is all i have to say at this time , and my owne occasions not permitting my personall attendance , i have intreated a gentleman to deliver this testimonie of my seruice , many faults have escaped the presse , which your iudgment will no sooner find , then your mercie correct , by which you shall teach others a charity to your owne volumes , though they be all errata . if you continue where you are , you will every day inlarge your fame , and beside the engagement of other poets to celebrate your roman constancie , in particular obliege the tongue and penne of your devout honourer , —

iames shirley .

the bird in a cage .
actus . i.
scaena . i. enter fulvio , orpiano . orpiano .

he does not meane this building for a colledge , i hope ?

fulv.

that were an ill foundation , there are more scholers then can live one by another already ; 't is pitty we should haue more plenty of learned beggers .

orp.

't is past all my conjecture , why he built it .

fulv. signior perenotto , captain o th' guard is of counsell onely with the duke in 't . enter morello . mor.

signior orpiano , and fulvio .

fulv.

my sparke ? whither in such hast ? let vs change ayre a litle .

mor.

you are travailing to your mistris .

orp.

madam donella is newly return'd to court .

fulv.

with the princesse ?

orp. she was but late retyr'd into the country : what 's the matter ? mor. your lordships i hope have heard , the duke sent poste for them , as they say , there is something in 't . fulv.

what ?

mor.

does not your lordship know ?

fulv.

not i .

mor.

your lordships wisedome and mine is much about a scantling then , yet for ought i heare , there be others of the court as ignorant as we — your honors pardon i beseech you , i must in all haste to the princesses lodging .

orp. farewell signior . your amorous locke has a hayre out of order . mor.

vm ? what an oversight was this of my barber , i must returne now and have it corrected , deere sign .

ex. fulv.

here 's a courtier that will not misse a hayre of his complement , when he is to appeare before his mistris : every morning does this fellow put himselfe upon the racke , with putting on 's apparell , and manfully indures his taylor , when he skrewes and wrests his body into the fashion of his doublet — but that the court cannot subsist without a foole , i should marvaile what this fellow does to follow it .

orp.

there are more have much about his parcell of braines , the benefit of youth and good clothes procur'd their places , and ignorance and impudence have since maintayn'd em .

fulv.

two great helpes as the world goes .

enter gentlemen vshers , dondolo , grutti . gent.

cleere the presence , the duke is entring .

enter duke , eugenia , perenotto , attendants . eugen.

i ever was obedient —

duke . 't is for thy honor , which i know , is to thy selfe a precious sound — that building i late erected , then shall be thy pallace . eugen.

or my prison sir , if i doe rightly understand .

duke . that name is too unworthy of it , my eugenia , nor will it seeme restraint to my lov'd daughter , since free to all delights , thy mind shall be it's owne commander , every day shall strive to bring thee in fresh rarities , time shall bee . delighted with thy pleasures , and stay with thee . eug. indeed i shall thinke time has lost his wings when i am thus cag'd up . duke . thou shalt give to him feathers when thou pleasest . mantua shall powre her raptures on thee — why have i a crowne , but to command what thou canst wish for , my deere eugenia . eugen. a deere it seemes , for as you had suspicion of my wildnesse , you 'l measure out my walke . duke . i am thy father , who by example of the wisest kings , but build a place to lay my treasure in , safe from the robber , where i le place a guard — eugen.

doe you suspect i shall breake prison ?

duke . to keepe off violence , and solliciting which may disturbe thy pleasures , vntill we shall find out one to match thy birth and vertues , my dukedome is too poore that way , maintaine thy fathers soule : thou hast no bloud to mixe with any beneath prince — forget as i shall thy love was ever falling from thy greatnesse , into the armes of one carryes but stile of honour . eugen.

sir , i am your daughter .

duke . th' ast deserv'd my blessing , and thy obedience in this , new crownes thy father : i see i need not vrge what i am to move thee , and lay force , thy understanding does appeare convinc'd , and loving duty teaches thee to more , then the command — perenotto — eugen. what narrow ground i tread ? i know he is too passionate to be denyed his will , and yet to yeeld will make me miserable ; 't is my misfortune to be borne so great . each common man and woman can inioy the ayre , when the condition of a princesse makes me a prisoner . but i must obey in hope it will not last — i have a soule is full of gratefull duty , nor will suffer me further dispute your precept : you have power to steere me as you please . duke . all the graces speake in my girle — each syllable doth carry a volume of thy goodnesse : all my cares so well rewarded doe convert to sweetnesse i thanke thy filiall piety : know my girle that place wherein i looke so rich a iewell , i doe pronounce againe , shall be thy paradice : thy paradice my eugenia , saving that in this man onely finds no being — other delights shall streame themselves into thy bosome , and those that passe , shall flow agen t' invite thy sence to tasting — perenotto . peren.

your graces pleasure ?

duke .

admit those ladyes that attend —

fulv.

the duke shewes much indulgence .

orp.

obserue the yssue .

duke . wee will not limit thy companions , elect what mantuan beautyes thou canst best delight in , they shall serue thee : or if some of your owne traine , whom we haue thought most proper to be your personall guard , affect you , they enter donella katherina , mardona & fidelia . attend our pleasures : see , they are ignorant yet of our purpose , if to any , thy affection be not free , thy breath discharge them , and point thy owne attendants . eugen. i shall be pleas'd with your appointment , ladyes , i know you loue me . she goes to the ladyes . don. doth your grace hold suspition , any of vs serve you not with our heart ? eugen. i doe not doubt , or if i did , you now approach a tryall , for my sake can you be content to be all prisoners . ladyes .

prisoners ?

eug. yes , shut up close prisoners , and be bard the conuersation , nay the sight of men . kath. marry heaven defend , wherein haue we offended that we must loose the sweet societie of men . mard.

how have we forfeyted our freedome ?

duke .

no man argue — 't is our pleasure .

don.

'las madam , i am new contracted to a handsome signior .

kath.

i have but newly entertain'd a servant , that gave me these gloves , they smell of him still , a sweet courtyer .

don. not one man among so many ladyes ? not a gentleman-vsher ? nor a page ? how shall we doe madam ? mard. i beseech your grace let me be exempted , if i haue committed an offence , deserues your anger , let one of your lords cut off my head rather , sign . dondolo . fidel. shall we expresse , so cold a duty to her highnesse ? fye ladyes . eugen. you shall but suffer with me : i pertake as much seuerity , as any of you shall . duke i will expect your duties lords in silence , orpiano , you shall to ferrara , with our daughters picture , your commissions sealed — now faire ladyes , i hope y' are fixd to waite vpon eugenia . if your restraint be a burthen , it shall be in her power to inlarge you , and elect new friends into your places . ladyes . 't is our duties to obey your grace and her . duke .

perenotto — are all things prepar'd ?

per.

they are my lord .

duke .

for once then let vs vsher you .

kat.

whether doe we goe ?

peren.

i le tell you .

done.

whither ?

peren. to take phisicke madam . the duke has prepar'd to stay all loosenesse in your bodies you must be all fast : stone walles and morter will bind . fid.

come follow with a courage .

donel.

i hope we shall be allowed our little dogs and monkeyes .

dond.

sweet madam .

exit omn . man . fulv. orp. dond. grutti . grut.

madam katherina , they are gone signior .

dond.

would i had knowne this afore ?

fulv.

the duke will be censur'd for this act .

orp. 't is very strange , good lady , i read a forc'd obedience in her eye , which hardly held up raine . enter morello . mor.

save you deare sign . which way went the ladies ?

grut.

newes , signior newes .

mor.

i beseech you i may pertake .

fulv. have you forgot there was suspicion she affected signior philenzo the cardinals nephew ? orp.

alas poore gentleman , he suffers for 't .

fulv. by this restraint he would make her sure , his jealousie is not yet over — signior morello , is your locke rectified , you have mist your lady but a hayres bredth . mor. nay , but my lords and gentlemen , where are the ladies gone indeed ? grut.

we ha' told you .

mor.

what , committed to new prison :

fulv.

very true , signior .

dond. our dancing dayes are done , shut vp close , not a man must enter . mor.

would i were a mouse then — why , but is the duke mad !

orp.

take heed what you say signior : though we be no informers , yet walles have eares .

mor. eares ? would i had left mine behind me , heere 's newes indeed ! fulv.

and y 'ad come a little sooner , you might ha taken your leave , but 't was your barbers fault .

mor.

would he had left me i th' suds an houre agoe ! what shall we doe gentlemen , 't is a hard case , when a man that has an intention to marry and live honest —

enter rolliardo .

how now , what art thou ?

roll.

any thing , nothing : yet a man , yet no man for i want .

mor.

what ? th' art no capon i hope .

roll.

mony sir , will you spare any from your precious sinnes .

grut.

th' art very free .

roll.

yet sir i am in debt .

dond.

what dost owe ?

roll.

nobody harme .

fulv.

whence cam'st —

roll.

i dropt from the moone .

orp: so me thinkes , thou talk'st very madly — th' ast much humour in thee . roll.

ha yee any thing to doe that yee account impossible gentlemen .

fulv.

why , wilt thou do 't ?

roll.

and you 'l pay for 't . let mee have mony enough and i le doe any thing .

orp.

hold , hold .

roll.

yes i will hold .

mor.

i le lay with thee , what wilt hold —

roll.

why paradoxes .

grut. dond.

paradoxes !

mor.

i hold you a paradoxe .

fulv.

let 's heare some .

roll.

there are no beasts but cuckolds and flatterers ; no cold weather but i' th dog-dayes ; no physicke to a whoore , no foole to an alderman , no scholler to a iustice of peace , nor no souldier to a belt and buffe ierkin .

orp.

a smart fellow .

enter duke . mor.

the duke .

duke . so my feares are over , in her restraint i bury all my iealousies : — how now ? what fellowes this ? fulv.

such an humorist as i neuer before converst withall : it seemes he makes himselfe free of all places .

duke .

what would he have ?

roll.

thy pardon mighty man , if it be no treason to pray for thee , save thee , wilt imploy me ? 't is vacation , and i want worke , aske me not what i can doe , let me have money enough , and i le doe any thing .

duke .

you haue your sences ?

roll.

five , the small birds dare not peepe for him , i take it : i can see greatnesse big with an impostume , yet towring in the ayre like a fawlcon : i can heare a man sweare i am thy eternall slave , and will serve thee : whē if opportunity were offer'd , for price of a plush cloak , he will be the first shall strip thee to the very soule : i can taste wine that another man payes for , and rellish any thing that comes of free cost : i can smell a knave through a bar'd gowne , a politician , through a surplace ; a foole , through a scarlet out-side : i can touch a wench better then a lute , and tell mony with a secretary , to shew i ha lost my feeling : tush , all 's nothing , i have a humour to doe some thing to be talked on , nothing can come amisse to me , let me have mony enough , and my life to a cheese payring , i le doe any thing .

duke .

you 'l except somewhat .

roll.

not to doe o're the seven wonders of the world , and demolish 'em when i ha done , let me have money enough , what starre so high , but i will measure by this iacobs staffe : divine mony , the soule of all things sublunary , what lawyers tongue will not be tipt with silver , and will not mony with a iudge make it a plaine case , does not gowty greatnesse find ease with aurum palpabile , and he 's a sleight physitian cannot give a golden glister at a dead lift : — mony , i adore thee , it comes neere the nature of a spirit , and is so suttle it can creepe in at a cranny , bee present at the most inward councels , and betray em : mony , it opens lockes , drawes curtaines , buyes wit , sels honesty , keepes courts , sights quarrels , pulls downe churches , and builds almeshouses .

duke .

a wilde fellow .

fulv.

will your grace have him punisht for this insolence ?

duke .

no , his humor is good mirth to vs ; whence art ?

roll.

i am of no country .

duke .

how ?

roll.

i was borne vpon the sea .

duke .

when ?

roll.

in a tempest i was told —

mor.

a blustering fellow .

duke .

thy name .

roll.

rolliardo .

duke .

and how long hast thou beene mad thus ?

roll. your highnesse may be merry-and if you have no employment for me , i am gone . duke stay we command you , and bethinke agen , what to except in your bold vndertaking . roll. i except nothing , nothing duke , it were no glory not to be generall , active in all , let me have mony enough and i le doe any thing . duke .

you shall .

fulv.

will your grace set him aworke ?

roll.

name the action .

duke .

what say you to a lady ?

roll.

i will fall vpon her , as iupiter on danae , let me have a shower of gold , acrisius brazen tower shall melt agen , were there an army about it , i would compasse her in a moneth or dye for 't .

duke .

ha ? — a lady without guard would try your wit , and mony to get her love .

roll.

a toy , a toy .

duke . through a credulity , you may too much traduce the sexe , and merit such a iustice no mony will buy off : — admit some branches grow not so straight and beautifull , as nature intended them , will you disgrace the stemme or for some womans levity , accuse that fayre creation ? mony buy their love promise a salary of that sacred flame themselves cannot direct , as guided by divine intelligence . roll.

your highnesse pardon ; if you prohibite i must not undertake , but let me have freedome , and mony enough ( for that 's the circle i walke in ) and if i doe not conjure up a spirit hot enough to inflame a frozen lucrece bosome : make mummy of my flesh , and sell me to the apothecaries : try me with some master peece ; a womans love is as easie as to eate dinner without saying grace , getting of children , or going to bed drunke : let me have money enough , and taxe me to the purpose .

fulv. orp.

he 's constant .

duke . admit there be a lady , whom a prince might court for her affection ; of a beauty , great as her vertue , adde unto them birth , equall to both , and all three but in her not to be match'd — suppose this myracle ( too precious for mans eye ) were shut vp , where a guard more watch ull then the dragons ; did forbid accesse to mankind : — men pick'd out betweene whose soules and mony were antipathy beyond that which we know ; and you assoone might bribe to be a saint : — what would you doe with your enough of mony , were your life ingag'd to winne her love ? roll. the sky may fall , and aldermen cry larkes about the city . duke .

the fellow 's impudent : sirrah , thou hast landed thy selfe upon a rocke , you shall have sence of what you would contemne , a life : put on a most fortified resolution , you shall need it ; we haue a daughter thus lock'd up —

fulv,

what does the duke meane ?

duke .

a virgin .

orp.

he is in passion .

duke . shalt not ingage thee on a worke so much impossible as procurement of her love , make it appeare with all the art thou canst get but accesse to her ; a moneth we limit but take heed boaster , if you faile ; your life shall onely satisfie our charge , and teach all other mountibanks to be at distance , with such bold undertakings : you shall expect a severe iustice : by this , i shall try the fidelity of those are trusted . roll.

't is a match , i shall have mony enough ?

duke .

you shall . what d' yee call enough , yet it shall be under . thousand crownes : i will not leave the pawne here , for twice so much .

roll.

i will not be particular and agree o th' summe , you looke i should dye if i performe not , and i le looke to bee merry and want nothing while i live , i le not take the advantage on you , because i hope to receive credit by it : if i use now and then a round summe set me up o th' ticket for 't , but who shall passe his word if i doe this feate , you 'l let me keepe my head a my shoulders .

duke .

our royall word secure thee .

roll.

't is enough .

fulv.

what security can your grace expect for his forthcomming , if he fayle .

duke . we ha studyed that , 't is but the losse of some superfluous crownes , let the end carry what successe fate please , all the expence will not be lost , to try the faith of those we shall imploy in this ; our citie 's strong , the river that invirons on three parts , shall be carefully attended , a wall makes safe the fourth , which shall be guarded our vigils shall be so exact , he shall deserve his liberty , if he escape vs , we are constant sir . fulv.

would he might pay for his curiositie .

roll.

i le waite upon your highnesse for some earnest : i have a moneth good , let me have faire play and my bargaine mony enough , if i doe come short , let my head be too heavie for my shoulders ; if i doe more then is expected , you 'l beleeve it possible hereafter : when a man has money enough he may doe any thing .

duke .

maintaine your humour still — attend vs .

exeunt manent morello , dondolo , and grutti . mor.

here 's a mad fellow , does he meane to get into the ladyes ?

dond.

it seemes so .

gr.

or i wud not be in his taking when the moon chāges .

mor.

our best course then is to observe and humor him , he may have a tricke more then we know ; he seemes to be a good fellow , let 's be drunke together , and get him to confesse it — ha ?

don. grut.

a match .

mor. like errand knights our valiant wits must wrastle to free our ladyes from the inchanted castle . exeunt .
actus . ii.
scaena . i. enter bonanico and a servant . serv. d' yee thinke this hayre and habit will sufficiently disguise you , from your inquiring creditors ? bon. no question , have you disperst my billes about the city , does every publike place carry the scrole , as i commanded ? serv.

i have beene carefull .

bon.

what doe they say abroad , doe they not wonder ?

serv. they are strucken dumbe at reading , he that has the use of tongue , employes it to expresse his admiration of your art , your deepe , invisible art . bon. there 's hope then we shall prosper , in this beleeving age , jtaly is full of iugling mountibanks , that shew trickes with oyles , and powders , here an emperick dares boast himselfe a paracelsian , and dawbe each post with printed follyes , when he went a' th ticket with some midwife , or old woman for his whole stocke of physicke , here a fellow onely has skill to make a handsome perewig , or to sowe teeth i' th gummes of some state madam , which she coughes out agen , when so much phlegme as would not strangle a poore flea , provokes her , proclaimes himselfe a rectifier of nature , and is beleev'd so , getteth more by keeping mouthes in their quarterly reparations , then knowing men for all their art , and paines i' th cure of the whole body — shall we doubt to be made rich , rich carlo , by our art whereof i am the first and bold professor in jtaly , we shall grow fat and purchase , dost not thinke so ? serv. to goe invisible who will not learne at any rate . bon. true carlo . there may be in the throng of our admirers , some will presume 't above the power of art to make men walke and talke invisible . but we can cleere the mistery , and make mantua in the proofe acknowledge it a matter feasible — here 's some customer enter rolliardo . ha ? 't is the humorist , the vndertaker , the bird i spread my art for , he has mony enough , and 's apt to prove a fortune to me . roll.

so the covenants are seal'd , i am like a famous cathedrall with two ring of bells , a sweet chime a both sides , now 't is noys'd i ha mony enough , how many gallants of all sorts and sexes court me , here 's a gentleman ready to run himselfe in the kennell , for hast to give me the wall , this cavalier will kisse my hand , while th' other signior crinckels i th' hammes , as hee were studying new postures against his turne comes to salute me . as i walke , euery window is glaz'd with eyes , as some tryumph were in the street ; this madova invites me to a banquet for my discourse , t'other bona roba sends me a sparke , a third a ruby , a fourth an emerald , and all but in hope to put their iewels to vsury , that they may returne agen with precious interest — thus farre it goes well , very well , what 's next -

bon.

save you signior .

roll.

what art thou ?

bon.

one appointed by fate to doe you service sir .

roll.

but i gave fate no commission to take you up for me , i ha more followers then the duke already , prethee have me commended to the lady destinyes , and tell 'em i am provided .

bon. mistake me not , he speakes to you , has power to make you happy . roll.

prethee make thy selfe happy with a warme suite first , thy house is but poorely thatched , and thou beest so good at making happy , why hast no better clothes .

bo. 't is no felicity , or admit : the sunne dispenceth a rich warmth about the world yet hath no heate it selfe . roll.

philosophie .

bo. to omit circumstance , i know what you haue vndertaken to the generall amazement : vpon penalty of death , you must procure accesse to the faire princesse , 't is in my art to helpe — to perfect what the duke holds so imposible . roll.

how canst thou assist mee .

bo. although my outside promise not , my braine is better furnished , i ha gain'd by study a secret , will aduance the worke you labour with , i le teach you sir to goe invisible — roll.

how ? t' hast no clouen foote , i sent brimstone , and thou beest a diuell tell me .

bo. i trifle not , i am a man , whose fame shall out-liue time , in teaching you this mistery for which i must expect reward — you are , ( lowd noise proclaimes it ) able , & can pay me out of the dukes exchequer , being your selfe his walking treasury . roll.

you 'l teach me to goe invisible you say .

bo. i can , and with your safety , for i deale not with magick , to betray you to a faith black and satannicall , i abhorre the diuell . roll.

very like so .

bo. which some haue coniured into a ring , to effect the wonder , i admit of no suffumigation , incense offer'd to infernall spirits , but by art , whose rules are lawfull and demonstrative — roll.

you thinke i admire you all this while — harke , when did you eate ? or doe you hope agen , that you are put to this pitifull and desperate exigent . i see you my would be invisible , fine knave .

bon.

d' ee mocke me , sir ?

roll.

i le tell you a better project , wherein no courtier has prefool'd you . sticke your skin with feathers , and draw the rabble of the city for pence a peece to see a monstrous bird brought from peru , baboones have past for men already , beene taken for vsurers , i' their furr'd gownes and night-caps , keepe a foole in pay , to tell the multitude of a gentle fayth , that you were caught in a wildernesse , and thou mayst be taken for some farre country howlet .

bon.

doe you despise my art ?

roll.

art ? but such another word , and i shall marre the whole expectation of your invisible traffique , in , to your nest ; and leave me , distinguish men before you practise on 'em , 't is wholsome caution .

bon.

i leave you to the misery of your unbeleefe , when you heare of me hereafter , you will curse your fortune to have thus neglected me , fare you well , sir .

exit . enter perenotto , with . or . of the guard . roll.

this is perenotto captaine of the guard .

per.

not yet attempted you ?

.

we have not seene him my lord .

per.

he 's here .

.

is that he that has gold enough ? would i had some of his yellow hammers .

rol.

d' ee heare , you are one of the list .

.

a poore halbert man sir .

rol.

poore ? hold thee , there 's gold for thee : — thou woo't be honest now ?

.

o yes sir .

roll.

not a peny , and thou hadst not beene a foole , thou wouldst ha bin a knave , & so thou might'st have got by me , yet by those scuruy legs there 's sōe hope thou 't be cōverted at all adventures take it .

.

i will be what you please sir .

roll.

tell me what condition is that sign . of ? is he rich ?

.

he loves money .

roll.

come ? shalt be my pensioner — here 's more gold for

.

d' yee make question of that sir ? he bought his office , & therefore may sell his conscience , he has sold . on 's twice over , he was brought up at court , and knowes what belongs to his place , i warrant you .

roll.

good .

.

am i not a knave now sir ?

roll.

i like thee .

.

to your cost : — i hope you wo'not tell him what i say : but if you doe , and he chance to turne me out of my office , your gold is restorative .

per.

to your stations , and be circumspect .

ex. guard . roll.

noble sir , you are the onely man i have ambition to honour .

per.

i should be proud to merit such a phrase .

roll. 't is in your power to oblige my soule — w' are private , i am jealous of the wind lest it convey our noyse too farre : this morne i had some traffique with a ieweller , and if my iudgment erre not , h 'as richly furnish'd me . what sayes your lordship to this diamond ? per.

't is a glorious one .

roll. does it not sparkle most divinely signior , a rowe of these stucke in a ladies forehead , would make a persian stagger in his faith , and give more adoration to this light then to the sun beame : i ha fellowes to 'em a nest of bright ones . per. this boxe is studded like a frosty night with stars you have out bid their value , make me a gainer in changing them for your commends . per.

how sir .

roll.

i 'm serious .

per. i never shall deserve this bounty , if you 'd point me out some service to begin my gratitude — roll. you have a noble soule i le teach you how to merit more . peren.

i am covetous of such a knowledge .

roll. make but my path a smooth one to the princesse , i am briefe , you know my undertaking . per.

so i should be a traytor .

roll.

it comes not neere the question of a life : do 't i le enable you , to buy another dukedome , state , and title .

per. although 't were necessary in the affayres of such high consequence to deliberate , yet for this once , i le be as briefe as you , i wo'not doe 't . roll.

how ?

per. no indeed signior , you shall pardon me at this time , and i le keepe your iewels too for they are guifts : hereafter you will know me so fare you well sir . exit . roll. was i not told this officer was corrupt ? i want faith to beleeve the myracle . sure he does but iest with me , ha ? enter morello , dondolo , grutti . mor.

the guard will accept no money .

don.

what an ago do wee liue in , when officers will take no bribes .

grut.

not the golden one .

don.

here 's rolliardo .

roll

i 'me quite lost .

grut.

't is he .

roll. yet he keepes my jewels , there may be some hope i le to him agen , 't is but his modesty at first not to see me easie , he must be courted statesmen like virgins first , should giue denyall , experience and opportunity make the tryall . saue you gallants . mor.

and you goe thereto : saue your selfe , you are in a worse pickle then wee are .

don.

and how i' st wee signiour ?

grut.

doe you thriue in your hopes ?

roll.

i doe not dispaire gentlemen , you see i doe not weare my hat in my eyes , crucifie my armes , or intreate your lordships braine to melt in a petition for me .

mor.

i did but iest , i know you haue a way to the wood in your pericranium , what is 't wee are honest simple minded lords .

roll.

i thinke so .

grut.

nay nay , impart .

don.

wee tell no tales .

mor.

woo'd wee were whipt and wee doe .

roll.

why shall i tell you — you are three .

mor.

very secret —

roll.

coxecombs .

all .

how ?

roll.

a miserable leash of court mimicks .

mor.

mimicks ? what 's that .

roll.

you perfumd goates .

mo.

oh is that it , i neuer heard what a mimick was before .

roll.

d ee thinke i am so wretched in a point that concernes my life and honour , to trust my wayes and purposes to you that haue no soules .

don.

no soules .

mor.

peace how comes he to know that ?

grut.

why hast thou none ?

mo.

't was more then euer i could see in my selfe yet .

roll.

things that haue forfeited their creation , and had not your tailors tooke compassion on you , you had died to all mens thoughts , who long since wod ha forgotten that euer there were such thinges in nature .

don.

shall wee suffer this ?

roll.

yes , and make legs , in token of your thankefullnesse , if i were at leisure , i would make you shew trickes now .

mo.

doe i looke like a johnanapes ?

roll.

but i wonot .

mo.

it were not your best course .

roll.

how ?

mo.

alas sir i should but shame my selfe , and be laughed at afore all this company .

roll.

when you see mee next avoide mee , as you would doe your poore kindred when they come to court . get you home , say your prayers , and wonder that you come off without beating , for 't is one of my myracles .

mo.

had wee not better a gone to tauerne , as i plotted at first , he could not ha beene more valiant in his drinke .

grut.

i m'e glad hee s gone .

don.

i know not what to make on him .

mo.

make on him quotha , he made little reckning of vs , but and he had not gone as he did , i should ha made

don.

what ?

mo.

vrine in my breeches — he sqeezed me , i thinke i was ready to melt'o , both sides .

grut.

but harke you signior , wee forget the ladies still

mo.

well remembred .

don.

le ts consult to purpose about that — shall wee ?

mo.

no , euery one thinke what he can by himselfe , my thoughts shall be private , and not free at this time ; euery one scratch his owne head .

grut.

and he that gets the first hint , communicate —

don.

a match .

mo.

let me see — umh .

don.

what if i did — nothing , my braines are dull .

grut.

ten to one , but if i did — let it alone , a pox on 't , i were best drinke some sacke , they say it helpes inuention .

mo.

o rare .

both .

rub rub , out with it .

mo.

no , 't is gone backe agen , i drunke buttered sacke this morning and it slipt backe when 't was almost at my tongues end — but it was a delicate proiect , whatsoeuer it was .

grut.

recouer it with thy finger .

don.

follow it morello .

mo.

now , now , now , let me alone — make no noise , 't is comming agen , i ha 't , i ha 't —

don.

hold it fast now .

grut.

loose it not , thou art great with wit , let vs deliuer thee , what , i st ?

mo.

some wiser then some .

they follow him vp and downe for discouery . don.

wilt not tell vs ?

grut.

didst not promise .

mo.

no hast — as occasion serves — it cost more then so yet you may know 't .

don.

well said .

mo.

hereafter , but not now — away , doe not tempt me i will eate the sweat of my owne braine , o rare ! neuer was such a straine of wit inuented . — d ee heare , gentlemen ; if you will command me any service to the ladies , i doe purpose to visite em — with quirke — hey .

grut.

how ?

mo.

marry doe i .

don.

nay morelle .

mo.

gentlemen , as i told you , if you haue any thing to the ladies , before i goe i am the messenger , — there is a crotchet and so forth — a carwhichet is found out - your eares — i will doe such a stratagem as neuer the like was heard of in the world . — oh rare . —

exit . don.

hee s mad .

grut. so am i , that he is so reservd what shall 's doe . enter bonamico disguised . bon.

saue you signiors , pray where abouts is the signe of the invisible man .

d. g.

the invisible man .

bon.

cry yee mercy now i see it .

exit . don.

see 't he does more then wee can , the gentleman 's mistaken , heere 's no such signe , yet hee went in there .

grut.

hee has better eyes then wee to distinguish it .

enter servant to bon : disguised . ser.

this , it his is it .

don

what is it pray ?

ser.

what 's that to you ?

grut.

in courtesie wee aske :

ser.

then by the signe this is the house , whether i am going to enquire for a gentleman that teaches men to walke invisible .

grut.

that wo'd be seene , this is newes .

ser.

newes , either you haue slept long , or you are gentlemen of very small intelligence , examine the next paper you see aduanced , and informe your selues , farewell gallants .

exit . don.

hee 's entred there to .

grut.

teach men to walke invisible , a very fine trade .

don.

would 't were true , wee should desire no other device to get into the ladies .

enter bonamico and seruant in other disguises . grut.

't is impossible — see , see , more gentlemen , prethee le ts to him , this will bee a tricke worth our learning .

don.

stay , wee are not acquainted , le ts knocke first .

enter servant . ser.

your pleasures gentlemen .

don.

pray sir , what signes is this ?

ser.

the invisible man sir .

grut.

man , i see no man .

don.

here 's nothing but a cloude .

ser.

right sir , and hee 's behinde it , the mans invisible .

don.

pretty faith , it may bee the man i' the moone for ought wee know .

ser.

would yee any thing with my master .

gurt.

he does teach to walke invisible they say .

ser.

he is the onely professor of the miraculous invisible art .

don.

may wee change a little discourse with him .

ser.

there are some gentlemen with him — but i 'le tell him , i am preuented , hee 's comming forth himselfe .

enter bonamico . don.

signior altomaro i take it .

bon.

't is my name sir , a poore artist , not warme in these parts of italy .

grut.

and you were not too busie sir —

bon.

please you walke in , i am now alone , your persons will grace my poore habitation .

don.

wee saw . or . enter but now .

bon.

i ha dispatch 'em they are fresh departed .

don.

which way .

grut.

here 's not a man , are they not suncke , came they out heere ?

bon.

vpon my credit sir no other way .

don.

then they went invisible .

bon.

right sir , they came hither to that purpose , their designes required hast .

grut.

this man can doo 't i see already .

don.

sir if you can assure vs this invisible walking , for wee are not so ignorant as wee seeme , wee ha seene the play of the inuisible knight , and —

bon.

that of the ring too , ha ye not .

don.

yes .

bon.

the one was magick , and t'other an imposture , what i doe is by art faire and naturall , are you in debt and feare arresting , you shall saue your money in protections , come vp to the face of a sergiant , nay walke by a shole of these mankind horse-leaches , and be mace proofe . if you haue a mind to raile at 'em , or kick some a their loose flesh out , they shannot say blacks your eye , nor with all their linces eyes discouer you : would you see when the mercers abroad , how his man playes the merchant at home with his mistris silkeworme , and deales vnderhand for commodity — would your selfe talke with a lady in secret , sit downe , play with her , rauish a diamond from her finger , and bind her soft wrist with a bracelet , kisse her abroad , at home , before her seruants , in the presence of her jealous husband , nay trusse her vp , when the tame lord is a bed with her , and to his eyes be vndiscovered as the winde signior — doe you suspect your mistris playes double ? would you heare how she entertaines the t'others loue , and know what she does i' the closet with the smooth page — would you be present at secret counsels , betray letters , see how such a lord paints his thighes , this perfume his breath , t'other marshall his fine french teeth , see this statesmans eyes put out with a bribe , how that officer cozens the duke , and his secretary abuses 'em both , this lawyer takes fees a both sides ; while the iudge examines the fertility , and price of the mannor , before the witnesses and then decrees who shall haue the land ? would you see iustice employ her scales to weigh light gold , that comes in for fees or corruption , and flourish with her sword like a fencer to make more roome for causes ' ithe court .

don.

all this and more may be done , if we can but goe invisible , but how can you assure vs of that . i would faine see any man goe invisible once .

bon.

see him sir ?

grut.

video pro intelligo i meane sir .

bon.

nay sir you need not distinguish , for it is possible to see a man invisible obserue me , you see mee now perfectly , in euery part , if i should walke before you without a body .

grut.

how ?

bon.

my head onely visible and hanging in the ayre like a comet .

don.

that were a strange sight ?

bon.

sometimes nothing shal be seene but my arme , another while one of my legs , hopping without a body .

grut.

this is admirable .

bon.

when i please i will haue nothing conspicuous , but my hand , nay , perhaps my little finger .

don.

doe not you conjure then ?

grut.

come you will cast a mist before our eyes .

bon.

't is a mistery indeed but a safe one signiors .

don.

why looke you sir , if you will be pleased that wee may see you first walke invisible , wee shall not onely credit your art , but at any rate be ambitious to bee your disciples .

bon.

why gentlemen , you speake but iustice , you shall haue experiment . i wil be invisible first , but as to other in this kinde , i will not demonstrate without halfe in hand , let me haue . crownes apeece , i le point you a day when i will be invisible .

grut.

can you not doe it presently .

bon.

i can be invisible in a twinckling , but what assurance can you haue , that i am here at the same instant , when you see no part of mee , i may deceiue you .

don.

he sayes true .

bon.

i doe purpose therefore to giue you reality and proofe , for i will walke invisible , all but — my hand .

both .

your hand ?

bon.

onely my hand , you shall touch it , see euery line in 't , and the rest of my body be to you invisible , this will require a little time for preparation , and when with the consent of your eyes and vnderstandings , i keepe my promise in this point , you will thinke your monies well expended to be taught the mistery .

don.

this is very faire .

grut.

the crowne shall be ready sir .

don.

expect 'em within this houre .

enter rolliardo . bon.

at your owne pleasures , ha rolliardo ? i must not be seene gentlemen .

exit . both .

farewell incomparable signior — what lucke had wee to light vpon this artist , he shanot publish it , wee 'l buy the whole secret at any value , and then get him remoue into some other province , who 's this .

roll.

am not i mad , sure i am , though i doe not know it , and all the world is but a bedlam , a house of correction to whip vs into our sences , i ha knowne the time when jewels and gold had some vertue in 'em , the generation of men now are not subject to corruption ; democritus the worlds refin'd .

don.

't is rolliardo , he lookes melancholy , le ts haue a fling at him , giue you joy of the great lady sir , which is the next way to the moone pray ?

roll.

bolt vpright muskat , and if you make hast you may be one of her calues , next time she appeares , you shall see her becken to you , with a paire of hornes , iust a' the size of those are preparing for your forehead , my precious animall .

don.

ha , ha , ha , the fellowes mad .

grut.

can you tell sir , what became of all the swallowes , cuckoes , and small birds , wee had here last summer ?

roll.

marry sir they went to sea , to aide the cranes , and there haue bin mustering euer since , but for want of a woodcocke they ha left behind 'em , they dare not venture vpon the pigmies , you may doe well to ouertake the buzzard and releeue the army sir .

grut.

ha , ha , ha .

exit . roll.

i shall be grinnde to death as i walke the streetes , 't is no policy to be dull and modest — but let me see , which way to compasse my worke , and put my selfe out of the common laughter the very children will ieere mee shortly i thinke , and point me out with stones , the precious vndertaker . i might haue had more wit then to run my selfe into this calamitie whom haue wee next .

enter the duke , embassador , fulvio , dondolo , grutti attendants , courtiers .

the duke ? what stranger 's that ? i must not seeme deiected .

emb.

is this he your highnesse discoursed of ?

duke . this is the peece made vp of all performance the man of any thing without exception , giue him but gold , kings daughters and their heires though lockt in towers of brasse , are not safe from him . nay though i play the chimist with my trust and from a million of sure confidences i draw the spirit of honesty into a few , he can corrupt 'em . roll. you are my prince great sir , and you haue spoke not much vnlike a braue one . don.

hee le jeere the duke too

roll. if my head come to be paid to you , before sunne-set that day when it is forfeite , i ha cleerd with you , and shall depart out of your royall debt there 's all you can demand , a good sharpe sword will make an euen reckning . emb.

he seemes confident .

court. .

with your graces leaue , let me come to him .

roll.

now a fierce dog .

.

what came into thy mind , thou daring madman , foole is a word of favour to thee .

roll.

so sir .

.

to vndertake such an impossible taske .

roll. mushroumpe — i le cast away a few words on thee had i another life , i 'de vndertake yet though i below in all opinion , to venture it , with the riches i haue spread to corrupt others , to make thee my parasite , i would engage my life to weare no steps to thy white daughter , thou and thy graue matron most humbly should present her , when i was pleased too for feare i should refuse the sport you brought mee . duke .

i neuer knew man beare his scorne so high , too him some other .

grut.

not i sir , you shall excuse me , 't was the last thing i did .

. in the position generall , ' i le not touch him for mony may be said to purchase all things but to aspire to my good soueraignes daughter of blessed memory . roll.

shee 's not dead i hope .

. there gold and trash was impudently inferr'd , and 't was a taske too insolent , in that point you 'd willingly give a pound of your proud flesh , to be releast . roll. i heard a pound of flesh , a iewes demand once t was gravely now remembred of your lordship — releast ? fortune , and courtesie of opinion gives many men nobility of birth , that never durst doe nobly , nor attempt any designe , but fell below their honors . cas'd up in chambers , scarcely ayre themselves but at a horse-race , or i' th parke with puppets , that for which i 'm your laughter , i speake to you flattering tribe of courtiers , to you glowormes is my chiefe glory , that perhaps being sprung from humble parentage , dare yet attempt a deed so farre above me , that sets all your wisedomes in combustion , you may thinke i 've made a sorry bargaine for my life , let scorners know in ayming at her onely my memory after death , receives more honour then all your marble pinnacles can raise you , or alablaster figures , whiter farre then ere your soules were , and that houre i dye if you dare looke vpon me , without fainting ( which i much feare ) you shall see death so scorn'd , i meane for any terrour , you shall thinke him my slave to take my upper garment off . don.

i told your hignesse — how you shud find him .

emb.

a brave resolution .

' duke . be this the prologue to the mirth , my lord attends to entertaine you ; set on , we 'll leave him . ha , ha , ha . exeunt . roll pulls fulvio backe . roll. sir , i observ'd you noble , and not apt to throw derision on me with the rest , which does encourage me , to aske you a question . fulv.

name it sir .

roll.

pray what strange'r 's that walk'd with the duke ?

ful.

't is an embassador from florence sir .

roll.

an embassador , his designe i pray ?

ful. to treate of marriage betwixt our princesse and the great dukes sonne , desired much by our'master who has some hope , t' wil be effected too . has brought rich presents to her . roll.

this is all .

ful.

you haue it freely .

exit . roll.

y 'aue honored me , married to tuscany ? so , if my ambition had beene fortunate , i might haue beene his taster , but my starres want influence , they are too dull , and weary of my fate , rolliardo then must forfeit , why that 's the worst on 't , i will make a glorious blaze in death , and while i liue , make the dukes treasure pay for 't , nor shall he accuse me , i exhaust him poorely , i 'le study out some noble way to build me a remembrance . ha . — a church or colledge ? tedious , my glasse has but few sandes , i must doe some thing i may liue to finish : i ha 't , i will send to all the prisons i th citty , and pay the poore mens debts for 'em : the world wants such a president : i ha mony enough since i faile in my other ends , i will doe some good deedes before i dye , so shall i be more sure of prayers , then if i built a church , for they are not certaine to continue their foundation , fate i despise thee , i sinke vnder no cheape and common action , but sell my life too fame , in catching my death by so braue an aspiring .

if i obtaine a monument , be this all write on my graue . this man climbe'd high to fall . exit .
actus iii .
scaena i. enter guard . .

come gentlemen , wee must watch still , that none run away with the princesse .

.

he must haue an excellent stomacke , that can breake these stone walles to come to her .

.

beside this moueable wall of flesh which we carry .

.

one makes toward vs , — 't is a lady .

enter morello like a lady . mo.

so , now am i as valiant as hercules , when he turned spnister , greate iupiter , the patron of scapes , assist my petticote , and at my returne , i will sacrifice my linnen-breeches to thee , — here be the men , the men of mettle , now venus i beseech thee , and they bee men they will let a lady enter without many questions .

.

saue you sweet lady , your affaires this way ?

mo.

i goe but in to the princesse .

.

from whom ?

mo.

from the dukes grace .

what may be your ladiships name ?

mo.

i neuer thought to giue my selfe a name — my name is madam — um . my name is something an odde name , but — i doe not stand vpon 't — my name 's thorne .

.

indeed madam thorne , if his grace haue sent you to such a purpose , you must shew something for our discharge .

mo.

why hearke you it was but forgotten , of the duke to send his signet — but i ha brought some of his highnesse deputies wo'mee , i hope that will satisfie .

as he takes out mony discouers breeches . .

by this gold , breeches

.

no , they are but silke — here will be sport , i haue a hint already .

.

say you so ? 't is very well — but madam , we are many , and we would be loth to venture — deale ingeniously sweet lady , have you no more gold in your breeches ?

mor.

not a doyt , as i am vertuous and sinfull .

.

passe — but d' ee heare — and you shud not be secret now .

mor.

as i am a gentleman .

.

a gentleman ? do'st heare him ? i le put him to 't .

mor.

i have left some crownes with your fellow .

.

tush , that wo'not satisfie me .

mor.

indeed , i ha no more mony .

.

you have commodity , hang this transitory gold — give me — what 's this ?

mor.

nothing but a wart a' my little finger .

.

a wart , let me see 't .

pulls off his glove . mor.

't is a diamond , 't was my mothers legacy — or else

.

is it your will i should have it ?

mor.

it was my mothers will i should weare it , her ghost will haunt me , and i should give it away .

.

you know the way backe lady .

mor.

you will give me my gold agen .

.

not a doyt , as i am vertuous and sinfull , stand with him for a toy , and know y 'ave no warrant from the duke , 't is in our power .

mor.

d' ee heare sir , and it were a diamond of gold you shud have it .

.

lady , i kisse your hand .

mor.

y 'ave kiss'd the ring of a my finger i me sure .

.

vse your fortune , passe .

mor.

if i get to the ladies , some body shall pay for this , that 's my comfort .

.

can you wrastle madam .

takes him by the shoulder . mor.

ah — wrastle sir , ladies doe not use to wrastle .

.

they are throwne downe with their good wills then , come you and i will have a bout , i must hug your little body .

.

humor him , and y' are past danger .

mor.

wod you ha me teare my clothes ?

.

i le perswade him .

.

to tell you true madam , this fellow is an abhominable lecher , there is no scaping him without a fall , a very satyre , he leapes all comes neare him , if your ladiships modesty can dispence with a private favour — you understand ; for our parts , we are satisfied otherwise , and our lips are sow'd up , take him a ' toside , and see how you can mollifie him , hee 's a cocke a the game , and will tread you and you were ten thornes .

mor.

mollifie him , doth he use ladies so , he will molifie me .

.

and you were his sister , all 's one to him , the divell is not more hot and robustious , where he finds opposition to the sport ; therefore the duke made choyce of him , as suspecting some lord might come disguis'd a this fashion , to prevent dishonour to the princesse and ladies — use your owne discretion .

mor.

what will become of me , if he be such a wencher he 'll ravish me , and discover all , what a rascall was i to venture thus , i le giue thee my fan to perswade him — helpe , helpe .

. nay then . he throwes him downe , and discovers his breeches . why how now ? breeches ? .

this is a man .

.

sure 't is a woman .

mor.

to tell you true gentlemen , i am neyther a man nor a woman , i am an hermaphrodite .

.

how ? an hermaphrodite ? what would you doe among the ladyes then .

.

an hermaphrodite .

.

let 's search him .

mor.

ah.

.

stay let 's be advis'd , if he be such a monster , our best way is to carry him to the duke .

. .

agreed .

mor.

i shall be undone — d' yee heare noble friends 't is but a folly to dissemble , i am no such thing , i am no hermaphrodite , i am a friend of yours .

all .

of ours .

.

your name , i beseech you .

mor.

i did but jest all this while , the duke himselfe put me upon 't , to see whether i could cozen you , my name 's morello .

.

signior morello , 't is not possible .

mor.

as i am vertuous , i am , i am no hermaphrodite , no matter for the gold or diamonds t is your owne — i le acquaint his grace how carefull i found you , and if he doe not reward you beside , i le say hee 's the poorest duke in christendome : i le tell him presently .

.

noble signior wee 'le waite vpon you to him .

mo,

no , no , 't is better for me to goe alone .

.

your pardon , you shall tell him how carefull you found vs wee 'le relate to him how cunningly you carried the businesse .

mo.

nay d' yee heare gentlemen .

all .

it must be so sir , come sweet effeminate signior .

exeunt . enter fulvio , embassador . emb. y 'aue done me a noble office signior in this discouery , where now liues her banished louer ? ful. my kinsman liues in florence , but . dayes since i receiued letters from him . emb.

in florence too ?

ful. sir you may censure me , but my affection to the iniurd lord , and not without respect vnto the honor , of your master too , hath bin the cause of my free language . emb. trust me signior we are all ingag'd to study you a recompence , but mantua was iniust to banish him , for being too much a seruant . ful.

sir , when princes resolue to punish .

emb. vertue shal be treason 't was tyranny , — why now is she thus cag'd ? ful. i can coniecture nothing but his jealousie which wil be euer actiue , by that loue wee enterchang'd at pisa , when wee grew together in our studies — i coniure your noblenesse to silence me . emb.

you will dishonor me by suspition : — i am charmd .

enter perenotto , dondolo , grutti . per.

my honord lord .

emb.

signior perenotto .

ful.

my gentile sparkes .

do. gr.

your seruants .

ful.

you are all courtship .

per.

is your lordship for this wonder ?

emb.

what wonder my lord ?

per.

these paire of gentlemen haue discourst me into admiration , there 's one has vndertaken to goe invisible .

emb.

invisible ?

per.

this hower expected , and in this place .

ful.

how ?

don.

with a tricke that he has .

ful.

doe you beleeve him , gentlemen .

grut.

you shall see 't .

don.

wee were heretickes in that point , but our vnderstandings are convinc'd , he did demonstrate .

grut.

and because you shall know the truth of his art , he wil be inuisible all but his hand , what thinke you of that ? the rarest fellow in christendome .

emb.

nothing visible but his hand .

don.

as sure as wee haue giuen him a . crownes in hand .

emb.

why is not the duke presented with this noueltie .

don.

hee 's trauailing to the emperour first , onely as he goes for our sake , he will shew vs a figgary of his art .

enter rolliardo .

here 's rolliardo , hee 's somewhat costiue a tother side wants faith .

roll.

saue you nest of courtiers , smooth faces , rich clothes , and sublime complements , make you amorous in sight of your ladies . donzell del phebo , and rosiclees are you there ? what pestilent diseases haue you got , that you weare so much musk and ciuet about you . oh for a priest of cupid to sacrifice you now , how your breeches would burne like incense , & your haire disguised in sweet powder , leaue your bodies in a mist , while your bones were inwardly consuming with the fire of dame venus altar .

don.

the same humorist still .

roll.

i heard say , wee shall haue strange apparitions i' th aire and yet invisible wonders , a hand must appeare as fatall to some as that hung o're the capitoll ; for there is a suspition some purses wil be iugled emptie , and as silent as the moone , no bright sol appearing , nor a peece of pale fac'd siluer in your silken hemispheres .

grut.

he is an infidell .

roll.

right iehochanan , right , my precious iew , wee are all in fidell that wonot beleeve the court catechisme - my lord embassador you are welcome from florence , does the great duke pick sallats still , i meane continue his assize , returne into his exchequer once in seauen yeares the wealth of tuscany . vespasian was held couetous for ordaining vessels to receiue the beneficiall publick vrine , but 't is heathenisme among christians not to hold dulcis odor lucri è re qualibut .

emb.

hee 's mad .

roll.

signior perenotto , it has puzzled my vnderstanding , how you can subsist at court without making vse of the common sinnes , flattery , and corruption ; take heed , y' are a great man , and 't is ominous to dye in your bed , a signe your children are like to inherite but weake braines , thou maist goe to heauen , but thy heire had rather thou shouldest make a journey to erebus , for the proverbe sake , happy is that sonne , whose father goes to the divell . — why when comes out my don invisible , may be , hee 's heere already for wee cannot see him , what sayes my squirrill ? thou lookst dull and phisicall me thinkes , the crownes will returne agen invisibly , neuer feare it , and how does my graue gymnosophist whose ambition is to be registred an honest lord , though thou beest buried vpon almes , carried to church with foure torches , and haue an inscription on thy marble worse then the ballad of the devill and the baker , and might be sung to as vilde a tune too . — gentlemen , i 'le invite you shortly to see my head cut off , and doe onely entreat , you would not laugh at me when i am dead , 't will shew but poorely in you , and i shall reuenge it with my ghost walking .

ful.

either he is very confident to atchiue his designe or late growne desperate , he talkes so wildly .

enter seruant . don.

i wonder , signior altomaro forgets vs . now , now , yee shall heare , this is his seruant i know he is not farre off , where is thy master ?

ser.

he is invisible — this letter is directed to you .

the letter .

gentlemen , that you may perceiue i deale plainely with you , i am now inuisible ; all but my hand , and here it is , you may with ease read euery line , as i promised vpon the receipt of your crownes . — his hand .

ser.

i sir , 't is his owne hand i can assure you .

omnes .

ha , ha , ha .

don.

he does not meane to serue vs so , thou dost but iest , where is he invisible .

ser.

here i thinke , for i cannot see him , nor doe i know when i shall , or where he wil be visible agen , vpon diligent search i found this paper , but my master is not to be found .

ful.

then he is invisible indeed .

roll.

all but his hand . ha , ha .

grut.

i doe incline to beleeve , that wee are cheated .

per.

with a tricke that he has . ha , ha , ha .

emb.

you were heretickes in that point , till he did demonstrate . ha , ha , ha .

roll.

i cannot containe my merry spleene . ha , ha .

ful.

come my lord , le ts leaue them now , to be their owne derision .

exeunt embassador , fulvio . enter guard with morello . don.

signior morello , ha , ha , ha . how came he in a petticote .

mor.

carry me away quickly , they wil laugh me out of my little wit .

roll.

no , no , doe not gentlemen , remember your selues .

grut.

wee wonot then .

per.

morello ? ' i le waite vpon him to the duke my selfe .

mor.

what wise man in italy would be in my coate now .

exit . roll.

i was costiue , and an infidell , you are christian coxcombes , and so , while i see what will become of the mirth , that is gone before , i leaue your wise signiorships to the mercy of your garters , which is a speedy way , after a little time , to make your selves invisible indeed . fare you well .

exit . dond.

signior grutti we are gull'd .

gr.

i alwayes thought he would cheat us , what shall 's doe , to prevent more laughter ?

serv.

i am resolv'd — i shall get no more money by him , gentlemen be not head-hung , droope not , 't is in this sconce , to revenge your selves , and it may bee , recover your crownes too .

dond.

how prithee ?

serv.

my master —

dond.

is invisible , we know 't too well .

serv.

what will you give mee , if i discover him to your eyes agen , nay give him to your possession . give him mony .

dond.

this .

grut.

and this — oh quickly .

serv.

then first know , my master is not that man you tooke him for , no altomaro he , but bonamico the decayd artist , he that made properties , and grew poore for want of pictures , who for feare of his creditors left his dwelling , and in this quaint disguise , set up the trade of cozening such wise gentlemen as you are .

grut. dond.

bonamico !

serv.

the same .

dond.

oh that we could reach him againe .

serv.

follow me close , and i will bring you within an hayres bredth of his false beard immediately .

grut.

that will be excellent .

dond.

nimbly good mercury , nimbly .

exeunt . enter eugenia , fidelia , mardona , donella , catarina , cassiava . fid.

madam you are too passive , if you bee deiected what must we , whose hopes and blisses depend upon your fortune .

don.

oh liberty , liberty ; are all the roman spirits extinct ? never a brutus in nature , to deliver poore ladies from this captivity .

cass.

since there is no probability of our enlargement , let 's be merry , and despise our sufferings , laugh , tell tales , sing , dance , any thing to cozen our melancholy .

eug.

there are some thoughts that stick upon my memory , i would faine discharge .

cat.

shall we try our lutes madam ?

eug.

and voyces if you please .

don.

yes you may try , they say musicke built the wals of thebes , it were a greater myracle if you could charme these to fall , i shall never indure to live an anchorite thus , and it were not for the happinesse that i doe sometimes dreame of a man , i should leape the battlement . now would i give all my jewels for the sight of a paire of breeches , though there were nothing in em .

song .

this but feedes our dulnesse , shall we dance madam and stirre our selves .

cass.

i am for that musicke , we shall grow to the ground and we use no more activity .

eug.

with all my heart .

don.

none a your dull measures , there 's no sport but in your country figaries , a nimble dance will heate , and and make us merry .

they dance , which done , a bell rings . eug.

harke , the bell .

exit donella , and enters againe with a letter .

don. some newes from the duke . a letter madam and these iewels . eug. ha! whence — from florence ? reades . this is my fathers practise , i le peruse the paper . exit . don. i have an excellent hint ladyes of a mirth , cannot but please the princesse . fid.

what is 't ?

don. it will require every ones indeavour , what if we play some pretty commick story , kat.

a play ?

cass.

shall we ?

don.

wee ? doe not distrust your owne performance , i ha knowne men ha bin insufficient , but women can play their parts .

mar.

i like it , t'wilbe new .

don. wee will not present it to the princesse but ingage her person in the action , we shal be too few else , some pretty enterlude to square with our number — d' yee allow it . all .

willingly .

don.

come ' i le acquaint you with a plot , then instantly : referre your selues to me for your parts , we can receiue no disparagement , our spectators cannot jeere vs , for wee le speake but to the people in the hangings , and they haue as much iudgment , as some men that are but clothes , at most , but walking pictures .

fide.

i shal be on t .

cass.

what part will you giue me , i 'le be a king .

kat.

thou't play a tyrant brauely .

don.

let me alone , i le fit you all i warrant you .

exeunt enter dondolo , and grutti . don.

now our invisible marchant is cag'd , wee may redeeme our opinion and passe agen in the ranke of discrete courtiers .

grut.

i thinke now to most of the beholders , he is invisible all but his head , for he has but a small grate to look out at .

don.

he shall gull no more with his art i warrant him .

grut.

nay , he is like to lye by 't , for i heare since , all his creditors , like so many crowes haue light vpon him , and they 'le leaue him but a thin carkasse .

don.

let 'em picke out his eyes , what care wee .

grut.

he sent me an epistle to take pitty on him .

don.

but i hope thou hast more wit then to shew thy selfe a christian to such a rascall as he is .

grut.

i returned him my court complement , that i was sorry i could not serue him : i would doe him any office that strecth'd not to mine owne prejudice , that wee had taken order with his keeper ; vpon payment of our summes disburst , he might be enlarged .

don.

which is impossible .

enter bonamico braue .

prethee let me see his letter , in what submissiue language the rogue does beseech vs , — most heroique signiors , — good — i throw my selfe at the feete of your mercy , for to your iustice , i beg i may not be made a sacrifice — nay , wee 'll make him beg ere wee h' a done .

grut.

at the grate .

don.

i confesse i ha' done you wrong — does he so ? it shall not serve the turne — there is no hope i shall euer satisfie you , — all the better , lye and rot — if i be known a prisoner to my creditors , i am irrecoverably lost , oh compassionate , a miserable man , who otherwise must soone forfeite his day light , and dye in a dungeon . ha , ha , ha .

bon.

saue you noble signiors . —

grut.

— ha .

don.

't is t is he .

grut.

did he not dye in prison , and his ghost haunts vs , braue ! — 't is not hee .

bon.

when this eternall substance of my soule , did liue inprison'd in my wanton flesh , and so forth ? and how d' yee like don andrea gentlemen ; poore snake , but hee has cast his skin , and recouered a new coate o th' destinyes spinning . the bird is flowne againe .

don

how the diuell came he at liberty .

grut.

and thus gallant .

bon.

the slaue does not beg of your heroicke signiorship , a court compassion , debts must be paid , there is no danger of the grate as the case goes , nor of forfeiting his daylight in a dungeon , if i mistake not , my illustrious paire of widgens , my serene smooth-fac'd coxcombes , whose braines are curdled this hot weather : will your neate worship sell your cloake , ha ? or you that superfluous double hatch'd rapier , there be sommes in nature to lend you , vpon security that i shall like of .

don.

he jeeres vs .

grut.

would wee durst beate him .

bon.

you see me now gentlemen perfectly , what if i should walke before you without a body , my head hanging in the aire like a comet .

enter rolliardo . grut.

would thou wer 't hang'd any way .

don. heere 's rolliardo too . let 's be gone . bon.

or shall i appoint you a day when i will be invisible all but my hand ?

don.

no , i thanke you sir , we haue some businesse at this present .

grut.

let 's to the prison , and know the wonder better — noble signior .

bon.

for your crownes .

don.

wee are glad wee had 'em for you , deare signior talke no more on 'em ,

exeunt . bon.

farewell phantasmas then — ha ? 't is he , sir .

roll.

keepe your way .

bon. you doe not know me but i ha brought a life which by your meanes has bin preservd from wretchednesse , your bounty , deserues you should dispose it . roll.

what are you .

bon. i was the obiect of a charity wee seldome meete in mankind , from a prison you sent a summe to free me . roll.

prethee friend , if th' ast receiu'd a benefit , goe home , and say thy prayers : — i would forget it .

bon. 'mong many whom your noblenesse inlarg'd , i came to make you tender of my service : despise not sir my gratitude . roll.

d' yee mocke mee ?

bon. may my soule want heauens mercy then : to you , next my creator , i doe owe my this being i haue a soule is full of thankes , but name imployment to assure you , and you make me twice happy . roll.

i ha nothing to say to you .

bon.

then i ha something to say to you .

roll.

how .

bon. and you shall heare it too , and give me thankes y 'ave sow'd your charity in a fruitfull ground , which shall returne it tenfold ; nay one hundred . what you have done for me you shall acknowledge i will deserve toth ' height . roll.

th' art liberall in language .

bo. i le be active — off with this sullen face , it scurvily ' ecomes you , d' yee heare . i studyed for you , since you payd my debts , i le doe you a courtesie and save your life , which your attempt upon the princesse has left desperate , a happy fancy sir , if heaven will please to prosper it , and you not be your owne enemy to refuse it . roll.

ha , ha , ha , what mean'st ?

bon. nay you shall laugh and heartily ere i ha done w'e the duke does love his daughter , sends her all rarities are presented to him . roll.

his soule 's not dearer to him — what of that ?

bon.

why then you shall be admitted into the castle of comfort , that 's all ; the conceipt is in my braine , and would you could as probably get her consent , to untye her virgin zone , as i dispose your accesse to her : it shall not cost you much , if i fayle , instead of saying of my prayers , i le curse the destinies and dye with you .

roll.

d' yee heare , i ha bestow'd . crownes already to set your heeles at liberty , if you doe mocke mee , it shall cost me . but i le ha' you clapt up agen , where you shall howle all day at the grate , for a meale at night from the basket .

bon.

you are in earnest now ?

roll.

yes .

bon.

by all that you have threatned , so am i , have but the patience to walke and heare me .

roll.

can thy art procure this ?

bon.

my art ? why looke you , i made this watch . i le bestow it on you .

roll.

what to doe ? to reckon the houres i ha to live .

bon.

it sha' not cost me so much trouble as that toy did to make you master of your wishes , still if heaven prosper it : come let 's talke privately , you shall ha the plot .

he that doth many good deeds it may fall , among the rest , one may reward them all . i long to be discoursing it , pray lead the way . roll.

provide agen you mocke me not — come on sir .

actus , iiii .
scaena , i. enter dondolo , and grutti . dond.

rollyardo pay his debts ? sure the fellow that never saw much money in 's life , now by the duke made master of so many summes , is growne madde with 'em .

grut.

many other he hath discharg'd they say .

dond.

he 'l undoe the exchequer , and hee hold on , he shall be chronicl'd for 't .

grut.

he has some cause to imagine himselfe short liv'd , and that makes him so desperately charitable , toward his end . signior perenotto .

enter perenotto . peren.

dondolo and grutti , newes , newes for yee .

don.

what we beseech you .

per.

you have lost the best mirth in italy in your absence , your companion morello —

don.

was carryed to the duke in a peticote , in which he attempted a passage to the sequestred ladyes — what 's the yssue .

per.

mirth in aboundance .

grut.

how came he off ?

per.

nay 't is on still , the duke to make himselfe sport , would call a counsell , before whom the poore signior must be arraign'd ; not to hold you in circumstance , the businesse was merrily discust , & the pitifull proiector was iudg'd —

don.

how , how ?

per.

to weare the petticote for a month , if he appeare without it during the terme , hee incurres his perpetuall exile from court .

don. gru.

ha , ha , ha .

per.

you may imagine with what variety of lamentable faces , the courtier heard his unexpected sentence , some would have pleaded for him but for laughter , which continued so long and so high , that he had time to collect his scattered senses , and instead of sowning , which was expected , he grew fortifi'd , and most humbly besought the duke , since his sentence had past so definitive , hee would be so mercifull , to admit him that course of a moone to be his ieaster , that since hee could not shake off the fooles coat , that he might have that favourable pretence to keepe it on .

grut.

very good —

per.

't was easily granted , but ever since , to the astonishment of the hearers , he is growne so iocund and ayrie , nay as if he had beene borne with a song in 's head , he talkes everlasting ballad , no man laughes at him but hee lashes him in rime worse then a satyr , the duke has priviledg'd his mirth , made him foole-free , and now hee playes the tyrant — hee 's here already .

enter morello like a jeaster . mor. oyes , o yes , o yes , if there be any one in city or in towne can shew me a wise man i le please him for his paine . per.

disgrace has made him witty .

don.

what will you say to him , will shew you a wise man ?

mor.

marry if he goe farre , he is not so wise as hee should be . dondolo , grutti ! old acquaintance how is 't ? how is 't ?

grut.

the case is alter'd with you .

mor.

it does appeare so , but nothing can make mee proud , i le know my fellowes .

per.

how doe you meane morello ?

mor. your lordship may make one at football , t is all the sport now a dayes . what other is the world then a ball , which we run after with whoope and with hollow , he that doth catch it is sure of a fall , his heeles tript up by him that doth follow . dond.

doe not women play too ?

grut.

they are too light , quickly downe .

mor. oyes , they are the best gamesters of all , for though they often lye on the ground , not one amongst a hundred will fall , but under her coates the ball will found . with a fading .

but we be three of old , without exception to your lordship , onely with this difference , i am the wisest foole , for you play the foole in your old clothes , and i have a new coate on .

per.

does it not become him .

don.

rarely well , doe you ever meane to resigne it .

grut.

't were pitty but he should have a patent for 't , to him and his posterity .

mor.

harke you gentlemen , d' yee heare the newes ?

dond.

newes ! what newes ?

mor.

d ee not heare on 't yet , why 't is in a ballad already .

grut.

and thou canst sing it ?

mor.

't was well guest , and i can but hit o th' tune .

there was an invisible foxe by chance , did meet with two invisible geese , he led em a fine invisible dance , for a hundred crownes a peece . invisible all but his hand he would goe , but when it came to be tride , not onely his hand which was left he did show , but a faire paire of heeles beside . invisible since their wits have beene , but yet there is hope of eyther , their wit and their crownes may returne againe , invisible altogether . exit . grut.

and he continue thus but a moone , he 'll make the court mad .

per.

oh 't will be excellent , since it is not safe for a wise man to speake truth , 't were pitty fooles should loose their priviledge . — the duke .

enter duke , fulvio , and courtiers . fulv.

my lord .

du.

what is 't ?

fulv. here 's an important suiter calls himselfe an artist , humbly craves admittance with a present which he 'd tender to your acceptance , and if my iudgment erre not , a most pleasing one . du. let us see him , and his present it will reward my daughters patience love and obedience : — all the rarities ten kingdomes yeeld , shall not be thought too weightie , that she may shift each solitary houre with a fresh obiect . enter bonamico . a cage discovered . dond.

bonamico ?

grut.

t is he .

duk. by my love to goodnesse it is a master-piece , 't will feed the eye with plenty of delight . bon. i am as iocund since i am admitted , i talke as glib me thinkes , as he that farmes the monuments . du.

is 't not sirs ?

per. my lord , i ha not seene so much delight in any piece these . yeares . du.

where 's the master of this worke ?

bon.

my lord ,

i am the constable , that put all these in the cage , and you may call it a point of iniustice , for they never kept late houres , though they all weare feathers , there 's not a rorer amongst em , and yet were they suffer'd , they 'd flye high , for some of 'em are very lofty minded .

duke .

a pleasant fellow too .

bon.

oh my lord , w' are all borne in our degrees to make one another merry , the birds make me merry , i make my wife merry , the foole makes your courtiers merry , and the courtiers make your grace merry .

duke .

and whom doe i make merry ?

bon.

the whole common-wealth if you governe handsomely .

duke . there 's salt in 's mirth : — i le ha this fellow wayt i th' court . bon.

i shall be kickt out by the pages .

duke .

why so ?

bon.

because i cannot flatter .

duke . a conceyted thing , we lacke the humourist rollyardo heere . dond.

we see him i th' court ere while my lord .

duke . this humor would habin a gadflie to him and stung him to the quicke . bon.

not altogether so duke ?

grut.

fellow , what bird is that ?

bon.

fellow ? — cry mercy , i 'de forgot you , fellow i le tell thee , d' ee not know him , t is an arabian woodcocke , the same that carried a bunch of grapes in january last to bethiem gabor .

dond.

and what call you this ?

bon. this was the duke of venice his owne bulfinch , and taken by the turkes . du.

by the turkes sayst thou ? he droopes indeed .

bon. since his captivity the wretch indur'd much misery by the infidell , it had nothing but bread and water for three months . fulv.

a shrewd calamity .

duke .

i doe affect this fellowes prate .

per.

vvhat 's this ?

bon. this is the blackbird , which was hatcht that day gondamoure dyed , and which was ominous about that time spinola's thrush forsooke him . per.

was this he —

bon.

yes .

duke .

and what was this ?

bon. this was the pidgeon was so shrewdly handled for carrying letters at the siege of bergen . per.

alas pretty bird —

bon. this a wagtayle of the city , which a silkeman so deerely lov'd , he call'd it wife , but could not ( though in much iealousie he had cag'd her up ) keepe her from flying out : this was a rayle , bred up by a zealous brother in amsterdam which being sent unto an english lady , vvas tane at sea by dunkirks — name but rome , and straight she gapes as she would eate the pope . a bird to bee made much on : shee and the horse that snorts at spaine , by an instinct of nature should ha shewne trickes together : i could run over — but your gracious pardon . duke .

how , our pardon ?

bon.

i 'm now another man , and know my distance .

duke .

this man is good at all .

brn. my buffoone face is off , i did but shew the impudent condition of a mountebancke that sets off base toyes with miraculous lyes thus farre i le boast : they are the onely choyce italy and other parts of europe yeeld for the worke if it prove so fortunate to receive grace from your divine acceptance the workeman-ship ( so duty suffer not ) i freely tender — duke . no , that were to quench the fire in all deservers — fulvio . fulv.

my lord .

duke .

pay the cost double , i le send it to my daughter .

bon.

it takes , as art could wish it .

duke . i know it is a present , the sweet soule will rayse much joy in : — signior perenotto — per.

my lord .

bon.

there are two birds i ha not nam'd .

dond.

what are they ?

bon.

a paire of guls , which you may share betweene you .

per.

it shall my lord .

duke . if florence now keepe touch , we shortly shall , conclude all feare , with a glad nuptiall . exeunt . enter eugenia , fidelia , mardona , donella , cass. katerina . don.

yee like this story best then ?

eug.

that of jupiter and danae comes neare our owne .

don.

be it so , we are all perfect in the plot i thinke .

eug.

you shall dispose the rest .

don.

you will not be ambitious then , and quarrell about the parts , like your spruce actor , that will not play out of the best clothes , and the fine young prince , who if he fight , 't is sixe to foure he kils all and gets the lady .

fid.

we are constant , you shall appoint 'em .

don.

then madam without ceremony , you shall ply danae , that is shut up in the brazen tower .

eu.

well i 'm contented , 't will suit with my present fortun .

don.

i need not to instruct you in the character : you shall bee the king acrisius her father , a iealous , harsh , crabbed man , who in feare of the oracle , commands her to be thus inclos'd .

mar.

so : — i le fit you for a vineger king .

don. no matter for properties — we 'l imagine madam you have a beard . fid.

what shall i play ?

don.

you must be ladies whom the king leaves to keepe her company , entertaine what humor you please .

cass. kat.

this is our owne parts indeed .

don.

yee will play it the more naturally , and let me alone to play the thunderer , i le wanton love it : — now what your inventions and about it , imagine our scene exprest , and the new prison the title advanc'd in forme .

eug.

the new prison ! why ?

don.

o 't is an excellent name , where spectators throng together ; as ours doe me thinkes in the arras already : the musique ha their part , dispose your selves for your entrances , while i speake the prologue to our mixt audience of silke and cruell gentlemen in the hangings — hem .

kat.

let it be a confident prologue howsoever .

musique . don. y' are welcome to new prison , we have still , our ancient keeper , and we feare he will speake in his old key too , but doe not looke for choyce dyet , for alas , we play the cooke for all you are like to feed on , let your pallat expect at most then , but a root or sallat . pick'd from the prison garden , we know you are iudicious hangings , and well seene , nor dare , we lift you up ( too bold ) lest we incense your greene and spreading wits with impudence . as i began , let me conclude in rime . hang still you learned criticks of the time .

now danae and the ladies .

eug. was ever father to his childe so unkind , it makes me wilde . when to beguile a tedious houre , from the top of this high tower , i see every other creature , injoy a liberty by nature . can the silver running fountaines . and the cloud aspiring mountaines . every grove , and flowery field , but a new affliction yeeld . don.

this is excellent , she has plaid the part before .

cass. waste not your selfe in wofull plaint , sorrow will not helpe restraint . thinke madam all is but a dreame , that we are in — now i am out — beame , creame . helpe me katerina , i can make no sence rime to 't . don.

creame is as good a rime as your mouth can wish , ha , ha , ha .

cass.

does not the arras laugh at me ? it shakes me thinks .

kat.

it cannot chuse , there 's one behind does tickle it .

eug. a dreame ! alas 't is no reliefe for us to flatter so much griefe . fancy wants power to delight , or if we could thinke it might , such a dreame so sad would make us , that it could not choose but wake us . don.

my lady has helpt her pretty well out of her dreame .

kat. the sunne with glittering golden rayes , may appeare one of these dayes . you know alwayes after winter , comes the spring and pleasant summer . don.

winter and summer , ha , ha , ha .

mar.

winter and summer ? by my faith that 's well , there 's but halfe a yeare betweene , there be some call themselves poets , make their rimes straddle so wide , a . moneth will hardly reconcile 'em , and i hope , a lady may stradle a little by poeticall licence .

cass.

madam your father king acrisius .

mard.

must i enter already — hum .

eug.

this is his houre to visite us .

mard.

how fares our daughter ?

cass.

what voyce is that ?

don.

the king speakes through a trunke .

mard. how is 't heroicke birth , what dulnesse cold as saturnes , dwels on thy forehead , be bold to give thy griefe a tongue , instruct , child my paternall nature , left i grow wild as the rude north : — thought of thee makes my hayres silver , my bloud is curdled with my cares . don.

most high and mighty nonsence , sure the king has swallow'd pilles , and his stomacke not able to digest 'em , does vomit 'em up againe .

mard. is thy organ dumbe or am i growne cheape in maiesty , triviall foole shall i reape crabbed thistles in neglect for rich love ? cass.

crabbed language i am sure .

don.

sure my lady does not understand him .

eug. if my brow so sad appeare my fortunes livery i weare , mar. weepe no more , thy eyes pave the ground with pearle . my power is rac'd , my crowne thy tribute girle ▪ here is nothing to want . eugen. nothing to want indeed : to bee a prisoner speakes all miserie . mar. curse not thy soft starres , but take thy fayre blisse with comfort , free from lowd noyse and feare , is thy gawdy station , when i have unskrew'd mistique oracles , which not understood , doe perplexe with involv'd sence , - i shall then enlarge thy person danae , till when if ought else doe clog thy thoughts , with unkind thoughts , unload the darke burthen of thy mind . pronounce thy griefe aloud my amourous darling and i will — cass.

let him choose his rime i beseech you madam .

mar.

vh , uh — cold phlegme obstructs my language — barling , carling .

don. ha , ha , 't is time to make an end , he was almost choak'd with his owne phrase . mard.

and you get me to play an old man againe . —

don.

we 'l have a yong one for thee , . and a coat , is a double game : — my turne comes next .

eug. hee 's gone and leaveth us behind to tell our passions to the wind . ha ? what o th' suddaine doth surprize my active motion ? on my eyes what darke and heavie cloud doth sit , to perswade me it is night , it is some charme , i cannot keepe these windowes open , i must sleepe . enter jupiter . cass.

this was well passionated , now comes jupiter to take my lady napping , we 'l sleepe too , let the wanton have her swinge , would she were a man for her sake .

jupit. let the musique of the spheares , captivate these mortall eares ; while jove descends into this tower , in a golden streaming shower . to disguise him from the eye of juno , who is apt to prye into my pleasures , i to day have bid ganimed goe play , and thus stole from heaven to bee welcome on earth to danae . and see where the princely mayd , on her easie couch is layd . fayrer then the queene of loves , drawne about with milkie doves . to thee let paphian altars smoake , priests thy better name invoke . when hymen lights his holy fires thou that canst infuse desires in the gods , from thy lip let iove heavenly nectar sip . and translate by kissing thee into thy breast his deity : but i rob my selfe of treasure , this is but the gate of pleasure . to dwell here , it were a sin , when elizium is within . leave off then this flattering kisses , bell within . to rifle other greater blisses . eug.

the bell — newes from my father .

cass.

then your play is interrupted iove-madam i le see .

don.

beshrew the belman , and you had not wak'd as you did madam , i should ha' forgot my selfe and play'd iupiter indeed with you , my imaginations were strong upon me ; and you lay so sweetly — how now ?

cass.

a present madam from the duke : one of the finest pieces of pageantry that ere you saw : 't is a cage with variety of birds in it : it mooves on wheeles : your assistance ladies to bring it in .

eug. a cage — if from florence it shall to the fire , or whencefoe're it cannot be intended but as a mockery of my restraint i 'm very sad o th' suddaine : ha ? t is so breake it to pieces . don.

't were pitty madam to destroy so much art .

eug. yet spare the workemanship , in the perusall there 's something pleades for mercy : — i feele within some alteration , i know not what let me intreat your absence for some minutes , i am in earnest , pray doe without reply . your eyes shell feed with plenteous satisfaction on this gay object , when i call you . lad.

we obey you .

eug. yet can't i say i am alone , that have so many partners in captivitie ? sweet fellow prisoners , 't was a cruell art , the first invention to restraine the wing . to keepe th' inhabitants o th' ayre close captive that were created to skye freedome : surely the mercilesse creditor tooke his first light and prisons their first models from such bird loopes ; i know yon nightingale is not long liv'd , see how that turtle mournes wanting her mate . and doth the duke my father , thinke i 'can , take comfort eyther in restraint , or in the sight of these that every moment doe present it to me , were these tendered me ? they shall no more be prisoners to please me , nor shall the woods be rob'd of so much musique : she opens the cage , and rolliardo comes from the piller . roll. i take you at your word faire princesse , i am the truest prisoner , tremble not , feare flyes the noble mind , for injury dares not come neare . eug.

sir , what are you ?

roll.

the humblest of your servants .

eug. you are not mine , for in this bold attempt you have undone me . roll.

you see i keepe at distance .

eug. y' are too neare , i will discover you , tho i fall my selfe by your presumption . roll. hold , be counsell'd rather but to calme silence for a paire of minutes and none shall perish , you shall save him too that would for your sake loose himselfe for ever . eug. for my sake ? what relation has my birth or any passion i call mine to you . roll. nor doome me unto scorne , i am a gentleman , and when my inimitable resolution in those attempts whose very sounds breeds earthquakes in other hearers , shall your knowledge fill , with wonder and amaze ; you will at least thinke i fall too low , if i love beneath you . eug.

ha ? this is a strange accident .

roll. was it lesse then death deare princesse to adventure hither . eug.

it will be death how ever .

roll.

y' are deceiv'd lady .

eug.

how i 'm perplex'd .

roll. it had beene death your sight gives me a lease of longer life , my head stands fast . eug.

he speakes all mystery , i shannot get him off i feare without some staine .

roll. the truth is princesse , if you now discover me , ( tho i made nice at first to put your fright by ) you cannot harme me much , i ha' done my taske , doe you feare me still ? why is there such a space betwixt us lady ? — can you keepe that man at so unkind a distance , that for your sake has in his undertaking swallow'd danger rob'd death , of all his feares . eug.

for my sake .

roll. yours — faire princesse , dare you so far trust me yet to let me kisse your hand . eug. audacious sir , i shall grow lowd if you forget your distance nor that you may hold long — — i 'm studying how i should bee rid of him without theyr knowledge : yet that 's dangerous too , and might shew guilt in me , for he will boast on 't . roll. such was the duke your gracious fathers care he would put confidence in none about him , but saw me brought himselfe . eug.

this is a fine paradoxe .

roll. which must be to high purpose : come be wise and keepe me while you have me , 't is but reaping this fruitlesse harvest , from my cheeke and chin and you can forme the rest , y' are young and beautifull loose not the blessing of your youth sweet princesse fayre opportunity waytes vpon your pleasure , you want but the first knowledge of your ioy . your bloud is ripe , come i am confident your will is but controul'd by upstart feares , like advanc'd beggers , that will checke their princes , my safest way is yours , now to conceale me , it may be thought i have inioy'd you else , ill censure soone takes fire , nay perhaps to be reveng'd of your sterne cruelty , i le sweare my selfe i have possest you freely , play your game wisely then , your honor lyes full at my mercy , come , 't is in your love , to lead me to a secret couch . eug. bold villaine for these uncivill most unhallowed words , i le dye but i le undoe thee . roll. stay and let me circle in mine armes all happinesse at once , i have not soule enough to apprehend my ioy , it spreads too mighty for mee : know excellent eugenia i am the prince of florence , that owe heaven more for thy vertues , then his owne creation . i was borne with guilt enough to cancell , my first puritie , but so chast a love as thine , will so refine my second being when holy marriage frames vs in one piece , angels will envie me . eug.

ha ? the prince of florence .

roll. i ha made no travaile for so rich a blessing , turne me to pilgrimage , divinest beauty , and when i ha' put a girdle 'bout the world , this purchase will reward me . eug.

purchase ? — i am not bought and sold i hope ?

roll.

give it what name you will , y' are mine eugenia .

eug.

your's prince ? i doe not know by what title you pretend this claime ; i never yet remember that i saw you ,

and if i had any interest in my selfe , produce your witnesse , when i gave it you , i have possession yet , ere i deliver it , you must shew stronger evidence . roll.

are we not contracted ?

eug.

contracted ? when ? where ? — good prince i pitty your abuse .

roll.

't is firme betweene our fathers .

eug.

mine cannot give away my heart .

roll.

cannot ?

eug. shall not prince , your travaile and your trouble with this conceipt to boote , were it your owne invention , withall your birds about you that can take me . roll. is it my person madam you hold unworthy ? for my birth and fortune cannot deserve your scorne . eug. it takes not from the greatnesse of your state , or bloud my lord to say i cannot love you , since affection flowes uncompel'd , and rests in the cleere obiect , nor doe i rob your person of iust valew , if to me other seeme as faire , and comely , forme may apparell , and become what we affect , not cause true love , you have enough to promise you a happyer choyce , attempt a nobler fate , and leave me to my selfe and humble destiny , for know florentine i have but one faith , one love , and though my father locke up my person , 't is beyond his will to make me false to him i gave my faith to . and y' are not noble now if you proceed , be then what you were borne , and doe not tempt a woman to commit a sacriledge : for when i give my heart to any other then my philenzo , i commit that sin . he discovers himselfe . roll. if you 'll not pardon , i le deliver up . philenzo to be punish'd for this tryall — see lady . eug.

my deere banisht philenzo !

roll. o let not such a glorious building stoope it is my duty , eug.

i will make it mine .

roll. i have a double duty , for i owe your constancy as much respect and reverence , as your most princely person . eug.

what for our safety ?

roll. oh with what willingnesse could i be lost in this distracted wildernesse of ioy . to morrow madam , i goe to my arraignment . eug.

how ?

roll. spend no feare upon 't your story shall be pleasing : — i ha' much to tell you — for your ladyes . eug. they are mine , what should our innocence feare in their knowledge , i desire to heare the circumstance of this wonder roll. it attends , the story past ; we must some counsell find , the puzzle of our fate , is still behind . exeunt .
finis actus quarti .
actus , v.
scena , i. enter dondolo , morello , grutti . don.

vve are sorry , we gave thee distaste , come let 's be friends , you did apprehend too nicely .

mor.

nicely ? it might ha beene your owne case .

grut.

come , you were unkind to rub us before the duke so .

mor.

be wise hereafter , and make the foole your friend , 't is many an honest mans case at court . it is safer to displease the duke then his iester , every sentence the one speakes , flatterers make an oracle , but let the impudent foole barke never so absurdly , other men ha the wit to make a ieast on 't , 't is policie in state , to maintaine a foole at court , to reach great men discretion .

d. gr.

great men , we are none .

mor.

no but you may be , by the length of your wit and shortnesse of your memory , for if you have but wit enough to doe mischiefe , and oblivion enough to forget good turnes , you may come to great places in time , keepe a foole a' your owne , and then you are made —

don.

made ? what ?

mor.

cuckolds , if my lady take a liking to the innocent , o your foole is an excellent fellow upon all occasions .

song . among all sorts of people the matter if we looke well in , the foole is the best , he from the rest , will carry away the bell too . all places he is free of , and fooles it without blushing at maskes and playes , is not the bayes thrust out , to let the plush in . your foole is fine , he 's merry , and of all men doth feare least , at every word he jests with my lord , and tickles my lady in earnest : the foole doth passe the guard now , he 'l kisse his hand and leg it , when wisemen prate , and forfeit their state , who but the fine foole will beg it . he without feare can walke in , the streets that are so stonie , your gallant sneakes , your marchant breakes , he 's a foole that does owe no mony . enter rollyardo . roll.

the duke , where is the duke ?

mor.

he 's forthcomming , there 's no more mony i th' exchequer .

roll.

i come to give up my accounts and reckon with him , some body tell him so .

mor,

and you doe not reckon well with him , he 'll be even with you , i le doe your message .

roll.

doe , and say i sent a foole a my errand prithee , cry mercy , such an office would ha' become eyther of you gentlemen .

dond.

his tongue moves circular in abuses .

grut.

the duke .

enter duke , fulvio , perenotto , &c. duke .

how now , what day is 't ?

roll.

't is holyday .

duke .

how ?

roll.

therefore wee are preparing a morris to make your grace merry , they have chosen mee for the hobby-horse , and if doe not deceive theyr expectation , they will laugh at me extreamly before i dye .

duke .

doe you come like one prepar'd for death ?

roll.

not so well i hope , as i may be hereafter , unlesse you will be uniust , and have a desire to be clapt into the chronicles with some your predecessors , for cutting off heads , when you doe not like theyr complexion , t is but laying one block vpon another , and i am quickly sent of a headlesse errand .

duk.

iniust doe you remember what sommes you owe for , doe not iest away your life .

roll.

i craue no longer day for 't , and i proue not my selfe free from my engagements .

duk.

how ?

rol.

for although i had not the art to goe invisible as these wise courtiers nor could counterfeit another sex so becommingly as tother gaudy signior , to introduce me to the ladies , yet with your princely licence i may say , 't is done .

duk.

done ? what is done .

per.

hee 's mad sir .

roll. i come not to petition for a mercy but to cry vp my merit , for a deed shall drowne all story , and posterity when it shall finde in her large chronicle my glorious vndertaking , shall admire it more then a sybils leafe , and loose it selfe in wonder of the action , poets shall with this make proud their muses , and apparell it in rauishing numbers , which the soft haird virgine forgetting all their legends , and loue tales of venus , cupid , and the scapes of joue shall make theyr onely song and in full quire chant it at hymens feast . duk.

what meanes this boasting ?

ful.

rolliardo .

roll. you thinke i am a lost man ; and your gay things that eccho to your passions , and see through your eyes all that 's presented , do already tickle their very soules , with expectation to see me beg most miserably for life but you are all deceiu'd — here i pronounce the great worke done that cancels all my debts i haue had accesse vnto the faire eugenia your princely daughter , staid , discourst with her , more , shee has entertained me for her seruant . per.

sir doe you beleeue him .

duk.

thou hast prophaind a name will strike thee dead ,

roll. it cannot be , for if you meane your daughter 't is that is my preseruer , blest eugenia to whose memory , my heart does dedicate it selfe an altar , in whose very mention my lips are hallowed , and the place a temple whence the diuine sound came , it is a voyce which should our holy churchmen vse , it might without addition of more exorcisme disinchant houses , tye vp nightly spirits which fright the solitary groues , eugenia when i haue nam'd , i needs must loue my breath the better after it . duk. thou hast vndone . thy selfe i' th repetition , and in this wherein thou cunningly wouldst beg our pittie thou hast destroyed it , and not left a thought to plead against our anger , where before thy life should haue beene gently inuited forth now with a horrid circumstance death shall make thy soule tremble , and forsaking all the noble parts , it shall retire into some angle of thy body , and be afraid to informe thy eyes , least they let in a horrour they would not looke on . rol. i am still the same , and let me be so bold to plead your royall word , 't was my security nor shall you take mine to induce your faith to what is done i haue more pregnant euidence , your highnesse knowes that character . duk. ha ? 't is not so , i 'le not beleeue my eyes come hither fulvio , perenotto read but not too loude , does shee not write to me it is iniust you let rolliardo dy vnlesse eugenia beare him company . give mee the paper . per. 't is counterfeit my lord , cut off my head if this be not a iygge of his invention . du. my soule is in a sweat . i feele my blood heave in my veynes — he lookes as he had seene her . more my propheticke thoughts doe whisper to me — fulv.

beleeve it not sir .

duke .

i wonnot — perenotto —

don.

i know not what to thinke .

grut.

the duk 's perplext , observe .

roll.

will eyther of you speake for me gentlemen , if the iustice of my cause should fayle me , i le pay you for 't , i know courtiers that live upon countenance , must sell their tongues , what is the price of yours pray ?

grut.

humble your selfe you coxecombe .

duke . away , and let not him stirre i charge you . this does intrench too much upon her person , have my endeavours to preserve eugenia of whom i thought so many men unworthy ruin'd themselves ? humane invention could not instruct me to dispose her where she could be more defenc'd from all mens eyes an anchorite lives not prison'd in a wall with more security . 't is not possible why am i troubled thus ? my feare abuses me , in such a cause i would checke an oracle . and shall his dexterous forgery , unsettle my confidence , i wonot shew a guilt , of so much weakenesse in me , fulvio — and gentlemen — we 'll speake to you anon . roll.

i ha spoke too much already it seemes , sure he has sent for her , i dare repose my life on her , to whose trust i gave my heart , she is a thousand witnesses in her selfe .

fulv.

it will be mirth sir .

roll.

i like not this consulting , they breake of pleasantly now in the name of mercury what crotchet .

duke . i see it is in vaine to interrupt our fate , what is decreed above , becomes not mortals to dispute sit there , — nay be not modest , you were borne to 't and therefore take your place , nay nay , be cover'd imagine that a crowne , and these your subiects as when i dye , you know 't will come to that . in right of my sole daughter — so , does he not looke like a prince indeed , appeares he not a pretty lumpe of maiesty . don.

he 's studying some speech i le lay my life —

duke . against his coronation , to thanke all his loving subiects , that as low as earth draw their swords : eugenia enters and perenotto . thus offer him their duties . eug. hold i beseech you let not my duty suffer misconstruction if while my knee doth beg your blessing , here i throw my armes , and circle next to heaven what must be dearest to me . duke .

ha ?

eug.

my ioy of life .

du.

destroy me not ?

eug. alas-i would preserve all , am so farre from killing , that i would dye my selfe , rather than see one drop of bloud forc'd from his crimson fountaine , or but one teare rackt from your eye , oh heare me and after let your anger strike two dead . so you would let us dwell both in one grave ; and did you know how neere we were in life you would not thinke it fitting that in death our ashes were divided , you have heard when the poore turtle 's ravisht from her mate the orphant dove doth grone away her life in widowes solitude , let me call him husband and tell your selfe the rest . duke . kill not thy father with one word eugenia , thy husband ? eug.

i doe beseech you heare me .

duke . beg thou mayst be forgotten , 't is sinne 'bove my forgivenesse , this a match for thee ? what man can bring me a certificate he had a father , or was christen'd ? hee ? we all are in a dreame , awake me thunder . roll.

temper your passion sir .

duke . some tortures to enforce confession from him how he procur'd accesse . roll.

they shannot need , you sent me sir your selfe .

duke .

wee ?

roll.

the cage was my conveyance .

per.

that was presented lately with the birds , you gave command .

du.

be dumbe , i dare not heare you .

dond.

this was a bird in a cage indeed .

du. search for the traytor bonamico presently he has betray'd me , they shall suffer both before the noyse be spread to our dishonour . eug.

yet will you heare me .

du. i heare too much , thou hast forgot thy birth , thy fortunes , and thy father , were my cares so wondred at abroad , censur'd at home worthy of nothing but contempt from thee for whom they were begotten ? thou hast plough'd vpon my face , canst thou undoe a wrinckle or change but the complexion of one hayre . yet thou hast gray'd a thousand , taken from mee , not added to my comforts , more then what like an indulgent parent i have flattered my selfe into . enter bonamico . grut.

here is the other traytor sir .

duke .

away with 'em to death .

eug.

let me goe too .

du. it needs not , thou art dead already girle , and in thy shame . i and the dukedome suffer , thou mayst remember ( false to thy owne vow ) philenzo whom i banish'd , for thy sake . the title of my subiect , and thy love to him , pull'd our displeasure on him , since wee studying to adde more height to thee , thou hast made thy selfe lesse , and for ought wee know , clasp'd with the sonne of earth to coole the feuer of hote sinne in thy veines , ingratefull to philenzo , cold already in thy memory . roll. 't is happinesse enough that you haue mentioned him , and whither to your mercy , or your justice , see that philenzo kneele . omnes .

lord philenzo .

ful.

my noble cozen so neere mee , and conceal'd .

eug. your daughters knees ioyne with his bended heart to beg your pardon . duke .

philenzo ? were not you banish'd sir .

roll.

it was your sentence .

duke . in paine of death not to returne , blest fate thou hast relieued mee , had'st thou died before by our command , it would haue beene thought tiranny though none durst tell vs so , now wee haue argument of iustice , and our euery breath is law to speake thee dead at once , wee shannot neede to study a divorce , thy second exile shall be eternall , death . roll.

you doe me honour .

duke . be it your punishment , as you preferd him by art to her , now by another art for euer to deuide 'em , be 's executioner , and after make him higher by the head , to cure 's ambition , see 't aduanc'd . roll. ere i goe , dread sir , i haue an humble suite , it is not life i le aske , for that i giue up willingly and call it mercy in you to immortalize the affection i shall owe eugenia , your other banishment is onely death , you new create me now , it was my ayme and my attempt you thought so bold , i made to serue this end , that since i could not liue i might dye for her ; pray reprieue my breath but till i take my leaue , one minute does it it shall be a very short , and silent farewell . enter embassadour . duk.

't is granted .

fu.

my lord embassadour .

duk.

not the least whisper of philenzo , as you value our regard — o my good lord welcome .

emb.

letters to your grace .

duk.

they are gratefull as my comfort — perenotto , let them withdraw ; her vaine will be discouered — fuluio follow and part 'em , giue order for his execution , off with his head instantly — i can read no more for ioy , perenotto vse your best oratory on my daughter to forget that traitour , and prepare to marry florence , 't is concluded to be solemnized by proxie .

don.

i le see the execution .

exit . duk.

now to the rest ,

your last letters were acceptable ; and our sonne before had intention to finish the marriage in his person , but lately receluing intelligence , that one philenzo of noble birth , now in exile , though without your consent , had long since intrest in your daughters affection , wee thought meet rather to aduise for his repeale then proceed to our dishonour ; where the hearts meete , there onely marriages are sacred , and princes should be exemplary in all iustice , although we disclaime in this designe , on our parts , we will continue all other princely correspondence .

i am iustly punished and haue run my selfe into a laborinth , from whence no art can bring me of with safety — my lord you may please to retire your selfe , a thousand wheeles do moue preposterous in my braine , what care ? i loose my selfe , runne with a hast thou wod'st preserue my life , and stay the execution . i will not haue a drop of blood fall from philenzo for my dukedome , flye i say thou should'st be there already . enter dondolo .

how now , has philenzo still a head on ?

don.

yes my lord .

duke . follow him , and with that nimblenesse thou would'st leape from thy chamber when the roofe 's a fire proclayme aloud our pardon to philenzo . and bring him backe to us . dond. 't is too late sir , philenzo 's dead already he sav'd the executioner that trouble . the voyce is , he is poyson'd . enter fulvio . duke . poyson'd , how — where is philenzo ? this foole reports him poyson'd , what circumstance ? fulv. he had no sooner parted from eugenia , but suddainly he fainted , at which fall of his owne spirit , he seem'd griev'd with shame to shew so little courage neere his death , which he call'd martyrdome , and presently whither supply'd by other , or prepar'd by himselfe we know not , he had a violl of water soveraigne as was pretended to inlifne his dull heart , he dranke it up and soone shew'd cheerefull in his eyes , wee led him smiling forward , but before we could approach the place of death , he sunke agen but irrecoverably , for in vaine we applyed our helpe , by which we did conclude he had drunke poyson . duke . all this talke is such , and through my eare i take it in , with as much danger , i feele it active in my braine already . call our physitians i will hang em all vnlesse they can recover him , it shall be death to save any man hereafter , if they suffer him to perish . enter perenotto , eugenia . fulv. sir your daughter it seemes the accident has arriv'd at her . du. arriv'd at her ? fame will soone spread it fulvio , about the world , and wee shall be theyr mockery . he 's dead they tell me girle , poyson'd they say , too . eug.

oh my philenzo .

enter grutti , philenzoes body is brought in , and layd vpon a carpet . duke . eugenia ' shat not marry florence now , nor any other since philenzoes dead , but thou wo't not beleeve me , had he liv'd he had beene thine , that minute tooke him hence , wherein i first resolv'd to ha given thee to him . eug. oh doe not mocke me sir , to adde to my affliction , you nere would give me to him . duke . may heaven forgive me never then , but what availes too late compunction ? noble gentleman thou shalt have princely funerall , and carry on thy cold marble the inscription of our sonne in death , and my eugenias husband . fulv. madam , this sorrow for his losse is reall . we met the florentine embassadour who told me the expectation of that prince was now dissolv'd , and messengers were sent to stay the execution . duke . who now shall marry my eugeniae , i have undone the hope of our posterity . eug. not so sir , if yet you 'l give me leave to make my choyce i le not despaire to find a husband . duke .

where ?

eug. here royall sir , philenzo is not dead but made by vertue of a drinke to seeme so thus to prevent his suffering , that i might or other friend by my confederacy , by begging of his body fit for buriall , preserve him from your anger . duke .

dost not mocke me !

eug. let me beg your pardon , confident of your change to mercy , i have confess'd what terrour could not force me to . enter morello , and ladies , grut.

this is pretty dondolo .

duke .

blessings fall doubly on thee .

eugen. he expects not such a full streame of happinesse , heaven dispose him to meet it quickly , per.

here are strange turnings , see he stirs .

roll. where am i now ? no matter where i be t is heaven if my eugenia meet me here she made some promise sure to such a purpose . this musicke sounds divinely , ha eugenia 't is so , let 's dwell here for eternity if i be dead , i wonot live agen if living — ha ! i 'm lost , lost for ever . duke. , not found till now , take her a guift from me and call me father . roll.

i am not yet awake .

eug. thou art philenzo , and all this is truth , my father is converted . roll.

't is a myracle .

duke . you must beleeve it , in signe how we are pleas'd proclaime this day through mantua a pardon to all offenders as amply as when we tooke our crowne . mor.

then my petticote is discharg'd .

dond.

now lady you are free .

grut.

make me happy to renew my suit .

mor. and mine , shall 's to barlibreake i was in hell last , 't is litle lesse to be in a petticote somtimes . roll. madam vouchsafe him kisse your hand wee owe him much . duke .

we 'll take him to our service .

dond.

i am too much honour'd .

duke . and you into our bosome , this day shall be consecrate to tryumph , and may time when 't is decreed , the world shall have an end by revolution of the yeare make this the day that shall conclude all memories . exeunt omnes .
finis .
the printer to the reader .

gentle reader , let me desire thy fauorable correction of these places . viz.

act. . page the fifth , for ferrara reade florence . page the tenth leaue , out these words . yet it shall be vnder . thousand crownes , i will not leaue the pawne for twice so much .

act. . in a song for ( two invisible ) reade ( two visible many other errors , ( though for the most part literall , ) thou shalt meete , which thou canst not with safetie of thy owne , interpret a defect in the authors iudgment , since all bookes are subiect to these misfortunes .

vale et mitius interpretare .
machine-generated castlist a -rolliardo a -dondolo a -duke a -morello a -grutti a -bonamico a -eugenia a -fulvio a -perenotto a -xxxx_ a -servant a -xxxx_ a -ambassador a -orpiano a -mardona a -cassiano a -xxxx_ a -catherina a -fidelia a -all a _multiple a -multiple a -both a -ladies a -omnes a -lady a -donella a -courtier_ dondolo- a -gentleman a -jupiter
textual notes

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caesaretantum et spes , & ratio studiorum , in caesare tantum . perenctto perenotto captaine of his guard . ●rvtti grvtti . don●lla donella , innocentlove _the fame of your candor and innocent love to learning , especially to that musicall appos●te have ingeniously fancied such elegant and apposite names , for your owne compositions , as love ▪ lockes health's sicknesse , the vnlovelinesse of love-lockes , &c. ) how aptly i may present le● that ornament , which the stage and action lent it , for it comprehending also another play ▪ and one that durst in such a criticall age , bind vp the wounds which ignorance had printed ●it the wounds which ignorance had printed vpon wit and the professors : proceed ( inimitable anind●fatigable and having such convenient leysure , and an pegasus , i meane your prose ( which scorneth pen●e constancie , in particular obliege the tongue and penne of your devout honourer , — devo●t particular obliege the tongue and penne of your devout honourer , — fulvie enter fulvio , orpiano . per●otto signior perenotto , captain oth' guard is of counsell onely fulvi● signior orpiano , and fulvio . ay●e sparke ? whither in such hast ? let vs change ayre a litle ▪ ▪ in such hast ? let vs change ayre a litle . ▪ you are travailing to your mistris . obed ient i ever was obedient — ▪ 'tis for thy honor , which i know , is to thy selfe a precious sound — that deserv ▪ d th'ast deserv'd my blessing , and thy obedience in this i●ioy so great . each common man and woman can inioy the ayre , when the condition of a princesse sa●e did , you now approach a tryall , for my sake can you be content to be all prisoners . 〈◊〉 shut up close prisoners , and be bard the conuersation , nay the sight of men . for feyted how have we forfeyted our freedome ? dondalo your lords cut off my head rather , sign . dondolo . perenott perenotto — are all things prepar'd ? o●n exit omn . man . fulv. orp. dond. grutti . 〈◊〉 exit omn . man . fulv. orp. dond. grutti . ▪ a mouse then — why , but is the duke mad ! y ▪ ad and y'ad come a little sooner , you might ha b●ry so my feares are over , in her restraint i bury all my iealousies : — how now ? what fellowes ●eeling mony with a secretary , to shew i ha lost my feeling : tush , all's nothing , i have a humour ●acobs starre so high , but i will measure by this iacobs staffe : divine mony , the soule of all ●t inward councels , and betray em : mony , it opens lockes , drawes curtaines , buyes ci●cle freedome , and mony enough ( for that's the circle i walke in ) and if i doe not conjure up betwee●e forbid accesse to mankind : — men pick'd out betweene whose soules and mony were antipathy beyond 〈◊〉 betweene whose soules and mony were antipathy beyond that which we know ; and you assoone might foorthcomming what security can your grace expect for his forthcomming , if he fayle . orrand like errand knights our valiant wits must wrastle to c●inckles will kisse my hand , while th'other signior crinckels ith' hammes , as hee were studying new postures procla●mes must expect reward — you are , ( lowd noise proclaimes it ) able , & can pay me out of the dukes r●ll. roll. ●ōe by me , yet by those scuruy legs there's sōe hope thou't be cōverted at all adventures ado●ation persian stagger in his faith , and give more adoration to this light then to the sun beame : i co●ecombes coxecombs . weeknow it may bee the man i'the moone for ought wee know . ●le hand , let me haue . crownes apeece , ile point you a day when i will be invisible ▪ point you a day when i will be invisible . mnskat bolt vpright muskat , and if you make hast you may be one of beckento next time she appeares , you shall see her becken to you , with a paire of hornes , iust a'the grutts the duke , embassador , fulvio , dondolo , grutti attendants , courtiers . ,t'wilbe desired much by our'master who has some hope , t' wilbe effected too . has brought rich presents fulvie enter fulvio , embassador . ●ses capitoll ; for there is a suspition some purses wilbe iugled emptie , and as silent as the qualib●t christians not to hold dulcis odor lucri è re qualibut . in herite your bed , a signe your children are like to inherite but weake braines , thou maist goe to heauen m●ny nay give him to your possession . give him mony . ●is poore for want of pictures , who for feare of his creditors left his dwelling , and in this dondoio enter dondolo , and grutti . h●oique language the rogue does beseech vs , — most heroique signiors , — good — i throw my selfe at begere made a sacrifice — nay , wee'll make him beg ere wee h'adone . h'adone sacrifice — nay , wee'll make him beg ere wee h'a done . ▪ 'tis tis he . thissullen ile be active — off with this sullen face , it scurvily ' ecomes you , seurvily be active — off with this sullen face , it scurvily ' ecomes you , d'yee heare . i studyed for il● studyed for you , since you payd my debts , ile doe you a courtesie and save your life , 〈◊〉 you shall laugh and heartily ere i ha done w'e the duke does love his daughter , sends ha ▪ mocke mee , it shall cost me . but ile ha' you clapt up agen , where you shall howle ●hat laughter , which continued so long and so high , that he had time to collect his scattered senses iam your lordship , onely with this difference , i am the wisest foole , for you play the foole e● did meet with two invisible geese , he led em a fine invisible dance , for a hundred crownes conoeyted a conceyted thing , we lacke the humourist rollyardo ●urkes venice his owne bulfinch , and taken by the turkes . ●urkes by the turkes sayst thou ? he droopes indeed . ●ulv. fulv. ▪ which was hatcht that day gondamoure dyed , and which was ominous about that time spinola's ▪ straight she gapes as she would eate the pope . a bird to bee made much on : shee and the ●m'd there are two birds i ha not nam'd . ▪ what are they ? ▪ contented , 'twill suit with my present fortun . imagi●e no matter for properties — we'l imagine madam you have a beard . ●eard properties — we'l imagine madam you have a beard . ●ogether excellent name , where spectators throng together ; as ours doe me thinkes in the arras already en●rances their part , dispose your selves for your entrances , while i speake the prologue to our mixt indicious from the prison garden , we know you are iudicious hangings , and well seene , nor dare , we le●t , nor dare , we lift you up ( too bold ) lest we incense your greene and spreading wits 〈◊〉very . and the cloud aspiring mountaines . every grove , and flowery field , but a new affliction ●ut mountaines . 〈◊〉 very grove , and flowery field , but a new affliction yeeld . ●orrow waste not your selfe in wofull plaint , sorrow will not helpe restraint . thinke madam wi●h creame is as good a rime as your mouth can wish , ha , ha , ha . 〈◊〉 is as good a rime as your mouth can wish , ha , ha , ha . ▪ the arras laugh at me ? it shakes me thinks . ●ot dreame so sad would make us , that it could not choose but wake us . w●ll winter and summer ? by my faith that's well , there's but halfe a yeare betweene , there h●m must i enter already — hum . trun●e the king speakes through a trunke . the● grow wild as the rude north : — thought of thee makes my hayres ▪ silver , my bloud is curdled fin●st present madam from the duke : one of the finest pieces of pageantry that ere you saw : 'tis whences●'re if from florence it shall to the fire , or whencefoe're it cannot be intended but as a mockery of perufall yet spare the workemanship , in the perusall there's something pleades for mercy : — ther●'s spare the workemanship , in the perusall there's something pleades for mercy : — i feele yo● first models from such bird loopes ; i know yon nightingale is not long liv'd , see how th● y'are too neare , i will discover you , tho i fall my selfe by your presumption . ▪ nor doome me unto scorne , i am a gentleman , and when my inimitable resolution in those 〈◊〉 , dare you so far trust me yet to let me kisse your hand . ▪ if to me other seeme as faire , and comely , forme may apparell , and become what we ▪ your constancy as much respect and reverence , as your most princely person . 〈◊〉 iester , every sentence the one speakes , flatterers 〈◊〉 make an oracle , but let the impudent 〈◊〉 sentence the one speakes , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 make an oracle , but let the impudent foole barke never ● cuckolds , if my lady take a liking to the innocent , o your foole is ▪ the foole is the best , he from the rest , will carry away the bell too . all places 〈◊〉 will carry away the bell too . all places he is free of ▪ and fooles it without blushing ▪ away the bell too . all places he is free of , and fooles it without blushing at maskes plashin is not the bayes thrust out , to let the plush in ▪ your foole is fine , he's merry , and ▪ the bayes thrust out , to let the plashin . your foole is fine , he's merry , and of ith▪ he's forthcomming , there's no more mony ith' exchequer . ▪ he's forthcomming , there's no more mony ith ith' exchequer . ▪ be hereafter , unlesse you will be uniust , and have a desire to be clapt into the chronicles ▪ princely daughter , staid , discourst with her , more , shee has entertained me for her seruant asweat my soule is in a sweat . i feele my blood heave in my veynes tbousand to whose trust i gave my heart , she is a thousand witnesses in her selfe . do●d. dond. can●t begotten ? thou hast plough'd vpon my face , canst thou undoe a wrinckle or change but the e●g. eug. philenze mayst remember ( false to thy owne vow ) philenzo whom i banish'd , for thy sake . the title hear● your daughters knees ioyne with his bended heart to beg your pardon . di●orce dead at once , wee shannot neede to study a divorce , thy second exile shall be eternall , death ●re they are gratefull as my comfort — perenotto , let d●. don. 〈◊〉 lately receluing intelligence , that one philenzo of noble birth , now in exile , though without 〈◊〉 meet rather to aduise for his repeale then proceed to our dishonour ; where the hearts meete c●re do moue preposterous in my braine , what care ? i loose my selfe , runne with a hast thou wod'● i loose my selfe , runne with a hast thou wod'st preserue my life , and stay the execution fulvic enter fulvio . concludo vaine we applyed our helpe , by which we did conclude he had drunke poyson . perenetto enter perenotto , eugenia . gr●tti enter grutti , philenzoes body is brought in , and layd ▪ i might or other friend by my confederacy , by begging of his body fit for buriall , ● dost not mocke me ! duke▪ duke. ▪ duke , ▪ now lady you are free . tis shall's to barlibreake i was in hell last , ▪ 'tis litle lesse to be in a petticote somtimes
the doubtful heir shirley, james this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (wing s ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. martin mueller incompletely or incorrectly transcribed words were reviewed and in many cases fixed by melina yeh lydia zoells this text has not been fully proofread earlyprint project evanston il, notre dame in, st.louis, washington mo distributed under a creative commons attribution-noncommercial . unported license a .xml early english books online. the doubtful heir. a tragi-comedie, as it was acted at the private house in black-friers: written by james shirley. never printed before. shirley, james, - . dpi tiff images (displayed as gif) and xml-encoded text (displayed as html). university of michigan library ann arbor, michigan november (tcp phase ) a wing (cd-rom, ) s greg ii, (unm) e

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 the doubtful heir. a tragi-comedie, as it was acted at the private house in black-friers: written by james shirley. never printed before. shirley, james, - . [ ], , [ ] p. printed for humphrey robinson at the three pigeons, and humphrey moseley at the prince's armes in st. paul's church-yard, london : . reproduction of original in the folger shakespeare library, washington, d.c.. eng a shc the doubtful heir shirley, james melina yeh lydia zoells play tragicomedy shc no a r (wing s ). athis text has no known defects that were recorded as gap elements at the time of transcription. incorporated ~ , textual changes made to the shc corpus by hannah bredar, kate needham, and lydia zoells between april and july during visits, separately or together, to the bodleian, folger and houghton libraries as well as the rare book libraries at northwestern university and the university of chicago

the doubtful heir . a tragi-comedie , as it was acted at the private house in black-friers , written by james shirley .

never printed before .

london , printed for humphrey robinson at the three pigeons , and humphrey moseley at the prince's arms in st. paul's church-yard . .

to the most worthily honored sir edmund bowier . sir ,

many years are vanished , and a period , not onely of the scene , but more considerable revolutions have pass'd , since i had the happiness to be first known to you . i read excellent characters of you , when you writ but a small letter , and though my observations , like seeds , were not cherished ( by the fault of time ) to a maturity , yet they begat in me such great respect to your person , then budding with honour , and expectation , that now after so long absence , i find them not extinguished ; and howsoever at the first complexion , i may appear bold , in this hasty interruption , yet your candour will be so far in my defence , that i have presumed thus , rather to let you know i can still honour you , than unsatisfie my self , by neglecting the first opportunity of presenting my service . sir , it is a piece , which perhaps you have seen in the active representment ; the estimation it gained from thence , will be short of that grace it shall derive from your acceptance , by which you will shew , how still you dare retain your nobleness , and by renewing your smile upon me , encourage me to write my self

your humble servant , ja. shirley .
prologue . all that the prologue comes for , is to say , our author did not calculate this play for this meridian ; the banckside , he knows , are far more skilfull at the ebbes and flows of water , than of wit , he did not mean for the elevation of your poles , this scene . no shews , no dance , and what you most delight in , grave understanders , here 's no target fighting upon the stage , all work for cutler 's barr'd , no bawdery , nor no ballets ; this goes hard ; but language clean , and what affects you not , without impossibilities the plot ; no clown , no squibs , no devill in 't ; oh now you squirrels that want nuts , what will you do ? pray do not crack the benches ; and we may hereafter fit your palats with a play : but you that can contract your selves , and sit as you were now in the black-fryers pit ; and will not deaf us , with leud noise and tongues , because we have no heart to break our lungs , will pardon our vast stage , and not disgrace this play , meant for your persons , not the place .
the persons of the play . leonario , prince of arragon . ferdinand , king of murcia . rodriguez noblemen . ernesto , noblemen . leandro , noblemen . alfonso , father to rosania . olivia , supposed queen of murcia . rosania , alfonso's , daughter . violinda . captain . citizens . courtier . officers . souldiers .

scene murcia .

the dovbtfvll heir .
act. i. enter rodriguez and ernesto . rod. this turn was not expected , prince leonario is much perplext . ern. i cannot blame his highness , so neer an expectation of a blessing , to be thus crost . rod. the day of marriage set , with the applausive vote of both the kingdoms , by an unlookt for war to be put of , would vex a royall spleen . er. 't is but deferr'd . rod. i doe not like the hope on 't . er. i pittie the princely lover , worthy ( without blemish to the excelling virtues of the queen ) of as much goodness as her sex contains , so noble in his nature , active , bountifull discreet , and valiant , if we may believe what his young fame profers to every knowledge . rod. this character is not flattery and yet the queen our mistriss is not lost in this just praise of him . er. i have no thought so impious , my dutie never taught me to commend but to obey , her virgin sweetness makes me her just admirer but when i observe her prudent manage of the state , a strength would become many years , her pious laws , but that without example , made to advance her sexes chastitie , i forget all beside worth praise , though every least of her desert would ask a volume . 't is his excellence . enter leonario , captain . rod. ther 's one not sorry for these wars . er. 't is his profession ; souldiers batten in a tempest . rod. and he deserves employment ; yet i think hee 'l never purchase with his pay . leo. be confident ; your worth will plead alone ; the queen expects me . ex. leon . capt. your highness humble creature ; � so , ther 's hope yet after a time of ease , and surfet , we may cure our selves by letting others bloud . my noble lords . ernest. ' morrow captain , you look blith , and bright . capt. i 'l put my sword to scowring that shall shine . i thank heaven my prayers are heard . rod. what prayers ? cap. that honest men may cut knaves throats , and bid defiance to the hangman ; musk and civet have too long stifled us , ther 's no recovery without the smell of gunpowder . enter two citizens . er. but captain � c. 't is he , we must not lose him , c. he has credit with the lords it seems . c. he has spied us . capt. my honest friends , welcome to court . my lords pray grace these honest gentlemen , they will deserve to kiss your hands . c. our business is to you captain . capt. doe you think what these brace of baboons come for ? rod. not i . capt. by this day for mony , moneys that i owe 'em . er. is 't possible ? capt. i ha' mov'd your sute gentlemen . c. what sute ? capt. touching the masque . which you two in the name of the whole city , offer'd to present at the town charges to congratulate the queens intended marriage ; i know this egge was long a hatching and expected , but that your heads could not agree , they being of severall sizes , some upon the shoulders of your long-winded officers , whose purse was made of the leather with their conscience . ci. does he talk to us of a masque ? ci. good captain put your masque off , and give us . the money that you owe us . capt. was 't not meant nobly ? but you my good lords know how much the queen and prince are sorry , that so rare a president of their duty should not be upon record ; this villanous war distracts all civill mirth , but you will be remembred . ci. we know not what you mean , we have no anticks in agitation ; if your captain-ship will pay your debts , so ; there is law and courses to be taken , and you will find that justice can deal sir with the sword as well as ballance . capt. the puppys talk philosophy ; nay then i must be plain , would i could tice 'em to a little treason , they l ne'r hang for felony . why , whither doe you think i am going now ? cit. we care not whither so you pay us first . capt. let their own fathers swing , so they have mony . cit. may be you are going to the wars . capt. yes mongrels , to fight for your chamlet faces , while you stay at home and catch the cramp with telling mony , putting your guts to pension every day , and roots , untill the wind cry out agen you , and with your belching backwards stifle men that walk the street , untill the air be purg'd ; must we eat bullets without butter . whelps ? have our throats cut , or drop like sheep by 'th' hundred , o' the rot , to buy your peace , you boding screechowls ? and ha' your consciences so course a nap to aske money of us ? cit. you had the conscience to take up our commodities . capt. reason good ; should i goe naked leeches ? cit. no but there is reason that you should pay good captain for your warmth . capt. pay you ? for what ? for cloaths , such things as these ? your tribe is bound to keep us . cit. how ? capt. yes , and desire us to accept your wares , to recompence our sufferings ; 't is we , 't is we that keep your worships warm and living , by marching , fasting , fighting , and a thousand dangers , ( you o'r grown moths ) you that love gold , and wo'not take an angell sent from heaven unless you weigh him , you that spend the day in looking o'r your debt � book , and at night can lap and lecher in your feather beds . then snort , and dream of fourscore in the hundred , afraid of nothing but the gout , or what is a more just reward for your hard hearts the stone , which puts you to the charge of physick to make you piss out your last usurers gallon , or of a surgeon to cut you for the pibles , which ( if you survive incission ) you keep in penny boxes , like deer reliques , and shew your friends , when you intend to visit 'em . and beg a dinner . er. let not passion make you too much abuse their qulaity ; the city does contain brave fellows captain , as generous , as bountifull , discreet , and valiant too , as any boast themselves in court or camp . cap. i grant you my good lord , and honour all the noble souls within it , but these are walking sicknesses , not citizens ; two such prodigious things with crooked consciences , though young yet old in usury � cit. all this captain wo'not pay us our money , which we must have , or petition for to your disgrace . cap. well since there is no remedy , will you take these two noblemens words for what i owe you ? cit. with all our hearts . rod. that bargain is to make . er. good captain , at this time you may excuse us , capt. why , doe your lordships think i 'd let you surfer , come , y' ar my honourable friends ; pass , pass your word , i le pay the mony ; hang 'em dottrels i le not be beholding to 'em . rod. we had rather you should good captain . capt. no , � come hither capons will money content you ; shall i walk the street without a head ake , with your bawling for the debt when i ha' paid you ? cit. 't is but reason . capt. i 'l fetch you money presently � you may follow if you please , but these noblemen shall see and witness what i pay you , i 'l not trust your memorandums . cit. with all our hearts sir . cit. we desire no more . capt. i 'l wait on you again . ex. manent enter leandro , reading a paper . rod . ernesto . rod. fortune de la guerre . my lord leandro ? what papers that he so intentively peruses ? lean. i like it and could willingly allow the change ; the queen grows mighty in her spirit , and this match with the prince would swell her state too much ; my lords . rod. we are yours . leand. see what dangerous papers have been scatter'd to wound the title of our royall mistriss ; my servant brought me this ; our enemie who calls himself prince ferdinand would fain have us believe him cosen to the queen , she an usurper of his crown . er. we all know him dead . rod. i 'm sure i did attend his funerall . lean. i think i waited too . er. this paper sayes he was conveyd away , and so escap'd his uncles cruelty , to whose protection he was left an infant ; he dying , we translated our obedience to his daughter , now our queen . rod. here 's an impostor . leand. heaven aid the innocent say i ; he has valentias aid and comes not to invite but force a resignation ; i wish things were calm agen . er. prince leonario if she prosper not , is like to be a loser too . leand. for him it matters not , we have more to think on now , than love and complement . rod. i thought he would be generall 'gainst this pretended ferdinand . leand. what else ? her sweet heart , that gives cupid in his crest . alas ! there needs no art , nor strength of war to advance her cause . justice will fight for her i' th' clouds , and victory sent from heaven , without her souldiers sweat , will gloriously descend to crown his head with laurell . er. may it prove so . leand. i could say things would stagger your belief , but i forgot the queen sent for me ; to you both a servant � exit . er. i do not like my lord leandros winding , he has been faithfull . rod. alwaies honourable . the queen . enter queen , leonario , captain , leandro , violinda , attendants , ladies , gentlemen . leon. i take this as the greatest honour madam you could confer ; my name is young in war , but my affection to your rovall person , arm'd with the virtue of your cause , shall make me doe something worth your name . que. 't was your request . nor could we place our chief command , but where 't is equald with your interest in us and your own merit . leon. sure my stars did mean this way to make you know , how much my heart dares in your service ; and if ferdinand , for so he calls himself , possess a soul above the vulgar making , we shall spare the blood of many , and conclude the war in single opposition . leand. with your highness pardon , it not becomes you should engage your person , and so great a cause so dangerously ; it will be too much honor to th' impostor , and in the supposition of the world , a strength to his pretence , to bring your birth so low , to humble both your self and fortunes to his unworthy levell , a thing grown up in the night , a meteor hanging in the air , prodigiously , fed with vapor , and black influence , ambitious to deceive the world , and challenge kindred with the stars ; it is too great a venture sir . er. since there must be a war let the armies meet in battail there 's more hope after the worst to reinforce and prosper , than when the kingdoms put upon one stake , and one mans chance to assure it . que. i allow your counsell lords ; but have more argument convincing me , not to run such a hazard of what must make olivia rich hereafter ; a kingdoms loss may be repair'd , but your life made a sacrifice to tyrant war . may find a welcome to the other shades , but no tears can invite you back , to share . or grief , or joy with me ; i le have no duell . leon. 't is a command , and my obedience shall meet it , though i fear 't will be a sin to be too carefull of my self , but i shall still remember i am your souldier . and this consider'd shall not make me rash , but wisely teach me to deserve this title which lives but in your honour . que. i 'l pray for you , and not so much for what concerns the state , as what your merit hath already gain'd upon my heart . rod. blessings upon 'em both , a curse upon these wars , that spoil their mirth . que. my lord leandro . leon. ther 's your commission captain , i suppose you have found wayes to empty your exchequer . capt. my baggs are not brimfull my lord . i have defalk'd , and made an ebbe for wine , and women , and other things that keep poor men alive to doe their country service . leon. please you walk with this gentleman captain , he shall pay you five hundred pieces that i owe you . capt. me , your grace owes me nothing , leon. i could not pay the debt in better time sir . capt. umh ! i will take the mony , and allow the miracle . ex. capt. & gent. er. did you observe the princes nobleness ? although the act become him . yet the manner takes me especially , heaven preserve the captain from being mad . leon. i prosper in your vote , but shall i madam , if that power , which crowns with victory guides me with fair success in this your war , and triumph smile upon us , shall i at my return have that reward my soul next heaven affects ? shall no delay ( colder than frost to lovers blood , ) afflict my expectation of our marriage ? although to doubt this be a sin , yet where the ambition is so just , i shall but right my heart , to have it oft assur'd , nor can it make your eye less rich in smiles , when 't is only my love encourages me to make the busie harmless question . que. it does please me , nor can you ask so often , as i have a cheerfulness to answer , that i love you , and have propounded nothing dearer to me , than that which perfects chast affection , and chains two hearts ; the priest with sadness will expect you safe agen , but from this war when you return , he shall not in his register of lovers , find one , with more wing hath met the bosom of her friend , than glad olivia to make one soul with you . leon. i have enough , and thirst for action in the field , from whence i will bring harvest home , or leave my self , happy in life or death to doe you service . ex. queen , leon . lean. ladies , attendants . rod. well , i 'm afraid if hymen should set up his tapers now , they would not last to light his priest , at their return to say his office . er. hope fairly . rod. i allow his spirit , but the prince hath not been practis'd in the school of war , where stratagems prevail above all personall resolution . er. he cannot want fit counsell to direct his early valour , besides ferdinand by computation as young as he enter captain , two citizens , and a souldier . may poize the scale . see , the captain . cit. we alwaies thought you noble , and we hope you 'l take no offence , that our occasions prevail'd above our modestie . capt. i know you two are very modest ; well i 'm glad i am furnish'd for you : my good lords i must intreat you to be witnesses of what money i pay these gentlemen , that have trusted me . cit. and will agen ; command our shops . capt. no , sit there , and starve , or if you like it better take a swing at your own sign post . er. good words captain . capt. they expect good money , and both good are too much . cit. we alwaies lov'd you . cit. and doe so still most virtuously . capt. it does appear , cit. and you shall find us ready � capt. i 'l make but one fair motion , it will be sufficient tryall of your honestie ; i have five hundred pounds , you see me tell it , faith make it up a thousand 'twixt you both till i come back , you will be aldermen . cit. ne'r a whit the sooner . cit. alas sir , if it were at another time � cit. hereafter , upon good occasion you shall find � capt. you both i' th' pillorie , for selling copper lace by a wrong name ; well ther 's no remedy , i 'l keep my word ; the money 's ready for you . cit. you are noble captain . cit. may you kill all the queens enemies . capt. you would not scape , that cosen her liege people every day , then . cit. this payment captain will come most seasonably . cit. and doe us as much good , as you had given us the sum twice told , another time . capt. before these noblemen , have you such want as you profess ? you have no wives nor children . cit. i protest upon my credit , i am to pay this day two hundred pound , or be indanger'd to an arrest . cit. and i must goe to prison if before sun-set � capt. then 't will doe you a pleasure . both. cit. above expression . capt. here 's twelve pence a peece for you y' ar fit men to serve the queen : both cit. how captain ? capt. why in the wars , choose either pike or musket , you shall have that favour . both cit. we are both undone . lords . ha , ha , but will you use 'em so ? capt. ha' they not ready mony ? why d' ee stare ? no thanks for my protection ? both cat. protection ? capt. did you not protest you should to prison else ? why you unthankfull sons of false light , sergeant take 'em to thei'r rendevous cit. captain , a word � we are content � capt. i 'm glad on 't , why d' ee stay then . cit. to abate half our money . cit. all , all good captain , he shall have all , rather than be sent a souldiering ; d' ee know what 't is ? 't is no artillery garden , where you come off with as you were . rod. this was his project . capt. umh ' . you will forgive me both your debts ? cit. and pray heaven to forgive you too . capt. my lords , bear witness , these two would bribe me to abuse the queen and the present service , is this less then treason ? both cit. oh . er. nay , nay captain . capt. there are not two more able men i' th' army , i mean for bulk ; ram me into a cannon if you shall buy your selves with your estates from this imployment ; il not cosen you , your mony is good debt still , you may live , and aske me for 't agen , and i may pay you . rod. but shall they serve indeed ? capt. that 's at their perill when they come to 'th , field , but goe they shall , and they were my cosen-germans . both cit. good my lord speak for us . capt. you doe not know my lords , but a little suffering may save their souls and teach 'em , if they come off , with a quarter of their limbs , compassion to other men , that venter their lives for 'em , their consciences are tough , and must be suppled , when they shall fast , and march ten months in armor , sometimes through rivers , sometimes over mountains , and not have straw at night , to keep their breech from growing to the earth , in storms , in heats ; when they have felt the softness of a trench thigh deep in water , and their dung to fatten it ; when they shall see no meat within a month , but chaw their match like liquorish , and digest the bark of trees like sallads in the summer ; when they shall live to think there 's no such thing in nature as a thirst , and wonder why a taylor was created ; when they have as much in ready shot , within their flesh , as would set up a plummer , or repair a church with lead , beside ten thousand more afflictions , which they are sure to find , they may have christianitie , and not put a souldier to the payment of his debts . rod. 't is a mad captain , come my lord le ts leave him . ex. lords . capt. you shall have time and place to send for mony , or make your wils ; set on , who knows but you hereafter may be honest , and prove captains ; you may have preferment in the wars for money , and so my gentle creditors , march on . exeunt .
act. ii. enter leandro with letters . lean. the hope , and care of many years , are in one day destroy'd ; hath heaven no stroke in war ? or is old providence asleep ? leonario is comming home with victorie , and brings young ferdinand , whom i expected to salute a king , his prisoner , and the queen with her new conqueror , glorious in the spoils , by putting out this light , will mix their beams and burn our eyes out with their shine ; there is no talk but of this triumph , and the people whom i by art and secret murmurs had made doubtful at the first noise of this conquest , as they had borrowed souls from fear , and folly , adore the rising star , and in the praise of him and his great fate , wonder that heaven should hold a sun , and he so bright ; nor with this flattery content , but they condemn , ( as low as all their sins shall one day them ) him whom the chance of war hath made a prisoner . there is no trust to policie or time , the things of state are whirld by destinie , to meet their period , art cannot repair 'em . enter servant . ser. my lord , the queen hath sent for you , she is going forth to meet the prince , and hath commanded none be wanting to attend with all the state that may become her , to congratulate the triumph now brought home . leand. i shall obey . i must attend this glorie ; it is not safe to wear a brow , but what the queens example first forms into smile . i here contract my knowledge , and seclude my wishes , since they prosper not . i am her chancelor ; as great offices , and high employments , do expose us to most danger , they oft teach those possess 'em a state-wisdom , and by inherent virtues of the place , our fear to lose , makes us secure our selves , by art more often , than by conscience ; but i may be indangered to suspition ; i like not things ; but i delay my attendance . exit . enter captain , lieutenant , antient and souldiers . capt. lieutenant . lieu. captain . capt. antient , what think you of the wars now ? ant. we are come off with honour . lieu. and our limbs , captain . capt. is that all ? who made you a lieutenant ? and you antient ? these titles were not born w' e , you did not wear these buffs and feathers in the memorie of man , when you receiv'd the binding twelve-pence , it was otherwise . ant. but you receiv'd , if you remember captain , beside what we releast in honest debt sums for this great instalment , we ha' paid i take it for our names . capt. and it became you , now you are gentlemen my comrades of honor , and i dare walk and drink at taverns w' e , your oaths become you now , and your splay feet ; you look'd before like magots , city worms , i ha' made you both brave fellows , fellows to knights . you may be squires to ladies too . ant. i think so . capt. we are all now of a trade , for mars is master of our companie , our shop is the field , resolution our stock , honour our purchase , and fire and sword the tools we work withall . lieu. but now the wars are done , i think we may shut up our shop , there is no more pay , is there ? capt. pox upon you ; i see your souls bleat after profit still , a bullet in the right place would ha' knock'd out this humour of getting mony ; but fear not , though you come off with more limbs than you deserve , you shall have pay . ant. shall we and not be troubled to fight for 't ? capt. yes , it will be necessary you fight , you will ha' your throats cut else , and be sent off like sheep , doe not fear payment , here be mandrakes , that will rore , and cudgell you to your hearts content , you sha'not walk the streets now you are officers without a quarrell : pay enough . lieu. a man had as good be no lieutenant , as be beaten when he comes home what think you antient ? ant. for my part i can indure beating as well as another if that be all . capt. will you to your shops agen ? ant. i have no mind to woosted stockings agen , and shoos that shine , i would were colours still . capt. well said antient come i 'l take your fears off ; doe not confess you are a lieutenant , or you an antient , and no man will quarrell w' ee , you shall be as secure as chrysome children . lieu. shall we ? they shall rack me e'r i le confess i am a lieutenant or ever see the wars . ant. or i an antient . i le tak 't upon my death i was never a souldier in my life . capt. 't is well done ; now because i love you , and see you have an itch after honour , so it may come without blows , let me advise you , you have moneys at command . lieut. and good debts too . cap. you shall both turn courtiers . ant. shall we ? cap. i say 't ; for if my phisnomy deceive me not , you two are born to be � both . what ? cap. coxcombs . i 'l help to make you too ; you shall presently kiss the queens hand ; you have moneys you say , you shall never turn to your vomit of small wares . i have friends at court , you may in time be great ; and when i come with a petition to your honors , for moneys in arrear , or knocking out some rascals brains , such as you were when you wore a girt under your chops , you two may stand between me and the gallows . ant. hang us if we do not . capt. you shall buy places presently . but stay , have you a minde to be officers to the queen in ordinary , or extraordinary ? ant. extraordinary by all means . lieut. we scorn to be ordinary courtiers . capt. i commend your judgement , that will be chargeable : but � ant. hang 't , we 'l finde money enough , but i more resolve to be extraordinary . capt. i 'l bring you to a court-merchant presently ; you will get infinite estates . both . a ha captain . capt. and so command the ladies , if you be bountiful . both . a ha boy . capt. for i know you do love wenches ; you will have all the business , and the country come tumbling in upon you like the tide , after a moneth : you must keep twenty men between you , night and day to tell your money . oh 't is unknown what will become on you , if you be rul'd , and take this course : had i moneys like you , i would be � lieut. come , we will lend thee moneys too hereafter . cap. will you , come on , no more lieutenant now nor antient . ant. do ye think we long to be beaten . exeunt . enter ferdinand ( in prison ) rosania ( like a page . ) rosa. pray do not grieve for me , i have a heart that can for your sake suffer more ; and when the tyranny of your fate calls me to die , i can as willingly resign my breath , as go to sleep . ferd. can i hear this rosania without a fresh wound ? that thy love to me should be so ill rewarded , th' ast engag'd thy self too much already ; 't is within thy will , yet to be safe , reveal thy self , throw of the cloud that doth eclipse that brightness , and they will court thy person , and be proud with all becoming-honor to receive thee , no fear shall rob thy cheek of her chaste blood . oh leave me to my own stars , and expect what ere become of wretched ferdinand , a happy fate . rosa. your councel is unkinde , this language would become your charity to a stranger , but my interest is more in thee , then thus with words to be sent off ; our vows have made us one , nor can the names of father , countrey , or what can be dear in nature , bribe one thought to wish my self in heaven without thy company ; it were poor then to leave thee here . then by thy faith i charge thee , by this � the first and last seal of our love . kisses him . by all our promises , when we did flatter our selves , and in our fancy took the world a peeces , and collected what did like us best , to make us a new paradice , by that , the noblest ornament of thy soul , thy honor , i conjure thee , let me still be undiscovered ; what will it avail to leave me , whom thou lovest , and walk alone sad pilgrime to another world ? we will converse in soul and shoot like stars , whose beams are twisted and make bright the sullen groves of lovers as we pass . ferd. these are but dreams of happiness , be wise rosania , thy love is not a friend to make thee miserable , society in death , where we affect , but multiplies our grief ; live thou , oh live . and if thou hast a tear , when i am dead , but drop it to my memory , it shall more precious then embalming dwell upon me , and keep my ashes pure , my spirit shall at the same instant in some innocent shape descend upon that earth thou hast bedew'd ; and kissing the bright tribute of thy eye , shall after wait like thy good angel on thee . there will be none to speak of ferdinand without disdain , if thou diest too : oh live a little to defend me , or at least to say i was no traitor to thy love , and lay the shame on death , and my false stars that would not let me live to be a king . rosa. oh ferdinand , thou dost not love me now . ferd. not love rosania ? if woing thee to live , will not assure thee , command me then to die , and spare the cruelty of the fair queen : not love rosania ? if thou wilt but delight to see me bleed , i will at such a narrow passage let out life , it shall be many hours in ebbing , and my soul bathing in the crimson stream , take pleasure to be drown'd . i have small time to love , and be alive , but i will carry so true a faith to woman hence , as shall make poor the world , when i am gone to tell the story yonder . � we are interrupted . enter keeper . keep. you must prepare your self for present trial ; i have command to attend you to the judges . that gentleman , and all that did adhere to your conspiracy , are by the queens most gracious mercy pardon'd . ferd. in that word th' hast brought me more then life ; i shall betray , and with my too much joy undo thee again . heaven does command thee live , i must obey this summons , i shall see thee again tiberio , before i die . rosa. i 'l wait upon you sir , the queen will not deny me that poor office ; i know not how to leave you . ferd. death and i shall meet , and be made friends ; but when we part , the world shall finde thy story in my heart . exit . enter officers with bar , table , stools , � then ernesto , rodriguez , leandro , queen , supported by leonario , ferdinand , rosania , ladies , gentlemen , and guard , who set ferdinand to the bar. queen . is that the prisoner at the bar ? leon. he that pretended himself ferdinand , your uncles son . q. proceed to his arraignment ; my lord leandro , you know our pleasure . lean. although the queen in her own royal power , and without violating sacred justice , where treason comes to invade her , and her crown with open war , need not insist upon the forms , and circumstance of law , but use her sword in present execution ; yet such is the sweet temper of her blood , and calmness of her nature , though provok'd ino a storm , unto the great'st offender she shuts up no defence , willing to give a satisfaction to the world how much she doth delight in mercy . ferdinand , for so thou dost pretend thy self , thou art indicted of high treason to her majestie , in that thou hast usurp'd relation to her blood ; and under name of being her kinsman , not onely hast contriv'd to blast her honor with neighbor princes , but hast gather'd arms to wound the precious bosom of her countrey , and tear the crown , which heaven and just succession hath plac'd upon her royal head : what canst thou answer to this treason ? ferd. boldly thus . as i was never with the height of all my expectation , and the aid of friends , transported one degree above my self , so must not ferdinand , though his stars have frown'd and the great eye of providence seem to slumber . while your force thus compel'd , & brought me hither with mockery of my fate , to be arraign'd for being a prince , have any thought beneath the title i was born to ; yet i 'l not call this cruelty in you , nor in the queen , ( if i may name her so , without injustice to my own right ) a kingdom is a garland , worth all contention ; and where right seals not the true possession , nature is forgotten , and blood thought cheap to assure it ; there is something within that excellent figure , that restrains a passion here , that else would forth like lightning . t is not your shape , which yet hath so much sweetness some pale religious hermit might suspect you are the blessed saint he pray'd too ; no , the magick 's in our nature , and our blood ; for both our veins full of one precious purple strike harmony in their motion , i am ferdinand , and you the fair olivia , brothers children . leon. what insolence is this ? qu. oh my lord , let him be free to plead ; for if it be no dream , his cause will want an orator : by my blood , he does talk bravely . rodri. these are flourishes . ernest. speak to the treason you are charged with and confess a guilt . leond. he justifies himself . ferd. if it be treason to be born a prince , to have my fathers royal blood move here ; if it be treason , in my infancy to have escap'd by divine providence , when my poor life should have been sacrific'd to please a cruel uncle , whose ambition surpris'd my crown , and after made olivia his daughter queen ; if it be treason , to have been a stranger thus long from my country , bred up with silence , of my name , and birth , and not till now mature to own my self before a sun-beam ; if it be treason after so long a banishment to weep a tear of joy upon my countries bosom , and call her mine my just inheritance , unless you stain my blood with bastardy ; if it be treason , still to love this earth , that knew so many of my race , her kings , though late unkindly arm'd to kill her sovereign , as if the effusion of my blood were left to make her fertile , if to love olivia , my nearest pledge of blood , although her power hath chain'd her prince , and made her lord her prisoner , who sits with expectation to hear that sentence that must make the golden wreath , secure upon her brow , by blasting mine . if this be treason , i am guilty ferdinand your king 's become a traitor , and must die a black , and most inglorious death . ernest. you offer at some defence , but come not home ; by what engine were you translated hence , or whether convei'd ? there was some trust , deceiv'd , when you were carried forth to be preserv'd , and much care taken since , in bringing of you up , and giving secret fire to this ambition . ferd. there wants no testimony here , of what concerns the story of my birth and infancy , if one dare speak , and be an honest lord . leand. how 's that ? ferd. whose love and art secur'd me from all tyranny , though here my funeral was believ'd , while i sent to an honorable friend , his kinsman , grew safely to the knowledge of my self at last , till fortune of the war betray'd me to this captivity . leand. i blush at thee yong-man , whose fate hath made thee desperate , and car'st not what mans blood thou draw'st along in thy black stream , or what mans faith thou mak'st as hateful as thy crimes . ernest. that confederate sure has some name , declare him , that he may thank you for his reward , and lose his head for 't . quee. we always see that men in such high nature deform'd , and guilty , want not specious shapes to gain their practice friendship , and compassion , but he shall feel the punishment ; d' you smile ? ferd. a womans anger is but worth it madam ; and if i may have freedom , i must say , not in contempt of what you seem , nor help'd by overcharge of passion , which but makes a fruitless noise ; i have a sense of what i am to lose , a life , but i am so fortified with valiant thoughts , and innocence , i shall , when my last breath is giving up , to lose its self i' th' air , be so remote from fear , that i will cast my face into one smile , which shall when i am dead , acquit all trembling , and be a story to the world , how free from paleness ferdinand took leave of earth . rosa. alas my lord , you forget me , that can part with such courage . ferd. i forget indeed , i thought of death with honor , but my love hath found a way to chide me ; o my boy , i can weep now . leon. a sudden change , he weeps . quee. what boy is that ? ferd. i prethee take thy self away . quee. your spirit does melt it seems , and you begin to think a life is worth preserving , though with infamy . ferd. goodness thy aid again , and tell this great proud woman , i have a spirit scorns her pity . come hither boy , and let me kiss thee ; thus at parting with a good , and pretty servant , i can without my honor stain'd shed tears : i took thee from thy friends , to make thee mine ; is it not truth boy . rosa. yes my lord . ferd. and mean't when i was king to make thee great , and shall i not , when i can live no longer , to cherish thee at farewel , drop a tear ? that i could weep my soul upon thee , � but you are to slow me thinks . i am so far from dread , i think your forms too tedious . i expect my sentence . quee. let it stay a while . what secret flame is this ? honor protect me ! your graces fair excuse , for you � i shall return again � exit . ferd. and i , with better guard after my silence in the grave , to meet and plead this cause . ernest. he is distracted sure ; his person i could pity , but his insolence wants an example ; what if we proceed to sentence ? leon. i suppose the queen will clear your duties in 't . leand. but i 'l acquaint her . exit . rod. my lord leandro 's gone . ernest. his censure will be one with ours . ferd. yet shall i publish who thou art ? i shall not die with a calm soul and leave thee in this cloud . enter the queen and leandro . rosa. by no means sir . � the queen . quee. whose service is so forward to our state , that when our pleasure 's known , not to proceed , they dare be officious in his sentence ? are we queen , or do we move by your protection ? ernest. madam , the prince � quee. my lord , you have a queen . i not suspect his wisdom sir , but he hath no commission here to be a judge , you were best circumscribe our regal power , and by your selves condemn , or pardon all , and we sign to your will : the offence , which you call treason strikes at us , and we release it , let me but see one curl in any brow : attend the prisoner hither ; � kiss our hand . are you so merciless to think this man fit for a scaffold . you shall sir be near us , and if in this confusion of your fortunes you can finde gratitude , and love , despair not . these men that now oppose , may finde your title clear to the kingdom too : be sir collected , and let us use your arm . exit . supported by ferdinand . rosa. what change is here ? leand. what think you of this lords ? rodri. i dare not think . leon. affronted thus ? o my vext heart . exit . rosa. i le follow still , and if this be no dream , we have scap'd a brook , to meet a greater stream . exeunt .
act. iii . enter rodriguez , ernesto . ernest. though i believ'd her passionate , and like a sea , tempestuous in her anger , i never thought she would marry him . rodri. she 's the queen , but with what honor she could quit the prince , who ( without treason ) did deserve her too , comes not within my reach . ernest. if you consider he has been valiant for her to great purpose , and brought a prisoner home , to mount his gennet : it was a pretty service . rod. how does he bear it . ernest. he 's here , you may enquire it . enter leonario ( with letters ) and a servant . leon. be swift and faithful , arragon bleeds here , nothing but war can right my cause and honor . serv. expect an army great as your own thoughts to cut the way to your revenge . exit . leon. my lords rodriguez and ernesto . ambo. your graces servants . leon. a man may take the benefit of this garden , without a court offence , you have had the day of triumph , and the queen already teeming , to bless the kingdom with an heir ; and yet you see i walk like a poor neighbor prince , and have my heart still . rod. i am glad you bear it so . leon. nor have i a meaning to run my self into despair , or strangle my better hopes , out of pure melancholy , i praise the influence of my stars ; there is a fire in cupids quiver , that will scorch through armor ; and what 's womans flesh and blood to make resistance , though i did not dance upon the marriage night , i wish'd her joyes i' th' morning . ernest. her heart shew'd she was pleas'd with what she had done ; she was as active as the air before she went to bed . rod. but i observ'd a declination in the king , and as the night approach'd , which should have more inlarg'd his mirth , he grew more melancholy . leon. strange ! and such a bride that took him from so great a loss , to place him in her bosom ; but he was mark'd for the queens thoughts , and i by destiny to bring this pair of pidgeons together . i expect no more reward , the willow garland crowns me , but the prince is here still . ernest. your highness hath a noble temper . rod. how ere he seem to cover it , his soul hath a deep apprehension of the affront . let 's leave him , our discourse may be displeasing . we are servants to your grace . exeunt lords leon. y'have honor'd me . think i am tame still ? let the inconstant queen secure her thoughts , and glory in my silence ; this heart is laboring a revenge . enter captain . captain , what news ? the court is merry still ? cap. not altogether so merry as it was hop'd for . leon. can there be an eclipse already ? cap. i have not read the almanack for this year , but by my court astronomie , i finde our sun and moon are in no conjunction ; they take their fit by turns , the king was cold and full of flegm last night , and they that wait neer both , report the queen this morning look'd as she had wept . leon. o , tears of joy . cap. of anger rather , if you saw her sullenness . she frowns on every man , she turn'd away one of her servants but this morning , for presenting her with verses , that did praise the king , and wish her fruitful . her own page was whipt , for saying the king lay with the queen and might for ought he knew , get her with childe ere morning . leon. thou art humorous . cap. and so are they . leon. this begins well ; and what do people talk abroad of me , and my affront ? cap. why , they say they are sorry for you , especially the women . leon. thou art pleasant . cap. some that are cheif in counsel , privately suspect it but a trick of state ; and that you had discover'd underhand the queen was not � leon. leave this mirth ; let me indear thy care for my intelligence at court ; i must not off so tamely ; and expect me here , after a small dispatch , i have more to impart . exit . cap. your humble creature still sir . 'las poor gent ' were i as capable to be entertain'd now , in revenge i would mount all the madams in the court , there should be nothing like a woman in 't , but i would touz and tumble : who are these ? enter two citizens . . cit. save you sir . cap. it may be so . . cit. pray sir take no offence , we have been enquiring about the court for two gentlemen . cap. and cannot your four eies see two gentlemen i' th' court ? . cit. excuse us sir , we have seen many , you may guess we have relation to the citie sir , and would be glad to meet two of our old acquaintances , a brace of our tribe , we hear , translated first out of the citie , to be sons o' th' sword , are since turn'd courtiers . pray d' ye know 'em ? enter lieutenant and violinda . cap. yes children of the gown , but their imployment wo not give 'em leave to attend such vulgar conference , and here comes one of the moon-calves , does he look like a haberdasher , that 's one of the maids of honor the weisel loves a hens-nest , and i have setled this perswasion , that no woman can hold out , now he is sworn a servant extraordinary . . cit. sir do you know us ? lieut. no . . cit. we were your neighbors , and of the same trade cap. they 'l make him sweat ; how the rogue glotes upon 'em . cit. we were of your acquaintance , when you sold garters . lieut. go hang your selves . . cit. and statute-lace . viol. what are these ? lieut. poor men that had some losses late by fire , and would become my clients to procure some letters patents to beg by ; alas , they are half distracted . . cit. he 's proud � i have a parcel of periwigs please you , for old acquaintance , put 'em off for me , among some friends of yours at court , whose skulls are but thinly furnish'd ; the hair is of a gentlewomans spinning . cap. i could love this citizen , and ow him any money for his confident abusing him . exit violinda . he has brib'd her absence with some ring or bracelet , least she should taste the discovery now . . cit. methinks you need not be so proud . lieut. i would have you to know that i am an extraordinary � cap. proud coxcomb . lieut. servant to the queen . what i was , i am willing to forget ; what you are , is apparant , i defie the dunghil i came from , and it is scandalum magnatum to be so saucy . exit . . cit. i will not leave your worship so . exit . cap. what will this rascal do with himself ? here comes the other fool to make up the gemini . enter antient with two petitions . ant. hum , i will not know him � let me see � the humble petition of � . cit. save you matter � ant. prethee fellow do not trouble me � humbly praying � the queen shall sign it . let me see this other � cap. who the devil will bring him a petition , this whelp has discovered him , and now would pretend himself most busily employ'd about petitions to the queen . ant. hum , shall daily pray for � hum . cap. more wit and money a your side ; for your extraordinary place will not hold out . . cit. sir i have a sute to you . ant. is it embroidered sattin sir , or scarlet ? yet if your business do hold weight and consequence , may deserve to wear your thankfulness in tissue or cloth of bodkin ; ermines are for princes . . cit. alas my suite is not worth your wearing . ant. good faith sir you must excuse me , at this time my attendance is expected at the counsel , come to my chamber by five a clock in the morning four days hence , and you shall be sure to finde me � cap. a sleep . . cit. but do you not know me ? ant. hum . yes i have seen your phisnomy , were you never in a conspicuous place , called the pillorie . . cit. how , the pillory ? cap. a skirmish , and it be thy will . . cit. if it were not in the court garden , i would beat out thy brains . ant. take heed , for i am an extraordinary � sir . cit. ratcatcher . cap. you may beat out his brains here as securely as if you met him i' th' market ; marry if you do not kill him outright , it is but the loss of your hand . . cit. i would it were but the loss of my left hand to beat one of thy eyes out � are you an ancient ? ant. thank you for that , so i might deserve to be beaten . i am an extraordinary sir . cap. and deserves to be beaten accordingly . you may kick him without danger . . cit. may i ? enter . citizen kicking the lieutenant . cap. look , your friend will shew you a president he is acquainted with the court latitude . . cit. this is no striking . lieut. i know it is not . cap. they are subtle knaves , and know the law . lieut. a pox upon 'em , i feel it . ant. at their peril say i , these poor things do not believe that we are extraordinary men , i shall know you another time , i shall . cap. if you had known him now it had been better for your hanches . well , i ha' not done with these whelps yet , till they are undone . i shall never be sufficiently revenged for their affront at court . the prince commanded me to expect his return here , i 'l not leave enter rosania . the garden . who 's this ? rosa. is perjury no sin ? or can heaven be so busie or a sleep ? such crimes of men pass with impunity ? let this wake your anger : this ; ferdinand is married , all his vows scatter'd in th' air , dispers'd like witherd leaves , and hurried on the wings of some rude wind , whose pride was to deflour the spring ; oh ferdinand , couldst thou , whilst yet thy breath was warm with love , with love of me , call back thy faith , and tear thy heart from mine to plant it in her bosom ? capt. how 's this ? rosa. what though she be a queen ? could any thirst of present title flatter thy soul from me ? i that left all for thee , and would have calld death for thy cause a triumph , now must live the scorn of my own thoughts , despis'd by thee . capt. here 's a new business ; this obscures me quaintly . enter leandro . lean. the king commands you not to leave the garden . he espied you from the gallerie window , and would have you here attend him . rosa. sir , may i without offence , ask if the king be merry ? leand. we are scarce yet acquainted with his nature , but we observe no jubilie in his eyes , nor is the queen so pleasant as our hopes did promise after marriage . rosa. pray excuse this boldness . leand. you 'l expect his pleasure here ? exit . rosa. 't is my ambition once more to see , and speak with him , and if his language break not enter queen , leandro . my heart , i 'l take my leave � the queen . leand. he is a servant to whom the king was pleas'd to shew affection , when he had no expectation of your royall favour . que. i do remember , i observ'd him once use more than common passion to this servant , and if we may build any confidence upon a fair aspect , he may deserve it . say we would speak with him ; my heart 's opprest with melancholy , something tels my spirit i am too tame ; have i advanc'd a thing without a name to perch on the same cloud with me , and for his sake slighted a prince , my honour , and his faith , transported with my folly and his charms of tongue and person ? and dares he pay me with neglect and coldness ? oh my vext soul ! but he shall find i have a sense of my dishonour ; and yet open wayes become triviall and poor revengers , i will doe something that shall sting him to repentance ; my lord you now may leave us . ex. leandro . sir of what country are you ? rosa. of valentia . que. your name ? rosa. tiberio . my parents not ignoble , yet too hasty i' th' apprehension of prince ferdinand ; his fortune ( if i may yet call him so ) gave me to be his page , i must confess my diligence thriv'd so well since i came to him , that he did value me above his servant . que. yet i 've not seen you wait since we were married . rosa. it was no want of dutie madam , i had late some wrastling with a feaver , that compeld me to my chamber , and disabled me for fit attendance . que. why dost weep ? rosa. i madam ? que. i see the tears . rosa. they are not sorrow then to see my master possest of so much happiness in your love , and i am confident , his soul so full of honour and regard to your great virtues will seal him worth your gracious favours madam , and the worlds envie . que. i 'l not blame him now for loving thee ; and so much hath thy faith and innocence prevail'd , thou sha't translate thy service , and be mine , he shall consent . ros. i am to both most humble . que. prethee tell me , making so much of thee , he do's impart sometimes the secrets of his bosom to thee . tell me what fault he has , for thou know'st all . rosa. 'las madam i know none , or if i did , it ill became the trust and dutie of a servant to reveal 'em que. thou wer 't his bed-fellow ? ros. gracious madam � que. do's he not wanton in the night , and talk of mistresses . ros. by truth not to me madam . que. dissemble not know he has a mistress . rosa. if love were ever so unkind to him � que. unkind ? why i' st a sin to love ? i shall suspect thy youth has not been free , thy looks betray some seeds of love . rosa. by all that 's good never was in love but with my master . capt. good . que. he is not worth it . rosa. madam . que. be wise , and govern well thy hopes . i 'l help thee to a mistress ; th' ast no mistress yet ? rosa. but you self madam . que. it shall be no other . thy master is ingratefull . ros. goodness aid him . que. and wisdom thee , thou art a pretty youth , i will reward thee better , if thou canst be faithfull and obey . rosa. in all things madam that shall become your creature . que. 't is not safe to play with a queens favours , you shall wait neer us ; forget thy master , and be happy . exit . ros. what clue can guide me in this labyrinth ? i would when i had lost ferdinands heart i had lost my understanding . she returns . enter queen . que. the king is comming this way ; now be free , thou sha't have reason afterwards to bless thy fate , this cannot chose but vex him . the queen is pleasant with ros. enter ferdinand . fer. the queen so pleasant ? she has lost her sullenness , playes with his hair , and smiles . ros. madam , the king observes us . ferd. stroaks his cheek too , she does want a ganimede ; my poor rosania art thou the path she walks on to revenge , all is not well within her heart but mine sinks with the heavy pressure � she is gone . exit queen the queen does grace you much tiberio , those favours are not common . rosa. she is pleas'd for your sake sir to cast some smile upon me ; i know 't was your request she should be kind , to keep my heart a live . ferd. th' art not discover'd . ros. did not you discourse my story to her ? ferd. i ? ros. take heed , yet this will adde but a thin feather to the scale of my misfortune , she knows all , and in the pittie of my sufferings sayes you are not worth my love , and calls you most ingratefull ferd. we are both lost , till now there was some hope how to repair thy sorrow . rosa. do not mock me ; 't is a worse tyranny than to kill , to laugh at what you have made wretched , 't is as possible to call past ages back . ferd. take heed rosania , and be not judge of what thou know'st not , dearest . rosa. i know too much . ferd. that i am married . rosa. ther 's no truth in man . ferd. you are too rash ; for there is truth in me , in ferdinand , though in thy thoughts held black and staind prodigiously with breach of faith , i have not broke my vow , do not compell me by thy unbelief to do a sin i hate as much as i love thee . rosa. have you a soul ? ferd. yes , and thy eye shall read it , be but calm , that soul , thou once didst love , white with his first simplicity and faith ; i wo'not urge in my excuse the beautie of the queen enough to melt a scythian into love , but call to mind my dear rosania , and do but put upon thee ferdinand so late forgotten by his stars , a prisoner , slav'd like a villain at the bar , expecting at every breath his sentence , nay admit rosania , the best part of his soul stood like a weeping fountain to take leave of what she never must salute agen : in this extreme , to preserve ferdinand and save rosania , wouldst thou scorn the breath of mercy , that did court thee from the lips of a great queen ? couldst thou love rosania , if thou wert ferdinand to lose thy self ? whom she would follow in a stream of tears , and when she had made an iland of thy tomb , striving to swim to thee , she could not choose , but drown her self in her own waves . i prethee take reason to thee , and when th' ast consider'd � rosa. perswade me i am not rosania , and i will say 't is virtue , and that yet your heart may grow with mine ; is not the queen possest of that which should have been my title , a wife to ferdinand ? ferd. 't is confest the world doth think it so , i did consent to ceremony . ros. call you injoying of the queen but ceremony ? ferd. pause there , and if thou hast but so much charity to think i dare not blaspheme heaven , i 'l call that , and the angels boldly to my witness , the queen 's to me a stranger yet . ros. a miracle . ferd. retain but love , as thou preserv'st thy sweetness , and that will teach thee to believe that ferdinand , how ere saluted king is still thy subject , and though her husband , in my faith to thee the marriage bed hath still our virgin sheets ; a brother might embrace a sister , with the heat i brought ; that this is truth , the power and name i have , shall only serve to make our flight secure into another kingdom , and when i part with these new shining glories , thy faith will be confirm'd , and thou acknowledge i ventur'd much to keep my heart thy servant . ros. i know not what to say ; is not the queen displeas'd ? ferd. she is , but cunningly disguiseth her passion to the world ; but i forgot what must inlarge my fears of her revenge if thou be known rosania . ros. lose that fear , i am still safe , and now i see the cause makes her repent her favours , and thy greatness ; forgive me ferdinand , and yet i know not , all is not well , ther 's poyson in this balsom prepar'd for thee . ferd. from whom ? ros. rosania . ferd. when she shall but consent to have me dye , she shall not trouble poyson to send off my despis'd life , my soul in just obedience to her command will take a cheerfull flight in hope to serve her in the other world . ros. you shall know more hereafter , and let this secure your thoughts , she yet beleeves me what this shape presents , but without wise prevention , i fear i shall not live too long conceal'd ; i dare not say her honour is a bleeding , but a queen thus distasted may not find that ice within her bloud ; we are interrupted . enter rodriguez . rodri. your pardon sir ; 't is the queens pleasure this gentleman attend her in the gallery . ferd. he shall wait her commands � ex. rodri. i know not what to counsell , 't is not safe sweet to neglect her , yet my fears of some ill fate , are round about me like a mist , and dark my understanding ; let a kiss and silence teach our souls some new discourse . capt. why here 's a volume of intelligence i 'l stay no longer to expect the prince , but seek him out immediatly ; disguises ? king by your leave , i shall untruss your mistress . ex rosa. i know not what i feel nor what to fear , if love e'r meant a tragedie ; 't is here . ford. if we ne'r meet agen , one more salute shall fortifie our lives by joyning breath , nor shall our last hard fate deny us this , to change our faithfull souls at our last kiss . exeunt severally .
act. iv. enter rodriguez , leandro , ernesto . ernest. i know not what to think on 't , but if i have any sense , there is some new state madness crept into court . rodri. are we not all a sleep , and these fine dreams perplex us ? leand. no 't is waking . rod. shew me the tenth part of a reason why the queen did marry him . lea. 't was destinie . ernest. why since should he be melancholy ? rod. or she so humorus ? ernest. not lie together ? pray heaven the gentleman be found with no defective title in him . leand. observe her favours to that boy , he was his servant , now her minion . i like not these violent wheels ; the whole frame may be soon indanger'd , if these passions be not cur'd . rod. new lodgings for him , neer her own , and he given free access to the bed-chamber . leand. 't is naught or will be so , i pittie the good king ; though she have rais'd him to the highest glorie her power extended too , yet to make this height his precipice , and throw him into scorn , nay poyson the best hopes he had of honour , and love from her , and in his sight to court a boy , his servant ? it would vex the best of all our tempers , if we felt the sting on 't . enter rosania and violinda ( passing over the stage . ) er. he 's here , that lady is the queens cabinet . lean. they are merry about the mouth . er. another summons ? 't is possible the queen may marry him too . lean. there is some mysterie we cannot reach . if we doe well remember , ther 's a law made by her self , as soon as she was queen , to keep wifes pulses temperat , and correct the insolent bloud of women that had husbands . er. and men were not exempted . leand. i say no more . but heaven maintain the law , and the law-makers , and conjure down that devill , 't is the king and the smooth boy , le ts leave 'em . exeunt lords . enter ferdinand , and rosania . ferd. was this the ladies message ? does the queen take thee into such favour ? rosa. i tell truth , and though it sound but ill on the queens part , because she thinks me what i seem my lord , you need not to wear one cloud upon your face when you remember who i am , my fears are thick upon my heart , how to secure this shadow any longer . ferd. that afflicts me most rosania , for it pleases me to hear she can affect thee ; but what way to keep her expectation high , and thee ( my dearest ) safe ? her passions may be violent . rosa. they are already sir , if i mistake not ; i wish to heaven that you were reconcil'd to do the office of a husband to her , that peace would keep her bosom clear , and i should live to all the world except your self a stranger still . ferd. what language speaks rosania ? ther 's death in every syllable ; should i obey what thou desir'st , and do the office of a husband , ha ? rosa. i 'l wait upon you still , and hope you will vouchsafe me now and then a harmless smile ; her beauty will deserve your whole heart , and ther 's something in the memory of what she has advanc'd you to , will help to make you kind . ferd. should i injoy the queen ? because the misery of my fate compeld a ceremonious sin ? shall i betray the essence of my faith , and leave a curse , when thou art known , upon my name for ever ? if thou hast taken new resolves against me , punish my heart some other way ; had she more ornament than ever met in woman , mistress of more perfection than poets invented for the queen of love , to this were the proud empire of the world her own , and she would make me lord of her , and these , it would not buy me to the pleasure of one nights embrace , my body shall not carry my soul so far astray ; the man condemnd to live in a perpetuall snow , hath not a purer frost within his blood . rosa. this but ingenders a new grief although it bind rosanias heart there is yet one way left and that ere i pronounce you must forgive ; there is a trembling in my tongue and i already feel such winter in my breath , my timorous lips do wither . ferd. do not fright my soul too much ther 's something threatens me so like a loss of these , that i am left a peece of shaking earth , death cannot look to make me tremble so ; canst thou forsake me ? ros. not in my heart but give my body leave to seek some other place my lord to dwell in . when i am gone into some wilderness , you will find ease at heart , and love the queen , and perfect all ; i 'l pray you may live happy . and hold intelligence with some gentle winds that shall convey my wishes and return what joys do follow you ; the purling rivers i 'l teach your name and they which guide this way shall bring thee something ferdinand of mine ; my tears i know will not be lost , which i will send thee daily by the courteous stream , clear pledges of my faith ; consent my lord i may depart and you shall choose your way , to every blessing here . ferd. not till we meet with one embrace , and take our flight together ; and i have thought a way to perfect it , observe my sweet rosania , the queen thou sayst affects thee , cherish it , with all the softness of her creature ; if she allow , kiss her , and promise what young lovers doe , examine not , but by thy love to me be free in amorous language , if she have heat to a private meeting in her chamber , obey , this shall secure our loves ambition . enquire not , but resolve , and let me know the time . ros. you will attempt no violence upon the queen ? ferd. by this � kisses her . ros. what if she have commanded me this night ? ferd. to meet ? ros. in her bed-chamber . ferd. ha! obey it . ros. at a late hour . ferd. it shall beget our comfort if thou consent . rosa. but shall i not expose my self to danger , if her love persue immodest ends , since you advise i should apply my self to her desires ? ferd. if she take too much flame , by some soft art delay her , till i come to close all ; keep still thy person secret , the least discovery will destroy us both ; the evening with much hast prepares thy visit and our happiness . rosa. i 'l obey , but be you sure to come . ferd. lose thou no time now to indear thee to her , let us part love will find balm to cure the wounded heart . exeunt severally a table , and lights , set out , then enter queen , and violinda . que. was he not cheerfull when he promis'd thee ? viol. he was , and he was not . que. i have a strange apprehension , and this doth feed it . viol. i told him 't was an honour worth his joyfull entertainment . que. if it should prove succesfull , my revenge were perfect , i 'm resolute to persue � viol. it makes well for your contrivement that the king and you do lodge at distance � stay , i hear a tread . que. i hope 't is he . enter leonario . viol. prince leonario madam . que. what comes he for ? leon. although i have small expectation for my own sake , that you can pardon madam this bold access , and at so dark an hour , yet when you have heard my business , you will know your self so much concern'd , i 'l not despair to find your mercy . que. you prepare me for something of consequence . leon. please you to dismiss your ladie , i have something to deliver wo'not become her knowledge . que. leave us � now , ex. violinda . our conference is free , your graces pleasure ? it must be matter of much essence , that could not expect till morning , but y' ar welcome . leon. this time and darkness madam best becomes him , who for your sake blushes to see the day , but i came not to chide my wrongs have learn'd a modest silence , my approach is not to name a suffering of mine but to discover what already is prepar'd against your peace and honour . que. is it treason ? leon. it is , but threatens not your life , you may live many years upon the wound . que. you fright me . leon. lose not the beauty of your cheek so soon , hide not beneath that cold and killing snow , one rosie blush , and yet that pale would shew like innocence which you have lost ; oh madam had you not made a forfet of your truth to me no storm could shake you but your soul that made no change could know no fear ; i come to tell you what just providence hath done in my revenge , your breach of vow is punish'd with loss of faith in him to whom you gave the heart you promis'd me , the king , whose pride you built on my dishonour , is as false , as you were . que. this is passion but be not yet too rash in censuring him . whom i have plac'd so neer , i must defend , nor will he need my strength , to make their blood account that dare traduce his honour ; he has a heart � leon. a false one . i was born without a fear , and dare upon his bosom ( wear he worth the manly contestation , ) write him perjur'd . que. i would this were not envy ; but admit he be thus guiltie , 't is a fault in him . leon. no madam , it is yours ; that sin that poysond the expectation of my joys in you , hath made him false , and will excuse his storie , when you are nam'd that broke your faith to me ; i can have no hope now to be repair'd , but if it be worth memorie to know the triumph waits on innocence , the world shall say the queen deserv'd to meet a scorn deep as her wrongs to me . que. it cannot be . leon. think so , and help to make the revenge greater , till the winds catch the black report and multiply the shame , by scattering it about the kingdom , sit still , and careless of your fame , incourage his private lust , his mistress now in court . que. a mistriss in the court ? leon. yes madam , in the court . and may one day think any second place too narrow to contain her greatness , she � que. as y' ar a prince no more ; i have done ill , and find the penance here it does agree with his neglects , and addes new flame to my young jealousie ; i feel a tempest rising ; by all your goodness leave me sir ; i cannot now right you more than mourn , and give belief to you . no more i pray you , by all your love to honour . leon. i ha' done , and take my leave , my everlasting leave , 't is time ; how like the day , that flatterd us with cheerfull light , are my desires fled hence , and left me here a prodigie of darkness , a walking herse , hung round about with night , whose wings must one day cover all ? farewell . if any star look forth , it is to call me hence , and light me to another world . our lips are never like to meet agen . kisses exit . farewell , if i but stay , i shall forgive her . que. a mistress in the court ? something is busie about my heart . enter violinda . viol. the prince is gone . que. no matter . affronted thus ? but i forgot to ask her name that rivals me ; how this passion befools our understanding , and prevents the knowledge , and the cure of what afflicts us ! the morning will assure all ; but shall this strike me to ashes ? i may find a way to my revenge . enter violinda . viol. tiberio is come madam . que. wait carefully . viol. i know my dutie . enter rosania : ( kneels and kisses her hand . ) que. rise , this meeting was not meant for ceremony , ther 's something in this presence will deserve we should put off all state , and speak like friends . you must be cover'd too . i 'l have it so . we are private now . rosa. these graces will undoe a youth , whose birth , and careless stars ordain'd him to be humble , and with dutie wait on your meanest servant . que. thou shalt soon have cause to think thy stars are carefull of thee , if thou canst be wise . rosa. alas ! my years are few . que. thy knowledge is not wanting to distinguish whose favours court thee , and apply thy self to understand , and thank the kind bestower ; 't is in my power to make thee great . rosa. you may advance this worthless walking shadow madam , and when you like the free and bounteous sun have blest me with your rayes , it is but like his glorious warmth bestow'd upon a peece of rude and barren earth , which takes not from the lustre of your beams , but shews more clearly , by your own light , what poverty you shin'd on . quee. this modesty becomes you not , look in my eie , and read what 's there . rosa. some thing like anger , enough to strike me dead . quee. what now ? rosa. a smile , and such attending sweetness � quee. thus it shall invite thee still to gaze , and love , tiberio , no frown shall point on thee ; i finde my eyes were meant for thee , and all they grac'd before , but objects of mistake . here , here , o turn thy lovely face away , left i be seen to blush , my heart hath chose to place my love and the reward ; this would become thy tongue a great deal better , come sit down tiberio . what still an infants understanding ? think i am the man , and learn a little better , what beauty dwells upon this hand , what softness , how like the snow , or innocence it shews , yet fires my heart with every gentle touch . rosa. dear madam ; would the king would come . que. this is a happiness that kings should sue for , and yet there are poor comforts in these kisses ; let hands preserve societie with hands , and with there change of whiteness , and of balm , make wealthy one another : but let what was mean't for kisses meet , and finde out pleasure by warm exchange of souls from our soft lips . kisses . madam , how like you this ? rosa. madam . que. i suppose you a lady all this while , and i the man , our lips must meet again , will this instruct thee nothing ? ros. gracious madam . que. and yet this recreation comes short , dear lady , of what love might well allow us . admit you are a queen , you are not bound to thin your royal blood with frost , but as your power , your pleasure should exceed ; nay graut you have a man ( a man said i ) that can keep love alive , and warm a yielding bosom , yet where from the invitement of your eie , and amorous choice , i am become your servant , you may be a little kinder . rosa. madam , i know not how with the safetie of my self , my dutie , and your own name and power , to understand you , ( yet this to some would need but little comment ) can you place such a value on a thing that not deserves to breath your name ? or should i hope these charms of language you have spred to catch my heart which hath no wings , but where it can believe ; for you transcend so much in wonder of your love , a willing faith not easily can reach it . but dear madam , i know all this is but to try my duty , and you have pleas'd to choose me forth , to make these silent hours more grateful , by the mirth my weak replies may raise you , que. miracle ! i but imagin'd thee a woman , now i shall believe thee one indeed ; this coldness becomes no masculine habit . come , we 'll in , and change our sexes ; thou shalt wear my clothes , and i will put on these , help on with thine , and i will dress thee handsomely , and then we 'll act again . ros. not for the world dear madam , not yet come ? que. the world ? this confirms my jealousie . i 'll search you to the soul , adonis come , i 'll call thee so , and court thee with more charm than venus did , when in the idalian groves to buy a kiss , she offer'd the proud boy her flaming chariot , and her doves of snow . 't is in thy power to make thy fate and heart more happy by consent to meet with mine ; tempt not the anger of a queen despis'd , whose breath can like a whirl-wind snatch thee up , and drop thee in a wilderness , where with sorrow for thy neglect , thou by degrees maist sigh thy self into a mist , which no sun-beam shall pitie or take up into a cloud . but love me , and compose thy heart to mine , wee 'l live with more delight , than fancie can inrich elizium with . the soft hours shall stay till we allow 'em wings , and while we kiss and on each others lips breath incense thus , wee 'l have ten thousand cupids for our guard , whose bows shall awe the destinies , and we write the king and queen of fate . enter ferdinand , leandro , rodriguez , ernesto , captain , guard . ferd. will this deserve your faith ? leand. we must believe . enter violinda . viol. we are undone , the king . que. false keys ? rosa. 't was time to come . ferd. had i not cause , my lords , to appear sad , when i suspected this so great affront ? my melancholy all this while was but a mourning for this shame : look but my lords into your selves , and make this suffering yours . viol. madam be rais'd again , i have an art to fetch you off with honor , and the youth too . i will perswade him there can be no cure in this extream . but to pretend himself a woman ; i will dress him in your gown before they can be ware on 't ; they all know this way he cannot flie , mean time put on a confidence , and let them know you are the queen , not to be shaken with their power ; this will gain time . que. prosper in this . viol. i will redeem my fault , or never sleep again . exit with rosania . ferd. she blushes not . were she nor queen , what names could we bestow upon this want of modesty ? leand. 't is plain . we came in time . ferd. most happily to prevent some further act of shame ; can she look on us without a blush ? que. i see no such attraction in your state faces , that i should desire much to look on 'em . who made you king i pray ? ferd. your power i dare not call it love , presuming that i was fit to be your property , without a soul to see , or have a sense of these dishonors ; this rank heat of blood , madam , what penitence can make this clear ? admit your thoughts were wanton , and your flame , too great to be supprest , could you finde none for your adulterate embrace , but one that was my servant ? my own hound devour me ? as if your lust had not enough of shame and mischief to me , but your malice must appear in 't too ; with what securitie can i expect to live , when she begins so soon to poyson me ? leand. we heard her say they two would write themselves the king and queen , rod. so we did all . ferd. you may consider these . leand. 't is impious madam with what grief do we remember now that law you made after your corronation to preserve the name of your sex chast which gave our hearts hope of your blessed progress ; you made it death to stain the marriage-bed ; where shall we expect the life of that good act , when you begin a breach of chastitie by so black example ? if the king urge an execution of what our vote confirm'd by yours impos'd upon the kingdom , you should prove your self more innocent or give us cause to mourn this fall from virtue er. madam we grieve for you . que so , so , have your great wisdoms said all yet ? i laugh at you ( poor things ) and am so far from trembling at your thunder , that i pitty you ; and first i 'l let you know you selves , you are i take it all my subjects , i will not exempt you sir , since marriage takes not off my interest , and essence here all strength flowing from me , and your derivative shine extinct , when i frown you to darkness ; by what power dare you take an accompt of me ? that am above your laws , which must obey me , as their soul , and dye when i forsake 'em ? but i will reason coolely , and admit they live in force ; 'gainst whom ? are you so shallow , to think we that created , and decreed 'em for vulgar reformation , must be squard and levell'd by 'em , as we meant to lose our character and distinction , and stoop toth ' common file of subjects ? this were policy ! i speak not this with sense of any guilt , so to decline it , for i here defie you , and bring an innocence shall strike a blush upon your souls ; that sinn'd in my suspition . aside . ferd. where is the boy ? ernesto take him to your custodie , and bid him not despair , i have contriv'd the rest . enter rosania ( like a woman ) and violinda . er. he 's here . viol. take it upon you , if it come to searching wee 'l find a jurie . capt. you are deceiv'd my lord , with your good pardon , he is not here . er. who is not here ? capt. the he you do expect ; and your officious ladyship might well have spar'd your pains , to put on all this trim . ferd. what means the fellow ? capt. 't is no news to your sir . i could have told the queen before and you my honourable lords , this was no boy , though now he would but seem o' th' tother sex , i knew her name . ros. my name ? capt. are not you call'd rosania ? ferd. ha! betraid ? capt. yes indeed is she , you were present sir i' th' garden when this fine hermophrodite declar'd what sex was hid behind the breeches , and this i certified the prince before . que. now 't is clear . capt. there are some tokens too i can remember , as kisses , and excuse for marrying with the queen , a virgin still , &c. omnes . a woman ? viol. but are you a woman indeed ? capt. and now my lords , if you have hearts that are honest and daring come about agen , for this is but a cunning piece of treason , against your faith , and the queens honour . ferd. we are both lost rosania . capt. 't is truth , or take my head off . que. you do believe this transformation , and know this ladie , my good lord , i did suspect before the cause of your neglects , and meeting with some dark intelligence from the prince , to perfect this discovery , did in my chamber wooe with aptest forms of love , to trie how long the sex would be conceal'd ; you heard a part , and see us kiss , and came in time with these wise noblemen to prevent further acts of shame . rodri. i' st possible ? rosa. it was an ill contrivement to make me proof of the queens dishonour . er. an apparent plot against the life and honour of the queen , since he would urge that law maliciously against her , knowing this to be a woman , and his close strumpet . rodri. the same law must be their tryall . leand. what a change is here already ? que. you must not lords deny me justice . rodri. 't is insufferable against a common person . er. let his first treason , if you think good madam , be urg'd in accusation . leand. so , so . que. you did us service captain . capt. i am bound too 't , here 's more news for the prince . que. use your pleasures . exit . rod. what need we circu�stance , let him dye to morrow . que. death will be mercie to so much ingratitude , command them both to severall custodies . the morning shall behold 'em dead � ros. now more lost then ever . exeunt . manent . ferd: ros. & guard . ferd. pray le ts take short leave of one another , 't is in vain to reason against providence , or say we might ha' liv'd ; though i must dye , and after be hid in my obscurest name , and shade , i must declare whose blood they will profane in bleeding thee ; farewell , our last , last kiss . my heart would fain come to thee , i will make it my humble sute with my last breath it may be quickly sent thee . rosa. we shall both meet , when this dust falls off , and our souls kiss agen . exeunt .
act. v. enter leandro , rodriguez , ernesto , servants with lights . er. my lord you tell us wonders , 't is high time to open such a mysterie . rodri. this change will exceed all , and so convincing are the circumstances of this great discovery they do command our faith . er. and you shall steer us . leand. then let us lose no time ; oh my good lords , did you but feel the torment of my bosome , till i discharge the duty , which so long hath slept in his concealment , you would call for wings to flye , and think all motion tedious ; for heavens sake le ts make hast , that we prevent the morning , which will rise upon this knowledge with cheerfull beams , and put on all his glory . er. most gladly we attend . exeunt . a table and taper set out . enter ferdinand ( with a book in his hand . ) ferd. i have no heart to think of any thing but my rosania , all devotion , when i remember her , flyes off , and leaves my soul no contemplation but her safety ; they were too cruell to divide us , night it self looks now more black by this dim taper ; rosania's eyes would brighten all , but they weigh'd down with sleep , and sorrow , are perhaps at rest , a thousand angels watch about 'em ; and let some one whose office is to wait on harmless love , present me to her dreams ; o let her hear me often call upon her , as i am led to death , and when the stroke divides me from my self , and from the world , my heart shall pay her tribute , and my blood do miracles , when every crimson drop my body bleeds , shall not in vain be wept , but fall into some letter of her name , to keep alive our story . enter two servants ( with torches ) leandro , ernesto , rodriguez . what lights are these ? this place sure is not wont to be thus visited . they are spirits , ha ! yet if i have a memory those faces were but late familiar to me . they kneel . what mockery is this ? if you be substances of things i know , go tell the tyrant queen she might allow me death without this scorn , this jeering antimasque . omnes . long live the king . ferd. what king ? omnes . long live ferdinand king of murcia . ferd. a dream , a golden dream . what fancies wait upon our sleep ? and yet i wake , they are apparitions , i 'l shut my eyes , and lose 'em . they wo'not vanish leandro , rodriguez , ernesto ? omnes . all your subjects . leand. collect your scatterd thoughts my lord , and be assur'd , we now pay reall duties to you , you are our king , and must be . ferd. who says so ? leand. i , whose cold fear , and frailty , when fate of wat had made you prisoner , conceal'd the truth , and justice of your title , 't was i that sav'd you from your uncles fury and sent you to valentia , while i cozen'd the kingdom with your death , till time might ripen your challenge to the scepter ; if you can find mercy to a treason , great as this , i 'l live , and study how to merit pardon . ferd. rise , rise all , and if you be leandro , pray come neerer . rod. pray heav'n this unexpected happiness meet with no extasie , all senses are not arm'd for such extremes of joy . er. the queen , when she finds this , will fall into a feaver , by instinct her head must ake this very minute . rod. and shake too , for the crown is tottering . ferd. pardon ? thou shouldst divide the kingdom with me . but do all these believe it , will you not , when i make second claim , deny me agen ? call me impostor ? leand. sir forgive that first , and i 'l not ask heaven pardon for my next deniall , let death threaten all his stings ; and i have satisfied these lords so well , they are confirm'd in your just claim , and person . rod er. we lay our lives and fortunes at your feet . ferd. i may command you then , fetch me rosania ; i 'l be no king without her ; do not stay to hear how much i love her 'bove the crown , and all the glories wait upon it , she that was my page , my fellow prisoner , rosania . exit rodrig . 't is that name next to heaven i bow too . good my lord follow him , and if she be awake , oh drop it gently by degrees , ( the joy is mighty , she a sad weak virgin ) that i shall live to make her queen . exit ernest stay you , and if i play too much the wanton with my fate , or swell with expectation , speak something to allay my hopes , and say there may be crosses yet , the queen may want faith or consent , or put case the people ( a dangerous torrent to oppose ) like not this innovation , where is the king then ? leand. doubt not their loves , you had their hearts before ; let nothing shake you . enter rosania , ernesto , rodriguez . ferd. th' art my better angell . why then if my rosania will be queen , the kingdoms ours agen ; she comes , she comes . thou mak'st too little hast to be a queen . i am my self agen , my name is found , i shall live to , thus to embrace rosania without a fear , these lords are all thy subjects , i am a king . leand. you are . ferd. then what must my rosania be ? ros. happy , if this be more than dream , my tears and sufferings are all paid for if this be true . leand. most true . ros. what a strong arm hath heaven ? ferd. see how the day hath made hast to salute rosania , and to wait upon thy triumph , blushes like a maid when she is told she is in love , the stars are gone to tell the other world , thy beauty , till now ecclips'd with sorrow , hath thrown off the imprisoning veil , and shines above their brightness . but how shall we leandro now contrive for our court entertainment , where the queen 's prepar'd to hear our tragedy ? leand. leave me to order your appearance ; but first sir , we must secure this fort . er. the captain is my creature . ferd. thou shalt be all our direction . come my rosania , time hath turn'd agen our glass , and his keen sith this comfort brings , it cuts no scepters down but to make kings . exeunt . enter leonario ( reading a letter , ) and soldier . leon. so neer ? sold. we heard before of your affront my lord , and were prepar'd . leon. it hath outstrip'd my expectation , these letters say mendoza is their generall new return'd with victory from the moores ; his fame i honour , my knowledge never reach'd his person . sold. sir , he brings old soldiers with him , the commanders are such , whose faith and valor in those wars already tried , he durst name to the king to be employ'd here in your highness cause . leand. we will to horse immediatly . i long to salute the army . sold. which but wants your person the soul of their design ; you may soon reach 'em . enter captain . leon. i will . capt. your grace . leon. that we had wings , away , to horse to horse exeunt leon . sold capt. speed , and you be so hot o' th' spur , my business is but breath , and your design it seems rides post . enter lieutenant and antient . the earth runs upon wheels ; whom do i spy ? my extraordinaries , i 'l ha' sport with them , but first observe 'em . lieut. i see no profit in these offices that we ha' brought . ant. not extraordinary , as the name did promise capt. the rogues are poor , and now repent . ant. we were told by the cheating captain that we should want men to tell our money . lieut. this 't is to deal with soldades . ant. we should command the ladies too , and we were bountifull , a small pox take their beauties , 't is the greater curse , i have undone my self in giving away enameld rings and bracelets . lieut. well , if i trust a captain agen . ant. or i . capt. i 'm glad they are payd ; i wo'not leave 'em i feel my antipathy strong yet . ant. i would venture half my soul to be reveng'd if i knew how . capt. true rascals ! lieut. the ladies love him . ant. they all love men of war . lieu. would his poop were a fire . ant. and battels in bed naturally . lieu.

well , what ladies give him hereafter to buy new feathers , may his body compell him to bestow upon a surgeon .

ant. may diseases undermine his flesh like gun powder , and blow all his skin up into blisters . lieu.

may they that look for his nose , go about for want of a bridge , and let him wear no legs but what he buyes from the carpenter .

ant.

may his face break out , and undo him in taffata , and may the patches at the last be so many , till his skin be invisible , and his goggle eyes look through a mask .

lieu.

may he live to be as much coward as we ha' been , and be beaten !

ant.

abominably beaten , and may the miracle be on our side , that we may be valiant , and be the men to doe it , oh i would have no more mercy . �

capt.

save you gallants , save you courtiers .

both .

my noble captain .

ant.

it may be he did not hear us .

capt.

hark you , what purchase have you two made lately ?

both .

of what ?

capt. of lands and loggerheads , lordships i would say , i know you are both rich , you cannot choose , but i will borrow no more o' you , faith be satisfied and leave off in time with the wealth you have . lieu. where is it captain ? ant.

can you tell where we may borrow as much money upon our extraordinary places , as will set up shop agen ? for this court trade wo' not do .

capt.

how ?

lieu.

no indeed captain we ha' made little benefit since we came to be extraordinaries .

capt.

ye took not the right way then .

ant.

that may be .

capt.

why , cannot you lie , and swear , and pawn your souls for six pence , the devill could not furnish the city with two more hopefull borachios . you have a carrot-colourd beard , and that never fails , and your worships face is a prognostication of preferment

is a prognostication of preferment , where beside dominicall letters you have all the conjuring characters of the planets . but all this is your cunning , to dissemble your estates . lieu.

by this empty pocket , i have but one shirt

capt.

you jeast y'faith .

ant.

and by all my no money , i have but half a one left

capt.

come , come , you took up linnen lately , i heard you did .

ant.

i , smocks .

capt.

why they are in fashion with extraordinary courtiers .

but if you be in earnest , i can tell , where you may furnish your selves richly . both .

where ? where ?

capt.

w'y in the shops for ready money , but you would save charges .

ant.

i marry captain .

capt. venture to rob a hedge , it is but hanging , and what 's that to men extraordinary ? but if your wants be reall , be not dejected , i 'l set you up agen my self , i have been beholding to you two for your good words and wishes gentlemen . lieu. it pleases you to say so , i begin to smell . � ant.

not to us captain , we have been beholding to you .

capt.

and it happens , as if fortune had made you miserable

a purpose to bless you both with such a preferment , as wo'not be offerd agen in a coronation .

lieu.

on good captain , for we are extraordinary miserable .

capt.

then observe ; you are not ignorant how things go at court , the king is in prison .

ant.

so .

capt.

and his wench with him that walk'd in breeches ; the queen resolves they shall both dye .

ant.

good .

capt.

this morning too ; now in regard the king is a person of qualitie �

lieu.

i think he be .

capt.

and the tother a lady , as some imagine , you two may do very well to undertake now �

both .

any thing .

capt.

to be a couple of hangmen : d' ee mark ? to dispatch the queens enemies in what horrid way , her counsell shall think convenient , you will do service to the state , and have extraordinary rewards ; besides the honour and reputation of your places ; what say ? 't is my pure love to make this first offer to you .

ant.

do we look like a couple of hangmen ?

capt.

no you ha' not so good a complexion ; and now i think on 't you sha'not live to have that preferment come , draw you that wear your sword like a bum-baly , do as i bid you , and that quickly .

ant.

it wo'not come out sir �

cap.

no . � this shall in then �

ant.

i will put more strength to 't .

capt.

so , now , d' ee mark � kill one another .

both .

kill one another ?

capt.

yes and doo 't religiously , with as much alacrity as you would devour an orphan : and do 't hansomly , that you may not be hangd when you are dead .

i 'l see 't done , he that is dull shall have my goad to quicken him : � they fight . so , good , good agen , well offer'd � they fight by these hilts furiously , now cou'd i forgive 'em � so , enough . lieu.

this is very fine sport .

capt.

necessity has taught 'em the noble science , come . if all fail , you shall fight challenges ; ther 's mony and broken pates to be got that way , you can make legs , and gape like gudgins for benevolence , cut scurvy capers , to shew your legs are well , when your head bleeds ; farewell ; stay , you want money , i had forgot , there is twelve pence apiece for you .

both .

how captain ? i hope not .

capt.

they are not hearty yet , they think i serve 'em with press money agen ; no , t is my pure bountie . go , set up agen , and trust souldiers , without impertinent asking for your debts ; they i pay you .

ant.

as you ha' done .

capt.

i 'l hearken how you behave you selves farewell . when you are rich , i 'l visit you agen , and borrow money .

lieu.

too much is too much ; humh .

ant.

now have i a great mind to fight with your captainship .

lieu.

so have i , now my hands in , methinks 't is nothing .

capt.

you are not desperate ?

ant.

we are a little better , as good be hang'd for killing of you captain , as live after the rate of our disgrace . i am resolv'd .

capt. two mastives at once may worry me . i am put too 't . they fight . must we have tother ' bout . ant.

this is enough at once we may come too 't in time .

capt.

why now i love you , love you , as well as you do law .

ant.

upon good terms we love you too .

capt.

let 's shake hands , you sha'not to your vomit agen . now you dare sight , i 'l tell you a hundred wayes to get moneys , come , wee 'l drink and divide fortunes , run not back into cows agen .

ant.

i 'l be antient now agen .

lieu.

and i lieutenant .

capt.

both my own boyes .

ant.

't is not so hard to fight i see , if a man be but desperate , and give his mind too 't .

lieu.

pox a cowards ; come captain .

capt.

let me hug ye my brace of mirmidons , and drink a tun of wine to this conversion .

exeunt . enter queen , violinda . que. the prince so early met upon the way this morning sayst ? and with a souldier ? vio. and in that hast too , madam , i was told the speed of wings was slow , their fiery horse bathing in foam , yet fled as if they meant to leave the wind , and clouds behind 'em . que. strange ! i could have wish'd him with less discontent to have left us , but my stubborn fate design'd it ; having thus snatch'd away himself , it will become us to compose , and make the best of our state game ; i sent a messenger with our command , to th' governor of the fort , he should attend the king by the water-gate leads to the garden , we do purpose conference ; if ferdinand wisely consent to break the magick that so chains his heart to that idoll rosania , wee 'l be reconcil'd , and peace shall marry once agen our hearts . enter courtier . me thinks our lords are cold in their attendance , where be our train of ladies ? � nay permit 'em , a solitude becomes this sullen day . and our own thoughts ; methinks thou dost not look with thy own face upon me . vio. not i madam ? que. my eyes have lost their virtue , all i look on have not the shape and colour they presented . what whispers that ? ha' ? viol. here was none madam . que. i could be jealous of the wind methinks , and quarrell with the postures of those very shapes i' th' arras ; fie olivia , call home thy reason . court. o madam ! que. what horror 's in that voice ? i see a treason in 's looks . court. o madam , i beseech your pardon . que. why ? art a traitor ? court. not i , but there are practices i fear against your royal person ; the court gates are shut , all 's in confusion within , and i could hear abroad loud acclamations and triumph for the king , as he were new proclam'd . enter captain . que. which way comest thou ? cap. over the wall madam ; the gates are shut , i 'l tell you news ; young ferdinand your husband is in all state attended , and proclam'd king in his own right , he is prov'd to be what he did first pretend himself , leandro , and all the lords confirm 't , the governor hath given him up the fort , the wise city her keys , and every officer on 's knees is praying and drinking the kings health , que. away and let thy face be seen no more , but when the fatall noise of fire , some blood , or buriall calls thee forth . capt. this my reward for bringing news the king 's alive ? take heed , do not talk treason in your own defence , � hark enter ( in state ) rodriguez , ernesto , leandro , ferdinand , ( who takes the throne ) attendants . que. from what an expectation am i faln ! omnes . long live ferdinand king . ferd. we thank you ; and will study to be worth your prayers and dutie ; madam the chancelor can cleer , and bring your faith to allow the wonder , we are no impostor now , nor need we borrow a beam from you to make us shine yet still you are our cosen , fair olivia , enter rosania and ladies . the husband was a title long since due to my rosania , may it prosper here . our love and years grew up together , and our souls by holy contract tied , when in alfonzo's house , her father , and my guardian ( to whose trust i was sent an infant by leandro ) we plighted faith ; it is no blemish to fair olivia still to be a virgin , though she have lost the queen , she is a princess . and hath now found a kinsman , that shall study what shall become his love , her blood , and honour . upon your lip i print this fair assurance . rosa. and mine shall be to do you service madam . que. if this be true , you must command my dutie . ferd. we hear prince leonario is departed , when he shall know the progress of our fortunes hee 'l quit his stars , that hid their golden heads to mock him with a small eclipse , o' purpose to light him with more glorie to his happiness . soft alarum ha ? what clamors that ? the frightfull noise increases . enter first guard . guard.

flie , and save your selves the fort 's surpris'd by the prince of arragon , whose troups have seiz'd the city , reeling with wine , and careless of their strength , in their joyes for you sir .

ferd. the prince of arragon ? the fates cannot be so injust , so envious of our blessing , to snatch it from us in a minute ; ha ? help , help , quarter . divers within cry . ferd. they are i' th' court already . leand. we are all undone , le ts yield , and ask conditions honourable . ferd. dye he , that dares but think so yeeld ? no , ferdinand was here too late a prisoner ; let us sell our lives at glorious rates , the evening puts a mask upon the horror , follow me . exit . leand. to certain death ; ladies stay you , the danger will meet us here to soon , and yet your persons in honour challenge safety . ex. lords . que. is there no end of my distractions ? or hath my folly yet deserv'd more vengeance ? rosa. it cannot be heaven will so soon destroy the blessing it bestow'd if thus you punish whom you advance , who will believe your gifts are more than flattery to betray our peace ? enter leonario alfonso , ferdinand , ( prisoner , ) rodriguez , ernesto , souldiers . leon. this ladie is my prize . que. how sir , your prize ? leon. mistake me not , ther 's no dishonour meant your person ; yet i boldly may pronounce you are , and must be mine . i am not ignorant you are a virgin all but name , be wise as you are fair , and i forget what 's past , and take this satisfaction ; if i meet contempt , where i with honour once more court you , you will create a flame shall never dye but in the kingdoms ashes ; you were mine first by your own election , seal'd above , if i must lose what heaven bestow'd upon me the quarrell is not mine but virtues , whose right hand is arm'd with justice . enter captain . punish not where you owe your heart , but let both our revenges meet in that impostor ; i find your noble soul return ; lord generall while i retire with this fair queen whom not one violent accent shall affright , much less a rude attempt , take hence that counterfet , and cut his head off . ros. o my dearest lord ? leon. the rest may if they please find mercy . capt. i were best be o' this side . leon. away with him . ferd. insulting prince , thou darest not . leon. how sir , dare not ? ferd. i said it , thy better , being a king in my own right , without her charitie , proclam'd and justified , by birth a prince . leand. all this is truth sir . leon. you must not cozen thus my faith , away ; cut off his head . alfon. dispatch you with the queen , let me alone to make his head secure . leand. nay take mine too . i 'l wait on him in death , it shall begin my service . ros. cruell prince . que. what fate must i obey ? ros. my death will adde some lines unto thy bloody chronicle ; pray let us dy together . leon. you shall speak , her sentence madam . que. she must live then . leon. to all we offer mercie , but to ferdinand , his doom is fixt ; come madam . que. whither sir ? leon. i know the way to your chappel , he that loves us make hast , and bring the priest . capt. that 's i , i know her chaplains , they are my friends , and all good fellows . exit . ferd. pray can you tell me , where , or what i am or what i must do next ? alfon. yes , you must dye . ferd. let not that grieve you gentlemen , 't is nothing to part with life , and if but my rosania would not weep methinks i could shake off this dust , and leap to immortality without a guide , and in that cheerfull flight prepare the blest with so much praise and wonder of thy virtue , they shall be more in love with thee , than i , and double all their prayers to bring thee to 'em . ros. no , we will dye together . alf. you shall . ferd. how ? alf. both live , and love , and bless my age the witness . d' ee know me ? rosa. father ? ferd. guardian . leand. alfonso , my noble kinsman . alf. how joyes flow in my heart , to see this constancy ! ferd. how came you to be his ? alf. i have deceiv'd the prince our forces are valentia's , not arragons , which he by letters sent for in his revenge , but we met the intelligence and arriv'd sooner to pretend our selves the armie he expected ; you shall know more hereafter . ferd. i want a knowledge where to begin my gratitude , the joyes you bring are mighty , and overcome us . o my rosania ? ros. this was beyond hope . enter captain . capt. so , so , 't is done , he has mumbled up the ceremony ; a compendious priest may do much in few words ; they are fast enough ; the queen was wise to take him ; you are onely like to be a loser sir ; they come . enter leonario , queen . alfon. all joyes to the prince of arragon , and the fair olivia . leon. why not the queen olivia ? alfon. not while this gentleman's head is on , believe it . leon. where is mendoza ? alfon. hid within this bush � but here 's alfonso generall of the army sent from valentia to assist king ferdinand to his native right . leon. valentia ? alfon. my master having faild in his first aids to ferdinand , intended not sit down with so much loss , but rais'd another army , which in our march consulted our security by interception of all passages ; your messenger by a party was surpriz'd , him , stubborn to discover what he was , imperfect in his answer , we interpreted some spie , and searching found your letters fraught with mischief and revenge , these sent to our king we had command to hasten our design , and steer our course by sea to carthagena , how after we arriv'd , we gaind your faith and purposes , your highness knows . leon. betrayd ? alfon. sir , be a prince , and just to your own honour , and having perfected your fair desires with her , we hope you will account your self most happy that you mist a power to serve further revenge upon a lawfull prince , my soldiers will obey me now , although to help your marriage i appear'd no friend to ferdinand . leand. who was the prince preserv'd by me , and sent an infant to this lord , my noble kinsman . alfon. him i bred , till time and strength might arm him to return , and claim his own . leon. leandro denied this before . leand. to my dishonour , 't was a coward fear to lose my self unprofitably leon. i apprehend with wonder . ferd. if you repent not love and our alliance , she shall be worth your best embrace , and we forgetfull of your passion , entertain you with all affection to our blood . leon. i meet it , and satisfied in this story , joy i was prevented ; i congratulate your stars sir ; nor is this treasure of less price to me than when her temples were enchac'd with empire . que. this love will give my soul another form . ferd. our storie hath been full of change , but love hath met a glorious victory , and tied our souls together with most firm embraces . my lord leandro you shall to valentia , with our best thanks and greeting to the king ; his armies charge is ours , beside what else we owe his royall bountie . once more welcome alfonso now my father , witness i preserve my faith to my rosania , i hear the priest call us to other rites , his altar doth expect another pair , make hast to light his tapers with thine eyes and make our hearts each others sacrifice . exeunt omnes . finis .
epilogue , captain . gentlemen , i am no epilogue , i come to pray you 'd tell me your opinion of the play , is the plot current ? may we trust the wit without a say-master to autorise it ? are the lines sterling ? do they hold conceit ? and every peece with your allowance , weight ? that when you come abroad , you 'l not report you are sorry to have given white money for 't ? so , so , i know your meaning , now pray tell how did the action please ye , was it well ? how did king stephen do , and tother prince ? enough , enough , i apprehend , and since i am at questions w' ee , tell me faith how do you like the captain ? ha ? he saith , i 'l tell you , y' are my friends , none here , he knows , i mean you o' the gentry , t' whom he ows no money , will enter a false action , and let the rest look too 't , if there be one , among his city creditors , that dares , he hath vow'd to press , and send him to the wars . finis .
machine-generated castlist a -captain a -queen a -rosania a -ferdinand a -leonario a -ancient a -leandro a -ernesto a -rodriguez a -lieutenant a -citizen_ a -citizen_ a -violinda a -both a -alfonso a -yyyy_ a -omnes a -unassigned a -courtier a -servant a -yyyy_ a -guardian a -keeper a -lords a -ambo
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ha'mov'd i ha' mov'd your sute gentlemen . withall with all our hearts . withall with all our hearts sir . leonar to stroke in war ? or is old providence asleep ? leonario is comming home with victorie , and brings coxbombs coxcombs . i'l help to make you too ; you shall presently tha� pray do not grieve for me , i have a heart that can for your sake suffer more ; and when keepr enter keeper . unl�ss , and call her mine my just inheritance , unless you stain my blood with bastardy ; if it ferd nand. blasting mine . if this be treason , i am guilty ferdinand your king's become a traitor , and must �rew sent to an honorable friend , his kinsman , grew safely to the knowledge of my self at last biush i blush at thee yong-man , whose fate hath made �n car'st not what mans blood thou draw'st along in thy black stream , or what mans faith thou natur� we always see that men in such high nature deform'd , and guilty , want not specious youh of this garden , without a court offence , you have had the day of triumph , and the queen ave this garden , without a court offence , you have had the day of triumph , and the queen already loo� here comes one of the moon-calves , does he look like a haberdasher , that's one of the maids p�ace phisnomy , were you never in a conspicuous place , called the pillorie . ��� if it were not in the court garden , i would beat out thy brains . � they are subtle knaves , and know the law . affron� never be sufficiently revenged for their affront at court . the prince commanded me to expect �iberio tiberio . my parents not ignoble , yet too hasty �hee wise , and govern well thy hopes . i'l help thee to a mistress ; th'ast no mistress yet ? �hy it shall be no other . thy master is ingratefull . g�ide rivers i'l teach your name and they which guide this way shall bring thee something ferdinand het in her bed-chamber . madain expectation for my own sake , that you can pardon madam this bold access , and at so dark an hour th�n admit you are a queen , you are not bound to thin your royal blood with frost , but as your trauscend wings , but where it can believe ; for you transcend so much in wonder of your love , a willing �et flie , mean time put on a confidence , and let them know you are the queen , not to be excunt exeunt . thei� doubt not their loves , you had their hearts before ; let nothing shake you . �ut veil , and shines above their brightness . but how shall we leandro now contrive for our �or brightness . but how shall we leandro now contrive for our court entertainment , where the queens �repar'd our court entertainment , where the queens prepar'd to hear our tragedy ? �o leave me to order your appearance ; but first sir , a gen direction . come my rosania , time hath turn'd agen our glass , and his keen sith this comfort �t , and his keen sith this comfort brings , it cuts no scepters down but to make kings excunt exeunt . bu� well , what ladies give him hereafter to buy new feathers , may his body compell him �ridge look for his nose , go about for want of a bridge , and let him wear no legs but what he buyes besatisfied but i will borrow no more o' you , faith be satisfied and leave off in time with the �he six pence , the devill could not furnish the city with two more hopefull borachios . y'saith you jeast y'faith . to'c i will put more strength to't . bounne with press money agen ; no , tis my pure bountie . go , set up agen , and trust souldiers fordinand gates are shut , i'l tell you news ; young ferdinand your husband is in all state attended , not-love if you repent not love and our alliance , she shall be worth
poems, &c. by james shirley. shirley, james, - . this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (thomason e _ e _ e _ ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing s wing s wing s thomason e _ thomason e _ thomason e _ estc r estc r estc r this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (thomason tracts ; :e [ ]; :e [ ]; : e [ ]) poems, &c. by james shirley. shirley, james, - . [ ], , [ ], , - , [ ], [i.e. ], [ ] p. : ill. (port.) printed [by ruth raworth and susan islip] for humphrey moseley, and are to be sold at his shop at the signe of the princes armes in st. pauls church-yard, london : . printers' names from pforzheimer catalogue. includes numerous commendatory verses. includes: narcissus and the triumph of beautie, each of which have separate title pages, separate pagination and registers. the triumph of beautie was apparently also issued separately. frontis. = ill. "it is apparent that sheet d of the second part, pp. -[ ], is a late insertion. it is not called for by the catchword, verso [c ]"--pforzheimer catalogue. page of the final sequence is misnumbered . the final leaf is blank. reproduction of the original in the british library. eng a r (thomason e _ e _ e _ ). civilwar no poems, &c.: by james shirley. shirley, james b the rate of defects per , words puts this text in the b category of texts with fewer than defects per , words. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - john pas sampled and proofread - john pas text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion poems &c. by james shirley . sine aliquâ dementiâ nullus phoebus . london , printed for humphrey moseley , and are to be sold at his shop at the signe of the princes armes in st. pauls church-yard . . to the truly noble , bernard hide , esquire . sir , it will be a long ambition satisfied , if by this , i have the happinesse of making my self more known to you , though in the same act i put my self to a blush , that i have not a better present to excuse the confidence . if i do look upon you but as you relate to me in the common interest and fame of your vertues , wherein i share with others , i may be censured a bold man , since as they are proportioned to me , they are more then equall to the whole deserts of some that write both honour and abilities . but when i consider that graceful part of your character , sweetnes , which gives both the price and beauty to your other furnitures of art and nature , i cannot think my self without capacity of pardon for this application , the well meant tender of my service . they are papers in themselves not worth your eye , or to be numbred with those reserves of wit and learning that wait upon your recreations ; and if they receive entertainment abroad , i shall acknowledge it rather a debt which men pay to your name , then a merit of the poems ; and if they meet with the frowning world , i have subscribed my owne , to be accused for them , and this presumption . howsoever , if they may enjoy but your smile and shade , which was the first choise of my thoughts , it shall incourage me to reach your worth with more sutable imaginations ; till when , give me leave to write my self your faithfull honourer , jam . shirley . to my worthy friend mr. james shirley , upon his poems . when dearest friend , thy verse doth re-inspire loves pale decaying torch with brighter fire , whilst everywhere thou dost dilate thy flame , and to the world spread thy odelias name , the justice of all ages must remit to her the prize of beauty , thee of wit . then like some skilful artist , that to wonder framing a peece , displeas'd , takes it asunder , thou beauty dost depose , her charmes deny , and all the mystick chains of love untie ; thus thy diviner muse a power 'bove fate may boast , that can both make , and uncreate . next thou call'st back to life that love-sick boy , to the kind-hearted nymphes lesse fair then coy , who , by reflex beams burnt with vain desire , did phenix-like , in his owne flames expire : but should he view his shadow drawn by thee , he with himself once more in love would be : eccho ( who though she words pursue , her hast can onely overtake and stop the last ) shall her first speech and humane veil obtaine to sing thy softer numbers o're again . thus into dying poetry , thy muse doth full perfection and new life infuse , each line deserves a laurel , and thy praise askes not a garland , but a grove of bayes : nor can ours raise thy lasting trophies higher , who only reach at merit , to admire . but i must chide thee friend , how canst thou be a patron , yet a foe to poetrie ? for while thou dost this age to verse restore , thou dost deprive the next of owning more ; and hast so far even future aymes surpast , that none dare write ; thus being first and last , all , their abortive muses will suppresse , and poetry by this increase grow lesse . tho. stanley . to my honoured friend m. ja. shirley , upon the printing of his elegant poems . although thou want the theaters applause , which now is fitly silenc'd by the lawes , since these sad times that civil swords did rage , and make three kingdoms the lamented stage of real tragedies , it was not fit we quite should lose such monuments of wit as flowd from thy terse pen : the presse alone can vindicate from dark oblivion thy poems , friend ; those that with skill can read , shall be thy judges now , and shall instead of ignorant spectators , grace thy name , though with a narrower , yet a truer fame , and crown with longer life thy worthy pains . all muses are not guiltlesse ; but such strains as thine , deserve , if i may verdict give , in sober , chast , and learned times to live . tho. may . to his honoured friend , the author , upon his poems . whilst i am in thy poem , i am lead through a rich gallery , in which are spread the choicest pictures of true skill and height , where every pause is rapture and delight . here , by thy fancy taught apollo playes , to his own daphne in a stand of bayes ; here myrtle shades are , there the cypresse groves ; here lovers sigh , and there embrace their loves : by — through a flowry vale , there gently glides a silver stream , whose pratling current chides it self in turtle-murmures , and betraid to every eye , like to some bashful maid discover'd in her beauties , fain would hast to hide those blushes which do speak her chast . here thy narcissus in his lov'd despair , courts all the rest to silence ; sweet and fair , his love , and sorrow shews him ; but to hear him breath 'em thus , who would not be all eare ? what in his story did before but move our pity , we do now admire , and love beyond himself ; so every maid would be his kind nymphs rival , borrowing from thee those charmes of love and language , where thy art gives cupid feathers unto every dart . thy poem is as lovely , and all wit thy eccho is , and making love to it : let ovid boast their story , but their names will take eternity from thee , dear james . geo. bucke . to his learned friend , m. ja. shirley , on his elegant poems . friend , in this dearth of art , when but to write or think in verse , is to be destroy'd quite ; when sergeants too implacable are set to fill the compters up with wit and debt : nor any hope of rescue but from those who would distrust their creed if 't were not prose , i wonder at the influence of thy pen , that could ingage such generous knowing men ( warm'd with thy flame ) so boldly to advance gainst the prevailing monster , ignorance . sure this so fair return of gratitude to dare thus in thy cause , must needs conclude thy elegant expressions ( while the scene obey'd thy pow'rful empire ) are not clean obliterated , when thy all-charming wit secures so firm allegiance unto it . t is wisely done , thus to erect a shrine teternize their own names as well as thine . i envie not their fate ; let it suffice they deck thine altar ; but the sacrifice is my fixt heart , devoted to thy worth , which all their labord lines can ne'er set forth . best lapidaries oftentimes do set the fairest diamonds in a foile of jett . fra. tuckyr . to my very worthy and most ingenious friend , mr. ja. shirley , upon his poems . when i am rais'd by some more noble flame to sing of thee , and thy odelias name , so richly set in verse ; thy lines invite me still to read , and i forget to write . so when a painters hand would take the grace and figure of some admirable face , struck with the sight , he lets his pencil fall , and when his hand should work , his eye does all . yet if a sence of thy sweat fancy may inspire a resolution to betray my want of skill , and choise in husbandry , to write my owne , not read thy poetry : be it enough to draw the reader neer , while we but say the wit of shirley's here . and though thy worthier friends their flowers bring , to set forth thy odelia like the spring , men will with envie look upon the dresse , that staies their eyes from the wish'd comlinesse , and when they see her beauty to be such , will say their love had shaddow'd it too much . ed. povvel . amicissimo j. sherleio , & musae jam reduci . quid non , te rediente , dulce sperem ! coelorum facies nova , & novus frons antiquusque vigor recurrit omnis ; nympharum proprius decor , suusque , fonte & castalides suo replentur . dignaris mihi , caeterisque grandem impertire salutem , & ipse plenus phoebi numine , laeta gratiarum musarumque cohors amoena , circum te ( sherleie ) canunt , & ore captat dulci quae que tuo jocosa carmen . sic optatus eras — abibit omnis infoecunda & opaca nostra nubes te claro rediente sole : noster exul jam genius redit ; poetam arridente oculo jucundus ipse musarumque suum pater salutat . tendunt jam vacuam chelyn camoenae , cingit laurea dum virens capillos : nectunt coelicolae ex tuo coronam horto ( mellifluae artifex minervae ) aptant inque tuum caput sorores — tu illis dulce levamen atque amico geo. hill . vvhen th' age groan'd out thou and thy must were gone , and epitaphs each wit was thinking on ; when to bestrew thy grave , and stick thy herse with herbs , or the more fragrant flowers of verse ; when to thy worth rich trophies how to raise , our fancies strove ; the cypresse then turn'd bayes , which on thy brow grac'd with poetick rage , secur'd thee from the thunder of the age . thus the springs warmth brings back by mild degrees , rayment and food to th' leafelesse , saplesse trees : thus the wingd quire their vocall lutes do string , and turtles having found their mates , do sing : thus like the quickning sun , thy flames do spread , and add new life to us , that fear'd thee dead . geo. hill . cupids call . ho ! cupid calls , come lovers , come , bring his wanton harvest home : the west-wind blowes , the birds do sing , the earth's enamell'd , 't is high spring : let hinds whose soul is corn and hay , expect their crop another day . into loves spring-garden walk , virgins dangle on their stalk , full blown , and playing at fifteen : come bring your amorous sickles then ? see they are pointing to their beds , and call to reap their maiden-heads . hark , how in yonder shadie grove sweet philomel is warbling love , and with her voice is courting kings , for since she was a bird , she sings , there is no pleasure but in men , oh come and ravish me agen . virgins that are youg and fair may kisse , and grow into a pair ; then warm and active use your blood , no sad thought congeal the flood : nature no med'cine can impart when age once snows upon our heart . to his unkind m. sure thy heart was flesh at first , for what sin hath it been curst into that stubborn thing of late , above the reach of wonder ? what in some winter was it lost , and its blood drunk up by frost , grew stiffe , and so a rock became ? yet this would soften at a flame . or didst thou bathe thy pretty limbs in some cold and fatal streams , which turn what they embrace to stone , and by degrees thy heart grew one ? i know not , but too true i find a quarry of prodigious kind : yet since i lov'd it , i will try from the warm limbeck of my eye , in such a method to distil tears on thy marble nature , till their frequent drops by loves new art , write my epitaph on thy heart ; that men may know for whom i die , and say beneath that stone i lie . good morrow . good morrow unto her , who in the night shoots from her silver brow more light then cynthia , upon whose state all other servile stars of beauty wait . good morrow unto her , who gives the day , whose eyes preserve a purer ray then phoebus , when in thetis streams he hath new bath'd himself , and washt his beames . the day and night are onely thine , and we were lost in darknes but for thee ; for thee we live , all hearts are thine , but none so full of faith and flame as mine . to his mistris . i would the god of love would die , and give his bow and shafts to me , i ask no other legacie : this happy fate i then would prove , that since thy heart i cannot move , i 'de cure , and kill my owne with love . yet why should i so cruel be to kill my self with loving thee , and thou a tyrant still to me ? perhaps , couldst thou affection shew to me , i should not love thee so , and that would be my med'cine too . then choose to love me , or deny , i will not be so fond to die a martyr to thy cruelty : if thou bee'st weary of me , when thou art so wise to love agen , command , and i 'le forsake thee then . to odelia . health to my fair odelia , some that know how many months are past since i beheld thy lovely brow , would count an age at least : but unto me whose thoughts are still on thee ; i vow by thy black eyes , 't is but an hour agoe . that mistris i pronounce but poor in blisse , that when her servant parts , gives not as much with her last kisse , as will maintain two hearts till both do meet to taste , what else is sweet . is 't fit time measure lov , or our affection it ? cherish that heart odelia , that is mine , and if the north thou fear , dispatch but from thy southern clime a sigh , to warm thine here : but be so kind to send by the next wind , 't is far , and many accidents do wait on war . to his mistris confined . think not my phebe , cause a cloud doth now thy heavenly beauty shroud , my wandring eye can stoop to common beauties of the sky . be thou but kind , and this eclipse shall neither hinder eyes , nor lips ; for we will meet within our hearts , and kisse , when none shall see 't . nor canst thou in thy prison be , without some loving signes of me , when thou dost spy a sun-beam peep into thy room , 't is i , for i am hid within that flame , and thus unto thy chamber came , to let thee see , in what a martyrdom i burn for thee . there 's no sad picture that doth dwell upon thy arras wall , but well resembles me . no matter though our yeers do not agree , love can make old , as well as time , and he that doth but twenty clime , if he will prove as true as i , shews fourscore yeers in love . loves hue and cry . in loves name you are charg'd , oh fly and make a speedy hue and cry after a face , which t'other day stole my wandring heart away : to direct you , take in brief these few marks to know the thief . her hair a net of beams , would prove strong enough to imprison jove drest in his eagles shape ; her brow is a spacious field of snow , her eyes so rich , so pure a gray , every look creates a day , and if they close themselves ( not when the sun doth set ) 't is night agen : in her cheecks are to be seen of flowers , both the king and queen , thither by all the graces led , and smiling in their nuptial bed : on whom , like pretty nymphs do wait her twin-born lips , whose virgin state they do deplore themselves , nor misse to blush , so often as they kisse without a man . beside the rest , you shall know this fellon best by her tongue , for when your ear once a harmonie shall hear so ravishing , you do not know whether you be in heaven , or no ; that , that is she ; o straight surprize , and bring her unto loves assize ; but lose no time , for fear that she ruine all mankind , like me , fate , and philosophy controul , and leave the world without a soul . goodnight . bid me no more goodnight ; because 't is dark , must i away ? love doth acknowledge no such lawes , and love 't is i obey : which blind , doth all your light despise , and hath no need of eyes when day is fled : besides the sun , which you complain is gone , 't is true , is gone to bed : oh let us do so too . would you know what 's soft ? i dare remit you to the down , or ayre : the stars we all acknowledge bright , the snow too is exceeding white : to please your sent , 't will not be hard to present you bruised nard : and would you heavenly musick hear , i 'le call the orbes to take your ear , if old pythagoras sing true . but ambrosia , heavenly dew divinely must affect your taste , and nectar is your drink at last . but would you have all these delights in one , know but the fair odelia , and 't is done , a fayring . a fayring if you ask , i will next day bestow upon you the new puppet play : the children made in wax , i dare not try , for i confesse , the modells at your eye will melt themselves away , and then you know the man will be undone , and lose his show . what monsters would you see ? i le bring a man has been in france or italy , that can play his deformities with all the fair . wee 'l for the cloysters , where the pictures are , the king and queens , the princes , all the babies , the paper lords , and all the painted ladies , the men of ginger-bread , what art can do , you shall see canibals will eat them too . wee 'l to the horse that dances , and ( 't is said ) tells money and which virgin is a maid . this beast must be an understanding creature , for he will snort you by instinct of nature : if you but name the pope , there 's somthing in 't , that a wall eye should read geneva print . these are but half the knacks wee 'l see , and buy , if you will walk into the fayr with me : but you are angry , mistris , troth , i meant a jest , in answer of your merriment ; for sure you cannot mean , with hope to gain that gift from me is worth your entertain . for whatsoever is not i , must be trifles , and empty things bestow'd on thee ; and you may thank your beauty for 't , i am so poor , i have not left my self a name , or substance , not translated thine before , he that bestow'd his heart , can give no more . if thou wilt have a fayring from me , then give my self back , i le give it thee agen . to l. for a wreath of bayes sent . soul of my muse ! what active unknown fire already doth thy delphick wreath inspire ? o' th sudden , how my faculties swell high , and i am all a powerful prophesie ! sleep ye dull caesars , rome will boast in vain your glorious tryumphs , one is in my brain , great as all yours , and circled with thy bayes , my thoughts take empire o're all land and seas : proof against all the planets , and the stroke of thunder , i rise up augustus oake within my guard of laurel , and made free from age , look fresh still as my daphnean tree . my fancie's narrow yet , till i create for thee another world , and in a state as free as innocence , shame all poets wit , to climb no higher then elizium yet , where the pale lovers meet , and teach the groves to sigh , and sing vain legends of their loves ; we will have other flights , and raste such things are onely fit for sainted queens and kings . musaeus , homer , and ye sacred rest , long since beleev'd in your own ashes blest , awake , and live again , and having wrote our story , wish your other songs forgot , and your selves too , but our high subject must in spite of death and time , new soul your dust . what cannot i command ? what can a thought be now ambitious of , but shall be brought by vertue of my charme ? i will undo the yeer , and at my pleasure make one new : all spring , whose blooming paradise , but when i list , shall with one frown wither agen . astrologers leave searching the vast skies , teach them all fate , odelia , from thine eyes ; all that was earth resolves , my spirit 's free , i have nothing left now but my soul and thee . to the painter preparing to draw m. m. h. be not too forward painter : 't is more for thy fame , and art , to misse all other faces , then come neer the lady , that expecteth here : be wise , and think it lesse disgrace to draw an angel , then her face : for in such formes , who is so wise to tell thee where thy error lies ? but since all beauty ( that is known ) is in her virgin sweetnes , one , how can it be , that painting her , but every look should make thee erre ? but thou art resolute i see ; yet let my fancy walk with thee : compose a ground more dark and sad , then that the early chaos had : and shew , to the whole sexes shame , beauty was darknes till she came : then paint her eyes , whose active light shall make the former shadows bright : and with their every beam supply new day , to draw her picture by : now , if thou wilt compleat the face , a wonder paint in every place . beneath these , for her fair necks sake , white , as the paphian turtles , make a pillar , whose smooth base doth show it self lost in a mount of snow : her brest , the house of chast desire , cold , but increasing others fire . but how i lose ( instructing thee ) thy pencil , and my poetry ? for when thou hast exprest all art , as high as truth , in every part , she can resemble at the best , one , in her beauties silence drest , where thou , like a dull looker on , art lost , and all thy art undone : for if she speak , new wonders rise from her teeth , chin , lip , and eyes : so far above that excellent did take thee first , thou wo't repent to have begun , and lose i' th' end thy eyes with wonder how to mend . at such a losse , here 's all thy choice , leave off , or paint her with a voice . to a l. who had courted a lady of much perfection , and after offered his service to another of an inferiour beauty and parts ; in confidence that the first would re-accept him . and can thy proud apostate eyes court her again , with hope t' entice one gentle language , or a smile upon a renegade so vile ? thing call'd a lord , forbear ; 't is fit ambition leave thee like thy wit . send for an exorcist from rome , and let him with full orders come , to dispossesse thy wanton sence of this grand divel , impudence . can she , in whom shines every grace , loves wide fancy can embrace , forget her nobler soul , to be upon thy pride retriv'd by thee ? she hath let fall too many beams ; thus heaven upon corrupted streams hath dropp'd transparent dew , which shewes the spring is cleer , whence crystal flowes . enjoy thy madnes , or what 's worse , thy new made mistris , 't is a curse to be in hell , but thine is more , whose eyes have witnest heaven before : th' hesperian apples thou maist see hereafter , but ne'er climb the tree ; for rather then thou gather fruit , the plant will wither at the root . dote still upon the dragon , she is fierce , and form'd enough for thee : and if thy owne ill can dispence , kisse there , and suck more poyson thence . a lover that durst not speak to his m. i can no longer hold , my body growes too narrow for my soul , sick with repose , my passions call to be abroad ; and where should i discharge their weight , but in her ear , from whose fair eyes the burning arrow came , and made my heart the trophie to her flame . i dare not . how ? cupid is blind we know , i never heard that he was dumb till now ; love , and not tell my mistris ? how crept in that subtle shaft ? is it to love a sin ? is 't ill to feed a longing in my blood ? and was 't no fault in her to be so good ? i must not then be silent , yet forbear , convey thy passion rather in some tear , or let a sigh expresse , how much thy blisse depends on her , or breathe it in a kisse , and mingle souls ; loud accents call the eyes of envie , and but waken jealousies : then silence be my language , which if she but understand , and speak again to me , we shall secure our fate , and prove at least the miracles of love are not quite ceast . bar frowns from our discourse , and ev'ry where a smile may be his owne interpreter . thus we may read in spite of standers by , whole volumes , in the twinckling of an eye . to one that said his mistris was old . tell me not time hath plaid the thief upon her beauty , my belief might have been mock'd , and i had been an heretick , if i had not seen , my mistris is still fair to me , and now i all those graces see that did adorn her virgin brow ; her eye hath the same flame in 't now , to kill or save , the chymists fire equally burns ; so my desire : not any rose-bud lesse within her cheek , the same snow on her chin : her voice that heavenly musick bears , first charm'd my soul , and in my eares did leave it trembling , her lips are the self same lovely twinnes they were : after so many yeers i misse no flower in all my paradise . time , i despise thy rage , and thee , theeves do not alwaies thrive , i see . vpon his m. dancing . i stood and saw my mistris dance , silent , and with so fixt an eye , some might suppose me in a trance , but being asked why , by one that knew i was in love , i could not but impart my wonder , to behold her move so nimbly with a marble heart . vpon his mistris sad . melancholy hence , and get some peece of earth to be thy seat , here the ayre and nimble fire would shoot up to meet desire ; sullen humor leave her blood , mixe not with the purer flood , but let pleasures swelling here , make a spring-tide all the yeer . love a thousand sweets distilling , and with pleasure bosomes filling , charm all eyes , that none may find us , be above , before , behind us : and while we thy raptures taste , compel time it self to stay , or by forelock hold him fast , least occasion slip away . a gentleman in love with two ladies . if love his arrowes shoot so fast , soon his feather'd stock will waste , but i mistake in thinking so : loves arrowes in his quiver grow ; and it appears too true in me , cupid wants no artillery , two shafts feed upon my brest , make it a mark for all the rest : kill me with love , thou angry sun of citherea , or let one , but one sharp golden arrow flie . to wound that heart for whom i die . cupid if thou bee'st a child , be no god , or be more mild . melancholy converted . welcom , welcom again to thy wits , this is a holy-day ; wee 'l have no plots , nor melancholy fits , but merrily passe the time away . they are mad that are sad ; be rul'd by me , and never were two so merry as we . the kitchin shall catch cold n● more , wee 'l have no key to the buttry dore , the fidlers shall sing , the house shall ring , and the world shall see what a merry merry couple we will be . to a mistris in whose letter some tears were dropt . think not my dearest mistris , that i can forget my vows to thee , and be a man : love is for more then life , that 's but a span . those drops which on thy letter did appear , at once both stain'd and made thy paper clear , i would have read thy eyes , and not thy tear . yet i le not chide thee for it , it may be to make me rich thou sentst those pearls to me : alas , i must be poor in wanting thee . had i a thought about me did not lay thee up a treasure to my love , i de say thy tears were sorrow for my sin , and pray . but knowing my selfe thine , how e're thou do an act to grieve my love , and thy owne too , my self i le flatter by not thinking so . examine thy own soul , and if thou find faith there , it was but coppyed from my mind ; which may be wounded , never be unkind . so farewel my odelia , be thou just , for when i die , i 'le love thee in my dust ; and when i fail thee most , secure thy trust . presenting his mistris with a bird . walking to taste the welcom spring , the birds which cheerful notes did sing on their green perches , 'mong the rest , one whose sweet warble pleas'd me best , i tempted to the snare , and caught , to you i send it to be taught ; 't is young , and apt to learn , and neer a voice so full of art , and cleer as yours , it cannot choose but rise quickly a bird of paradise . vpon scarlet and blush coloured ribbands given by two ladies . let other servants boast a snowy glove , or glory in their mistris hair , or think they straight immortal prove if they once obtain to wear a ring enamell'd , by her finger blest , wherein the rainbow is exprest , in whose circle cupid dwelling , doth offer a sweet poesie to their smelling . not all the orient beauties that embrace fair venus neck , nay grant that she daigne to disfurnish her own face , and bestow her mole on me : not this , nor those are half so rich , so fair as these two silken ribbands are ; favours juno might have given the graces , on her wedding day in heaven . mysterious colours ! carrying more then show , for you expresse in your rich dye rare vertues , which the givers owe , constant love , and modesty : to which when i prove false , my blood be curst , to satisfie the injur'd first : shame be next reward , and then i forfeit blush , and scarlet back agen . to his mistris upon the bayes withered . fair cruel , see the bayes which thou didst send to crown my verse : how well with cypresse , and sad ewe would it become my herse ? 't is thy unkindnes that doth kill the leaves , which fade like me , yet on the wreath but cast a smile , 't will seem another tree . such shine will quicken what is dead , then send it me agen , which shall have vertue on my head , to make the wearer green . thus in a frost i 'le meet a flame , and phoebus priest am made , and thee , i growing fresh , will name my nymph , my light , my shade . strephon , daphne . s. come my daphne , come away , we do waste the crystal day ; 't is strephon calls . da. what would my love ? s. come follow to the mirtle grove ; where venus shall prepare new chaplets for thy hair . d. were i shut up within a tree , i de rend my bark to follow thee . s , my shepherdesse , make haste , the minutes slide too fast : d. in those cooler shades will i blind , as cupid , kisse thine eye . s. in thy perfumed bosome then i le stray , in such warm snow who would not lose his way ? chor. wee 'l laugh and leave this world behind , and gods themselves that see , shall envie thee , and me : but never find such joyes , when they embrace a deity . taking leave when his mistris was to ride . how is it my ungentle fate , when love commanded me to wait upon my saint , by break of day , i brought a heart , but carried none away ? when we joyn'd ceremonious breath , and lips , that took a leave like death , with a sad parting thought opprest , did it leave mine , to glide into her brest ? or was it when like pallas she was mounted , and i gaz'd to see , my heart then looking through mine eye , did after her out at that window flie ? 't was so , and cause i did not ride , my heart would lackey by her side , or some more careful angel be , to see my mistris safe convey'd for me . nay then attend thy charge , nor fear storms in the way , and if a tear by chance , at looking back on thee bedew her eye , drink that a health to me . but smile at night , and be her guest , at once her musick and her feast , and if at any mention made of me , she sigh , say all thy travell 's paid . but when shee 's gently laid to rest , oh listen softly to her brest , and thou shalt hear her soul , but see thou wake her not , for she may dream of me . but what 's all this , when i am here , if fancie bid thee welcom there ? heart , this last dutie i implore , or bring her back , or see thy cell no more . love for enjoying . fair lady , what 's your face to me ? i was not onely made to see , every silent stander by may thus enjoy as much as i. that blooming nature on your cheek , is still inviting me to seek for unknown wealth , within the ground are all the royal mettals found , leave me to search , i have a thread through all the labyrinth shall lead , and through every winding veine conduct me to the golden mine ; which once enjoy'd , will give me power to make new indies every houre : look on those jewells that abound upon your dresse , that diamond no flame , no lustre could impart , should not the lapidaries art contribute here and there a star , and just such things ye women are , who do not in rude quarries shine , but meeting us y' are made divine . come let us mixe our selves , and prove that action is the soul of love ; why do we coward-gazing stand , like armies in the netherland , contracting fear at eithers sight , till we both grow too weak to fight ? let 's charge for shame , and chuse you whether one shall fall , or both together ; this is loves war , who ever dies , if the surviver be but wise , he may reduce the spirit fled , for t'other kisse will cure the dead . vpon the princes birth . fair fall the muses that in well-chim'd verse our princes happy birth do sing , i have a heart as full of joy as their's , as full of duty to my king , and thus i tell how every bell did ring forth englands merry glee , the bonefires too , with much adoe it were great pity to belye her , made all the city seem one fire , a joyful sight to see . the graver citizens were foxt that day , with beer and joy most soundly paid , the constables in duty reeld away , and charged others them to aid : to see how soon both sun and moon , and the seven stars forgotten be ; but when 't was night their heads were light , to which they did exalt their horn , because a prince of wales was born : a joyful &c. the dutch-men having drunk so much before , could not so well expresse their joy : the french condemn'd not to be sober more , drank healths unto the royal boy , in their own wine , neat , brisk , and fine : the valiant irish , cram-a-cree , it pledged hath in vsquebagh , and being in this jovial vein , they made a bogg even of their brain , a joyful &c. the welsh for joy her cosin prince was born , was mean to change s. tavie's day , swearing no leeks was be hereafter worn but on the twenty nine of may : none so merry drinking perry , and metheglin on their knee ; was every man a trojan than ; thus arm'd the tivel her defie , and dare tell beelzebub her lie . a joyful &c. the scots in bonny ale their joy did sing , and wish'd the royal babe a man that they might beg him but to be their king , and let him rule'em when he can : the spanjard made a shrugg , and said after my pipe , come follow me , canary sack did go to wrack , some marchants went to malago , some drown'd in good old charnico , a joyful &c. and now let all good subjects prayers ascend , that heaven with milk would swel their brest that nurse the babe , may angels still attend to rock him gently to his rest . let his glory raise a story worthy an immortal pen : so charles god blesse , our queen no lesse , and in conclusion of my song , i wish that man without a tongue that will not say amen . to his honoured friend tho. stanley esquire , upon his elegant poems . a palsie shakes my pen , while i intend a votive to thy muse ; since to commend with my best skill , will be as short of thee , as thou above all future poesie . thou early miracle of wit and art , that hath prodigiously so got the start of ages in thy study ; time must be old once agen in overtaking thee . i know not where i am , when i peruse thy learned loves , how willingly i lose my self in every grove ? and wish to be ( might it contribute to thy wreath ) a tree , carew , whose numerous language did before steer every genial soul , must be no more the oracle of love , and might he come but from his own to thy elizium , he would repent his immortality given by loose idolaters , and die a tenant to these shades , and by thy ray he need not blush to court his celia . thy numbers carry height , yet cleer , and terse , and innocent , as becomes the soul of verse : poets from hence may add to their great name , and learn to strike from chastity a flame . but i expect some murmuring critick here should say , no poems ever did appear without some fault , this i must grant a truth , and sir , let me deal plainly with your youth , not error-proof yet , somthing may admit a censure , if you will secure your wit , i know the onely way to bring 't about , accept my love , and leave this coppy out . to the e. of s. upon his recovery . my lord , the voice that did your sicknes tell , strook like a midnight chime or knell ; at every sound i took into my sence a wound , which had no cure till i did hear your health agen restor'd , and then there was a balsame powr'd into mine ear . it was my wonder first , what could invade a temper was so even made ; then fear stept in , lest nature should commit a sin by yeelding to resigne your breath , upon whose herse all tears and verse would fall , but not enough lament your death . but hymnes are now requir'd , 't is time to rise , and pay the altar sacrifice , my heart allowes no gummes , nor amber , but pure vowes , there 's fire at breathing of your name , and do not fear , i have a tear of joy , to curb any immodest flame . in you , since honour is restor'd , oh may health in your noble bosome stay , and with your blood move in a circle all that 's good ; and though time sicken with his yeers , and winter's come , let your age bloome , and look as fresh as when the spring appears . one that loved none but deformed women . what should my mistris do with hair ? her frizling , curling , i can spare ; but let her forehead be well plough'd , and hempe within the furrowes sow'd . no dressing should conceal her ear , which i would have at length appear , at which should hang with a device , the wealthy pearls of both her eyes . and such a nose i would desire should represent the town a fire ; cheeks black , and swelling like the south , no tongue , nor mark within her mouth . oh give me such a face , such a grace , no two should have sport , or in wedlock better agree : the divel should into the bawdy court if he durst but cuckold me . the common-wealth of birds . let other poets write of dogs , some sing of fleas , or fighting frogs , anothers muse be catching fish , and every bird cook his owne dish . the common-wealth of birds i bring to feast your eares : then hear me sing . a buzzard is the major o' th' town , and gulls are brethren of the gown , some widgens of the peace and quorum , commit all that are brought before um . cocks are the under-men of trade , within whose hall a law is made , that every spring each citizen shall march , to bring the cuckoe in . every constable has a claw , a head of batt , and brain of daw ; and as wife as these , you will know the watchmen by their bill ; who take no wandring owles by night but they convey them to the kite who keeps the compter , where together they laugh , and drink , and molt their feather . if you come to court , there are a robin red-brest , and a stare ; canary birds do sigh , not sing , the larks have quite forgot the spring . what should harmonious birds sing there , when a rook 's master of the quire ? they that do practise common-pleas with greatest art , are goldfinches : and crowes by physick , plump , and thrive , men die , that birds of prey may live . if for the church you look , sad age ! you 'l find the clergie in a cage : faith and religion declines , when good wits are no more divines : for lapwings every-where you 'l see perch up , and preach divinitie ; who sing , though every soul be vext , here 't is , when farthest from their text . but what most admiration moves , the souldiers are all fighting doves ; and no reward for prose , or verse , the scholars are turn'd wood-peckers . so fast the various birds intrude , art cannot name them ; to conclude , every wise-marris a vvren , and black-swans the honest men . a wonder in the close i bring , a nightingale to these is king , who never ( sweet bird ) goes to rest , but has a thorne upon his brest . to the excellent pattern of beauty and vertue , l. el. co. of or. madam , were you but onely great , there are some men whose heat is not the muses , nor their pen steer'd by chast truth , could flatter you in prose , or glorious verse , but i am none of those : i never learn'd that trick of court to wear silk at the cost of flatt'ry , or make dear my pride , by painting a great ladies face when she had don 't before , and swear the grace was natures ; anagram upon her name , and add to her no vertue , my owne shame . i could not make this lord a god , then try how to commit new court idolatry ; and when he dies , hang on his silent herse wet elegies , and haunt his ghost in verse : these , some hold witty , thriving garbs ; but i choose to my losse a modest poesie ; and place my genius upon subjects fit for imitation rather then bold wit ; and such are you , who both in name and blood born great , have learn'd this lesson to be good . arm'd with this knowledge , madam , i not fear to hold fair correspondence with the year , and bring my gift , hearty , as you are fair , a servants wish , for all my wealth is prayer , which with the yeer thus enters . may you be still the same flowing goodnes that we see . in your most noble lord be happy still , and heaven chain your hearts into one will ! be rich in your two darlings of the spring , which as it waits , perfumes their blossoming , the growing pledges of your love , and blood ; and may that unborn blessing timely bud , the chast , and noble treasure of your womb , your owne , and th'ages expectation come ! and when your daies and vertues have made even , die late , belov'd of earth , and change for heaven . to the h. lady , d. c. at his departure . madam whose first stile is good , great in vertue as in blood , for my entertainment , take this warm sacrifice , i make in wishes , which flow best , which art hath little traffick with the heart . may every sun that rises , pay you pleasure long liv'd as the day , and at night the silent streams of pious thoughts fill up your dreams : for him , to whom your heart is tyed , keep it still virgin , and bride , that often as you go to bed , you give and take a maiden-head . never sigh , but when you pray , may your husband smile all day : and when clouds make dark his skie , strike new day-light from your eye , and if e're he think amisse , may you cure him with a kisse ! but to keep his heart at home , be rich in treasures of your womb , and taught by examples of your love , with every olive-branch a dove . a letter to the lady d. s. sent with a new comedy . madam , who make the glory of your blood no priviledge at all to be lesse good ; pardon the rudenes of a comedy , that ( taught too great ambition ) would flie to kisse your white hand , and receive from thence , both an authority , and innocence . 't is not this great man , nor this prince , whose fame can more advance a poem , then your name , to whose dear vertue truth is bound , and we , that there is so much left for history . i do acknowledge custom , that to men such poems are presented , but my pen is not engaged , nor can allow too far a salique law in poetry , to bar ladies th'inheritance of wit , whose soul it active , and not able to controul , at some usurp the chair , which write a stile to breathe the reader better then a mile ; but no such empty titles buy my flame , nor will i sin so much to shew their name in print ; some servile muses be their drudge , that sweat to find a patron , not a judge . to you great lady then , in whom do meet candor and judgement , humble at your feet i throw these papers , wishing you may see joyes multiplyed , to your eternity . to the never enough honoured e. of st. on new-yeares day at night , after other entertainment . sir , give me leave to court your stay , there is somthing i must pay , due to your greatnesse , and the day , which by a revolution of the sphere is proud to open the new-year , and having look'd on you , hath hid his face , and chang'd his robe , with stars to grace and light you going to bed , so wait with trembling lustre on your state . shine brighter yet , y are not the same , cleer lamps you were , shine like the name of him i bow to , while a flame active and burning here with pure desires , shall equal your best borrow'd fires . may health , the bosoms friend stream through your blood and know no end of the chast flood : and though time shift , and yeers renew , may yet the spring be still in you . may she , whom heaven hath sweetly grac'd and in your noble bosome plac'd , whose heart , by onely you embrac'd hath made one true , and holy gordian prove fruitful in children as in love : and may that fair top branch , whose early bloom doth promise all the fruit can come to vertue , and your name , be blest , and live a story to the rest . all honour with your same increase , in your bosome dwell soft peace , and justice the true root of these . wealth be the worst , and outside of your fate , and may not heav'n your life translate , till for your royal master , and this isle . your acts have fill'd a chronicle . in all that 's great and good , be bold , and every yeer be coppy of the old . to w. m. of n. hail great preserver of the king and your owne honour ; such a thing at court but rare appears ; and when in calmer years so much vertue , so much crime shall be read both at one time : treason shall want a child , and your worth knowne , posterity shall thank the kingdoms grone . when i before did fancy men of a most glorious soul , my pen did prophesie of you , to whom so much is due , that each patriot must rise to court you with a sacrifice , and boldest writers telling ages , why need fear no fiction in their poetry . great both in peace and war , thus fame did honour sidney ; on your name two laurels grew , and they that speak them both , may say , thus the fluent ovid wrote , and thus too , wise caesar fought ; for when your story shall be perfect , you may both deserve , and have their envies too . to m. phil. massenger on his renegado . dablers in poetry , that onely can court this weak lady , or that gentleman with some loose wit in time ; others that fright the time into belief with mighty words , that tear a passage through the ear ; or nicer men that through a perspective will see a play , and use it the wrong way , ( not worth thy pen ) though all their pride exalt them , cannot be competent judges of thy lines or thee . i must confesse i have no glorious name to rescue judgement , no poetick flame to dresse thy muse with praise , and phoebus his owne bayes ; yet i commend this poem , and dare tell the world i lik't it well ; and if there be a tribe , who in their wisdom dare accuse the off-spring of thy muse ; let them agree , conspire one comedie , and they will say 't is easier to commend then make a play . io. you virgins that did late despair to keep your wealth from cruel men , tye up in silk your eareles hair , soft peace is come agen . now lovers eyes may gentle shoot a flame that wo'not kill : the drum was angry , but the lute shall whisper what you will . sing io , io , for his sake , who hath restor'd your drooping heads , with choice of sweetest flowers make a garden where he treads . whil'st we whole groves of laurel bring , a petty triumph to his brow , who is the master of our spring , and all the bloom we owe . to a l. upon a looking-glasse sent . when this crystal shall present your beauty to your eye , think that lovely face was meant to dresse another by . for not to make them proud these glasses are allow'd to those are faire , but to compare the inward beauty with the outward grace , and make them fair in soul as well as face . a song in a play called hide-parke . . come muses all that dwel nigh the fountain , made by the winged horses heel , which firked with his rider over each mountain , let me your galloping raptures feel : i do not sing of fleas or frogs , nor of the well mouthed hunting dogs ; let me be just , all praises must be given to the wel-breath'd iilian thrust . . young constable and kill deers famous , the cat , the mouse , and noddy gray , with nimble pegabrig you cannot shame us with spanjard nor with spinola : hill climbing whit-erose , praise doth not lack , handsome dunbar , and yellow jack : but if i be just , all praises must be given to the well-breathed iilian thrust . . sure spurred sloven , true running robin , of young shaver i do not say lesse , strawberry some , and let spider pop in , fine bruckly and brave lurching besse , victorious too was herring shotten , and spit in his arse was not forgotten , but if i be just , all honour must be given to well breathed iilian thrust . . lusty george , and gentleman hark yet , to wining mackarel , fine mouthed freak , bay tarral that won the cup at new-market , thundring tempest , black dragon eak , precious sweetlips i do not lose , nor tobie with his golden shooes ; but if i be just , all honour must be given to well-breathed iilian thrust . epithalamium . . oh look anon , if in the seeded sky you misse no stars , here i did spy two gliding by . . did not thy trembling sence mistake the shine ? which from the flaming marriage pine shot like divine . . no , no , oh no , within his stock of light hymen was never half so bright ; . behold the nuptial train come smiling back again ; hymen , hold up thy torch . . now , now i see the virgin bride , fair willoughby , from whose fair eyes this day did rise , . whilst her chast blushing strowes fresh roses on the morning as she goes . . what musick have they ? . none , but what 's the bridegroomes owne : see where he follows to supply all that a well tun'd ear can wish to hear , being himself a walking harmony . chorus . heaven on this payr drop all the joyes of love , health , fortune , pleasure , boyes . a mother hearing her child was sick of the small-poxe . what hath my pretty child misdone ? that heaven so soon , ( as if it did repent the sweetnes it had lent ) making so many graves , mistook the place , and buryed all her beauty in her face . but it foresaw if she remain'd fresh and unstain'd , so blooming in each part , she might take every heart , charme all the muses to forget their verse , or name no beauty in their song , but hers . but this is still my sorrow child , with which turn'd wild , i send my tears to seek , and bathe thy withered cheek : which could my kisses reach , with warm supplies , i would leave thee no spots , or me no eyes . epithalamium . to his noble friend , mr. i. w. adorn the altar , many come to day to sacrifice : but first upon 't let me presume to lay my grain of spice ; 't is all i have , though others bring rich gifts , mine is the offering . live one in heart so long , till time forget you have been two , upon your bosomes , joyes more frequent sit then pearls of dew on the green check of earth , but may no sun kisse one of these away . plenty your tables , chast desires still meet to crown your beds ; and may the bridegroom the first night beget new maidenheads . i could say more , but verse is tyed , wild joyes in prose are best supply'd . a catch . come let us throw the dice who shall drink , mine is ⚅ ⚅ and his ⚅ ⚄ ⚅ and ⚃ is a cast , ⚅ and ⚂ not too fast , come aloft ⚄ ⚂ , ⚅ ⚀ fair play . ⚃ ⚁ is your throw sir , ⚃ ⚀ they run low sir ⚁ ⚁ we see ⚁ ⚀ is but three , oh where is the wine , come fill up his glasse , for here is the man that has thrown ⚀ ⚀ . on a black ribband . though love , and honour take a pride to dresse their servants in these silken liveries , but choose the colours alwaies gay , and bright , excluding black , as the dark child of night , ( which constant to its own complexion , knows not how to blush , nor one indulgence owes either to beauty , or the gift of kings , this jealousie , and that vexation brings ) give me the black embracement on my arme , which like a potent amulet , or charme , shall countermand all magick , and defie the smiles of love , and snares of majesty . of this , i 'le be more proud , then when the fair odelia once gave me her wreath of hair , wherin , her fingers taught by love , had wrought a net , to catch , and hold each subtle thought . this mourning bracelet is to me above all ribbands , which the robinhoods of love are trickt withall , who but present at court which are the race-nags for the ladies sport . give me that sable ornament , that may vye honour with the nova scotia : or crimson bath ; and still reserv'd to'th' king my reverence , who is the soul , and spring of english honour , for the garters sake , i should not mourn , although the blue were black , and 't is within his brest , when charles will please to create one of black , to outshine these , for what bold antiquaries will deny , of colours , sable the first heraldry ? all orders have their growth , and this , when sent to me , had somthing that was glorious meant , from one , whose blood writes noble , but his mind and souls extraction leave that stream behind : and this who knowes in calmer time may thrive , and grow into a name , if arts survive ? till when , to this black arme-let , it shall be my honour to be call'd a votary . to gent. that broke their promise of a meeting , made when they drank claret . there is no faith in claret , and it shall henceforth with me be held apocryphal . i le trust a small-beer promise , nay a troth wash'd in the thames , before a french wine oath . that grape , they say is binding ; yes , 't is so , and it has made your souls thus costive too . circe transform'd the greeks , no hard designe , for some can do as much with claret wine upon themselves , witnes you two , allow'd once honest , now turn'd ayre , and a-la-mode . begin no health in this , or if by chance the kings , 't will question your allegiance ; and men will after all your rufling , say , you drink as some do fight , in the french way ; engage and trouble many , when 't is known , you spread their interest to wave your owne . away with this false christian , it shall be an excommunicate from mirth , and me ; give me the catholique diviner flame , to light me to the fair odelias name : 't is sack that justifies both man and verse , whilst you in lethe-claret still converse . forget your owne names next , and when you look with hope to find , be lost in the church-book . vpon a gentlewoman that died of a fever . death , time , and sicknes , had been many a day conspiring this sweet virgin to betray ; at last impatient , vow'd e're the next sun , to finish what their malice had begun . sicknes went slowly on , but time , apace , death lag'd behind , by night all reacht the place . but when resolv'd of a surprize , they came , they found her guarded by a holy flame her waking fever kept , this did affright the theeves , who are still fearful of the light . time stayes without ; but sicknes , by the sin of bribing a false servant , was let in : death follow'd the advantage , and did creep into her chamber , where though in her sleep , sicknes faint-hearted could not stop her breath , but she soon found the icie hand of death . her grone awak'd some friends , and the maid kild , with sighes , and clamors all the ayre was fill'd fearing a swift pursuite , time ran away , sicknes no longer had the heart to stay , death with his prey soon hid him under ground , not since by any living creature found . vpon the death of g. m. i lov'd him , and i lost him too , then why should others weep their farewel , and not i ? if souls know more by being body free , he 'l know from all the rest , these drops from me . then flow apace , i see where store of rain is met , and swoln it self into a main , go lose your selves in that , it cannot be in vain , to add some water to the sea , since heaven , whose glorious constellations are so many , hath yet took another star . if any think my grief has but a face of mourning , and my tears a common place . be judg your selves , that know what 't is to leave a friend , then wisely teach me how to grieve : be judge you that did want him , while he liv'd , but more now , since he then your lives repriv'd , forfeit to miseries , and let me know what height and method you 'l prescribe your wo ! be judge that were companions of his wit , and knew with what wise art he manag'd it . when natures darling bleeds , who can be found whose heart would not drop balme into the wound ? last be you judges , who best teach the way , and steer our erring souls to heaven , then say how much divinity is gone , and by your grief i le learn to write his elegie . vpon the death of k. james . when busie fame was almost out of breath , with telling to the world king james his death , i gave the voice no credit ; not that i beleev'd in law , that kings can never die : for though of purer mold , at last they must resolve to their cold principle , the dust , distinguish'd onely from the common men , that being dead , their dust is royal then . what though the king were old ? as soon must they be at home , whose journey 's down-hill all the way . but i would trust my eye , not every sound , the ear oft catches things at false rebound . to cleer my doubts , some told me , that did bring by torch-light , the dead body of the king : when every star , like kinsmen to the dead , that night close-mourners , hid their golden head , and had repos'd that royal burden , where his people might embalm him with their tear . sorrow finds quick direction : i came to a fair house , i cannot giv 't a name , it had so many , onely this i know , it might be aptly call'd the house of wo , deaths inne of late for princes , who there lay , as taking but a lodging in their way to the dark grave . entred the court , i see many attir'd in black , but this might be their abstinence for lent , for who is there that cannot fast from colours once a yeer ? after some justling with the guard , i came toth' presence , which but mockt me with a name , for it presented nothing to my eye but blacks , and tears for absent majesty . thence to the privie-chamber i did passe , in hope to find him there , but there , alas ! i found new shapes of sorrow , men whose eyes drunk up by tears , shew'd life in a disguise : the mourning state here did renew my wo for the lost presence , velvet hangings too made sorrow of more value , which beheld the ' scutcheon royal in a sable field . to the bed-chamber , then ( the shrine some said , where the pale body of the king was laid ) my wild devotion brought me , this sad room at first did fright me , opening like a tomb , to shew me death , where tapers round about flameles , would tell me that our light was out : but by that melancholy day was lent i might discover on his monument a king , with subtle artifice so set , my sense did stagger at the counterfet . alas , was this the way to gain belief that he was dead , to paint him now to life ? as if , when we had lost him , it had been enough to have thought him but alive agen : but to these sad remonstrances i give no faith , the king i sought , might be alive , for all these figures , and their makers be ( at least as my soul wish'd ) more dead then he . from thence to hite-hall , when i came , with wing ▪ nimble as fear could make , i found the king , i triumph'd here , and boldly did revive , king james not dead , he was in charles alive . vpon the death of sr. th. nevill . swelling eyes forbear to weep , can the marble that doth keep so rich a nevill , not appear full of cold drops without your tear ? or the earth beneath his tombe not feel a labour in her wombe , when with her profaner dust his ashes mingle ? sure it must break with burden of new pain , and from her root he grow again . an elegie upon the honourable , fair , and vertuous m. borlase . come hither virgins that are good , and fair , insteed of flowers , here carelesse strew your hair , pay down the tribute due from all your eyes , for underneath this dewy marble lies one , worth you all ; although you cannot make her live again , 't is justice for her sake to weep your selves blind , for in vain you keep your eye-sight , while marya's gone to sleep , that was your path and leader : but away , you are but common mourners , for this day , hid in a storm of tears doth wait the name of great borlase , wounded , and led by fame . the mist is blown away , i see it come with temper'd hast to look into her tomb to find an arme , which from his body rent , does lie enbalmd in this white monument : forbear chief mourner , and consent to be without this limb , more must be torne from thee , and kept by death , till the whole body meet , and sleep together in one winding sheet . vpon the death of c. d. engineere , who died upon service to which had no command . if we those men for gallant justifie , who when they are commanded on , dare die : tell me , how glorious shall their valour stand , that dare like dalby , die without command ? though order be the life of war , the sword and bullet will not ask us for the word : nor did his courage know to make a pause , when honour call'd so loud , and such a cause as would untame a hermit , and make room with his own fire to meet the martyrdome . all that the sons of flegm and fear can say , is , that he might have liv'd , and so will they , like earth-wormes , safe in their owne slime , and sleep till the last trumpet wake'em , and then creep into some blind , and wish this worthy then alive to hide them in some turfes agen . but his soul , wing'd with nobler flame , found out not to be active , is the way about to glory , which he being fond to taste , they are too wise that blame him for his haste . epitaph on the duke of bvckingham . here lies the best and worst of fate , two kings delight , the peoples hate , the courtiers star , the kingdoms eye , a man to draw an angel by . fears despiser , villiers glory , the great mans volume , all times story . an elegie upon the truly honourable tho. viscount savage is savage dead ? and can the rock which bears his name , not strait dissolve it self in tears , and weep into the sea ? where it may have a burial too , whilst every frighted wave at this new guest may raise his curled head , and in a storm tell all the world who 's dead ? but here 's no want of flood , for every eye conspires in melting to an elegie . but first , see where the king and queen are come to pour their grief into their servants tombe , let publike sorrow be first serv'd , 't is cleer , the kingdom weeps in every princes tear , and now his children drop their pious rain , ( though none can soften his stiffe clay again ) and sigh , they had a father , from whose care and wealth in vertue , every child 's an heir . their tribute paid , close not the shrine , see where the treasure of his bosome doth appear . now coming to her saint with her drown'd eyes , ( for sorrow leads her where her dead lord lies ) to whose pale relique she devoutly payes a kisse , as holy as his life , and prayes with many tears , till quite dissolv'd in them , she seems contriv'd into a walking stream , as destiny had meant her to descend from rivers , but to satisfie this end . more sorrow doth attend this herse , for here 's a train of lords that follow , though no peers , for all the stock of honour is too low for competition , yet upon this woe wait all that in nobility are good , and he that weeps not , hath no gentle blood . nor are these all the mourners , see how fast the reer advances , i suspect their hast and weight may overbear his sepulcher : friends to the dead , contain your selves , nor fear you that were servants , crowding to the urne of your dead lord , but you 'l have time to mourn this your immortal losse . but why among set shapes of mourning , suffer ye to throng , those that prophane his monument , the poor ? what make they at his tomb , and leave his door ? he was their bread , and miracles not gone , they hope to find it in his funeral stone : he gave the blind men eyes too , and they can do no lesse now , then weep them out again . be sorrow free for all men , since he dies worth love of heaven , and the worlds sacrifice . vpon mr. charles beaumont who died of a consumption . while others drop their tears upon thy herse , sweet charles , and sigh to increase the wind , my verse pious in naming thee , cannot complain of death , or fate , for they were lately slain by thy own conflict ; and since good men know what heaven to such a virgin saint doth owe ; though some will say they saw thee dead , yet i congratulate thy life and victory : thy flesh an upper garment , that it might aide thy eternal progresse , first grew light : nothing but angel now , which thou wer 't neer almost reduc'd to thy first spirit here : but fly fair soul , while our complaints are just , that cannot follow for our chains of dust . the passing bell. hark , how chimes the passing bell , there 's no musick to a knell ; all the other sounds we hear , flatter , and but cheat our ear . this doth put us still in mind that our flesh must be resign'd , and a general silence made , the world be muffled in a shade ; he that on his pillow lies tear enbalm'd before he dies , carries like a sheep his life , to meet the sacrificers knife , and for eternity is prest , sad bell-weather to the rest . et longum formosa vale . — friendship , or verses sent to a lover , in answer of a copie which he had writ in praise of his mistris . o how i blush , to have ador'd the face of any mistris , when i gave the grace , for which i rob'd the flowers . how i did swear her eyes were stars , and loves soft nets her hair ? disgrac'd the chiming of the spheres , to tell her voice : and in her breath , profest to smell the eastern spices on the phoenix pile : and for her chin , and forehead , did beguil heaven of his milky way : these trimmings must be paid again , they 're taken all on trust . but let the mistris thou dost serve , be fair with her owne beauty , as some such there are compound with the whole sex , to make a mind include the graces of fair woman-kind ; i shall not think her worth my praise , or smile , and yet i have a mistris all this while , but am a convert from that sex , and can reduc'd to my discretion , love a man , with honour , and religion ; such a one as dares be singly vertuous gainst the town ; a man that 's learned too , and for his parts is held a prodigie of all the arts ; a man of a cleer soul , bold , temperate , free , fortune and passion wear his liverie , and do obey ; and when he will resigne to mirth , is in at all things , but the wine : of an extraction noble , and to do him and the wonder right , he is young too : as handsome as thy mistris , more divine , and hath no fault but that i call him mine : my jealousie doth cloud his name , 't is fit , nor art thou ripe for thy conversion yet . the garden . this garden does not take my eyes , though here you shew how art of men can purchase nature at a price would stock old paradise agen . these glories while you dote upon , i envie not your spring nor pride , nay boast the summer all your own , my thoughts with lesse are safisfied . give me a little plot of ground , where might i with the sun agree , though every day he walk the round , my garden he should seldom see . those tulips that such wealth display , to court my eye , shall lose their name , though now they listen , as if they expected i should praise their flame . but i would see my self appear within the violets drooping head , on which a melancholy tear the discontented morne hath shed . within their budds let roses sleep , and virgin lillies on their stemme , till sighes from lovers glide , and creep into their leaves to open them . i th' center of my ground compose of bayes and ewe my summer room , which may so oft as i repose , present my arbour , and my tombe . no woman here shall find me out , or if a chance do bring one hither , i le be secure , for round about i le moat it with my eyes foul weather . no bird shall live within my pale , to charme me with their shames of art , unlesse some wandring nightingale come here to sing , and break her heart . upon whose death i 'le try to write an epitaph in some funeral stone , so sad , and true , it may invite my self to die , and prove mine owne . c●rse woman , i cannot call thee worse , for thy vow-break , take this curse , may that man whom thy embrace shall make happy in my place , at a time when all thy blood lust hath poyson'd , and no good left in a thought , strike with that aire he breathes upon thee next , despair , some death in his curld forehead fit , and every kisse more cold then it : yet live , and my revenger be ; for when thou dost this gorgon see , betwixt thy horror , and no doubt but that thou art a stone throughout ; with some knife or poniard wound thy heart , till falling to the ground , and pale , the world beleeve thee dead , but not one tear upon thee shed . no matter where thy spirit flies , or whose pity close thine eyes . to the proud m. proud woman , know i am above as much thy anger as thy love : i did once think thou hadst a face ; but when next thou tak'st thy glasse , if thou canst see through so much paint , pray to thy owne ; no more my saint ; thy eyes , those glouring twinnes , shall be no more misleading fires to me ; nor hope they shall continue bright , for i will curse out all their light : but this would shew that i were vext , and so thy tryimph might be next that thou should'st force me into rage : no , i will laugh thee into age , strike wrinkles on thy brow , and not discompose my pleasant thought , till thou , thy witches face despise , and grow angry with their eyes , thus wretched thou shalt wish to die , but late obtain it ; and when i have j●erd thee into dead and rotten , i le throw thee into quite forgotten . cupid ungodded . why how now cupid , grown so wild ? so great a tyrant , and a child ? what wert thou but an empty shade , until our superstition made thee first a god ? blind , young , to be a soft and harmeles deitie . our fancy gave thee that rich pair of wings , to wanton in the ayre : thy gaudy quiver , and thy bow , and golden shafts we did bestow , but for no other exercise then to kill bees , or butterflies . but since thou hast employ'd thy darts onely to wound thy makers hearts , and that thy wings serve but to flie from lovers , when they bleeding die ; thy blindnesse us'd but to invite our pitty , till we lose our sight , thy weaknes , not through want of yeers , but from the surfet of our tears ; stoop to the justice of thy fate , we can unmake that did create . and first give back ( ingrateful thing ) to us that made thy glorious wing those painted feathers thou shalt find contemnd , and tost by every wind , till wandring in some night , they are the mark of a prodigious star , and blasted ; these the world shall name the spotted wings of evil fame : next , give thy arrows back , which we did mean for love , not cruelty . that rich enamell'd bow is mine , come , that gay quiver too resigne , and shining belt ; these will i burne , and keep their ashes in some urne , till open'd on that solemn day , when men to souls sad requiems pay : lovers shall curse , and sigh , and make a new letany for thy sake . but thou art still alive ; and be ; to murder , were to pitie thee . know wretch , thou shalt not die , before i see thee begging at some dore : and taken for a vagrant stript , then by a furious beadle whipt , no more with roses , but with thorn : to all the world thus made a scorn , i le give thee eyes before we part , to see thy shame , and breake thy heart . fye on love . now fye on foolish love , it not befits or man or woman know it . love was not meant for people in their wits , and they that fondly shew it , betray the straw , and feathers in their braine , and shall have bedlem for their paine : if single love be such a curse , to marry is to make it ten times worse . to a beautiful lady . a way with handsome faces , let me see hereafter nothing but deformity ; ill-favour'd ladies may have souls , and those in a capacity to be sav'd , who knows ? all that are fair are false , and if you find a middle essence here of woman-kind , party par pale they are , and curst to be halting betwixt mishape and perjury . madam , put on your mask , your eyes have lost their charm ; your beauty be at your owne cost . i am ashore , go muster up the train of mermaids , i am deaf to every strain ; and will so voice their story to wise men , they shall not spawn upon the land agen . farewel fond love for ever ! but to be safe in my soul , i could want charity . dialogue . . i prethee tell me what prodigious fate hath discomplexion'd thee of late ? . love that doth change all minds and men , hath thus transformed me , and when thou seest her heavenly face . . describe her then . ● . her hairs are cupids nets . which when she spreads , she catches hearts and maidenheads ; her forehead the white alpes doth show , or rather 't is a shrine of snow , to which with fear approaching pilgrims bow . her eye-browes are loves bowes , from which her eyes do never shoot , but some man dies : her cheeks like two fair gardens rise , with the choise flowers of paradise . her lips disclose where musicks temple is . her tongue i call loves lightning , but the throne of graces is her neck alone , or poets may inspired say there the wanton doves do play , when venus means to make it holyday . . no more for shame ? how hath thy fancy straid ; what a chimera hast thou made to dote upon ? what would i give old michael angelo to revive ? make titian , vandike , or bold ruben live ? but suppose one of them , or all their art should paint this darling of thy heart a net , a rock , a shrine of snow , a church , a garden , and a bow , is 't not a pretty face compounded so ? or if a pencil , and their hand should make a flame of lightning , who will take this for a tongue ? or if men see a throne , doves billing two or three , who will commend this for a neck but thee ? collect thy scatter'd sence ( poor man ) be wise , love , but first give thy reason eyes ; thy fancie bears all like a flood ; reduce them to their flesh and blood , and women then are hardly understood . a postscript to the reader . i had no intention upon the birth of these poems , to let them proceed to the publik view , forbearing in my owne modesty to interpose my fancies , when i see the world so plentifully furnished . but when i observed most of these copies corrupted in their transcripts , and the rest fleeting from me , which were by some indiscreet collector not acquainted with distributive justice , mingled with other mens ( some eminent ) conceptions in print , i thought my self concern'd to use some vindication , and reduce them to my owne , without any pride or designe of deriving opinion from their worth , but to shew my charity , that other innocent men should not answer for my vanities . if thou beest curteous , reader , there are some errors of the presse scattered , which thy clemency will not lay to my charge : other things i remit to thy judgement : if thou beest modest , i repent not to have exposed them and my self to thy censure . j. s the witty fair one shirley, james this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text s in the english short title catalog (stc ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. martin mueller incompletely or incorrectly transcribed words were reviewed and in many cases fixed by hannah bredar lydia zoells this text has not been fully proofread earlyprint project evanston il, notre dame in, st.louis, washington mo distributed under a creative commons attribution-noncommercial . unported license a .xml the vvittie faire one¨ a comedie. as it was presented at the private house in drury lane. by her maiesties servants. by iames shirley. shirley, james, - . dpi tiff g page images university of michigan, digital library production service ann arbor, michigan january (tcp phase ) stc ( nd ed.) . greg, ii, . a

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 the vvittie faire one¨ a comedie. as it was presented at the private house in drury lane. by her maiesties servants. by iames shirley. wittie faire one wittie faire one. witty faire one. shirley, james, - . [ ] p. printed by b[ernard] a[lsop] and t[homas] f[awcet] for wil. cooke, and are to be sold at his shop, neere furnivals-inne gate, in holborne, london : .

partly in verse.

printers' names from stc.

signatures: a b-i k .

running title reads: the witty faire one.

reproduction of the original in the bodleian library.

 a shc the witty fair one shirley, james hannah bredar lydia zoells play comedy shc no a s (stc ). . f the rate of . defects per , words puts this text in the f category of texts with or more defects per , words. incorporated ~ , textual changes made to the shc corpus by hannah bredar, kate needham, and lydia zoells between april and july during visits, separately or together, to the bodleian, folger and houghton libraries as well as the rare book libraries at northwestern university and the university of chicago

the wittie faire one . a comedie .

as it was presented at the private house in drvry lane . by her maiesties servants .

by iames shirley .

hor. serm. lib. . men ' moveat cimex pantiluis ? aut crucier , quod vellicet absentem demetriùs ? — demetri , teque tigelli discipulorum inter iubeo plorare cathedras .

london printed by b. a. and t. f. for wil. cooke , and are to be sold at his shop , neere furnivals-inne gate , in halborne . .

to the trvely noble knight sir edward bvshell .

sir , your candide censure of some vnworthy poems which i haue presented to the world , long since made me your seruant in my thoughts , and being vnwilling to rest long in the silent contemplation of your noblenesse , i presumed at last to send this comedy , to kisse your hand , as the first degree to my greater happinesse in your more particular knowledge of me ; it wanted no grace on the stage , if it appeare acceptable to you in this new trimme of the presse , it will improoue abroad , and you oblige the author to acknowledge a fauour beyond the first applause . pardon the rudenesse of my publike addresse to you , in the number of many whom which more excuse , i might haue interrupted . i am bold , but your mercy will incline you not to despise these ( at the worst ) but errors of my devotion , and the weak expression of his seruice , whose desires are to be knowne ,

your true honourer , iames shirley .
dramatis personae . sir george , an old rich knight . mr. worthy , his brother . mr. aymwell , lover of violetta . mr. fowler , a wild young gentleman . sir nicholas , a foolish knight . mr. clare , gentlemen . mr. manly , gentlemen . tvtor , and companion to sir nicholas . braines , sir george's servant . whibble , mr. worthie's servant . . gent. footman . messinger . violetta , sir george's daughter : penelope , mr. worthie's daughter . sensible , chambermaides . winifride , chambermaides .
the vvitty faire one .
actvs , i.
scaena , i. enter sir george richley , master worthy , whibble a servant . mr. worthy .

so soone after dinner ?

sir geo:

i am engaged , and must away , excuse me brother .

m. wor:

well , make ready his horse .

whib.

his worships padde shall be prepared : if your golding be not ready in a minute , your worship shall ride me .

sir geo: i shall not need to vrge your care vpon my daughter , on whom next the deuotion of my soule to heauen , all my desires and thoughts reflect , i leaue her to your trust , and in my absence doubt not you will be both vncle and a father . wor. willingly , i would depose my selfe from both those titles , to serue my neece , her vertue will reward me , i know shee is your study , in your want i will put on your jealousie . sir geo. it would not become me to confine your entertainments , of friends and visitants , but remember brother , shee 's now my sole heyre , and by the late death or her twinne sister , shee deriues the right of all my wealth to her , gallants i feare i' th towne hold too fruitfull intelligence in these affaires , and if they be not watched they 'l with their wit charme all the dragons guard , these golden apples . worth.

there are such indeed .

sir geo. oh sir , there are too many , not a virgin left by her friends heyre to a noble fortune , but shee 's in danger of a marriage to some puft title , what are these enter the garden ? enter aymwell , fowler , and clare . wor. the gentlemen that din'd with vs — fow.

why how now franck , grown musty on a sud-dain ? head hung , and playing the thiefe thus with your friends , to steale your person from vs , what 's the matter .

aym.

nothing , nothing gentlemen .

clare .

very like , and yet you leaue our company for this nothing .

fow.

let 's in againe to the ladies .

sir geo.

what 's he .

wor. one master fowler a reputed wit i' th towne , affected by young gentlemen for his converse , yet liues vpon no pension but his owne fortune , and a faire one . th' other mr. clare , a friend to mr. aymwell , whom they both seeme to sollicite . sir geo.

mr. aymwell .

wor.

a hopefull gentleman .

sir geo. brother , did you not obserue at dinner his eyes shoote beames vpon my daughter ( more then i was pleas'd with ) mr. aymwell call you him , i may suspect vniustly , but such lookes are often loose conveyers . wor.

make no part of him your feare .

sir geo.

i doe not , when i call to mind my daughters vertue and obedience , shee knowes my purpose to dispose her to sir nicolas treedle .

wor.

and how doe you find her inclination ?

sir geo.

as i would direct it .

wor. she will maintaine it to your comfort sir , how euer with what vigilance becomes me , i will preserue it , while shee remaines within my custody . sir geo.

i le leaue a seruant to waite vpon her .

wor.

braines .

sir geo.

the same .

wor.

he is a cunning fellow .

sir geo. he has a sconce , carryes some subtilty which he employes still honestly in discharge of any trust committed to him . wor.

good .

sir geo. and 't is his pride . he was nere o're-reached in any action . wor.

he knowes his charge .

sir geo. perfectly , but i loose time , sir nicolas treedle expects me , this night i' the countrey . wor.

when d ee returne ?

sir geo. within these three dayes at most , trouble your selfe no further . wor.

i le waite on you to your horse sir . exeunt .

enter mr. aymwell . aym. sh 'as shot a fire into my bosome , from her eye , or i haue drawne in , at mine owne , loue poyson . oh my starres were too vngentle to poynt her out the mistris of my thoughts , who is so much like them , aboue the hope of euer clyming too , i see a fatall impossibility deuide vs , yet the more i would discharge this new guest , it strengthens it selfe within mee , and renewes vigour to keepe possession , shee s aboue mee and her great fortune makes my expectation so dull and painfull , a great heyre her vncle ? enter mr. wortby . wor. mr. aymwell what alone , come le ts to cards , where be the gentlemen . aym. within sir . h 'as sir george richley left vs ? wor.

some affaires importun'd his departure .

aym.

when shall wee expect him ?

wor. three dayes hence , this your enquirie doth promise you haue businesse with him . aym. little , but you did motion cards , i le chuse my partner and for a set or two i 'me at your seruice . wor.

make your owne election .

aym.

why d ee mocke mee .

wor.

how mocke you .

aym.

yes ?

wor.

you doe not meane in earnest .

aym.

i shall betray my passion .

wor.

i find him .

aym.

you m ' y for i am lost . enter mrs. violette .

vio.

hee 's here — good vncle , is my father gone ?

wor.

yes , gentle neece .

vio. delight in both your walkes i le take this arbor . aym. so breakes the day and hides it selfe agen among the westerne shades , were shee to dwell within your garden it should need no sunne . her smiles were powerfull to infuse a warmth into the flowers , her breath perfume your arbours the trees grow rich in blossome and beare fruit at the same instant , as 't were euer spring and euer summer when shee seates her selfe within some bower , the feathered quiristers shall play theyr musicke to her and take pride to warble aery notes till shee be weary , which when shee shall but with one accent of her owne expresse , an hundred nightingales shall fall downe dead from the soft boughes before her for griefe to be orechaunted . wor.

here 's prety madnes .

aym. 't is so , you haue done my passion iustice sir for loue is but a stragling from our reason . wor. if you doe loue my neece , let you and i talke out of metaphor . aym.

you know my father .

wor.

hee was my noble friend .

aym. for his sake , giue me your free answere to one question . wor. what is 't , promise your selfe what i can doe or say is at your seruice . aym. is there a possibility , admit i loved your neece , shee might be wonne at last to be my wife . wor. i le not dispute the extent of what is possible , yet my answere may be satisfactory . aym.

you were ever generous .

wor. i were vnciuill not to reply to a question , you shall finde my loue more fruitfull , you shall haue both my answere and my counsell . aym.

let me imbrace a perfect friend .

wor. d' ee know what fortune my young neece may bring her husband . aym. i guesse a great one , but i set more value vpon her person , my affection springs not from her wealth . wor. but yet her portion is worth your taking notice master aymwell , her father is a man who though he write himselfe but knight , keepes a warme house i' th countrey 'mongst his tenants , takes no lordly pride to trauell with a footman and a page to london , humbly rides th old fashion with halfe a douzen wholesome liueries , to whom he gives christian wages and not countenance alone to liue on , can spend by th' yeare eight hundred pounds , and put vp fine sleepes quietly without dreaming on morgages or statutes or such like curses on his land , can number may be ten thousand pound in ready coyne of 's owne , yet neuer bought an office for 't ha's plate no question , and iewels too in 's old ladies cabinet , beside other things worth an inuentory , and all this his daughter is an heyre too , now pray tell mee what 's your reuenue ? aym.

some . hundred pounds .

wor. per annum ? grant it , what expectation haue you abroad ? aym.

none .

wor. that 's quickly summon'd . you haue not made your loue knowne to my neece yet . aym.

no , my intention was to preacquaint you .

wor. y'haue done wisely , doe not thinke on her when y' are at prayers , she will but puzzell your deuotion , there 's no hope of her . aym.

ha!

wor.

i meane for you to arriue at her , your owne disparity in fortune .

aym.

i doe finde it .

wor. excuse my plainnesse sir , her father lookes a great deale higher , and to take away your least incouragement , to prosecute within my knowledge she 's design'd already to a wealthy gentleman , and within few dayes 't will be a marriage , you shall but procure your owne affliction to employ your hope where things remaine so desperate . aym.

i thanke you .

wor.

you doe your selfe more right .

aym. if such affaires haue past , it were not noble to continue this path , y 'aue done me gentle office sir i must beleeue y' are generous , this new flame my reason shall suppresse , before it growe too mighty for mee . wor. it becomes you well , loue like to sinne , inueterate is strong he preuents danger , that destroyes it yong . wor.

come to your freinds . exeunt .

enter fowler , penelope , clare . fow. your soft starres will not let you be so cruell lady , to giue repulse to a louer . cla. doe not belieue him , he does but complement , i ha' knowne him court a hundred , with as much formalitie , wooed 'em i th nuptiall cut , made verses o' their haire , set lillies and rosies , a whole

garden i' their cheekes , cherries i' their lippes , stellifie their eyes , and yet in a twinckling . —

penel.

sure you doe him wrong sir .

clare .

wrong ?

fow.

he measures my affection by the length of his own , prethee satyre chuse another walke , and leaue vs to inioy this , thou knowst not my intent .

cla.

thou mayst be honest with one , and that 's a miracle and will aske a strong faith to beleeue it , i hope shee has more wit then to trust your voluble courtship , i le seeke out my friend aymwell . vio. comes from the arbor .

viol.

sir , if your engagement require no hast .

penel.

i doe wonder a gentleman of your knowledge should so deceive himselfe .

fow.

expresse your selfe fairest .

penel.

faire sir , i am not taken with your flatteries , i can see through you .

fow.

if you haue so actiue an eye lady , you may see a throng of passions flaming at my hart , set a fire by your beauty i protest t' ee ; come , shame not your wisdome to beleeue report or opinion ath ' world , 't is a malicious age we liue in , if your eares haue beene abused with any ill noise , a me you shall tell your selfe if you loue me , the world is a shamelesse and miserable detractor , you doe not despise me lady . —

penel.

no , i pitty so handsome a gentleman , and of so faire a fortune , should want his eyes .

fow.

how blind ?

penel.

to your owne follies sir .

fow.

shall i sweare i loue you , as i am a gentleman .

pen.

as you are a gentleman , i know you can sweare any thing t' is a fashion y' are most constant in , to bee religiously wicked , an oath in your mouth and a reseruation in your hearts is a common courtship , doe not sweare as you are a gentleman .

fow.

as i am an honest man .

penel.

out vpon 't , that 's a worse , my taylor couzened me t'oher day with the same oath , saue your credit and let swearing alone , i dare take your word .

fow.

well sayd .

penel.

for a greater matter , but not for this , you and i ha not eaten a bushell of salt yet , in time i may be conuerted , and thinke your tongue and heart keepe house together , for at this time i presume they are very farre a sunder .

fow.

would you haue my tongue in my heart lady ?

penel.

no by my troth , i would rather finde your heart in your tongue , but you are valiant , and 't is onely feare they say , brings a mans heart vp to his mouth .

fow.

why , your wit is a tyrant now , pray tell me doe not you loue me mightily now aboue potatoes , come i see the little blind boy in your eyes already .

per.

loue you sir ?

fow.

yes , i know by your bitternesse you wish me well and thinke there is some hope i may be wonne too , you take paines to whip me so handsomely , come i le be a good child and kisse the rod .

cla. you oblige my seruice to you , i am one aymwell called friend , and shall be happy to convay him any knowledge may concerne him . vio. then briefly thus i vnderstand he loues mee pray you doe him the true office of a friend and councell him desist , i am dispos'd of already in my fathers thoughts , and must shew my obedience , he shall beget but his owne trouble , if he moue it to my vnckle or my father , and perhaps draw their suspition and displeasure on me too , by so indiscreet proceeding , i would not haue a gentleman of his worth doe himselfe so great iniury to runne a course of so much hazard , if you please to beare the burden of my thankes for his on my part vndeseru'd opinion , and make him sensible , in time hee may place his affection where he may expect better returne , you shall discharge a friendship to him , and with it make my thoughts your debtor . cla. you haue exprest a noblenesse in this were all of your mind lady , there would be lesse willow worne . fow.

you would ha' me praise you now , i could ramble in your commendation .

pen.

i thinke so .

fow.

d ee but thinke so , why you shall heare mee , your hayres are cupids nets , a forehead like the fayrest coast of heauen without a cloud , your eybrow is loues bow whiles eyther eye are arrowes drawne to wound , your lips the temple or sacred phane of kisses often as they meere exchanging roses your tongue loues lightning , necke the milky path or throne where sit the graces , doe not i know that i haue abused you all this while , or doe you thinke i loue you a thought the better , or with all my poeticall daubings can alter the complection of a hayre now .

pen.

i would not haue you sir .

fow. no dispraise te' e i haue seene as handsome a woman

ride vpon a sacke to market , that neuer knew the impulsion of a coate or the price of a stammell petticoate , and i ha seene a worse face in a countesse ; what 's that ? must ye be proud because men doe call you handsome , and yet though wee are so foolish to tell you so , you might haue more wit then to beeleeue it , your eyes may be matcht i hope , for your nose there be richer in our sexe , t' is true that you haue colour for your hayre wee graunt it , and for your cheekes , but what doe your teeth stand you in lady , your lips are pretty but you lay 'em too open and men breath too much vpon 'em , for your tongue wee all leaue you ther 's no contesting , your hand is fine but your gloues whiter , and for your leg , if the commendation or goodnesse of it bee in the small , there be bad enow in gentlemens stockings to compare with it ; come remember y' are imperfect creatures without a man , be not you a goddesse i know y' are mortall , and had rather make you my companion then my idoll , this is no flattery now .

enter worthy , aymwell , braines . wor.

where be these gentlemen .

fow.

how now franck .

wor.

you looke well to your charge braines .

bra.

a question sir , pray you , are you married sir ?

cla.

why dost thou aske ?

bra. because you should answere me i cannot see 't in your forehead sir , cla.

how now my officious trencher squire .

wor. excuse him master clare , t' is his blunt zeale to doe his master seruice , who enioy'd his best care and vigilance vpon this gentlewoman . cla.

i am married sir .

bra.

then i hope y'ane met with your match already i ha nothing to say tee .

cla.

this fellow 's mad .

bra.

nor my master neither , though he left his braines behind him , i hope a man may aske a question sir .

wor.

come hither braines .

fow.

ame life thou art in loue .

cla.

you are not .

fow.

doe not mistake your selfe for i am .

cla.

caught , i am glad on 't .

fow.

no indeed not caught neyther , therefore be not ouerioy'd good morality , why dost thou thinke it possible a womans face or any thing without her can inchaunt me .

bra.

let me alone . exit vncle .

cla.

why dost thou court 'em then .

fow.

why , to try their wits with which i sharpen my owne , dost thinke i am so mad to marry , sacrifice my liberty to a woman , sell my patromony to buy them feathers and new fashions , and maintaine a gentleman vsher to ride in my saddle when i am knighted , and pointed at with pythagoras for my tame sufferance , ha my wardrop laid forth and my holiday breeches , when my lady pleases i shall take the ayre in a coach with her , together with her dog that is costïue , bee appointed my table what i shall eate , according as her ladiship findes her owne body inclin'd , fed vpon this or that melancholy dish by prescription , guarded with officious sallets like a prisoner in a throng , praise her beautifull allowance of course mutton that haue the world of dainty flesh before me , 't were a sinne oo discretion and my owne freedome .

bra.

young mistris , i obserue you .

cla.

you doe not meane to dye in this faith .

fow.

prethee doe not talke of dying , a pox o' the belman and his omnia benes , but that i thinke i know thy father , i should hardly belieue thou wert a gentleman , howeuer thy aristotles of ethicks will make thee vncapable of their company shortly , if you catechise thus you shall have few gentlemen your disciples that haue any bloud or spirit about 'em , there 's no discourse so becomming your gallants now , as a horse race or hide-parke ? what ladies lips are softest ? what fashion is most terse and courtly ? what newes abroad ? which is , the best vaulting house ? where shall we taste canary and be drunke too night , talke a morality — heere be ladies still , you shall heare me court one on 'em , i hope you wee ' not report abroad among my friends that i loue her , 't is the loue of mounting into her maydenhead i vow iacke , and nothing else .

cla.

y' are a mad louer . as aymwell comes towards violetta she turnes and exit .

bra.

that was cunningly cast about .

fow.

whither is 't lady ?

pen.

i 'me walking in sir .

fow.

i 'le wayt on you , and after that abroad , 't is an inuiting day , are you for the coach .

penel.

no .

fow.

or for the couch ? take mee a companion for either .

penel.

neither .

fow. how neither , blame your selfe if you be idle , howsoeuer you shall not be alone , make vse of my arme fairest , you will to your lute , i heard you could touch it cunningly , pray blesse my eares a little . penel.

my lute 's broke sir .

fow.

a string you meane , but 't is no matter , your voyce is not , rauish a little with that , if you please i can helpe you to an heyre by this blacke eye which nature hath giuen you , i le not leaue you i le follow yee . exeunt fowler , and penelope .

aym.

all this from her ?

cla.

you may belieue me sir .

aym. why this to him , could shee not giue me repulse , but shee must thus proclaime it , i neuer mou'd it to her , her vncle hath had no opportunity to acquaint her what 's the mystery , prethee repeat agen the substance of what shee said . cla.

with my best memory her words , shee wisht you not proceed for shee was already dispos'd of in her fathers thoughts .

aym.

in her fathers thoughts ? happily not in her owne .

cla.

it would be fruitlesse to moue her vncle or her father in 't .

aym. ha , not moue her vncle or her father ? this may beget encouragement hope i may to her propound my affection and be happy in 't proceed . cla. she would be sory a gentleman of your worth should runne a course of so much hazard . aym.

hazard , that word does yet imply there is a possibilitie .

cla. so with complement of her thankes for your fayre opinion of her , shee wisht me make you sensible in time to place your loue where you might expect better returne . aym. ah that 's wormwood , let me see , better returne this last returne hath spoyl'd the whole terme and vndone my suite , vm ? no it doth admit a faire construction : shee would ha me sensible in time to plant my loue where i may expect better returne , why ? that i may from her for ought i know . cla.

amantes sibi somnia fingunt , how apt are louers to conster all to their desires .

aym.

i wonnot let my action fall .

cla.

doe not build castles .

aym. i 'le smooth it with her vncle , if it hit oh i my blest starres . cla.

hee 's a bed already .

aym. venus assist one to thy altar flies , and i 'le proclaime , thy sonne hath found his eyes . exeunt . explicit actus primus .
actvs , ii.
scena , i. enter sir nicholas treedle , and a servant . nic.

where 's marre-text my chaplaine .

ser.

he 's newly walked out of his meditation in the kitchin , into the garden .

nic.

bid him reade prayers in the dining-roome .

serv.

before your worship come ?

nic.

i wo'not pray too day , dost heere ? bid my tutor come downe to mee .

serv.

which on them .

nic.

why hee that reades trauaile to me , the wit that i tooke vp in paules in a tiffany cloake without a hatband , now i haue put him into a doublet of sattaine — stay hee 's heere . enter tutor .

nic.

morrow tutor , what houre take you it ?

tu.

it is no houre at all sir .

nic.

how ?

tu.

not directly any houre , for it is betweene . and . sir .

nic.

very learnedly then i was ready betweene six and seauens too day .

tu.

are you dispos'd for lecture .

nic.

yes , yes sir .

tu. you remember my last prelection of the diuision of the earth into parts reall and imaginary : the parts reall into continent and iland , the subdiuision of the continent , into peninsula , istmus , and promontory . nic.

in troth sir , i remember some such things but i haue forgotten 'em .

tu.

what is an istmus ?

nic.

why an istmus , is an elbow of land .

tu.

a necke , a necke .

nic.

a necke ? why i was neere it , if you had let me alone , i should haue come vp too 't .

tu.

't was well guest , what 's an iland ?

nic.

an iland is an high mountaine , which shooteth it selfe into the sea .

tu.

that 's a promontory .

nic.

is 't so ? an iland then is , no matter let it goe , 't is not the first iland wee ha lost .

tu.

how are you perfect in your circles ? great & lesse , mutable and immutable , tropicall and polar .

nic.

as perfect in them as i am in these , faith i shall neuer conne these things handsomely , may not a man study trauaile without these circles , degrees and altilatitudes you speake of ?

tu.

yes , you may .

nic.

i doe not care for the neerest way , i ha time enough to goe about .

tu.

very well , you shall lay aside your globe then .

nic.

i , and if please you i will haue it stand in my hall to make my tenants wonder instead of the book of martyrs .

tu.

it will doe well , now name what kingdome or prouince you haue most minde to .

nic.

what say you to england .

tut.

by no meanes , it is not in fashion with gentlemen to study their owne nation , you will discouer a dull easinesse if you admire not and with admiration preferre not the weedes of other regiments before the most pleasant flowers of your owne garden , let your iudgment reflect vpon a serious consideration who teaches you the minick posture of your body , the punctuality of your beard , the formality of your pace , the elbowes of your cloake , the heele of your boote , doe not other nations ? are not italian heads spanish shoulders , dutch bellies , and french legs , the onely notions of your reformed english gentlemen .

nic.

i am resolu'd to be ignorant of my owne country say no more on 't , what think you if i went ouer to france the first thing i did .

tu.

by sea .

nic.

d ee thinke i ha no more wit then to venture my selfe i' th salt water , i had rather be pickled and powdred at home by halfe that i had .

tu

i apprehend you are cautious , it is safe trauelling in your study , but i will not read france to you .

nic.

no ?

tu.

pardonne moy it is vnnecessary , all the french fashions are here already or rather your french cuts .

nic.

cuts ?

tu.

vnderstand me , there are diuers french cuts .

nic.

we haue had too many french cuts already .

tu.

first , there is your cut of the head .

ni.

that 's dangerous .

tu.

pshew a haire a hayre , a perriwigge is your french cutte and in fashion with your most courtly gallants , your owne hayre will naturally forsake you .

nic.

a bald reason .

tu.

right obseru'd their prudent and weighty pollicy who haue brought up this artificiall head-peice , because no man should appeare light headed .

nic.

he had no sound head that inuented it .

tu.

then there is the new cut of your doublet or slash the fashion of your apparrell a queint cut .

nic.

vpon taffety .

tu.

or what you please , the slash is the embleme of your valour , and besides declareth that you are open brested .

nic.

open as much as you will but no valour .

tu.

then sir , there is the cut of your leg .

nic.

that 's when a man is drunke , is it not ?

tu.

doe not stagger in your iudgement , for this cut is the grace of your body , i meane dancing o' th french cut i' th leg is most fashionable , beleeue it pupill a gentile carriage .

nic.

but it is faine to be supported sometime with a bottome . enter seruant .

ser.

here is sir george richley sir newly alighted .

nic.

oh my father in law that shal be .

tu.

then wee are cut off .

nic.

there is a match concluded between his daughter and me and now he comes for my answere conduct him to the gallery .

tu.

rather sir meete him .

nic.

let him goe before and tell him we are comming and wee le be there as soone as hee . exeunt .

enter braines , whible . whi.

braynes .

bra.

what 's the matter .

whi.

le ts rifle the other bottle of wine .

bra.

doe not indanger thy sconce .

whi.

how ?

bra.

i 'le drink no more .

whib.

why ?

br.

because i will not be drunke for any mans pleasure .

wh.

drunke ?

br.

t is good english now , t' was dutch , may bee you ha some conspiracy vpon mee .

wh.

i ? who has betrayed me ? his mistris procured the key of the wine-seller , and bad me try if i could wind vp his braines handsomely , he knowes on 't not one health more .

br.

not , not , good whible if you vrge agen i shall suspect .

wh.

suspect me ?

br.

and beate you whible if you be not satisfied .

wh.

i am , but in friendship .

br.

dost tempt me ?

wh.

i will drinke your health and be drunke alone .

br.

this whelpe has some plot vpon men , i smell powder my young mistris would haue blowne vp my braines this peter-gunner should haue given fire , 't is not the first time shee hath conspired so but two not doe , i was neuer yet couzned in my life , and if i pawne my braines for a bottle of sacke , or claret , may my nose as a brand for my negligence carry euerlasting malmesey in it , and be studded with rubies and carbuncles , mistris you must pardon my officiousnesse , be as angry as a tyger i must play the dragon and watch your golden fleece , my master has put me in trust and i am not so easily corrupted . i ha but two eyes argus had a hundred , but hee must be a cunning mercury must pipe them both a sleepe i can tell you . and now i talke of sleepe , my lodging is next to her chambers , it is a confidence in my master to let his liuery lye so neere her , seruingmen haue e're now proved themselues no eunuches , with their masters daughters , if i were so lusty as some of my owne tribe , it were no great labour to commit burglary vpon a mayden head , but all my nourishment runs vpward into braines and i am glad on 't , a temperate blood is signe of a good liver , i am past tilting , here shee is with the second part of her to the same tune , an other maide that has a grudging of the greene sicknes . and wants a man to recouer her .

enter violeta and penelope . pen.

be this enough betweene vs to bind each to helpe others designes .

vio.

heere 's breynes , hee has not yet beene drencht .

pe.

hee is too subtile .

vio.

how now breynes ?

br.

as you see forsooth .

pen.

thou art very sad .

br.

but i am in sober sadnes i thanke my starres .

vi.

witty .

br.

as much wit as will keepe breynes from melting this hot weather .

pen.

a dry whooresone not thus to be wrought vpon !

br.

very good sacke and claret i th house .

pen.

thou hast not tasted .

bre.

oyes , oyes , my braines swimme in canary , exceedingly excellent sacke i thanke yee ladies , i know t is your pleasure i should not want o' th best blood o' th grape in hope there might be a stone in my cup to marre my drinking afterwards . enter sensible .

mistris sensible what igge i the wind shee moues so nimbly .

pen.

from whom ?

sen.

master fowler .

bre.

a letter ? whence flew that paper kite .

pen.

what this ?

br.

an other inclosed without direction happily obserued .

pen,

if you can loue i will study to deserue and be happy to giue you proofe of my service , in the meane time it shal be a testimony of your favour to deliuer this inclosed paper to your couzen from her servant aymwell , farewell and remember fowler , looke you couzen what mr. fowler writes , i dare trust you with the secret at your opportunity peruse this paper .

bre.

conveyances , i read iugling in that paper already , and though you put it vp i wo not oh , for so much magick to coniure that paper out of her bosome into my pocket now i doe long to know what pittifull louer for it can be no other , is doing penance in that white sheete already , mistris sensible harke yee ; whence came that letter ?

sen.

from master fowler to my mistris .

br.

it is a shee letter it seemes .

sen.

a shee letter why so ?

bre.

because it had a young one it 'h belly on 't , or i am much mistaken .

pen.

does he not write like a bold gamester ?

br.

and a bowling gamester too , for his byas was towards my mistres , but i may chance to cast a rub in his way to keepe him from kissing .

vio.

hee hath very good partes in him questionlesse , but doe you loue him .

br.

o the cunning of these gipses , how when they list they can talke in a distinguishable dialect , they call men foxes but they make , tame geese a some on vs , and yet like one a those in rome i may prove so happy to preserue your distressed capitoll , what newes brings this kickshaw .

enter winifred . win.

master fowler desires to speake with you .

bre.

already he might ha deliuered his owne letter .

vio.

i le to my chamber

bre.

it will doe very well .

vio.

i hope you wil be carefull that i am not troubled with any visit of gentlemen , it will become your officiousnesse good dametas to haue a care of your charge pamela .

br.

so , i can suffer this jeare . exit .

vio.

ha ? is he gone ? i 'me glad on 't , i le take this opportunity to reade the paper , master aymwell sent me no superscription ?

enter breines . bre.

shee 's at it already , thus farre of i can read her countenance if she spare her voyce .

vio. i doe not court your fortune but your loue , if my wild apprehension of it , proue my error , punish gently , since the fire came from your selfe that kindled my desire . so my poore heart full of expectance lyes to be your seruant or your sacrifice . vio.

it shall bee answered . exit .

bre.

it shall , the games a foote , were i best to discouer thus much , or reserue it to welcome home the old knight withall , i le be more familiar with this iugling , first , the scriuener has a name and if he be worth his owne eares he shall be worth my discouery .

enter fowler , and penelope .

here comes the gallant and the tother toy now .

pen.

i receiued your letter sir ?

fow.

in good time .

pen.

you might haue spared your hand a labour , if you had resolved to put your feete vpon this expedition .

bre.

good .

fow.

i confesse i wrote something in my owne cause , but the chiefe cause was to convay my friends affection to his mistris .

bre.

and i will convey your affection to somebody else .

pen

then you made me a property . exit .

fow.

't is for your honour if you helpe any way to aduance an honest businesse , and yet mistake me not though the racke should enforce from me without a second reason i had not wrote to you , yet for so much as concern'd my selfe by this kisse , my pen hath but set downe the resolution of my heart to serue you .

pen.

to serue me , how ?

fow.

how ? why any way , giue me your liuery i 'le weare it , or a coate with a cognizance by this light , i feare you are an hereticke still and doe not beleeue as you should doe , come let me rectifie your faith , serue you .

pen.

since the complement of service came up , gentlemen have had excuse for their love : i would not have you serve me sir .

fow.

not serve you ? why d ee thinke a man cannot love and serve too .

pen.

not one serve two , well .

fow.

you are too literall , and yet i' th strict sence i ha knowne a woman has served halfe a doozen gentlemen handsomely , so , so , and yet the last had enough of her too , why should not one man serve two gentlewomen , it argues against your sexe , that you are more insatiable ath ' two , but i have a simple affection i protest and individuall , i le neere serve but one .

penel.

but one at once .

fow.

but one at once , and but one alwayes , by this dyamond .

penel.

nay keepe your oath sir .

fow.

i am forsworne if i doe not , for i vowed before i came to bestow it , come weare it in your bosome , it shall be an earnest of more precious jewels , though not of so bright a lustie that will follow .

penel.

i pray sir resolve me one thing , and be plaine , doe you love me ?

fow.

love you ?

pen.

't is my question .

fow,

't is a very foolish one , to what purpose have i beene talking all this while , that you make it a question , has not it beene the theame of all my discourse hitherto , that i doe love you .

pen.

in what sence ?

fow.

in what sence ? why in any sence at your owne choyce , or in all the sences together and you doubt me : i doe love to see your face , heare your voyce , smell your breath , touch your tree , and taste your golden apples .

pen.

but this does not satisfie me .

fow.

you doe not doubt my sufficiency dee ?

pen.

now you 're immodest , i onely askt if you love me .

fow.

and ha not i told you ? pray teach me a better way to expresse it . does a wiseman love fooles fortune , and a nobleman another beside my lady ? does the divell love an vsurer , a great man his flatterer , the lawyer a full terme , or the physitian a dead time to thrive in .

pen.

spare your selfe this is but course love .

fow.

i le spin it finer and finer every day sweet , to be plaine with thee , what dost thou think of me for a husband , i love thee that way .

pen.

would you did else .

fow.

is there my thing in me would commend it selfe , that i may spare my other commendations , for i am resolved to be yours at any rate of my own praise , or what i can purchase from my friends .

pen.

sir , if your meaning be no stranger to your language , although i cannot promise my selfe , you bind me to bee thankfull for it .

fow.

she nibbles already .

pen.

but pardon me if i suspect you still , you are too wild and aery to be constant to that affection .

enter breines , and worthy . bra.

there be the pigeons .

wor. an 't be no worse i care not , mr. fowler a most welcome friend . fow.

i would be to your daughter .

bra.

let her use to entertaine him so , and hee 'l bid himselfe welcome , harke you sir , you doe like his company ?

wor.

yes .

bra.

so i say , but if i were worthy to give your daughter counsell she should have a speciall care how she treads , for if this gentleman be not a whooremaster , he is very like one ; and if she chance any way to cracke her venice-glasse , 't will not be so easily sowdred .

wor.

meddle with your charge sir , and let her alone .

bra.

i have done , here is a fresh gamester . enter mr. manley .

man.

by your noble leave .

wor.

you 'r welcome sir .

man.

i was directed hither to find a gentleman .

fow.

manly how i st ?

manl.

i was to inquire for you at your lodging .

fow.

pray know this gentleman lady master worthy hee le deserue your acquaintance .

man.

you oblige my seruices — but what make you heere my woman ferritor .

wor.

come hither penelope .

fow.

solliciting a cause of venus .

man.

i suspect as much , but with her ? is shee a whoore ?

fow. no but i 'le doe the best to make her one , she loues me already , that 's some engagement i dare trust thee with my sinnes , who 's heere aymwell and clare . enter mr. aymwell , mr. clare , braines . wor.

withdraw your selfe .

fow.

franck .

aym.

master worthy .

wor.

a knot of friends .

aym.

what of my letter ?

fow.

't is deliuered you must expect .

wor.

what newes gentlemen ?

aym.

we heare none , you visit the exchange sir , pray furnish vs .

br.

what doe all these butterflies here , i doe not like it .

aym.

i hope your daughter is in health .

wor.

perfect , i thanke heauen .

aym.

and your neece at whose naming i 'me bolde to tender my thankes for your last friendship , i might haue plung'd by this time into passion had not you nobly , iust as i was falling preuented my vnhappinesse .

wor.

your opinion of what i did , giues value to the action , howeuer 't was a duty i was bound to .

bra.

this is the youth , i 'le pawne my braines , harke you sir , what doe you call this gentleman .

cla.

master aymwell .

bra. he may shoote short for all his ayming , he weares batchellers buttons does he not . cl.

yes , old trupeny and loopes too , thou art iealous now .

bra.

one word more .

fow.

i haue a plot and thou must helpe me .

man.

let it be a safe one .

aym.

may we not see her ?

wor.

braines where 's thy mistris ?

bra.

she 's a little busie .

fow.

who 's that .

wor.

my neece .

fow.

and shee be but a little busy shee 's more then halfe at leasure .

bra.

doe not you know that a woman is more troubled with a little businesse , then some man with mannaging the troubles of a whole common wealth , it has beene a prouerbe , as busy as a hen with one chickin , marry and shee had twenty , twenty to one she would not be so fond on 'em .

wor.

he sayes right , gentlemen , wee are friends , it is my brothers pleasure who is her father , to deny frequent accesse to her , till hee hath finisht a designe , for my part , i am not of his minde , nor shall my daughter be a prisoner to his fancy , you see sir i doe not seclude her , if shee chuse within any limits of reason , i moue in her .

aym.

you speake nobly .

enter whible . whi.

sir george richley sir , and sir nicholas are newly arriu'd .

wor.

my brother , acquaint my neece .

bra.

t' is my office i 'le doe it — exit .

man.

shall 's stay ?

aym.

by all meanes let 's see the doughty knight that must free the lady from her inchaunted castle .

cla.

didst euer see him ?

aym.

no , but i haue heard his character .

man.

prethee let 's ha 't .

aym.

they say hee 's one , was wise before hee was a man for then his folly was excuseable , but since hee came to be of age , which had beene a question till his death , had not the law giuen him his fathers lands , he is growen wicked enough to be a landlord , he does pray but once a yeare and that 's for faire weather in haruest , his inward sences are sound , for none comes from him hee speakes wordes but no matter , and therefore is in election to be of the peace and quorum , which his tenants thinke him fit for , and his tutors iudgement allowes , whom he maintaines to make him legs and speeches , he feedes well himselfe , but in obedience to government , he allowes his servants fasting dayes ; he loves law , because it kild his father , whom the parson overthrew in a case of tithes ; and in memory , wears nothing sutable , for his apparell is a or the ruines of ten fashions , he does not much care for heaven , for he 's doubtfull of any such place , onely hell he 's sure of , for the divell stickes to his conscience , therefore he does purpose when he dyes , to turne his sinnes into almeshouses , that posterity may praise him for his bountifull of hot pottage , but he 's here already , you may reade the rest as he comes towards you . enter sir george , sir nicholas , tut.

wor.

brother .

rich.

let your kindest respects meet this gentleman .

wor.

sir nicholas treedle , i desire you would write me in the number of your servants .

nic.

't is granted , gentlemen i have an ambition to be your eternall slave .

fow.

't is granted .

tut.

and i to be an everlasting rascall .

aym.

't is granted .

cla.

a couple of cockaloches .

enter penelope , violetta , winifred , sensible , and breines . rich.

here comes my daughter .

nic.

lady and mistris of my heart , which hath long melted for you .

rich.

this is my daughter .

nic.

then it melted for you lady .

fow.

his heart is whole againe .

nic.

vouchsafe to entertaine a servant , that shall study to command .

tut.

well sayd .

nic.

his extreamest possibilities — in your businesse .

aymw.

abhominable courtship .

sens.

sir , i am servant to mistris violetta , who commends this paper to you .

aym.

o my best angell .

bre.

as the divell would have it , are you there sensible .

fow.

mr. worthy i take my leaue .

wor.

will you not stay supper .

man.

wee are engaged .

aym.

my service shall waite on you gentlemen .

clare

and mine .

nic.

come on my queene of diamonds .

fow.

master worthy i take my leaue .

wor.

will you not stay supper .

man.

we are engaged .

aym.

my seruice shall waite on you gentlemen .

cla.

and mine .

nic.

come on my queene of diamonds .

rich.

brother lead the way . exeunt .

bra.

if shee carry away this letter so , call me shallow-braines , i was neuer yet couzen'd in my life , this night ? it shall be so , i will not come with bare relation of your plots ,

i le bring active intelligence that shall tell your secret aymes , so crush 'em in the shell . exit :
actvs . iii .
scena , i. while the musicke is playing enter breynes without his shooes with a letter in his band . br.

svre this is it , my mistris and her maide are both fast still , i ha watched vnder the bed all night , to rob her pocket of this paper , and i ha don 't , some fellow at this opportunity would haue wrigled himselfe into one of their flesh .

vio.

who 's there ? sensible .

bre.

death her tongue is awake already .

vio.

who 's i' the chamber .

bre.

helpe me breynes , before shee wakes the tother , 't is i forsooth but looking for the chamberpot . counterfeits sensibles voyce .

vio.

beshrew you for your noyse .

bra.

where 's the doore — stumbles .

sen.

who 's there ?

bra. the tother spirit is rais'd i' th trundlebed what will become o' me now . enter sensible . sen.

here 's no body .

vio.

make an end and get thee to bed .

sen.

an end of what , does she talke in her sleepe , shee was not wont .

bre. so , so , ha the spring is open i might forget to make it fast last night , 't is so , and happily some curre or cat has beene i' the chamber , for i heare a noyse about the doore , i 'le make it fast and so to bed againe , i thinke it is day already . exit . enter tutor in his gowne as from his study . tu. so this fancy wrote , for sir nicholas like a forked arrow points two wayes , wenches are caught with such conceipts , they will imagin 't none of his inuention , then whose but mine my person does inuite more acceptation , but the father aymes at the estate , no matter if i can insinuate my selfe into her opinion 't is no impossibility , her portion will be enough for both , shall i liue still dependant and not seeke wayes to aduance my selfe , busy my braines in ballads to the giddy chambermaides , begger my selfe with purse and pincase when shee that is the mistris may be mine t' will be a master piece if i can gull him , but he 's here already . enter sir nicholas . nic. noble tutor , morrow to you , hay finished the whimzey for my mistris already ? tu.

i ha don 't , this paper carries the loue powder .

nic.

for feare you had forgotten me , i ha made a quibling in praise of her my selfe , such a one as will fetch vp her heart tutor .

tu.

that were a dangerous vomit sir , take heed of that .

nic.

i but i will not hurt her i warrant thee , and shee dy within a twelue month and a day i le be hangd for her .

tu.

will you sir .

nic.

marry will i , looke you sir . but first let me see yours , can you not write it in my owne hand , i shall hardly read it .

tut.

i 'le reade it to you .

nic.

sir george g'ee mee 't .

enter sir george , and m. worthy . rich.

see they are at it .

nic.

and how doe you like it .

wor.

morrow noble sir nicholas .

ric.

morrow gentlemen .

nic.

morrow to you both , sir george i ha been making poetry this morning .

tut.

he has a subtile fancy .

rich.

what 's the subiect ?

tu.

no subiect , but the queene of his affections .

nic.

i scorne subiects , 't is my empresse your daughters muse hath set my muse on fire .

tu.

reade sir .

nic.

no , you shall read 'em for me .

tu.

't is a hue and cry sir .

ric.

a hue & cry , for what ?

nic.

for what , why for somewhat i 'le warrant you .

tut.

you may call it loues hue and cry .

nic.

call it what you will , i know what 't is .

wor.

are you so poeticall .

nic.

i ha beene dabling in helicon , next to trauaile 't is all my study marke the inuention .

tutor reades . in loves name you are charg'd hereby to make a speedy hue and cry , after a face who tother day came and stole my heart away ; for your directions in briefe these are best markes to know the thiefe : her hayre a net of beames would prove , strong enough to captive iove : playing the eagle , her cleere brow is a comely field of snow , a sparkling eye , so pure a gray as when it shines it needs no day : ivory dwelleth on her nose lilly married to the rose , have made her cheeke the nuptiall bed lippes betray their virgins weed as they onely blusht for this that they one another kisse , but observe beside the rest you shall know this fellon best by her tongue , for if your eare shall once a heavenly musicke heare such as neither gods nor men but from that voyce shall heare , agen that that is shee , oh take her t' ee none can rocke heaven asleepe but shee . nic.

how doe you like my pipin of pernassus gentlemen .

ric. wor.

very handsome .

nic.

na , i 'le warrant you , my tutor has good furniture in him .

wor.

i doe not thinke hee made 'em .

nic.

now you shall heare some verses of my owne making .

rich.

your owne , did you not make these ?

tu.

he betrayes himselfe .

nic.

hum ? yes i made 'em too my tutor knowes .

tu.

i 'le take my oath who made e'm .

nic.

but i wrote 'em for an other gentleman that had a mistris .

ric.

my daughter you said .

nic.

i may say so , but that their faces are nothing alike , you would hardly know one from tother , for your better vnderstanding i will read 'em my selfe — her foote .

wor.

d ee begin there ?

nic. oh , i will rise by degrees . her foote is feat with dyamond toes but shee with legs of ruby goes : thighes loadstones , and doe draw vnto her the iron pinne of any wooer . wor.

pretious conceit .

nic.

her head .

ric.

her head ?

wor.

you were betweene her thighes but now .

nic.

t' is my conceit , i doe now meane to goe downewards agen , and meete where i left in the middle .

her head is opall , necke of saphyre , breast carbuncles , shine like a fire . and the naked truth to tell you , the very mother of pearle her belly : how can shee chose but heare my groanes , that is composed of precious stones . wo.

i marry sir .

nic.

now if you lik't you may .

wo.

a word with you sir , pray what d ee thinke of your pupill .

tu.

i thinke nothing sir .

wo.

but deale ingeniously , your opinion .

tu.

shall i tell you ?

wo.

pray sir .

tu.

nothing .

wo.

i thinke so too , what doth my brother meane to make this fond election .

tu.

for my owne part you heare me say nothing , but the good parts and qualities of men are to be valued .

wo.

this fellow 's a knaue , i smell him .

tu

some thing has some sauour .

ni. when you please , name your owne time i 'me ready to be married at midnight . ric.

about a seavennight hence .

nic.

let it be . or . i care not how soone , is breakefast ready .

ric.

it waites vpon you .

nic.

i doe loue to eate and drinke in a morning , though i fast all day after .

ric.

i le follow brother .

wo.

wee 'le both attend . exeunt .

enter mr. aymwell with a letter . aym. this opportunity , let my couetous eye , take to enrich it selfe , but first prepare with reuerence , as to an alter bring no carelesse but religious beames along with you to this new obiect , this small paper carries the volume of my humane fate i hold my destiny , betwixt two fingers and thus am i wrapt vp without a name being or expectation of worlds ioy more then this table ( when the curtaines drawne ) presents in character to my thirsty eye sight , hayle thou embassadour from thine and my mistris , bringing peace or vnkind warre thou embleme of her whitenesse which i kisse and thus againe salute . enter boy and clare . boy .

then hee 's alone .

cla.

so leaue vs .

aym. comming from her can it be guilty of defiance to me had shee not meant me happy shee had giuen my letter to the flame , and with it i in those thinne ashes had beene buried , nor had shee dain'd this answere with the circumstance at my receiuing prompts mee to beleeue gratious the gentle messenger command it not as a thing shee woo'd a publique , but with eyes full of suspition which had beene needlesse , had shee contemn'd my seruice . so smilingly departed , thus i sent my paper which what but loue taught her to imitate without a superscription , oh clare welcome , welcome to that heart daunce i' thy bosome if thou beest a friend and canst reioyce to know mee happie , you thought me ridiculous and that i did with too much flattery of my selfe , expound your story had i beene like thee of frosty apprehension and cold phlegmaticke iudgement , i had mist a blessing that wanton iove would haue beene riuall for dost see this paper ? cla.

nothing in the outside .

aym.

t' is inly pretious .

cla. you haue not searcht the lining that you promise so . aym. i see through it , hast thou not heard the perfect magnes will although inclos'd within an iuory box , through the white wall shoote forth embracing vertue to the lou'd needle , i can read it clare and reade a ioy in 't that transports me , this came from my mistris , hauing touch'd her hand whence it receiu'd a whitenesse hath it not brought incense to dipersing a rich breath sweeter then arabian spicery about the roome , in which while it remaines wee sucke in perfum'd ayre , it came from her my honest clare , from her she whose rare wit taught when in thy dull opinion i was lost , my apprehension a new hope to thriue in my ambitious loue , excellent women the top of all creation i shall bee at once too happy , vnrip thou the seale read it , and let thy voyce conuey it gently least i be surfetted , but why should any be honoured to receiue her but i , to whom shee hath directed it , by thy leaue silent paper , confident of blesse i open my elizeum and let my soule into it — ha . reades laden with mighty hopes how dispendant haue i launched forth and finde a storme . cla. what 's this ? your owne letter returned can it be otherwise then in scorne . aym.

in scorne .

cla.

ha you not now cause of tryumph , who is now the truer prophet , you would nourish hope in spight of reason , now you feele a punishment in her derision .

aym.

is this credible .

cla. credible ? 't is no wonder in a woman though shee had promised , vowed affection to you it had not beene a miracle to find a change in their affection , yet you cannot accuse her much . aym. appear'd i so vnworthy that 'mong so many wayes she had to expresse at what poore value shee esteemed my proffered seruice , her pride could finde out none but this to send me mine owne agen . cla. doe but imagine you sent a servant with a message to her , shee not within , he is return'd agen without an answere . aym. inciuility , shee might haue thank'd me , and subscrib'd her name , i was not bound to her obseruance . cla.

come be free againe .

aym. i will be so , with this that i could cancell my affection . cla. what doe you meane , it hauing touch'd her hand is full of incence and arabian spicery you are too prodigall of your perfume . aym.

doe not thou mocke me too .

cla.

well , i ha done .

aym. would i had so i cannot empty all my torment , wherefore should a man loue woman such aery mockeries , nothing but meere ecchoes that owe theyr being to our opinion and in reward of honouring them , send backe as scornefully the language we bestowed . out of our too much dotage . cla. if they send , all they receiue from vs , accuse them not we haue our hearts againe . aym. and i le haue mine , i will , i ha not yet , here wants a guest inuite him home againe , why should not i be as coy as shee , and with as much neglect throw her behind my thoughts , instruct me with witty reuenge , and thou that see me tosse this shuttlecocke with as much pride , and when i 'me sated with this sport , let fall this vanity into as low disdaine , pshew . cla.

nobly resolu'd .

aym. come to a tauerne , drench the memory of these poore thoughts . cla. let 's seeke out master fowler and manly . aym. and warm'd with sacke , wee 'l try who can make satyres best . cla.

a match , le ts to 'em .

enter master fowler , manly like his phisitian . fow.

and thou dost not play the doctor handsomely , i l'e set the colledge of phisitians vpon thee for practising without a licence .

man.

can you bee sicke ?

fow.

i would but counterfeit .

man.

so must i the phisitian .

fow.

i haue knowne a spruse empericke hath given his patient or . stooles with the bare repetition of crude wordes , and knotty sentences , which haue come from him like a phlegme , which besides the operation in the hearers , who admire him for 't , while he beates like a drumme , at their barrell head , and turnes their braines like beere , does him the benefit to scowre his owne durty maw , whose dregs else would putrifie ; and infest his cheekes worse then a gangreene .

man.

are you sure shee will visit you ?

fow.

as sure as i am well , for and i were sicke and would sleepe , i would rather , take a nap o' th ridge of etna , and thee fall of deafning nilus , then indure the visitation , of any of their tribe — one knockes , my pillow and lay my head in the aking posture . one knocks

enter aymwell and clare . man.

t is aymwell and clare .

aym.

where 's my witty bacchanalian , how now ? what meanes this apothecaries shop about thee , art physicall ?

fow.

sicke , sicke .

aym.

didst not looke in a glasse to day ? how scuruely this nightcap shewes vpon thee .

cla.

what 's the disease ?

man.

a feauer sir .

aym.

hang feauers , let 's to the tauerne , and inflame our selues , with lusty wine , sucke in the spirit of sacke , till wee bee delphicke and prophecie my bully rooke .

fow.

alas .

aym.

alasse , is that the disease , drench her , drench her in sack , sicke for a lasse , doe not foole thy selfe beyond the cure of bedlam , be wise and well agen .

fow.

you are merry , it seemes you haue won the lady .

aym.

what lady ? the lady i th' lobster , i was halfe sicke for foolish thing called a woman , a toy tooke mee i' th head , and had like to haue taken away my heart too but i ha recouered , doe not trust thy body with a phisitian , hee le make thy foolish bones goe without flesh in a fortnight , and thy soule walke without a body a seauen night after .

man.

these are no doctors ?

aym. doctor ! art a parisian , a paduan , or a leaden doctor ? how many and be true to vs hast thou kild the last spring , will it puzzel thy arithmeticke , my pretious rectifier of nature , the wrong way , — faith thou must excuse me iacke that i cannot condole with thee , by this whay beard of esculapius , i dare not endanger my selfe with so much mellancholly least i fall into a relapse — whom haue wee heere ? enter whibble and penelepe . wo.

t' is reported that master fowler is sick and keepes his chamber , i hope hee 's within .

pen.

noble sir .

aym.

fayre lady .

pen.

how fare you sir ?

fow.

the better to see you heere .

man.

vpon the entrance of this gentlewoman , i finde your griefe much altered .

pen.

vpon mine ?

man.

yes , and by that i dare presume to say you are the cause of his distemper .

pen.

i sir ?

pow.

a cunning doctor

man.

for i obserud so soone as his searching eye had fastned on her , his labouring pulse that through his feauor did , before sticke hard , and frequent now exceeds in both these differences and this gallen himselfe found true vpon a woman , that had doted vppon a fencer .

cla.

i ?

whi. shee did long for tother bout then , fow.

giue vs leaue pray .

aym.

a very pretty fellow ,

cla.

well skild i' th pulse .

aym.

you know my disease too d ee not ? will not my complexion giue you the hint on 't

man.

you are not very well .

aym.

how sir ?

man.

by your fauour you will come too 't .

aym.

to what ?

man.

to a burning feauor — is there not one woman in the world .

aym.

i thinke there is , and too much of that , what then what conclude you ?

man.

nothing but sirrup of violet , would comfort you going to bed .

aym.

violet ?

cla.

has giuen 't you .

fow:

it does me good lady to feele you by — the hand .

pen:

would it were in my power to recouer you .

fow:

the doctor i thanke him has taken paines with me , but he sayes — nothing will doe me good .

pen:

nothing ?

fow:

but that , which is another sicknesse to reueale .

pen:

pray sir acquaint me .

fow.

i know you loue me .

i haue a great mind and 't were but for two or . minutes , to haue a maide warme my bed .

pen.

that may be done .

fow.

with her body — else t' will doe me no good the doctor sayes — to put life in some of my limbes , a little virgin warm'th wo'd doo 't .

pen.

you haue a burning feauor .

fow.

but now and then i haue such cold fits againe — and t' is the doctors opinion — a very learned man .

pen.

a learned pandor .

man.

he 's at it .

fow.

doctor .

cla ..

againe passionate .

aym:

why , i may loue her name without offence , to you , why did hee waken my remembrance i had forgotten her .

cla:

thinke vpon her scorne then .

aym:

i ha done , and till i heare her name agen i will throw this dulnesse off .

cla:

le ts choose another subiect

how closely they consult , the doctor is in a fit of counsell i suspect some iugling — hee comes of , i le gage a limbe this fellowe 's an impostor .

aym.

is there not much danger in him ?

man.

within two minutes gentlemen , i haue discovered happier symptomes .

sen.

what crotchets be these , the fellowes mad i thinke .

enter violetta . vio: oh looke sensible seeke euery where about the chamber , i ha lost the letter aymwell sent me , if we should be discouer'd , we are quite vndone , what 's that in thy hand , sen:

a letter .

vio:

whence .

sen:

i know not t' was left heere , and breines hauing some businesse to dispatch requested me to deliuer it .

vio:

let me see 't . to the right worshipfull sir george richly , i see him comming , loose no time , employ thy diligence to search for mine , i will deliuer this .

sen.

i shall mistris .

vio: my father presses me to marry treedle short time's allowed for the preuention enter sir geo. my good angell assist me , here 's a letter sir . geo.

whence .

vio.

i know not , your seruant breines receiued it .

geo.

what 's here — daughter doe not you know whence this letter came ?

vio.

not i sir .

geo.

you cannot bee so ignorant .

vio.

what meanes my father ?

geo.

you are familiar with the contents .

vio.

i beseech you sir haue no suspition . —

geo.

i 'le read it to you , mr. aymwell ; i receiued your letter , and praise your apprehension , vpon the first view of your person , i conceiu'd opinion of your merit , the flame is now too great to bee supprest , it is no time to protract your hopes nor dishonour in mee to yeild vpon noble conditions at the first summon , i accept your loue , and require your industry to preuent my fathers purpose , my seruant sensible you may trust , i will vse some inuention to delay my expected marriage , farewell .

vio.

my harsh fate .

geo.

de' e know this charracter , where 's my man braines .

vio.

your man deuill . enter braines .

bra.

did your worship call ?

geo. oh my best seruant . does not thy very soule blush to deceiue me . bra:

what 's the matter mistris .

vio:

here me i beseech you .

geo: i' th height and puzze of my care to make thee , happie ? to conspire thy ouerthrow i wo'not heare . bra:

good sir .

vio.

this was your worke you can read .

bra:

and write too the superscription of a letter or so .

geo. where 's sensible enter sensible . for your good seruice to your mistris housewife packe vp your trinckets , i here discharge you . bra:

i hope you are sensible .

vio:

oh wench my father hath my letter .

sen:

yours ?

vio:

and i mistaking seal'd and return'd aymwell that which he sent .

sen:

how came he by 't .

vio:

talke not of that , oh for some art to helpe vs .

bra:

let me councell you not to expresse any violence in your passions , least you marre the possibility of reclayming her , it seemes aymwell ha's mist the intelligence , where shame is inforc'd too much vpon the delinquent , it begets rather an audacious defence of the sin , then repentance , soft raine slides to the root , and nourishes , where great stormes make a noyse , wet but the skin a' th earth , and runne away in a channell .

sen:

a most rare proiect .

vio. it will appeare the same , both made together which since my sisters death i haue worne . geo:

which of my cares reward'st thou with this folly .

vio.

sir can you pardon ?

geo.

i loue you but too well , goe to your chamber .

vio:

but must wee part .

geo:

dispute it not .

bra:

bu'y sweet mistris sensible , i hope wee shall meete againe as merry as we part .

sen.

't is very violent , but wee obey your pleasure , i haue onely apparrell and some few trifles .

geo:

take 'em all we 'e and be gone .

vio.

beside my owne misfortune , i haue cause to pitty thine , my father is displeas'd , and not iniustly , happy genius . — exeunt

geo:

so , things must be mannag'd wisely , i will hasten the marriage .

bra:

by all meanes let it be suddaine .

geo:

within two dayes — to morrow .

bra:

i wo'not sleepe , till shee be married , but carry things smooth , let not the knight suspect y' are troubled , your daughter will be fetc'ht about with a byas againe .

geo:

how thou deseru'st me , let vs in .

bra: hereafter for my sake , and subtle paines who ere is wise , let the world call him braines .
actvs . iv.
scena . i. enter aymwell and sensible . aym.

can this be true ?

sen:

as i haue faith to heauen .

aym: take this and this for thy sweete story , thou hast entranc'd me with thy language ; laden with my dispaires , like a distressed barke i gaue my selfe vp lost in the imagin'd tempest , but at point of striking vpon a rocke , what a caelestiall gale makes my sayles swell with comfort , and enforcing my ship into the channell , i doe feele it bound on the waues , discretion at the helme which passion made forsaken , i now blesse the minute i weighed anchor ; oh my destiny dwell longer on this threed and make it firme , vpon it hangs the weight of such a fortune that if it cracke , will swifter then ioues flaming arrow , digge my graue i' th earths center , forgiue me sacred sexe of women that in thought or sillable i ha declaym'd against your goodnesse , i will redeeme it with such religious honouring your names that when i dye some neere thought stained virgin shall make a relicke of my dust , and throw my ashes like a charme vpon those men , whose faithes they hold suspected , to what pitch of blessednesse are my thoughts mounted . sen. sir , this is an opportunity for action time will runne fast vpon the minute . aym. pardon the trespasse of my ioy it makes me vilde i am too well rewarded for thy suffering promise thy selfe a noble recompence . enter manly , and clare . man:

come ha you finisht your discourse yet .

aym: y' are my friends , i was deceiued in my violetta shee loues , sh 'as sent me proofe , but a mistake sent backe my letter , and detain'd her answere which was betray'd to her father , but keepe your wonder to honour her rare wit , which if the starres shew themselues not malicious , will assure all my desires in her , a diuine proiect she is the master engine , you must worke too , will you not friends ? both :

you know you may commaund vs .

aym. then spread your bosomes , you shall straight procure a caroach be ready a' th backside a' my lodging , doe not loose time in questioning , my fate depends vpon your hast . man.

promise it done .

aym:

you shall disguise your selfe i must employ you in rougher action .

clar: i refuse no office to aduance your hopes . aym. my certaintie's , in thee , the frame of our whole building leanes , come on moue slowly time vntill our worke be done . exeunt . enter violetta , tutor . vio. i was not blind to your deserts . nor can be so vngratefull now , as not to giue encouragement to your affection my father may commaund my person , neuer my loue to marry treedle . tu.

hee 's an asse i made his best verses for 'em .

vio.

i thought his fancy would not reach 'em .

tu.

his sconce is drier then a pumice .

vio.

there be wayes to preuent marriage for i 'me already changed .

tu.

y' are wise , le ts run away together .

vio.

but how shall i be sure your loue is firme .

tu.

try me and trust me after .

vio.

and i will , for shall it be a hard taske i le impose on you , dare you fight ?

tu.

if i like my enemy .

vio.

't is a poore old fellow .

tu.

then i 'le kill him , his name ?

vio.

my fathers seruant braynes .

tu. hee 's dead . by this time . vio. stay , there is a circumstance to be obserued , by some meanes i 'le procure he waites on me to the strand this afternoone . enter sir nicholas , and whible . sir nicholas ? your eare for the rest . tu. he will suspect nothing by our priuacy , he bad me take occasion to vrge his good parts to you , should hee aske i 'de sweare i did but presse his commendations . nic.

is thy name whible .

whi.

yes , and 't please your worship .

nic.

i like thee the better for that my name 's treedle .

whi.

i thanke your worship .

nic.

hast done hooking a me .

whi.

euery eye hath his obiect already .

nic.

a witty knaue , what place dost thou occupie vnder thy master .

whi.

i am commonly his journey-man sir .

nic.

how ?

whi.

i looke to his horses sir .

nic.

wo't serue mee when i 'me married .

whi.

alas , i haue no good parts to commend men .

nic.

no good parts , and thou hast but skill in horses and dogs , th' art fit for any gentleman in england .

vio.

iust at that place assault him .

tu.

by your faire hand i will .

vio.

my delight , how fare you .

nic.

i 'me studying some witty poesie for thy wedding ring , let me see —

vio.

trouble not your head , whible intreat my father hither .

nic.

no matter , i will send to the vniuersity .

vio.

were you euer of any colledge ?

nic.

colledge , i haue had a head in most ath ' butteries of cambridge , and 't has beene sconc'd to purpose . i know what belongs to sizing and haue answered to my que in my dayes , i 'me free of the whole vniuersity , i commencd with no worse then his maiesties footmen .

vio.

and euer since you haue had a running wit , you were better consult our wits at home , wee haue excellent poets i' th towne they say .

nic.

i' th towne ? what makes so many schollers then come from oxford and cambridge , like market women with dorsers full of lamentable tragedies , and ridiculous comedies which they might here vent to the players , but they will take no money for 'em .

vio.

oh my dearest ! how happie shall i bee when i 'me married . kisse .

enter sir george , worthy . wor.

looke , they are ingendering at the lip .

geo.

i like it well .

vio.

why are our ioyes defer'd ?

nic.

but till to morrow .

vio.

't is an age me thinkes .

nic.

kind worme .

wor.

this cannot be deceit .

vio.

i want some trifles the exchange will furnish me , let it be your motion to my father .

nic.

father and vncle you will excuse our familiar conuersation ; i vow i le bee honest till i be married , nor as touch of my flesh within the walls , onely the suburbs of her lips or hands , or so , and when , and when is to morrow the day , the day of coupling and so forth , haue you got a licence .

geo. it shall be my next worke : nic.

pray doe , weel 'e bee marryed here , but keepe our wedding at my owne house at croidon , wee 'le ha the city waites downe with vs , and a noise of trumpets , we can haue drummes i' th country , and the traine-band , and then let the spaniards come and they dare , dost heare ; heere 's twenty peeces you shall fribble e'm away at the exchange presently .

geo:

how sir ?

nic:

by this gold she shall father , lay it out in tooth-picks , i 'le weare 'em out in my hat ; come i 'le with you for the lycence .

geo.

who shall with her ?

wor.

i must attend a proiect of my daughters . exit .

enter braines : geo.

braines .

bra:

sir .

geo:

waite on my daughter to the exchange , obserue her carefully .

bra:

point me a minute to returne with her , if i faile put my braines into 'th pot , and let 'em be seru'd vp with a calues head , to morrow dinner .

vio:

it succeeds to my wish .

nic.

violetta , look you lay out my gold at the exchange in bartholomew fairings , farewell violetta .

bra:

come mistris will you walke , i would faine see any mortall wit couzen me a my charge now , i will liue to be the shame of pollititians , and when i am dead , be clapt vp into the chronicles .

enter fowler . fow:

ah the desire of vnlawfull flesh , what a coniuring dost thou keepe within vs to lay this little spirit of conscience , the world and the divell , are tame and sprightlesse temptations , poore traffique to this staple commoditie of whooring : this is the place where i must take shipping for the summer islands , if she keepe touch , i will call them fortunate , and once a weeke make a love voyage to them . ha! are we entertayn'd with musicke ?

song . backe , backe againe , fond man forbeare , buy not a minutes play too deare : come with holy flame and bee welcome to vertue and to mee .

come with holy flame and bee , welcome to vertue and to me ? flame ? i bring none wo' me , and i should be sorry to meete any fire workes here , for those hereafter i looke on 'em a farre off , and apprehend them with lesse feare , againe ?

song . love a thousand sweets distilling , and with nectar bosomes filling , charme all eyes that none may find vs , be above , before , behind vs ; and while wee thy pleasures tast enforce time it selfe to stay , and by fore-locke hold him fast least occasion slip away .

i marry , this is another manner of invitement , i 'le to her but — enter winifrid . heere comes the squire of her mistresses body , how does my little taper of virgin waxe , thou hast beene in some dampe thou burnst blew me thinkes .

win.

noble sir .

fow.

what , a cold .

win.

a great cold , i ha lost my voyce .

fow.

and thou hast not lost thy maydenhead 't is no matter , have a little care of thy francke tenement , and thy tongue will come time enough to it selfe i le warrant thee , what place has she chosen for the encounter ?

win.

her chamber .

fow.

her chamber ?

win.

't is all darke .

fow.

is 't all darke , i commend her pollicy the better , then the roome , and the deed that must bee done in 't will be of one complexion , so shee be light i care not , prethee convey me to her .

win.

follow me .

fow.

as thy shadow woe bee to some a the deere sexe when a chambermaid is vsher to a gentleman . exit .

enter mistris penelope and worthy . pen.

it shall be a harmelesse tryall sir .

wor.

goe too , i know thou art vertuous , put in execution thy purpose , i 'le be within the reach of thy voyce .

pen. it shall be my security , what ill starre , rul'd at my natiuity , that i should be so miserable to loue a man , whose glory is his vice , whose study is but to ruine vertue . enter winifrid . win.

mistresse ?

pen.

heere winifrid .

win.

the gamester waytes his entrance iocund as a bridgegroome , hee has forgot his feauer .

pen.

away you know your charge , be ready where are you sir , mr. fowler she speakes hoarse . enter fowler .

fow.

hell , if darknesse will carry it , yet hell cannot be so blacke .

there are too many flames in 't , thy hand , what monkes hole hast thou brought me to , where 's thy mistris .

pen.

this is the way .

fow.

is this the way ? it is a very blind one , the diuell can hardly know me if hee meet me heere that 's my comfort , yet if hee did , he loues the sinne too well to interrupt so precious a meeting , prethee child of darknesse conduct me to the handsome fairie i must dance withall .

pen.

it seemes your feauer hath left you .

fow.

my feauer , i forget my selfe , i should haue counterfeited sicke all this while , but no matter and thy mistris know it not , thou art skilfull in secrets , and i will deserue it : two or . fits when i am in her presence , will make her keepe her promise , wo 'me about the cure , for that she thinkes i was so , prethee doe thy office and bring me to her , i hope she is not within hearing .

pen.

feare not .

fow.

so about it then .

pen.

there 's a fee belongs to my place first :

fow.

a fee belonging to your place , as i hope for a limbe of thy mistresse i had forgot it , there 's gold i can feele it by this darkenesse : for thou seest i haue no light to sweare by 't is weight , quicke periwincle to thy mistris now .

pen.

this is not enough .

fow.

there 's more , take siluer and all .

pen.

this is nothing .

fow.

is it nothing ? by this hand wo'd i could see 't , t is all i haue , wo't search me ?

pen.

there is another fee belongs to vs .

fow.

another fee belongs to us ? what 's that ? i must kisse her , th' hast a down lip , and dost twang it handsomely , now to the businesse .

pen.

this is not all i looke for :

fow.

shee wo'not tempt me to come aloft will she ?

pen.

if you could see me i doe blush ;

wor.

what does my daughter meane ?

fow.

if i could see her shee does blush shee ; sayes t is so : oh the insatiable desires of chamber-maydes ! they were wont to looke no higher then the groome or seruingman and be thankefull , or if the master would be pleased to let 'em shew him this lobby to'ther withdrawing chamber , or the turret in summer , and take occasion to cōmend the scituation and so forth , 't was after the lady had beene seru'd , out of his owne meere motion and fauour , and 't was taken as an endearement for euer of their seruice and secrecie , now they must be tasters to 'em i' the sweete sinne , fees o' the court must be payed , or no suit commenc'd with iniquity , o venus , what will this world come to ?

pen.

heare me .

fow. yes , i cannot see thee . wash thy polluted soule . wor. i like this well and find her noble ayme . pen. be man againe ; for yet thou art a monster , and this act published will make thee appeare so blacke and horrid , that euen beasts will be ashamed of thy society , my goodnesse in hope of your conuersion makes me chides you so , ha winifryd dost thou obserue him , oh my heart is full of feare , i tremble to looke on him : see of a suddaine what a palenesse has possest his face , doe not his eyes retyre into their hollow chambers , sir how doe you ? fow:

well .

wor.

what new proiect 's this ?

win. a suddaine change . sure heauen is iust vnto thy late imposture , and thou art punisht now indeed with sicknes for mocking heauen i feare , oh dost thou see . fow.

what ?

pen. death sits vpon his forehead , i ne're saw the horrour of a dying countenance , but in this gentleman , winifryd to my closset , fetch me the cordial , fow. what de' e meane gentlewomen , i doe not feele any such dangerous sicknes . pen. what a hollow voyce he has , oh my misfortune if he should die here , fetch me some strong waters . fow.

no no , i can walke for 'em my selfe if need be .

pen. he talks wildly : i may suspect him , if y 'aue so much strength to walke , goe home , call your physician , and friends , dispose of your estate , and settle your peace for heauen i doe beseech you sir . my prayers shall begge a mercy on your soule : for i haue no encouragement to hope your glasse hath many sands , farewell sir , cherish pare holy thoughts , that if your life soone end , your better part may to you court ascend , come to my father . exeunt . fow.

what 's the meaning a this sicke and dying , i feele no paine , i haue heard of some dyed with conceite , if it should kill me , i were a precious cockscombe , was euer poore gentleman brought into such a foolish paradise prepared for a race , and mounting into th' saddle , i must goe home and dye , well , if i liue i 'le quit your cunning , and for the more centainty , my reuenge may prosper , i wo'not say my prayers till it take effect . enter tutor .

tut.

this is the place where i must exercise my valour vpon braines , i was ne're giuen to fight , but i 'me engaged for such a prize as i would challenge all the noble sciences in my owne defence .

enter aymewell , clare , manly . aym. i cannot spye 'em , yet , pray heauen no disaster crosse our proiect , cla.

what thing 's that walkes about the doore ?

aym. one practising i thinke , the postures of a fencer . tut.

things occurre worthy consideration :

were i best to speake before i strike him , or giue him blowes , and tell him reason afterwards . i doe not like expostulations , they proclaime our anger , and giue the enemy warning to defend himselfe , i 'le strike him valiantly and in silence .

cla.

what does he mutter ?

aym.

what busines stayes him here , some treachery .

tut. being resolu'd to strike before i speake . 't is worth my iudgement , whether fist or sword shall first salute him , i 'le be generous , and giue him first two or three wholesome buffets , which well laid on , may happily so maze him , my weapon may be vselesse , for i feare should i begin with steele , her very face would force me make too deepe incision , and so there may be worke for sessions , i like not that as valiant as i am , killing is common . aym.

clare , they are in sight , downe , downe , oh my rauisht soule , what blisse is in this obiect ?

tut.

ha they are comming , 't is she and the old ruffian he has but a scuruy countenance , i ha th' advantage in the first blow , and i shou'd be very sorry , he should beate me in the conclusion .

enter clare . cla.

why does this fellow stay ?

tut. i must on , she has spyed me through her maske , i see her smile already , and command a present battery . enter braines before violetta . cla.

will this fellow preuent my office , he goes toward him with a quarrelling face , ha , i 'le not engage my selfe , then 't is so : withdrawes

vio.

helpe , helpe . she runs in & presently slips out sencible drest like her mistris .

bra.

mistris stay , feare nothing , alas good gentlewoman , you blacke magot death , i 'de treade him into the kennell amongst his kindred .

tut. hold , helpe , murder , bra. we shall haue the whole streete about 's presently let 's on our iourney , who 's this mole-catcher ? and ye had not beene wo 'me , i would haue cut him into more pieces then a taylors cushin , sir nicholas you shall know on 't too . exeunt . tut. they are gone together , poxe a this toughnes , has made an asse of me , next him doe i hate the law most abominably , for if i might kill and not be hang'd :

for him 't wo'd neuer trouble me , shall i loose my reputation , so i 'le venture an other pounding , but i 'le be reveng'd on him . exeunt

enter braines before sensible . bra.

my mistris is growne very thtisty of her voyce a' the sudden , i haue ask'd her . or three questions , and she answers me with holding out her hand , as the poste at st. albaines that points the way to london , either shee is growne sullen , or the fright she was in late like a wolfe that sees a man first , hath taken away her voyce , — i 'le make her speake to me — he stayes , she puts him forward with her hand . — said you forsooth — we will not doe , what a blessed comfort shal he enioy if she continue speechlesse , the persians did worship a god vnder the name of silence , and sure christians may haue an excuse for their idolatry , if they can find a woman whom nature hath posted into the world with a tongue , but no ability to make vse of that miserable organ , what doe you thinke 't is a clocke ? two not stroke , ha ? how now mrs. treading a toside , this is your way to the exchange . she slips away .

sen. my way you sawcie clowne , take that , bra.

you are bountifull , 't is more then i look't for .

she vnmaskes . sen.

what ha you to say to me sirra , cannot a gentlewomā

bra.

ha ah my braines melt , i am undone , i am vndone , you succubus where is my mistris ? proserpine speake .

enter tutor with serieants . tut.

that 's he , your office .

serg.

we arrest you sir .

bra.

me you toades ?

sen.

howe 's this ?

tut,

away with him to prison , 't is no slight action , at your perils sergeants — my fayrest mistris .

sen.

mistris — i 'le honour this plot for the mirth sake .

exeunt . bra.

sirra tadpoole what dee' meane , i owe him not a penny by this flesh , he has a conspiracy vpon me , i charge ye in the kings name vnbind me .

serg. we charge you i' th kings name obey vs , bra.

may you liue to be arrested ath ' pox , and dye in a dungeon , nay innes a court gentleman , at next trimming shaue your eares and noses off , and then ducke you in their owne boggards .

actvs . v.
scena . i. enter sir george , sir nicholas , mr. worthy . nic.

so , now we have got a lycense , i would see who dares marry your daughter besides my selfe , is she come from the exchange yet ?

wor.

not yet sir . enter a messenger .

mes.

your servant braines remembers his duty in this paper .

geo.

letters !

nic.

letters , let me read em .

geo.

your patience sir .

wor.

i doubt all is not well , what if some misfortune should now befall your mistris , i hope you have armour of patience ?

nic.

i and of proofe too at home , as much as my hall can hold , the story of the prodigall can hardly be seen for 't ; i have pikes and gunnes , enough for me and my predecessors , a whole wardrope of swords and bucklers , when you come home you shall see 'em .

geo.

a conspiracy .

nic.

oh treason .

geo.

my man braines is arrested by your tutor , a plot to take away my daughter , she is gone .

wor.

i did prophesie too soone .

nic.

my tutor read travell to me , and run away .

with my wench — a very peripatetike — what shall i doe then , and some had arrested and clapt her up too — we should have knowne where to find her — d ee heare , i did not meane to marry with a license .

wor.

how sir ?

nic.

no sir , i did meane to marry with your daughter am i a gull ?

wor.

have patience .

nic.

i will have no patience , i will have violetta , why does not braines appeare ?

wor.

his heeles are not at liberty , he 's in prison .

nic.

in prison , why and he had beene hanged , he might have brought us word .

geo.

i 'me rent with vexation , sirra goe you with me to the prison . exit george and messenger .

wor.

what will you doe ?

nic.

i le geld my tutor .

wor.

you were best finde him first .

nic.

nay i will finde him , and find him agen and i can light on him , let me alone , i le take halfe a doozen wo'mee and about it instantly . exit .

wor.

i wish thee well neece , but a better husband .

enter fowler .

who 's yonder , 't is master fowler , at an excellent opportunity . exit .

fow.

i doe walke still , by all circumstance i am alive , not sicke in any part but my head , which has only the pangs of invention , and is in travell of some pretious revenge , for my worse then masculine affront , what if i report abroad shee 's dishonest , i cannot doe 'em a worse turne then to say so : some of our gallants take a pride to belye poore gentlewomen a'th at fashion , and thinke the discourse an honour to 'em ; confidently boast the fruition of this or that lady , whose hand they never kist with the glove off : and why may not i make it my revenge , to blurre their fames a little for abusing me .

enter two friends at severall doores . .

well met friend , what ? thou lookest sad .

.

you will excuse me , and beare a part , when i tell the cause .

.

what 's the newes ?

.

our friend master fowler 's dead .

fow.

fowler ! ha ?

.

mr. iohn fowler .

fow.

that 's i , that 's i , ha ?

.

the same .

fow.

dead , am i dead ?

. it cannot be , i saw him but this morning lusty and pleasant , how dyed hee ? .

suddenly .

.

where ?

.

at master worthies house .

.

dead !

.

too true sir .

fow.

i wo'd not beleeve my selfe sicke , belike i am dead , 't is more then i know yet .

.

he was a sutor to master worthies daughter .

.

mistris penelope , right .

fow.

by all circumstance they meane me , these gentlemen know me too , how long is it since i departed ? some mistake —

. how poore a thing is life , that we cannot promise a minutes certainty , i' th height and strength of youth , falling to dust agen . fow.

ha , ha , gentlemen , what d' ee thinke a' the dead man ?

.

't is the last office i can doe him , now to waite on him to the earth .

fow.

coxcombes d' ee not know me , i 'me alive , d ee not see me ?

. he was a noble fellow , and deserves a memory , if my braine have not lost all his poeticke juyce , it shall goe hard but i le squeeze out an elegie . fow.

for whom my furious poet , ha , not know me , doe i walke invisible , or am i my owne ghost , and you wo not see me , you shall feele me , you have a nimble pate , i may chance strike out some flash of wit — no —

enter master worthy .

here comes another , save you master worthy .

.

sir i heard ill newes , master fowlers dead .

wor.

he is indeed sir .

fow.

indeed you lye sir .

wor. i saw his eyes seal'd up by death , and him rapt in his last sheet . .

where 's his body ?

wor.

at my sad house sir .

fow.

is my body at your house ?

wor. i did hope gentlemen , we should ha found my house his bridall chamber , not his coffin . but heaven must be obey'd , my daughter lov'd him , and much laments his losse . fow.

very good , then i am dead , am i not ?

wor. you both were in the number of his friends , i hope you 'll adde your presence to the rest , a' the funerall . fow.

whose funerall , you man of bedlam .

.

cry mercy sir , pray keepe your way .

. it is a duty which without invitement we are both prompt to discharge . fow.

master worthy , gentlemen d' ee heare . ex. man . fow. is 't possible , not know me , not see me , i am so thinne , and aery , i ha slipt out a' the world it seemes , and did not know on 't — if i be dead , what place am i in , where am i ? this is not hell , sure i feele no torment , and there is too little company , no 't is not hell — and i ha not liv'd after the rate of going to heaven ; yet beside , i met iust now a vsurer , that onely deales upon ounces , and carries his scales at his girdle , with which he uses to weigh , not mens necessities , but the plate he is to lend mony upon , can this fellow come to heaven ? here a poore fellow is put i' th stockes for being drunke , and the constable himselfe reeling home , charges others i' th kings name to ayde him . there 's a spruce captain , newly crept out of a gentleman vsher , and shufled into a buffe iurkin with gold lace , that never saw service beyond finsbury or the artillery garden , marches waving a desperate feather in his ladies beaver , while a poore souldier , bred up in the schoole of warre all his life , yet never commenc'd any degree of cōmander , wants a peece of brasse , to discharge a wheaten bullet to his ? belly no — this is not heaven i know by the people that traffique in 't , where am i then ? vmh i le to worthies before they bury me , and informe my selfe better what 's become a me , if i finde not my selfe there in a coffin , there 's hope i may revive agen , if i be dead , i am in a world very like the other , i will get me a female spirit to converse withall and kisse , and be merry , and imagine my selfe alive againe . exit .

enter sir nicholas , whibble , footman . nic.

come follow me , and be valiant my masters .

whib.

remember your selfe sir , this is your worships footeman , and for mine owne part , though i be not cut

will be your honour , and the deed it selfe reward us in his benefit , he was ever wilde .

assured your ends are noble , we are happy in ' .

enter winifrid . win.

master fowler .

wor.

is he come already ?

pen. remove the hearse into this chamber in your noblenesse , i desire you will interpret fairely what i am to personate and by the story you will finde i haue some cause of passion . enter fowler . the hearse brought in , tapers . fow.

this is the roome i sickned in , and by report dyed in , umh i have heard of spirits walking with aeriall bodies , and ha beene wondered at by others , but i must only wonder at my selfe , for if they be not mad , i 'me come to my owne buriall , certaine these clothes are substantiall , i owe my taylor for 'em to this houre , if the divell bee not my taylor , and hath furnish'd me with another suit very like it — this is no magicall noyse , essentiall gold and silver ? what doe i with it if i be dead ? here are no reckonings to be payd with it , no taverne bils , no midnight revels , with the costly tribe of amorous she sinners , now i cannot spend it , would the poore had it , by their prayers i might hope to get out of this new pittifull purgatory , or at least know which way i came in to 't — here they are in mourning , what a divell doe they meane to doe with me — not too many teares lady , you will but spoyle your eyes , and draw upon 'em the misery of spectacles , doe not you know me neyther ?

pen.

oh master fowler .

fow.

ha , out wa 't , nay and the woman but acknowledge me alive , there 's some hope a me .

pen.

i loved thee living with a holy flame to purge the errours of thy wanton youth .

fow.

i 'me dead againe .

pen. this made thy soule sue out so hasty a divorce . and flee to aery dwellings , hath left vs thy cold pale figure , which wee haue commission but to chamber vp in melancholly dust , where thy owne wormes like the false servants of some great man shall devoure thee first . fow. i am wormes meate , pen.

we must all dye .

fow:

woo'd some of you would do 't quickly , that i might ha company ,

pen. but wert thou now to liue againe with vs and that by miracle thy soule should with thy body haue second marriage , i beleeue thou woo'dst study to keepe it a chast temple , holy thoughts like fumes of sacred incense houering about this heart , then thou wo'dst learne to be above thy frailties , and resist the flatteries of smooth-fac'd lust . fow.

this is my funerall sermon .

pen.

the burden of which sinne , my feares perswade me , both hastned and accompanied thy death .

wor.

this sorrow is vnfruitfull .

pen. i ha done , may this prayer profit him , woo'd his soule were as sure to gaine heauen as his bodie 's , here , .

we must hope the best , he was an inconstant young man , frequenting of some companies , had corrupted his nature , and a little debauched him .

fow.

in all this sermon i haue heard little commendations of our deare brother departed , rich men doe not goe to th' pithole without complement of christian burial , it seemes if i had liu'd to ha made a will , and bequeathed so much legacy as would purchase some preacher a neate cassocke , i should ha dyed in as good estate and assurance for my soule as the best gentleman i' th parish , had my monument in a conspicuous place of the church , where i should ha beene cut in a forme of prayer , as if i had beene cal'd away at my devotion , and so for hast to be in heauen , went thither with my booke and spectacles — do'e heare lady and gentlemen , is it your pleasure to see me , though not know me ? and to enforme a walking busines when this so much lamented brother of yours departed out of this world , in his life i had some relation to him , what disease dyed he of pray ? who is his heire yet at cōmon law , for he was warme in the possession of lands , thanke his kind father , who hauing beene in a consumption sixteene yeares , one day aboue all the rest hauing nothing els to doe , dyed , that the young man might be a landlord , according to the custome of his ancestors :

.

i doubt the proiect .

fow.

you should be his heyre or executor at least by your dry eyes , sir i commend thee , what a miserable folly 't is to weepe for one that 's dead , and has no sence of our lamentation , wherefore were blackes inuented ? to saue our eyes their tedious distillations , 't is enough to be sad in our habits , they haue cause to weep that haue no mourning cloth , 't is a signe they get little by the dead , and that 's the greatest sorrow now adayes , you lou'd him lady , to say truth you had little cause , a wild young man , yet and hee were aliue againe , as that 's in vaine to wish you know , he may perchance be more sensible , & reward you with better seruice , so you would not proclaime his weaknes , — faith speake well a' th dead hereafter and bury all his faults with him , will ye , what are these all the guests ? ha ? what papers ? some elegy or epitaph ? who subscribes ? oh this is your poetry .

how he dyed some doe suppose how he sined the parish knowes , whether he 's gone to heauen or hell , aske not me i cannot tell .

very well , would the gentleman your friend were aliue to giue you thanks for 'em .

what haue we more ? vnderneath , the fayre not wise , too selfe lou'd narcissus lyes , yet his sad destruction came from no fountaine but a flame , then youth quench your hot desires , purge your thoughts with chaster fyres , least with him it be too late , and death triumph in your fate hither all you virgins come , strow your teares vpon this tombe . perhaps a timely weeping may so dispose his scorched clay , that a chast and snowy flower may reward your gentle shower .

very well done vpon so dead a subiect , by the virgin that 's in 't , you should owe this parcell of poetry lady .

pen. a womans muse sir , fow.

oh now you can answere me , am i dead still ?

pen. yes : fow.

then you talke to a dead man .

pen.

i doe .

fow.

where am i dead ?

pen. here , euery where . y' are dead to vertue , to all noble thoughts , and till the proofe of your conuersion to piety winne my faith , you are to me without all life , and charity to my selfe , bids me endeauour with this ceremony to giue you buriall if hereafter i let in my memory to my thoughts , or see you . you shall but represent his ghost or shadow which neuer shall haue power to fright my innocence . or make my cheeke looke pale , my ends are compas'd , and here in sight of heauen . fow. stay , tha' rt a noble girle , and dost deserue to marry with an emperour , remoue this sad thing from vs , you doe know me gentlemen witnesse my death to vanity , quitting all vnchast desires , reuiue me in thy thoughts , and i will loue as thou hast taught me nobly and like a husband , by this kisse the seale that i doe shake my wanton slamber off , and wake to vertue . wor.

meete it daughter .

pen. now you begin to liue : fow.

i will grow old i' th study of my honour , this last conflict hath quite ore'come me , make me happy in the stile of your sonne .

wor.

my blessings multiply .

gent.

we congratulate this euent .

wor.

see my brother . enter sir george , braines .

bra. let not your rage be so high sir , i ha more cause to be mad , geo.

thou ?

bra:

i .

geo.

i haue lost my daughter .

bra.

but i haue lost my credit , that had nothing else to liue . i was more proud of that then you could be of twenty daughters ,

wor.

haue you found 'em ?

geo.

not , not , and yet this old ruffian will not let me vex for it , he sayes the greatest losse is his .

bra.

and i 'le maintaine it , 't was my boast that i was neuer couzned in my life , haue i betrayed so many plots , discouered letters , deciphered characters , stript knavery to the skinne , and layd open the very soule of conspiracie , deserv'd for my cunning to bee called braines both towne and country over , and now to forfeit 'em , to see 'em drencht in a muddy stratagem , cheated by a woman , and a pedanticall lousie woodmonger , 't is abhominable ; patience i abhorre thee , i desire him that bids me goe hang my selfe , which is the way to surgeans hall i 'le beg to ha my skull cut , i have a suspition my braines are filcht , and my head has beene late stuft with woodcocks feathers .

fow.

be not mad .

bra.

i will in spight of any man here , who shall hinder me if i have a minde too 't .

geo.

your happinesse removes my affliction , ha !

enter whibble , tutor . vvhib:

where is sir nicholas ? we have brought the gentleman .

bra.

are you there — this was the champion that justled me , shall i fetch a dog-whip , or let me cut him up he will make excellent meat for the divels trencher , i le carve him sirra .

geo.

forbeare , where is my daughter ? villaine confesse .

tut.

alas sir , i was waiting upon her home , sir nicholas met me , and tooke her from me .

geo. vvor.

sir nicholas !

vvhib.

yes sir nicholas , hath mistris violetta , i am a witnesse .

bra.

why did he iustle me , there began the treachery , aske him that ?

tut:

i pray y' sir let it be forgotten , i ha bin kickt for 't .

enter at one dore mr , aymwell , violetta , manly , clare , at the other , sir nicholas and sensible . whib.

here she is , no there she is .

geo. sir nicholas : wor: i am amaz'd : nic.

stay which is my wife ?

geo.

here 's my daughter .

bra.

mistris !

fow.

fine iugling . francke whence commest ?

aym: from the priest , if you have any ioy for me , we are married . nic.

are there not two sir nicholasses , pray what d' ee call this gentlewoman ?

aymw.

her name 's violetta .

viol.

father your pardon .

nic.

this is fine yfaith , well may a woman mistake her husband , when a man that is the wiser vessell cannot know his owne wife .

geo.

marryed to aymwell !

man. cla.

we are witnesses .

nic.

a good iest yfaith , hearke you , were you ever catechiz'd ? what is your name forsooth ?

sens.

faith sir guesse .

aymw.

all passion will be fruitlesse but of ioy .

nic. sensible ? came i from croydon for a chambermaid ? d' ee heare every body i ha married sensible ! man. cla.

we are witnesses of that too .

nic.

no no , this is my wife .

aymw.

touch her not with a rude hand .

nic.

why , i know she meant to be my wife , and onely i ha married her , as folkes goe to law , by attourney , she is but her deputy , for the more state i married her by proxie .

bra.

doe not deceive your selfe sir , though princes depute men to marry their wives , women doe not use to be cyphers , she is your wife in law , let me counsell you sir to prevent laughter , some body hath been couzened , i name no body , since it was your fortune to marry this wench , which cannot now be undone , seeme not to be sorry for 't , they doe purpose to ieere you out of your skinne else .

nic.

say'st thou so ?

bra.

be confident and laugh at them first , that they are so simple to think that you are guld , commend your choice , and say 't was a trick of yours to deceive their expectation .

nic.

come hither madam treedle , gentlemen , you thinke now , i have but an ill match on 't , and that as they say i am cheated , doe not beleeve it — a lady is a lady , a bargain is a bargain , and i 'm a knight & no gentleman , so much for that — i grant i married her , in her mistresses name , and though ( as great men , that use to choose wives for their favourites or servants , when they have done with 'em ) i could put her off to my footman or my tutor here , i wo'not , i will maintain her my wife and publish her , d' ee see , publish her to any man that shall laugh at it , my owne ladybird , and madam treedle .

fow.

you are happy sir , in being deceiv'd , he is a noble gentleman .

wor. sir nicholas has releast her , let your consent be free then . geo. you have wonne it be my lov'd children , and i wish a ioy flow in all bosomes . braines we are reconcil'd . nic.

tutor we pardon .

vio. you may sir , he was my engine , now , what sayes my factious servant , nay , wee 're friends , the greatest politician may bee deceiv'd sometimes , wit without braines yee see . bra.

and braines without wit too .

fowl.

franck thou art married , and sir nicholas has made a lady , i ha liv'd loose a great while , and doe purpose to be made fast to this gentlewoman .

to whose act i owe my true conversion . when all things have their tryall , you shall find . nothing is constant but a vertuous mind . exeunt .
finis .

this play , called the witty faire one , as it was acted on the stage , may be printed , this . of ianuary . .

henry herbert .
machine-generated castlist a -fowler a -worthy a -nicholas a -aymwell a -brains a -penelope a -tutor a -violetta a -clare a -george a -manly a -sensible a -whibble a -xxxx_ a -richley a -xxxx_ a -winifrid a -unassigned a -servant a -multiple a -sergeant a -messenger a -gentleman a -boy a -missing
textual notes

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o ▪ her twinne sister , shee deriues the right of all my wealth to her , gallants i feare or●chaunted soft boughes before her for griefe to be orechaunted . o●●ice ready coyne of's owne , yet neuer bought an office for't ha's plate no question , and iewels ieweis o●●ice for't ha's plate no question , and iewels too in's old ladies cabinet , beside other saytest hayres are cupids nets , a forehead like the fayrest coast of heauen without a cloud , your eybrow ●●ps eyther eye are arrowes drawne to wound , your lips the temple or sacred phane of kisses often 〈◊〉 wert a gentleman , howeuer thy aristotles of ibi●●● will make thee vncapable of their ibi●●● wert a gentleman , howeuer thy aristotles of ethicks will make thee vncapable of their company ▪ neither , blame your selfe if you be idle , howsoeuer you shall not be alone , make fo●●r exeunt fowler , and penelope . h●d i neuer mou'd it to her , her vncle hath had no opportunity to acquaint her what's the in'● fruitlesse to moue her vncle or her father in't . mo● pardonne moy it is vnnecessary , all the french fashions risle lets rifle the other bottle of wine . p●eserue one a those in rome i may prove so happy to preserue your distressed capitoll , what newes brings resoluon this kisse , my pen hath but set downe the resolution of my heart to serue you . ▪ come let me rectifie your faith , serue you . ●ate commendations , for i am resolved to be yours at any rate of my own praise , or what i can purchase wotse an't be no worse i care not , mr. fowler a most welcome friend m● enter mr . manley . ●y you oblige my seruices — but what make you heere my woman ▪ not come with bare relation of your plots , ▪ exit : cur●e fast last night , 'tis so , and happily some curre or cat has beene i'the chamber , for i heare pincasin chambermaides , begger my selfe with purse and pincase when shee that is the mistris may be mine b●usht lippes betray their virgins weed as they onely blusht for this that they one another kisse , but contenm'd suspition which had beene needlesse , had shee contemn'd my seruice . so smilingly departed , thus es●●lapius condole with thee , by this whay beard of esculapius , i dare not endanger my selfe with so much ▪ my selfe vp lost in the imagin'd tempest , but at point of striking vpon a rocke , ▪ arrow , digge my graue i'th earths center , forgiue me sacred sexe of women that in butter●es colledge , i haue had a head in most ath' butteries of cambridge , and 't has beene sconc'd fa●●li●e father and vncle you will excuse our familiar conuersation ; i vow ile bee honest till ●i●s secrets , and i will deserue it : two or . fits when i am in her presence , will make her fayes if i could see her shee does blush shee ; sayes tis so : oh the insatiable desires of chamber-maydes ▪ suddaine what a palenesse has possest his face , doe not his eyes retyre into their hollow ▪ the best , he was an inconstant young man , frequenting of some companies , had corrupted ▪ truth you had little cause , a wild young man , yet and hee were aliue againe , as that's ●ined how he dyed some doe suppose how he sined the parish knowes , whether he's gone to ▪ enter sir george , braines . pedancieall muddy stratagem , cheated by a woman , and a pedanticall lousie woodmonger , 'tis abhominable ; patience i●le my selfe , which is the way to surgeans hall i'le beg to ha my skull cut , i have a suspition supspition hall i'le beg to ha my skull cut , i have a suspition my braines are filcht , and my head has sensibl● sensible ? came i from croydon for a chambermaid
the opportunity shirley, james this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text s in the english short title catalog (stc ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. martin mueller incompletely or incorrectly transcribed words were reviewed and in many cases fixed by melina yeh lydia zoells this text has not been fully proofread earlyprint project evanston il, notre dame in, st.louis, washington mo distributed under a creative commons attribution-noncommercial . unported license a .xml the opportunitie a comedy, as it was presented by her majesties servants, at the private house in drury lane / written by iames shirley. shirley, james, - . dpi tiff g page images university of michigan, digital library production service ann arbor, michigan october (tcp phase ) stc ( nd ed.) . a

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 the opportunitie a comedy, as it was presented by her majesties servants, at the private house in drury lane / written by iames shirley. shirley, james, - . molina, tirso de, ?- . [ ] p. printed for andrew crooke, and are to be sold at the castle gate in dublin, in dublin : .

"based on áel castigo del penséque" of téllez--nuc pre- imprints.

signatures: [a] b-k .

reproduction of original in the henry e. huntington library and art gallery.

 a shc the opportunity shirley, james melina yeh lydia zoells play tragedy shc no a s (stc ). . b the rate of . defects per , words puts this text in the b category of texts with fewer than defects per , words. incorporated ~ , textual changes made to the shc corpus by hannah bredar, kate needham, and lydia zoells between april and july during visits, separately or together, to the bodleian, folger and houghton libraries as well as the rare book libraries at northwestern university and the university of chicago

the opportvnitie

a comedy ,

as it was presented by her majesties servants , at the private house in drury lane .

written by iames shirley .

printed for andrew crooke , and are to be sold at the castle gate in dublin . .

to my trvly noble , and my ever honored friend , captaine richard owen . sir ,

this poeme , at my returne with you , from another kingdome ( wherein i enjoyd , as your imployments would permit , the happinesse of your knowledge , and conversation ) emergent from the presse , and prepar'd to seeke entertainment abroad , i tooke boldnesse thus farre to direct to your name and acceptance ; promised by my confidence in your love to poesie , wherein your cleare judgement and excellent abilities would at first have made mee lesse adventurous . be pleasd till time mature a worthy satisfaction to your favours , to smile upon this tender of my gratitude , and while your services call you hence to enlarge your honour , by making your faith and valour more exemplary against a rebellious enemy , let me preserve a peace at home , in the contemplation of your friendship , and be happy to professe my selfe

your humble servant and honoror , ia. shirley .
the actors names . aurelio . pisauro . pimponio . lucio . pietro . julio . mercutio . dutchesse and ladies . ferrara . vrsini . cornelia . melinda . laura . borgia . ascanio a boy . asca . grutty .
the opportvnitie .
act .
scene . enter aurelio , pisauro , and pimponio . aur. expect me an howre hence , my friend and i will walke and see the citie , make it your care to get supper ready . pim. if i doe not i know who 's like to fare the worse . au. and be not drunke sirra at our returne . pim. yes i doe use to be drunke before you often . exit . au. about your businesse : and how dost like the towne , and situation . pis. trouble me not to answer such dull questions , i see nere a handsome girle yet , not a peece of a bonaroba ; and the dutchesse hold but the complexion of those we ha seene , i wonot be corrupted with the pallace to be her bed-fellow . au. you 'l change opinion ; perhaps we ha seene none but the rubbish , yet there may be beauties signior will tempt your most fastidious appetite , i feare i shall have much adoe to stave thee from 'em , pis. to quit that feare le ts leave the citie instantly ; the meale wonot disgest women , i eate in t . not stave me from em ? we are for the warres ; this towne will turne my blood , i wonot give a iulio for my courage in twelve houres , vnlesse they tie their women up . au. thou hast , a minde to shew thou canst be satyre , patience but till to morrow and wee 'l hence . enter lucio . luc. sir , let my heart present your welcome home , y 'ave beene too long a stranger , i am happy to imbrace you agen . au.

me , meaning me , d ee know me ?

luc. i hope you are not jealous of my friendship , i thought our familiaritie before the sad misfortune came that made you banish your selfe from urbin had possest you throughly , how firme i dare be to you . pis.

doe you know him ?

au. dost thou know him ? i nere saw his eyes before to my best memory , are you not mistaken . lu. perhaps in your affection which no art hath ever made me guiltie to deserve , i never did betray my friend to make you affect these clouds , but be it so . au. there is but one halfe hower added to our ages since first we saw the citie . lu. in good time . i will be bold to acquaint some bawd else in whom you have more faith . exit . au.

what riddle 's this .

pis. is not the gentleman o' th to sides on s wits ? what did he call you . au. nay i know not , he said we had beene familiar , in his dreame sure , for waking i nere saw him . pis.

you should have ask'd his name .

au. to what purpose prithee . enter pietro . why does that gentleman stare upon us so . pie. are you return'd , this is confidence you may repent . au.

save you signior .

pie.

and you too .

pis.

d ee meane both one ?

pie.

one has some neede , yo 're welcome signior to urbin .

au.

thanke you , what 's your name i pray .

pie. if you ha forgot mine , i remember borgia . a friend of yours , desires but to renew acquaintance we 'e . au.

what friend .

pie.

you will heare more .

pis. iigges , shall i after him and knocke him o're the pate . au.

for what .

pis. for looking on 's so scurvily . au. that may be dangerous , did he not name borgia . pis. but whether he meant himselfe or you i understand not . au. he might as well ha cald me bethlem gabor ; le ts walke on still . enter julio . iu. ha borgia , t is he , my noble friend returnd , welcome , a thousand welcomes in thy bosome ; why doe you weare this strangenesse in your face , can a few yeares render me lost to borgia . au.

sure he does call me borgia .

iu. thou wert vnkinde in thy departure , with what devotion could i have beene a partner in thy travell and have unequall fortune , being absent why was not i summond to wait upon thee in any part o' th world , but againe welcome , when arriv'd yee . au. i am very likesome body , they all mistake me thus , we ha seene no friends since . iu.

is this gentleman .

au.

one deare in my acquaintance .

iu. i am your servant , thy unexpected sight will glad mercutios heart , your noble father who hath long mourn'd your absence . pis. good old man , he will rejoyce to see him here no doubt on 't . au.

remember my fathers name .

iu. you have lost an vncle , but all his estate your father is possest of . au.

dead !

iu. his age was fit for heaven , his wealth is added to your fathers to make yours the greater fortuue . pis.

take it upon you .

au. pardon noble friend , i was perswaded time and absence had wrought such a change upon my face , that no man would know me agen , but tho i may to some appeare a stranger , i must stand discover'd to a friends penetrating eye , agen possest your faithfull servant , what 's my name . iu.

deare borgia .

pis.

borgia i must remember you .

iu.

shall i waite on you to your father sir .

au.

what were i best to doe .

iu. your sisters growne a gallant gentlewoman , the onely beautie of urbin , and waits on the dutchesse , her soft lips will seale your welcome . pis.

a handsome gentlewoman , goe .

au.

he does but jeast , they are all witches here .

pis. no more ieeres . go or be lame for ever . au. is she growne worthy that houre you expresse , and has the dutchesse taken her to grace . iu. t is more then whisper'd , the favorite loves her . au.

who .

iu. he that was cause of your remove ursini . au. cry you mercy , i know him well enough ; but does he love her ? iu.

t is rumord so i th court .

pis. you will be tripping , your owne heeles up . au.

i hope my sister 's honest .

iu.

who cornelia .

au.

remember that name too .

pis. let me alone to remember her , cornelia for more securitie , i le put her in my table booke . iu. there is no lady in the preserves a clearer fame , as modest as shee s faire , and so ingenious . pis. i would excuse her modestie , but she may be converted in time ; tho sturdy oake we know , and so forth enter mercutio , lucio au.

you speake a welcome character .

iu. your father it seemes his willing eare hath catchd the newes of your arive . pis.

kneele downe .

au. see if he first knows me , t is a wise father now knowes his owne child . mer. my dearest borgia , comfort of my age . my joy of soule , a fathers prayers and blessing make thee a happy man , my eyes must speake part of my joy in teares , welcome from naples . au. your pardon sir that thus i steale upon you , i wod hope my sister — pi.

cornelia .

au.

cornelia is in health .

mer.

and will be a glad soule to imbrace her brother

au.

your pardon sir that i seem'd strange to you .

iu.

't is recompence now that you please to owne me .

mer. iulio an honest gentleman , and one that loves us borgia . au. i heare my vncle has left us — pi. a good estate , ther 's the lesse cause to mourne for him . au. we must all tread that path , here is a friend of mine to whose trust and favour i have beene much engag'd . mer. sir what i want in language , i le supply with other welcome , please you to honour my poore wife . pis : the service of my unworthy life is yours , command it , i wod you had another handsome daughter . mer. i presume you were presented a glad object to lucio , your affections grew from children . au.

to lucio we carry but one heart .

pis.

doe not forget his name now .

mer. but my sonne we dwell to long thus publique , let us perfect enter pietro . our ceremony at home , pietro one of the favorits creatures . pis. t is the dutchesse , command mercutio you waite upon her presently at court , and bring young borgia along wee to expect her graces pleasure . exit . mer.

we must obey .

au.

what makes your countenance change sir .

mer.

my feares poore borgia for thee .

au.

for me .

pis.

howe 's that ? his feares ?

mer. while my ag'd armes are in , a loving contention to imbrace thee , i wish thee from hence this ground betrayd thee , embarke agen , the seas have usd thee kindly , trust them agen , or any land but this : this will undoe us both , the joy of seeing thee made me forget thy danger . au. danger sir , what have i done , to call these feares upon you ? pis.

take heede , be wise , i know not what to thinke on 't

mer. what hast done saist , nothing to dishonour thee , thou kildst him fairely . pis. kild i thinke ; you were best be aurelio agen , and leave your sister but i le fish out the circumstance , walke melancholy . au.

prithee doe .

pis. although your sonne has pleasd to call me friend , i finde he has reservd something he wod not credit to my bosome ; i have observ'd his trouble , but unwilling by moving questions to renew his sufferings : if my particular knowledge of his fate may be no prejudice , tho it be without my verge to serve him , i can willingly share in their griefe that love him . mer. you speake nobly , t was his misfortune sir provok'd to kill a gentleman , brother to vrsini , who was favorite to the duke deceasd , and now grac'd by the dutchesse , by whose power he may command him dead , these summons i suspect ; but take my counsell borgia , and deceive his expectation of revenge , once more he bids thee flie ; would slay thee in his heart , let me runne their displeasure . au. not for me sir , i am resolv'd , 't is better dye at home , then wast my life an exile , i le to court we'e . pis.

y' are not mad .

au. thou art a foole , cannot i cast borgias skin off when i please , i must see my faire sister at a minuts warning , thou art evidence for me ; father i waite you , my sisters there you say , doe not doubt me ; at worst , i le have a tricke to keepe my head on : come friend and gentlemen . iu.

we attend .

exit . enter dutchesse , ursini , cornelia , melinda , laura . du. you have prevail'd vrsini : yet we thought of all men living you would least have beene a sutor for his pardon , but t is sign'd he owes you for his life . vrs. your mercy rather , i have consider'd madam i did lose a brother , whose repaire i shall not finde now in anothers blood , the gentleman hath suffer'd , though not what the lawes determine , many yeares pennance , so severe , perhaps that he is come by offering himselfe now a sacrifice to your justice , to prevent a death more killing , still to live a stranger to his owne friends and countrey . du. if your charitie extend so farre , the rest we have dispenc'd with , he is return'd for certaine ? he is either wearie of life , or master of a confidence that might have beene his ruine . vrs. this will make your art of mercy shine the brighter madam . du. it will , but let me aske you good my lord , does this proceede out of a cleare forgivenesse : time i allow may qualifie the thought of our revenge , and something else of pittie may so take off the roughnesse of our soule that we may have a noble charitie to our enemy , but has your end no mixture of something else , that may advance a hope to satisfie desire some other way ? no turne to profit or delight ? be plaine ; for i must know your brest . vrs. you shall see through me , i dare not weare a thought lesse than transparent , i love his sister madam , faire cornelia with those intents become me , in that flame i sacrifice all thoughts that wound her brother and wish no happier satisfaction , and by that charme of her consent to love my brother is redevivd in borgia . dut. y' are briefe , yet plaine ; how point cornelias affections . vrs. i have wooed her but in complement , and tho there may be sonnes to admit my services , i finde she is all obedience to her father , whom the apprehension of his sonnes fortune may have indisposd to a present reconcilement . dut. this one act will make him kinde , and forme him to your wishes . vrs. if they might have the happinesse to be propounded by your highnesse to mercutio , i prophesie successe , pardon great madam , if after all your princely favors i begge this with many blushes , love is grac'd by dwelling on your breath . dut. ursini since the duke dyed you have found no losse in out esteeme , to his ashes i have paid that dutie to grace whom he affected , and be confident we shall not deny this , is he not come yet ? urs.

he will attend your grace — who waite .

enter pietro . pis. signior mercutio expects your graces pleasure , with him his sonne borgia cor.

my brother .

dut. tho we pardon him we must put on a brow of some displeasure and chide his fault , he may be encourag'd else to a second insolence . urs. gently i beseech you , there may be a punishment within your eye to kill him , and so make the benefit is meant him , of no vertue , or to himselfe , or my designe . dut. how is the name of gentleman dishonor'd by such desperate undertakings ; that more then guiltie of humane blood , doe kill even charity . enter mercutio , borgia , pisauro . urs.

th' are admitted .

dut. is that he ? we sent for you mercutio to tell you how much you owe to good ursinis love , at whose earnest solicite we have sign'd young borgias pardon , if you examine well ; you will have cause to place him in the first ranke of your friends . mer. shall i beleeve my eyes , my understanding ? how is mercutio blest ? looke boy the pardon , heaven reward thy charities ; my lord for saving one , command the lives of all our family , thou soule of honour ; looke borgia . pis. what de' e meane kneele to the dutchesse and acknowledge . bor.

what .

pis.

a pardon for your life .

bor. i am lost here pisauro , an excellent creature . pis. you 'l spoile all , shee 's yet your sister , i doe like her too ; kneele for your pardon , and you may choose your gallowes in time , wood i were hanged on no worse peece of timber , how nimbly would i climbe the ladder , ha you no sense ? humble your knees to thanke her highnesse and that gentleman . du. why does that fellow kneele ursini . urs. 't is signior borgia , his heart is full of thankes . du. i looke not for em , what doe i feele ? command him rise . urs. deare madam . looke calme upon him . pis.

shee 'l reverse the pardon .

cor.

are you my brother sir ?

bo.

as sure as you are my sister ; do you doubt me ?

cor. how now cornelia , pray excuse me brother , my joy to see you safe doth halfe transport me . du.

mercutio .

pis. i am converted now , and doe beleeve there are some hansome women ; young gentleman , not too much , too much at once , remember y' are her brother , he is taken . mer. your grace is pleasd to enlarge my happinesse ; my daughter is much honor'd , but i must beseech your lordship to allow we may in such a cause as this , enquire her judgement , and since by 'th bounty of your highnesse , i have a sonne now , whose joy may be concernd in 't ; i would not willingly conclude her marriage without his voyce too . urs. i am confident to incline his favour , since she has declar'd herselfe no enemy . du.

cornelia .

urs.

sir i have a suite to you .

bo. you have deserv'd my life , which ought to waste it selfe in service . urs. i am an honorer of your faire sister , it rests in you to perfect my ambition . and make her mine . bo.

how do you meane my lord .

pis. now hee 's put too t , she is ursinis mistresse . as he is borgia , he can have no pretence to oppose him , if he discover and be aurelio agen , he destroyes all hope for himselfe , for i perceive hee 's taken with her , i know by the motion of his nose , which pants like the bellowes of an organ . urs. sir your fathers voyce speakes in yours , you now command my destinie if you will make me happy . bo. noble sir , i am sorry where such infinite merits plead i have no power to serve your noble wishes , and keepe the honour of a gentleman . urs. your family i take it can receive no staine by my alliance . bo.

't were a blessing .

pis.

how will he come off ?

bo. mistake not i beseech you , i have already engaged my selfe to a gentleman of a noble house in millan , one aurelio andreozzi . pis.

that 's himselfe .

bo. who on the fight of her picture which i gave him , courted me to wooe the substance for him , promising to follow me in person , being one to whom i had many obligations in the millan court , i paund the credit of a gentleman , to assist his faire desires , if in few dayes he come to urbin ; but i am confident his young affections which had no other life but what a dead representation could infuse , will soone vanish agen , and leave me to be serviceable in what you will command me , and be sure i will not racke your patience to much length ; if in few dayes he appeare not , i will thinke my promise disobliged , and direct all my abilities to make your wishes prosper : it will become my gratitude . urs.

you speake nobly .

bo. the pleasures of the court will so abate his thoughts this way , that i presume your lordship will soone be master of that amorous province you ayme at , and much honour your poore servant . urs.

let this confirme , i am yours .

pis. so so , this was indifferently well carried , i was jealous of a more lame come off . urs. adde this one to your other princely favours madam , and admit this gentleman to kisse your hand . dut. without much suite my heart would have conveyd that to my lip , a very handsome gentleman . cor. what sayd the dutchesse ? doe not her eyes fix upon my brother ? how now cornelia , i am his sister ; yet i had no acquaintance with this turbulent passions when i last saw him . mer. what does her highnesse meane , she speakes to ursini , but her eye directs some language this way , borgia dost observe ? bo. and wonder , but i see nothing in her eyes to be afraid of . pis. if the dutchesse should be in love with him here were a purchase , i doe verily beleeve here will be an end of all our warres , if he have but the grace to march upon this service and charge home : smiles , smiles upon him ; well aurelio andreozzi , t is very possible you may meete with your match if he mount her , i le bring a ladder to his sisters fort and then the town 's our owne , she calls him to her . mer.

cornelia , canst thou interpret this ?

cor. her grace is very pleasant , good good heart bē patient . pis. she plaies with him , good , better , i , is your spirit up my nimble dutchesse ? would i had the conjuring of it downe , vrsini lookes like a whelpe had lost his taile alreadie . urs.

i was jealous she would chide and frowne upon him , praid her be gentle , and looke calme , i st come to this ?

du. vrsini , i have thought how to supply that place of secretary that is vacant , see that borgia be sworne , we apprehend his fitnesse . vrs.

madam .

du. i hope this will please you vrsini , we can grace whom you present ; he is more gentleman than to forget how for your sake we honor him ; i shall betray too much of women , borgia attend us ; come cornelia , vrsini , mercutio , make the court not so much stranger . exeunt . bo.

i le follow : what dost thinke of this pisauro .

pis. i thinke the dutćhesse loves thee , and make use on 't , lose no applications , that 't her secretary , a degree to more inward indeerements , if she doe love thee , and — bo.

what prethee ?

pis. shee knowes best what appetite she has , let mē counsell thee , be not modest , we are made . bor.

what ?

pis. thy father a count , thou a duke , vrsini a coxcombe , i a fine gentleman , and one that would be glad of the worst of your new female acquaintances . bo.

there are no faces here .

pis. be not you a tyrant , i le doe pennance in a white sheete with thy sister for 't . exeunt .
actus secundus . enter pimponio . pim.

no signior aurelio come yet ? no master to be heard on , he is a fine gentleman to use his squire o' this fashion ; where should he be , hee commanded me not to bee drunke , he is drunke ; and drunke and dead drunke , hee would have had the grace to reele home to his lodging before this time of night else : let me see , what if the flesh have led him a to side ? he is falne into some brake , some wench has tyed him by the legges , and nothing else can excuse him to me ; yet now i thinke on 't , he does forget pimponio , he was not wont to be his owne purveyor , my art for the choice of his pullin , has beene allow'd if he doe get and so forth an excuse for physicke , and come home founderd , the disease was none of my choosing , it came not through my office ; stay , what if my signior be dead ? umph ? dead ? my heart misgives , they may be kild , my master has the spirit of fighting in him , and his companion is the divell at it , an aglet hole or two in their hearts , and in a strange place , my signiors , are never mist , t is so , if he bee dead — bring forth the port-mantue .

enter ascanio , a boy . ase.

sir ?

pim.

bring forth my port-mantue my deminitive knave , and tell thy father i would speake with him , he is dead , he would not have trusted me so long with his mony else , now will i make my selfe his heire , defie the world and aurelios ghost ; but first of all i must outface mine hoast , so let me examine ; very good lynings , bagge and baggage , you are mine owne ,

enter asca.

thy father call him hither .

as.

he is comming sir , t is very late .

pim.

never too late to tell money , fetch me a brace of gennets i will mount em , a covey of curtisans ; stay pimponio , be not mad before thy time , who shall i say i am ? a prince at least , i have it ;

enter grutty .

here comes mine host .

gr.

what would this fellow have , no newes of your master ?

pim.

speake that word no more on thy allegiance , here goe to bed and rise with a cleane shirt .

gr.

this is gold , what does the fellow meane ?

pim.

no fellowes neither , t is time to shew my selfe , where is thy boy ?

as.

here signior .

pim.

kneele downe and aske me blessing .

as.

this does looke a blessing , shall i aske another ?

pim.

aske any thing but what i am .

as.

you are —

pim.

stay there , 't is dangerous to pronounce me yet , i will be still disguisd , my men are absent .

as.

your men .

pim.

thou art wise , thine eare , i am a prince .

gr.

how signior .

pim.

the reason of my shape thou shat know hereafter , thus iove has beene disguisd .

as.

is not your name pimponio ?

pim. it was my pleasure they should call me so , i have not found 'em trustie ; how fares the dutchesse ? as.

what doe i heare ?

pim.

this boy shall waite on me , i le have yee all .

gr.

whether ?

pim.

what countrey shall i choose ? to be a prince of italy is too well knowne , spaine stands convenient , and far enough , where i have beene too , i le have you all to spaine .

as.

what to doe signior ?

pim.

for your preferments , when thou hast got a chapman for this tub thou liv'st in , let me know 't .

gr.

boy this a spanish prince .

as.

a prince of oranges , he a spanish prince ?

pim.

they wonnot travell thither to disprove me , to tell the truth , i suspect my two groomes have betrayd me ; i come hither to be a suitor to your dutchesse .

as.

in these cloathes ?

pim.

you doe not know my plot , these gentlemen my servants should cunningly have prefer'd mee to be the dutchesse foole .

gr.

her foole ? t is very likely .

pim. but for a time , there 's mystery in that by this meanes i resolv'd to try her nature and disposition ere i married her , for i can have at this present foure kings daughters , the eldest of 'em is but seven yeares old , which shewes the parents dote upon me , and wod make sure of me betimes . gr.

i doe beleeve your grace .

pim.

grace , umph , thou must be advanc'd , let me see , what office , oh , thou shalt have a place at my returne in the gallies , dost heare , a yerking preferment .

as.

and what shall i bee ?

pim.

thou shalt be — a picaro , in your language a page , my chiefe picaro ; by degrees you may send for all your generation , i will see them mounted .

enter pisauro . pis.

where 's pimponio .

pim.

a pox pimpe you , they are alive agen , now am i a dead man .

pis.

there is a certaine moveable ecclip'd a port-mantue .

pim.

wod your tongue had beene clip'd .

pis.

wherein there are some golden friends of ours .

pim.

all your friends are well .

pis.

let me see their complexions , where are they ? looke for the signior your master a moneth hence ?

as.

his master , de' e observe ?

pim.

does hee not carry it hansomely , hee knowes not i have discovered my selfe to you .

as.

with your pardon sir , is not this signior a prince disguisd ?

pis.

a prince of puppets , who pimponio ?

as. and you one of his servants , to whom with your other fellow cal'd signior aurelio , his person stands discover'd , he came hither to court our dutchesse , he has promisd us at his returne to spaine to make us grandees . pis. has he betrayd himselfe , nay then my dutie if please your excellence . pim.

away , away .

pis. a prince cannot be hid tho under mountaines , but my deere prince , the bagges must goe with me while you keepe state i th inne . pim.

who shall maintaine .

pis. if i did thinke thou wouldst carry it hansomly — well , i le excuse thee to thy master , here when thou hast domineerd away this bagge thou maist heare more ; keepe thine owne counsell , and thy master shannot owne thee , if thou hast any fagary , drinke , and indulge thy genius ; i le see thee agen before thy raigne be out , no words but be a prince , and scorne to know us and so i take leave of your excellence . pim. i shannot know my selfe , am not i a prince indeed , that have beene long conceald ? this is a bagge and full of golden friends , umph , however i will spend it like an emperour , these are not robes fit for a prince i take it , grutti , boy i entertaine you both my groome and page , and say unto you , snakes goe cast your coates , here 's earnest for new skins , when things are ripe we will to court . gr.

what thinkes your grace of going to bed

pim. i am too sober , let the whole house be drunke first , 't will please us well to see the servants gamboll , we purpose to be drunke our selves in state too : let me have fiftie strumpets . gr.

fiftie trumpets .

pim.

strumpets i say , they 'l make the greater noise .

as.

your grace will be a hercules .

pim.

i will , and thou shalt be captaine of the pigmies under me , this roome 's too narrow , beate downe the walls on both sides , advance your lights and call the country in , if there be a taylor amongst 'em he shall first take measure of my highnesse , for i must not longer walke in quirpo .

both .

we attend your excellence .

exeunt . enter julio and lucio , lu.

i 'me lost i' th wonder iulio .

iu. a strange turne from that could temper we imagin'd in her highnesse . lu.

i have heard of charmes and philters .

iu. if travell have these glorious effects i le abroad too . lu.

he has a hansome person .

iu.

and discourses grant it .

lu.

is master of a noble soule .

iu. soule , nay let that alone , ladies doe not looke after the soule so much , the body will serve their turne , so it be nimble , and at their devotion , if you observe , he is grac'd by all the ladies as if he were their generall minion , i doe not like his sisters eyes upon him , they whirle too much and seem'd to shoot an envie vpon the dutchesse favors . lu. i am confident thou hast no murmer in thy thoughts against him . iu. i but expresse my wonder , in that i thinke the whole court had a share : he knowes i love him , t will become his feare how to secure ursini . lu: he preferd him first to her highnesse . iu. not with expectation to be supplanted , i make question if the humor hold , whether shee may not marry him , that 's a round higher then her favorite : had hope to climbe . lu. although i honour borgia and wish him heartily advanc'd , i wod not kneele to him , my voyce is for ferrara he is a prince , i wod not for my state this shod breake off his treatie . iu. thy embassador to his master , he is scarce minded . lu. come she cannot , fall so low , the passion is too violent enter ursini , and ferrara . to last — who are these ? iu. the embassadour and ursini , what 's the matter ? i feare some discontent . urs. my lord let me prevaile so farre , i hope you imagine i am firme to you , i have more cause to be impatient , my whole strength at court 's concernd , but have more noble thoughts then to suspect you can be slighted , thinke t is but a dreame in justice to your cause , and royall master put on no face of discontent , returne and see how things will close fer. 't is an affront bove satisfaction , but the disgrace reflects beyond my person . urs. had she studied honours to his ambition , it had not wrong'd her prudence , to have shewne you more respect . fer. but i was not considerable ; the young gentleman had taken up her eyes , her tongue , her feete , her understanding too , i might have witherd in my seate , no beame , no discourse this way , but that once she was pleasd to aske me how i lik'd the gallants dancing , i le not disturbe her revels . urs. yet my lord have so much fortitude , 't will be a meanes if you returne , to make her finde her errour to your person , were she not my princesse i should professe my selfe asham'd , out come let me beseech you to goe backe , leave not the presence so , for your owne honour sir observe a little more , i hope you shannot repent my counsell . fer. i wod ye wod excuse me , i shall but vex my eyes . urs.

expect a change .

fer.

you have power with me my lord .

urs.

you honour me .

exit . ju. what will become o this , what thinke you now ? they doe resent it , and for ought i heare have little hope to mend it . lu. can she be in love so soone , well borgia , if this hold , i le applaud thy fate . iu. for after this allowance , hee 'l be duke of urbin tomorrow , give thee joy bully , let me see if he turne prince , t is best for us turne beggers . lu.

beggers ?

iu. court beggers , hee 'l deny us nothing , now for some witty knave to finde out suits , i must keepe some in pension for that purpose , they are profitable vermine , enter pisauro . his companion . pis. save you gentlemen , what de' e meane ? why stand yee bare ? lu. in being borgias friend it will become us . iu. he knowes no title yet , but chiefe secretary to her highnesse , what honours are in her brest laid ▪ up for him , we know not he has a mounting fate , and in his we pronounce you happy . pis. we shall all be princes in time ; but gentlemen le ts be more familiar we thinke so well of things , does he preserve the dutchesse smile , or does she use to make at some time o' the moone sport with her subjects . iu. you are wide all the heaven sir , had you come a little sooner you had heard discourse . enter borgia . to cleare your doubt , hee 's here himselfe . bo. pisauro , what will become on 's , t is as thou saist ? pis.

what prethee ?

bo.

the dutchesse is mad .

pis.

how !

bor. why she is certainly in love , shat in and see how i am us'd , and yet i now come forth to recover breath , i ha danc'd my selfe to a jellie , the ladies ha no mercy ; but the dutchesse pis.

what prethee .

bo. is as i told thee mad , i prethee counsell me altho her grace be pleasd to shew me favors 't were boldnesse to beleeve , and thanke her . pis. how ? i hope thou art not mad . bo. i know not whether the fit will last , i may hold some proportion with cornelia , my suppos'd sister , she poore wretch does cast such speaking eyes upon me as she were iealous of the dutchesse too , and wrings me by the hand when i dance with her . enter pietro . pie.

the dutchesse sir calls for you .

bo. i attend ; what were i best to doe ? pis. dost make a question lose not the fortune that 's presented in the dutchesse love , thy starres ordaind thee for her ; i le make a shift with cornelia , looke high and prosper , when th' art a duke , i say no more bo. what shall 's doe with pimponio ? that foole may betray all . pis. he is a prince before you i ha made him sure , and swolne him into a pride , he shall not know you , but of that hereafter , away and please the dutchesse . enter dutchesse , ladies , ferrara , ursini . bo.

your our graces pardon ?

du.

't is late , good night my lord embassador .

exit . fer. 't is well i am bid goodnight , yet all my hopes vanish in mists , what thinke you now cosin ? urs. i know not what to thinke , let me waite on you to your lodgings . fer.

they joyne toth ' court .

urs.

't is the lesse service .

fer. to morrow morning if i may be honor'd with your presence , i will impart a secret to you , and be happy in your counsell . urs. i obey any commands . fer.

for this time give me pardon , goodnight my lord .

ex. urs. a happy night to your lordship , after so many yeares spent in the court , i am to learne the tricke on 't , these are actions gainst my first rules , i am ignorant ▪ of this new court philosophy , what should the dutchesse meane , so prodigall of her graces to one she scarce remembers , with such open neglect to th' dukes ' embassador ? i was carefull she wod not use him kindely enough , wert not affection to his sister , lyes up my revenge , i de drop it on his heart , but i must worke with art , and by a counter magicke dissolve his spell , or forme him to my purpose . enter laura and melanda . you have beene waiting on the dutchesse ladies ? lau.

she dismis'd us .

urs. with what circumstance ? is she still pleasant ? mel. strangely altered since young borgia tooke his leave and melancholly : well , i suspect — vrs.

what madam ?

mel. shee le scarse sleepe to night , for dreaming o th' gentleman . vrs.

he is gone then ?

lau. yes , we saw his departure my lord , he kist us both , but we put forward first , he is the hansomst gentleman ; d ee thinke he weares his owne haire ? mil. i was about to aske him once , but thought he was modest and wod ha blushd , i wod i had his picture . urs. his substance madam , but take heede , the datchesse must have no rivall , how d ee affect his talke ? lau. that was not my part to observe , we did divide our provences , each lady tooke a member to examine , when we have conferd our notes i le tell yee what the body of ladies thinke on him . mel.

nay wee 'l take him a peeces e're we ha done .

urs. and who shall set him together agen ? my ladies i waite on you . lau.

your lordship will too much honour us .

urs.

't is the way to my owne lodging .

mel. if it were not the way my lord , your lordship could not be destitute of a lodging at court . urs.

your charitie would releeve me , use my service .

exit . enter ferrara and pietro with a light . fer. there is no such affliction to the soule as that which should preserve it , love , a passion that with consent betrayes our understanding , and leaves man but a heape of flame and ruins ; i was safe till i had seene her , busie fame tooke but possession of my eare , my owne rashnesse and vanitie engagd my person to see what was commended , and i suffer for 't , leave me . pie.

t is darke my lord .

fer. thou ly'st , t is light and by these fires i see too much , away , i shall soone reach my lodgings , night and i shall agree well together , if my stay be long , remember that you left me under the pallace windowes , leave to be officious and obey me — till this night she gave me faire exit . respect , and seem'd to allow the loving treatie , i was dull not to uncloud me all this while the knowledge of my person had engagd her beside my act of love , and so much confidence past all retreate , and yet she is a woman , whose nature is unsteady as the waves , vpon which foolish man runnes desperate to me a ruine . enter borgia . bor. fortune thou smilst too much , i shall suspect thy giddinesse , take eyes to thee and see to what a flattering height thou hast exalted a credulous man . fer. what voice is that , it had a sound of melancholy , darkenesse secure me . bor. but why make i ridiculous application to fortune ? love is onely active here ; the tyrant love , more blinde then chance , i am full of distraction , there 's a labyrinth within , and more i tread , the more i am lost betwixt the dutchesse and cornelia my soule divids , i must not be a foole , and for the fable of amorous love leave state that courts me with a glorious title , and yet cornelia is fury , and lookes withall the charmes of love upon her brow , what will she doe when she beleeves i am no brother ? fer. t is the new ague borgia that shakes the court , how confidently he talkes to himselfe , a light strikes from the dutchesse window and mucsike ; i le observe , the gallant may have some appointment . song . cornelia above . bo. alas poore love-sicke lady , what if i attempted farther , the excuse will fall more easie on a stranger , lady , hist . cor.

whoe 's that ?

bo. one that does wish the happinesse to see your face , you have blest my eares already . cor.

what are you ?

bo. my name 's borgia , if you be a faire one of the court , time is not old since i was a guest there . cor. 't is he , i le not lose this opportunitie , sir your boldnesse speakes you a stranger , and in part excuses you are alone . bo.

i am .

cor. i expect not vpon so small acquaintance you should know my voyce agen , i am the dutchesse sir . bo. your graces humble creature , may i hope you 'l pardon this attempt . cor. vpon condition you will forget the freedome of our nature and not grow insolent upon our favours , we were late pleas'd to shew you , 't was not love but mirth , we meant our court the wantonnesse of reveling nights , which we upon retirements know how to checke and punnish too in men , that dare licentiously apply to our dishonour : if your service in that place of secretary we have nam'd you for be diligent and faithfull , we repent not that choise , but on your life feede no ambition higher , it will be a degree next treason to us , and the honour of ferrara's duke , with whom because you are our secretary we let you know our thoughts are fixt to marry , fer. what blessing hath my eare tooke in ? she is resolv'd to my desires . cor. are you gone sit ? sleepe wisely if you can , we shall expect your attendance in the morning , but no thought on forfeit of your life beyond what 's dutie . fer. i have enough to morrow i resolve to be my selfe , and with a state becomming ferraras duke , challenge this happinesse , forgive deare princesse i suspected thee . exit . enter dutchesse above . cor.

the dutchesse shee 'l spoyle all .

dut. i heard your voyce more loud then usuall , whom spake you to ? cor.

heer 's no body and please your grace .

dut. you hold some dialogue at the window then , i le know . cor.

my brother borgia madam .

dut.

borgia , leave us .

cor.

i hope hee 's gone .

bo. i must confesse you are my princesse madam , to whose least command i owe my blood and fortune . dut.

he speaks to me , how does he know i am here ?

bo. and doe not thinke i can be lost so much in dutie to interpret there was any thing in me , that could deserve more then your pastime ; and let me fall and dye beneath your anger , when i transgresse so farre , as to forget my humble fate which onely can be blest with my obedience to you , i had not one sawcie application of your favours , my heart shall bleed to death ere it shall finde one thought of so much impudence . dut. howe 's this ? since cornelia has usurped my name and frighted him , what should make her officious he is her brother , i must heare no more of this — you are mistaken all this while , i am cornelia your sister . bo.

is the dutchesse gone ?

dut.

you well distinguish voyces , yet shee 's gone .

bo. my joy of soule , deerest cornelia . t is she that i must trust to . du. i' st e'en so ? deare brother , leaving all your studied complements i doe not like your dilatory reasons to ursini , i may heare you as a brother , but must not trouble you to choose my husband ; it is the dutchesse pleasure , i should marry ursini , an advancement more then i can hope , from your election of a stranger and set your heart at rest , how ere i seem'd inclining , destinie is not more fixt , then the affection i owe ursini , him i resolve to marry , and before the next daies light is wasted . bo. i am undone a ' both sides , heare me yet but speake . dut.

what would you say brother ?

bo.

i am not thy brother .

dut.

how , not borgia .

bo. not borgia , the whole towne 's mistaken my name is aurelio andreozzi , i was borne in millan , with my friend design'd to see some service in the german warres ; at the first sight i must confesse i lov'd thee : to enjoy thy conversation more freely , i was content to seeme what men would call me dut.

you tell me wonders .

bo. i can give thee proofe , but to no purpose now , and tell thee too enough to make thee thinke i may be worthy , but since 't is so , i am glad you ha' discover'd your resolution so soone , good night te' e , i le make no noyse to morrow , when i take my journey . dut. stay , he must not be fo lost , this is a strange discovery , if you can bring testimony that you are not borgia , you shall not sir repent your comming hither , nor yet despaire of any noble wayes that may reward your good opinion , t is late ; a lovers dreame charme all your senses , and waking finde your wishes , if you please vntill i aske a further satisfaction , be still conceal'd . exit . bo. there may be hope , although my first love i confesse reflect on this , the dutchesse yet , had not beene much amisse , exit .
actus tertius . enter grutti and ascanio . gr.

vvhy , i shall hardly take thee for my owne naturall child .

as.

let me alone with my son , if i do not fit him , let me never finde the way into my owne breeches agen , i would be loath to die in a wrong case and bee mistaken in another world ; is the musicke ready , and the wine father ? can the fellowes doe their dance hansomely , in stead of a maske to entertaine his highnesse , i am sorry my legges are out of tune , i have a great minde to be capering .

gr.

my owne wit , my owne naturall wit to a haire .

as.

not too much haire of your owne , and wit together , father , t is not the fashion : de' heare , whatsoever i say , be you drunk time enough to justifie it , the bills shall be discharged without scrupulous examination , sowse in wine and give him sea roome , if his head leake we will pumpe his breeches , he shall not sinke with all his ballast i warrant him .

gr.

a witty cracke , and my owne boy still .

as.

your owne boy ? take heed what you say , lest you bee driven to justifie it , you have no minde to wake my mother from her grave , t is enough i aske you blessing , i doe long to be metamorphosd , and pursue his princely humor out of breath — musicke , t is well , his grace is upon entrance .

gr.

dispatch boy .

as.

i know my cue to enter .

exit . enter pimponio , like a spanish don , and servants . pim.

and how , and how doe things become ? we were in clouds but now .

gr.

your highnesse is broken out .

pim.

broken out , where ?

gr.

out of the clouds and please you .

pim. there is no infidell among you then , you all beleeve i am a prince , de' e heare , at all adventures let it goe no further , there are no traytors i hope amongst yee ▪ gr.

traytors , we will cut off any mans necke that dares but thinke so .

pim.

doe and i will justifie it , hang necks among friends , although i am pleasd to reveale the majestie of my person to you , it is not fit every one should know so much , you are strangers , and therefore i dare trust you , but the dutchesse must not heare on 't upon your lives ; she and i must be better acquainted when i see my time ; i le tell you , the toy may take me i' th head to looke like a foole agen , it may , greatnesse is given to humors , and giddinesse will runne in a blood , if it doe , doe not know me .

gr.

for what ?

pim.

for any other then i seeme .

gr.

not a foole .

pim.

thou art an asse , a prince may play the foole within his owne dominions , or any other ; provided they bee of his owne allies and confederates : i know where i am , but we are not merry reach me a chaire and a bottle of wine , every one take his charge .

gr.

will not your highnesse have the dance first ?

pim.

they will dance the better when they are three quarters drunke .

. ser.

we do not observe men of your nation to be so joviall .

pim.

not subjects i grant you that , but we sound a health . have priviledge musique , and give fire at once — so , but me thinkes it were necessary there were some difference in our drinkings ; all are not princes , reach me a bigger bottle , sound a health . i will preserve my state , this is a princely draught — we drinke alone . so — why have we not a concubine ?

. ser.

brave prince , with what a majestie he drinkes .

pim.

now let em friske the dance you have prepard , i am ready to accept it .

gr. and it shall please your grace , the dance which ended . there is a high german desires to speak with you . enter grut. . ser.

the high german that was at court , hee 's a man of mightie parts and knowne to all the princes in christendome , what comes he for ?

gr.

i feare you are betrayd sir , and that the dutchesse has sent for you .

pim.

for me , i wonnot come yet .

. ser.

doe not affront him sir , for your owne sake , this high german has beaten all the fencers in europe .

pim.

let him beate all the world , what 's that to me ? shall he make a prize of me ?

gr.

but if he come embassador from the dutchesse .

pim. that 's another matter , give me the tother bottle — now let all the cantons of swisse come . enter ascanio in swizzers habit . which is the high german ? let me see him . gr.

that sir .

pim.

hee 's one of the lowest high germans that e're i lookd upon .

as.

i kisse thy highnesse hand .

pim.

and we embrace this lownesse : de' e heare sir , are you a high german ?

as.

i was so at the beginning of the warres , what wee are beaten to you may discerne .

pim.

are you beaten to that ? you 'l be a very little nation and the warres continue .

as. i have a message to deliver you , the faire dutchesse of urbin , whom i waite on , hearing a person of your blood and qualitie so meanely lodg'd , by me desires you would accept an entertainement in her court . pim.

we give the dutchesse thankes , how knew shee i was here ?

as. it was impossible you should stay undiscover'd many howers . princes have strange intelligence , and you may as soone tie up the sunne beames in a net as keepe your selfe unknowne ; for my owne part i am honord in the embassie , and shall be proud to write my selfe your pensioner as i am to all the royall blood in christendome . pim.

o pensioner , t is the least honour we intend thee , i am a naturall prince as sure as i live ; here weare this gold , there 's more to drinke our health , wee are pleasd no man be sober at our returne , as he will answer it , you may be all my subjects : if i marry the dutchesse i le hang you all .

ors.

how ?

pim.

in chaines of preferment , drinke i say , and drinke to purpose , what will become of me now ? stay , a word with you high german , what will the dutchesse doe with me doe you thinke ?

as. 't were sinne to say shee 'l honour you , for you are above all addition but her love ; your wit , your blood , your person , doe not lose the opportunitie , yet i prophesie you will be affronted . pim.

no matter , i ha beene affronted a hundred times , but by whom ?

as. questionlesse by some great ones , and perhaps beaten . pim. i have beene beaten too upon good occasion , and will agen to save my honour ; beaten ? i can take the strappado , beside in this part i am insensible , a kicke is cast away . as. if you be valiant and indure , it will engage her love the more , but i know your breeding will afford you impudence to overcome their envies , and secure this dukedome to your selfe , goe on boldly , my counsell shall attend . pim. i will goe on , and feare no beating , well i cannot knight thee , yet prove but a witch i le make thee one of my privy counsellors . exit . enter mercutio , iulio , and lucio . mer.

no more , my dutie will not let me heare it .

lu.

how not your dutie sir ?

ju.

you are not angry ?

mer.

you are his friends , i should not else be pleas'd .

lu. we have said nothing to afflict you thus , we did expect this wod ha' made you merry . iu. a sonnes preferment was not wont to be such discord to a father , a loving father , for so we tooke your constitution . lu.

preferment ? t is too poore a word .

mer.

you were best tell me too he may be duke .

iu.

he is i' th rode , i know not how hee 'l misse it .

mer. this is three quarters treason , tho i love my sonne , i must not cherish this ambition . iu. but it will be more then three quarters treason if you presume to checke the dutchesse pleasure , and murmur thus if she resolve to marry , and make your sonne a duke , you 'l not turne rebell . mer. defend allegiance , gentlemen mistake not altho i love my sonne , i le not be guiltie of any thought to crosse her , but i should be sorry he should cast away himselfe . iu.

how de' e meane ?

mer. as men doe use when they doe hange or drowne themselves . lu. have you sence and talke thus wildly . the riddles you have told me . mer.

yes and understand

lu. doe you count your sonne lost by the dutchesse loving him ? mer. goe finde your wits agen , and use 'em better , can you be so rediculous to thinke , so wise , so modest , so religious a lady can forget her state and honour to place affection on my sonne . ju. there have beene presidents to make it seeme no wonder . mer. she had better taine his head off , there had ended my cares , the boy t' runne madde , and what can follow thinke yee ? goe to , i le to her highnesse presently . iu.

what to doe ?

mer. to pray her leave him to a naturall death , and choose some other to undoe with pride of her large favours ; gentlemen examine but your selves , could either of you two promise to keepe your wits , if such a grace were offerd to you ? would it not tempt you to be mad , to thinke of being a duke ? speake honestly , i' st fit indeed you should be lesse than mad ? there be some men i th' world ha' lost their senses when they but chewd the cud of a bare lordship , i ha' knowne a knighthood has turn'd some mens wits , the very noyse o' th spurres ; then doe not blame me if i desire my sonne sober and sensible , and now i thinke on 't i le first seeke him out . exit . enter laura and melinda . lu. i thinke the old mans mad indeed , deare madam laura , lau.

sweet sir i cannot stay .

lu.

then i can walke and waite on you .

exit . iu. you have the same haste too , thou art a peece of the dutchesse cabinet , i must heare some newes . me.

alas the court is barren .

iu. i know a tricke to make thee fruitfull yet , nay i can mend my pace lady an you put me too t . exit . enter cornelia , and pisauro . cor. good sir the reason why you wonder at me above all other women , what in me appeares so full of prodigie . pis. i le tell you , y' are young and hansome . cor. should i grant i were , this were no miracle . pis. withall this youth and hansomnesse y' are a maid and live at court too , this i hope 's not ordinary . cor.

what wonder will your fancy create next .

pis.

y' are sound too , or your phisnomy deceives me .

cor. the priviledge of my brothers friend must not engage me to a mockery . pis. i was about to say y' are patient too , i see something wud make you angry , but returne to your first temper , and i 'le soone acquaint you with all my purpose lady , to all these commendations , which meet not in all women , you have birth and fortune , and the favour of the dutchesse . cor. all these carry no such wonder if i have understanding . pis. no , no , you are all the wonder madam that with these advantages a your side to draw up mens affections , yet as you despaire to have a husband to the discredit of your sex , who article at twelve to be dissemblers ; you are in love . cor.

in love , is that a sinne ?

pis. nay , nay , you court a gentleman with eyes that are not lawfull . cor.

how sir , be not rude .

pis.

i can say more .

cor.

is it your mirth or madnesse .

pis. no , no , you are mad , worse , i le prove it , you dote upon your brother , come t is impious , purge , purge betime , your blood is foule , i me plaine there 's some on t in your face now that would blush i see through your hearts , a little more had spoild him quite , he had forgot all lawes of nature and religion , and beene fond to both your shames ; a brother , and a sister tempt one another , good heaven where is conscience and modestie become ? preserve your selfe you have yet a good name , keepe it and drinke julips , you 'l finde the benefit in your veines . cor. you have beene very bould upon my constitution . pis. i know it better then your doctor , come doe not deny it , i make no proclamation ; what i' st to me more then my christian care you should not hurt your soules , he is my friend betray him not , t is no good sisters part i can assure you , if you be not dull or blinde with giddy passion , you may see another starre shoot influence on him ; be wise and envie not the dutchesse favours , your vessell may be rigg'd , and trim'd , and lanch'd into a calmer sea , and returne fraught with lawfull prise hereafter , i ha stirrd her , but must not be too hasty . cor. i shall shew my selfe too full of guilt . pis. you are troubled at it , a signe of grace ; how ere you thinke of me now in the heate of counsell i 'me your friend , you 'l finde it so , i kisse your hand , farewell . de' e heare ? but two words more , if you doe finde as being acquainted best with your owne body , no disposition to hold out longer , i ha' that will cure you , and i le justify 't before the colledge — take me , de' e marke , that does it , i kisse your hand , agen farewell , and have a conscience , i le tell you more next time , this way may worke . exit . cor. this gentlemans discourse though somewhat wild and without method shakes me , i am lost if i obey , i know not what within me too prompts me to a love so irreligious ; he is my brother , holy thoughts possesse me , and when a furious passion seekes to invade my will , destroy it heaven — hee 's here i dare enter dutchesse and borgia . not stay to tempt my frailtie , let them move with joy , i am not in my spheare of love . exit . dut. but tell me signior , nay we are pleas'd you should be free , upon what confidence knowing your guilt , and danger to reward it durst you returne to urbin . bo. i was more fortunate then i have reason for , and yet my country and friends were pretious madam , nor could life in such a wildernesse abroad , where none durst owne me , be a benifit ; there was a blessing in my fate to meete your mercy that gave me boldnesse . dut. cunningly dissembled , you met no lady then in all your travell , i meane none whom you cald mistresse , with her loving magicke to lay charmes upon you and forc'd your stay . bo. none madam , i was not worth any ladies thought , none were so lost to their owne iudgements to imagine me more then a walking shaddow , or if any had cherish'd better thought of me a stranger , they quickly found , they had not plac'd it right , on so much barrennesse which left their charity to pay it selfe . dut. you doe not promise such a hard and horrid composition , but love may finde a shift to enter more then skinne deepe in your bosome , but perhaps you left your heart at home , and could not then dispence with new ingagements , it was so , and for her sake you willingly forgot your danger to returne , nay be not troubled , confession will not injure you , i like you should preferre the beauties of your country . bo. it cannot be thought flattery , if i acknowledge with the narrowest observation my eyes could take , no place hath beene more fruitfull in beautie then your owne , and it doth hold proportion with your excellence , all should be faire and imitate your first example . dut. i see you can be when you lift a courtier , but this confirmes your love is planted here ; and since we are falne by accident upon this subject , wee 'l pursui 't a little further ; come i must know your mistris , doe not doubt i shall disturbe the progresse of your loves . bor. what answer shall i frame , things are not ripe yet for discovery , so please your highnesse you would be modest , and excuse , be wiser and apprehend my meaning to advance your wishes , t is within my power to effect as much as your ambition can ayme at : who is it if her heart be stubborne , we can make it soft ; if great above your fortune , we can raise you to her equality , or bring her downe to your levell , since we ha' promist in hope not to repent : either declare the mistresse of your thoughts , and finde them prosper , we are not us'd to expresse such bounteous language , but be the proudest , greatest in our dutchy , without all limitation , she shall carry no birth or state here , to despise the service you fairely meane her : if we faile in this , we will not thinke our strength worth the preserving bo.

if i have any wit .

enter cornelio . cor.

madam the duke .

dut.

what duke ?

cor. the duke of ferrara with a glorious traine is come to court , and as the loud voyce is given out by himselfe , to claime you for his wife , for which he has your promise . dut. how our promise ? can princes be so insolent , beshrew his haste , but we shall lose much of our honour to give no ceremony to his person ? how e're our thoughts point , we will entertaine him and dresse our face in smiles . cor. his lookes renew my sufferings , i have not power to manage my wilde affection , my heart will not be denied but by a secret destinie . runnes to imbrace him — brother . dut. ha , cornelia i hope you are not courting borgia , he is your brother , know your place within our traine . exit . bo. shee 's jealous , jealous , starres i thanke you , t is cleare as light shee does affect me now : did she not put me too 't , to name my mistris , yet in a shaddow pointed at her selfe ? be she the proudest , greatest in our dutchy without all limitation , i mark'd that and had my sense — if great above your fortune we can raise you to her equalitie : fine moralls , poore cornelia loves me too , but i must give her no encouragement : her grace is much the better woman — ha , loud musicke . a passage over the stage , duke , dutchesse , ursini , iulio , lucio , pietro , ladies . she appeard discontent when first cornelia brought her the newes , yet they march lovingly together , but that ceremony must be allow'd at court , where shift of face and tongue are wisely to be practiz'd — my good lord . enter ursini and pietro . urs. your servant borgia . t is her graces pleasure every gentleman that has relation to the duke , taste all the bounties of her court . bo.

how 's this ?

urs. none dare to affront a groome on forfeit of his place , let all the offices of entertainment be free and open . pie. i shall signifie these her commands . urs. and they that of her owne court are ambitious to expresse their duties let it appeare in keeping this day solemne to wine and mirth , that every brow may speake a joy and welcome to the duke . pie.

i shall .

exit . bo. here 's like to be a triumph , with your lordships pardon ; was that the duke of ferrara urs. yes of urbin shortly , when their marriage is perfect , every subjects heart prayes for it , and sent their acclamations to heaven to see her highnesse lovingly salute him , hee 's a brave prince . bo. a good round gentleman , he did not flie hither ; i heard talke of an embassadour . urs. a cloud for his owne person till his affaires came to maturitie . he stood conceal'd toth ' dutchesse , but last night he gain'd her princely word to marry him , and is this morning bright in his owne glories . bo.

last night .

urs. i le build more faith upon his honour fast as a contract . bo. to what painted paradise would she ha' led me ? wood i had my sister now . urs. with this joy i had forgot my owne , borgia ; brother let not the sound be unwelcome , t is the dutchesses pleasure to honour her unworthy creature ursini , by appointment of our marriage to waite on hers . bo.

what marriage ?

urs. with your sister , i le not suspect your love , since faire cornelia is not displeasd to be directed by her highnesse , and be confident my love shall make the memory of it welcome to you ; you will excuse me if i take my leave , these houres are full of businesse , and i have many commands upon me . exit . bo. in good time , i am in a good state agen , i was an asse to thinke the dutchesse meant me any thing but mockery , she told me so before to make more sport , i ha' lost my sister too , shee s for ursinis carving , i could curse my selfe to millan , but t is not impossible i may retrive cornelia , by giving her a timely satisfaction , i am not her brother borgia : ther 's all the hope is left , i shall be loath to hunt two hares , and after lose them both . exit .
actus quartus . enter mercutio and borgia at severall dores . mer.

sonne y' are well met .

bo.

your pleasure sir .

mer. no great pleasure , i am almost hoarse with enquiring for you , i must aske you a question , first let me examine your countenance . bo.

your meaning sir ?

mer. i have no skill in metaposcopie , de' e know me ? bo. i am not discover'd sure , what crotchet 's this ? mer. hee 's proud , he wonnot know me : 't is so , hee 's lost , he is undone , nay , nay , it will become me to stand bare to you sir , and teach my hammes the officious cringe ; be cover'd . bo. i know not how to interpret sir your language ; yet i would hope you mocke me not , altho it was the dutchesse pleasure to create mirth from this barren heape , and counterfeit favors to try my duty , joyne not you with others to enlarge my scorne , i am not so tame of soule , but i have sense of all their ieeres . mer.

their ieeres ? whom doe you point upon ?

bo. i dare not name the dutchesse ; i am all obedience to her person , yet she might have plac'd her giddy humor somewhere else it swells not me with expectation , i was not made for state . mer. doe not you then thinke to be duke . bo. should any but your selfe name such a title to me , i should answer his question with a frowne , and something else to waite upon 't , tho i engag'd my life to a fresh danger , but i am instructed by nature and religion to be calme at what you say . mer. on this condition i le give thee leave to beate me , 't was my feare thou hadst an easie faith , and wert transported indeede out of thy wits , but since i see thou art not madde , i will commend a wife to thee bor. to me , i thanke you sir , not yet , i shall be madde indeed then , i will marry none but my sister , take my word . mer.

thy sister ?

bo. i cannot raile upon the dutchesse safely ; a wife , my mother 's dead . mer.

thou d'st not have her ?

bo. i thinke you wod not have her out of heaven . t' were little charrity , and the whole sex were in a dead sleepe wer 't not finne to wake 'em ; a wife , i le seeke my sister . mer. stay and take my keyes , this opens to my gould , goe home and take out ten bagges . bo.

what to doe sir ?

mer. to spend 'em , all 's thine owne , leave something for cornelia , because perhaps shee 'l marry , and i am satisfied , a prudent boy , how am i bound to heaven that hee 's not proud , nor taken in the subtle toyles of women ? hee 'l never marry , how shall i consume my estate ? dost heare , a little portion will serve vrsini with thy sister . bo. must he marry her ? mer. i let him , we shall please the dutchesse too , and when she is disposd the rest is ours to revell with . bo.

i le thinke on t .

exit . enter iulio and lucio . mer.

did you not meet my sonne ?

iu.

yes somewhat melancholy .

mer. you are deceiv'd , hee 's cholericke , and let me advise you gentlemen , although i know he loves you , doe not mocke him , hee 's no foole ; no bladder to be swolne with breath of praise and ladies iigges , he is sensible he is , and will not be the hatefull stocke of pastime to groomes and pages . lu.

what doe you meane my lord ?

mer.

call him not duke , i counsell you .

iu.

we doe not .

mer.

nor do'e not thinke it possible it may be

lu. have patience , and we doe not , we have alter'd our opinions , and are cleare of your side now . iu. as the wheeles move we doe thinke nothing lesse , your sonne shall not be duke , there is no feare on 't whilst ferrara lives . mer.

he shall not .

iu.

so we say , sleepe quietly .

mer. he shall not , very peremptory , you are no oracles , would i were dutchesse for halfe an houre , he shud be duke , de' e heare now ; no matter who repented : i thought you had beene his friend , he shannot be a duke ? how ere i thought on 't , it becomes not you to circumscribe his fortune , he can number descents of noble blood , and had his breeding ; has none of the worst faces , heads , nor hearts , how ere you value him and discharge your boults at randome thus , he shannot . lu.

heare us sir .

mer.

he shall not be a duke .

exit . lu.

did not i say he was mad ?

iu. that was dissembled , he has cause now to see a turne i' th streame , and ferrara onely hopefull with the dutchesse , enter pisauro and ascanio . what thing is that ? pis.

is he so confident ?

as. he will lay about like a prince , de' e thinke we may present him safely ? if you say the word i le winde him up to an emperour . pis. keep thy shape boy , we wonnot lose the sport , and happily i will acquaint these gentlemen . as. if i should be whipt heartily for my conceit , the little high german wud not take it kindly , it may be the court largesse ; but no matter , i have some gold and dare venter the last at any time for coyne of this complexion . lu.

are you in earnest .

in. 't will be excellent , and please her highnesse , she has commanded all libertie of mirth , i le undertake to prepare her . pis. about it then , i le have my part i' th enterlude , lose no time boy , thou shalt be prince of pigmieland for this : the dutchesse , i le withdraw . enter dutchesse , ferrara , ursini , borgia , cornelia ladies . dut. my lord , you make me wonder , challenge me of promises ? tho i acknowledge it , no act that could reflect with a dishonour vpon our person , yet we must not be so jeasted into marriage , you are a prince of an unquestiond merit , take not these imaginary wayes to advance your hopes in us , we are yet free as you my lord , and shall not in a dreame give up our selfe , were we disposd to marry or contract our selfe , the day shall witnesse it without a blush , let guiltie soules call night to cover their promises , we are innocent . fer. good madam render me not so lost to my owne senses , to the honour of a prince basely to coine a language for my purpose , though you may repent the last nights freedome , and correct your judgement of me , make me not so miserable to let the court thinke i invented this as destitute of nobler wayes to move you , but i presume this is to try my patience and make my joyes at last more pretious by this delay ; i know you are all vertue and cannot staine your selfe by a denyall of any syllable you speake . dut. with pardon of your grace , i shall laugh if you persist thus : you had a pleasant dreame , but lovers are flatterd in their sleepe , i speake to you . fer. then madam i take leave , to tell you t is not done like a princesse of that character we have receiv'd , and if i had no witnesse i see what mirth we are prepar'd for . dut. witnesse there is too much at stake my lord already , to racke this argument for your owne fame , proceede not to enlarge it , we would rather confesse some guilt against our selfe , then let you honour be expos'd to such strait censure for loving us , yet if you would be silent in this we shall be proud , in other things to have denyed you nothing , and be asham'd you tooke our court so unprepard to honour you . fer. was ever such a mockery , i see i must produce more testimony , you see can justifie if you please , i have affirm'd nothing but truth , altho my willing eare catch'd up the voyce , she spake it to you signior . bo.

what my good lord ?

fer.

that she resolv'd to marry us .

bo. your excellence must pardon me , i heard her highnesse speake no language to that purpose . dut. we honour you borgia for acquitting us . cor. t is truth her highnesse never spake so , but i did whom supposd the dutchesse , and this must sound hope in him to be so negative . fer. it seemes you have concluded , madam , i must be the generall mirth . dut. i finde cornelias cunning in this and must apply some complement for our owne honour , good my lord your privacie . bo. how er'e her grace be a little impudent i had beene madde to justifie the duke in such a cause , she has no minde to marry him , and perhaps talk'd to me last night to try my strength of wit , women are subtill creatures , no matter tho ursini court my sister , my ambitions faire a tother side agen . enter iulio , and lucio , and whisper with the dutchesse . vrs.

t is strange the dutchesse should so mistake .

cor. vpon my conscience she heard the words . urs.

yet she denies .

cor.

i must beleeve her too :

urs.

you speak a riddle maddam .

du. will you my lord admit of so much mirth . fer.

you shall command me .

dut. remit 'em then , the rest i le cleare hereafter to your satisfaction . enter ascanio , pimponio , pisauro pis.

de' e heare , what prince de' e meane to call your selfe ?

pim.

why any prince in spaine .

pis no i le advise you you shall be an italian prince in spanish habit , now i thinke better on 't , t is queint , and will be gratefull for the witty noveltie : every common prince goes in his countries fashion such as you are not ordinary , be bould . bo.

why didst bring him hither .

pis. peace i may doe you a curtesie , keepe your owne counsell and be ignorant of this strange creature , say you are — the duke of — thus disguisd for reasons knowne to your selfe . pim.

duke of — let me alone .

pis.

and be not beaten out of 't .

pim. i wonnot , let the high german first present mee in a speech , is that the dutchesse ? so , so . as.

i warrant you .

pim.

my master or his ghost ?

pis. you wonnot be a foole and lose your selfe , and heaven knowes what scorne to take notice on him , remember who you are . pim.

vmph , umph , stand by fellow .

as. dutchesse of urbin never was your court grac'd with the presence of so brave a prince as this the darling and delight of christendome . dut.

he seemes no lesse .

urs.

what pageants ha' we got .

as. and cosen not your selves he is no spaniard . but of italian sprightly breed , a man famous in arts and armes , as shall appeare if any man dares question him , should your grace but see him at some royall exercise you wud thinke him more then mortall , he shall pitch the barre with any of your guard , or drink with 'em ; wrastle with both the west and north olympicks , sings like the arabian bird , and can out-dance . the nimble elephant , so rarely skil'd in musicke , that he has a great ambition to goe to hell to challenge orpheus to play with him on any instrument from the organ to the iewes-trumpe . dut.

miracles !

as. these are the outside of his qualities , but looke within him , and your grace shall finde enough to ravish you . pim.

tell how i love her .

as. with all these vertues and advantages of blood and state he comes to court your highnesse . dut. we are infinitely honord , and wud thank him , but that we know not yet this princes name . as.

duke of ferrara madam is his title .

fer.

how sirrah ?

iu.

that is the duke of ferrara , what de' e meane ?

pis. stand too 't and say he is a counterfeit a meere impostor , be not beaten out on 't . fer.

are you duke of ferrara sirrah , ha .

pim. i am duke of all the world , what 's that to thee ? high german stand close to me . as.

a true prince needs no buckler .

exit . fer.

sirrah darst usurpe my name ?

pim. t is mine , thou art a counterfeit , i hope your grace will know me another time . urs. a base affront my lord , and suspect a plot of borgias to dishonour you , he durst not stay to face it . fer. i le have's heare , as for this wretch . pim.

doe , doe , i look'd for this , a true prince can beare .

fer. madam you have not usd me well . i say no more . exit . fer. and urs. pim.

let him goe madam , i le call him to account hereafter .

dut.

we are displeasd , hence with that foole and whip him .

exit . pim.

what 's the matter ?

iu.

you must be whipt and strip'd my scurvie don .

pim.

whip a prince ? what de' e meane ?

lu.

you must be duke of ferrara .

pim. duke of a fiddle-sticke , you doe not meane , to let me catch an ague gentlemen ? iu.

the lash when the fit comes will keepe you warme , doe you know one pimponio , he was a footman , you will be in case to overtake him presently , hee has the heeles on you , and you cannot give him so much weight , now you are light , stay but a little wee 'l send you a whip .

exit . pim.

how am i transform'd , duke of ferrara quotha , wud i were any thing , i know not what i am as they have handled me .

enter dutchesse and pietro . dut.

is the duke gone ?

pie.

yes madam .

dut.

i le have the foole hang'd then .

pim.

that 's i .

dut.

alas poore fellow , ha , ha , ha , what art thou ?

pim.

nothing , i hope she does not know me agen , i must deny my selfe .

dut. come hither sirrah , whose devise was it to bid you say you were duke of ferrara ? pim.

alas not i madam , he is gone .

dut.

who is gone ?

pim.

the insolent fellow that made a foole of your highnesse .

dut.

whether is he gone ?

pim.

to obey your grace and be whip'd .

dut.

why doe you shake so ?

pim.

i 'me very warme and please your grace .

dut.

where be your cloathes ?

pim.

my cloathes ? i never wore any more in my life , i sweat with these .

dut. he has punishment enough , who waites ? bid borgia attend us . pie.

i shall madam .

exit . enter borgia . bor.

how now sirrah , what are you ?

pim.

a tumbler , doe you know me ?

bor.

i know thee ?

pim.

what not pimp . honest pimponio .

enter pietro . pie.

signior borgia her grace calls for you .

bo.

i attend .

exit . pim.

how signior borgia ? then i am not i , and there is no staying here to finde my selfe , as i remember some friends of mine , did promise me a comfortable whip , i le rather venture a cold then stay for t , i must be dukified , be perswaded into kickes — they 'l returne , i wonnot tempt my destinie , she promisd to hang me , and i can doe that for my selfe when i have a minde too t .

enter iulio , and lucio . ju.

kicke that fellow out of the court .

pim.

you are mistaken sir , he meanes some body else , i have beene kicked already .

exit . enter dutchesse and borgia ▪ bo.

madam you let fall .

dut.

let it re ward your paines .

iu.

observ'd you that .

dut. convey this to mercutio , it creates him controuler of our houshold , this i hope will merit more of his acquaintance with our court . bo.

you honour your poore creatures .

dut. leave us , exit . you may stay sir , what suite , what that you named ? bo.

suite madam ?

dut. did not you say you had a suite to us , i hope your modestie will teach you how to lim it your request , that it may be such as may both become our grant and your acceptance , speake what i' st bo.

my suite madam ?

dut. but in the confidence of your discretion name and enjoy what you desire . bo. this bounty of language is beyond all my ambition . dut. well sir to 'th purpose , i would have you speake to purpose now . bo. to purpose , would i durst , this exceeds all the rest , shall i be mad and lose this opportunitie . dut.

we are prepar'd

bo. better ? my happinesse flowes upon me my suite is madam , you would be pleas'd to — what shall i say , she lookes so keene and tempting , i have a great mind to kisse her . dut.

not resolv'd yet ?

bo.

long since , my humble suite is to you madam , that —

dut.

what ?

dut. i may be number'd still among your creatures and keepe a blessing in your gracious smiles vpon my humble service . dut. a smile and humblest service , is this all ? you wonnot purchase much by being a courtier . bo. the greatest rise by favour , i ha lost an opportunitie . dut.

is there nothing else ?

bo. she askes agen , now i le put her too t , we are private , i have another suite madam . dut.

a courtier should have many , what i' st made on ?

bo.

of love .

dut. a prettie winter wearing , and keepes well in fashion . bo.

may i presume to as aske your grace .

dut.

a question ? yes sir .

bo.

doe you love me madam ?

dut.

how sir ?

bo.

does your grace love me ?

dut. audacious groome , how dares thy soule imagine so great an impudence , almost treason to us , are all our favours thought so cheape ? and we consider'd in the crowd of other women fit for your mixture , to be stain'd with loose and desperate proffers of your wanton service ? have we no more distinction in our birth and titles ? or de' e hope we are disarm'd of strength to punish such an insolence ? had smiles tane such possession of our brow thou couldst expect no killing frowne for this ? was our eye growne so tame nothing could quicken it into a flame , into a consuming lightning , when such an object durst appeare to vex it ? thus we could spurne thy sawcy head off — but we pardon it , de' e heare ? we freely pardon it , to shew mercy is above all fault , and that we are at home queene of our passions , nor shall you suffer under the remembrance , t is now as it had never beene , and you keepe the first place in our thoughts . bo.

ha' ?

dut. wisely preserve 'em and rather chide your timerous understanding then thinke us angry , had your sinne beene greater we should have met it charitably , come , you are our secretary , write as we shall dictate . bo. did ever sunne-shine breake so suddenly from such a blacke and most prodigious cloud ? i would ha' sold my body for a beane stalke within two minuts , sh 'as an excellent wit and cunningly she reines it , what 's your pleasure i shall write madam ? dut. a letter , a love letter , are you ready , write as i bid upon your life , — i love you . bo.

i am perpar'd .

dut.

write i love you sir , de' e not understand me ?

bo.

shee 'l make me mad , i ha' done , i love you .

dut.

how sir ?

bo.

there wanted sir , i love you sir .

dut.

and if you be not short of apprehension .

bo.

and if , &c.

dut.

you 'l wisely entertaine it .

bo.

you 'l wisely , &c.

dut.

all errors be forgot , meete me this evening

bo.

all errors , &c.

dut.

i' th privie garden , and receive more testimony .

bo.

i' th privie garden , &c.

dut.

meane time heere is my hand , that in the morning i 'le marry you .

bo. meane time , &c . — what a divell does she meane ? i ha' done , it wants your confirmation — so . to whom shall i direct it ? dut.

you will be trustie , there 's danger else .

bo.

to whom ?

dut. to him that loves me best , deceive me not farewell . exit . bo. i love you sir , &c. t is a letter , and i wrote it , to whom , to him that loves her best , if none love her better , t is to my selfe ? why am i so scrupulous ? she has made me chancellor in the cause , there 's noe particular nam'd , yet she was angry , yet she was pleasd agen , and had my crime beene greater , she had met it charitably . come i perceive the whole device as sure as i have any sense , she does affect me , and tries me at the last weapon of wit how i le behave my selfe , are you there dutchesse ; she is my owne , and this invites me to the close of all my happinesse , if i forfeit this opportunitie , let midas transplant his goodly eares to this dull head , and let all women laugh at me , my starres i bow to you , and kisse your influence , i am exalted to your spheare already , where , with the dutchesse i will sit and shine a constellation . enter ferrara . fer. y' are well met sir , borgia i take it . bor. you may change that name and call me servant . fer. you have prostrate language , but carry treason in your heart , you know me ? bo.

duke of ferrara .

fer. so , was 't your plot to bring that puppet to affront me 'fore the dutchesse ? was there noe other name to be usurp'd , dishonor'd , and prophan'd by hounds and monkies but mine ? bo. i understand you not , your anger is not directed right my lord , i am not guiltie in thought . fer.

your feares shall not excuse .

bo.

you are abus'd .

fer. i know i am sir , and will print revenge upon your heart , 't shall carry the character of a villaine . bo.

i must tell you duke .

fer.

what sir ?

bo. were you master of the world , could you shoot death beyond a basiliske , or had you mischiefe in your breath above the lernean vapours , or the killing steame of the hot lake that poysons innocent birds but daring to flie over , i would rise with as much confidence to scorne this calumnie as i would quench my thirst , or chide my groome the drudges for me , duke i am no villaine , and tho my blood runnes not so deépe a purple there 's no corruption in the chapest veine my liver feeds , 't is cleare and honest sir , in thy owne court i le meet and tell thee so mauger thy guards , and gawdy butter-flies , i dare , by innocence , i dare . fer. you thinke the place protects you now . bo. were it in a church no drop of mine could staine it , duke i cannot feare and be master of a sword , that needs no valour in a cause so just as mine to stirre the point , by all my hopes . fer. thy hopes , of what reversion ? what groomes place is vacant ? bo. come t is not done becommingly to insult because you have a priviledge of duke above you , i am here a servant to a most gracious princesse . fer. at that name i drew new flame , and should i credit thy soule free from this dishonour , thou hast sinne enough in thy ambition to pull ruine on thee , are we too fit to be in competition sir ? hast thou a thought so proud , so daring in thee to be my rivall ? have i courted her to her owne height , a prince ? and shall her vassall looke on her with an eye , lesse then serves the altar with , because she is pleasd some time to laugh , and seeme indulgent to your services for her owne sake , can you have braine to thinke such treason to her judgement , that she loves you ? or can she be so lost to truth and honour not to make good her promises to me religious as a contract , has she not declard me worthy of her , and my love the best of all the world . bo.

how was that sir ?

fer. the best of all the world , t is not that i can be so poore in my esteeme of her whose mention is sacred , or my selfe that i have any jealousie thou canst inherit possibly the hundredth part of any thought that points upon affection hast thou no soule to apprehend thy scorne ? nay did she not , fearing thou might'st grow insolent vpon her favours late declare herselfe , it was not love but mirth and wantonnesse of revelling nights , commanding on thy life thou feede no ambition higher , or feede a thought to her , beyond what waited upon dutie you may remember this . bo. t is cleare , this none could tell him but her selfe , i finde too plaine who is the may-game of the court , this last convinces me , your pardon mightie sir you love the dutchesse . fer. best she will acknowledge of all mankind . bo. i have a letter to you , i will not doubt my pardon when you reade it , t is to you sir if there can bee a joy beyond what 's there contain'd ▪ fer. ha ? i am blest , borgia let me imbrace thee my best friend dwell in my heart , divide with me ferrara or urbin , any thing but the dutchesse , say i le meet her in the garden were it walld with flaming dragons , i have not a soule spacious enough to entertaine this happinesse beyond my hope , above my life deare borgia . exit . bo. beyond his hope ? it seemes this joy was not expected umph , and i had no commission to give it him , after all this if shee meant it not this way , i ha' made fine worke , she might ha' namd him , wud i had the paper agen , now doe i prophesie i have vndone my selfe , and onely her grace meant that i should meet her , curse upon my easinesse ; i have lost an opportunitie , no fate flatterd a mortall with the like , dull braines , there 's yet prevention , genius i thanke thee , t is possible i may secure the garden and boldly meet her first , if any destinie owe me this blessing with this art i may redeeme my folly , never man but i wud lose so rich an opportunitie . exit .
ectus quintus . enter dutchesse , mercutio , ladies . mer. madam i know not what to say , my heart is full of heartie zeale to obey you , but the place you have confer'd upon my yeares , is much above my strength to satisfie , yet i thanke you . dut. you have deserv'd we should encourage you for what is past , your sonne is full of hope and may grow up a statesman . mer. he owes all to your infinite favors madam , a young man , and would be active upon your commands . dut.

leave us , stay my lord we must employ you .

mer. i have not life enough to serve you madam , my age is now a burthen , that i could shake off a score of winters . dut. there 's no such necessitie of youth to execute the service you designe , you love your sonne . mer. above my owne health madam , and let me be bold to tell your grace , i love him better for your sake . dut.

for our sake .

mer. that he can carry himselfe so hansomely to deserve your good opinion , every courtier that 's advanc'd to a warme place , does not behave himselfe alwayes to purpose . dut.

to what purpose signior ?

mer. to please his mistresse , and i am , i must confesse proud of his expectations , it makes my blood dance madam . dut.

you are very merry .

mer.

i hope to have more cause .

dut. well sir , while we retire into the garden , be it your care we be not interrupted , give accesse to none but borgia , we have some privacies onely concerne his knowledge . mer.

my sonne borgia .

dut.

your sonne , if you doe call him borgia .

mer.

shall i goe for him ?

dut. hee 'l be so officious perhaps to spare that trouble , if he come be diligent and admit him . exit . mer. i shall madam ; shee 's gone into the garden , and commands i give accesse to none but borgia ; if he come , she has given me another office to keepe the doore , it has beene a preferment . i will do 't now in spight of my owne humour , ha boy ! something will come on 't , if he have the grace to nicke this opportunitie . enter ferrara . fer. the evening wastes a pace , i cannot be too soone at my desires , whoe 's that ? mer. hee 's come ; already borgia . fer. one stands centinell , is that the word ? who names borgia . mer.

my sonne .

fer.

the same .

mer. this evening make thee happy , enter , no ceremony i am not now against thy being a duke , prove fortunate my boy , and blesse thy father . exit fer. so , so , if it were noone , and the sunne look'd with his broad brightest eye upon 's , there are convenient cozining arbors , cost bestow'd on pretty mazes , labyrinths of love , you might be there secure , and entertaine sweet time , most tall and fashionable hedges in whose inclosures , ladies that are willing may lose themselves , and the next walke no wiser ; now i thinke on t , this cloyster with the helpe of such an evening might be darke enough for such a turne ; many a gentle woman has beene content to embrace upon worse termes oh the court lobbies , but i tell no tales , enter borgia . another moving this way , by his favour the gardens taken up . bo. t is the best way to say i am the duke , that if he follow he may prevent his owne accesse . mer.

vmph , umph .

bor. that name will make the gates fly open to me and i passe undiscoverd . mer.

what are you ?

bo.

here doe thy office , i am the duke .

mer. the duke your grace must pardon me , i am commanded to admit none , her highnesse will enjoy the garden privatly . bo.

lord mercutio .

mer. your servant , but in this my dutie must ayme at anothers pleasure , if you be the duke i cannot helpe it , i am but greene in my honours , and i would not forfeit 'em with my owne head to boot in her first service . bo. then i le discover i am borgia your sonne , your happy borgia , be not you the enemy , an̄d barre my glorious fortune , the dutchesse has commanded me this evening to meete her in the garden , i can tell thee wonders old mercutio , she loves me , more i have an assurance from her hand shee 'l make me duke old lad . mer. be not transported for if you be my sonne doe you observe you are yet but borgia , and i your father old mercutio , and old lad . bo. your pardon sir , my joy of such a blisse allowes no bound , why are you slow to make your sonne the happiest of all mankinde , the evenings bigge with glory the winds doe whisper gently whose i am , the birds with musicke waite to entertaine me into loves bower , the trees bow to my entrance , and she that is the mistresse of all these will bid me welcome . mer.

are you borgia .

bor. there 's death in these delayes , doe not you know me ? or dare you not beleeve what i affirme touching the dutchesse . mer. i beleeve you are borgia to my griefe , and doe beleeve what you have said ; her grace did appoint me to waite here , and commanded i should give accesse to none but borgia , de' e marke ? she was pleasd to tell me , she had businesse onely concern'd your knowledge i dispute not what , but 't is some excellent affaire i am confident , she was so merry about the lippes and eyes and praisd you to my face . bo. if this have faith w' ee why am not i admitted ? mer.

all in good time .

bo.

the gates should spread themselves .

mer. they shall not neede , i le reach them with lesse trouble ▪ but first i have a suite to you . bo. to me , speake and command it . mer. t is within mans remembrance that you did want a pardon , now begge mine , and make what other conditions with the dutchesse you please . bo.

your pardon ?

mer. yes i am parcell traytor against my will , and too much care about my office made me abuse it , i admitted another gentleman , that deceiv'd me with your name , and how her grace may punish me is in my feares , unlesse you mediate for me . bo.

did any take my name .

mer. yes , and at first sound i discharg'd my dutie the wrong way and let him in . bo.

in ? whether ?

mer.

into the dutchesse .

bo. i am undone , this minute , i am blasted ; it was the duke upon my life . mer. the duke , it may be so , although 't were duskish me thought he carried more compasse with him ; but why should he take your name ? bo.

lost for ever .

mer. you found i had no zeale to his , how ever lose no more time ; your power with her grace may set all streight , and purchase me a pardon . bo. be rather lost as i am in thy dotage , thou hast depriv'd me of the wealthiest harvest that ever sunne-beames shin'd on mer. does he thou me ? how would he domineere and he were duke ? bo. my fortune bleeds to death , t is now too late that paper ruines all my hope , and were we equall , the would scorne my want of confidence and laugh me out o' th world . mer.

hee 's very passionate .

bo. but there 's no dwelling in this wildernesse , things past are past sorrow , there is yet a way to binde my wound up and secure my health , though not a life with so much state as was expected , instantly i le to cornelia , i know she loves me still , at worst a little passion bestow'd on her , with clearing i am another brother makes her my owne , and keepes me from the pasquill ; i shall be jeer'd to dust else , there 's my rest , he that loves more then one is seldome blest . exit . mer. hee 's gone and i am like to suffer for 't , by your highnesse favour i will waite no longer to be chastiz'd , but when your grace is weary , you shall not neede to strike me at the doore ; t is open and i vanish in the darke ; stay and i le send some others to attend you , you will want light , my sonne shall be no duke i perceive now , nor will i be a courtier ; put me to keepe the dore ? exit . enter cornelia , laura , and melinda . cor.

did she dismisse you then ?

lau. 't was not her pleasure we should attend . mel. we left my lord mercutio your father with her . cor.

went she towards the garden ?

lau.

yes , where 's your brother borgia ?

cor.

i know not .

mel. he is infinitely beholding to her grace , she never mentions him without a flourish : i know not , but if i have any skill in lookes or language , there is something more then common in her highnesse breast meant toward him lau.

shee may be in love .

cor.

in love with whom ?

laus

your brother .

cor. i blush to heare your weakenesse , i hope he hath more wit then to build vaine hopes on that ; eagles stoope not to flies . mel. but the wren couch'd underneath the aspiring eagles wings . quickly advance it selfe when to'thers mounted and glories in her hight , t is but a step and the small thing is king of birds , the fable has pretty moralls in 't . cor. i am not sure a rebell in my nature to his fortune , but dare not pawne my owne discretion to take up your opinions . enter pietro : pie. signior pisauro your brothers friend desires to speake with you . lau. wee 'l leave you madam , by this time her grace may want our duties . enter pisauro . pis.

did i fright you ladies , looke better on me .

lau.

we have seene you round sir .

pis.

but doe not know what 's in me .

mel. we desire to die in that pretious ignorance . exit . pis.

this lady i hope 's not of your minde .

cor. your pleasure my servant saies you would speake with me ? pis. if you remember lady i was bold to urge a little counsell on you , how it fastens i come to understand . cor.

what counsell sir .

pis.

about your brother signior borgia .

cor.

please you assist my memory .

pis. why it was but this , i had a kinde of feare you lovd this brother madam . cor. would you have me be so impious not to affect my brother . pis. but you lov'd him the wrong way , de' e heare lustily you understand , with the desire of coupling : there lies no dispensation for that locke , t is impious and abhominable , you had better i' th state you are in keepe a pensioner to give you heats , a fellow that will venture his body at all houres ; then to offend once with so much sinne to nature . cor. doe you thinke i am a monster signior ? pis. better marry an honest man and make one a great deale : your husband may be excusd i' th progresse lady , besides he may have faults , a negligence in 's visits , or mistaking of his times , when you are invited by another lord to a banquet , or take physicke , or the aire appointed by your doctor , there are reasons to excuse an active lady that is married but to affect your brother so , inexpiable . cor you have invention enough to furnish the court with vice , how e're you seeme to have care of my soule , pray give me pardon sir , doe you ever meane to marry ? pis.

marry ? oh yes .

cor.

not a court lady sure .

pis.

one of that tribe to chuse .

cor. without the feare of being such a monster made by her whose wantonnesse you wittily have charactred . pis. i'ha read my destinie , she that i shall marry will be very honest , exceeding chast as i shall be to her , i did but tell you what whirligigs are i' th world , and that 't were better and safer for your conscience to be one of venus order , and keepe tame a groome a stallian dormant then embrace a brother . cor. what should incline you to imagine me so lost to modestie ? what have you read in me to make you thinke i love my brother so ? pis.

my charitie .

cor. there 's little charitie in those suspitions . have you no other argument . pis. your brother told me himselfe you lov'd him strangely . cor.

so , so .

pis.

nay , nay he was i' th same pickle .

cor. he told you that himselfe too . pis. yes , yes , till i tamper'd with him and sacrific'd his flesh with ghostly counsell , read law and lectures , i will tell you madam he was once so overgrowne with love , he had resolv'd to tell you he was not your brother , and rather then be frustrate of his hopes vow'd to forsweare it , and subborne testimony he was no kin to you , borne i know not where , and never saw the towne afore , whose people had all this while cozend themselves , with an opinion he was borgia ; here 's a youth now , did he ne're deale with you to such a purpose . cor.

never , he wud not be so wicked sure .

pis. did you ever heare the like ? you know it now , thanke heaven and a good friend that told you this ; a friend that wud not see this pretty vessell lost i' th' quick-sands , when both goods and it may be his owne another day : i love you and none shall doe you wrong . cor. i should be ingratefull not to acknowledge sir this noble office meant to preserve me . pis. that was my pure meaning , you may requite it if you please . cor.

with love .

pis.

't is the reward my ambition first aymes at .

cor. i love my brother now in his owne place , and being his bosome friend i will not question , but to enlarge my knowledge of your worth and take me nearer to me for his character , and free consent . pis. vmph , now you blesse me lady , if his hopes thrive in the dutchesse as i doubt not i am made , i le seeke him out , i wish no better testimony , he shall not gi 't you unders hand . cor.

no haste .

pis. he knowes me to a thought , nay , nay he shall doo 't presently , if i can light on him . cor.

to morrow signior , i suspect it not .

pis. it does concerne my honour , t is done instantly , she may be cold e're morning , i le not lose this opportunitie , i am made for ever . exit . cor. he has an odde way of courtship , sure my brother , vnlesse he know him better then this wildnesse can promise , will be sparing to contract our hearts too fast , he has but a rough outside , but my strange thoughts within me are corrected , and i possesse my selfe againe thanke providence , ursini . enter ursini . urs. madam i am bold to presse on your retirement , but when you remember i bring no mutinous thoughts , but such as are devoted to your service , you will thinke it a trespasse that may soone invite a pardon . cor. you must first practise to offend my lord , this is favour to me . urs. still such goodnesse flowes from your language to me at the first encounter ; but when i take boldnesse to have some assurance from you alone , which i have hop'd and serv'd for , with the truth of your best honorer , you decline the subject , or flie the sweet conclusion . cor. my lord , that you have lov'd , at least profess'd so much , may easily be granted , but let me beseech you sir , did you upon the first motion that wrought upon your minde to thinke me worthy of your love acquaint me with it . urs. no madam , i long cherish'd the soft fire that tryed the purenesse of it , and the object that shot so bright a flame into my bosome , and had supprest it still , but that your vertue grew up too powerfull against it , then i tooke leave to expresse how much i wish'd to be your votary . cor. give me equall licence my lord in the same cause to try my selfe , i have thoughts too would be compos'd of something in you to be examin'd . urs. i submit , and shall obey your censure , life and death hange on your lippe , i come to be determin'd your servant or your sacrifice , for to languish at distance thus . cor. then you expect an answer presently , i much feare my lord i shannot , in that particular , satisfie your lordship . urs. you want no knowledge of me , there is nothing in my past fate but may appeare to you , my nature needs no glosse , my blood , my fortune cleare to your view , my person not much witherd ; if these together want a charme , i can deserve you may love , for i know best the extent of my devotions , and the heart that tho you should despise it must still serve you . cor. but good my lord what answer you to this ? is it becomming the discretion of a noble servant to persue his mistris by unruly wayes , and interpose commands and power of great ones to enforce the heart of any lady : though i must confesse her grace may challenge my obedience to her law and person , it has beene yet a rule , and love and religion cannot be compel'd urs. you doe not conclude me , if i obtain'd a favour from the dutchesse to propound my wishes , and plead for me , i know well the soule is not her subject , could her power bestow your body on me , and that i could boast my selfe lord of beautious frame without your minde , i were more tyrant to accept then she to force , and answer for a crime more fatall then the ravishers . enter pietro . pie.

your brother madam .

cor. if i have any power my lord you must not leave me , yet i would entreate your small retreate behinde the hangings for a few minuts . urs.

your command 's a favour .

enter borgia . bo.

oh cornelia .

cor.

what 's the matter brother .

bo.

are you alone .

cor.

you see my company .

bo.

de' e love me .

cor. love you brother , what have i done to beget your doubt . bor. but doe you love me more then a sister ? if i were not borgia , remove from us the common tie of blood which is not love , but forc'd of nature in us , could you affect me then , then if i answerd this honour with a true and noble flame vpon such brave conditions , cornelia could our hearts meete and marry ? cor. this were strange , but not so strange that we should love . bo. then pardon fairest cornelia , and make him blest whose very soule dotes on thee , i have but vsurp'd the name of borgia , i can give thee proofe . cor.

't is come about .

enter pisauro . bo. pisauro welcome the man of all mankind , most wishd for welcome : madam this gentleman can witnesse i am none of your brother , we were bred together , both borne in millan , and my name is aurelio androzzi sonne to paulo androzzi major domo to the dukedome , my friend too of a noble family . pis.

did not i tell you this .

bo. weary of home we both engag'd our selves to try our fortune abroad , and for the warres had last designd our selves , we tooke but urbin in the way , where some good starres detain'd us , and i taken for borgia pursued thus farre the story . cor

ha , ha , ha .

bo. de' e laugh at me , pisauro shee 's incredulous . speake and convince her with thy testimony . pis.

i have told enough already .

bo.

she wants faith .

cor. that gentleman prepar'd me for this history , doe you not blush brother ? sir i thanke you . pis.

i am sorry for his impudence .

bo. cornelia , pisauro why art thou silent . pis.

i tell you i did speake to her .

cor.

't is time i then dispose my selfe .

pis.

now my happinesse .

cor. my lord i pray come forth . enter ursini . you gentlemen by your owne confessions are strangers to me , and altho i doe not distrust heavens providence , i shall not sinne to give my freedome up where i am knowne ; my lord if you accept cornelia shee 's thus confirm'd your owne . urs. with greater joy then i would take an empire , this drops peace vpon my brothers ashes , and unites for ever our two families . pis.

where 's the dutchesse ?

bo.

i prithee doe not vexe me .

pis. doe not vexe thy selfe , come wee 're at large , our constitution would ha' beene troubled with a wife , we have the world before us , store of game is necessary . the dutchesse . enter dutchesse , ferrara , pietro , iulio , lucio laura melinda . dut. you now possesse us freely , the next morning shall spread this joy through urbin . urs. we are happy and every heart congratulates . fer. we thanke you signior ursini , you have beene faithfull to us . dut.

is your name borgia ?

bo.

no madam ,

dut. where 's our letter ? we did not thinke y 'ad beene so apprehensive , you see it now confirm'd , we hope you had no thought we meant it otherwise , be prudent and carefull in your province , heaven i see wud have it thus , and rectifie our folly . enter mercutio . mer.

your pardon gratious madam .

dut. signior , we thanke your diligencē , possesse our favour . and know the duke . mer.

i am one of the worst keepers of a dore ,

dut.

no more , all 's well .

mer.

i 'me glad on t .

urs.

sir your blessing .

cor. madam your smiles upon us and we cannot despaire of happinesse . mer.

but where 's borgia ?

bo.

i know not sir .

fer.

rise ever fortunate .

pimponio within .

oyes , oyes .

dut.

what 's the matter ?

iu. a foole has lost his master , and thus cries him about the court . pis.

pimponio a' my conscience .

enter pimponio . pim oyes ; if any man there be in towne or in countree can tell me of a wight was lost but yester night , his name was i know signior aurelio , by these markes he is knowne , he had a bush of his owne , two eyes in their place and a nose on his face , his beard is very thinne but no haire on his chinne , bring word to the cryer his desolate squire , and for this fine feate take what you can get ; and heaven blesse pimponio , for no body knownes me and i know no body else to pray for . cor.

hee 's not my brother indeed then .

mer.

nor my sonne .

pis.

't is too true maddam , here , here 's thy master

pim.

no , no , that 's signior borgia , doe not deceive your selfe

bo. we are both deceiv'd pimponio shall i hope of your free pardon madam for all trespasses ? my lord your breath is powerfull . dut.

rise aurelio .

fer.

and be deare to us .

mer.

i hope the pardon 's firme .

dut.

irrevocable .

mer. i 'le dispatch letters then to naples , thence he did salute me last , how were we cosend ! but sir i thanke you for my borgias pardon . cor. although it be cleare now y' are not my brother pray take my poore acknowledgement , i shall be proud for your sake , to preserve your friendship . bor. may your hopes prosper in him ; now we two with licence of your excellence may prosecute our designe agen for the warres . dut. if nothing else at court invite your stay we lay commands upon you as our servant that you see all our ceremonies finish'd , to celebrate this happy union you must be both our guests . pim. doe let us feast and fortifie our selves , we shall have our bellies full of fighting time enough . pis.

thinkes your grace so ?

dut. subjects may love as their rude sense imparts , but heaven doth onely governe princes hearts .
finis .
machine-generated castlist a -borgia a -pisauro a -duchess a -mercutio a -pimponio a -cornelia a -ursini a -julio a -aurelio a -ferrara a -ascanio a -lucio a -grutti a -pietro a -duke a -laura a -melinda a - _servant a - _servant a - a -both a -unassigned
textual notes

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caroto will walke and see the citie , make it your care to get supper ready . le●s to quit that feare lets leave the citie instantly ; the meale wonot i●lio towne will turne my blood , i wonot give a iulio for my courage in twelve houres , vnlesse i● blood , i wonot give a iulio for my courage in twelve houres , vnlesse they tie their women ●p twelve houres , vnlesse they tie their women up . on● is not the gentleman o'th to sides ons wits ? what did he call you . on● dee meane both one ? b●thlem he might as well ha cald me bethlem gabor ; lets walke on still . ▪ no more ieeres . go or be lame for ever . fatherr , comfort of my age . my joy of soule , a fathers prayers and blessing make thee a happy man ●eare i heare my vncle has left us — ha●t what hast done saist , nothing to dishonour thee , we'● then wast my life an exile , ile to court we'e . ▪ y'are not mad . borgies thou art a foole , cannot i cast borgias skin off when i please , i must see my faire ▪ dutchesse , ursini , cornelia , melinda , laura . ▪ suffer'd , though not what the lawes determine , many yeares pennance , so severe , perhaps mecutio enter mercutio , borgia , pisauro . nnderstanding shall i beleeve my eyes , my understanding ? how is mercutio blest ? looke boy the plases she plaies with him , good , better , i , is your spirit ▪ dutchesse ? would i had the conjuring of it downe , vrsini lookes like a whelpe had lost his ▪ you vrsini , we can grace whom you present ; he is more gentleman than to forget how ▪ lose no applications , that't her secretary , a degree to more inward indeerements , if b● be not you a tyrant , ile doe pennance in a ▪ sir , is not this signior a prince disguisd ? ▪ did thinke thou wouldst carry it hansomly — well , ile excuse thee to thy master , here ▪ say unto you , snakes goe cast your coates , here's earnest for new skins , when things ▪ sober , let the whole house be drunke first , 'twill please us well to see the servants 〈◊〉 thy embassador to his master , he is scarce minded . flighted noble thoughts then to suspect you can be slighted , thinke tis but a dreame in justice to oung but i was not considerable ; the young gentleman had taken up her eyes , her tongue ▪ we shall all be princes in time ; but gentlemen lets be more familiar we thinke ▪ the dutchesse is mad . ▪ they joyne toth' court . ▪ 'tis the lesse service . sirst lord , he kist us both , but we put forward first , he is the hansomst gentleman ; dee thinke borgi● enter borgia . bey , but no thought on forfeit of your life beyond whats dutie . sorget anger , when i transgresse so farre , as to forget my humble fate which onely can be blest sinde my heart shall bleed to death ere it shall finde one thought of so much impudence . ●on let me alone with my son , if i do not fit him , let me never finde 〈…〉 gers fit every one should know so much , you are strangers , and therefore i dare trust you , but the 〈◊〉 acquainted when i see my time ; ile tell you , the ●oy may take me i'th head to looke like ●oy acquainted when i see my time ; ile tell you , 〈◊〉 toy may take me i'th head to looke like a foole merr●y confederates : i know where i am , but we are not merry reach me a chaire and a bottle of wine , ma●● all the world , whats that to me ? shall he make a prize of me ? ▪ will answer it , you may be all my subjects : if i marry the dutchesse ile hang you all ▪ exit . bessing durst owne me , be a benifit ; there was a blessing in my fate to meete your mercy that gave ▪ be the proudest , greatest in our dutchy , without all limitation , she shall carry ▪ despise the service you fairely meane her : if we faile in this , we will not thinke 〈◊〉 exit ▪ ▪ exit . hadstan thee leave to beate me , 'twas my feare thou hadst an easie faith , and wert transported indeede the● art not madde , i will commend a wife to thee ▪ stay and take my keyes , this opens to my gould , goe home and take ▪ portion will serve vrsini with thy sister . aseanio enter pisauro and ascanio . usini women are subtill creatures , no matter tho ursini court my sister , my ambitions faire a tother satisfactition then , the rest ile cleare hereafter to your satisfaction . ▪ suspect a plot of borgias to dishonour you , he durst not stay to face it . pimponis comes will keepe you warme , doe you know one pimponio , he was a footman , you will be in case ▪ ile have the foole hang'd then . ▪ meane time , &c . — what a divell does she meane ? i ha' done ▪ you are very merry . ▪ i hope to have more cause . privacie ▪ accesse to none but borgia , we have some privacies onely concerne his knowledge . ●a●y 〈…〉 ths arbors , cost bestow'd on pretty mazes , labyrinths of love , you might be there secure , and ▪ themselves , and the next walke no wiser ; now i thinke ont , this cloyster with the ▪ loves bower , the trees bow to my entrance , and she that is the mistresse of all these ▪ this have faith w'ee why am not i admitted ? ▪ power with her grace may set all streight , and purchase me a pardon . loft be rather lost as i am in thy dotage , thou hast depriv'd pretions we desire to die in that pretious ignorance . ▪ but you lov'd him the wrong way , de'e heare lustily you understand , with iam doe you thinke i am a monster signior ? excusdi'th make one a great deale : your husband may be excusd i'th progresse lady , besides he may have ▪ there's little charitie in those suspitions . have you no other argument . gi●t i wish no better testimony , he shall not gi't you unders hand . ▪ that gentleman prepar'd me for this history , doe you not blush brother ? sir i thanke ▪ world before us , store of game is necessary . the dutchesse . thls us freely , the next morning shall spread this joy through urbin . ▪ master , and thus cries him about the court . a●my pimponio a' my conscience . i ▪ le i'le dispatch letters then to naples , thence warre● excellence may prosecute our designe agen for the warres .
the wedding shirley, james this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text s in the english short title catalog (stc ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. martin mueller incompletely or incorrectly transcribed words were reviewed and in many cases fixed by nayoon ahn hannah bredar this text has not been fully proofread earlyprint project evanston il, notre dame in, st.louis, washington mo distributed under a creative commons attribution-noncommercial . unported license a .xml the vvedding. as it was lately acted by her maiesties seruants, at the phenix in drury lane. written by iames shirley, gent. shirley, james, - . dpi tiff g page images university of michigan, digital library production service ann arbor, michigan july (tcp phase ) stc ( nd ed.) . greg, ii, (a). a

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 the vvedding. as it was lately acted by her maiesties seruants, at the phenix in drury lane. written by iames shirley, gent. wedding wedding. shirley, james, - . [ ] p. printed [by nicholas okes] for iohn groue, and are to be sold at his shop at furniualls inne gate in holborne, london : .

mostly in verse.

printer's name from stc addendum.

signatures: a-l .

the first leaf is blank.

reproduction of the original in the folger shakespeare library.

inlaid; a reversed in binding; quire k misbound , , , .

 a shc the wedding shirley, james nayoon ahn hannah bredar play comedy shc no a s (stc ). . b the rate of . defects per , words puts this text in the b category of texts with fewer than defects per , words. incorporated ~ , textual changes made to the shc corpus by hannah bredar, kate needham, and lydia zoells between april and july during visits, separately or together, to the bodleian, folger and houghton libraries as well as the rare book libraries at northwestern university and the university of chicago

the wedding .

as it was lately acted by her maiesties seruants , at the phenix in drury lane .

written by iames shirley , gent.

horat. — multaque pars mei vitabit libitinam —

london . printed for iohn groue , and are to be sold at his shop at furniualls inne gate in holborne . .

the actors names . richard perkins . michael bowyer . iohn sumpner . william robins . william sherlocke . anthony turner . william allin . william wilbraham . iohn yong . iohn dobson . hugh clarke . iohn page . edward rogers . tymothy read .
to the right worshipfull william gowre , esquire .

sir , i know you , and in that your worth , which i honor more then greatnesse in a patron : this comedy comming forth to take the ayre in summer , desireth to walke vnder your shaddow . the world oweth a perpetuall remembrance to your name , for excellency in the musicall arte of poesie , and your singular iudgement and affection to it , haue encouraged me to this dedication , in which i cannot transgresse beyond your candor . it hath passed the stage ; and i doubt not but from you , it shall receiue a kinde welcome , since you haue beene pleas'd to acknowledge the author .

yours . iames shirley .
to his learned and much respected friend , mr. iames shirley , vpon his wedding . an inforc'd rapture , and high swelling phrase doth onely gaudy ignorance amaze ; conceites that yeelde iudicious writers glory , enrich the beauty of thy comicke story : loues passion in smooth numbers is descride , such as becomes the softnesse of a bride . i want a poets aëry soule , to giue due prayses to thy lines , which shall out-liue the crittickes spleene , the atheists impious iest ; a modest pen becomes the muses best , and such is thine , as thy faire wedding showes , who crownes thee not , a debt to knowledge owes . edmond colles .
to his worthy friend mr. shirley , vpon his nuptiall comedy . is beaumont dead ? or slept he all this while , to teach the world the want of his smooth stile ? if he be dead , that part of him diuine by transmigration of his soule is thine : high is thy fancy , yet thy straine so sweete , death would be lou'd in such a winding sheete : this wedding needes no offering , and thy worth is aboue flattery , to set thee forth : from whose rich muse thus wedded , we shall see many faire children borne to poësie . robert haruey .
in hymeneum ingeniosissimi iacobi shirley . dies fugaci de siliunt pede nec vrna cuiquam parcit , at improbae viuit superstes fama morti , nec gelidum metuit sepulchrum . o qui ingales flauus hymen toros ambis , coruscâ iam nitidus togâ incede , shirleiana laurus , perpetuos tibi dat triumphos . phoebus sacrata vellit ab arbore ramum , modestas quo decoret comas additque vatem laureatis sideribus , numerumque claudit . spread faire thou growing tree , with which in vaine the windes do wraste : blemish'd with the staine of impure life , some by atheisticke rimes , and witty surfeits , force these ruder times to fond amazement ; but thy faire defence rests in cleare arte , and secure innocence . as thou , thy muse is chast , on which no rape vvas ere by thee committed , learnings ape is franticke imitation ; and the bough that crownes such vvriters , withers on their brow : i gratulate thy wedding ; loue doth guide my friendly muse , thus to salute thy bride . william habington .
to my deseruing friend mr. iames shirley , vpon his comedy , the wedding . thou need'st not , friend , that any man for thee , should to the world put in security . thy comedy is good ; 't will passe alone , and faire enough , without this ribbands showne vpon the fore-head on 't : if high rays'd passion temper'd with harmelesse mirth , in such sweet fashion , and with such harmony , as may inuite two faculties of soule , and both delight deserue an approbation , in mine eye , such in iust value is this comedy . tho. may .
of this ingenious comedy the wedding . to mr. iames shirley the author . the bonds are equall , and the marriage fit , where iudgement is the bride , the husband wit ; wit hath begot , and iudgement hath brought forth a noble issue , of delight , and worth , growne in this comedy to such a strength of sweete perfection , as that not the length of dayes , nor rage of mallice , can haue force to sue a nullity , or worke diuorce betweene this well trim'd wedding , and loud fame , which shall in euery age , renew thy name . iohn ford .
the wedding .
actus primi . scoena prima . enter sir iohn belfare , and isaac his man , seruants bringing in prouision . belfare .

well done my masters , yee bestirre your selues , i see we shall feast to morrow .

ser.

your worship shall want no wood-cockes at the wedding .

isa.

thou hast as many as thou canst carry , and thirteene to the last dozen .

bel.

isaac .

isa.

sir .

bel.

haue you beene carefull , to inuite those friends , you had direction for ?

isa.

yes sir , i haue beene a continuall motion euer since i rise . i haue not sayd my prayers to day .

bel.

we shall want no guests then .

isa.

i haue commanded most on 'em .

bel.

how sir ?

isa.

i ha' bid 'em sir , there 's two in my list , will not fayle to dine w' ee .

bel.

who are they ?

isa.

master rawbone , the yong vsurer .

bel. oh hee s reported a good trencher-man , he has a tall stomacke , he shall be welcome . isa.

they say , he has made on obligation to the diuell , if euer he eate a good meale at his owne charge , his soule is forfeit .

bel.

how does he liue liue ?

isa.

vpon his mony sir .

bel.

he does not eate it .

isa.

no the diuell choake him , it were a golden age , if all the vsurers in london should ha' no other dyet ; hee has a thingut waytes vpon him , i thinke , one of his bastards , be got vppon a spider , i hope to liue , to see 'em both drawne through a ring .

bel.

who is the other ?

isa.

the other may be knowne too , the barrell at heidelberg was the patterne of his belly , master lodam sir .

bel.

hee 's a great man indeede .

isa.

something giuen to the wast , for he liues within no reasonable compasse i 'm sure .

bel.

they will be well met .

isa.

but very ill matcht to draw a coach , yet at prouender , there wil be scarce an oate betweene the leane jade , and the fat gelding .

bel.

how liues he ?

isa.

religiously sir ; for hee that seedes well , must by consequence liue well , hee holds none can be dam'd but leane men , for fat men he sayes must needes bee sau'd by the faith of their body .

enter mr beauford , and captaine landby . bel.

mr. beauford and captayne landby : isaac , call forth my daughter .

beau. sir iohn , i hope you make no stranger of me , to morrow , i shall change my title for your sonne , soone as the holy rites shall make me the happy husband to your daughter , in the meane time it will become me wayte on her . bel. i possesse nothing but in trust for thee , gratiana makes all thine . cap. i shall presume to follow . bel. your friendship noble captaine to mr. beauford , makes your person most welcome , had you no other merit , pray enter . exe. bea. & cap. heauen hath already crownd my gray hayres ! i liue to see my daughter married to a noble husband , the enuye of our time , and exact patterne of a gentleman , as hopefull as the spring , i am growne proud , euen in my age . exit . enter marwood . mar. dost heare sirra ? isa. i sirra . mar. is master beauford within ? isa. no sir . mar. i was inform'd he came hither , is he not here ? isa. yes sir . mar. thou sayst he 's not within . is. no sir , but t is very like he wil be to morrow night sir . mar. how is this ? is. would you haue him be within before he is married . mar. witty groome , prethee inuite him forth ; say here 's a friend is.

now you talke of inuiting , i haue two or three guests to inuite yet : let me see .

mar.

why dost not mooue ?

is.

and you make much adoe , i le inuite you : pray come to the . wedding to morrow . exit .

enter sir iohn belfare , beauford , and captaine . bel.

t is hee .

bea.

you were my happy prospect from the window , coose you are a most welcome guest .

bel.

mr. marwood , you haue beene a great stranger to the city , or my house for the course entertaynement you receiu'd , hath beene vnworthy of your visit .

mar.

t was much aboue my desert sir : captayne .

cap.

i congratulate your returne .

bel. beauford , gentlemen enter my house , and perfect your embraces there : i lead the way . exit . bea. pray follow . mar. your pardon . cap. we know you haue other habit , you were not wont to affect ceremony . mar. & bea whisper . bea. how ? cap. i do not like his present countenance , it does threaten somewhat ; i wo'd not prophesie . bea. good captayne , excuse my absence to our friends within , i haue affayres concernes me with my kinsman , which done , we both returne to wayte on 'em . cap. i shall sir . bea. now proceed . mar. we are kinsmen . bea. more we are friends . mar. and shal i doubt to speak to beauford any thing , my loue directs me to ? bea. what needs this circumstance ? wee were not wont to talke at such a distance , you appeare wild . ma. i haue beene wilde indeede in my vngouernd youth , but ha' reclaimd it , and am to laden with the memory of former errours , that i desire to be confest . bea. confest ? i am no gostly father . ma. but you must heare , you may absolue mee too : bea. if thou hast any discontentments prethee take other time for their discourse , i am in expectation of marriage , i would not interrupt my ioyes . ma. i must require your present hearing , a concernes vs both , as neere as fame , or life . bea. ha! what is it ? ma. wee shall haue opportunity at your lodging , the streetes are populous and full noise , so please you walke , i le wait one you . bea. i me your seruant . exeunt . enter iustice landby , and milisent . iust. milisent . where 's my daughter ? mil. in complement with mr. rawbone , who is newly entred sir . iust. o there 's a peece of folly . a thing made vp of parchment and his bonds are of more value then his soule and body , were any man the purchaser , onely wise in his hereditary trade of vsury , vnderstands nothing but a scriuener , as if he were created for no vse but to grow rich with intrest , to his ignorance , he ha's the gift , of being impudent , what will he grow to , if he liue , that is so young a monster ? mil. with your fauour sir if you hold no better opinion of this citizen it puzles , mee why you inuite him , to your house and entertainement , he pretending affection to your daughter , pardon me sir if i seeme bold . iust. as some men milisent do suffer spiders in their chamber , while they count them profitable vermine . mil. but he 's most like to scatter poyson sir , your fame is precious , and your family not mingling with corrupted streames , hath like an entire riuer , still maintayn'd his current chast , and delightfull . iust. sha't receiue my bosome , i le sooner match her with an ethiope , then giue consent , she should disgrace our blood ; and herein i but trye her strength of iudgement in giuing him accesse ; if she haue lost remembrance of her birth , and generous thoughts , she suck'd from her dead mother , with my care i le striue to reinforce her natiue goodnesse , or quite diuorse her from my blood : and milisent i le vse your vigilance . mil. sir command . iust. i will , not vrge how i receiu'd you first a stranger , nor the condition of your life , with me , aboue the nature of a seruant , to obliege your faith : i haue obserued thee honest . mil. you are full of noble thoughts . iust. though i suspect not the obedience of my daughter , yet her youth is apt to erre , let me employ your eye vpon her still , and receiue knowledge from you , how she dispenceth fauours , you shall binde my loue the stronger to you . mil. sir , i shall be ambitions to deserue your fauour withall the duties of a seruant , and i doubt not , but your daughter is so full of conscience , and care in the conformity of her desires to your will , i shall inrich my sight with obseruation , and make my intelligence happy . enter cameleon . iust. how now : what 's he ? mil. t is mr. rawbones squire . cam. pray is not my masters worship here ? iust. your masters worship ! what 's that , his spaniell ? cam. no sir , but a thing that does follow him . iust. in what likenesse , i hope he does not conuerse with spirits . cam. hee le not entertayne an angell , but he will weigh him first , indeede i am all the spirits that belong to him . mil. so i thinke , but none of his familiar . iust. what 's thy name ? cam. cameleon . iust. good ; didst euer eate ? cam. yes once . iust. and then thou caught'st a surfeit , thou couldst nere endure meate since : wer 't euer christned . cam. yes twice , first in my infancy , and the last time about a yeare agoe , when i should haue beene prentise to an anabaptist . iust. does thy master loue thee ? cam. yes , for , and i would gold i might haue it , but my stomacke would better digest beefe , or mutton , if there be any such things in nature . mil. here is his master sir , and mistris iane . enter rawbone , and iane . raw.

how now cameleon , hast din'd ?

cam. yes sir , i had a delicate fresh ayre to dinner . raw.

and yet thou lookst as thou hadst eate nothing this se'night , here prouide me a capon , and halfe a dozen of pidgeons to supper , and when will your worship come home , and tast my hospitality .

ian.

when you please sir ,

raw. yet now i thinke on 't , i must feede more sparingly . ian.

more liberally in my opinion .

raw.

would not any body in the world thinke so ? did you euer see two such eare-wigges as my man and i : doe wee not looke like .

ian.

i thinke the picture of eyther o' your faces in a ring , with a memento mors , would be as sufficient a mortification , as lying with an anotomy .

raw.

the reason why wee are so leane and consum'd , is nothing , but eating too much : cameleon now i thinke on 't , let the pygeons alone , the capon will bee enough for thee and i .

cam.

the rumpe would last vs a se'night .

raw.

i tell you forsooth , i ha brought my selfe so low , with a great dyet , that i must be temperate , or the doctor sayes there 's no way but one wo 'me .

cam.

that 's not the way of all flesh i 'm sure .

raw.

it is a shame to say , what we eate euery day .

ian.

i thinke so .

cam.

by this hand : if it would beare an oath : wee haue had nothing this two dayes but halfe a larke ; which by a mis-chance the cat had kild too , the cage being open : i will prouide my belly another master .

iust.

now i le interrupt em master rawbone .

raw. i hope your worship will repinie my boldnesse , t is out of loue to your daughter . iust.

sir , i haue a businesse to you , a friend of mine vpon some necessity would take vp a hundred pounds .

raw.

i le pawne some ounces to pleasure him .

iust.

it is more friendly sayd then i expected .

raw. so he bring me good security , some three or foure , or fiue sufficient and able citizens , for mortalities sake , i le lend it him . iust.

will you not take an honest mans word .

raw.

few words to the wise , i will take any mans word to owe me a hundred pound , but not a lords to pay me fifty .

iust.

well : t is curtesie .

raw.

he shall pay nothing to me but lawfull consideration from time to time , beside the charges of th' ensealing , because he is your friend .

iust.

this is extreamity , can you require more ?

raw.

more ? what 's eight in the hundred to me ? my scriuenes knowes , i haue taken forty and fifty in the hundred vijs̄ and modis of my owne kins-men , when they were in necessity .

iust. i apprehend the fauour . enter isaac . how now isaac ? is.

my master commends his loue to you sir , and does desire your presence together with your daughter and nephew , at the arraignement of my young mistresse to morrow .

iust.

how knaue ?

is.

shee is to be married or arraign'd , i th' morning , and at night to suffer execution and loose her head .

iust.

returne our thankes , and say wee 'le waite vppon the bride iane . exeunt iustice and iane .

is.

deare master rawbone , i doe beseech you bee at these sessions .

raw.

thou didst inuite me before .

is.

i know it , but our cocke has a great minde , that sentence should likewise passe vppon the roast , the boyld , and the bak'd , and hee feares vnlesse you be a commissioner , the meate will hardly bee condemn'd to morrow , so that i can neuer often enough desire your stomacke to remember , you will come .

raw.

dost thinke i won't keepe my word ?

is.

alas , wee haue nothing , but good cheere to entertayne you , i beseech you sir howsoeuer to feast with us , though you goe away after dinner .

raw.

there 's my hand —

isa.

i thanke you .

raw.

is master iustice gone , and mistresse iane too ? follow me cameleon . i le take my leaue when i come agen .

mil.

isaac .

isa.

my little wit , thou wo't come with thy master tomorrow , i le reserue a bottle of wine to warme thy sconce .

mil.

i cannot promise .

isa.

if i durst stay three minutes , i would venture a cup with thee irh' buttery , but t is a busie time at home : farewell milisent . exit .

mil. marriage as much ioy waite vpon the bride , as the remembrance of it brings me sorrow , a woman has vndone me , when i dye a coffin will enclose this misery . exit . enter beauford and marwood . beau. you prepare me for some wonder . mar. i doe : and ere i come to the period of my story , your vnderstanding will admire . beau. teach my soule the way . mar. i am not cose i th' number of those friends come to congratulate your present marriage . beau. ha ? mar. i am no flatterer , the blood you carry doth warme my veines , yet could nature be forgetfull and remoue it self , the loue i owe your merit , doth oblige me , to relation of a truth which else would fire my bosome with concealement . i am come to deuide your soule , rauish all your pleasures , poyson the very ayre maintaynes your breathing , you must not marry . beau. must not ? though as i am mortall i may be compeld within a payre of minutes to turne ashes , yet my soule already bride-groome to her vertue , shall laugh at death that would vnmarry vs , and call her mine eternally . mar. death is a mockery to that diuorce i bring , come you must not loue her . beau, did i hope thou couldst giue me a reason , i would aske one . mar. do not , i will too soone arriue , and make you curse your knowledge , couldst exchange thy temper for an angels , at the hearing of this reason , 't would make you passionate , and turne man agen . beau. can there be reason for a sinne so great , as changing my affection from gratiana ? name it , and reach me how to be a monster , for i must loose humanity , oh marwood , thou leadst me into a wildernesse , she is — mar. false , sinnefull , a blacke soule she has . bea. thou hast a hell about thee , and thy language speakes thee a diuell , that to blast her innocence dost belch these vapours : to say thou lyest , were to admit , thou hast but made in this a humane errour , when thy sinne hath aym'd the fall of goodnesse . gratiana false ? the snow shall turne a salamander first and dwell in fire ; the ayre retreate , and leaue an emptinesse in nature , angels bee corrupt , and brib'd by mortals sell their charity her innocence is such , that wert thou marwood for this offence condemn'd to lodge in flames , it would for euer cure thy burning feauer , if with thy sorrow thou procure her shed one teare vpon thee , now , thou art lost for euer , and arm'd thus , though with thousand furies guarded , i reach thy heart . drawes : mar stay beauford , since you dare be so confident of her chastity heare me conclude , i bring no idle fable patcht vp betweene suspition , and report of scandalous tongues , my eares were no assurance to conuince me without my eyes . bea. what horror ! be more particular : mar. i did prophesie , that it would come to this , for i haue had a tedious strugling with my nature , but the name of friend ore-ballanc'd the exception : forgiue me ladies , that my loue to man hath power to make me guilty of such language , as with it , must betray a womans honour : bea. you torture me , be briefe . mar. then , though it carry shame to the reporters , forgiue me heauen , and witnesse an vnwelcome truth . bea. stay , i am too hasty for the knowledge of something thou prepar'st for my destruction , may i not thinke what t is , and kill my selfe ? or at least by degrees , with apprehending some strange thing done , infect my fancy with opinion first , and so dispose my selfe to death ? i cannot , when i thinke of gratiana i enterrayne a heauen : the worst , i le heare it . mar. it will enlarge it selfe too soone , receiue it ; i haue enioyd her . bea. whom ? mar. gratiana sinnefully , before your loue made she and you acquainted . bea. ha ? th' ast kept thy word thou canst so poison all my comfort . mar. your friendship i ha preferred to my owne fame , and but to saue you from a lasting shipwrack , noble beauford , thinke it should haue rotted here , she that will part with virgin honour , nere should wed the heart . bea. was euer woman good , and gratiana vitious ? lost to honour ? at the instant when i expected all my haruest ripe . the golden summer tempting me to reape the well growne eares , comes an impetuous storme destroyes an ages hope in a short minute , and lets me liue , the copy of mans frailty : surely , some one of all the female sexe , engrost the vertues , and fled hence to heauen , left woman-kind dissemblers . mar. sir , make vse of reason , t is a knowledge should reioyce you , since it does teach you to preserue your selfe . bea. enioyd gratiana sinnefully , t is a sound able to kill with horror ; it infects the very aire , i see it like a mist dwell round about , that i could vncreate my selfe , or be forgotten , no remembrance that euer i lou'd woman : i haue no genius left to instruct me — it growes late : within — waite o' my kinsman to his chamber , i shall desire your rest , pray giue me leaue to thinke a little — mar. cosen : i repent i haue beene so open breasted , since you make this seuere vse on 't , and afflict your minde with womanish sorrow , i haue but caution'd you against a danger , out of my true friendship : prosper me goodnesse as my ends are noble : good-night , collect your selfe , and be a man . exit . bea. and why may not a kinsman be a vilaine ? perhaps he loues gratiana , and enuying my happinesse , doth now traduce her chastity to find this out , time will allow but narrow limits : his last words bad me be a man . a man ? yes i haue my soule , t'does not become a manly resolution to be tame thus , and giue vp the opinion of his mistresse for one mans accusat on ; — ha : i th' morning ? proper . yes marwood i will be a man : his sword , shall eyther make past the sence of this affliction . or mine enforce a truth from him , if thou beest wrongd gratiana i le ye thy martyr , but if false , in this i gayne to dye , not liue a sacrifice . exit .
actus secundi . scena prima . enter cardona , and isaac . car. to the taylors man , runne . isa. to the taylors man , why not to his master ? car. the wedding cloathes not brought home yet , fie , fie . isa.

w'o would trust of womans taylor , take measure so long before of a gentle-woman , and not bring home his commodity , there 's no conscience in 't .

car.

the arrant shoe-maker too .

isa.

master hide , is not he , come yet i cald vppon him yester-day , to make hast of my mistresses shoes , and he told me , he was about the vpper leather , he would be at her heeles presently , i left his foot in the stirrop , i thought he would haue rid post after me .

car.

prethee isaac , make hast , how tedious th' art , hast not thou beene there yet .

isa.

oh yes , and here agen , de' e not see me , you are so light your selfe .

car.

as thou goest , call vpon cod the perfumer , tell him he vses vs sweetly , has not brought home the gloues yet . — and dost heare ? when th' art at the peacocke remember to call for the sprig , by the same token i left my fanne to be mended : — and dost heare ? when th' art there , t is but a little out of the way , to runne to the diuell , and bid the vintener make hast with the runlets of claret , we shall ha no time to burne it .

isa.

you need not if it come from diuell , me-thinkes that wine should burne it selfe .

car.

runne i prethee .

isa.

taylors , shoe-makers , perfumers , feather-makers , and the diuell and all , what a many occupations does a woman runne through , before she is married . exit .

car.

fye vpon 't what a perplexity is about a wedding , i might haue beene thus troubled for a child of my owne , if good lucke had seru'd .

— within . cardona . car.

i come lady-bird . exit .

enter beauford and marwood . mar. was this your purpose . bea, this place of all the park affords most priuacy . nature has plac'd the trees to imitate a roman amphitheater . mar. we must be the sword-players . bea. draw , imagine all these trees were cypresse , the companions of our funerall , for one or both must go to a darke habitation , me-thinkes we two , are like to some vnguided men , that hauing wandred all the day in a wild vnknowne path , at night walke downe into a hollow grot , a caue which neuer starre durst looke into , made in contempt of light by nature , which the moone did neuer yet be-friend with any melancholy beame : oh cosen thou hast led me , where i neuer shall see day moue . mar. this is the way to make it a night indeede , but if you recollect your selfe , i brought you beames to let you see the horror of that darknesse you are going to , by marrying with gratiana . bea. that name awakes my resolution , consume not thy breath too idly , th' ast but a small time for th' use om 't , eyther employ it in the vnsaying thy wrong to gratiana , or thou hastens thy last minute . mar. i must tell beauford them , he is vngratefull to returne so ill my friendship , haue i vnder-valued my shame in the relation of a truth , to make the man i woo'd preserue , my enemy : why dost thou tempt thy destiny with so much sinne ? dost thinke i were a sword i dare not manage ? or that i can be inforc'd to a reuolt ? i am no rebell beauford : againe i must confirme gratianaes honour stain'd , the treasures of her chastity rifled , and lost , t was my vnhappinesse to haue added that , vnto my other sinnes i th' wildnesse of my blood , which thou mayst punish . bea. thou hast repeated , but the same in substance touching gratiana . mar. truth is euer constant remaines vpon her square , firme , and vnshaken . beau. if what thou hast affirm'd be true , why should we fight , be cruell to our selues , indanger our eternity , for the errour of one frayle woman ? let our swords expect a nobler cause . what man hath such assurance in any womans faith , that he should runne a desperate hazard of his soule ? i know women are not borne angels , but created with passion and temper like to vs , and men are apt to erre , and louse themselues caught with the soule of wanton beauty , fetterd euen with their mistresses haire mar. i like this well . aside . beau. he has a handsome presence and discourse , two subtle charmes to tempt a womans frailty , who must be gouern'd by their eye or eare to loue , beside my kinsman hath beene taxt . for being too prompt in wantonnesse , this confirmes it then farwell woman kind . mar. this does become you . bea. why should we fight , our letting blood wo'not cure her , and make her honour white agen : we are friends , repent thy sinne , and marry her . mar. whom ? beau. gratiana . mar. how sir , marry her ? bea. why canst tho adde to it another crime , by a refusing to repayre the ruines of that chast temple , thou hadst violated ? her virgin tapers are by thee extinct , no odour of her chastity , which once gaue a perfume to heauen , and and did refresh her innocent soule , they that haue spoyld virginity , do halfe restore the treasures they tooke thence by sacred marriage . mar. marriage , with whom ? bea. gratiana . mar. should i marry a whore ? bea. thou lyest , and with a guilt vpon thy soule , able to sinke thee to damnation , drawes againe . i le send thee hence ; a whore ? what woman was euer bad enough to deserue that name ? salute some natiue fury , or a wretch condemn'd already to hells tortures by it , not gratiana ; th' ast awakned iustice , and giuen it eyes to see thy treachery , the depth of thy malicious heart , that word , hath dis-inchanted me . mar. are you serious ? bea. how haue i fin'd in my credulity 'gainst vertue , all this while ? what charme bound vp my vnderstanding part , i should admit a possibility , for her to carry so blacke a soule ; though all her sexe beside had fallen from their creation ? thou hast not life enough to forfeit , what an aduantage to fame and goodnesse had beene lost . mar. will you fight ? beau. wert thou defenc'd with circular fire , more subtle then the lightning , that i knew would rauish my heart , and marrow from me , yet i should neglect the danger , and but singly arm'd , flye to reuenge thy calumny : a whore — come on sir . th' art wounded : ha ? fight . mar. mortally , flye beauford , saue thy selfe , i hasten to the dead . beau. oh stay a while , or thou wilt loose vs both , thy wound i cannot call backe , now there is no dallying with heauen , but thou pulst on thee double confusion , leaue a truth behind thee , as thou wouldst hope rest to thy parting soule , hast thou not wrong'd gratiana ? mar. yes , in my lust , but not in my report , take my last breath , i sinfully enioy'd her , one hollows within . gratiana is a blotted peece of alablaster : farewell least some betray thee , heauen forgiue my offence , as i do freely pardon thine . beau. i cannot long suruiue , — is there no hope thou maist recouer ? mar. oh! beau. farewell for euer then , with thy short breath may all thy ills conclude , mine but beginne to muster , life and i shall quickly part , i feele a sorrow will breake beaufords heart . exit . enter keeper and seruant . ser. there are cony-stealers abroad sir . keeper . these whorson rabbet suckers will nere leaue the ground . ser. in my walke last night , i frighted some on em . pox a these vermin , would they were all destroy'd . keeper . so we may chance to keepe no deere . ser. why so ? kee. an old cony stops a knaues mouth somtimes . that else would be gaping for venison . mar. oh . keeper . whos 's that ? seruant . here 's a gentle-man wounded . keeper . ha ? seruant . he has bled much . keeper . how came you hurt sir ? no , not speake ? if he be not past hope , let vs carry him to my lodge , my wife is a peece of a surgeon , has beene fortunate in some cures : teare a peece of thy shirt raph , to bind his wound quickly : — so , so , alas poore gentle-man , he may hue to be drest , and tell who has done this mis-fortune : gently exe. carry him in . honest raph , he has some breath yet : would i had my blood-hound here . enter sir iohn belfare iustice landby , and his daughter iane , isaac waiting . bel. y' are welcome mr landby , and mistresse iane . where 's the young captayn sir your nephew ? iust he went betimes to waite vpon the bridgroome . bel. they are inseperable friends , as they had diuided hearts , they both are glad , when eyther meete a good fortune . iane . i le be bold to see your daughter . bel. do mistresse iane , she has her maides blush yet , she 'le make you amends for this , and ere 't be long i hope ' dance at your wedding . exit iane . iust. i wish you many ioyes sir by this marriage : your daughter ha made discreet election , she 'le haue a hopefull gentle-man . bel. master landby , it would refresh my age to see her fruitful to him , i should finde a blessing for a young beauford , and be glad to dandle him , the first newes of a boy borne by my daughter would set me backe seauen yeares : o master landby , old men do neuer truely doate , vntill their children bring em babies . enter mr. rawbone , and hauer as his seruant . isa. master rawbone , i le be bold to present you with a peece of rose-mary , we ha such cheere . raw. honest isaac . isa. pray do you belong to master rawbone ? hau yes sir . isa. you haue eate something in your dayes . hau. why prethee ? isa nothing , nothing , d' ee vnderstand nothing , you shall eate nothing : vnlesse some benefactors like my master , in pitty of your bellies once a yeare do warme it with a dinner , you must neuer hope to see rost , of sod ; he has within this twelue month to my knowledge made seauen men immortall . hau. how ? isa. yes , he has made spirits on em , and they haunt such mens houses as my masters , spirits ath ' buttery , let me counsell yee to cram your corpes to day , for by his almanacke there 's a long lent a comming . bel. neuer see me , but when you are inuited . raw. 'las i had rather eate a peece of cold capon at home , than be troublesome abroad . i hope forsooth mistresse iane is as she shud be . iust she is in health : bel. y 'aue a fresh seruant master rawbone , a proper fellow , and maintaines himselfe hansomely . raw. and he wod not ha maintain'd himselfe , i had neuer entertaind him . isa. where 's cameleon ? raw. i ha preferr'd him isaac . isa. how ? raw. turnd him away last night , and tooke this stripling . enter captaine . cap. morrow sir iohn , where is the early bridegroom ? iust. came not you from him ? bel. we expect him sir , euery minute . cap. not yet come ? his seruants told me he went abroad before the morning blusht . rel. we ha not seene him , pray heauen he be in health . cap. i wonder at his absence . raw. captayne landby , young man of war , i do salute thee with a broad-side . cap. d' ee heare , they say you come a woing to my cosen , that day you marry her , i le cut your throate , keep 't to your selfe . hau. thou art a noble fellow ; things may prosper . cap. you come hither to wish god giue em ioy now . raw. yes marry do i . cap. you do lye , you come to scoure your durty maw with the good cheere , which will be dam'd in your leane barathrum , that kitchin-stuffe deuourer . raw. why shud you say so captaine ? my belly did nere thinke you any harme . cap. when it does vomit vp thy heart i le prayse it , in the meane time would euery bit thou eatst to day , were steept in aqua fortis . raw. what is that iasper ? hau. it is strong water . raw. noble captayne , thankes yfaith hartily : i was afraid you had beene angry . cap. i le ha thee sow'd vp in a mony-bagge , and boyld to ielly . raw. you shall ha me at your seruice , and my bags too , vpon good security : is not this better then quarrelling , iasper , — enter cardona . car.

is not the bride-groome come yet , sure he has ouer slept himselfe , there is nothing but wondring within , all the maydes are in vprore , one sayes he is a slow thing , another sayes , she knowes not what to say , but they all conclude , if euer they marry , they 'le make it in their bargaine to be sure of all things before matrimony , fie vpon him , if i were to be his wife , i 'de shew him a tricke for 't , ere a yeare came about , or it should cost me a fall , i warrant him . exit .

iust. sir iohn y' are troubled . bel. can you blame me sir : i would not haue our mornings expectation frustrate — i know not what to thinke . iust. sir , feare not . bel. the morne growes old . iust. himen has long tapers . bel. what should procure his absence ; he departed but odly yester-day . cap. marwood had engag'd him , they promis'd to returne . bel. but we see neither . iust. they 'le come together , make it not your feare , beauford 's a gentle-man , and cannot be guilty of doing such affront , vnlesse some mis-fortune — bel. that 's another iealousie . enter lodam , cameleon waiting vpon him . lod. where is sir iohn belfare ? bel. ha ? master lodam , welcome . lod. i congratulate . — bel. saw you master beauford sir . lod. yes i saw him , but — iust. but what ? lod. i know not how he does , where is the lady that must be vndone to night , your daughter ? bel. my daughter vndone , name what vnhappines , my heart already doth beginne to prophesie how unkind fate , name what disaster , giue it expression pray , what is the newes ? lod. the newes ? why wo'd yee know the newes ? t is none a'ch best . iust. be temperate then in your relation . bel. what i st ? lod. they say for certayne , there were foure and twenty colliers cast away , comming from new-castle t is cold newes i th' citty , but there is worse newes abroad . bel. doth it concerne my knowledge ? trifle not . lod. they say that canary sacke , must dance agen to the apothecaries , and be sold for physicke , in hum-glasses , and thimbles , that the spaw-water must be transported hither , and be drunke insteed of french wines : for my part , i am but one . hau. big enough for two . lod. this citadell may endure as long a siege as another , if the pride of my flesh must be puld downe , farewell it t' has done me seruice this forty yeare : let it goe . bel. saw you master beauford ? lod. yes sir iohn , i saw him but — t was three dayes agoe . cap. hee is ridiculous . iust. doe not afflict your selfe , he will giue a faire account at his returne . bel. pray heauen hee may : enter gratiana , iane , and cardona . my daughter . raw. sir , i desire to be acquainted with you . lod. i haue no stomacke sir to your acquaintance , you are a thought too leane . raw. and you a bit too fat . bel. dost not wonder girle at beaufords absence ? grats. not at all sir , i am not now to learne opinion of his noblenesse ; and i hope your iudgements will not permit you sinne so much to censure him for this stay . faire morning to master landby , noble captaine , master lodam , and the rest . raw. i am so little she cannot see me , giue you ioy forsooth , i hope it is your destiny to be married . cap. and yours to bee hang'd . raw. how sir . hau. no harme , he wishes you long life . raw. a long halter he does , what to bee hang'd . hau. las sir he knows you ha no flesh to burden you , light at a feather , hanging will nere kill you , if he had wish'd sir master lodam hang'd . raw. then , i le to him and thanke him ; but here 's mistresse iane . cap. you shal command me as your seruant . — sirra . exit . as he goes out , he sees rawb . court iane . raw. i did but aske her how she did , i sayd neuer a word to her : pox vpon his bounsing i am as fearefull of him as of a gun , he does so powder me . grati. we haue not seene you sir , this great while , you fall away me-thinkes . lod loosing lodam i . grati. you are not the least welcome sir . lod.

i do giue you great thanke , and do meane to dance at your wedding for 't , i doe maruaile master beauford is not earlier , i shud ha beene here with musique lady , and haue fidled you too , before you were vp , these leane louers , ha nothing in em , slow men of london .

bel.

gratiana . lod spies iane .

lod.

who 's this ? shee has a mortall eye .

isa.

cameleon ? how now turn'd away your master .

cam.

no , i sold my place ; as i was thinking to runne away , comes this fellow , and offered me a breake-fast for my good will to speake to my master for him , i tooke him at his word , and resigned my office , and turn'd ouer my hunger to him immediately ; now i serue a man , isaac .

bel.

isaac . — exit isaac as sent off .

lod. i do fore-see a fall of this tower already , loue beginnes to vnder-mine it . mistresse , a word in priuate . raw. iasper has 't a sword . hau. yes sir . raw. that 's well , let it alone : didst see this paunch affront me ? hau. he did it in loue to the gentle-woman . raw. in loue ? let me see the sword agen . drawes . wo'd t were in his belly — put it vp , thou deserust a good blade , t is so well kept . enter isaac . isa. master beauford , master beauford . bel. where ? isa. hard by , within a stones cast a my mistresse , here sit here . enter beauford . grat. my deerest beauford , where hast bin so long ? bea. oh gratiana . grat. are you not in health ? bel. not well , t is then no time to chide : how fare you sir ? bea. i haue a trouble at my heart : pardon the trespasse o' your patience gentle-men , he publish the occasion of my absence , so first , you giue me leaue , to vnlade it here ; but with your fauour , i desire i may exempt all eares , but gratianaes , till a short time ripen it for your knowledge . bel. ha ? iust. le ts leaue 'em then a while . bel. into the garden gentle-men . raw. with all my heart : in my conscience the ' i le be honest together . bel. this begets my wonder , master lodam . lod. good sir iohn , i le waite vpon you , it is dinner time . exeunt . bea. i haue not time to dwell on circumstance , i come to take my last leaue , you and i must neuer meete agen . grat. what language do i heare , if beauford it should strike me dead ? bea. this day , i had design'd for marriage , but i must pronounce wee are eternally diuorc'd : oh gratiana , thou hast made a wound beyond the cure of surgery , why did nature empty her treasure in thy face , and leaue thee a blacke prodiglous soule ? grat. defend me goodnesse ! bea. call vpon darknesse , to obscure thee rather , that neuer more thou maist be seene by mortall , get thee some dwelling in a mist , or in a wild forsaken earth , a wildernesse , where thou maist hide thy selfe , and dye forgotten . grat. where was i lost name what offence prouok'd this heauy doome , deare beauford , be not so iniust , to sentence me , before i know what is my crime , or if you will not tell what sinne it is , i haue committed , great , and horrid , as your anger ; let me study , i le count em all before you , neuer did penitent , in confession , strip the soule more naked , i le vnclaspe my booke of conscience , you shall read ore my heart , and if you finde in that great volume , but one single thought which concern'd you , and did not end with some good prayer for you : oh be iust and kill me . bea. be iust , and tell thy conscience , th' ast abus'd it false woman , why dost thou increase thy horror ? by the obscuring a mis-deed , which wo'd were all thy other sinnes forgiuen , vndo thee oh gratiana , thou art . — grat. what am i ? bea. a thing i would not name , it sound so fearfully , 't would make a diuell blush , to be saluted by that , which thou must answere to . grat. i feare — bea. that feare betrayes thy guilt , tell me gratiana what didst thou see in me to make thee thinke i was not worthy of thee , at thy best and richest value , when thou were as white in soule , as beauty ? for sure , once thou wert so : hadst thou so cheape opinion of my birth , my breeding , or my fortunes , that none else could serue for propertie of your lust , but i ? grat. deare beauford heare me . bea. a common father to thy sinne-got issue , a patron of thy rifled , vnchast wombe ? oh thou wert cruell , to reward so ill the heart that truely honor'd thee : thy name which sweetn'd once the breath of him that spake it , and musically charm'd the gentle eare ; shall sound here-after like a screech-owles note , and fright the hearer ; virgins shall lament that thou hast sham'd their chast society , and oft as himen lights his tapers vp , at the remembrance of thy name , shed teares , and blush for thy dishonour : from this minute , thy friends shall count thee desperately sicke , and whensoere thou goest abroad , that day the maides and matrons , thinking thou art dead , and going to the graue , shall all come forth and waite like mourners on thee . grat. ha yee done ? then heare me a few sillables , you haue suspition that i am dishonourd . bea. no , by heauen i haue not , i haue too much knowledge to suspect thee sinnefull , but in the assurance of it , i must disclayme thy heart for euer : gratiana my opinion of thy whitenesse hath made my soule , as blacke as thine already ; weepe till thou wash away thy staine , and then , i th' other world , we two , may meete agen . exit . grat. weepe inward eyes , hither your streames impart , for sure , i haue teares enough , to drowne my heart . exit .
actus tertij . scena prima . enter beauford and captayne . cap. you amaze me beauford , gratiana false ? i shall suspect the truth of my conception , and thinke all women monsters , though i neuer lou'd with that neerenesse of affection to marry any , yet i mourne they should fall from their vertue , why may not marwood iniure her goodnesse ? beau. what , and damme his soule ? shall i thinke any with his dying breath would shipwracke his last hope ? he mixt it with his praiers , when in the streame of his owne blood , his soule was lanching forth . cap. that circumstance takes away al suspition agen , where left you marwood ? bea. i' the parke . cap. quite dead ? beau. hopelesse , his weapon might haue proued so happy , to haue released me of a burthen too ; and but that man-hood , and the care of my eternity forbids , i would force out that which but wearies me to carry it , vnwelcome life ? cap. vvould he were buried , my feares perplex me for you ; though none see you fight , the circumstance must needes betray you : what 's he . enter a surgeon . sur. i would borrow your eare in priuate . beau. we are but one to heare , his loue hath made him ? to great a part of my affliction : speake it . sur. the body is taken thence . beau. ha . sur. i cannot be deceiued sir : i beheld too plaine a demonstration of the place ; but he that suffred such a losse of blood , had not enough to maintayne life till this time , which way so ere his body was conuey'd : i must conclude it short liu'd , i am sorry i could not serue you . beau. sir , — i thanke you , you deserue i should be gratefull : giues him mony . it must be so — exit surgeon . cap. what fellow 's this ? beau. a surgeon . cap. dare you trust him ? beau. yes , with my life . cap. you haue done that already in your discouery . pray heauen he prooue your friend . you must resolue for flight , ye shall take ship — beau. neuer . cap. will you ruine your selfe ? there 's no security — beau. there is not captayne , therefore i le not change my ayre . cap. how ? beau. vnlesse thou canst instruct me how to fly from my selfe , for wheresoeuer else i wander , i shall but carry my accuser with me . cap are you mad ? beau. i haue heard in affricke , is a tree , which tasted by trauailers , it breedes forgetfulnesse of their country , canst direct me thither ? yet 't were in vaine , vnlesse it can extinguish , and drowne the remembrance i am beauford : no — i le not moue , let those poore things that dare not dye , obey their feares , i will expect my fate here . cap. this is wildnesse , a desperate folly , pray be sensible : — whos 's this , t is gratiana . enter gratiana with a cabinet of iewels . bea. ha , farwell . cam. you shall stay now a little . bea. i will not heare an accent , i shall loose my memory , be charmed into beliefe that she is honest with her voyce , i dare not trust my frailty with her . cam. she speakes nothing , is all a weeping nyobe , a statue , or in this posture , doth shee not present a water nymph , placed in the midst of some faire garden , like a fountaine to dispence her christal streames vpon the flowers ? which cannot but so refresht , looke vp , and seeme to smile vpon the eyes that feed em : will she speake ? grat. though by the effusion of my teares , you may conclude , i bring nothing but sorrow with me , yet heare me speake , i come not to disturbe your thoughts , or with one bold and daring language say how vniust you make my sufferings : i know not what hath raised this mighty storme to my destruction , but i obey your doome , and after this , will neuer see you more . first i release and giue you back your vowes ; with them , your hart , which i had lock'd vp in my owne , and cherisht better , mine i 'm sure does bleed to part with 't , all that is left of yours , this cabinet deliuers backe to your possession , there 's euery iewell you bestowed upon me , the pledges once of loue . bea. pray keepe em . grat. they are not mine , since i haue lost the opinion of what i was , indeed i haue nothing else , i would not keepe the kisses , once you gaue me , if you would let me pay them backe againe . beau. all women is a laborinth , we can , measure the height of any starre , point out all the dimensions of the earth , examine the seas large wombe , and sounds its subtle depth , but arte will nere be able to finde out , a demonstration of a womans heart , thou hast enough vndone me , make me not more miserable , to beleeue thou canst be vertuous : farwell , enioy you this , i shall finde out another roome to weepe in . exit . cap. lady i would aske you a rude question : are you a maide ? grat. do i appeare so monstrous ? no man will beleeue my iniury : has heauen forgot to protect innocence , that all this while it hath vouchsafed no miracle , to confirme a virgins honour ? cap. i am answered : i do beleeue shee s honest ; oh that i could but speake with marwoods ghost now , and thou beest in hell , i 'de meete thee halfe way , to conuerse one quarter of an houre with thee , to know the truth of all things , thy diuell iaylour may trust thee without a waiter , he has security for thy damnation in this sinne alone , i me full of pitty now , and spite of man-hood cannot forbeare , come lady , i am confident , i know not which way — that y' are vertuous — pray walke with mee , i le tell you the whole story ; for yet you know not your accuser . grat. i am an exile hence , and cannot walke out of my way , beauford farwell , may angels dwell round about thee , liue vntill thou find , when i am dead , thou hast bin too vnkind . exeunt . enter milisent and mistris iane . iane . may i beleeue thee milisent , that my father though hee giue such respect to him i hate , intenes no marriage ? thou hast releast my heart of many feares , that i was destin'd to be a sacrifice . mil. it had beene sinne that milisent should suffer you perplexe your noble soule , when it did consist in his discouery , to giue a freedome to your labouring thoughts , t is now no more a secret , your father makes a triall of your nature , by giuing him such countenance . iane . what thankes shall i giue ? mil. your vertue hath both vnseal'd my bosome , and rewarded me . iane oh milisent : thou hast deseru'd my gratitude ; and i cannot but in exchange of thy discouery giue to thy knowledge , what i should tremble to let another heare ; for i dare trust thee with it . mil. if i haue any skill in my owne nature , shall nere deceiue your confidence , and thinke my selfe much honor'd , so to be made your treasurer . iane . t is a treasure , and all the wealth i haue , my life , the summe of all my ioyes on earth , and the expectation of future blessings too depend vpon it . mil. can i be worthy of so great a trust ? iane . thou art , and shalt receiue it , for my heart is willing to discharge it selfe into thee : oh milisent ! though my father would ha beene so cruell to his owne , to haue wished me marry him , t was not in the power of me obedience to giue consent to 't , for my loue already is dedicate to one , whose worth hath made me , but his steward of it , and although his present fortune doth ecclipse his lustre , with seeming condition of a seruant , he has a minde deriued from honour , and may boast himselfe a gentle-man : is not thy vnderstanding guilty of the person i point at ? sure thou canst not choose but know him . mil. not i . enter hauer . iane . then looke vpon him milisent . mil. ha ? hau. my master , mistresse iane sent me before , to say , be comes to visite you . iane . but thou art before him in acceptance , nay you stand discouered here , in milisent you may repose safe trust . hau. her language makes me confident , you are a friend . mil. to both a seruant . hau. i shall desire your loue . iane . but where 's this man of morgages ? we shall be troubled now hau. i left him chawing the cud , ruminating some speech or other , with which , he meanes to arrest you . mil. he is entred . enter rawbone . hau.

i haue prepar'd her .

raw.

fortune be my guide then .

hau.

and she 's a blind one .

raw.

mistresse iane , i would talke with you in priuate , i haue fancied a businesse , i know you are witty , and loue inuention , t is my owne , and no-body else must heare it — be it knowne to all men by these presents .

ian.

this is like to be a secret .

raw.

that i iasper rawbone citizen , and house-keeper of london .

hau.

a very poore one i 'me sure .

raw.

do owe to mistresse iane , lady of my thoughts , late of london gentle-woman .

hau.

is she not still a gentle-woman ?

raw.

still a gentle-woman good-man coxe-combe ? did i not say she was lady of my thoughts ? where was i now ?

hau.

at good-man coxe-combe sir .

raw.

— do owe to mistresse iane , lady of my thoughts , late of london gentle-woman , my true and lawfull heart of england — to be payd to his sayd mistresse , her executors , or assignes .

hau.

to her executors ? what will you pay your heart , when she is dead ?

raw.

t is none of my fault , and she will dye , who can helpe it ? thou dost nothing but interrupt me : i say to be payd , to his sayde mistresse , her executors , or assignes , whensoeuer she demaund it , at the font-stone of the temple —

hau.

put it , the top of paules and please you ; your conceite wil be the higher .

raw.

which payment to bee truely made and performed , i bind , not my heires , but my body and soule for euer .

hau.

how your soule sir ?

raw.

peace foole , my soule will shift for it selfe , when i am dead that wil be sure enough : — in witnesse whereof , i haue here-vnto put my hand and seale , which is a hansome spiny youth , with a bag of mony in one hand , a bond in the t'other , an indenture betweene his legs , the last of the first merry moneth , and in the second yeare of the raigne of king cupid .

hau.

excellent ! but in my opinion , you had better giue her possession of your heart , i do not like this owing : fayth plucke it out , and deliuer it in the presence of vs .

raw.

thou talk'st like a puisne , i can giue her possession of it , by deliuery of two-pence wrapt vp in the wax , t will hold in law man ; — and how , and how d' ee like it ? i could haue come ouer you with verse , but hang ballads , giue me poeticall prose , euery mounte-banke can time , and make his lines crye twang , though there be no reason in em .

ian.

what musique haue i heard ?

raw.

musique ? oh rare !

ian. hee has medusaes noble countenance , his haires do curle like soft and gentle snakes : did euer puppy smile so ? or the asse better become his eares ? oh generous beast of sober carriage , sure he 's valiant too , those blood-shot eyes betray him , but his nose fishes for commendation . raw.

what does she meane iasper ?

hau.

d' ee not see her loue sir ? why she does doate vpon you , which makes her talke so madly .

raw.

forsooth i know you are taken with me , alas these things are naturall with me , when shall we be married forsooth ?

ian.

with your licence sir —

hau.

d' ee not obserue her ? you must first procure a licence .

raw.

you shall heare more from mee , when i come agen — iasper — exit rawbone hastily .

hau.

my heart doth breath it selfe vppon your hand — exit .

mil.

your father and master lodam —

enter lodam , iustice , cameleon . lod.

sir i doe loue your daughter : — i thought it necessary to acquaint you first , because i would go about the businesse iudicially .

iust.

you obliege vs both .

lod.

i le promise you one thing .

iust.

what 's that ?

lod.

i le bring your daughter no wealth .

iust.

say you so : what then you promise her nothing .

lod.

but i will bring her that which is greater then wealth .

iust.

what 's that ?

lod.

my selfe .

iust.

a faire ioynture .

lod.

nay , i le bring her more .

iust.

it shu'not neede , no woman can desire more of a man .

lod.

i can bring her good qualities , if she want any : i ha trauail'd for em .

iust.

what are they ?

lod.

the languages .

iust.

you suspect shee will want tongue : — let me see — parlez franzois monsieur .

lod.

diggon a camrag .

iust.

that 's welch .

lod.

pocas palabras .

iust.

that 's spanish .

lod.

troth i haue such a confusion of languages in my head , you must e'en take em as they come .

iust.

you may speake that more exactly — hauelar spagniel signior ?

lod.

serge-dubois , — calli-mancho , et perpetu-ana .

iust.

there 's stuffe indeede , since you are so perfect , i le trust you for the rest . i must referre you sir vnto my daughter , if you can winne her faire opinion , my consent my happily follow : so shee is in presence —

lod.

mercie madame — salutes iane .

iust.

this fellow lookes like the principall in vsury , and this rat followes him like a pittifull eight in the hundred : — come hither sirra , your name is cameleon .

cam.

it is too true sir .

iust.

you did liue with master rawbone .

car. no sir , i did starue with him , and please you : i could not liue with him . iust.

how doe you like your change ?

cam.

neuer worse .

iust.

master lodam wants no flesh .

cam.

but i doe : — i ha no iustice sir , my leane master would eate no meate , and my fat master eates vp all — is your worships house troubled with vermin ?

iust.

something at this time .

cam.

peace and i le catch a mouse then . — lies downe .

enter captaine and gratiana . iust.

my nephew turn'd gentle-man vsher .

cap.

sir iohn belfares daughter .

iust. 'las poore gentle-woman , i compassionate her vnkind destiny . cap.

let vs intreat a word in priuate sir —

lod.

i cannot tell how you stand affected , but if you can loue a man , i know not what is wanting , greatnesse is a thing that your wisest ladies haue an itch after : for my owne part i was neuer in loue before , and if you haue me not , neuer wil bee agen . thinke on 't betweene this and after dinner , i will stay o'purpose for your answere .

ian.

y' are very short .

lod.

i wod not be kept in expectation aboue an houre , for loue is worse then a lent to me , and fasting is a thing my flesh abhorres , if my doublet be not fil'd , i know who fares the worse for 't . i would keepe my flesh to sweare by , and if you and i cannot agree vpon the matter , i would loose nothing by you .

iane .

y' are very resolute .

lod.

euer while you liue , a fat man , and a man of resolution goe together : i doe not commend my selfe , but there are no such fiery things in nature .

iane .

fiery ?

lod.

t is prou'd , put em to my action , and see , if they do not smoake it , they are men of mettle , and the greatest melters in the world , one hot seruice makes em rost , and they haue enough in em to bast a hundred — you may take a leane man , marry your selfe to famine , and beg for a great belly , you see what became of sir iohns daughter : — come i would wish you be well aduis'd , there are more commodities in me , then you are aware of , if you and i couple , you shall fare like an empresse .

iane .

that will be somewhat costly .

lod.

not a token . i haue a priuiledge : — i was at the tauerne tother day , i' the next roome i smelt hot venison , i sent but a drawer to tell the company , one in the house with a great belly , long'd for a corner , and i had halfe a pasty sent me immediately : i will hold intelligence with all the cookes i' the towne , and what dainty , but i haue greatnesse enough to command ?

iust.

i like it well : — be as wel-come heere , as at your fathers . milisent — make it your care to waite vpon this gentlewoman , but conceale shee is our guest . i should reioyce to see this storme blowne ouer . — nephew attend her to her chamber . exeunt gratiana , captaine , milisent .

enter rawbone and hauer hastily . raw.

i ha bin about it — iustles lodam , and fals downe .

lod

next time you ride post , wind your horne , that one may get out a' the way .

iust.

what 's the matter iane .

raw.

t is guts , if i durst , my teeth waters to strike him .

iust.

what ha you done ?

lod.

let him take heed another time .

hau.

take such an affront before your mistresse .

raw.

i haue a good stomacke —

hau.

that 's well sayd .

raw.

i could eate him .

hau.

oh is it that ?

lod.

let me alone , no-body hold me .

raw.

i le haue an action of battery .

lod. whorson mole-catcher — come not neere me weezel . raw. prethee iasper do not thrust me vpon him — i do not feare you sit . lod.

agen shall i kicke thee to peeces .

hau.

let him baffull yee — to him — hauer thrusts him vpon him .

raw.

i do not feare you .

iust.

iane remooue your selfe .

iane .

master rawbone , i am sorry for your hurt . exit .

hau.

she jeeres you .

lod.

for this time i am content with kicking of thee .

as lodam offers to goe out , hauer puls him backe . hau. my master desires another word w' ee sir . — you must fight with him — to rawbone . raw.

who i fight ?

lod.

you spider catcher , ha you not enough ? you see i doe not draw .

iust.

very well .

hau.

by this hand , you shall challenge him then , if hee dare accept it , i le meete him in your clothes .

raw.

will yee . hum — i do not feare you — satisfaction —

hau.

that 's the word .

raw.

that 's the word — you le meete me guts .

lod.

meete thee by this flesh , if thou dost but prouoke me : — you do not challenge me — do not — d' ee long to be minc'd ?

hau.

at finsbury —

raw.

at finsbury .

hau.

to morrow morning —

raw.

to morrow morning — you shall finde i dare fight .

lod

say but such another word .

raw.

finsbury , to morrow morning , there t is agen —

iust.

i cannot contayne my laughter , ha , ha , ha . exit

raw.

so , le ts begone quickly , before he threaten me , you made mee challenge him , looke to 't .

hau.

feare not , i warrant you . exeunt raw & hauer .

lod.

sirra nouerint , if i can but prooue , thou dost come with in three furlongs of a wind-mill , i le set one a top of paules to watch thee — sha't forfeit thy soule , and i le cancell thy body worse then any debtor of thine did his obligation — hee 's gone — and now i thinke vpon the matter , i haue somewhat the worst on 't , for if i should kill him , i shall neuer bee able to flye , and hee has left a peece of his scull , i thinke , in my shoulder — whither am i bound to meet him , or no ? i will consult some o' the sword men , and know whether it be a competent challenge — cameleon .

cam.

sir .

lod.

has the rat , your master that was , any spirit in him ?

cam.

spirit ? the last time hee was in the field , a boy of seauen yeares old , beate him with a trap-sticke .

lod.

saist thou so ? i will meet him then , and hew him to peeces .

cap.

i haue an humble suite — if it be so , that you kill him , let me beg his body for an anatomy , i haue a great mind to eate a peece on him .

lod.

t is granted , follow me , i le cut him vp i warrant thee . exe.

enter beauford , and captayne . cap.

i haue a letter .

beau.

from whom ?

cap.

gratiana .

bea.

i would forget that name , speake it no more .

cap. she is abus'd , and if you had not beene transported from vs , with your passion , you would ha chang'd opinion , to haue heard how well she pleaded . bea.

for her-selfe .

cap. you might , with little trouble gather from her teares how cleare she was , which more transparent , then the morning dew , or christall , fell neglected vpon the ground : some cunning ieweller to ha seene em scattred , would a thought some princesse dropt em , and couetous to enrich himselfe , gathered them vp for dyamonds . beau. you are then conuerted . cap. oh you were too credulous . marwood has playd the vilaine , and is damn'd for 't : could but his soule be brought to heare her answere the accusation , she wo'd make that blush , and force it to confesse a treason , to her honour , and your loue . beau. you did beleeue her . cap. i did , and promis'd her to do this seruice , she begd of me at parting , if she sent a letter , to conuey it to your hand , pray read , you know not what this paper carries . beau. has shee acquainted you ? cap. not me , i guesse , it is some secret , was not fit for my relation , it may be , worth your knowledge ; do her that iustice , since you would not heare what she could say in person , to peruse her paper . rea. it can bring nothing to take off th' offence committed . cap. sir you knew not what satisfaction it contaynes ; or what she may confesse in 't : for my sake — reads . beau. to him that was — what ? confident of her vertue once an admirer , now a maurner for her absent goodnesse : she has made the change . from her that was , would ha become this paper had she conseru'd her first immaculate whitenesse , it had beene halfe prophane , not to salute her letter with a kisse , and touch it , with more veneration then a sybils leafe ; but now all ceremony must be held a superstition , to the blotted scrole , o a more stained writer — i le not reade : if vnprepar'd , she win with her discourse , what must she do , when she has time , and study , to apparrell her defence ? cap. deny her this . beau. well , i will read it . enter seruant . ser. here 's sir iohn belfare . beau. say any thing t' excuse me , be et your care that none approach the chamber . cap. so , so , now vnrip the seale . enter sir iohn belfare , isaac . bel. not speak with him , he must haue stronger guard to keepe me out : where 's beauford ? beau. here . bel. then there 's a villaine . beau. that 's course language . bel. i must not spin it finer , till you make me vnderstand better , why my daughter , and in her , my family is abus'd . beau. shee has not then accus'd her selfe — i le tell you , i did expect your daughter would haue beene my virgin bride ; but she reseru'd for me the ruines of her honour , i wod not speake i' the rude dialect , you may sooner collect , an english . bel. is she not honest , will you make her then a whore ? beau. not i , her owne sinne made her . bel. thou lyest , nor can my age make me appeare vnworthy a satisfaction from thy sword . isa. does not he call my young mistresse whore ? bel. keep me not from him captaine he has in this giuen a fresh wound , i came t' expostulate , the reason of a former suffering , which vnto this was charity , as thou art a gentle-man , i dare thee to the combate : contemne not beauford my gray haires , if t' hast a noble soule , keepe not this distance ; meete me , thou art a souldier : for heauens sake , permit me chastise the most vncharitable slander of this bad man . beau. i neuer iniur'd you . bel. not iniur'd me ? what is there then in nature , left , to be cald an iniury ? didst not mocke me , and my poore fond girle with marriage ? till all things were design'd , the very day when hymen should haue worne his saffron robe : my friends inuited , and prepar'd to call her bride ; and yet , as if all this could not ( summ'd vp together ) make an iniury : does thy corrupted soule at last conspire to take her white name from her ? — giue me leaue to expresse a father , in a teare , or two , for my wrong'd child . o beauford ! thou hast rob'd a father , and a daughter — but i wo not vsurpe heauens iustice , which shall punish thee 'boue my weake arme ; mayst thou liue , to haue thy heart as ill rewarded , to be a father at my yeares , haue one daughter , and no more belou'd as mine , so mock'd , and then cald whore . cap. 'las good old man . exit bel. isaac . bea. my afflictions are not yet numbred in my fate , nor i held ripe for death . cap. now read the letter . beau.

yes , it cannot make me know more misery . reads .

beauford , i dare not call thoe mine , though i could not hope , ( while i was liuing , ) thou wouldst beleeue my innocence , deny mee not this fauour after death , to say i once lou'd thee — ha death ? captaine is she dead ?

cap.

i hope shee employd not me , to bring this newes .

beau. yes , death — ha ? prethee read the rest : there 's something in my eyes , i cannot well distinguish her small characters . cap.

my accuser by this time , knowes the reward of my iniurye farewell , i am carrying my prayers for thee to another world — her owne martyr , drown'd gratiana .

beau. read all . cap. i haue . beau. it cannot be , for when thou mak'st an end , my heart should giue a tragicke period , and with a loud sigh breake : drown'de t was no sinne aboue heauens pardon , though thou hadst beene false , to thy first vow , and me , i wod not had thee dyed so soone : or if thou hadst affected that death , i could ha drownd thee with my teares , now they shall neuer find thee , but be lost within thy watery sepulcher . cap. take comfort . beau. art dead ? then here i le coffin vp my selfe , vntill the law vnbury me for marwoods death , i wonot hope for life , mercy sha' not saue him , that hath now a pattent for his graue . exeunt .
actus quarti . scena prima . enter milisent and gratiana . mil. t is his command to whom i owe all seruice , i should attend you . grat. th' art too diligent : i prethee leaue me . mil. i should be vnhappy to be offensiue in my duty ; yet had i no charge vpon me , i should much desire to waite . grat. on mee ? mil. i know not why , your sorrow does inuite me . grat. th' art too young , to be acquainted wo't . mil. i know , it wod not become my distance , to dispute with you , at what age , we are fittest to receiue our griefes impression . grat. leaue me to my selfe — mil. i must , if you will haue it so . offers to go out . grat. me thought i saw him drop a teare , come backe agen : what should he meane by this vnwillingnesse to part ; he lookes , as he would make me leaue my owne mis-fortune to pitty his : thy name ? mil. i am called milisent . grat dost thou put on that countenance to imitate mine ? or hast a sorrow of thy owne , thou wouldst expresse by 't . mil. mine does become my fortune . yet yours does so exactly paint our misery that he , that wanted of his owne , would mourne to see your picture . grat. mine is aboue the common leuell of affliction . mil. mine had no example to be drawne by , i would they were a kin , so i might make your burden lesse by mine owne suffering . grat. i thanke thy loue . mil. and yet i prophesie , there 's something would make mine a part of yours , were they examin'd . grat. passion makes thee wild now . mil. you haue encouraged me to boldnes , pardon my ruder language . grat. didst thou euer loue ? mil. too soone , from thence sprung my vnhappines . grat. and mine . mil. my affliction riper then my yeares , hath brought me so much sorrow , i doe not thinke that i shall liue , to be a man . grat. i like thy sad expression , wee le conuerse and mingle stories . mil. i shall be too bold . grat. wee lay aside distinctions , if our fates make vs alike in our mis-fortunes ; yet mine will admit no paralell : ha ! we are interrupted : enter iustice reading a letter . le ts with-draw , and i le begin . mil. you may commaund , and when your stories done , mine shall maintayne the scene . exeunt . iust. to maintayne such blisse i will , wish to bee trans-formed still : nor wil t bee a shame in loue , reads , since i imitate but ioue ; who from heauen hath strayd , and in a thousand figures worse then mine , woed a virgin , may not i , then for thee a seruant trye : yes for such a mayde as thee , vary as many shapes as hee ; rawbone cloathes my out-ward part , but thy liuery my heart : hauer , ha : young hauer ?

this letter i found in my daughters prayer booke , is this your saint ? how long ha they conspir'd thus ? report gaue out , hee was gone to trauaile : it seemes he stayes here for a wind , and in the meane time would rigge vp my daughter : hee is a gentleman well educated ; but his fortune was consum'd by a prodigall father , ere he was ripe , which makes him i suspect ; borrow this shape to court my daughter ; little does rawbone thinke his seruaunt is his riuall : i finde the iugling , and will take order they shanot steale a marriage .

enter captayne . nephew , i ha newes for you . cap. for mee sir . iust. you are a souldier , there 's a duell to be fought this morning , will you see 't ? cap. it does not sir become a gentle-man to be spectator of a fight , in which hee 's not engag'd . iust. you may behold it cosen , without disparagement to your honor ; rawbone has challeng'd mr. lodam , the place finsbury — cap. they fight ? a doublet , stuft with straw , aduancing a bull-rush , were able to fright em both out a' their sences , tha' not soule enough to skirmish with a field-mouse ; they poynt a duell ? at hogs-don , to shew fencing vpon creame and cake-bread , murder a quaking custard , or some such daring enemy . iust. did not affaires of weight compell me to be absent , i would not misse the sight , on 't ; for the vsurer hath got his man iasper t appeare for him in his apparrell . cap. iasper . iust. for mirths sake you may behold it , and let mee entreate , at your returne , perfect relation of both their valours . cap. you shall sir . iust. and coze — if it be possible , procure em hither before they shift , i much desire to see em . cap. promise your selfe they shall : i will deferre my conference with gratiana , and intertayne this recreation . iust. so : i haue a fancy , this opportunity will giue it birth , if all hit right , it may occasion mirth . exit . enter milisent , and gratiana . grat. which part of my discourse compels thee to this suffering ? mil. your pardon lady , i did prophesie what now i finde , our stories haue dependance grat. how prethee ? mil. that marwood whom you report thus wounded had a neere relation to me , and t was my fortune to come to close his eyes vp , and receiue his last breath . grat. ha ? mil. i know more then beauford , and dying he oblieg'd my loue to tell t' him when ere wee met . grat. you beget wonder in me : did he suruiue his slander ? there is hope he did recant the iniury he did me . mil. he did confirme , he had enioy'd your person , and bad me tell beauford hee left behind a liuing witnesse of the truth he dyed for : naming a gentle-woman cardona , that bred you in your fathers house , whom he affirm'd , betray'd your body to his lust . grat. cardona ? piety has forsaken earth : was euer woman thus betray'd to sinne , without her knowledge ? mil. wo'd he had not beene my kinsman , i beginne to feare him : grat. wherein had i offended marwood , he should aliue , and dead so persecute my fame ? cardona too i' the conspiracy , t is time to dye then . mil. my heart mournes for you in the assurance of your innocence , and were i worthy to direct you — grat. has , malice found out another murderer ? mil. would you be pleas'd to heare me , i could poynt you out a path , would bring you no repentance to walke in , if ( as i am confident ) your goodnesse feares not , what cardona can accuse your honour with , let her be examin'd , then her knowledge will quit you , or make your suffering appeare iust , this is an easie triall , and since marwood had a stubborne soule , for though he were my kins-man i preferre iustice , and held shame to checke his owne report , women haue softer natures , and things may be so manag'd , if there be a treason , to enforce confession from her : would you please t' imploy me in this seruice , and though vnworthy be directed by me , i begge it from you , i le engage my being you shall finde comfort in 't . grat. doe any thing ; but i am lost already . mil. you much honour me . exeunt . enter lodam , and cameleon . lod.

cam , see and if he be come yet , bring mee word hither .

cam.

i see one lying o' the ground —

lod.

is there so ? le ts steale way before we be discouered , i do not like when men lye perdue , beside , there may be three or foure of a heape , for ought we know : le ts backe i say .

cam.

t is a horse .

lod.

hang him iade , i knew it could bee nothing else : is the coast cleare cameleon ?

cam.

i see nothing but fiue or sixe .

lod.

fiue or sixe : treachery ! an ambush , t is valour to runne .

cam.

they bee wind-mille .

lod.

and yet , thou wod'st perswade me , t was an ambush for me .

cam.

i ?

lod.

come thou wert afraide , and the truth were knowne ; but be valiant : i haue a sword ; and if i doe draw . it shall — be against my will : is he not come yet ?

cam.

and hee were betweene this and more-gate , you might sent him .

lod.

if he come , some body shall smell ill favouredly , ere he and i part : — ha ! by this fl●sh t is he ; cam , go tell him i am sicke .

enter hauer , rawbone , ( hauing chang'd cloathes ) captaine . hau.

master lodam .

lod

a brace of bullets to my heare .

cap.

here can i stand and behold the champions .

lod.

i haue expected you this two houres , which is more then i had one to all the men i ha fought withall , since i slew the high germaine in tutle .

cap.

whorson , moale-cather .

lod.

draw spider .

cap.

wellslye toade .

hau.

let vs conferre a little .

lod.

conferre me no conferrings : i will haue no more mercy on thee , then an infidell : and t'hadst beene wise , thou mightest ha kept thee at home , with thy melancholy cat , that keepes thy study , with whom thou art in commons , and doest feede on rats a sundayes ; then perhaps a legge or an arme , with thy iewes eares had satisfied me , when i met thee next : draw i say , why doest not draw ?

hau

i come to giue you satisfaction .

lod.

what with words ?

sirra tartar , my foxe shall scratch thy guts out , which i will send to the beare-garden : doest heare vsuring dog , i le tell thee my resolution . i doe meane to giue thee as many wounds before i kill thee , as a surgeons signe has ; and when i am weary of skarrifying thy flesh , i le bore thy heart — which done : mark what i say ; i will diuide thy quarters : obserue and tremble ; then will i ha thee put into a tub or barrell , and powder thee , and after three dayes in pickle , this thing that was thy seruant , this cacodemon whom thou didst statue once , cameleon , shall in reuenge of his pityfull famine , eate thee vp , deuoure thee , and grow fat i' the ribs agen with thy flesh . mammon —

cam.

i hungrily thanke your worship .

raw.

what haue i scapt ? aside .

lod.

which is more , after thou art dead , i wonot leaue thy soule quiet , i le torment thy ghost : for i will streight to thy house where i will breake open thy chests , lin'd with white and yellow mettle , which i will cast away on pious vses : then summon all thy debtors by a drum , and giue em in , all their bills , bonds , euidences , indentures , defesances , morgages , statutes .

raw.

i shall be vndone . —

lod.

and there were a million on em .

raw.

i le home , and shut vp my doores , for feare he kill iasper and vse me so indeede .

cap.

if thou doest offer to looke home agen , till they ha done , i le cut thee off at thigh .

raw.

ah —

lod.

draw i say .

hau.

since there is no remedy .

lod.

his sword appeares cam .

cam.

if he were a coward you were able to coniure a spirit into him , with those threatnings .

lod.

pox a' my dulues : dost heare scoundrell , if i should incline to mercy , what submission ? ha ? let mee see — i , i , liue , thou shalt vpon thy knees confesse thy rascality , and aske me forgiuenesse in priuate , in the presence of mistresse iane , and the twelue companies which at thy charge shal be feasted that day , in more-fields .

hau.

that must not be .

lod.

then say when thou art dead , thou wert offred conditions for thy life : cam , thou shalt feed , and feed high cameleon , — let me see ; — come t is my foolish nature to ha compassion o' thee , i know th' art sorry , shat onely confesse thy selfe a rascall vnder thy hand then , and stay my in ended reuenge which else would ha beene immortall .

hau.

let me consider .

lod.

oho cam . —

cap.

both cowards , we shall haue no skirmish .

raw.

now i thinke on 't , what if my man iasper , should be valiant and kill lodam — umh ? what pickle were i in : worse-worse , hee 'le runne away , i shall bee taken and hang'd for the conspiracy . puls haue , by the sleeue . r ah — iasper , rogue that i was , where were my braines to challenge him — he wonot heare — a stubborne knaue , he lookes as if he meant to kill : ah iasper .

cap.

i ha seene a dogge looke like him , that has drawne a wicker bottle , ratling about the streetes , and leering on both sides , where to get a quiet corner to bite his tayle off .

raw.

i doe imagine my selfe apprehended already : now the constable is carrying me to new-gate — now , now . i me at the sessions house , i' the docke : — now i 'me cald — not guilty my lord : — the iury has found the indicement billa vera — now , now comes my sentence .

hau.

i am resolu'd sir .

raw.

ha . —

hau.

you shall haue what acknowledgement , this pen of steele will draw out in your flesh , with red inke , and no other , deare master lodam .

lod.

how ?

cap.

so , so .

raw.

now i 'me i' the cart , riding vp holborne in a two wheel'd chariot , with a guard of halberdiers : there goes a proper fellow sayes one : good people pray for me : now i am at the three wodden stilts . —

lod.

is this rawbone the coward ?

doest heare thing — consider what thou doest , come among friends , thy word shall bee as good as a note vnder thy hand , tempt not my fury — wod i were off , with asking him forgiuenesse .

raw. hey ! now i feele my toes hang i' the cart : now t is drawne away , now , now , now , i am gone — turnes above . hau.

you must shew your fencing .

lod.

hold : i demaund a parlee .

hau.

how ?

lod. t is not for your reputation to deale with a gentle-man vpon vnequall termes . hau.

where lye the oddes ?

cap.

howe 's this ?

lod

examine our bodies :

i take it i am the fairer marke , t is a disaduantage : feede til you be as fat as i , and i le fight w' ee as i am a gentle-man .

hau.

it sha not serue your turne . fight .

lod.

hold , murder , murder .

raw.

i 'm dead , i 'm dead .

cap.

whorson puffe-paste , how he winkes and barkes : how now gentle-men , master lodam .

lod.

captayne , shud a come but a little sooner , and ha seene good sport , by this flesh hee came vp handsomely to me ; a pritty sparke faith captayne .

hau.

how sir ?

lod.

but if you be his friend , runne for a surgeon for him , i haue hurt him vnder the short ribs , beside a cut or two i th' shoulder : would i were in a millars sacke yonder , though i were ground for 't , to be quit onem .

hau.

you wonot vse me thus ?

lod.

i were best deliuer my sword ere i be compeld too 't — a pritty fellow , and one that will make a souldier , because i see th' ast a spirit , and canst vse thy weapon , i le bestow a dull blade vppon thee squirrell .

cap.

deliuer vp your weapon :

lod.

in loue in loue captaine , hea's a sparke a my reputation , and worthy your acquaintance .

hau.

thou mully-puffe , were it not iustice to kicke thy guts out .

lod.

when i am dis-arm'd .

hau.

take 't , agen you spunge —

lod.

what ? when i haue geent thee : t is at thy seruice , and it were a whole cutlers shop : be confident .

raw.

my ague has not left mee yet , there 's a grudging a' the halter still :

cap. master rawbone , i repent my opinion of your cowardize . i see you dare fight , and shall report it to my cosen : you shall walke home , shee 'le take it as an honor , and present your prisoner . raw.

iasper , le ts go home and shift , do not go — honest iasper .

hau.

you will be pratling sirra — i le waite vpon you captayne : master lodam —

lod.

i will accompany thee , th' art noble , and fit for my conuersation , honest master rawbone — a poxe vpon you .

cap.

nay , you shal waite a your master with his leaue , good iasper

hau.

how now iasper ? exeunt .

musicke : a table set forth with two tapers : seruants placing ewe , bayes , and rosemary , &c. enter beauford . beau. are these the hearbes you strow at funerals . seruant . yes sir . beau. t is well , i commend your care , and thanke yee ; yee haue exprest more duty im not enquiring wherefore i commaund this strange employment , there in the very act of your obedience : my chamber lookes like the spring now ? ha' yee not arte enough to make this ewe tree grow here , or this bayes ? the embleme of our victory in death ? but they present that best when they are wither'd : haue you beene carefull that no day breake in at any window , i would dwell in night , and haue no other star-light but these tapers : ser. if any aske to speake with you , shall i say , you are abroad . beau. no , to all do enquire with busie faces pale or disturb'd , giue free accesse . exit ser . what do i differ from the dead ? would not some fearefull man or woman seeing me , call this a church-yard , and imagine me some wakefull apparition 'mong the graues ; that for some treasures buried in my life , walke vp and downe thus ? buried ? no t was drownd , i cannot therefore say , it was a chest , gratiana had nere a coffin , i haue one spacious enough for both on 's , but the waues will neuer yeeld too 't , for it may bee they soone as the northerne wind blowes cold vppon em , will freeze themselues to marble ouer her , least she should want a tombe : enter keeper . thy businesse . keeper . hee dyed this morning : a friend of his and yours did practise on him a little surgery , but in vayne ; his last breath did forgiue you : but you must expect no safety from the law : my seruice sir . beau. i haue left direction , that it cannot misse me : and hadst thou come to apprehend me for 't ? with as much ease thou mightst ; i am no states-man officious , seruants makes no sutors waite my doores vnguarded ; t is no laborinth i dwell in ; but i thanke thy loue , there 's something to reward it : iustice cannot put on a shape to fright me . keeper . i am sorry sir , your resolution carries so much danger . exit . beau. what can life bring to me , that i should court it : there is a period in nature , i st not better to dye and not be sicke ; worne in our bodies , which in imitation of ghosts , grow leane , as if they woo'd at last be immateriall too ; our blood turne ielly and freeze in their cold channell , let mee expire while i haue heat and strength to tug with death for victory . enter milisent . mil. you may disburden there , but gently , t is a chest of value , mistresse — i le giue him notice , where is beauford ? beau. heere . mil. what place d' ee call this ? beau. t is a bridall chamber . mil. it presents horrour . beau. ha you anything to say to me ? mil. yes . beau. proceede . mil. i come to visite you . beau. you are not welcome then . mil. i did suspect it , and haue therfore brought my assurance wo 'me , i must require satisfaction for a kinsmans death , one marwood . beau. ha ? mil. your valour was not noble , it was a course reward to kill him for his friendship : i come not with a guard of officers to attach your person , it were too poore and formall , the instrument that sluc'd his soule out , i had rather shud sacrifice to his ashes , and my sword shall do 't , or yours be guilty of another , to waite vppon his ghost . beau. young man be not too rash without the knowledg how our quarrel rise to procure thy selfe a danger . mil. make it not your feare , i haue heard the perfect story , and ere i fight with thee shat see thy errour ; acknowledge thou hast kild a friend , i bring a perspectiue to make those things that lye remote from sence , familiar to thee , nay thou shat confesse thou knowst the truth of what concernes him , or gratiana . beau. when my soule throwes off this vpper garment , i shall know all . mil. thou shat not number many minutes , know 't was my mis-fortune to close vp the eyes of marwood , whose body i vow'd neuer should to the earth without reuenge ; or mee companion to his graue : i ha therefore brought it hither , t is in this house . beau. ha ? mil. his pale corpes shall witnesse my affection . bea. thou didst promise to informe me of gratiana . mil. and thus briefly : marwood reueal'd at death another witnesse of his truth , for cardona hee corrupted to betray gratiana to him . beau. ha cardona ! heauen continue her among the liuing , but halfe an houre . mil. i ha sau'd yee trouble , shee waites without , in your name i procur'd her presence , as you had affaires with her she 's vnprepar'd , a little terrour will enforce her to confesse the truth of all things . beau. thou doest direct well . mil. still remember beauford i am thy lenemy , and in this doe but prepare thy conscience of misdeede to meete my iust anger . bea. i am all wonder . milisent bring in cardona . mil. he 's now at opportunity . car. sir you sent to speake with me . beau. come neerer , i heare say you are baud ; tell me how goe virgins i' th sinfull market ; nay i must know hell-cat what was the price you tooke for gratianaes : did marwood come off roundly with his wages : tell me the truth , or by my fathers soule i le digge thy heart out . car. helpe . beau. let me not heare a syllable that has not referrence to my question — or — car. i le tell you sir : marwood — beau. so . car. did vitiously affect her : won with his gifts and flatteries , i promis'd my assistance , but i knew her vertue was not to bee corrupted in a thought . beau. ha . car. therefore — beau. what d' ee study — car. hold — i would deliuer the rest into your eare , it is too shamefull to expresse it louder then a whisper — mil. with what vnwillingnes , we discouer things wee are asham'd to owne : cardona shudst ha vs'd but halfe this feare in thy consent . and thou hadst nere beene guilty of a sinne thou art so loath to part with though it be a burden to thy soule : how boldly would out innocence plead for vs ; but shas done . beau. then was gratianaes honor sau'd . car. vntouch'd . bea. where am i lost : this story is more killing then all my iealousies : oh cardona goe safe from hence , but when thou com'st at home , locke thy selfe vp and languish , till thou dye thou shalt meete marwood , in a gloomy shade , giue backe this salary , exit cardona . mil. haue i made good my promise , do you finde your errour . beau. no i ha found my horror — has the chast and innocent gratiana drown'd her selfe ? what satisfaction can i pay thy ghost ? mil. now doe me right sir . beau. shee 's gone for euer , and can the earth still dwell a quiet neighbour to the rough sea , and not it selfe bee thaw'd into a riuer ; let it melt to waues from hence-forth , that beside th' inhabitants , the very genius of the world may drowne , and not accuse me for her : oh gratiana . mil. reserue your passion , and remember what i come for . beau. how shall i punish my vniust suspition ? death is too poore a thing to suffer for her : some spirit guide mee where her body lyes within her watery vrne , although seal'd vp with frost , my teares are warme and can dissolue it , to let in mee , and my repentance to her . i would kisse her cold face into life agen renew her breath with mine , on her pale lip i do not thinke , but if some artery of mine were open'd , and the crimson flood conuay'd into her veines , it would agree and with a gentle gliding steale it selfe into her heart , inlif'ne her dead faculties , and with a flattery , tice her soule agen , to dwell in her faire tenement . mil. you loose your selfe in these wild fancies ; recollect and doe mee iustice . beau. i am lost indeede , with fruitlesse passion : i remember thee and thy designe agen ; i must account for marwoods death i st not ? alas thou art too young , and canst not fight , i wish thou wert a man of tough and actiue sinewes , for thy owne reuenge sake , i would prayse thee for my death , so i might fall but nobly by thee : for i am burden'd with a weight of life — stay , didst not tell me thou hadst brought hither the body of young marwood — mil. yes . beau. since a mistake , not malice did procure his ill fate , i will but drop one funerall teare vpon his wound , and soone finish to doe thee right . mil. yee shall . a coffin brought in . beau. does this enclose his corpes ? how little roome doe wee take vp in death , that liuing , know no bounds ? here without murmurring wee can be circumscrib'd , it is the soule , that makes vs affect such wanton , and irregular pathes ; when that 's gone , wee are quiet as the earth , and thinke no more of wandring : oh marwood forgiue my anger , thy confession did inuite thy ruine from me , yet vppon — opens . my memory forsake me , t is gratiana's spirit , hast thou left thy heauenly dwelling to call me hence ? i was now comming to thee : or but commaund more hast , and i will count it no sinne to strike my selfe , and in the streame of my owne blood to imitate how thou didst drowne thy selfe . grat. i am liuing beauford . beau. i know thou art immortall . grat. liuing as thou art . beau. good angels doe not mocke mortality . grat. and came — beau. to call me to my answere how i durst suspect thy chastity , i le accuse my selfe and to thy iniur'd innocence giue me vp a willing sacrifice . grat. oh my beauford , now i am ouer-blest for my late sufferings ; i haue sollicited my death with prayers : now i would liue to see my beauford loue me . it was thy friend induc'd me to that letter , to finde if thy suspition had destroy'd all seedes of loue . beau. art thou not dead indeede , may i beleeue ? her hands is warme , — shee breathes agen — and kisses as she wont to doe her beauford , art gratiana ? heauen let me dwell here vntill my soule exhale . mil. one sorrow 's cur'd milisent begone , thou hast bin too long absent from thy owne . exit . bea. oh my ioy rauisht soule , but where 's the youth brought mee this blessing ? vanisht gratiana where is hee ? i would hang about his necke and kisse his cheeke , he we not leaue me so : gone ? sure it was some angell , was hee not , or doe i dreame this happinesse , wot not thou forsake mee to ? grat. oh neuer . beau. within there — bid the young man returne , and quickly , least my ioy aboue the strength of natures sufferance , kill me before i can expresse my gratitude : ha yee brought him ? enter officers . officer . mr. beauford , i am sorry wee are commanded to apprehend your person . grat. officers ha ? officer . you are suspected to haue slaine a gentle-man , one marwood . beau. haue i still my essence ha ? i had a ioy was able to make man forget he could be miserable . officer . come sir . beau. if ere extreamities did kill , wee hath shall dye this very minute . grat. you shanot goe . officers . our authority will force him . grat. y' are villaines , murderers : oh my beauford ! beau. leaue me gratiana . grat. neuer , i le dye with thee . beau. what can wee say vnto our misery , sau'd in a tempest that did threaten most , arriu'd the harbour , ship , and all are lost . officer . to the next iustice . exeunt .
actus quinti . scena prima . enter sir iohn belfare . bel. whether art fled gratiana ? that i can conuerse with none to tell mee thou art still a mortall ? taken hence by miracle ? though angels should intice her hence , to heauen , she was so full of piety , to her father , she would first take her leaue . enter isaac and a physition . isa. there he is sir , he cannot choose but talke idly , for he has not slept since the last great mist . phi. mist ? isa.

i sir , his daughter , my young mistresse went away in 't , and we can heare no tale nor tydings of her , to tell you true , i would not disgrace my old master , but hee is little better then mad .

phi. vnhappy gentle-man . bel. t is so , hee murder'd her ; for he that first would rob her of her honor , would or feare after-ward to kill gratiana , he shall be arrang'd for 't ; — but where shall wee get honest men enough to make a iury ? that dare be conscionable , when the iudge lookes on , and frownes vpon the verdict , men that will not be corrupted , to fauour a great man euidence , but preferre iustice to ready mony ? oh this age is barren — phy. master beauford's newly apprehended for some fact , and carried fore iustice landby , in my passage hither i met him guarded . bel. guarded for what ? phy. some did whisper hee had kild — bel. gratiana .

oh my girle , my gratiana , — isaac , beauford is taken , t is apparent he hath slayne my daughter , and shanot i reuenge her death ? i le prosecute the law with violence agaynst him , not leaue the iudge , till hee pronounce his sentence , then i le dye , and carry gratiana the newes before him . follow me — exeunt .

enter iustice landby , and iane . iust. i expect iane thou wot reward my care with thy obedience , he 's young and wealthy , no matter for those idle ceremonies of wit and court-ship . iane . doe i heare my father ? iust. he will maintaine thee gallant , city wiues are fortunes darlings , gouerne al , their husbands variety of pleasure , and apparell when some of higher title are oft faine to pawne a lady-ship : thou shat haue rawbone . iane . vertue forbid it , you are my father sir , and lower then the earth i haue a heart prostrates it selfe , i had my being from you , but i beseech you , take it not away agen , by your seuerity . iust. how 's this ? i like it well . aside . ian. you haue read many lectures to me , which my duty hath receiu'd , and practiz'd , as precepts from heauen , but neuer did i heare you preach so ill , you heretofore directed my study to bee carefull of my fame , cherish desert , plant my affection on noblenesse , which can onely be sufficient to make it fruitefull , and d' ce counsell now to marry a disease ? iust. good ! my owne girls — what i st you sayd ? ha ? iane . for the man himselfe is such a poore and miserable thing — iust. but such another word , and i take off my blessing : how now iane ? ian. alas , i feare he is in earnest , marry me to my graue , to that you shall haue my consent , oh do not enforce mee to be guilty of a false vow , both to heauen and angels ; on my knees — iust. humble your heart , rise and correct your sullennesse , i am resolu'd , would you be sacrific'd to an vnthrift , that wil dice away his skinne , rather then want to stake at ordinaries ? consume what i haue gather'd at a breake-fast , or mornings draught ? and when you ha teem'd for him turne semptresse to find milke and clouts for babies : foote stockings , to maintaine him in the compter ? or if this fayle , erect a bandy citadell , well man'd , which fortified with demy-cannon tobacco pipes , may raise you to a fortune , together with the traile — iane . oh my cruell starres ! iust. starre me no starres , i le haue my will — ian. one minute hath ruin'd all my hope , milisent was cruell thus to mocke me . enter captayne , hauer , lodam , rawbone , and cameleon . cap. vnde — cap. and iust , whisper . isa. you heare , now he talkes . bel. but i ha found the way , t is but procuring acquaintance with the fore-man of the iury , the sessions bell-weather , he leades the rest like sheepe when hee makes a gap , they follow in huddle to his sentence . isa. speake to him sir . phi. god saue you sir iohn belfare . bel. i am a little serious — do not trouble mee . phi. d' ee not know me ? bel. i neyther know , nor care for you , vnlesse you can bee silent . phi. i me your neighbour — isa. master doctor — bel. away foole . isa. no sir , a physition . bel. a physition ? can you cure my daughter ? phi. i sir , where is shee ? bel. cannot you find her out by arte ? a good physition , shud be acquainted with the starres : prethee erect a figure , graue astronomer , sh'at ha the minute she departed ; turne thy ephemerides a little , i le lend thee ptolomy , and a nest of learned rabbies to iudge by : tell me whither she be a liue , or dead , and thou shalt bee my doctor , i le giue thee a round per annum pension , and thou shalt kill me for it . phi. he has a strange de lyrium . isa. i sir . phi. a vertigo in 's head . isa. in his head . bel. what sayes the rauen ? isa. he sayes , you haue two hard words in your head sir . phi. haue you forgot me sir , i was but late familiar to your knowledge . bel ha' your pardon gentle sir i know you now , impute it to my griefe , t' hath almost made mee forget my selfe . phi. i come to visite you . and cannot but bee sorry , to behold you thus afflicted . bel. doctor i am sicke , i 'me very sicke at heart losse of my daughter i feare , will make me mad , how long d' ee thinke mans nature able to resist it , can your loue or arte prescribe your friend a cordial ? no , no , you cannot . phi. sir , bee comforted . wee haue our manly vertue giuen vs , to exercise in such extreames as these . bel. as these ? why do you know what t is to loose a daughter ? you conuerse with men , that are diseas'd in body ; punish'd with a gout or feauer : yet some of these are held the shames of physicke , but to th' mind you can apply no salutary medicine : my daughter sir , my daughter — phi. was too blame to leaue you so , loose not your wisedome for your daughters want of piety . bel. speake well a' th dead , for liuing shee would not be absent thus from mee , shee was euer dutifull tooke pleasure in obedience : oh my child , but i haue strong suspition , by whom she 's made away . beauford — phi. how ? bel he that pretended marriage — he gaue her a wound before . raw. iasper ? what case am i in ? hau. be wise and keep your counsell , is not all for your honor ? lod. lady , i hope by this time , you are able to distinguish a difference betweene rawbone and my selfe . cam. i finde little . cap. you shall doe noble sir . iust. mr. rawbone , the onely man in my wishes : my nephew giues you valiant , your merit ore-ioyes me , and to shew how much i value your worth my daughter yours , i le see you married this morning ere we part , receiue him into your bosome iane , or loose me euer . ian. i obey sir : will my father cozen himselfe ? han. ha , doe i dreame ? raw. dreame quotha , this is a pritty dreame . iust. master lodam , i hope you 'le not repine at his fortune . raw. but rawbone will pine , and repine if this be not a dreame ? lod. i allow it , and will dine with you . cam. and i . raw. iasper : no , will no body know me ? iust. let 's loose no time , i haue no quiet tell i call him sonne . raw. master iustice , do me right , you do not know who i am — i am — iust. an asse sir , are you not ? what make you pratling ? raw. sir , — noble captaine , a word , i am — cap. a coxecombe . your man is fancy sir . raw. then i am a — sleepe . cap. i forget gratiana iust.

cosen , you shall supply my place at church , while i prepare for your returne , some guests wee must haue — nay , nay haste , the morne growes old , wee 'le ha 't a wedding day .

han.

here 's a blessing beyond hope .

raw.

sure i am sleepe , i will cene walke with 'em till my dreame be out .

enter beuford , officers , marwood disguised , keeper , gratiana . iust. mr. beauford , welcome and gratiana — beau. you will repent your curtesie , i am presented an offender to you . offi. yes , and please your worship , he is accus'd . iust. how ? grat. sir , you haue charity , beleeue em not , they doe conspire to take away his life . keeper . may it please you vnderstand , he has kild a gentle-man , one marwood , in our parke , i found him wounded mortally , though before he dyed , he did confesse . beau. vrge it no farther , i le saue the trouble of examination , and yeeld my selfe vp guilty . grat. for heauens sake beleeue him not , hee is an enemy to his owne life ; deare beauford , what d' ee meane to cast your selfe away , y' are more vnmercifull then those that doe accuse you , then the law it selfe , for at the worst , that can but finde you guilty at the last , too soone for me to bee deuided from you . beau. oh gratiana , i call heauen to witnesse , though my mis-fortune made mee thinke before , my life a tedious and painefull trouble , my very soule a luggage , and too heauy for me to carry , now i wish to liue , to liue for thy sake , till my haire were siluer'd with age ; to liue till thou wodst ha me dye , and were a weary of me : for i neuer could by the seruice of one life , reward enough thy loue , nor by the suffering the punishment of age and time , do pennance sufficient for my iniury , but my fate hurries me from thee , then accept my death a satisfaction for that sinne , i could not redeeme aliue , i cannot but confesse the accusation . enter sir iohn belfare , and isaac . bel. iustice , iustice , i will haue iustice : ha gratiana ! grat. oh my deare father — bel. art a liue , oh my ioy , it growes to mighty for me , i must weepe a little to saue my heart — isa. my young mistresse aliue . exit grat. if euer you lou'd gratiana , plead for beauford , h 'as beene abus'd , by a villaine , all 's discouer'd , w 'aue renew'd hearts , and now i feare , i shall loose him agen , accus'd here for the death of marwood , that was cause of all our suffering . bel. i ha not wept enough for ioy gratiana that th' art aliue yet — i vnderstand nothing beside this comfort . grat. deere sir recollect , and second me . iust. the fact confest , all hope wil be a pardon sir may be procur'd : sir iohn — y' are come in a sad time . grat. what is the worst you charge him with ? keeper . he has slaine a gentle-man . iust. no common trespasse . grat. he has done iustice . iust. how ? grat. a publicke benefite to his country in 't . iust. killing a man ? her sorrow ouer-throwes her reason . grat. heare me , marwood was a villaine , a rebell vnto vertue , a prophaner of friendships sacred lawes , a murderer of virgin chastity , against whose malice no innocence could hope protection ; but like a bird grip'd by an eagles talent , it growing dyes . what punishment can you inflict on him , that in contemp of nature , and religion , inforces breach of loue , of holy vowes ? sets them at warre whose hearts were married in a full congregation of angels : i know you will not say , but such deserue to dye yet marwood being dead , you reach your fury to his heart , that did this benefit . beau. oh gratiana if i may not liue to enjoy thee here , il would thou hadst beene dead indeede for in a little time , we shu'd ha met each other in a better world ? but since i go before thee , i will carry thy prayse along , and if my soule forget not , what it hath lou'd , when it conuerst with men , i wil so talke of thee among the blest . that they shal be in loue with thee , and descend in holy shapes , to woe thee to come thither , and be of their society doe not veile thy beauty with such a shower , keepe this soft raine , to water some more lost , and barren garden , least thou destroy the spring , which nature made to be a wonder in thy cheeke iust. where is marwoods body ? mar. here sir . omnes . a liue ! mil. ha marwood ? mar. a liue , as glad to see thee , as thou art to know thy selfe acquitted for my death ; which i of purpose by this honest friend , to whose cure , i owe my life , made you beleeue , i increase our ioy at meeting : for you lady , you are a woman , — yet you might ha beene lesse violent in your pleading , do not engage me past respects of mine , or your own honor . grat. mine is aboue thy malice , i haue a breast impenetrable , 'gainst which , thou soundly ayming , thy arrowes , but recoile into thy bosome , and leaue a wound . beau. friend we haue found thy errour — mar. let it be mine , we haue had stormes already . grat. tell me iniurious man for in this presence you must acquit the honour you accus'd , discharge thy poyson here , inhumane traytor — beau. thou wo't aske her now forigvenes , she 's al chastitie . mar. why d' ee tempt me thus ? bel. it was ill done sir — iust accuse her to her face . mar. so so , you see , i am silent still . gra. you are too full of guilt to excuse your trechery . mar. then farwell all respect , and heare me tell this bold and insolent woman , that so late made triumph in my death . mil. oh sir proceede not , you do not declare your selfe of generous birth , thus openly to accuse a gentle-woman , were it a truth . grat. he may throw soyle at heauen , and as soone staine it . mar. sirra boy , who made you so peremptory he would be whipt . mil. with what ? i am not arm'd you see , but your big language would not fright my youth , were it be friended with a sword ; you should find then i would dare to proue it a falsehood , on your person . iust. how now milisent ? mar. hath my loue made mee thus ridiculous ? beauford , that you will suffer such a boy to affront me ? then against all the world i rise an enemy , and defie his valour dares iustifie gratiana vertuous . enter isaac , and cardona . isa. beleeue your eyes . car. my daughter aliue ? oh my deare heart . mar. you are come opportunely , cardona speake the truth , as thou wouldst not eate my poinard , is not gratiana a sinnefull woman . mar. what meanes marwood , ha ? bel. i am in a laborinth ? car. hold , i confesse — you neuer did enioy gratiana . mar. ha ? car. let not our shame be publicke , sir , you shall haue the whole truth , oh that my teares were able to wash my sinne away — won with your promises , i did , in hope to marke my self a fortune , and get a husband for my childe , with much blacke oratoury , woe my daughter to supply gratianaes bed , whom with what circumstance , you enioy'd , that you beleeu'd it was the virgin you desir'd . bel. i st possible ? mar. i am at a confasion , where 's this daughter ? car. she with the feare ( as i conceiue ) of her dishonour , taking a few iewels with her , went from me , i know not whither , by this time dead if not more vnhappy in her fortune . mar. into how many sinnes hath lust engag'd me ? is there a hope you can forgiue , and you , and she whom i haue most dishonor'd i neuer had a conscience till now , to be grieu'd for her , i will hide my selfe from all the world . mil. stay sir — grat. you heare this beauford , father — beau. this she confest to me , though i conceal'd from thee the errour , marwood dead , their shame would not ha giuen my life aduantage , now we haue ore-come the malice of our fate : i hope you 'le call me sonne . bel. both my lou'd children . iust. i congratulate your ioy . mar. beauford , gentle-men , this is a woman , lucibol your daughter , the too much iniur'd maide : oh pardon me , welcom both to my knowledge , and my heart . car oh my childe . iust. my seruant prooue a woman ? bel. you le marry her . mar. i shall begin my recompence : lead you to church we 'le find the priest more worke . iust. he has done some already , for by this time i haue a daughter married to young hauer . that walk'd in rawbones liuery , — they 'r return'd . enter captaine , hauer , iane , lodam , and cameleon . hau. father your pardon , though you meant me not your sonne , yet i must call your daughter , wife : here i resigne my citizen . bel. young hauer . iust my blessing on you both , i meant it so : a letter tooke off this disguise before ; nay here are more couples , enough to play at barly-breake . raw. master lodam , you and i are in hell , lod. how ? hau. you and i are friends . lod. i knew , by instinct , i had no quarell to thee : art thou rawbone ? raw. i am not drunke — lod. no , but thou art disguis'd shrewdly . raw. i wonot beleeue , i am awake : this is not possible . beau. leaue off to wonder captaine . cap. sure this is a dreame . raw.

as sure , as you are there captayne , 'las wee doe but walke and talke in our sleepe , all this while .

bel.

away , away .

lod.

i to dinner bullies .

raw.

d' ee heare gentle-men , before you go , does no-body know me ? who am i ? who am i ?

iust.

you are master rawbone fit , that would haue married my daughter , that is now wise , i take it , to this gentle-man , your seeming seruant .

raw.

dreame on , dreame on : iasper , make much a' the wench now th' ast got her , am not i finely guld ?

hau.

i thinke so .

raw.

dreame on together , a good iest yfaith , he thinkes all this is true now .

cap.

are not you then , awake fit ?

raw.

no marry am i not sir .

cap.

what d' ee thinke a'th at sir . kickes him .

raw.

that sir ? now do i dreame that i am kickt .

cap.

you doe not feele it then .

raw.

kicke , kicke your hearts out .

lod.

say you so , let my foote be in too then .

raw.

sure i shall crye out in my sleep — what a long night t is .

bel.

set on .

lod.

i , i , we may come backe , and take him napping .

beau. come gratiana , my soule best halfe , le ts tye the sacred knot , so long deferr'd , neuer did two louers , meet in so little time so many changes ; our wedding day is come , the sorrowes past shall giue our present ioy more heauenly tast . exeunt .
epilogue . rawbone .

gentle-men : pray he fauourable to wake a foole dormant i mongst yee ; i ha beene kickt , and kicke to that purpose , may be , they knockt at the wrong doore , my braines are a sleepe in the garret . i must appeale from their feete to your hands , there is no way but one , you must clap me , and clap mee soonely d' ee heare , i shall hardly come to my selfe else .

oh since my case without you desperate stands , wake me with the loud musicke of your hands . exit .
machine-generated castlist a -beauford a -rawbone a -justice a -lodam a -belfare a -captain a -millicent a -gratiana a -haver a -marwood a -isaac a -camelion a -jane a -cardona a -physician a -keeper a -servant a -officer a -surgeon a -unassigned a -omnes
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h●uer hauer a yong gentle-man , louer of mistresse iane harue● robert haruey . n●c at improbae viuit superstes fama morti , nec gelidum metuit sepulchrum . o qui ingales corus●â o qui ingales flauus hymen toros ambis , coruscâ iam nitidus togâ incede , ●hirlciana laurus ●hirlciana ambis , coruscâ iam nitidus togâ incede , shirleiana laurus , perpetuos tibi dat triumphos . sacrat● laurus , perpetuos tibi dat triumphos . fw-la sacrata vellit ab arbore ramum , modestas quo decoret s●deribus quo decoret comas additque vatem laureatis sideribus , numerumque claudit . ●lemish'd with which in vaine the windes do wraste : blemish'd with the staine of impure life , some by wood-cocke● your worship shall want no wood-cockes at the wedding . sin●● sir , i haue beene a continuall motion euer since i rise . i haue not sayd my prayers to day pro●●●der very ill matcht to draw a coach , yet at prouender , there wilbe scarce an oate betweene the ●ade there wilbe scarce an oate betweene the leane jade , and the fat gelding . fa● an oate betweene the leane jade , and the fat gelding . f●t holds none can be dam'd but leane men , for fat men he sayes must needes bee sau'd by the th●ne but in trust for thee , gratiana makes all thine . hu●band liue to see my daughter married to a noble husband , the enuye of our time , and exact patterne pret●ee witty groome , prethee inuite him forth ; say here's a friend ▪ adoe , ile inuite you : pray come to the . wedding to morrow . abo●e twas much aboue my desert sir : captayne . tha● laden with the memory of former errours , that i desire to be confest . ▪ remembrance of her birth , and generous thoughts , she suck'd from her dead mother , with my look● eare-wigges as my man and i : doe wee not looke like . on●t but eating too much : cameleon now i thinke on't , let the pygeons alone , the capon will confideration he shall pay nothing to me but lawfull consideration from time to time , beside the charges of mod●s forty and fifty in the hundred vijs̄ and modis of my owne kins-men , when they were in won ●t dost thinke i won't keepe my word ? is●ac isaac . l●ttle my little wit , thou wo't come with thy master tomorrow irh'buttery minutes , i would venture a cup with thee iyh' buttery , but tis a busie time at home : m●l●sent , but tis a busie time at home : farewell milisent . forgetfu●l doth warme my veines , yet could nature be forgetfull and remoue it self , the loue i owe your coth remoue it self , the loue i owe your merit , doth oblige me , to relation of a truth which bo o●ne relation of a truth which else would fire my bosome with concealement . i am come to deuide s●u●e with concealement . i am come to deuide your soule , rauish all your pleasures , poyson the exchan●e and make you curse your knowledge , couldst exchange thy temper for an angels ▪ at the hearing ▪ couldst exchange thy temper for an angels , at the hearing of this reason , 'twould ●urne reason , 'twould make you passionate , and turne man agen . namen as changing my affection from gratiana ? name it , and reach me how to be a monster , ▪ be a monster , for i must loose humanity , oh marwood , thou leadst me into a wildernesse be● and leaue an emptinesse in nature , angels bee corrupt , and brib'd by mortals sell their ca●st ha ? th'ast kept thy word thou canst so poison all my comfort ▪ ▪ word thou canst so poison all my comfort . ha●preferred your friendship i ha preferred to my owne fame , and but to saue ▪ prosper me goodnesse as my ends are noble : good-night , collect your selfe , and be y●s accusat on ; — ha : ith' morning ? proper . yes marwood i will be a man : his 〈◊〉 d , shall 〈◊〉 proper . yes marwood i will be a man : his sword d , shall eyther make past the sence of en●orce past the sence of this affliction . or mine enforce a truth from him , if thou beest wrongd tru●h●f●on sence of this affliction . or mine enforce a truth from him , if thou beest wrongd gratiana be●st or mine enforce a truth from him , if thou beest wrongd gratiana ile ye thy martyr , but ile● from him , if thou beest wrongd gratiana ile ye thy martyr , but if false , in this i th● him , if thou beest wrongd gratiana ile ye thy martyr , but if false , in this i gayne mar●yr if thou beest wrongd gratiana ile ye thy martyr , but if false , in this i gayne to ●ye bu● beest wrongd gratiana ile ye thy martyr , but if false , in this i gayne to ●ye , not ●ye martyr , but if false , in this i gayne to dye , not hue a sacrifice . hue but if false , in this i gayne to ●ye , not liue a sacrifice . m●stress●s vppon him yester-day , to make hast of my mistresses shoes , and he told me , he was about the isa●c prethee isaac , make hast , how tedious th'art , hast persumer as thou goest , call vpon cod the perfumer , tell him he vses vs sweetly , has not v●●tener way , to runne to the diuell , and bid the vintener make hast with the runlets of claret , we w● vintener make hast with the runlets of claret , we shall ha no time to burne it . an● which the moone did neuer yet be-friend with any melancholy beame : oh cosen thou hastled hastled with any melancholy beame : oh cosen thou hast led me , where i neuer shall see day moue neue● beame : oh cosen thou hastled me , where i neuer shall see day moue . mo●e hastled me , where i neuer shall see day moue . ●oo awakes my resolution , consume not thy breath too idly , th'ast but a small time for th'use vnder-va'ued to returne so ill my friendship , haue i vnder-valued my shame in the relation of a truth , to thi●ke tempt thy destiny with so much sinne ? dost thinke i were a sword i dare not manage ? or that again● inforc'd to a reuolt ? i am no rebell beauford : againe i must confirme gratianaes honour stain'd r●maines truth is euer constant remaines vpon her square , firme , and vnshaken . ●o be true , why should we fight , be cruell to our selues , indanger our eternity , for e●ernity , be cruell to our selues , indanger our eternity , for the errour of one frayle woman ? let enou● our selues , indanger our eternity , for the errour of one frayle woman ? let our swords expect woman● our eternity , for the errour of one frayle woman? ? let our swords expect a nobler cause . exp●ct errour of one frayle woman ? let our swords expect a nobler cause . what man hath such assurance ●ith the soule of wanton beauty , fetterd euen with their mistresses haire mist●●sses of wanton beauty , fetterd euen with their mistresses haire as●de aside . f●r loue , beside my kinsman hath beene taxt . for being too prompt in wantonnesse , this confirmes ●oo beside my kinsman hath beene taxt . for being too prompt in wantonnesse , this confirmes it farwe●l prompt in wantonnesse , this confirmes it then farwell woman kind . d●es this does become you . wo'no● why should we fight , our letting blood wo'not cure her , and make her honour white agen ●epen● her honour white agen : we are friends , repent thy sinne , and marry her . defen●'d wert thou defenc'd with circular fire , more subtle then the m●y farewell for euer then , with thy short breath may all thy ills conclude , mine but beginne cam● how came you hurt sir ? no , not speake ? if he be si● how came you hurt sir ? no , not speake ? if he be not past hope h●pe sir ? no , not speake ? if he be not past hope , let vs cany him to my lodge ▪ my wife ▪ past hope , let vs carry him to my lodge , my wife is a peece of a surgeon , has beene pe●ce let vs cany him to my lodge ▪ my wife is a peece of a surgeon , has beene fortunate in some su●g●on him to my lodge ▪ my wife is a peece of a surgeon , has beene fortunate in some cures : teare ● honest raph , he has some breath yet : would i had my blood-hound here . ▪ belfare iustice landby , and his daughter iane , isaac waiting . si● mistresse iane . where's the young captayn sir your nephew ? mee●e hearts , they both are glad , when eyther meete a good fortune . h●ue daughter ha made discreet election , she'le haue a hopefull gentle-man . lan●by master landby , it would refresh my age to see her fruitful ●eaufor● him , i should finde a blessing for a young beauford , and be glad to dandle him , the first d●ndle blessing for a young beauford , and be glad to dandle him , the first newes of a boy borne by ▪ master rawbone , ile be bold to present you with a peece h●d 'las i had rather eate a peece of cold capon at home th●n rather eate a peece of cold capon at home , than be troublesome abroad . i hope forsooth mist●●sse than be troublesome abroad . i hope forsooth mistresse iane is as she shud be . ●n she is in health : ●ealth she is in health : c●n you come hither to wish god giue em ioy now . barathruw cheere , which will be dam'd in your leane barathrum , that kitchin-stuffe deuourer . catst , in the meane time would euery bit thou eatst to day , were steept in aqua fortis . beauford● come together , make it not your feare , beaufords a gentle-man , and cannot be guilty of doing w●lcome ha ? master lodam , welcome . kn●w i know not how he does , where is the lady that 〈…〉 heart already doth beginne to prophesie how unkind fate , name what disaster , giue it expression fou●e they say for certayne , there were foure and twenty colliers cast away , comming ●broad newes ith' citty , but there is worse newes abroad . m●st they say that canary sacke , must dance agen to the apothecaries , and be ▪ physicke , in hum-glasses , and thimbles , that the spaw-water must be transported withall with all my heart : in my conscience the ' ile be wer● soule , as beauty ? for sure , once thou wert so : hadst thou so cheape opinion of my ●ifled to thy sinne-got issue , a patron of thy rifled , vnchast wombe ? oh thou wert cruell , tho● patron of thy rifled , vnchast wombe ? oh thou wert cruell , to reward so ill the heart hea●er like a screech-owles note , and fright the hearer ; virgins shall lament that thou hast sham'd si●ke thy friends shall count thee desperately sicke , and whensoere thou goest abroad , that i●h'other till thou wash away thy staine , and then , ith' other world , we two , may meete agen . affrick● i haue heard in affricke , is a tree , which tasted by trauailers st●tue speakes nothing , is all a weeping nyobe , a statue , or in this posture , doth shee not present ▪ posture , doth shee not present a water nymph , placed in the midst of some faire garden har● giue you back your vowes ; with them , your hart ▪ which i had lock'd vp in my owne , and ▪ you back your vowes ; with them , your hart , which i had lock'd vp in my owne , and cherisht ●pon possession , there's euery iewell you bestowed upon me , the pledges once of loue . iuiury appeare so monstrous ? no man will beleeue my iniury : has heauen forgot to protect innocence f●ll thy damnation in this sinne alone , i me full of pitty now , and spite of man-hood cannot ●bout beauford farwell , may angels dwell round about thee , liue vntill thou find , when i am vn●ill may angels dwell round about thee , liue vntill thou find , when i am dead , thou hast bin inten●s though hee giue such respect to him i hate , intenes no marriage ? thou hast releast my heart y●ur labouring thoughts , tis now no more a secret , your father makes a triall of your nature , by ian● iane . hear● thou art , and shalt receiue it , for my heart is willing to discharge it selfe into thee ●ure vnderstanding guilty of the person i point at ? sure thou canst not choose but know him . iaue my master , mistresse iane sent me before , to say , be comes to visite sa●e discouered here , in milisent you may repose safe trust . feruant to both a seruant . i● like a puisne , i can giue her possession of it , by deliuery of two-pence wrapt vp in the what▪ s what's that ? mo●e it shu'not neede , no woman can desire more of a man . sh● i can bring her good qualities , if she want any : i ha trauail'd for em . langu●ges the languages . susp●ct you suspect shee will want tongue : — let me see — parlez cam●ag diggon a camrag . we●ch that's welch . spagni●l you may speake that more exactly — hauelar spagniel signior ? me●cie mercie madame — s●ra pittifull eight in the hundred : — come hither sirra , your name is cameleon . mea●e iustice sir , my leane master would eate no meate , and my fat master eates vp all — is your do●blet fasting is a thing my flesh abhorres , if my doublet be not fil'd , i know who fares the worse fi●'d my flesh abhorres , if my doublet be not fil'd , i know who fares the worse for't . i would fa●es , if my doublet be not fil'd , i know who fares the worse for't . i would keepe my flesh d●awer roome i smelt hot venison , i sent but a drawer to tell the company , one in the house with exe●nt exeunt gratiana , captaine , milisent . b●ffu●ly●e let him baffull yee — to him — accep●t you shall challenge him then , if hee dare accept it , ile meete him in your clothes . ex● exit begon● so , lets begone quickly , before he threaten me , you made yo● begone quickly , before he threaten me , you made mee challenge him , looke to't . aboy spirit ? the last time hee was in the field , a boy of seauen yeares old , beate him with ▪ has playd the vilaine , and is damn'd for't : could but his soule be brought to heare carrie● pray read , you know not what this paper carries . ▪ you knew not what satisfaction it contaynes ; or what she may confesse in't ▪ for my sake ▪ contaynes ▪ or what she may confesse in't : for my sake — ▪ reads . 〈◊〉 made the change . from her that was , would ha become this paper had she conseru'd her sybil● and touch it , with more veneration then a sybils leafe ▪ but now all ceremony must be held leaf● touch it , with more veneration then a sybils leafe ▪ but now all ceremony must be held a superstition ▪ with more veneration then a sybils leafe ; but now all ceremony must be held a superstition no● not i , her owne sinne made her . satisfactio● nor can my age make me appeare vnworthy a satisfaction from thy sword . t'has● contemne not beauford my gray haires , if t'hast a noble soule , keepe not this distance m● cald an iniury ? didst not mocke me , and my poore fond girle with marriage ? till all rob● my wrong'd child . o beauford ! thou hast rob'd a father , and a daughter — but i wo not me● thou wouldst beleeue my innocence , deny mee not this fauour after death , to say i once no● thou wouldst beleeue my innocence , deny mee not this fauour after death , to say i once h● after death , to say i once lou'd thee — ha death ? captaine is she dead ? iniury● accuser by this time , knowes the reward of my iniurye farewell , i am carrying my prayers for drown'd● tragicke period , and with a loud sigh breake : drown'de twas no sinne aboue heauens pardon ▪ though ▪ drown'de twas no sinne aboue heauens pardon , though thou hadst beene false , to thy first ▪ and me , i wod not had thee dyed so soone : or if thou hadst affected that death , i wo●●t the law vnbury me for marwoods death , i wonot hope for life , mercy sha' not saue him out fortune . yet yours does so exactly paint our misery that he , that wanted of his owne soon● too soone , from thence sprung my vnhappines . fins●ury rawbone has challeng'd mr. lodam , the place finsbury — tha'not able to fright em both out a'their sences , tha' not soule enough to skirmish with a field-mouse dependanc● prophesie what now i finde , our stories haue dependance hop● me : did he suruiue his slander ? there is hope he did recant the iniury he did me . reca●t suruiue his slander ? there is hope he did recant the iniury he did me . w●'d wo'd he had not beene my kinsman , i beginne mali●e has , malice found out another murderer ? the● your honour with , let her be examin'd , then her knowledge will quit you , or make your yo●r then her knowledge will quit you , or make your suffering appeare iust , this is an easie s●ffe●ing her knowledge will quit you , or make your suffering appeare iust , this is an easie triall , iu●t quit you , or make your suffering appeare iust , this is an easie triall , and since marwood ●y had a stubborne soule , for though he were my kins-man i preferre iustice , and held ●ham ●ham my kins-man i preferre iustice , and held shame to checke his owne report , women haue softer enfo●ce be so manag'd , if there be a treason , to enforce confession from her : would you please t'imploy ●eruice her : would you please t'imploy me in this seruice , and though vnworthy be directed by me com●ort you , ile engage my being you shall finde comfort in't . m●n before we be discouered , i do not like when men lye perdue , beside , there may be three p●rdue be discouered , i do not like when men lye perdue , beside , there may be three or foure of wind-mill● they bee wind-mille . wo●'st and yet , thou wod'st perswade me , twas an ambush for me . ▪ valiant : i haue a sword ; and if i doe draw . it shall — be against my will : is he not sha●l if he come , some body shall smell ill favouredly , ere he and i part ●ll if he come , some body shall smell ill favouredly , ere he and i part : — ha ! ●auouredly if he come , some body shall smell ill favouredly , ere he and i part : — ha ! by this ●●●sh ●re , some body shall smell ill favouredly , ere he and i part : — ha ! by this ●●●sh tis ●●●sh favouredly , ere he and i part : — ha ! by this fl●sh tis he ; cam , go tell him i am sicke . ●ell : — ha ! by this ●●●sh tis he ; cam , go tell him i am sicke . ha●er enter hauer , rawbone , ( hauing chang'd cloathes ) hour●s i haue expected you this two houres , which is more then i had one to all the wh●rson whorson , moale-cather . wel●●●y● wellslye toade . c●nferre let vs conferre a little . con●erie conferre me no conferrings : i will haue no more melanchol●y mightest ha kept thee at home , with thy melancholy cat , that keepes thy study , with whom s●apt what haue i scapt ? debrors away on pious vses : then summon all thy debtors by a drum , and giue em in , all their bills wer● then say when thou art dead , thou wert offred conditions for thy life : cam , thou oh●cam oho cam . — sleen● puls haue , by the sleeue . r ●ogue ah — iasper , rogue that i was , where were my braines to challenge ▪ constable is carrying me to new-gate — now , now . i me at the sessions house , i'the docke i me is carrying me to new-gate — now , now ▪ ime at the sessions house , i'the docke : ●●nd word shall bee as good as a note vnder thy hand , 〈◊〉 not my fury — wod i were off , with 〈◊〉 shall bee as good as a note vnder thy hand , tempt not my fury — wod i were off , with asking par●●e hold : i demaund a parlee . captay●e handsomely to me ; a pritty sparke faith captayne . c●nst souldier , because i see th'ast a spirit , and canst vse thy weapon , ile bestow a dull blade agu● my ague has not left mee yet ▪ there's a grudging ▪ my ague has not left mee yet , there's a grudging a'the halter still : rawbon● master rawbone , i repent my opinion of your cowardize ●ee ha' yee not arte enough to make this ewe tree grow here , or this bayes ? the embleme ` twas thou shat not number many minutes , know 'twas my mis-fortune to close vp the eyes of marwood hell-ca● virgins i'th sinfull market ; nay i must know hell-cat what was the price you tooke for gratianaes gratiana●s hell-cat what was the price you tooke for gratianaes : did marwood come off roundly with his ▪ did marwood come off roundly with his wages : tell me the truth , or by my fathers soule hi● did vitiously affect her : won with his gifts and flatteries , i promis'd my assistance sha● boldly would out innocence plead for vs ; but shas done . gratiana●s then was gratianaes honor sau'd . ▪ death is too poore a thing to suffer for her : some spirit guide mee where her body lyes c●im●o● some artery of mine were open'd , and the crimson flood conuay'd into her veines , it would in●o were open'd , and the crimson flood conuay'd into her veines , it would agree and with a gentle v●ines , and the crimson flood conuay'd into her veines , it would agree and with a gentle gliding in li●'no gliding steale it selfe into her heart , inlif'ne her dead faculties , and with a flattery flat●ery inli●'no her dead faculties , and with a flattery , tice her soule agen , to dwell in her op●●s opens . ●o● cannot choose but talke idly , for he has not slept since the last great mist . m●st mist ? ▪ i sir , his daughter , my young mistresse went away w●uld nor tydings of her , to tell you true , i would not disgrace my old master , but hee is w●uld he that first would rob her of her honor , would or feare after-ward to kill gratiana , he arrangn'd after-ward to kill gratiana , he shall be arrang'd for't ; — but where shall wee get honest ●h euidence , but preferre iustice to ready mony ? oh this age is barren — ▪ gratiana the newes before him . follow me — husband● are fortunes darlings , gouerne al , their husbands variety of pleasure , and apparell when prec●pts my duty hath receiu'd , and practiz'd , as precepts from heauen , but neuer did i heare you canonely plant my affection on noblenesse , which can onely be sufficient to make it fruitefull 〈◊〉 but such another word , and i take off my blessing 〈◊〉 alas , i feare he is in earnest , marry me to ●o he is in earnest , marry me to my graue , to that you shall haue my consent , oh do not fal●e , oh do not enforce mee to be guilty of a false vow , both to heauen and angels ; on my 〈◊〉 humble your heart , rise and correct your sullennesse , i am resolu'd 〈◊〉 you be sacrific'd to an vnthrift , that wil dice away his skinne , rather then want to stake ord●aries his skinne , rather then want to stake at ordinaries ? consume what i haue gather'd at a breake-fast draugh haue gather'd at a breake-fast , or mornings draught ? and when you ha teem'd for him turne semptresse semptr●●le draught ? and when you ha teem'd for him turne semptresse to find milke and clouts for babies : foote ●ayle maintaine him in the compter ? or if this fayle , erect a bandy citadell , well man'd , ●●my-cannon citadell , well man'd , which fortified with demy-cannon tobacco pipes , may raise you to a fortune s●●rre starre me no starres , ile haue my will — n●yther i neyther know , nor care for you , vnlesse you can te●l and a nest of learned rabbies to iudge by : tell me whither she be a liue , or dead , and a●d be wise and keep your counsell , is not all for your 〈…〉 lady , i hope by this time , you are able to distinguish 〈◊〉 you are able to distinguish a difference betweene rawbone and my selfe . ra●bone are able to distinguish a difference 〈◊〉 rawbone and my selfe . fi●d● i finde 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 i finde little . n●ble you shall doe noble sir . o●e-ioyes my nephew giues you valiant , your merit ore-ioyes me , and to shew how much i value your worth ian● ere we part , receiue him into your bosome iane , or loose me euer . ▪ i allow it , and will dine with you . pr●pare shall supply my place at church , while i prepare for your returne , some guests wee must mo●●e guests wee must haue — nay , nay haste , the morne growes old , wee'le ha't a wedding day . off●. offi. 〈…〉 innocence could hope protection ; but like a bird grip'd by an eagles talent , it growing dyes . grow●ng ; but like a 〈…〉 by an eagles talent , it growing dyes . what punishment can you inflict on war●e breach of loue , of holy vowes ? sets them at warre whose hearts were married in a 〈◊〉 congregation 〈◊〉 them at warre whose hearts were married in a full congregation of angels : i know you will angel● hearts were married in a 〈◊〉 congregation of angels : i know you will not say , but such deserue no● congregation of angels : i know you will not say , but such deserue to dye yet marwood hea●t marwood being dead , you reach your fury to his heart , that did this benefit . g●ati●●● oh gratiana if i may not liue to 〈◊〉 thee here , il m●y oh gratiana if i may not liue to 〈◊〉 thee here , il would thou 〈◊〉 oh gratiana if i may not liue to enjoy thee here , il would thou hadst beene dead so , il would thou hadst beene dead indeede for in a little time , we shu'd 〈…〉 each other 〈…〉 dead indeede so in a little time , we shu'd ha met each other in a better world ? but since 〈◊〉 since i go before thee , i will carry thy prayse along , and if my soule forget not , what 〈◊〉 and if my soule forget not , what it hath lou'd , when it conuerst with men , i wil so talke 〈◊〉 thither , and be of their society doe not veile thy beauty with such a shower , keepe this ba●ren soft raine , to water some more lost , and barren garden , least thou destroy the spring , na●ure garden , least thou destroy the spring , which nature made to be a wonder in thy cheeke s●e a liue , as glad to see thee , as thou art to know thy selfe 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 see thee , as thou art to know thy selfe acquitted for my 〈◊〉 ; which i of purpose by this 〈◊〉 as thou art to know thy selfe 〈◊〉 for my death ; which i of purpose by this honest friend p●eading you might ha beene lesse violent in your pleading , do not engage me past respects of mine eng●ge beene lesse violent in your pleading , do not engage me past respects of mine , or your own honor mi●e pleading , do not engage me past respects of mine , or your own honor . ha●e mine is aboue thy malice , i haue a breast impenetrable , 'gainst which , ●●ndly breast impenetrable , 'gainst which , thou soundly ayming , thy arrowes , but recoile into fri●nd friend we haue found thy errour — l●t let it be mine , we haue had stormes already sto●mes let it be mine , we haue had stormes already . tel● tell me iniurious man for in this presence you accus●d this presence you must acquit the honour you accus'd , discharge thy poyson here , in humane in humane you accus'd , discharge thy poyson here , inhumane traytor — wo●t thou wo't aske her now forigvenes , she's al chastitie a●ke thou wo't aske her now forigvenes , she's al chastitie so giuene● thou wo't aske her now forigvenes , she's al chastitie . t●us why d'ee tempt me thus ? t●o you are too full of guilt to excuse your trechery . f●l you are too full of guilt to excuse your trechery . b●g what ? i am not arm'd you see , but your big language would not fright my youth , were fals● hood should find then i would dare to proue it a falsehood , on your person . oppor●unely you are come opportunely , cardona speake the truth , as thou wouldst p●●nard speake the truth , as thou wouldst not eate my poinard , is not gratiana a sinnefull woman . h●ld hold , i confesse — you neuer did enioy gratiana y●u hold , i confesse — you neuer did enioy gratiana . sh●m● let not our shame be publicke , sir , you shall haue the whole pub●icke let not our shame be publicke , sir , you shall haue the whole truth , wi●h teares were able to wash my sinne away — won with your promises , i did , in hope to marke b●acke and get a husband for my childe , with much blacke oratoury , woe my daughter to supply gratianaes ●hat daughter to supply gratianaes bed , whom with what circumstance , you enioy'd , that you beleeu'd enioy●d gratianaes bed , whom with what circumstance , you enioy'd , that you beleeu'd it was the virgin you tha● whom with what circumstance , you enioy'd , that you beleeu'd it was the virgin you desir'd b●leeu'd what circumstance , you enioy'd , that you beleeu'd it was the virgin you desir'd . ●t i am at a confasion , where's this daughter ? h●th into how many sinnes hath lust engag'd me ? is there a hope you can ●nd engag'd me ? is there a hope you can forgiue , and you , and she whom i haue most dishonor'd co●fest this she confest to me , though i conceal'd from thee the lea● i shall begin my recompence : lead you to church we'le find the priest more p●iest recompence : lea● you to church we'le find the priest more worke . do●e he has done some already , for by this time i haue a li●e●y to young hauer . that walk'd in rawbones liuery , — they'r return'd . dis●●uise , i meant it so : a letter tooke off this disguise before ; nay here are more couples , enough enoug● disguise before ; nay here are more couples , enough to play at barly-break ▪ barly-break▪ here are more couples , enough to play at barly-breake ▪ more couples , enough to play at barly-break . ma●●e●lodam master lodam , you and i are in hell , ●runke i am not drunke — sur● sure this is a dreame . ou● captayne , 'las wee doe but walke and talke in our sleepe , all this while . sl●epe , 'las wee doe but walke and talke in our sleepe , all this while . a'tha● what d'ee thinke a'that sir . k●cke● kickes him . foo●e say you so , let my foote be in too then . s●rrowes many changes ; our wedding day is come , the sorrowes past shall giue our present ioy more heauenly ●on●st pray he fauourable to wake a foole dormant i mongst yee ; ● ha beene kickt , and kicke to that ● fauourable to wake a foole dormant i mongst yee ; i ha beene kickt , and kicke to that purpose kick● dormant i mongst yee ; ● ha beene kickt , and kicke to that purpose , may be , they knockt at ▪ doore , my braines are a sleepe in the garret . i must appeale from their feete to your soon●ly but one , you must clap me , and clap mee soonely d'ee heare ▪ i shall hardly come to my selfe d●e● , you must clap me , and clap mee soonely d'ee heare ▪ i shall hardly come to my selfe ▪ clap me , and clap mee soonely d'ee heare , i shall hardly come to my selfe else .
the arcadia shirley, james this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text s in the english short title catalog (stc ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. martin mueller incompletely or incorrectly transcribed words were reviewed and in many cases fixed by nayoon ahn lydia zoells this text has not been fully proofread earlyprint project evanston il, notre dame in, st.louis, washington mo distributed under a creative commons attribution-noncommercial . unported license a .xml a pastorall called the arcadia. acted by her majesties servants at the phænix in drury lane. written by iames shirly gent. shirley, james, - . dpi tiff g page images university of michigan, digital library production service ann arbor, michigan october (tcp phase ) stc ( nd ed.) . greg, ii, . a

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 a pastorall called the arcadia. acted by her majesties servants at the phænix in drury lane. written by iames shirly gent. arcadia arcadia. arcadia. shirley, james, - . sidney, philip, - . [ ] p. printed by j[ohn] d[awson] for iohn williams, and f. eglesfeild and are to be sould at the signe of the crane in pauls church-yard, london : .

an adaptation of: sidney, sir philip. arcadia.

partly in verse.

printer's name from stc.

signatures: [a] b-i .

the first leaf is blank.

reproduction of the original in the university of michigan. library.

 a shc the arcadia shirley, james nayoon ahn lydia zoells play tragicomedy shc no a s (stc ). . b the rate of . defects per , words puts this text in the b category of texts with fewer than defects per , words. incorporated ~ , textual changes made to the shc corpus by hannah bredar, kate needham, and lydia zoells between april and july during visits, separately or together, to the bodleian, folger and houghton libraries as well as the rare book libraries at northwestern university and the university of chicago

a pastorall called the arcadia .

acted by her majesties servants at the phaenix in drury lane .

written by iames shirly gent.

london , printed by i. d. for iohn williams , and f. eglesfeild and are to be sould at the signe of the crane in pauls church-yard . .

the persons of the comedy . basilius king of arcadia musidorus a prince disguisd as a shepheard , lover of pamela , pyrocles a prince disguisd as an amazon , lover of philoclea . evarchus father to pyrocles . arcadian lords . calander philonax simpathus caladolous servant to musidorus , dametas a rustick shepbeard and guardian to pamela and philoclea . cupid . masquers . thumbe a miller captaine of the rebells . rebells . a messenger gynecia the queene . daughters to basilius and gynecia . pamela philoclea miso wife to dametas . mopsa daughter to dametas and miso . the scene arcadia .
a pastorall called the arcadia .
actus primus . enter basilius , philonax and calander . philon. sir yet be gracious and heare them pray that beg not for their owne , but for your safety and honor of your state which eclipse in your long darke and melancholly life , we want you at the helme . our duties bind us tell you t is unnaturall to bury your selfe alive , the people call for their owne king to governe , the 'ile forget to pray for you if you continue thus a stranger to em cal. or if not for them which every good king makes his care as being a steward to provide them all earthly blessings , yet for the other part of you , our mistris that sleepes within your boosome , and not made for such a conversation , returne and warme your thoughts agen , about which all your servants like so many pictures gaze at one another , but want motion , and take up roome i th chambers of your court , like arras philon have a compassion to our daughters sir kill not your hopes in their restraint cal. what cage can please the birds created for skie freedome ? philon. how can you see your eldest child pamela spend her best part of time with such a rude and ignorant hinde as the unbred dametas ? a lady of a high and active soule , bas. no more philon. our duties bids us tell you this . bas. hast thou forgotten philonax , or made a better glosse upon the oracle ? should we remaine in court and let our daughters be in the sight of the admiring world reade that paper , and be not partiall philonax philonax reads thy eldest care shall from thy carefull face by princely meane be stolne and yet not lost the younger shall with natures blisse embrace an uncoch love , which nature hateth most both these themselves unto two such shall wed that at a beere , as at a barre shall plead why i le thee a living man they have made dead , in thine owne seate a forraigne state shall sit and ere that all these blowes thy head shall sit thou with thy wife adultery shall commit . bas. canst blame me now ? i should reioyce to see my daughters happy mothers , but since their fate must be ripened with my blood , their pride rooted in my grave , and that untimely , t is wisdome to keepe 'em vrigins . i me resolu'd enter gynaecia , philoclea and pyrocles . cal. your queene and ladies bas. vanish all discontent , madam this place is emptie of all royall entertainement your worth may challenge , but since fate allowes not a courtly life which best may answer your high birth spirit , let your vertue guide you to accept of what we tender , pyr. this my lord exceeds all merrit heere , it was the blisse i aimd at to be acquainted with your goodnesse i am your humble servant bas. such a title would rather become me , call me so lady and stile me above kings , while i write yours philon. if your grace could call him from this life you 'd melt the hearts of your subjects into prayers for you gyne. i thanke your care but hee s mexorable cal. alas deere princesse can you brooke these grove : has not a pallace something more of pleasure ? phi. this shall be so to mee while t is my fathers , cal. i ha not seene a goodlier person , how came she admitted ? she is gracious with the king phi. she has a charme to win from all the world philon. i have read the amazons discrib'd so pyr. good my lord . bas. these lippes had he that robd the dragon of the golden apples , but once seene he would ha wish'd to ha gatherd fruit heere , and esteemd the gaine of one sweet kisse reward sufficient for all his twelve hard labors pyr. sir your grace is pleasantly dispos'd to make my person the subject of your mirth bas and had those creatures , booke blinded men , that dreame of other worlds tell of elizian blessings , know the joyes are in your love they would have lost themselves as i have done in speculation pyr. you make me blush to heare you bas. there 's no action dares so affright your blood , to talke , why lady there be those men and women great and good have found no shame in telling of their loves nay in the acting pyr. give me leave to tell you you are not modest if i understand you a king give breath to such foule thoughts , your every action should be a starr to guide your subjects , if you loose your piety what wickednesse have they not hence for if the devotion of your service be to such a friend as lust ( as what name else can it deserve ) let those whose hearts are lost in sinne be tempted to dishonor , i abhor the thought , pardon me royall sir i hope these are but trialls , if i thought there had been such a levity in men thus to provoke you bas. smooth thy brow agen or i shall neede no other punishment there 's death too much in that ; philocles pyr. that name sounds all my comfort , and i must dispaire to tell her so , i was to blame to be so peremptorie , would i were agen ; to shape my answer bas. noble lady . pyr. sir bas. that smile has put me out , oh looke thus ever i was studying a new complement to begg thy excuse pyr. if you brought no offence there needes none sir i must suppose your love , love is noble chaste bas. you will finde that hereafter , oh zelmane . would thou couldst tell the meaning of my sighes pyr. you can expresse them . bas. not i pyr. choose another to speake them for you and yet i want an or at or to tell you what i would say , how ere i seeme bas. dost blesse me pyr. there 's something wants a tongue , but for your passions i should not thinke they would carry so much discord to any virgin care delivered by a woman there is a way to meete a gentle audience . at least not harsh disdaine , did your faire daughter philoclea the volume of all sweetnes pleade halfe your suit , altho it borderd on something not altogether just , her tongue might perchance guide it , but i am confident your ends are noble bas. there 's a lightening yet of comfort , happiest lady i will study . how to be worthy of this grace , gyne. you are expected at the pastoralls philon. we take our leaves my lord againe beseeching your pardon for our bouldnesse to reduce you to your owne spheare of greatnes bas. doe you continue faithfull to your employments , and deserve of us and of your country ; come zelmane there are some sports which you must grace pyr. i waite a servant to your commands gy. come sweete zelmane pyr. come sweetest of thy sex phi. t is pittie nature . made thee not a man , this complement would then become you exeunt . enter pamela and mopsa . pam. mopsa you are to coy in my opinion tho i confesse your beauty may deserve as much as any ; dorus tho he be your fathers servant , hee 's a hansome shepheard and not to be dispised . mop.

dispised , cannot a virgin love a young man i pray but she must dispise him .

pam.

you should then with some smiles encourage him .

mop.

smoyles , let me alone to smoile , and something else when we are alone ; if i thought he did not love me , i know what i know

pam.

alas poore man he cannot sleepe for you he saies ,

mop.

nay and i were a bed with him he should not sleepe so long as his eyes were open , i 'de watch him for that , but doe you thinke my father would let us couple in matrimony as they say , he has never a sonne but i and i am his onely daughter .

pam.

make no scruple of that , if you can finde in your heart to love him , in the name of cupid goe together , for ought i perceive your father houlds a good opinion of him , marry i know not how your mother is inclinde

enter musidorus . mop. whoope my mother 's a scould pam. here 's your sweete heart , looke you make much of him , poore gentleman how love is abie to transport , who could expect so rich a guest in that poore dwelling oh how ere the windes compell him , or the streame into whose troubled waves he has launch'd forth this way he steeres his love , yet i seeme ignorant . mus. my deerest mopsa mop. deere ; i never cost you anything mus. i know not at what expence of fortunes were i able i should be willing to make purchase of you but i 'me sure you have already cost my heart and yet i find yours made of marble which neither pitty nor my prayers can soften , sweete madam pleade for me , one gracious word from you would make me happie , let one beame shoot from your eye , and it will strike a spring into that frozen peece of earth , and make it a bower for love to sport in , 't is in you to unarme her noble heart , there 's too much steele and gentle love in vaine attempts to fasten the softer blowes . pam. mopsa take heed , your shepheard can speake well and if he be honest menalcus brother and heire , i know no reason why you should thinke scorne of him . mop. but for all his queint speeches i le keepe my honestie close enough i warrant you mus. why should you be so cruell , nature made your face the onely object of mans wonder mop. does my face looke like a flapiack ? mus. is 't possible there can be a soule so hard so vnrelenting dwell in that faire body ? if you knew the truth of my affection and with what religion it lookes upon your vertues . 't would teach your eye compassion , gracious princesse let the distressed dorus gaine this mercy from you that with the blessednes of your white hand reaching to mopsa this poore toy which late i found my love may cherish hope at last to be accepted mop. oh fine what 's that madam ? pam. you must yet be a little coy to receive it mop. i wonot have it , and he would give it me pam. a rich iewell the figure of a crabfish mus. the trew emblem of my loves pace which lookes another way to that it moves , she cannot but distinguish whether i would direct my heart , her eyes are fixt upon 't , and my poore soule could heere star-gaze for ever pam. by force not choyce — all his desire is mopsa tow in your grace by my presenting it mop. i le take it for your sake , i wonot thanke him mus. she has no apprehension , with what a calme and carelesse temper does she give it enter dametas dame. madam pamela , oh are you there , t is well pam. what 's the matter ? dame. i me out of breath , let me walke my selfe a little pam. what haste does tire you ? dam. tire me , i am no woman , keepe your tires to your selfe nor am i pericles prince of tyre . pam i doe beleeve it , heaven make you an honest subject , for a wise one , i dispaire to see you . dam.

am i the subject of your talke ? but i give you leave to use your tongue , y' are a woman , dorus what make you ideling heere ? is the field dung'd as i gave directions , and the calfe with the white face brought home to execution ?

mus.

i was carefull in my dutie .

pam.

beleeve me governor there is much hope of your servant ,

dam.

i , governour becomes you , i like it well when you carry an m vnder your girdle , our govern , he will do pritty well in time , when i have taught him the manners of the cart , he begins whistle in tune already , and can curry favour with the horses , but now i remember my selfe i forgot what i came hither for , oh d ee heare t is the king your fathers pleasure and mine , that you make haste to the lodge .

pam.

i le attend

dam.

there will be gambolls to please my lady salamandor .

pam.

zelmane you would say .

dam.

i care not what you say , but if you meane to heare the dances and see the fine songs you must make haste ; dorus you shall have leave to shake your heeles , looke you be mannerly , and shew a cleane calf , mopsa what 's that you ha got there ?

mop.

a fine thing our man dorus game , he saies t is a fish

dam.

t is a codds head i st not , much came how you by this

mus.

following the plow i found it .

dam.

would all my acres were sowne with such , vmh dores he throw his stones at thee already , well set forward , if thou diest before me dorus i le make some body mine heire ; if i out live thee , i wonot say what legacie i meane to bestow upon thee , continue thy dutie dorus and follow me with a reverence .

exeunt enter basilius , gynecia , pyrocles , pamela , philoclea , mopsa , musidorus , a shepheards . bas. ladies our revells wants the state and glory with which the court delights might charme your senses our sceane is naturall but interpret fairely 't was meant a cure for times sicke feathers , and your mirth , gy. virtue will prompt you to accept what was intended for your service yet 't is within my wishes to salute you with other testimony of your welcome . pyr. i kisse your white hand , gy. every touch conveies a firce spirit through my blood i shall betray my suffering , and through my eyes let out my heart , philoclea sit phi. wil t please you rest your selfe ? pyr. dwell heere for ever i am now but one degree from heaven , phi. since you imagine you are so neere , it is no sin i hope to entreate you staie with us a little , i would wish tho to make you blest with too hastie a remove . pyr. you are all goodnes , oh that i durst but give some liberty to my imprisoned thoughts gy. philoclea you hinder the faire stranger . pyr. pardon me that am her trouble rather bas. she should want vertue to call you so , but they begin dametas is the steward for this dayes mirth i see . enter dametas and meanes to bring in the first course . dam. cupid is blind some say but there are lyes abroad , for cupid never wanted eyes he is a deity with bow and arrow and he can pirce with it the very marrow and never hurt the bones , i st not a wonder . that flaming ice should cut mans heart in sunder , enter cupid shepheard musedo . mopsa and miso : behold the dandiprat that liv'd at court . but is come hether to make country sport a wooddy god ; but yet a very coult among the maids who feele his furious boult . now cupid speake thy selfe or while they play sing if you please i ha'not more to say . cupid . tell me tydings of my mother . shepheards , and be cupids brother downe from heaven we came together with swanns speede came she not hither ? but what lady have i spyde . iust so was my mother eyde such her smiles wherein i dwelt in those lips have i been felt those the pillowes of her brest which gave cupid so much rest . 't is she 't is she make holyday shepheards carroll dance and play 't is venus it can be no other cupid now has found his mother gy. this was your poetrie , zelmane you are beholding to him , he would make you another i see , bas. gynecia gy. i am silent — philoclea is too neere i am not well 'o th sudden , breake off your mirth bas. what ayles gynecia ? gy. my heart is sicke pyr. forbid it heaven bas. retire , come my zelmane pyr. i attend bas. looke to your charge dametas exeunt . pam. i have a pretious time ; will you pace it governor ? dam. trot , amble or gallop i le runne in your hand lady . exit . mop. come dorus mus. your humble servant exeunt . pyr. thou art cruell . to an innocent bosome love , there is no way within thy power to save me , oh philoclea where shall i coole my heart , oh if there be one shaft can kill , good cupid ayme at me . exit .
actus secundus . enter gynecia and miso . mi.

i warrant you madam they shall have good lucke if they whisper together in my hearing ,

gy.

where is zelmane ?

miso .

in some of the arbours , she tooke a lute abroad with her but i left philoclea with her father

gy.

prithee be carefull and watch them well good miso

miso .

they shano't scape me , i le watch their waters narrowlie i warrant you .

exit . gy. i see through his disguise 't is so , and love hath put this shape on him for philoclea , in what a miserable flame i burne ! zelmane thou hast stolne . my vertue from me , i ha'not power to thinke a harmelesse thought , ha musique , musique . song pyrocles sings enter pyroclos . from whence breathes that sound ? it is zelmane . pyr. what miserable accident brought her ? gy. zelmane pyr. madam i hope you 'l pardon the trespasse of a rude hand and voyce , i meant not this for your curious care gy. 't was harmony pyr. it was no light aire i 'me sure gy. indeede it carried something me thought of sorrowes descant , i heard love i' nt too who is so happie to deserve a memorie but in your sigh , come whoe 's your servant ? pyr. i have no servant . gy. nay then i see you can dissemble , my husband py. madam i hope gy. nay i am so farre from iealosie i should not be angry to see you both a bed together pyr. how madam gy. why i can love you too , come thou sha't be my bed-fellow pyr. i am not worthy gy. beleeve me i could take as much delight in thy imbraces as my husbands , why are we so nice to one annother , i am a woman , are not you so too ? why should we not be bould then , i have a mind to call thee mistris , yes and i le disguise . my selfe in some queint shape to court thy love : pyr. disguise gy. nay do not blush : thou shalt be a man pyr. your discourse appeares . strange to me madam . gy. as you would to me and yet you may as easily perceive gynecias mind as i distinguish you through all your clouds , cupid doth dictate rarely . to those that come to schoole to him , instruct with hansome shaddowes to deceive the eye but cannot change my substance , i have a sense can looke beyond the superficiall barke come y' are transparen't pyr. madam what d ee meane ? gy. what meanes zelmane to be ignorant when a queene pleads for love , my heart will not allow more circumstance ; doe not question how you became reveald , but pitty her whose boosome is tormented with those fires thy smiles the only greater flame can quench . pyr. pray heaven , you have your perfect senses . gy. then i must be plainer , and be witnesse love i am compell'd , be witnesse modesty , i now must blush for thee more then my selfe , a man , and be so cruell to a lady zelmane either give consent i shall be welcome to thee , or i vow by heaven to tell basilius what thou art , i have patience to let him court thee as a woman but when he see 's his love abuse his privacie and daughters so dishonor'd hadst thou a thousand lives they were all forfeited by this so desperate intrusion , thinke uppon 't a woman i have lost thee , wheither will the tempest of my fate inforce my tongue yet be thou kinde zelmane if thou takst a glory in my suffering , philoclea does that name startle you ? philoclea my rivall now pyr. your rivall gy. come i am familliar with every thought your deere saint shall repent it , for this hand shall take againe the unluckie life i gave her : turne not gynecia fury pyr. i am lost in the same minute i am found , i prithee doe not forsake me heart , i never had more use of thee , great queene can you forgive ? gy. and aske thy pardon , but beleeve me t' was your strangenes did compell me to this language py. i never thought that pitty of annother could be a reason to betray my selfe but you have throughly charm'd me , and i must deliver up my thoughts , the truth is madam i am a man , and if you dare beleeve me a prince , i must confesse beside gynecia since i came heither i have had some sprinckling of i know not what affection to philoclea for how could i imagine such a blessednes from you , but if you mocke not gy. ioyes reward your pittie oh pardon the over chardg'd gynecia whose error may be yet made more excusable by the immortall name of love pyr. this grace is worth more then zelmane , and yet i have nothing but my selfe to give you for it a small but free guift , bestow me as you please gy. my soule is narrow to receive this wide blessing . pyr. but me must be wise it were not safe to be observ'd stand i discover'd to none else ? gy. to none py. then know i want no apprehension of what true lovers would desire , but your honor is my owne , if shortly to secure 'em both you let me study an opportunity i le bring your wishes home , and blesse my starrs that pointed me the glorious fate , we are already interrupted enter basilius and philoclea . bas. doe this my deere philoclea , and leave my cares to thee , i le call gynecia away , and leave you both together , how faireth the best zelmane ? pyr. still your servant bas. gynecia . pyr. i cannot rule my eyes they will betray my cunning to gynecia if she goe not hence quickly phi. how is it with my vertuous amazon ? gy. philoclea bas. let her alone , they have some busines sweete gy. what busines can they have together ? bas. why art thou troubled , thou would'st be jealous of me i see , were i in privat with her , come let 'em alone a while gy. stay you and spare not i would imploy philoclea bas. you shall obay me now , i prithee walke exeunt . phi, my father sweete zelmane to whose command i owe my life pyr. first let me give my life vp to these lips , and take a new one from this kisse , oh deere philoclea containe all other breath i know thy fathers minde already , and must now beseech thy patience to a short story which i must deliver or dy before thee , if it be within my desteny to be condem'd by you at least know whom you sentence ; i am phi. what ? i feare not well pyr. cannot your eyes discover me , have i a shrowd to hide me from philoclea ? did the kisse i gave thee last convey no secret to thee ? there was a spirit in my lip assur'd me . to save the tedious trouble of my language . i heard it whisper something , did it not ? i would be faine undone phi. good heaven forbid pyr. you wonot understand me yet philoclea then i le undoe my selfe , i am not what i seeme zelmane ; but — phi. what ? p●. a thing not worth the name , if you frowne on me , a man phi. a man , good heaven — pyr. i have tould you all the worst if it be no offence to name a prince whose memory your owne breath oft hath sweeten'd i dare be call'd pyroclos of macedon transform'd by loving your faire selfe to this feminine shape , if now i have not sinn'd above forgivenes . phi. oh philoclea come not too neere i charge you ; i would chide . but dare not , would you had not tould me this indeed you were to blame , i must not heare you excuse your selfe pyr. she must not leave me thus but she returnes phi. i have lost my selfe already , and love is but a blinde guide to direct my virgin steps , i faine would reply something but feele a tremblinge in my voyce , zelmane my father , what account shall i give him enter basilius i have said nothinge he commanded bas. she smiles pyr. my lord i see you can use the advantage and i did arme you against my selfe ; i did not thinke when i advis'd you make philoclea your advocate , she could so much have wonne vpon me , but my counsell has betray'd me , pray thinke me not immodest , if my words doe fall too rudely from me , your faire daughter whose tongue would lay a charme uppon the gods , hath gain'd all this . bas. the gods reward her for it phi. was this his plot ? bas. a thousand blessings overtake my child but not a word , not a word philoclea to thy mother phi. i have learnt my duty sir pyr. beshrew your haste bas. remove , convey thy selfe away deere girle , i le follow phi. my heart is full , and tho my tongue denies him farwell , he may reade it in my eye . exit . bas. i knew thou couldst not choose at last but give my heart an audience ; i am not my selfe with the imagination pyr. of what ? bas.

of any thing ; come i allow thee modest , it is not fit we should say our pleasures , sweete but act them

pyr. you are to violent my lord , i shall repent my freedome , if you give no limit to your desires , if you doe love your servant , husband your flame that it may last bas. it shall pardon me deere zelmane , i have a stock of blood , tho you may thinke it could is high and active as the veynes of promising youth i weare this snow but a disguise pyr. poore winter , bas. my haires are black at roote , and shall grow up faire as the ebony and curle themselues into a thousand pretty caves for love it selfe to sit that best delights in darknes pyr. this will be strange . bas. 't is you that worke these miracles vpon basilius , as i came heither i felt a score of yeares drop off , which hung vpon my locks pyr. a score of haires you meane : t is molting time containe your selfe a while , you have a jealous queene , and yet it goes against my conscience to wrong so sweete a lady , pray my lord thinke better on t bas. this does inflame me more be not so cruell to remember her thou must preserve my life . py. well i ha thought a way shall perfect all without suspition there is a cave hard by which nature made intending well to lovers , thether will i with licence of your grace pretending to exercise a few dayes some devotions we amazons have obligation to at some convenient houre . bas. may i come to thee pyr. i le give you notice in some evening bas. zelmane now thou dost ravish me py. you may with ease secure all at the lodge bas. most excellent pyr. i imagin sir the rest but doe not come till i desire you bas. be not tedious then , i will prepare all this pyr. i hope you doe not conclude me impudent that i encline to doe this for you , by my hopes of a blest eternitie nor love nor lust ere tempted my thoughts to yeild thus much to any man be carefull of my honor . bas. oh devine zelmane keepe my soule . exit . pyr. philoclea mine enter musidorus mus. oh my deere pyrocles pyr. how i st deere cozen mus. never till now could you salute me happy the gods have beene propitious pyr, will she know thee yet ? mus. there 's nothing wants to make me perfect blest but to heare thee pronounce thy love as fortunate the envious clouds which interpose themselves like a darke curtaine ore pamelas face . are drawne away and i enjoy her smile she does beleeve my proofes , sweetely excusing her long neglect , and promiseth as much as i dare aske : shee l ' trust me with her person i want but opportunity to deceive our waking dragons ; — and in good time dametas . enter dame away you shall know all my fate hereafter , pyr. i joy in thy successe , pray thou for mine . exit . dam. where is this rascall dorus mus. whether were i best to tell the king on t first or seeke out dametas , hee 'l never be able to spend it , there may be gold enough to purchase halfe arcadia dam. vmh , what 's that ? mus. i le seeke him out at all adventures ; oh sir , pray is this gold — and this and this ? dam. ha gold , yes very good gold , where hadst it mus. you shall heare more hereafter dam. dorus , honest dorus , put on thy hat , where where , hadst it mus. did you never heare of one aristomines ? dam. he was banish'd arcadia mus. was he rich dam. infinite rich , so rich mus. 't is so , belike he there had all his treasure dam. what treasure , where i' st honest dorus tell me mus. you are my master and may be my father dam. my sonne dorus , mopsa is thine , and she were made of as pure gold as this , thou shouldst touch her , and melt her mus. well i see it was ordained to make you rich in dutie i le discover it , and yet — drm. out with it good dorus mus. well — sitting beneath an oake that shall be namelesse i chanc'd to turne up some turff with my mole-spade dam. with thy mole spade , what then mus. i saw a yellow brightnes peeping out o th' ground , which when i came to examine i prov'd this mettall , i this was the first , y' are sure 't is gold , you shall pardon me for the rest but if these will do you any pleasure , or twentie more dam. nay good honest dorus proceede . mus. why the truth is i suspect where a great treasure has been long buried , these it seemes were scatter'd when the rest went to the pit-hole . dam. but where is this place good dorus ? thou hast no more about thee mus. no but if you please to furnish me with tooles i le trye the bottome ; i digd till i came to a stone , whose inscription promis'd something worth a mans labour dam. did it sound mus. melodiously a goulden tune dam. where , where , thou maist tell me thou knowest i am secret mus. for mopsa sake i will reveal 't , you know the oake where you first met me dam. ha very well mus. on the right side of that same spreading tree lies all this riches dam. as th' art honest mus. as i hope to be deere mopsa's husband , i le get strong tooles and bring you better proofe dam. stay dorus stay , let me see as i intend to be your father dorus and so in mopsas name make you my heire of all my wealth , good dorus i am yet till things and things be done your master dorus beside that ground is mine , the oake is mine where under lies this treasure , i am lord lord of the soyle my dorus , of the soile i am content to be a ground for you to build to hopes on dorus , but my ground no man shall dig or build on but my selfe on such as this , be there a myne of coyne or vncoyne mettall it is mine all may be yours annother day my dorus . mus. i know my duty sir and cannot thinke the gods had ere a lotted my free mind to serve you but for some strange end dam.

in this thou shewst it , keepe all close , not a word dorus , i take no leave be carefull my good dorus of my young madam , 't is a charge i turne over to thee , over looke her well .

mus. i meane to doe it doubly dam how , ha you a duble meaning ? mus. i meane with double care dam. honest dorus 't is the last service i shall put thee to mus. i hope so to dam. now to the oake my golden land marke mus. load a horse with tooles sir dam. mattocks and shovells mus. hookes and ladders . dam. spade and pickaxes mus. ropes and daggers ; you l have no helpe dam. no no , a mans owne toyle sweeter the profit makes in his owne soyle . exit mus goe thy wayes for the lord a' th soyle there 's one blocke out a' th way the golden flie , has caught this trowte , my jealous mistris i hope she ore heard not mis.

oh that my eares had beene long enough to have heard some of there pretious knaverie

mus.

it were but charitie to tell her on 't , little does my mistris thinke what a flesh flie my master is ,

mis. what saies the knave mus. tho she be a little stricken in yeares she is hansome enough for as good a man as dametas , and he to runne neighing a this fashion after a blowse , and then put me to make excuse for him , 't is not right . mis. oh fidious rascall , i thought there was some roguerie , dorus as thou com'st of a woman tell me mus. what forsooth mis.

oh naughty man to vse an honest woman the wrong way thus , have i beene married so many yeares , and carried my selfe like his lawfull wife uprising and downe lying as they say , so even and jumpe with his desires to be thus handled , but i le be reveng'd it shall fall heavie vpon his head for this i warrant him , nay i did alwaies suspect him for a colt

mus.

what meane you forsooth ,

mis.

come i ouer-heard somewhat to my griefe , and therefore leaue your bogling and your trim tram tricks you must not flap me o th mouth with fleering and with flams whilst he

mus.

claps vp another betwixt the — a ha mistris mistris but you say you overheard , and therefore if you know whether he is gone you may come two houres hence time enough to prevent the blow .

mis.

if thou lookest to have my daughter with , marke what i say

mus.

with fathers marke and mothers marke , and every mark about her

mis.

if you conceale any thing in this case , thou knowst no case of her , nay tho thy teeth water out the liquor of thy life , thou shouldst not get a bit , the worst bit of her .

mus.

be more charitable

mis.

or if thou chance to get her gainst my will i le teach her a tricke of the mother shall make thee curse her and all the brood she came one ,

mus.

what is charita to me , i know you heard him name her .

mis.

charita .

mus.

i will discharge my conscience and yet if you overheard us without my telling , you know where hee appointed to meet her this evening at mantinea at her fathers in ondemion streete ,

mis

ondemion street ?

mus.

i doe not betray him now if you provide so happily to take em at it mistris at it .

mis.

i at it , how i itch to be at it

mus.

saddle your mare .

mis.

they shal not scape with halfe an eie betwixt them .

exit . enter pamela and mopsa . mus.

i have given her the bells and she will flye to the devill — here comes the tother i ha given her phisicke already fit for her constitution and now it works .

pam. how comes it mopsa that you are so taken so lifted up with high conceit ? mop. who i pam. yes mapsa you , d ee thinke i cannot iudge by outward gestures and your lookes what joy doth inwardly possesse you mop. who me pam. yes you againe , and it were not over bouldnesse to request some knowledge of the cause mop.

rest you content ; you are a princesse borne i might have beene so to , some body may be a queene before you , make what you can of that

pan.

oh fate how 's this

mop.

there is a tree , and there is things worth wishing , and some may wish and wishes may be had make what you can of that too

mus. to my wish it workes pam. but mopsa may i not beseech a word that may be to my understanding mop.

you may know more hereafter , but till then i must presume upon your princely patience to keepe your chamber , it is now my raigne and doe not dare to follow

pam. not i , when you are drawne up to majesty i can but wish you graciously would then remember the obedience of your handmaide that first submits her selfe to your command . mop.

i faith i will pamela , and reward it , goe in sweete lady , on my royall word i will ,

exit pamela . mus. she has spide me mop. happy dorus mus. what will my mopsa say when she has climb'd the tree of happines ? mop.

i i the tree , when i climbe that tree , hony dorus tell me it over agen , my deere bird what did iupiter to apollo .

mus.

vpon some falling out i tould you jupiter threw apollo out of heaven and his deitie taken away he was faine to live upon the earth and keepe admetas cattell , in the time of his service being sent to fetch a breede of beasts out of arcadia , in this very desart he grew fainte and wearie ; and would needs rest himselfe in the boughes of an ashen tree .

mop.

the tree we wot of ; on sweete bird

mus.

apollo in that tree calling to minde his quarrell with iupiter became very sorrowfull , and pittifully complayning to his father , asking him mercie for having offended him was from that tree receiv'd into his golden spheare , and made a god agen

mop. oh brave mus. having the perfect nature of a god never to be ingratefull he then granted a double life to admetas , and because that tree was chappell of his happy prayers to it he gave this quality mop. now it comes mus. that whosoever sat downe in that tree in like estate and sort as he did then mop. oh now now now . mus. should forthwith have there their wish mop. oh the tree , the tree , the tree mus.

the king vnderstood thus much by oracle ; and tried himselfe but being neither heardman as then apollo was , nor of the race which is necessarie , delivered this secret to your father but made him sweare to wish by his direction ; for his owne benefit dametas tould it me , and is now gon to furnish himselfe with a scarlet cloake for in that he must be mufled just as apollo was , i might now prevent 'em all and be king my selfe , but what have i to wish more then the love of mopsa which since without more charming force you yeild me ; i le fit you with a cloake and then wish what you will your selfe

mop.

i le be queene or apollo shall never looke me in the face agen , quickly sweet dorus , come muffle me i long to be queene , and my father shall aske me blessing .

exeunt
actus tertius . enter rebells and thumbe cap.

come my masters let us be resolute , is there any man that will justifie himselfe to be sober amongst us ?

.

no hang sobriety

cap.

we must be valiant , the king i say agen has left us , and since he scornes our company for my part i scorne to be his subject

.

i i scorne subjects , i le be an emperor

.

it is time to looke into the government , none but gentlemen are of his counsell , i see no reason since the countrie is ' ours but we should have a stroake in the state .

cap.

that was bravely spoke my bully , stroke , he by mars his gauntlet spoke like a souldier , i doe not like the carriage of the secret counsells

.

nor i nor any body

thu.

take heede my masters

.

le ts heare thumbe the miller

thu.

we met together to drinke in honour of the kings birth-day and tho we have tickled the cannikins , let vs be merrie and wise that 's my opinion , no treason , the king is an honest gentleman , and so is the queene .

.

very wisely spoken .

cap.

but shall be govern'd by philonax ' :

.

who knowes but he has made away the king

th.

made away the king , who honest basilius , aske the king who has made him away , by this hand if i thought they had made him away i would make some body away , tho i hang'd for t , but neighbors for my owne part i will joyne with you in any thing that is honorable , d ee marke honorable ; but i say still i am cleare of opinion it is not a misse to be merry and wise gentlemen , my name 's thumbe ,

.

i tom

th.

and i le be a your side howsoever

.

a great spirit

cap.

shall i speake for you

omnes .

i i agreed you shall be captaine

cap.

why then let me alone ; i will know a reason why hee has left the government without our consents to depose him , 't is wisely spoken my brave men 'o th common-wealth , we will have other lawes and the old shall be executed

.

i i hang the old ones

.

't is a discredit for any subjects as we are to have a king as if we were not able to governe our selves

cap

stroake up thy forehead thou wert borne to be a statesman , be rul'd by me and wee l have no justice in arcadia

.

how

cap.

no justice , why should we loose our liberties , and being free men , upon any occasion suffer our selues to be bound over

th.

gentlemen citizens it were very good you would take into your consideration the statute against drunkennesse

cap.

it shall be lawfull for any man to be drunke without forfeiting or paying anything to the poore

th.

very good , every man drinke away his estate , and then charity begins at home ,

cap.

no man shall marrie

.

that 's worse then the statute against two wives

cap,

for every woman shall be common

.

every woman common , what shall we doe withall the proper women in arcadia

cap.

they shall be common too

.

oh'rare , and what shall we doe withall the prisons

cap.

set 'em a fire 't will warme the citie when there is cold doings

.

what with the prisoners

cap.

put 'em in possession of their creditors lands , they are the only men fit for authority ; for no men are us'd worst , and they will know the better to domineere , nay wee l have admirable lawes , but who shall be this embassador to the king

.

me me choose me captaine ,

th

choose you captaine , haberdasher of small wares , choose you a capon , i le be the embassador , ever while you live let a bould man be embassador , and one that has a braine , i will not be meale mouth'd .

.

well said miller

cap.

and because we will be wise

th.

i i be merry and wise , ever while you live be sober and discreete .

cap.

say we attend heere to do our duties

.

duties oh base

cap.

say so we must , hee l not come forth else

.

what if i could his highnes there was a dance to be presented we are furnish'd with our noise still

th.

i i , i doe love this noise with all my heart

.

excellent , get you behind the trees with your instruments , and tune 'em ready , the new friske we danc'd at enispies to day will serve rarely as the prologue , away ; but captaine what shall we doe with the kings daughters

cap.

i le have one

. and i le ha the tother our captaine shall ha the queene .

and what shall we have .

cap.

there are ladies about the court will content you

thu.

i will have both the kings daughters , and he that speakes against it —

they fight cap.

thumbe valiant thumbe , all spirit no mutinie no mutinie all of a faction together by the eares for a peece of venison

th.

i will have both the kings daughters or else i shall not be satisfied .

cap.

first let vs know the kings resolution , and if we like not our conditions , the hares a foote ; and every man take what course he please in my lords parke enter basilius , gynecia , pyrocles , and philoclea . but stay the king vmh

.

speake captaine

cap.

if it please your maiesty , what was it resolu'd upon

.

hee s out , let me come to him , prithee doe thou tell him thy minde , that delicome wench has made my teeth water

.

and drown'd thy tongue , a company of bashfull shrimpes ; if i but open my mouth , i say no more

th.

king , by your leave ; which is the king , my eyes twinckle , we have beene playing the good fellowes to celebrate your majesticall birth day , will your grace see a song

.

a dance

th.

or a dance , all 's one , our feete are in tune , strike up behinde the tree , you are the king and i am the miller , ther 's all the difference , sweete ladies my name is thumbe

bas.

this is rudenesse

gy.

pardon their simplicity

th.

i le have that wench she lookes like hercules , omnes , stand

cap.

we have interrogations points to put to you

bas.

treason , treason ,

pyr.

barborous villaines

basilius runnes in , a bell rings , philoclea , and gynecia hide themselves , pyrocles fights with them , basilius comes in with a two handed sword , after some skirmish enter philonax and calander with a guard the rebells beaten off . pyr. where is philoclea phi. heere art thou not hurt zelmane . my soule at every stroake made against thee was leaving my pale body py. deere madam are you safe bas.

i thinke i ha pepper'd some of 'em , philonax 't was not amisse you came , but zelmane and i should have made a shift

pyr.

you alone my lord , were an army against such reeling vallors , i did not thinke you could ha bestir'd your selfe so well

bas.

and i were in an other place alone with thee i could bestir my selfe better

cal. i would you would consider yet to quit this dangerous kinde of life phi. had not the valiant amazon it seemes , defenc'd your person ere the troopes ariv'd , it might have prov'd too fatall gy. he plaide the man indeede , the king is troubled and thinks me iealous of him , lasse old man bas. no more waite upon our queene and daughter , wee l follow exit . i am wounded pyr. how bas. by thee zelmane pyr. i see your passions are the same and i this might resolue to waite for you in the cave if you when your gynecia is a bed and fast a sleepe , ( be sure of that ) will please to put your selfe to a short travell , i shall not expresse your welcome , but bas. deere as my soule i apprehend my comfort one kisse in earnest of the million thou shalt receive , but carrie it close zelmane exeunt enter musidorus , and mopsa . mus. this is the tree mop. oh let me kisse it toes mus. best loose no time mop.

haile upon haile sweete tree , crowne thee and all thy wishes , oh dorus up womee dorus , up womee , up womee , up womee dorus , teach mee to clymbe the right way prithee

mus.

you must be muffled in the cloake , so now remember your instructions , make first your invocation to apollo as i tould you , which being done , imploy your minde withall devotion to his deity , untill you heare a voyce call three times on you by your name , tho you should thinke your father mother pamela or my selfe talke to you answer not they are spirits that would delude .

mop. vnder three mopsas i le not talke to 'em , i le not be cozend mus. hold there and you l ' be happy mop. i le aske a king to my husband , and thou shalt be he mus. your invocation . mop. into the greate eares of apollo now let my invocation hollow oh thou that lightest all the day for some to worke and some to play by owle light now incline a gracious eare to me thus , muffled in thy wishing tree singing whoope whoope whooe and pardon this my subtilty that i deceive the passers by i in this bough doe use the accentes of that fowle because i would be thought an owle with whoope whoope whoee enter pamela . mus. she has done her invocation pam. can she not heare us mus.

she shall heare us , but i have taken order with her eyes and understanding too , shee l not beleeve us , thou lovely bird madge howlet

mop. that 's a spirit in the voyce of dorus , but i le not answer . mus. see dorus and pamela both are heere whilst old dametas miso , and their deere daughter are stragled forth , they both together are taking now their flight , and who knowes whether pam. this is too plaine mop. oh cunning divells , but i le not heare nor speake a sillable mus. if thou canst finde a tongue to tell dametas , make knowne unto his wisdome he is gull'd take courage madam the way lies faire before us and a barque already prepard cries come a bour'd farewell howlet exeunt musidorus and pamela dametas sings within mop.

whoope whoope whooe — hey i heare another singing spirit in my fathers voyce , bee 't apollo himselfe , under three mopsas i le not speake

enter dametas dam. this is the tree , and heere the earth is broken the certaine signe left by my trusty dorus the mouth of the rich treasure i salute thee and kisse the hole from whence shall come my gold which being done blithly to worke i fall my hand is in the moone-shine , and up goes all mop. whoope whoope , whooe dam,

what 's that ; an owle , good mistris margerie i am busie art thou poore and wouldst thou be advanc'd by wealth to dignity doe not thinke it then vnmeete to stoope with hands beneath thy feete 't is not with hand over head to be found no no thou must stoope though thou holdst up thy poope and grable for 't in ground ha what 's this , my hand is in the hony pot i thinke , vmh vmh i doe not like the softnes , i did groape for harder stuffe , if this be gold 't is liquid , and yet too thicke to be potable as they say , it has a kinde of weft me thinks if i have not lost a sence upon the sudden , i smell , call you this gold finding

mop.

i have an extreame list now so i have saving your presence , divell would restore your sence

dam.

what 's this , a written parchment this may be the inventory of all the treasure . who hath his hire hath well his labor plac'd earth thou didst seeke , and store of earth thou hast howe 's this

mop.

whoope whoope whooe

dam.

as sure as this is my owne nose , i am stinkingly abus'd

mop.

ha ha ha ,

dam.

can madge howlets laugh , that laugh was like my daughter mopsa

mop.

there 's one time , againe againe sweete apollo

dam.

't is her voyce what makes she there , now the dread vengeance of my deere fatherly curse , light overth'wart thee thou aukeward helding mopsa

mop.

there 's two times , mopsa once more and 't is apollo

dam.

will you not answer in the divells name mopsa i say , oh are you come

he strickes she falls . mop.

yes yes divine apollo

dam.

i le unhoode yee where 's pamela

mop.

thanke your deitie

dam.

speake now and tell me

mop.

answer my wishes as ' thou art phebus , as thou art apollo tho in the likenesse of the clowne my father , grant me my wishes first , i aske a king to be my husband .

dam.

what talkest thou of a king ; the king will hang thy father if pamela be gon

mop.

let him be hang'd i care not , but let dorus be a king , and let him be my husband good apollo

dam.

shee 's starke staring mad , hast thou forgot thy father , where is thy wit

mop.

i doe not aske for wit , i tell thee , let me have a sufficient husband and let him be a king

dam.

thou shal't have thy bellifull of husbands

mop.

oh that , that , that

enter miso miso . i le at you both thou ribald villaine and thou harlot dam. miso my spouse falne mad too thou wot not beate thy mother miso .

oh me

mop.

i defie her and thee and thou beest not apollo ,

dam.

oh who has gulled us all , deere miso , tender mopsa heare me , before i open my mouth , art not thou miso , and thou my daughter mopsa , oh we are all vndone we are all vndone

mop.

are not you god apollo

dam.

no as ever i hope to see him or any of his fellowes in the face againe , i am mortall dametas and i thinke thy father , i am sure i am by thy mothers side , where is pamela all this while , whoe 's at home .

mop.

as sure as you are my father and you my mother , there 's no body at home

dam.

shee 's gon , shee 's gon

mop.

dorus and pamela , or two feends with their voyces past by whilst i was in apollos tree

miso .

apollos tree

dam.

cast off your wonder i am not such an asse , but i perceive we are gull'd

mop.

so divell dorus tould me

miso .

oh me they are gon , was this your care

mop.

nay then where was your owne .

dam. fall not at odds bout that , but goe with me and helpe me to scape the gallow tree . exeunt . enter gynecia and pyrocles , with a taper . gy. did i not counterfeit an infirmitie pyr. rarely , how love will prompt his votarie the king suspects not what we purpose gy. las poore man , how carefull he seem'd of my health and councell'd me to bed pyr. i smil'd to see it gy. so soone as he is a sleepe expect me pyr. stay , oth suddaine i ha thought upon a way blessed blessed minute . gy. what 's the device pyr. you shan'ot goe to bed gy. not i pyr. god genius i will not trust our worke to fortune if you should want cunning in your passions or he should wake unhappily and finde you absent , all were lost , to prevent this you shall not come to me if there be danger 't is fit i be expos'd i le take your place and disaray me for basilius bed . de' e marke , muffled up for your suppos'd distemper , let me alone to counterfeit dulnes , and when his sences are chain'd up in sleepe , i will come downe toth cave to you but take my mantle if any of dametas people meete you gy. i will visit but my closet and follow thy instructions , exit . py. if there be any starrs are kinde to love this night shoote forth your golden heads , be thou bright moone propitious ; on all eyes that would betray our flight , cast out a sullen mist and hide thy silver cressent in a cloud , but to our passage be a gentle goddesse and borrow of thy brother yet more light the day may spare it , musidorus is enter gynecia with a golden violl . embark'd already with his mistris , if i obtaine philocleas consent gy. zelmane now i am prepar'd pyr. haste to the cave , expect , your servants visit gy. and my happines exit . py. how rudely vice becomes us , here 's a lady whom never fame yet blemish'd , now the example of cupids tyranie , love transformes us all and fooles our understandings , i pittie her ▪ now are basilius thoughts in motion and hurry him to the same licentiousnes . there is warme snow i see , he delaies time . in hope to finde his queene asleepe , whose place i must assume for once , love dwells upon a cliffe and all the waies to our enjoying are difficult and ragged , but i forget , basilius , i must compose me for his bed , i shannot be much troubled , good old king he wishes me lutes recorders exit . good rest i know , and secure dreames , oh see philoclea what waies i come to thee enter basilius . bas. these sounds may charme her into slumbers sweetly oh steale into her , hang upon her heart , come fixe your gentle raptures in her soule that it may take delight to be orecome and never wake the body , till basilius returne with happy conquest from zelmane or if there be a leaden god of sleepe . heere let him shake his wings and then dispatch a herrauld to the silent house of dreames to bring one hither happier then the rest enter philoclea to entertaine my melancholly queene ; oh philoclea thy mother will excuse thee this nights dutie doe not disturbe her , yet your voyce and lute 'i th next chamber may procure her sleepe that done without more ceremony goe exit philoclea to bed , so so my bloud begins to move shee 's fast , i heare her , and the musique ceast , now to zelmane . agen loude exit . enter philoclea . phi. i 'me troubled , and dare not goe to bed there 's some thing whispers to my soule this will will be a fatall night , my mother is not well i must needs see her — ha , the gods protect me enter pyrocles pyr. if there were any treason meant against philoclea her prayers were vainely offerd , since her owne innocence is protection as powerfull as the gods , i bring no horror to fright your blood , d ee not know me lady i was zelmane , phi. was pyr. i have been so watched by your ielous mother phi. ha . pyr. but i forget phi. what meane you ? pyr. to make fast the doores if i could barre all the aire out saving what your breath should draw , for should i live by that you would not chide my care phi. you make me tremble . pyr. if you cannot forgive me punish pray this rudenes with my death ; i prostrate to your feete my sword , and call you to my brest to meete your anger , at this distance beg i may behould you , but when you shall finde in the dissection of my heart , whose name hath fill'd it , and with what religion there my thoughts adore your memory , too late it may invite your teares , can faire philoclea thinke i have a soule that dare be wicked to her ? such lookes would charme a ravisher , and throw ice through a satires blood , but a man chaste already it drawes up to the simplicitie and nature of an angell , oh philoclea i am so farre from being ill my selfe in such a sensuall way , that although time and this faire opportunity might tempt and excuse wanton heate , i should repent forget to , love your selfe , if you but with one thought so treacherous to your virgin honor should give consent to enioy you , it hath snow vpon my blood philoclea , whose flowings are chast as christall : dare you trust me yet to kisse your hand , my lips shall gently touch it nor will i leave a breath to staine the whitenesse pray be not fearefull . phi. sin did never yet prophane that voyce . pyr. when it sounds lustfully your hate , a punishment next the wrath of heaven strike my heart dead — be pleas'd to rest a little and if you dare vouch safe me to sit so neere you ▪ i have much to tell you phi. i know not what to say , where is my father i had a mother too , this chamber they vs'd to call their 's pyr. they are safe philoclea , let not your cheeke looke pale , their absence wrought for such a minute doth encourage me to tell you now or never you must shew there dwells a pittie in you , oh looke smooth on him whose life and fortunes you may now advance or ruine ever , if you can remember who i am , and what your vertue hath made me suster , thinke me worthy of a life , let it begin from your consent to love poore pyrocles , 't is in your power to be no more a prisoner to this rude and solitarie dwelling , such a brightnes is lost in caves , extend your arme and reach a throane where seated with becomming greatnes you may disperse with moving of your eye an influence beyond the starrs , and quicken a world that waites to be your creature phi. pyrocles for so you call your selfe , and such i dare beleeve you are , for falsehood cannot dwell a neighbor to that tongue although i might demand with reason , and my dutie first what does concerne my parents , such a truth shines in your language , and such innocence in what you call affection , i must declare you have not plac'd one good thought heere which is not answerd with my heart , the fire which sparkled in your bosome long since leap'd into my brest and there burnes modestly it would have spread into a greater flame but still i curb'd it with my teares , oh pyrocles i would thou wert zelmane agen , and yet i must confesse i lov'd thee then , i know not with what propheticke soule but i did wish often , thou were no man , or i no woman pyr. thou wert the comfort of my sleepes phi. and you the object of my watches , when the night wanted a spell to cast me into slumber yet when the weight of my owne thoughts grew heavie for my teare dropping eyes , and drew these curtaines my dreames wert still of thee , forgive my blushes and the imagination thou wert then my harmelesse bed fellow pyr. i arive too soone at my desires , gently oh gently drop these joyes into me , least at once let fall i sinke beneath the tempest of my blessings and you swell my heart too fast phi. if you be pyrocles you will rest satisfied with this confession you onely shall obtaine my love pyr. although my soule acknowledge this a blessing such as no service can reward enough there remaines something , something which your honor may easily consent to in this absence of both your parents whom with severall promises of my returne , i have already sent to 'th cave where they in vaine this night expect me we must forsake this place , i have provided for our conueiance to my fathers kingdome if after all these arguments of love you dare trust pyrocles to convey you thether , phi, i dare give thee my life , but pardon me this is not safe , thus seeking to assure . you may vntimely happen loose philoclea my dutie binds me not to rob my parents , such a departure may undoe their comforte as y' are a prince perswade me not commit so unnaturall a trespasse , wee l expect and satisfie our young desires till time mature our joy , i could content my selfe to looke on pyrocles and thinke it happines enough , or if my soule affect variety of pleasure every accent of thy voyce shall court me with new rapture , and if these delights be narrow for us there is left a modest kisse , whose every touch conveies our melting soules into each others lipes , why should not you be pleas'd to looke on me to heare and sometimes kisse philoclea indeed you make me blush pyr. what an ecclips hath that vaile made , it was not night till now looke if the starres have not withdrawne themselves as they had waited on her richer brightnes . and missing of her eyes are stolen to bed , what world of beauty is behinde that cloud but keepe it still conceal'd , and let the creatures when they shall misse day ( for the same without thine eyes will glimmer like a petty taper ) feare to be lost in darkenes , and expect no light to follow , but from those wide flames which heaven hath threaten'd to destroy the world , when thou hast frighted us renew againe our state and cure againe the fainting vniverse one looke restores all — ha , philoclea . phi. there 's something that sits heavy on my forehead i know you cannot but be noble , pray a little sleepe , if i exceede three minutes prithee wake me pyr. ha , i doe not like her sences should be snatchd away so strangely 't is an ill omen , i should trespasse much gainst manners , to disturbe her , beside she did make it her request whose will is sacred , then gently may she sleepe , and yet if she draw out this slumber to any length my hopes are blasted , if i loose this opportunitie of flight , no hope hereafter can releeve us we are both undone , she sleepes still , i was not quicke enough to perswade her resolution so necessarie , yet looke up philoclea , no , then enjoy thy dreame , and let us try the kindnes of our fate , pitty a harsh sound should disturbe thy soft repose , i would but dare not steale a kisse for feare to wake her , and yet my loude voyce may be more offensive our soules are knit i see into one love then 't is but reason they should exercise both the same act , why doe not i sleepe too the mist is falne already , if i but dreame of her my slumbers shall be happy he sleepes enter dametas as from a vault . dam.

there be more wayes to the woode then one , she may be in her sisters chamber , i may thanke my acquaintance with the buttery and a trap doore for this passage ; shee has shut me out of doores of all : vmh a sword i had rather it were pamela naked , i durst undertake to handle her with lesse feare ; vmh philoclea ; 't is she and this is-no — this is not pamela , she was a woman , unlesse she be crept into breeches since i left her , no 't is a man , heere is no tarrying for me ; and he were not soundly a sleepe , my smell were enough to wake him ; — treason treason

exit . py. ha , what voyce is that , who cryes out treason ? phi. pyrocles what 's the matter ? pyr. nothing within . treason , treason . pyr. harke , i st not treason , my sword , my sword is gon , we are betray'd , some theefe has been within the chamber , yet the doores are safe , ha le ts see , search every where , alas philoclea if now i must be ravisht from thee , how can there be charity enough on earth to pitty me , they die but once who still dispaire of blisse ; but the fares twise destroy a lover whom they kill so neere his ioy . exeunt .
actus quartus . enter rebells . cap.

come my bloods since there is no hope of our pardons let us be honest out-lawes one to another , and doe all the mischeife we can , we are masters of the woods , and we will domineere like lords of the soyle ; i say we will live , we will eate and we will drinke .

. would i were at my forge againe cap. arcadia shall be thy anvile smith ; and thou maist live to beate great men to dust . some of them are so rotten they will save us a labor cap.

be resolute and strike the iron while it is hot , where is the little miller

. thumbe the miller is cut off cap.

who can helpe it , be not crest falen , but shew your selues cockes of the game , wee l make the state send for us home , and agree to our own conditions , let vs therefore play the theeves manfully

.

and so be hang'd honorably

cap.

hang hang ng , we defie the lawes and we will execute when we list in our owne quarters we will rob man woman and child

.

do you fight with the men , and let me alone with the women .

.

and thumbe had he beene alive he had been a fit match for the children

enter . rebell . .

a prise a captaine , i see a gentleman and a lady strike into a grove hard by , their horses are for their better behavior , already bound to a tree , follow me and i le conduct

cap.

without noyse or tumult le ts steale upon them

enter musidorus and pamela . pam. this grove is all one bower , nature her selfe must be delighted to dwell heere , the sunne can shoote no beame upon us through this arbor tho he does rage abroad mus. the heate betrayes the sunne is angry madam to see you whose brightnes takes all wonder from his shine and leave him a pale starr . pam. you complement . mus. are you not weary madam pam. i shall never in thy societie , yet we may rest a little in this shade , oh musidorus he should be enemy to vertue now to cherrish one suspectfull thought of thee some wild licencious prince had now undone me and carelesse of his owne ruin'd my honor . mus. it were not simple theft but sacriledge to rob you of one peacefull thought , if any service already have obtaind so much trust i am so familliar with mine owne desires , that hereafter i le deserve to keepe your faire opinion of me , lust could never intrude himselfe a guest heere , i should not love mine owne eyes , had they been but tempted to see an unchast picture with delight pam. what 's that behinde the trees ? mus. nothing , the birds are dancing on the leaves call'd heither by the musique of your tongue those that are silent doe but listen to your voyce to mend their singing pam. still methinkes i heare annother noyse mus. it is your feare pam. there 's some thing whispers mus. shall i tell pamela pam. pray if you can mus. it is the winde that would steale through the boughes to give you more refreshing whom the trees envie , i doe heare it murmer to be kept from your lips which it would kisse and mixing with your breath catch odors thence enough to sweeten all the wood , there can no other danger enter heere the rebells cease upon pamela pam. we are betray'd helpe mus. ha , villaines , y 'ad better lay violent hands vpon your mothers cap. let your courage coole , and heare us you were best if you doe love this gentlewomans life . put up your toole , d ee see this bodkin sir with it , i le punch her heart , if you but offer a blow at any of my traine , i le doo 't as i am true rebell and for the more security deliver up your whinyard to our uses or i le make an eylet-hole presently pam. doe not resigne your sword but use it . mus. hold heare me pam. let us both die with honor , doe not give your strength and trust t 'the mercy of those slaves in humane villanes to us mus. but thy life , — as you are men but heare me cap. drop your steele quickly , or mus. alas she is my wife . your wife , if you love her be not troublesome i tell you againe pam. pamela bids thee fight , feare not for me if i die i shall not be dishonord and thou shalt take a brave revenge on them , pitty not me to loose us both , wee l meete again in death and love eternally mus. my soule 's devided , shall i venture her ? cap. i le stay no longer mus. hold and take my sword but sweare by some religion you will use no violence to her . we sweare cap.

so first and formost throw his sword out of the way , we have no vse on 't , secondly bind him to a tree

mus. set her at liberty and use what cruelty you please on me kill me , and i le forgive you . . forgiv'e us , heaven forgive thee , say thy prayers mus. i see there 's pittie in you , if your wants councell you to this sinfull trade , we both will freely give our wealth , we have some iewells of valew to redeeme you all , and make you rich if you dare first be so in goodnes and exercise no tyrany upon our bodies , what a misery it is such spirits as you are should not have fortunes high as your thoughts , when every dunghill fellow surfets with honors and estates , and vomits in taverns what would keepe your families , but 't is the times disease , when merrit thus disgrac'd and unrewarded by the state makes subjects desperate . he says true mus. i prithee take my cloathes , would they were rich and worth your pillage , and will serve me . alas good gentleman , let e'en strip him cap. none dare to take a skirt mus. perhaps for some offences you are banish'd your houses and estates . for nothing but being drunke . and offring to kill the king . he will not live amongst us as a good king ought . mus.

alas good men , i doe presume you , would not have kill'd the king in any malice to him

.

i love the king with all my heart , and a pox take him that does not , would he would but pardon us

. there 's no hope now , we have submitted our selves too often mus. yet let him heare well of you , and tho necessitie compell you to be theeves , be honest theeves and ravish no body . and this report ariving at his eares it inclines him to have pittie on you and call you to his favour cap. vnhand the gentlewoman , he that offers her but a wry looke had better eate my sword . or my scabbard tho it have been pist in . faith captaine he hath given us good councell let us deale honestly , if we take away but all they have they will have more cause to speake well of us cap. vnbinde the malefactor . shall i give him his sword ? cap.

his sword thou ignorant theefe no so he may chance to aske us againe for his iewels ; take thy penelope sweete tong'd vlisses ; and on the next back smother her in kisses — farwell

mus. oh , my pamela . .

captaine captaine come backe he calls her pamela that should be the kings daughter ,

cap.

how , vmh ; now i looke better on her i have seene that face in a maske before now

mus.

we are lost agen

pam.

i am the same pamela

.

what ha we done , here are all your iewells not a stone deminish'd

. if there be let me be gelded pam. i easily forgive all and will be so far from a complaint that i le pleade for your pardons to my father , and he sha' not be able to denie me

omnes a pardon , a pardon , if it please your highnes wee l goe backe with you

pam. not with me cap. as we are true men and theeves madam pam. we are undone agen mus. at our returne i le ioyne with her .

returne , why whether are you going so farre from the lodge this is the way to the sea

cap.

vmh , i guest treason , are not you an 't shall please your ladyship running away with this gentleman

. he said she was his wife . i doe not like him cap.

lay hands on him agen , well thought upon you shall iustifie your selves before the king

mus. dare you goe to the king without a pardon . 't is the only way to procure one mus. rather goe with us , and , as i am — . what are you mus. i am — i know not cap.

wee l teach you to know your selfe ; away with 'em we are all made

mus. villaines and rebells . exeunt enter basilius , and gynecia . bas. zelmane has abus'd me gy. chide not her 't was mine owne plot to trie your constancie . death cease upon zelmane for his comming but i will be reveng'd , when did i fall from my high birth ; in what lascivious action lost i my fame , that this basilius should wrong his owne gynecia bas. i am asham'd , i prithee chide no more . she gave me sure some philter to betray my bloud to this dishonor . gy. tho your lust mist the enjoying him for whom your heart grew wanton , yet the sin cannot be purg'd they are adulterate sheetes , and those embraces which lock'd mine armes thy guilt , not one warme kisse but was intended for zelmanes lips oh my fate bas. prithee forgive gy. the silence which i vs'd i wish'd might save my modesty a language to accuse you now ; indeede you have done ill touse me thus bas. my love to thee hereafter shall redeeme all , wound me no more i prithee gy. if vice have so possest you that my bed is now growne hatefull , make me not the scorne of all your kingdome , send me home agen to argos to weare out my life in weeping my lord has quite forsaken me bas. not for the crownes of greece , and all the world deere deerest gynecia pardon thou hast sau'd mine honor destroy me not agen , on what a rocke ( had not thy goodnes rescued me ) had i been ever ship wrack'd , take me to thy love , a sad man for my fault , never , oh never shall such unworthy thoughts corrupt my heart to leave a chaste wife gy. i doe freely pardon this error bas. then i am straite agen gy. but zelmane shall accompt deerely for this unlesse he satisfie my furious bloud , new welcome to my bosome bas. a cup of wine would crowne our reconcilement as i remember in the cave i saw a golden bottle exit . gy. your majestie may taste on 't , but i meant it a draught for false zelmane , it being virtuall to increase affection , to me a guift my mothers love bestow'd when i was married to basilius if ever he grew cold enter basilus to quicken his desires , i never yet made tryall bas. it is the gods nepenthe , or a drinke more precious i prithee giu 't a name , and if my kingdome afford th' ingredients let me tast it often ; ha gynecia where am i ? gy. here my lord bas.

i thinke i am deceiv'd , my tongue o th sudden drawes backeward ; and my limbes grow very feeble ha , oh-farwell .

falls gy. my lord , my lord , basilius , oh hee 's deade if he be poyson'd i have made faire worke deere husband , then for ever mourne gynecia the gods have punish'd thy lascivious heate with hastie justice , hath my care so long almost religiously preserv'd this drinke to kill thus in a minute ; oh my soule doth feele a scorpion , and my lust appeares enter dametas and a shepheard circled with thousand furies shep. treason treason dam.

doe set out your throate here ; and let me alone to rore treason in the eares of my lord philonax — i should ha' beene the towne cryer

shep. make hast . dam. oh yes treason , gy. when you have spent your voyces , let your eyes speake a more killing language dam. ha , the queene , madam pamela , is gon gy. no matter for pamela , looke here shepheards here lies the king dam. no matter for pamela ? i am glad of that is his majestie a sleepe gy. never to awake , hee 's deade poyson'd by this violl dam.

oh base violl , why here is more treason then we look'd for , this is admirable , did he dye against his will , or was he kill'd a naturall death let vs sit upon him

gy. for beare , i can direct you to the murderer looke heere you shepheards , it was i that kill'd him dam. you , your majestie is very merry gy. will you not trust me dam.

yes for more then i am worth , but if you kill'd him your selfe , your majesty must pardon me for that , i have nothing to say to you but , treason treason ;

exit . gy. yet flie gynecia and save thy life , betray not thine owne , life ; why doe i talke of safety , can there be in all the world a consort , when my honor and basilius have both forsaken me enter philonax and dametas with a guard . philon.

pamela gon , how does the king take it

dam.

the king , would he could take it any way , good gentleman hee 's in a pittifull taking himselfe

philon.

what sales the screech-oule

dam.

the truth is , he is sent of an errand to erebus hee 's dead , and for my lady philoclea , whom i suspect

philon.

ha

dam.

and you make hast you may take her napping , there is a thing in the likenes of a man with her , whom very valiantly i dis-arm'd , and brought away his naked weapon

philon.

what traytor ? didst disarme him ?

dam.

did i and there had been twentie of 'em i would not have car'd a rush though they had been as valiant as hector , had i not treason a' my side so soone as i came in

philon.

thou dost amaze me what said he ?

dam. never a word , my friend quoth to his sword philon. ideot didst speake to his sword ? dam. why he was fast a sleepe my lord , and never so much as dreamt of me philon.

a sleepe , we loose time goe you along with dametas , seize upon that traytor , oh i am rent with sorrow

dam. come my masters be not afraid as long as i have a sword you shall goe before , and follow my example ther 's the king my lord exeunt dametas and guard , philon. madam gy. oh philonax philon. be comforted gy. you shannot neede to mocke me , when you know by whom he dye'd thou wilt call in thy charity and curse me , it was i that poysoned him , philon. good madam speake that i may understand , you poysoned him ? he was basilius your husband and your king , it cannot be you are the queene his wife gy. his murderer the horror of my sinne dwells round about me i neede no more accusers then my conscience . doe with me what you please , the wicked reasons that mov'd me to it you shall know hereafter philon , blesse me eternitie , i le not beleeve that any woman after this can love her husband , oh my lord , mercilesse woman for heere all other titles lost away with her , see her lodg'd within the castle . enter dametas and a guard with philoclea and pyrocles at one doore , at the other enter the rebells with musidorus and pamela . dam. heere they are my lord cap. where is the king ? philon. new uprores . dam. my charge , 't is pamela , my lord philonax 't is pamela philon , pamela and philoclea cap.

yes my lord we suspected they were running away together and therefore in hope of his maiesties pardon

py. musidorus and thy sister under guard ? mus. pyrocles and philoclea prisoners too ? philon.

looke heere unnaturall children , for i cannot pronounce you innocent , this circumstance betrayes your guilt , see where your king and father lyes a cold patterne for a tombe

pam. dead ? phi. oh we are miserable pyr. basilus dead ? mus. slaine philon. he was murder'd , and you are accessaries sure i have seene your face ; were not you call'd zelmane the amazon ? pyr. i was . philon. disguises , injurious villaine prophaner of all hospitable lawes pyr. i am not loose to answer thee dam. and this was my man dorus my lord , a ha have i found you sirra , you sent me abroad to be a gold-finder . philon. you have done service worthy all your pardons . now in my rage i could prevent the law and sacrifice their treachrous bloods my selfe to this reverend hearse . mus. you are transported philonax but that i have compassion for the death of that good king i could laugh at thee . philon. hence , load them with irons , ladies you must both be patient to be confinde untill you cleere yourselves . pam. what sawcie fellowe 's that ? meant you me philonax , vnhand those prisoners philon. away with 'em i command pam. yet stay and heare me as you did love basilius heare his daughter , this insolence doth interupt the teares due to my deere dead father , and inforces me , since he thus forgets , to declare to you with confidence who i am , i am pamela the eldest daughter of basilius your queene if i mistake not , since my father is dead , to whose memorie these pious dropps fall as the tribute of my griefe , who then shall be obay'd , he that was trusted with my fathers power , which in his death is cancell'd or i your naturall princesse ? dam. vmh , my charge speakes to the purpose . pam. have you found so much sweetenesse in the raigne you borrowed of my father , that you would vsurpe now he is dead ? i have not signed any commission for your office , how dare you then in my presence command any to prison , nay like a bould insolent traitor talke of confining me ? we are mercifull to let you keepe your proud heade on . reb. what will be come of us ? dam. you shall have cleane halters . pam. but in the justice to my royall father , snatch'd hence untimely from us , since you attempt to charge them with his death , we give you space to live and to accuse them , they shall be our prisoners , i th meane time t' will become your person to goe home and study how to play the advocate when you are call'd by us , and the grave lawes , you are dismis'd . philon. i am astonish'd , doe you not wonder with me to heare the daughter of our late good king lost to her filiall pietie , this comes . to neere apracide pamela . contrie-men it is apparent they have all conspird the death of the old king , me thinks i heare his groanes confirme it , if you suffer such a treason passe arcadia will become the scorne of all the world , nor ever shall any good prince ; trust his life amongest you , for my ambition , all the angells know how tedious the houres have beene , since i was forc'd to take this kingdomes weight upon me . but let not ceremony to the daughter . whose title i dispute not shame our duties to him that was her father and our master . poyson'd , yes poyson'd by those men that have no names , and will betray in our remisnes the honor of these ladies and our countrie as they have done his pretious life already , as you are good men let them be arraign'd if they be innocent their goodnes will protect them , but if guilty let them dye like slaves unpittied . reb. a philonax , a philonax pam. dare ye all be traytors then ? philon. this your great love reviues me , then convey all to the castle , but command these two as traytors to be made safe , the ladies shall be vnder mild restraint . pyr. villaines mus. you lives shall deerely answer this . we must obay the tyrant , were our hands at liberty , and arm'd with our good swords we should not off so tamely . exit . dam. come away traytors . philon. well remember'd you . are not to be discharg'd , lodge him safe too . dam. who i , he does not meane me , my lord these fellowes . phi. take him a way , a traytor with the rest , enter messenger . dam. away away reb. so you must sir dam.

would i might never see my wife and children in my right wits , if i be a traytor that 's enough my lord , the 'il carry me away too .

reb. de' e remember a cleane halter ? come on sir . exit phi. king evarchus saist ? mess. he has but a small traine my lord . phi. alas he comes to late to visit , but most seasonable to be a judge in this great cause , take gently up that royall body whose soules a starre already , all that we can pay is justice to his memorie . exeunt
actus quintus . enter smipathus , pamela , philoclea . pam.

good master jaylor you might be so curteous in your office to let vs see these gentlemen ,

sim.

madam i dare not ,

pam.

't is well you dare obay king philonax and be a rebell to me , the time may come you will repent .

sim.

confident that you will keepe your princely words not to interupt or change any discourse with 'em , i have brought you where you may tho at some distance heare 'em , they are preparing for musique , 't is all i dare consent to , neither durst i tell them you should be with in reach of their voyces

pam. well sir we are content song phi. wee l speake with 'em but in your hearing , pam.

doe not intreate him sister , pray have a speciall remembrance to let 'em want aire and necessaries , you l ' forfeit your place if you make conscience to be over honest to 'em .

sim. i am sorrie madam you accuse my nature which never yet was observ'd cruell , i would be as just to your commands . pam. so it seemes sim. were these misfortunes over pam.

good sir no tedious excuses nor apollogy but proceede you and your great master philonax , and he will make you his treasurer , or trust you with his great seale , you cannot choose but be an excellent keeper .

phi.

what will become of us ?

pam.

nay what will become at 'h princes , there 's my feare , would they were free againe , and had but their good swords to second their innocence , i am mad to thinke what a condition we are falne to , prithee philoclea shed some teares for me , if i weepe now it must be for anger that we cannot help 'em , but let the gray-beards looke too 't , for if they suffer , unlesse they send me of an errand after them , not a head that nodded to their sentence , shall know where to finde shoulders to support 'em

phi. 'las sister i want drops for my owne greefe my fathers death , pum. my father , that that hath open'd the spring agen phi. and although guilty of his bloud , for so they say our mother hath confest her selfe i must in dutie weepe for her . pam. my mother that word strikes double sorrow , and doth call a floud to drown my eyes , shall we not see her ? phi. she could not kill him sure , did ever greefe so soone make such a paire of orphants , our fortunes are so strange and thicke , posterity will thinke our storie fiction , and yet it seemes th' are not so great to breake our hearts a' th suddaine , i would willingly dye too but i remember pyrocles pam. and i my deere lov'd musidorus , at which name my teares dry up , and blacke revenge prepares thy throne within my bloud , but simpathus sim. madam pam. are not the princes sent for yet ? sim. not yet pam. i prithee tell me how they looke ; what say they to thee ? phi. doe they name us ? sim. it hath been all their question , how both their princely mistrisses doe fare , for so they call you ladyes , when i answer well their joy shootes up in prayers that you may still continue safe . phi. doe they not raile sometimes and curse ? sim. i never heard 'em pam. canst thou be such a foole then to beleeve they are murderers ? sim. i doe not beleeve they are pam.

doe not if thou darst be a knave , and try if the divell will beare you out in 't , we must not see 'em

sin. alas madam pam. nor speake to our mother , sim. i am commanded pam.

thou shat not deny us a little discourse with dametas my old governor since we have no other company .

sim. you shall phi. his presence could be never more unwelcome beside his follies will but ill agree with our affliction pam. they cannot hurt vs sister i have a brest as deepely charg'd as thine although i flatter it , 't is no sinne to enable vs for bearing — how de' e governor ? enter dametas dam. how d ee madam , ' een as you see , as ill as this iron age can make a man pam. what will they doe with thee ? dam.

they cannot use me worse then they have ; for i am hang'd in chaines already , i have had three whippings into the bargaine to , if they hold such a hand over me long , i shall never be able to sleepe in a whole skin .

pam.

had you any hand in my fathers death ?

dam.

hand , i was so farre from having any hand , that i had not so much as a finger in 't , no your mother poisond him with a base violl .

phi.

oh misery !

dam.

but madam , i did not thinke you had been so dishonest , and you had meant to runne away with any body i thought you would have told me so , but i see a woman and a wet eele have both slipperie tailes .

pam.

you ran away from me .

dam.

who i runne ? i was never so good a foote man in my life , alas i was tould by that rascall dorus where a great deale of gold was buried , and i went simply with a resolution after i came home to build halfe a dozen churches , but now i heare say there is a gallowes built to my hands , and i must hang ding dong like a bell in the wodden steeple .

pam.

speake well of dorus sirra , you had more neede to pray for him .

dam.

heaven convert him then , and tho he live when i am dead he may be rotten as soone as i

phi.

who sent you sirra to my chamber ?

dam.

sent me , the divell ; and i ha thriv'd accordingly , would my wife had broke her necke when i tooke you together .

pam.

your wife .

dam.

or my daughter , or you or any body to save the loose of my owne sweete madam speake a good word for me , and i le — speake annother for you , my evidence will be heard , and i care not what i sweare ; 't is not for the king hee 's dead , i looke every minute for a voyce to call me to the sessions .

within . dametas dam.

hey there 't is already , as ever you hope to be married while your maiden heads are sweete ; save me from the gallowes , for if i be once hang'd i shall never be my owne man agen .

exit . phi. they are very hasty to arraigne em , pyrocles there 's nothing left me now but prayers for thee with which i le wearie heaven or tire my selfe for thy successe . recorders , pam. i would doe so but i flourish . feare my revenge will kill my charity . exeunt , enter evarchus , philonax and slmpathus , the bere . euax. my lord your sorrow and not my ambition hath made me iudge to day , therefore attend the proofe of your election , i came with purpose of a visit to your master but now salute his hearse , and weare a title of your protector , in whch name i gave command the prisoners should be sent for . sim. 't is done , and they are readie ; philon. my lord my part to day is to accuse and not side in compassion . enter gynecia , mufidorus , pyrocles and dametas guarded : a barre set out . eu. that the queene ? philon. yes , my lord eu. she shewes a much deiected lady . philon. has she not cause ? eu. those the pretended princes ? of comely presence both , what 's he ? philon. dametas to whose trust the king gave up pamela his eldest daughter . eu. where is she ? philon. accompanied with her sister in the castle their presence might occasion some tumult , nor doe the arcadian lawes allow proceeding against the next of bloud , as they permit not she should determine anything her selfe till yeares or marriage enable her . dam.

i will forgive thee philonax for more malice then thou hast brought against my life , for being so honest to pamela ,

philon. sir i looke not for your thankes pyr. as you are honorable , i beseech you i' th name of sacred iustice , ere you further proceed against our facts declare what you determine of philolea , who is all innocence and most unjustly suffers , tho in thought you doubt ther virgin honor eu. she must become a recluse and all her life with strict profession of chastity repaire her blemish'd honor . pyr. a vestall ? not if i live , yet if i die it carries this comfort none hereafter shall enjoy the faire philoclea . eu. now to the queene philon. madam stand to the barre . gy. my barr indeede which i have laide my selfe to bring my honor to a fall and ruine oh my deere lord my teares doe now enbalme thee , my blood shall quickly follow . philon. as you are just let not her sorrow tempt you to forget what sin she hath committed , i want words to expresse the horror of the deede which will throw shame on all her sex . gy. stay philonax sh'at have . what thou desirest , i have been a judge already vpon my selfe and doe not desire life , that am condem'd by my owne killing sentence i doe againe confesse i was the murderer of your and my lord , robd arcadia and my children of a father , i , none but i poyson'd basilius pyr. palladius dost heare ? mus. vnfortunate lady , gy. and what could philonax say more against me ? there remaines onely to obay your iudgement which cannot come in any shape of death too horrid for my sinne i 'me very weary of this bad world , be just and take a life from me that else will groane it selfe away and mocke your iustice . philon. you heare my lord ? evar. and thus proceede to sentence having confest , to spare your proofe how much she hath offended , an example to all times we censure thus , she shall presently be carried to prison where she may have foode but only to sustaine her life vntill her husbands buriall , with whom in the same vault she shall be clos'd alive to keepe his body company from which her cruelty divorc'd his soule , gy. ya 're iust . pyr. my heart weepes for her mus, 't is a severe sentence . gy. who binds my hands ? basilius i come to be a living guest in thy sad tombe . exit . philon. the others to the barre eva. what are their names ? pyr. daiphantas of licia mine mus. mine palladius of iberia . ev. we do not dispute their titles heere , they are privat persons , you may proceede . phil. i shall , and with as much brevitie ev. choose whom you 'l first accuse . philon. then first this daiphantas , this zelmane this what you will , for he hath yet no name nor shape that we can trust to , having knowledge of our late masters solitary life , came not without a purpose of this treachery and by the cunning of gynecia i th habit of a woman was received as an unsuspected guest , enjoy'd the freedome , of those whom the king plac'd neerest his bosome , his children not more deere , treason thus fortified they soone conspird the death of this good king , a cave this gentlewomans , lodging was the fatall sceane where the unhappy queene by his direction forc'd his deere life from him i omit what lustfull motive prompted her that with more licence she might twine with this hermophrodite , and that they had appointed where they might meete when this blacke deede was done , but heaven was mercifull and prevented her flight by the happy comming in of shepheards in the meane time transported with the confidence of her performance , that he might not leave any revenger of this hatefull murder he hastily makes up to philocleas chamber , whereby the mingling ( what he could ) her shame with his offence , he easily might enforce her to be accessarie to her fathers death , and under her protection , and her sisters ( gainst whom they knew we were not to rebell ) seize with one gripe the state , but heaven preserv'd all by the unexpected comming up of this dametas . dam. yes heaven and i preserv'd all . philon. who sought then for pamela which the other princely theefe had stolen away , and finding these , i meane philoclea and this young man together , found occasion to inclose the ravisher till by command they were apprehended : thus you have in short his wicked storie , and what punishment will not be thought a mercy to that monster that kills a king , dishonoreth a queene , and violates the daughter ? pyr. in things promoted with such cunning mixture 't is hard to shape a square and direct answer . my accusers sordid and malicious railing more greevious to my tender sence of honor then death can be , i forget him a thing beneath my anger and arm'd with my owne simplicity doubt not to assure how much my cause is iniur'd , know grave iudge this prince and i drawne hither by the fame of the rare beauties in basilius daughters knowing that with their parents they liv'd heere secluded from the world , where no accesse in our owne persons was to be expected , put on these formes as soonest might conduce to make our loves knowne : this palladius became so fortunate that his princely mistris consented to forsake , and trust his conduct to a happier kingdome : my fortune was not so happy , for i did not cherrish a greater flame , yet modest , of philoclea then her weake father in my sex deceiv'd retain'd of me , that tyr'd with his solicites i had no time to perfect my desires with his faire daughter , till under collour of some devotions i made a cave my lodging to invite basilius thether , with full hope to enjoy me , but this revealing to the queene , she tooke my place to make the old king see his follies . in the meane time i must confesse i went to bright philocleas chamber hoping to win her by all the charmes of noble love to leave arcadia ; but she unhappily obeying her owne genius gave no consent , when in the midst of my securitie i know not by what meanes i was made prisoner . and heere 's the thred to guide through this laborinth , me thinkes your man of mightie tongue should blush to have spent his rage so poorely . ev. what ic all this to the death of the old king ? pyr. by all the gods i am innocent the queene hath absolu'd me , as for philoclea if you will call 't a cryme in that i lov'd her i am and shall be guiltie , but had never a thought so rude to force her unstain'd chastity : or if the honor of this excellent lady suffer it 'h blind opinion of the world our marriage not my death may cure all wounds malice can fasten on her name . philon. oh impudence . ev. if this be all you have to say proceede to his confederate . philon. the imagination how miserable these juglers would have made us and our country if their disguise had prosper'd , strikes a terror through all my faculties , my tongue 's enfeebled . therefore to omit his practice in the murder which you may easily collect by circumstance this is enough to call him a foule traytor he did attempt to steale a way out princesse the hope and treasure of arcadia and taken in the fact dares not deny it , had he no other cry me to answer for this pulls severe death on him , and to insist vpon offences of so foule a nature were to distrust your wisdome or your iustice . thou to ther shame of mankinde speake to this . mus. not for thy sake who in this misery hast only merrited to be my scorne but for the truth i answer , pardon sir if passion make me not remember language that should become this place , this ill tongu'd man that with such vehemence accuseth thus is himselfe guilty . philon. how ? mus. of a more hatefull vice , ingratitude . is this the paiment for our services which once thy tongue acknowledged had desev'd statues to the eternall memory of the preservers of your king and country ? is all the vallor of this young man cancell'd when rebells had advanc'd their daring swords high as the throat of your old king , his wife and trembling daughters , is the time forgotten when wild beasts had prepared their riotous mawes to bury the deere pledges of your kingdome ? oh where had been my treason or his rape had they been then devourd ? the ground has not drunke up the blood so perfectly , but there remaines a coulour to teach impious men to blush for their ingratitude , have we beene carelesse of our lives to preserve the king when danger threatend horror to him and can a temperate man imagine we should be his murderers , we had not sav'd to be our selves the hangmen ? but i 'me charg'd for stealing of your princesse , can your breathes acknowledge her your soveraigne , and allow no faith to what she sayes , you have degraded my blood from honor , and vnlesse you make me lesse then her subject i was bound to obay when she commanded i should waite upon her , but you 'l object i counsell'd her , i did and justifie the act , she was confinde too narrowly , and i durst leade her to a throane above the majesty her birth can challenge in arcadia , love whose force the gods have not resisted may plead for me . ev. is this all ? mus. tho it want method 't is enough to vindicate my honor from his base aspertion . ev. to him you call dametas dam. not guilty my lord , as i hope to be sav'd not guilty . philon. neglect of the great charge with which the king our master trusted him summes up his fault . dam. i was made a gould-finder , i desire iustice for him and mercy for my selfe . philon. silence . eu. i have heard you with attention , and whereas to the kings death ( the unhappy cause of this assembly ) you have answer'd with deniall which you thinke fortified by the queenes selfes only accusation , i must tell you it frees you not , for tho no manifest proofes yet circumstances well examin'd make you the accidentall causes of his murder . for the other part of your offence i finde not you have deny'd your guilt , but onley use quallification and excuse ; your services in themselves high and honorable , allow you no priviledge to offend , but give your blacke , faults a blacke die ; then justly weighing your offence , you meete in equall guilt , for tho you first conveid away pamela , his intention was earely as yours , and by the rules of justice the will stands for the act , both ravished although not of the ladies from themselves yet from their parents and their countrie , which by all the grecian lawes is paid with death . thus then i must pronounce daiphantas shall be throwne from some high tower to meere his death , palladius loose his head before sunne-set the executioner shall be dametas which office of the common hangman he shall for his whole life execute , a punishment for his neglect of duty . dam.

must i be hangman ? oh brave , heaven preserve your lordship , i shall quickly learne the trade , and if ever any of your honors have occasion to use me , i will owe you a good turne , and in token i have beene bound to you the knot of my dutifull affection , shall tell a tale in your eare you shall thanke me when you are hang'd , come your wayes , but i beseech your lordship , i may be allow'd a man some times i would be loath to hange or to behead my selfe , my wife or my owne kindred , but if it happen there be more worke then he can turne his hands to , i will not sticke with him to hang my selfe , provide you malefactors and let me alone for halters .

enter callander and calodoulus cala. hold stay the prisoners my lord protector calo. oh my lord mus. my servant calodoulus by thy duty reveale us not . calo. let me rather be dumbe eternally then two such princes be lost by my silence . ev. my sonne and nephew are they living ? calo. your owne pyrocles and his princely nephew , cala. aske your father blessing , unhand 'em rascalls . philon. the two most famous princes in the world . mus.

't is evarchus thy father pyrocles , my vncle king of macedon , all yee gods , my heart is extaside with ioy .

pyr. my father ev. my blessing and my teares you both divide . witnesse with me , yee immortall powers this day i have done nothing , but what justice and your native lawes require , without the knowledge how neere they were to my owne blood , but since they are prou'd my sonne and nephew endow'd by nature richly , and how merriting the fame and love of all the world before this accident , i leave to your owne thoughts , besides these two i have no joyes of life . cala. excellent evarchus ; why did you change your names ? pyr. to prevent the dishonor of our blood if we had suffer'd ev. but i have judg'd already and if right i have not wrong'd , vnlesse the name of child have power to alter sacred iustice you both must dye , though when i speake your death it creeps upon my heart . mus. we dreame , is this thy father pyrocles ? ev. away with em . mus. 't is most tyranicall he is thy sonne . thou wot not be a murderer of thy owne ? make not thy name hated of all the world when it shall say hereafter pyrocles had no fault in him but he was thy sonne . pyr. for me i am his owne and being so dispos'd of by his iustice ; to whom rather i hop'd to have been a comfort then a shame i kisse my sentence ; but you cannot place your kinsman in the sacrifice his mother and countrie pleade a title he is theirs oh save my princely cosen ev. sure i shannot live long after them , and gentlemen if i dye before i leave arcadia let my ashes mingle with theirs : bas. oh oh oh dam.

my lord , gentlemen , there 's something stirs and groans come backe .

ev. basilius alive , assist him philonax . he breathes , what streames of joy runne through me ? send for gynecia and his daughters . bas why am i supported thus like a dead man ? what are you ? ev. evarchus your old friend . bas. i ha seene that face before , 't is like sweete zelmane . ev. my sonne pyr. but was a conterfeit zelmane . bas. wonders , and you ? ev. my nephew , prince of thessaly enter gynecia , pamela and philoclea , mus. tho late your servant dorus bas. very strange ; gynecia gy. my deere lord return'd a thousand kisses welcome him to life which i was wearie of in thy losse . bas. my daughters pam. oh my father bas. are you philonax ? ev. your trusty servant philon. the oracle is accomplish'd . bas. you amase me , let me collect phi. oh my sweet pyrocles pam. we shall not be divor'd i hope agen pyr. i am your servant ever mus. devinest mistris ev. your soules i see are married let me present these princes to be your sonnes bas. is this reall ? gy. 't is dangerous to expect the storie . i fear'd the drinke , but it may be his vertue to encrease his love to me , i le tell you more within sir . philon. let me obtaine your pardons ev. to his chamber lead him gently bas. all is strange . mus. never was day so full of happy change florish : finis .
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natur●es stolne and yet not lost the younger shall with natures blisse embrace an uncoch love , which nature forralgne they have made dead , in thine owne seate a sorraigne state shall sit and ere that all these blowes n●y this shall be so to mee while tis my fathers , ▪ a goodlier person , how came she admitted ? 〈◊〉 gracious with the king 〈◊〉 goodlier person , how came she admitted ▪ she is gracious with the king kifse heere , and esteemd the gaine of one sweet kisse reward sufficient for all his twelve hard heence your piety what wickednesse have they not hence for if the devotion of your service be to philocle● punishment theres death too much in that ; philocles philo●lea harsh disdaine , did your faire daughter philoclea the volume of all sweetnes pleade halfe comsort theres a lightening yet of comfort , happiest lady i will study . how to be ▪ exeunt . ●upid in your heart to love him , in the name of cupid goe together , for ought i perceive your musidorns enter musidorus . fro● would make me happie , let one beame shoot from your eye , and it will strike a spring into ●hee wonot say what legacie i meane to bestow upon thee , continue thy dutie dorus and follow me ▪ to make you blest with too hastie a remove . liv'dat behold the dandiprat that liv'd at court . but is come hether to make country well'oth silent — philoclea is too neere i am not well 'oth sudden , breake off your mirth mindas and yet you may as easily perceive gynecias mind as i distinguish you through all your clouds igonrant what meanes zelmane to be ignorant when a queene pleads for love , my heart in trusion they were all forfeited by this so desperate intrusion , thinke uppon't a woman i have thetempest a woman i have lost thee , wheither will the tempest of my fate inforce my tongue yet observ , ' but me must be wise it were not safe to be observ'd stand i discover'd to none else ? heaven● a man , good heaven — dostravish zelmane now thou dost ravish me s●r ile seeke him out at all adventures ; oh sir , pray is this gold — and this and this husba●d as i hope to be deere mopsa's husband , ile get strong tooles and bring you better co●t him , nay i did alwaies suspect him for a colt abreede the time of his service being sent to fetch a breede of beasts out of arcadia , in this heby that was bravely spoke my bully , stroke , he by mars his gauntlet spoke like a souldier mybrave consents to depose him , 'tis wisely spoken my brave men 'oth common-wealth , we will have th● th mealc and one that has a braine , i will not be meale mouth'd . weattend say we attend heere to do our duties cap● cap. withall i i , i doe love this noise with all my heart thereare there are ladies about the court will content seete or a dance , alls one , our feete are in tune , strike up behinde the tree intorrogations we have interrogations points to put to you palebody stroake made against thee was leaving my pale body best● in an other place alone with thee i could bestir my selfe better hus●and ile aske a king to my husband , and thou shalt be he 〈◊〉 eare to me thus ▪ muffled in thy wishing tree singing whoope whoope whooe and pardon this abarque courage madam the way lies faire before us and a barque already prepard cries come a bour'd ●o 'tis not with hand over head to be found no no thou must stoope though thou holdst up thy over th'wart vengeance of my deere fatherly curse , light overth'wart thee thou aukeward helding mopsa pastby pamela , or two feends with their voyces past by whilst i was in apollos tree ▪ exeunt . bu● i will visit but my closet and follow thy instructions , was● was yo● if you be pyrocles you will rest satisfied with to ' th promises of my returne , i have already sent to'th cave where they in vaine this night expect for sake they in vaine this night expect me we must forsake this place , i have provided for our pardom i dare give thee my life , but pardon me this is not safe , thus seeking to assure comfort● parents , such a departure may undoe their comforte as y'are a prince perswade me not commit ●oft , pitty a harsh sound should disturbe thy soft repose , i would but dare not steale a kisse dam●tas enter dametas as from a vault . ▪ within the chamber , yet the doores are safe , ha lets see , search every where , alas re●t shall never in thy societie , yet we may rest a little in this shade , oh m 〈…〉 he should m 〈…〉 yet we may rest a little in this shade , oh musidorus he should be enemy to vertue now to 〈◊〉 thee some wild licencious prince had now undone me and carelesse of his owne ruin'd my honor b●dkin gentlewomans life . put up your toole , dee see this bodkin sir with it , ile punch her heart , if you use● security deliver up your whinyard to our uses or ile make an eylet-hole presently oylet-hole your whinyard to our uses or ile make an eylet-hole presently withall i love the king with all my heart , and a pox take him that does comebacke captaine captaine come backe he calls her pamela that should be giv'ta nepenthe , or a drinke more precious i prithee giu't a name , and if my kingdome afford th'ingredients herelies matter for pamela , looke here shepheards here lies the king himsafe remember'd you . are not to be discharg'd , lodge him safe too . judgein late to visit , but most seasonable to be a judge in this great cause , take gently up that thatroyall judge in this great cause , take gently up that royall body whose soules a starre already ph●. phi. there'tis hey there 'tis already , as ever you hope to be married ag●n once hang'd i shall never be my owne man agen . wo ld i would doe so but i dam●tas enter gynecia , mufidorus , pyrocles and dametas guarded : a barre set out . de who binds my hands ? basilius i come to be a living guest in thy sad tombe . so●e gainst whom they knew we were not to rebell ) seize with one gripe the state , but heaven preserv'd method'tis tho it want method 'tis enough to vindicate my honor from his tella the knot of my dutifull affection , shall tell a tale in your eare you shall thanke me groan●● , gentlemen , there's something stirs and groans come backe . 〈◊〉 assist him philonax . he breathes , what streames of joy runne through me ? send for gynecia evarc●us evarchus your old friend . 〈◊〉 tho late your servant dorus doru● tho 〈◊〉 your servant dorus 〈◊〉 to his chamber lead him gently
the example shirley, james this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text s in the english short title catalog (stc ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. martin mueller incompletely or incorrectly transcribed words were reviewed and in many cases fixed by madeline burg lydia zoells proofread against page images by ashley guo anelia kudin this text has not been fully proofread earlyprint project evanston il, notre dame in, st.louis, washington mo distributed under a creative commons attribution-noncommercial . unported license a .xml the example. as it vvas presented by her majesties servants at the private house in drury-lane. written by iames shirly. shirley, james, - . dpi tiff g page images university of michigan, digital library production service ann arbor, michigan october (tcp phase ) stc ( nd ed.) . greg ii, . a

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 the example. as it vvas presented by her majesties servants at the private house in drury-lane. written by iames shirly. shirley, james, - . [ ] p. printed by iohn norton, for andrew crooke, and william cooke, london : .

signatures: a-i (i signed "* ").

the title page is mostly in the same setting of type as stc .

reproduction of the original in the university of michigan (william clements library).

 a shc the example shirley, james madeline burg lydia zoells ashley guo anelia kudin play comedy shc no a s (stc ). athis text has no known defects that were recorded as gap elements at the time of transcription. incorporated ~ , textual changes made to the shc corpus by hannah bredar, kate needham, and lydia zoells between april and july during visits, separately or together, to the bodleian, folger and houghton libraries as well as the rare book libraries at northwestern university and the university of chicago

the example . as it vvas presented by her majesties servants at the private house in drury-lane .

written by iames shirly .

london . printed by iohn norton , for andrew crooke , and william cooke . .

the example
actus . . enter sir solitary ploit . _sol. dormant , why dormant , thou eternall sleeper ! who would be troubled with these lethargies about him ? dormant , are you come dreamer . enter dormant . dor.

would i were so happie , ther 's lesse noyse in a steeple upon a coronation , oh sleepe , sleepe , though it were a dead one , would be comfortable ; your worship might please to let my fellow oldrat watch , as well as i .

sol.

oldrat ? that fellow is a drone .

dor.

hee has slept this halfe hower , on the iron chest , would i were in my grave to take an nappe , death would doe me a courtesie , i should be at rest , and heare no noyse of dormant .

sol.

ha ? what 's the matter ?

dor.

nothing but a yawne sir , i doe all that i can to keepe my selfe waking .

sol. t is done consideratelie , this heavie dulnesse , is the disease of soules , sleepe in the night , ? dor. shall i wake my fellow oldrat , he is refresht sol. doe , but returne you with him , i have businesse with both . dor.

to heare us joyne in our opinion , of what 's a clocke , they talke of endimion , now could i sleepe three lives .

exit . sol. when other men measure the howers with sleepe , careles of what they are , and whom they trust , exposing their condition to danger of plotts , i wake , and wiselie thinke prevention , night was not made to snore in , but so calme for our imaginations , to be stirring about the world , this subtle world , this world of plotts , and close conspiracie , there is no faith in man , nor woman , wher 's this dormant ? enter dormant , and oldrat . dor. here is the sleepie vermine . sol. oh come hither ; surra , wher 's your ladie ? ol. out all this night at play sir , sol. all night , ther 's some plot , but i am safe at home , your gaming ladies are strange whirligigs , but while she plaies , and revells with the gallants , here i am cabled up , above their shott , and see in my imagination all there plotts , nay , we are the quietest couple , never meet , no , not a bed , there may be plotts in that , this part o' th house is mine , and here i walke and see the soule , the verie soule o' th world . old. it has bin daie this two howers . sol. then t is time for me to goe to bed . dor. would my hower were come once . sol. keepe out daie light , and set up a fresh taper , dor. by that time we have din'd , he 'le have slept his first sleepe . old. and after supper call for his breake-fast . sol. yo 're sure 't is morning ? dor. as sure as i am sleepie � sol. and that your ladies not come in ? old. as sure as i have the key . sol. is my neece readie ? dor. two howers agoe sir . sol. so earlie ? there may bee a plott in that , say her uncle would speake with her , i use every morning , before i goe to bed , to give her counsell , in her husbands absence , shee is young , and hansome , and there be plotts i th world . dormant , come hither . what gentlemen doe frequentlie come hither ? who does visit her most ? dor. my ladie sir ? sol. my neece iacintha sirra , for my wife i will let her alone of purpose yet , to minde her game , shuffle , and cut , and dice , and daunce the brawles , they cannot cosen me . say my intelligence , who does visit most my kins-woman ? dor. the gay lords often with her . sol. who ? do. he that comes everie morning like s. george . sol. ha! dor. i do not saie to mount her , the lord � sol. fitzaverice . dor.

the same , sir hee 's the most bountifull gentleman and makes us all soe praie for him .

sol. more plotts , he has a vast estate , and though fame speake him noble , i suspect he loves her . he has my nephews land in morgage too . a mere device , i fadome it , come hither , let not the arras heare us , saie what pranke of mischeife , has he done , he should be bountifull to thee ? on what suspition canst deserve it ? come be ingenious , and confesse . dor. who i be ingenious ? alas you are deceived . sol. be free , this grome conspires . dor. doe i looke like one that would be ingenjous ? knocking at the gate . sol. what noyse is tha ? more plotts , let me enter , they are sawcie with my dores , t is well they are all hart of oake , and sound to endure the knocking . dor. i heare my ladies foot-man call the porter . sol. i 'le keepe no gate that will be knockt o'th is fashon i thinke it were a speciall pollicy to have a kinde of a wheele ; or turning engine advanc'd before my dore , and admit none without a ticket . enter oldrat . old. my lady is come sir , sol. is shee alone ? old. the gentleman that complements with my lady , and is here halfe an howre before my lord still � sol. master confident ? old.

the same , he manns her ladiship , and she is comming this way through the gallery .

sol. was ever such an impudence ? she wonot carry him to her chamber ? new plotts , obscure me hangings . enter master confident , and lady plott . con. i shall report how much his lordship owes for this most noble favour , la. hee deserues , by many bounties ever to command me , and i must thanke your paines , but in my chamber , we may discourse more freely . con. you much honour me . exeunt . sol. bountie , and lordships , and discourse in chambers ? this fellow is a rascall , new new plotts , dor. if your worship meane to lie with her ladiship � sol. by noe meanes . how happie am i , that we keepe severall quarters , some husband would torment himselfe with watching , skrue his nose in at a key-hole , or in some crannie wedge his long eare , let 'em alone , it makes , it makes , and my lascivious gamster finde his plotts discovered , all his wit , gleand from italian sonetts ? and loose rimes ; his bouncing , aud his braves shall not disguise his hart from me , i see 't , i see 't allready , and laugh that i am alone , and have my humor . oh , t is my neece , away and dresse my pillow . exit . ser. enter lady peregrine . la. good morrow sir . sol. morrow ? 't is now my bedd time . la. you were pleasd to send for me . sol. i did deare neece . before i goe to sleepe , i must commend advices to thee , 't is part of my devotion , in breife , because the day comes fast upon me , have a great care you be not seene too publicke , your chamber 's spacious enough to walke in , ther 's danger in society , and the world is full of plotts , la. what plotts ? sol. i know not , but be solitarie as i am , and be safe . your husbands debt's have made him quit his countrie , he was an unthrift , nay i spare him not although he were my kins-man , 't was ill done , whose plott so ere it were , to loose your joynture , times are necessitous , but while he drills his men abroad , take heed you meete not hotter service at home , there be fine lords i th world , and gentlemen that runne , and carry messages , and pages , that bring jewells , and can whisper the baudy poesies , and soe-forth . la. you are not ; jealous of mee ? sol. nor of my wife , i lie alone discreetlie , let my madam plaie , sit up a nights and gamboll , la. and d ee love her ? sol. at distance , as becomes a polliticke man , that would not sell his state to buy an heire , our lookes so seldome doe converse , that if we should engender at the eyes , she wod not teeme so often as an elephant , fooles diet with there wives and be in danger of provocatives to friske , and mount the table , precious pastime ! come thou art happie ; that thy husbands absence hath given thee occasion to be solitarie , trust not the aire abroad by my example . take heede of plotts , and soe good-night . la. good morrow . i thanke you for your counsell but it needs not , i pitie the condition of this gentleman , that makes his life a penance to seeme wise , he talkes of plotts , and is the greatest enemie to himselfe with his vaine feares , but why do i discourse of miserie without my selfe , that carrie in my bosome everie minute , all that can make a woman miserable ? thought of my husband wounds me , yet i cannot be suffered to injoy it , like a deere i am chas'd by forraine hunters , and not left to thinke what crueltie at home persues me . enter her woman and a page . you might have knowne my pleasure , in good manners , ere you admitted anie . wo. t is but a page madam , the poore child wants yeeres to offend . exit . la. he serves the lord fitzamorous beshrew your diligence . pa. who commends to your faire hand these jewells madam . la. i preethe carrie 'em backe , their insid 's poyson , pa. i would not be corrupted with the one , to betraie tother so , they cannot fright when you examine , if you knew his lordship soe well , as i would wish , you would accept and cherish these presentments , y' are the first ladie within my observation , that has tooke time , to aske her conscience the meaning of a jewell , sent by a lord , a young and hansome lord too ; 't is a thing at court , is not in fashion , and 't were pitie one with so good a face , should be the presedent , of such superfluous modestie . la. does your lord instruct you thus ? pa. we take it of our selves , pages and waiting women are apt by nature to understand their office , you may be confident , my lord meanes honorably , and as becomes a gentleman of high bloud , he will visite your lady-ship . la. i shall not neede , returne him then my thankes , by messenger . pag. i apprehend , and wish you a morning faire as your owne beautie , my humblest dutie . exit . la. how blacke sinne doth scatter her seede betimes , and every ground is fruitfull . enter confident , and waiting woman . con. has shee the paper ? pa. and the jewell too . wo. i know shee le chide me , but his lordships bounty commands i should bee serviseable . con. away , and wantonnesse inspire me , lady . la. more rude intrusions ? exit page , and wom . con. patience noble madam , the message that i bring , is more calme and gentle then the coole winde , that breathes upon the flowers soft kisses in the spring , the woollen feete of time doe move with a lesse noyse , then mine beneath this happy roofe , vouchsafe your eare , and words shall meete your sense , and court it with swifter delight then apprehension knows how to reach , and when i have let fall love , which doth make all language rich , and told you his name that gives his life up in my breath , to be made blest by being yours , you 'le wish i were all voyce , and to that harmony , chaine your owne soule for ever . la. what doe you meane by this strange language ? pray bee cleerer , sir , if you direct it to my understanding . vvhat is your businesse ? con. i have tol'd you , madam . love . la. what love i beseech you sir ? con. a love that doth include in his owne flame what poets made but fiction in the gods , when earthlie beauties tempted them from heaven , a fire which from the bosome of loves preist shoots up religion and a sacrifice to what his soule adores , a glorious love , and love of you . la. of me ? it will concerne that i should know him . con. had his person bin a stranger , so much worth , and fame preferrs him to every noble knowledge , that you cannot be ignorant , what wonder of mankinde i point at , hath report brought to your eare i' th stacke of men , one that hath had the praise of wit , of valour , bountie , a faire presence , a tongue to inchant heaven ? these waite one him , as he , to be your servant : he is a man ( what pittie it is i cannot call him more ) the pride , and darling both of warre , and peace , the lord of many worlds . la. how sir ! he may be bountifull indeed then . con. with your pardon , shall we allow to everie common man a little world , and not thinke him worth manie , who hath the price of thousands in himselfe ? la. what miracle is this ? co. he is a man soe full of all , that thought , or love can be ambitious of , that nothing can deserue him , but shee alone that hath in her owne frame of woman , all that ever praised the sex , and these are all your owne , make him so too , and from your loves , the decay'd world shall hope to see a race of demi-gods . la. i finde not by all these markes of honour and of goodnesse what person you commend thus co. can there be anie beside my lord ? la. your lord may be besides himselfe after soe great a character . co. the lord fitzavarice . la. cry mercie sir , i know him , and you might with halfe the expence of so much wit in blanke verse , have exprest his purpose , and himselfe , i thanke him hartelie , but am not so much worth , pray tell him so . con. ladie , i doe not use to thrive so ill in my love-undertakings . la. i' st your trade ? it seemes so , by your prompt and elegant way , are you soliciter generall for other's , in love , ti'd by your place , never to move conditions for your selfe ? he is but a lord whose fame you have advanc'd thus . con. you 'r right , lady . la.

and i was never taught , that witt or handsomenesse are assur'd by patent , d ee thinke this lord

may not finde his peeres ? con. no question , madam . la. this would well be a double knave . con. there may be gentlemen , that owe no high and mightie titles , madam . la. as gracious with a lady ; con. and as active ; la. with wit , with valour , bountie , a faire presence , and tongue to inchant heaven . con. as i would wish , i onely was ambitious to enjoy her after my lord , if once shee were corrupted ? venus send me good lucke , and i be his taster , but hee 's here . enter lord fitzavarice . trust mee an other time . lo. hast prevail'd ? co. i have taken off the impossibilitie , or shee deceives me much : to her your selfe , i 'le take my opportunitie . exit . lo. still melancholie ? what d ee meane lady ? la. i have kept a jewell for your lordship . lo. will shee come too 't allready ? la. and because i would not be held guiltie of ingratitude , not furnish'd with a gift worth your acceptance , i must present your owne agen . lo. why this i sent you , madam , doe not so dishonour mee , i have plenty of these trifles sha't have more , richer and brighter to attend thy beautie , here they will shine in their owne place . la. i dare not accept of any , they are dangerous . lo. they are not poyson'd . la. yes more killing then the teeth of serpents , or the vipers blood , without a charme , they had ere this undone me . lo. pray make your sense familiar to me . la. can you seeme ignorant , by whose direction they were sent hither , oh my lord , but thinke , what honour you can gaine out of my ruines . why doe you still persue me with this heate of sensuall flame , and send these tempters to me , after so many vowes , to keepe my faith , and name unstain'd ? lo. still in these foolish humors ? what did you marrie for ? la. to enjoy my husband . lo. enjoy him in his absence then by proxie . la. vvhen he is absent from my hart , may consent to be as blacke , as you would make me ; but while he hath a constant dwelling here , i must loose both at once , if i forsake him . oh thinke upon your selfe my lord , and make your title good , and justifie , that honour by our selves acquir'd , is richer , then what blood , and birth can throw upon us , send noe more agents to plead your shame , their errand is so foule , it must infect 'em , to be false , even to your selfe , my husband is abroad to farre from home . lo. hee 's fighting i' th low-countries , by his example you may skirmish here , a litle , if you please , i doe not wish him return'd , although i have his land in mortgage , if you would bee lesse cruell , you may pay his debt in other propertie , and cancell the payment in due time . la. i 'le heare no more . you have a stayned soule . exit . lo. i doe love this ladie , as gentlemen now call love , and that extremelie . shee is all nunns flesh about her , but has the divell no tricke to thaw her chastitie ? i must have some way to enjoy her body for my credit , the world takes notice i have courted her , and if i mount her not , i loose my honour .
actus secundus . enter vayne-man pumicestone , and scrivener . va. so , so , now wee are furnish'd . pu. our acts and deeds are to shew for 't . scr. sigillatum et deliberatum in praesentia notarij . publici . i thanke you gentlemen . exit . scr. pu. in the presence of the notorious publican . but d ee heare , who shall pay backe the monie ? va. vvhat mony ? pu. the mony wee ha taken up to goe a wooing to this kick-shaw . va. share and share like , how ever , the securitie is good , and the scrivener satisfied . pu. i have a great minde � va. to pay it all , shat have my voyce . pu. vpon condition the lady would seale to covenants , you should finde me reasonable . va. for that we must take our fates , one of vs is sure to carry her against the world . he that has least wit , has five hundred pound a yeere , if that , good clothes , and a handsome man with appurtenances , cannot tempt an elder sister , would shee were sent to a nunnery , let ts loose noe time , but advance to her instantlie , pu. stay i have it , and no unhappy invention , a divice , if the worst come to the worst , you will thanke mee sort . va. what i st ? mercury himselfe be the doctor mid-wife , and deliver thee . pu. the gentlewoman we aime at , has a great estate , a fortune for a lord . va. all this i know . pu. she has many sutors , va. so much the worse , proceed . pu. but none in grace , makes her selfe merry with 'em , and jeeres 'em mainlie , cannot love . va. what comfort is this for us ? pu. now i come too 't , wee two doe love this lady , va. no matter for that , toth ' poynt wee come a wooing to her . pu. t is not possible wee should both draw the prise , but one can bee her husband . va. of us two , right . pu. and yet in our particular , ther 's none of us can say , he shall prevaile , and be the man , the man , that must be lord of the estate , justle the noble-men . and domineere . va. what of all this ? pu. now marke mee , he that shall conquer this virginian iland and write himselfe lord of the golden-mines , will have a very fine time on 't . va. very likelie , what 's the conclusion ? pu. nay tell me first , what will become of him that must sit downe with a willow garland , that has seal'd for a thousand pounde ; with what deare appetite shall hee discharge the scrivener ? va. one on 's must loose , unlesse we could devide her . pu. then i have thought a way to make us both gayners , in some proportion . va. that were a tricke worth our learning . pu. play your cards wisely , and 't is done . va. as how prethy ? pu. why thus hee that shall marry her of us two , as one of us must speed , shall enter bond at 's marriage , to give the other a thousand pound , this composition may be allowed and sealed to , if you consider , something will be requisite , for them , that goe without the maiden-head , debts and devises will grow due , and sacke will not be unnecessary , to forget her health in , what thinke you on 't ? and who e're obtaines the lady will have no cause to grumble at this motion , is not this equall and a certainety for both ? va. let the articles be drawne , 't is a safe bargaine , heer 's my hand too 't . pu. a match , the writings , will quickly bee prepared , for things must carry formality and law , we doe but talke else , va with all my hart , subscribe to night , who 's this ? pu. t is confident . enter confident . con. my two ingenious sparkes , my landed witts , and therefore more miraculous , what makes your lookes exalted , as if venus were propitious now ? va. th art right we are in love . con. i knew 't , i read thy caracter in your brow , i see the desperate archer in each eye , prepar'd with golden shafts to wound your mistresses , their harts must bleed , no destiny will helpe it , you two are cupids darlings , and hee 's bound to bring you all the ladies you can wish for , humble and suppliant for the game . pu. dost thinke wee shall prevaile then ? con. have i ambition to be your honorer , and o' th nuptiall night light up my epithalamy , to inflame your bosomes , and instruct your wanton limbes the activitie of love beyond fierce aretine . pu. but dost heare ! we are both suters to one lady ; which dost thinke shall carry her ? con. to the same lady ! va. thou knowest her , jacintha , lady peregrines sister . con. the glory of her sex , yau'e plac'd your thoughts , with a discreete ambition . pu. who shall have her dost thinke ? speake thy opinion . con. you , sir . pu. shall i ? con. can you appeare doubtfull ? be not so much ingrate to natures bountie , each part about you in silent oratorie may plead toth queene of love , yau'e to much excellence , were all your other graces worne in clouds , that eye , that very eye , would charme a lucrece , and by the golden unresisted chaines draw up her soule , and melt it in your bosome , your presence is a volume of inchantements , but move , and every beauty falls before you , but if you speake , which needs not to obtaine , you give a louder notice to the world , then when you list , you conquer , and create one accent of your tongue , able to make a nyobe returne from her cold marble , and spring more soft and active then the aire to court your amorous breath . va. hum no more , if thou loust me , we are upon a composition , hee that winnes the lady shall give the other a thousand pound : if you make him confident to bee preferrd , hee 'le never signe to 'th covenant . con. how prefer'd ? vnder what misconstruction have i suffer'd ? although i name it justice , he should challenge the mistresse of his thoughts , can you want merit who live the example of all wit , to boast a victorie in your love ? were i a woman ( as nature only hudles into the world when shee sends forth a man ) give me licence to expresse my thoughts , and had all that invention and truth could adde , to advance me to opinion , i should bee hono'rd to be writ your servant , and call obedience to you , greater triumph , then to be empresse of an other world , you have so rich a wit , that dotage may bee justified upon 't , and nothing but a soule purg'd from all dreggs , and quitted from mortalitie , can lay a worthie claime to 't . yau'e put a question would afflict an oracle to understand , and answer , which of you should triumph o're a lady , i am madd when i consider the necessitie of fate , that one of you must be accepted , and both so bounteouslie deserving . then , if i pronounce agen that both must have her , you 'le pardon my ambition , gentlemen , which levells with your wishes . pu. could i speake thus , i would not thanke the ladie should run madd for me . va. jack prethe lett 's fancie him , hee has spoke home and handsomelie . pu. let it be five peeces , oh witt of witts ! con. you have , gentlemen . a care to enlarge my librarie , i translate these into bookes , whose title-page shall owne your name in shining capitalls . pu. drinke , drinke sack . and divine the world with thine owne wit , t' will sell , hang other bookes , woot never switch a play up ? con. las the comedians have no soule to speake . va. naie doe not leave us . we are going to this lady , shee randevou's to day at lady plotts , we shall have musicke , and dancing you le meete my lord there con. i am his creature , and your humble servant . va. nay no distinction . pu. what braines some men have ? i would change all my acres for his poetrie . exeunt . enter lord fitzavarice , and lady plott . la. plott . still peevish ! lo. most invinciblie , no temptation can fasten on her , wood i had nere laid seige to her , the taking of her province , will not be so much advantage to mee , as the bare removing of my seige will loose me credit . i would she were recoverable by law , there were some hope by vexing my estate , and tiring westminster , within few termes a gentleman might come to issue with her , if all were of her minde , what would become on 's ? lent , everlasting lent would mortifie our masculine concupiscence , and not leave the strongest body worth an egge at easter . plo. i am glad your lordship yet is pleasant with her stubbornesse , and were i worthie to advise you , it should never trouble your thoughts ; i know your lordship is not barren of acquaintance . lo. there be more ladies in the world , and of the game . la. the game my lord ? i hope , you point not this at me , because i use to passe the howrs at play with ladies , and gentlemen . lo. at dice and cards ? you have more charitie , then to thinke i accuse your ladyship , though there be some have dar'd to venture both ways vpon record , yet seeme stanch to the world , i and are thought to pray sometimes , i wod-not for the indies tempt your ladiship , i know you are deafe to all leaud accents . plo. t is your goodnesse � lo. never to try thee , t is fit only such as your cold kins-woman , wenches that have no spirit should be tempted to those sports ; nor is shee otherwise considerable to me , more then my charitie may restore her , i pitie a hansome woman should eate chalke , and die i' th sullens , if she might be comforted , and cured . plo. with a warme bed-fellow ? lo. y' are right , madam , enter jacintha , and lady bellamia . but shee s here , and her elder sister . there is an other lady i would not touch now , i meane i' th leaud way , shee has life and fire , and moves without an engine , give me a wench , that i must mould into a wanton shape , and quicken her to aire by my owne art , a wench that must be purg'd , sublim'd , calcin'd , by 'th chymistrie of love , till shee become a glorified spirit , and acknowledge shee tooke her exaltation from me ; in that i glorie more , then to have perfected the magisterium , and boast the elixar . but i waste time . plo. this i cannot helpe , he wonot understand . lo. can you worke , ladie , no cure upon your sister by the example of your free hart ? ia. my lord i chide her for 't , tell her what follie 't is , to wast her health with feeding so much melancholie , i wish shee had my constitution ; to laugh at all the world . lo. you are satyricall . ia. no matter what men thinke of me : my lord , i am no great admirer of their virtues . lo. you doe not hate us , ladie ? ia. but with pardon of your lordship , it is possible , i may never runne madd for love . lo. you doe converse with us . ia. because i have as yet , no resolution to bee cloistred : sometimes men stirre my pitie , but most commonlie my laughter . lo. y' are a strang condition'd gentlewoman . ia. i would be so my lord , to all that love mee , and love my selfe the better , for that humor . la. you 'le never marrie ? ia. certainlie , not while i have any wit , and can buy follie at a cheeper rate . my sister has taught me ; that ladie has a precious husband too , shall i , my lord , bee bold to aske you , but one question , what are men good for ? lo. pray , ladie , doe not feare i come a wooing . ia. your lordships mirth offends not mee in this . lo. yet if i could love , i would marrie thee of all women alive . ia. your lordship should have litle cause , i hope , to wish so ill to mee . lo. what sayes my lady aprill here , all showrs ? plo. my lord is a great honorer of your sister . ia. t is his fault in my conscience , but i hope shee 'le have a care , poore soule . enter vayne-man pumiceston , and confident . con. let mee prepare you , and when you see me close with madam plott , you may advance . pu. bee breife . co. most noble ladie . i have no time to enlarge my selfe ; your fat 's in danger , if discretion sit not at the helme , with love ; the gentlemen , that next present themselves , are not to bee admitted guests to your bosome , in the yet darke booke of destinie , there is a name reseru'd , to make you happie , your starrs guide you to a husband , worthy of this blood , and beautie : thinke on the prophet . va. now wee may come in . pu. bright ladie , make your humble servants proud to kisse your white hand . ia. not to fast , gentlemen , you doe not meane to marrie mee ; some aire , or i 'le goe tak 't abroad : two to one woman ? pu. the lot gave mee prioritie , you know , therefore obey your chance , i must first court her . ia. these are the guests hee talk'd on sure . va. what shall i doe now ? con. fall in with the chamber-woman , that is a way to know the ebbe , and flowing of her mistresse , saile by that winde i say . pu. the truth is , ladie , i love you in the noble way of marriage . ia. i am sorry for it . pu. why my prittie mistresse ? ia. i cannot love that way . pu. are you in earnest ? ia. doe you take mee for a jester ? pu. doe but name the way you have the most minde to bee loved in ; the high way , or the by way , any way , i am at your service . ia. what is that gentleman ? pu. one that would be in love too , if he had an apprehension you 'd favour him , a thing has neither witt nor honestie , he would needs come along , i could not shake him off , without a quarrell , you 'le quickelie finde his barrennesse , and dismisse him : he has bin practising this fortnight , how to make a legge , that learned gentleman knowes the inside of his soule , for my owne part � ia. methinks he is a very handsome man . pu. should he but heare you , ladie , he would thinke you jeer'd him fearefullie . ia. and he may have a generous minde . what 's his estate ? pu. how 's this ? ia. if you doe love me , give him opportunitie t o-tell me his poore minde alitle . pu. i obey . shee s taken with him , and the worst come to the worst , there will be a thousand pound good yet . con. so resolute ? plo. that man must have a powerfull tongue must charme her , into consent of marriage , her estate is worth ten thousand pound . con. a glorious summe , able to whet ambition , now the others turne is , to shew himselfe ridiculous . va. i tell you in three syllables , i love you . ia. that gentleman professes the same language , your friend . va. my friend ? hee 's none of mine , true wee have bin acquainted , met , fell into conference of you , and came together , ladie , he is no man of that cleere fame , to ingage my serious friend-ship , a verie puff-fist . ia. what 's that i praie ? va. a phantome , a meere phantome . ia. phantome , what 's that ? va. a mentall tiphon , a windie capruch , i doe grace him , or so , but he is the impudent'st fellow � ia. hee speakes well of you , gave you a worthie character . va. hee cannot choose . he knowes me well enough , and all the world , besides i have a temper must not bee provok'd with calumnies , t is true hee has some pretty parts , is held an excellent scholler , can sing , and daunce , and manage a horse well , hee 's borne of a good familie , can speake , when hee lists , to purpose too , i confesse it , but what 's all this when a man will bee a rascall ? ia. what blessed paire of customers have i got ? these would make excellent husbands , and love me to 'th purpose . enter lord , and bellamia . lo. well , remember , you have promis'd , vpon condition , i dismisse you now , to give mee an other answer . con. my good lord , i have an humble suite to you , i should aske first how your hopes thrive in that sullen ladie . lo , i must expect , but what 's your businesse , to me ? con. in breefe , to advance my service to that ladie , by your honors testimonie of what i may deserve , i am confident i shall reward it , by securing her faire sister to your wishes , shee s your owne , or if shee prove too honest , i shall make a recompence by offering to your pleasure , the other , who by authoritie of your breath , may make me lord of her , and her full fortune , you understand , my gracious lord . lo. i doe so . pu. va . your lordships humble creatures . lo. i am your servant . what shall wee doe , ladies ? but i forget , i have something more to say to you . ia. to me , my lord ? lo. your clyents increase , ladie , that gentleman tells me , he does love you , and would marry you . because i have obseru'd his nature , i 'le give him in breefe , he is a fellow will vndoe thee in a fortnight , though not in thy estate , yet in thy minde , a greater mischiefe . if thou dost marrie him , it will be pollicie , to turne witch betime , ere he sell thee o're to shame , and so much povertie , the divell wonot trust thee with a familiar , now beleeve him , wee droupe methinks � ia. so , so , here are an other couple , who shall trust mankinde ? it will be a miracle to finde one honest man i th bundle , sir , you are bound to my lord . con. his least favours to mee are more then my whole life can satisfie , oh ladie , if you knew him but as i doe , you would be lost in wonder of his goodnesse . bove all , he is adorer of chast truth , and speakes religiouslie of any man . hee will not trust obscure traditions , or faith implicite , but concluds of things within his owne cleare knowledg what hee sayes , you may beleeve , and pawne your soule uppon 't . vouchsafe mee kisse your faire hand , whose least touch consented to though i were old and dying , would quicken mee into a spring . plo. you forget , my lord , the musicke was prepar'd to daunce , and warme her blood . lo. each take his ladie ia. falstaffe i will beleeve thee , there is noe faith in vilanous man . lo. beginne there . they daunce in . enter lady bellamia , as taking opportunity to goe to her chamber , enter lady plott , and fitzavarice . la. follow her , my lord , she is stolen to her chamber : this wil give you admittance through my lodgings , i 'le excuse your absence , there bee more wayes to 'th wood , trie all . lo. how much you blesse mee , shee shall want noe triall , this opportunitie is worth an empire . exeunt .
actus tertius . enter lord fitzavarice , and bellamia . lo. what shall i say ? consent , deere ladie , to be mine , and thou shat tast more happinesse , then womans fierce ambition can persue ; shift more delights , then the warme-spring can boast varietie of leaves , or wealthie harvest graine from the teeming earth . joy shall dry all thy teares , and take his throne up , in thy eies , where it shall sit , and blesse what e're they shine on . the night shall sowe her pleasures in thy bosome , and morning shall rise only to salute thee . bel. enough , too much . my lord , i hop'd when last your importunitie inforc'd my promise of other answer , i should never see you , if being a sad prisoner to my chamber , might have prevented your accesse : but since i am betraid to this discourse , receive what the necessitie of fate compells to . lo. another answer ? bel. yes , but such an one as must at least challenge affinitie with what i said before : not your estate , though multiplied to kingdomes , and those wasted with your invention , to serue my pleasures , have power to bribe my life away from him , to whose use i am bid to weare it ; be yet just , and seeke no further to pollute the streame of my chast thoughts , i le rather choose to die poore wife to peregrine , then live a kings inglorious strumpet , can you thinke my lord , should i give up my freedome to your bende , and for the pride of wealth , sell woman in mee , ( for she must loose that name , that once turnes whore ) could i arrive at impudence enough to come abroad , and not be mou'd to heare my shame from every tongue , but scorne my infamie , ( as t is the nature of this sinne to strengthen it selfe still with a greater ) could you thinke , if noe religion can correct your wildnesse , anothers price , or pleasure , would not buy mee even from your armes ? there is no faith in lust , and she that dares be false to one she loves , will twine with all the world , and never blush for 't , kisse , and betraie as often . thinke on this , and call your selfe home , lo. lady , i have heard you , and doe allow the excuse , i doe not urge , although your husbands absence may plead for 't , you should be generallie at my dispose , disclaime all place , and person , but what 's mine , i am not so ambitious , my desires are humble , and beg only so much favour to admit me to one service , ( you know what to understand by it ) and if you like not my activitie handsomelie , discharge mee agen . bel. worse then infection , how dare you speake this blasphemie to honor , or i heare it ? lo. i'ts not to be avoyded , i have secur'd your chamber , ladie . bel. innocence defend mee . lo. once more , and nature worke , you say you love your husband , and account his absence the misfortune , that doth sit most heavie on your soule , this is increas'd by the dispaire of his returne ; since all hop 's fled , to satisfie his deepe ingagements , which threaten ruine here , i have a mortgage of his , for summs lent by my thriving father , your joynture , ( but releast by you , i take it ) i am so much a servant to thy beautie , the first night i embrace thy delicate bodie , the lands thy owne agen , a round encouragement . bel. what doe i heare ? lo. if lords should pay so deare for every capering , t' wou'd trie the backe of their estate : but marke mee , i ha not done , summe up his other debts , they swell to thousands , be but faire condition'd , for everie time thou admitst mee after , to thy pillow , i 'le strike of an hundred pound , till all the debts be unravel'd : in the meane time thy husband shall returne , and walke the towne , free as an alder-man , and be mace-proofe , shall live , and lie with thee , and love thee too , and praise thee for this noble composition , what saist ? i finde thy wisedome comming to thee . should it be knowne , who 'le thinke the worse of thee ? alas , good soule , 't was pure love to thy husband , they must imagine , wrought with thee . what woman but would to save a husbands life , and fortune , venture a trifle ? nay they shall commend thy act , and reade the storie to their children , and envy the example was not theirs , i shall have all the blame , but i 'le endur 't for thy sake , all the tyrannie will be mine , but to secure thy peace , and doe thy husband a curtesie , i 'le runne a thousand hazards . doe i appeare now ? bel. yes , a glorious monster . good heaven ! lo. once more , will you consent ? bel. never oh , never : let mee tell you , sir , you have so litle prevail'd upon my love , that allmost i forget my charitie y' are a bad man : i 'le sooner meet a basiliske , and be one . lo. nay then . � hee drawes his poynard . bel. what doe you meane ? lo. if soft intreaties with all that man can promise , move you not to the delight , i 'le snatch it from your bosome , nay never shake , i 'le change that modest palenesse into a blush , shall speake thy blood as hot as myne , or leave thy veines dry as the face of earth , when winter hath deflowred her cheeke , and seal'd up all her beauties in a frost . shee faints . ha , madam , dead , helpe : i did but trie thee , my ladie plott , a curse upon your plotts . jacintha , ladies , i am undone , no helpe ? dormant above . dor. peace you 'le wake my master . lo. helpe here , the ladie peregrine is dead . dor. if shee be dead , shee wonot make a noyse , would al i' th house were dead , we should be at quiet . carrie your selfe civillie an i 'le send somebody . lo. i shall be in for murther , oh my fate ! enter jacintha , lady plott . ia. alas my sister , what ha you done , my lord ? lo. i know not the extent of my offence , but trust me , i le not flie past the next chamber . shew your best charitie , oh my soule is wounded . exit . la. shee returnes , give her more ayre . ia. oh my poore sister , welcome to life agen . bel. i know you both , is no bodie else with you ? la. no madam . bel. not my lord ? la. i 'le carrie him the newes of her recoverie . bel. praie let mee see him . enter lord , and lady plott . ia. hee 's here too soone . la. plo . cheere up your spirit my lord , and speake to her , shee is alive , and likelie . bel. you may come a litle neerer , if there be no change in minde , there is in countenance , my lord , i have had a short , but pleasing vision , my thought from a steepe precipice , as you were falling into the sea , an arme chain'd to a cloud , caught hold , and drew you up to heaven . lo. if you dare heare mee speake agen , i dare say more , but to your eare . bel. i feele a new , and secure confidence . will you vouchsafe us favor ? ia. wee 'le not bee at to much distance . exeunt ia. and lady plott . lo. can there bee a hope , after so great a wrong , to finde a mercie ? you must bee more then woman , and you are so . it was the errour of my soule that drew the heavie mist upon my eies , they now see , and admire your innocence , oh madam , i have two mightie passions within me ; two , that are wellcome , yet extreames , a joy , to see you live , and sorrow for my trespasse against so bright a chastitie , to which , i kneele within my hart , and aske forgivenesse . bel. if this be earnest , 't is a heavenlie language . lo. i feele a holie flame disperse rich heate , about me , the corruption of my blood is fallen awaie , and of that virtue , which a divell in mee would have betrayd , i rise a servant , and admirer , live , oh live , thou best of wives , and practise still new wonders vpon the hart of lust transformed men , vntill time boast , the example of thy faith hath purg'd the world , aud taught us how to count our howers by thy miracles : i am in love now with thy goodnesse , by thy selfe i am , and by some rare , and unknowne act , must make a recompence to that faire honour , i would ha blasted , once againe forgive mee , and hide the shame , my soule does blush to thinke on . exit . bel. this is an noble change , and speaks his nature not barren , when good seedes are trusted with it . enter lady plott , and jacintha . ia. hee 's gone . plo. and did not minde us . bel. i am sorie , i could have chain'd my eares to his discourse , and willinglie ha growne old to have heard him : madam , the character of praise you gave him , is short of that true noblenesse i finde . plo and yet you were not willing to beleeve it . i thinke i know a man . ia. how is this sister ? i hope y' are not in earnest , though hee bee a lord , as who can helpe , in my judgement there are noe mountaines of such noblenesse as you commend his talke , if he speake not : another language to the eare , could never . ravish my understanding , though i must confesse 't is wild enough , i doe beginne to feare you , sister . bel. bee more charitable , i apprehend your trouble , and shall give you a faire account of his , and my owne honour , i could bee merrie now . exit . plo. here are gentlemen . ia. my customers . enter confident , vayne-man , pumicestone . con. where is my lord ? bel. hee 's gone , sir . con. i am sure hee has left a hart behind with you , most excellent of beauties , in whose trust , 't is safer , and more warme , then in his bosome , doe you not finde him a brave gentleman ? he has but one fault ladie , hee 's to modest : but your discretion must helpe that that . bel. i honour him . con. t is well and wiselie done . bel. pray tell mee , sir , i have heard a litle tryall of your wit , are you honest too ? con. honest too ? i never did suspect your ladyships breeding , and yet this question in publike , would stagger the opinion . bel. but you having a leading voyce . con. i ha not art to helpe you , though i confesse , i might orerule some witts o' th lower classe , are you honest too ? besides the freedome of my birth , and wealth of blood , i boast no over-swelling fortunes , as to what purpose , should my witts bee clog'd with heavie acres , when the town 's exchequer is mine , and every mercer is my tenant , if he pretend to wit , and hope to justifie his shop-booke , and orthographie of his bills : i would not have the scandall on my name , to be cal'd honest , i' th strickt sense i meane , and as it tyes my blood up , for a duke-dome : but you are for my lord , and i allow it . how thrive my gallants here ? ia. they cannot choose but prosper , sir , and much the better for your commendations . va. you may take his opinion ladie , t is authenticke . ia. but a litle of your patience : if i found within me , that strong appetite to marrie , who shall protect me from the statute gentlemen ? if it be fellonie to have two husbands , i will not marrie above one for certaine . con. shee s right for that , 't is dangerous . pu. cast lotts . ia. and tie my love to chance , forbid discretion . va. choose whom you love best . ia. that 's to bee resolu'd by your demonstration , who loves me best , for if there be , marke what i tell you , gentlemen , but the hundred part of a graine difference , in your affections , beshrew mee , if i choose the lightest . both . how 's this ? con. wisdome gentlemen , and must bee allow'd . pu. let him bee the judge , hee knowes us both to a scruple . con. excuse me gentlemen , 't is fit the ladie satisfie her judgment , although i hate partialitie , it becomes not i should bee here definitive , to perplexe the freedome of her choice .. va. what thinke you to agree among our selves ? ia. sure hee that dares doe most for my sake will deserue mee best . con. d ee heare that resolution , bee rul'd i 'le open such a path to your ambition � pu. no more . va. at our next visit , you shall know us ladie , plo. nay gentlemen let ts to gleeke . va. commaund us madam . plo. you and my cozen may to the same exercise . bel. i would bee excused for some few minuites . con. if it please you lady , wee le passe that time at sant : did you not finde my character true of those rotten glo-wormes ? ia. you did a high favor . con. you consult your honor in the acknowledgment , i waite you . ia. when will you open , sir , the booke of destinie and read the name you talke on ? i am confident , he must be master of an active soule whom you preferre , if i mislike his person , i 'le marry his wit , but we loose time , you 'le follow . exeunt manet lady bellamia . bel. methinkes i feele some new accesse of comfort , something that tells me , i am neere a blessing , or else my poore hart flatters mee . enter page . pa. my lord commanded me present you his best service , and with it , these : he bad mee say , they are prologue to that reward hee hath design'd your virtue , i was glad to heare him say so , and never went more nimblie on his message . bel. the mortgage ? this confirmes me , he is noble , a wealthie carkanet ; though i cannot merit this bountie from him , i am rich in thank 's . but prethee tell me boy , didst not thou bring letters , and other jewells to me ? pa. yes . bel. if i remember , you did speake an other meaning , then what you now deliver . pa. madam , although the narrow tie of dutie bind mee , to the discharge of his commands , which it becomes no servant to dispute , i meete honest imployments with more cherefullnesse . bel. thou hast a modest countenance , here 's to buy the garters , and roses . pa. when i goe upon lascivious errands , madam , i take monie , there is no other benefit belongs to 'em , but good ones pay themselves , i am rewarded , i shall have cause to thanke you for my lord , if he preserue this temper . exit . bel. a good boy : this is not the religion of all pages . they are a present worth acceptance , the piety came with 'em more then doubles their value , if vice blush not at rewards , there is no shame for virtue to receive them : but what 's all this to me , that am poore still without my peregrine ? who all this while treads the uneaven path of warre , and danger , this verie minute , for ought i can tell , wounded upon some service , or ingag'd , to stand the murdring cannon , oh , my blood growes pale within me to imagine , what horror attends the soldier enter dormant . dor. madam , madam . bel. ha , my hart trembles . dor. sir walter peregrine . bel. thy lookes speake comfort , what of him ? dor. hee is return'd . bel. landed ? dor. hee 's marching up the staires , with another soldade tough as his jerkin , he has a tilting feather , and lookes soe desperatelie , i feare they have brought home two regiments that wonot bee casheer'd without a shift . enter sir walter peregrine , and a captaine . they are here allready . bel. oh! let me flie into his armes , my peregrine . sir . my best of life ! bel. let teares of joy salute thee , wellcome , ten thousand wellcomes . sir . i embrace millions of blisse in thee , but let not our joy make us unmannerlie , bestow one welcome on my friend . bel. your pardon , sir , if after many yeeres of absence , i dwell long upon a husbands entertainment , and if you thinke i have exprest a truth of joy to see him , you will easilie beleeve the man , whom hee calls friend , is welcome . cap. madam , you honour mee , it were a sinne not to bee confident . sir . and are wee met ? bel. never i hope to part agen , 't is time wee now should grow together . cap. you 'le dispence with mee for some howers , i have friends expect at my returne a visit . sir i shall not desire you to let fall no mention of mee , the litle stay i purpose here , you may imagine , carries danger with it . cap. i hope you know me better . exit . sir . noblest friend . bel. i heard some words sound most unkindly from you , you nam'd a litle stay , have i scarce seene my happinesse , and must be sad againe to thinke it will so soone be ravish'd from mee ? sir . alas my poore bellamia , i have made no purchase but of wounds , since my departure . i have paide some debts of warre , but cannot promise to cancell one , that threatens mee at home ; what wee have more then to supplie our wants , consumes on the drum head , i was ambitious to see thee , and this gentleman returning with expectation to levie men gave mee the opportunitie , but i dare promise my selfe no dwelling here , scarce owne my face before a sun-beame , i must walke i' th darke to all the world but thee , bellamia : but trust mee , when my body is cal'd hence by miserie of my fate , it takes not all the soule it brought , much stayes to waite on thee : i know it would afflict thee more , to see mee a prisoner , chain'd to heavie debts , and shame . bel. thy state is not so lost , and miserable , as 't is presented in thy feares , looke here , and thanke a providence , that smiles upon us , this is recover'd , wee have some land agen , by whose revenue wee may live , and expect better fortunes , i have jewells too , bright ones , and rich . sir . you have indeed . bel. possesse what i enjoy , and let us live together . sir . it cannot , cannot be , alas bellamia , how flattring imagination would cozen us , i am beyond sea still , in my cold tent , where , though my sleeps be broken with the noyse of warre , i now securelie dreame of thee , and of my comming home , and talking to thee , that thou art rich in land agen and jewells , shadowes , meere shadowes : i am wearie of this dreame , some charitable cannon wake me . bel.

sir you may trust your eyes , these are no formes , in aerie apprehension , but the truth of things , that call you to beleeve , and use them as timelie benefits : yet i may allow you to wonder , there 's a story will deserve it .

sir . i know not what i feare , d ee thinke 't is true then ? i will have reason for this faith , pray tell me , how came you by this wealth , certainelie i left no summes to purchase these , more my iniustice to thee , whose plentifull estate i ruin'd . bel. a friend , a noble friend . sir . that died , and gave thee a swelling legacie , and thou hast made this use on 't to release thy desperate land , buy thee a carkanet , and this proud blaze of other jewells . bel. if you please to heare mee , i must declare , these are the bounty of a living friend . sir . living ? bel. a gentleman � sir . a gentleman ? forbeare i am not well . bel. one you are bound to honour . sir . tha 'st undone me , doe not , do not name him , i know , and feele too much . bel. beleeve me , sir , my storie 's full of innocence , and when you have more knowledge of this friend , you 'le quit your feares , and call him to your hart . sir . my hart is very busie , yet you may tell mee his name , to whose strange bounty i am so oblig'd . bel. more to his virtue , though his title carrie the shine of honor , he has a soule more glorious ; have patience but to heare mee , you will confesse it , and reward his pietie with praise above a man , and be in love with him your selfe . sir . in love � bel. the lord fitzavarice . sir . ha ? the wanton lord fitzavarice . thou most undone of women , did my absence so forfit me , or ebbe of wealth corrupt thy giddie soule , thou couldst imagine , i would thanke thy lust to peece up my wild ruines ? transforme mee gentle heaven , for if i be a man , and hold the knowledge of this dishonour , i shall doe an act equall to this , and murder this false woman . have i thought life not tedious for thy sake , and in my povertie summ'd up wealth enough but in my hopes to see thee , were my winters not cold , when i but thought i had bellamia , were all the toyles , and troubles of my spring , not valued for this harvest ? curse upon thy salarie , were it a price to buy all kingdoms , that the sunne e're shed a beame on , earn'd from thy bodies infamie , i 'de choose to live i' th galley first , and chain'd to 'th oare , give up my breath through torture . i 'le to prison , and wellcome all the stings , that want of libertie , disease , and famine , can let fall upon mee , and call thee yet more killing then all they , till my hard creditors forgive mee in pitty , and curse thee into all i have suffer'd , wives shall accuse thy periurie , whose act is able to make all the truth suspected , and virgins frighted at thy name , resolve never to marrie , while the race of men curse thee , for whom they nere shall spring agen . but i let passion foole mee , and my tamenesse may prompt thee to more sinne , i 'le bee reveng'd ; but first on him , that grafted shame upon mee : it shall bee thy first punishment , to see him bleeding , where is he ? come what fine conveiances to keepe your goate close , till time play the baud , and secure all your ruttings ? i must finde him , appeare then staine to honor , lordly divell : where art ? fitzavarice ? fitzavarice ! enter dormant . whose reeking squire are you sir , ha my lords ? shew mee strait where this fox doth earth himselfe , or i 'le � dor. i know not where my lord is , but ther 's one a bed . sir . a bed , expecting her , where ? dor. but hee 's asleepe , you 'le wake him . sir . shew mee villaine quicklie . dor. oh , this way , sir . exeunt . bel. has miserie a name beyond my suffering ? hath love , and fortune both conspir'd to drop their stings into my bosome ? within . helpe dormant . enter sir solitary in his shirt persued by sir walter . plo. a plott , a plott to murther me , hold , what art ? my nephew ; ha ! sir . 't is not he , uncle you must excuse my complement , he shall not flie mee . exit . plo. who goes about to flie ? he did not wound mee , a naked man is soone undone , 't is wisedome to sleepe hereafter in a shirt of maile , when came he hither , from the nether-lands ? hee is sent upon some murdring designe ; but why with his sword drawne , why not a knife ? some great man is in danger ; ha ! my neece weeping , i 'le sift her , bellamia ? bel oh my husband , sir . sol. nay , then there is a plott , whom would he kill ? bel. the lord fitzavarice . sol. i knew it was some great man must be visited beneath the ribbs , men of such vast estates are not long lived . enter dormant . dor. i know not what to do , sir , sol. hee 's i' th conspiracy , reveale the plott to me . dor. my fellow oldrat mett him , sir . sol. ha , more traitors . i did suspect that fooles simplicity , what man is to be trusted ? if these men thrive in their first attempt , the stat 's in danger . this oldrat is a politician . i 'le stand upon my guard , entrench , and dare the ghost of tilly . dor. 't is not verie warme , sir . sol. your cold considerations are best . but i 'le to bed agen . dor. they are here , oh ! exit . enter sir walter , bell : and oldrat . sol. away . shall wee bee never free from plotts ? exit . sir . wal. has he beene gone this hower sayst ? old. yes , and please your worship , would i were well gon too . exit . bel. yet will you heare me , sir . sir . and trust the language of your teares ? they 're false , your gamester shall weepe blood : here we untwist our harts , set up o' th trade , the youth will joyne . thou maiest be still bellamia , but not mine . exit .
actus quartus . enter sir walter , and captaine , as comming from a taverne . within . all 's paid , and yee are welcome gentlemen . cap. so ; so , this taverne was well thought upon : in my opinion , 't is a great deale better then to have trusted your owne passion in such a cause , which easilie might engage you to danger , when your rage grew high , and loud . sir . i have obey'd your counsell : you wil carry this ? cap. i have promis'd you . sir . and yet you must acknowledge the wrong is greater then to bee contain'd within this narrow leafe , and till i have reveng'd , it swells each minute to a volume . cap. my lord is noble this way , and be confident , will render you an account , worthie his person , though i am sorry to salute him first , with a defiance . sir . sha't not for all the world doe thy selfe preiudice in his favor , i 'le disengage thee agen . cap. now you dishonor me , though he has bin pleas'd to use mee nobly when we met at bergen , that must not barre the office of a gentleman to his friend : he has been a soldier himselfe , and must grant this an act of my profession . you are certaine he has done the injurie ? for 't is not safe to trust suspition , in things of this high nature ; life and honor must not bee question'd upon naked feares , and windie suppositions , pardon mee this plainenesse , you imagine i dare fight . sir . shall i beleeve 't is day , when i behold the sunne disperse his beames about the world ? doe i know cold , or heate , or when i thirst ? shall i be confident we talke together ? my cause will aske the same degree of faith , as built on equall certainty . cap. i urge it no father : is not that hee ? enter fitzavarice and page . sir . 't is the same . cap. with-draw , be carefull of your selfe , i 'le meete you at your uncles house , and give you an account of this imployment . pag. shee is an excellent woman , if 't be no wrong to her goodnesse that i spend my childish character . lo. th' art right , she is indeed boy , and shews fairer for that goodnesse , i have done nothing yet to cherish her rare pietie , or to deserue my pardon . i 'le studie both . cap. my lord , an humble servant � lo. captaine you honour mee , welcome to england , how doe all our friends i' th low-countries ? cap. happie in being your servants , lo. when landed you ? cap. but this morning , i am fortunate in this opportunitie , my lord , to speake with you , and to present � lo. some letters , you oblige me , how does sir walter peregrine ? cap. well , if please you command your boy more distance : this paper comes from him . my lord , i should be guiltie of much sinne to your owne honour , not to assure my selfe noble construction from you , i had no thought within this hower , to have brought more then my humble service to your lordship , which shall still be fairelie yours . pag. i doe not like this soldads embassage : a challenge ! some young gentlemen that have strong purses and faint soules , do use to fine for 't , as citizens doe for sheriffes : the towne swash-bucklers practise these feates , and live by 't ; but my lord hath beaten that opinion out of some , it should appeare , all are not yet converted . lo. how 's this ? cap. he appeares noble , and not mou'd . lo. are you acquainted with his discontents ? cap. he has imparted some , but i have no commission to expostulate . lo. i thanke you , you shew your selfe a gentleman , and his friend . he shall heare from me , i had ambition to enjoy you longer : but the termes of honour threaten on both sides , know me for your servant . pray heaven he injure not the innocent lady . he has directed where to send to him , and so againe i thanke you noble captaine . cap. your lordships honorer . exit . lo. this came unlook'd for , but i must not wave it , o' th sodaine whom shall i employ ? i cannot want friends ambitious of these engagements : the next i meet . enter confident . confident ? hee has profest his soule was mine , i 'le trie him for his body in this action . yet he that is not honest , dares not fight sure . con. my honorable lord . lo. oh master confident , your hopes thrive in your mistresse ? co. your lordship was pleas'd to advance 'em , she affects my wit , and bold discourse , i turne and winde her soule , shee loves mee infinitelie . lo. i hope not , harke . be not too forward , i 'me acquainted with her disposition , doe not flatter her , nor seeme to dote , shee 'le triumph then : if you would make all sure , be rul'd by me , and slight her , and shee will court you , 't is the tricke of ladies , if you abuse her , 't were not much amisse . i would not have the wench undoe her selfe vpon this fellow . i advise the best and speediest way , for i expect your promise , when she is yours , to bring us more acquainted . con. be confident my lord , good manners will instruct me to allow you the first fruits , it was the fashion of our northerne princes : and challenge it from your poore homager . i shall be as warme the first night with her land , and monie's . then it seemes you have no hope to spring her sister . lo. since our last salute , icicles hang upon my lippe . con. my wife , for i dare speake her so , with smiles shall chase that winter , and shoot spring throughout your blood ; you shall not only from her lippe tast cherries , but she shall plant 'em with her amorous kisse vpon your owne , and they shall grow from thence to tempt the queene of love to adonis garden : it shall bee happinesse enough for me , to watch the hesperides , but in no dragons shape , that you may rifle with securitie the golden orchard , i shall boast enough by having an elysium to serue you ; her eyes are wealth enough to me , above a rocke of diamonds , her breath rich gummes sweeter then those the phenix makes her altar , when she is her owne sacrifice , and fannes the glowing pile with her gray wings ; her voyce enough for me , whose harmonie would build vp thaebes agen , and make it after move , and follow her ; one touch of her soft palme is health enough to me , and were i old as eson , would restore my active nerves , and state my youth at thirtie : i can gather warme snow from her faire brow , her chin , her neck , and at my eyes drinke enough immortalitie : sated with these , i 'le finde new appetite , and come a wanton strawberying to her cheekes . lo. no more , you have exprest in this your faith to me , which i am bound in honour to acknowledge , and without more study , have a fit occasion to requite , and shew how neare i place your love , there is a difference betweene another gentleman , and my selfe , growne to a challenge , i must answer it , you that are so well read in bookes , cannot be ignorant of man , i 'le trust my life and honor with no second , but your selfe . co. my lord i see you know me , and am blest the chosen man to serue you , from a troupe of lives at your command , i should have envied his fate , on whom else you had throwne this honor . lo. so resolute ? you have not seene sir walter peregrine , hee 's return'd . co. i heare some whisper � lo. i have nam'd my enemie , the defyance comes from him . co. hee 's jealous of his wife , good gentleman , and wod be a cuckold upon record . lo. call on mee an hower hence , i 'le be at home , and use your friendship for the burden of an answer . exit . co. i shall thinke time hath lost his wings till then . he put me to it cunninglie , but his discoverie releev'd me , though i make a noyse i' th towne , and am admir'd for bouncing , i am coole enough i' th dogge-days : my lords scrivener . enter scrivener . fortune presents him to my with , the man of all world most usefull to my purpose . scr. master confident , rapture your most humble servant � co. when saw you the squires vayne-man , and pumicestone ? scr. not since i procur'd 'em a thousand pound , co. now you put me in minde of debts , has not sir walter peregrine a name within some list of yours ? has he no creditors by your acquaintance ? scr. i beseech you doe not vex me with his remembrance . i have pai'd some monies for him , he has other friends that would be glad to embrace him . co. sure hee would not be such a traytor not to secure thee . scr. would i could reach him . co. why hee is return'd , within this foure and twentie howers , you may salute him too . alas , a summe may bee the ruine of thy fortunes , could he have so litle charitie ? scr. i would shew as much to him , if i could set my phangs on him . co. i have ever wish'd thee well , and if thou darst be secret , i 'le direct thee to recover him , i cannot say the deb't ; may be , the knight is poore still . scr hang him , master confident , it will refresh my hart to be reveng'd ; some say mens blood , i say their bones are sweetest . i 'de make him an example , i 'le not tell my shirt on 't , how honest master confident ? enter sir walter . co. fate dotes upon thee , he , the very hee , be art-full , i 'le salute him , and delaie his pace with some discourse , whilst you fetch shoulder-clappers , noble sir walter peregrine , i feele a spring-tide in my hart of joy , swell to congratulate your safe returne , the towne has droup'd for your societie . sir . you are still the eligant time wit , i am happy to witnesse both your braine , and body florish . con. what news abroad ? all expectation is fixt upon this summers warre , wee breath nothing but german aire , allthough the chance of warre be uncertaine , you can tell which hand is fortunate , how ha the dice runne hitherto ? sir . ther 's not much wonne , or lost . con. no townes of note taken ? no convoyes of provision cut off ? sir . sir you are inquisitive , as if you would turne gallobelgicus , i am on some affaires now , that importune their dispatch , my stay being short i must attend them . con. nay prethee knight be courteous , 't is an age since we converst , i' st true what lou'd fame scatters of the great generalls revolt ? sir . wee have but the relation . con. he is slaine for certaine . sir . there was an execution . con. and what treasure was taken by the enemy ? they talke of millions . sir . enough to keepe the eagle in a good diet . i beseech you pardon me , we shall hereafter meete , and ha more freedome to enlarge our selves , & when you have my particulars , i will be bold to inquire in the exchange your newes at home . con. i obserue trouble in you , i hope y' are in no danger . sir . if you 'le give mee the liberty of a subject , and allow me the kings high way , i shall have lesse suspition , you wonot pay my debts . con. i beg your pardon , pray doe not wound my service to you with a jealous thought , i wonot for the world engage you another minute . enter scriuener , and officers . now for the blood-hounds . off. sir , we arrest you sir . is the mischiefe falne ? off your sword shall keepe the peace . scr. 't is at my suite . sir . thyne ? scr. i doe but lead the dance to twenty more . sir . heare me , what 's your demaund ? let me not goe to prison . scr, an action of a thousand pound more , for the lord fitzavarice . sir . ha ? then i am betray'd , that lord 's a villaine , that i could reach his hart ; release my body but for two howers , my soule be forfeited for ever , if i render not my selfe your honest prisoner . scr. that were a pretty jest . looke to your charge . co. here is a duell taken up discreetlie . exit . sir . blacke jew , base lord , dam'd villaine . scr. they can tame you . exeunt . enter jacintha , vaine-man pamiceston . ia. why looke you gentlemen , i 'le not puzzle you to finde out dangers , famine , fire , and sword , or desperate things . va. trifles for thy sweet sake . pu. i would not wish you , upon easie termes . ia. to prevent these , i have thought a way my selfe , and with lesse cost , to try you , i have made a vow i wonot marrie these six monthes , during which time , if you dare for my sake visit me every day , and never speake to me , nor in my company to any other � va. how lady ? shall i not answer any gentleman or lady , that shall put a question to me ? ia. by no meanes . va. you will give me leave to answer you , if you should aske me any thing . ia. not a syllable , though i desir'd to know what a clocke 't is , ther 's your obeydience , at six monthes end i may reward your silence . pu. shee 'le make him the dumbe knight . ia. i wonot engage you to be a mute so long , you shall be allow'd to speake , and see me . pu. you are noble lady . ia. but with this condition , that whatsoever i entreate you say or doe , you put in act the contrary the very contrary , you understand mee . pu. how 's this ? if you command me to affect you , what can i doe ? ia. i wonot bee so cruell . if these conditions please , you may proceed . va. but harke you lady , i may laugh before you , and in your absence have the libertie to use my tongue . ia. what else , sir . va. and when must i beginne to mumme . ia. i 'le tell you . pu. another word , if we be just to your commands , deere lady , at six months end , how shall we both be satisfied ? you have forgot the statute . ia. hee that shall expresse most care to doe his penance for mee , must be the man , i say no more , imagine . my lord fizavarice . enter the lord fitzavarice . now beginn's your triall . lo. how fares your vertuous sister ladie peregrine ? ia. that gentleman can tell you . lo. he tell me ? ia. yes , he had a message to deliver you . vayne-man makes pitifull signes , shrings . lo. sir you much honour me . ia. nay , let him know 't , here have beene turnes my lord , since you were here . lo. is shee in health ; you doe not mocke mee ? ia. if you love me , tell him the whole storie , prethee , for my sake . pu. how shee jeeres him . lo. pox on your subtill shoulders , are you drunke ? if i shall thinke you jeere me , be still silent , i 'le make you speake . ia. ha , ha . hee kickes him , vaine . exit shaking his head , and shoulders . pu. ha , ha . lo. what doe you laugh at ? pu. at his follie my noble lord . lo. 't is well you doe , sir , what 's your meaning lady ? ia. you shall know presentlie , if you intreate that gentleman to stay . lo. he is not going . ia. but your commands upon him will make sure . lo. let me intreate you not to leave me , sir . pu. i leave you my noble lord ? if everie sand within my glasse , were a long life , i should emploie 'em all in waiting on your lordship . and thinke the time were poore , and short to serve you i leave you my good lord ? i 'me not about it . ia. pray , sir , staie . pu. your lordships humble servant , some affaires presse my departure . lo. you 'le not mocke me , sir ? ia. you shall stay . pu. ladie i am gone , my lord , i must beseech your pardon , for the world , i dare not slippe a minute : ia. then go , you may go . pu. not for a kingdome lady , i will stay , and grow here for your service . lo. how came these gentlemen by these strange humors ? ia. i 'le tell you , sir . enter lady plott , and dormant . dor.

sir solitary plott , your husband and my worthy lord and master , commends his service to your lordship , and praies you would please to accommodate him , with your coach .

plo. this fellow 's infected too with serious follie . dor. towards midnight hee does purpose to take the aire , and make some visites . plo. visites and aire at midnight ? pray returne my lord imbassador to sir solitary , i will give order when i goe to bed , to have the coach made ready for his progresse . stay , i have a great desire to see his worship , has he the same complexion still ? i prethee leave of thy gravitie , and answer me , is he in bed ? dor. no madam , a most strange disaster broke his sleepe , and we shall be at counsell presentlie , do not i talke allready like a states-man ? plo. it shall be so , come neerer . lo. this your device : t is pleasant and persue it , your sister � enter lady bellamia . plo. bee you sure , and secure , jacintha you must with me . exit dor. ia. whether ? plo. to my husbands chamber . lo. madam , your husband is return'd i heare . bel. i hope you have not met . lo. why noble madam ? enter vaine-man as peeping if my lord were gone , and beckons to pumicestone . wee shall be friends if you have mercie , to forgive what 's past , my soule shall not deserue his ill opinion , i hope all is well betweene you two . bel. no harts did ever meete more loving lie , untill he saw � lo. what , madam ? bel. the presents that you sent me . lo. it was my feare . ia. servant . pu. madam . ia. my dumbe knight too , we shall have the more mirth . ex. bel. would i had beene poore still , although you bring all innocent thoughts . my lord , i must beseech you , never to see me agen , oh never , sir , it will be dangerous to expresse your virtue , and every minute you staie here , is fatall , alas i feare hee 's come . enter confident . co. my lord , i have beene active , and all my bodies in a bath to finde you . sir walter peregrine is arrested . lo. how ? bel. oh miserie of miseries ! lo. looke to your mistresse . exit lady , and waiting-woman . co. her ladiships pardon , i obseru'd not her so neere . 't is verie certaine . lo. i suspect this knave , alas poore gentleman , and yet t is no mis-fortune to me , things considered : now he is safe , and i may walke securelie ; in prison let him lie and coole his valour . i shall bee in charitie with the tribe of varletts , for this good turne , this taking him i' th nick , and owe the wretch a summe , for being so fortunate to set the mastives on him , i owe thee too , for thy good newes , come confident . co. to my ambition . d ee heare my lord , the good newes is not all you owe me for , i knew it would be gratefull ; you owe me for the act , it was my wit betrai'd him to the arrest , held him in prate whilst the honest knave your scrivener fetch'd the vultures with phangs keene as the divells . lo. how i am bound to thee ? con. i knew t' was necessarie . every man that vowes his service , has not that extent of braine to bring about these fine things for you . what thinke you of the mamoseile , his wife now ? you have no opportunitie , no power to humble her proud bodie , while her husband setts up a friperie with his gaie wardrobe ; grows into new acquaintance with diseases , and comfortable vermine ; breakes stone walls to shew the proverbe , and his hunger mightie ; curses his starrs , and learnes to cant , and praise the steame of ale , with an unchristian tost in 't ; doth reverence barmudas , and the ghost of cheese , with the egyptian idoll onyons , and crusts to breake an elephants tooth . all this i ha done for you , my good lord , lo. for which i must pronounce thee a rascall ; sordid wretch , was this your act for me ? curse on thy soule for 't , my honor bleeds to death , see me no more . enter scrivener . scr. my lord . lo. you are come in a good time , sir . co. are you so cunning my yong lord , i must make my ladie sure , ere hee talke , and tell her this ; 't is not ' the constitution of everie lord to take unkindlie when a man compounds a duell for him , if i bee driven too 't i can forswear 't agen . let valiant fooles brag of their soules no matter what they say , a coward dares in ill , do more then they . exit . enter sir walter peregrine , captaine , and under-sheriffe . she. t is all the favor i could shew him , sir , to make my house his prison . exit . sir . t is but hell , one storie higher . cap. you must arme your selfe with noble fortitude , passion but unmans us , and makes us lesse for bearing . sir . dost thinke friend , the sense of all my debts could shake me thus ? i knew 't would come , and in my feares examined the mischiefe they present , 't is not their weight affrights me , let the vultures whet their tallons , and creditors , with harts more stubborne , then the mettle they adore , double their malice , had i a pile of debts upon me , more heavie then all the world , it could , but with the pressure keepe this peece of earth beneath 'em , my soule would be at large , and feele no burden ; that which i count my torture , exceeds all that yet has beene in mention . at a time , almost the verie minute , when my hopes were ripe to punish him , and revenge had mounted her steelie arme whose fall had crush'd the soule of my fames ravisher , to be snatched up by a wirle-wind thus , disarm'd of all my hopes , my hands bound up , not able to releeve my bleeding honour : this , this murders mee . and that all this should be his cursed plott , that gave me my first wound . cap. d ee thinke my lord can shew himselfe so dishonorable ? sir . can lords be cowards ? dost not appeare , when i am persued by his owne blood-hounds ? has he not laid on mee ( and what may not by this example follow to sinke me to a dungeon ) all the debts i owe him ? nay is it not cleere , hee practises intelligence abroad , provoking others to lay their summes upon me , that i may consume a prisoner , and assure his lust more scope to revell with my adulterous madam , my wife whose name is torment to my hart , bove all the engines ment to wound mankinde . oh woman , that hast forfeited the glorie . of thy creation , and become mans ruine . cap. this is a circumstance i confesse , but yet cannot make me conclude my lord so ignoble : i know he had a wanton pile of flesh , but a more noble soule , then to betraie his enemie so baselie . enter sheriffe and scrivener . sir . i st not mischife enough to feele the crueltie of a prisoner , but that black fiend must presecute my eye-sight th' adopted sonne of lucifer ? scr. i have a letter from a noble friend of yours . sir . carry it to hell . she. correct your passion , and leave your understanding free , to know your happinesse , this man how e're your rage let flie at him , will deserue better character , when he appeares the meanes of your enlargment . cap. how master sheriffe ? sir . he meanes of my enlargment ? take heede how you do mocke me , sir . she. your sword � y' are free agen , each particle of a deb't discharg'd . sir . by whom ? she. not a fee left unsatisfied . sir . i am in a wildernesse . scr. you may come out when you please , if your worship will be at leasure to peruse this paper , there is his name , hath beene at all this charge , who has commanded me to aske your pardon , and on my knees i begge it , i am undone else , for ever with his lordship . sir . cap. lord fitzavarice ? scr. it was without his knowledge , master confident charm'd me into it , the divell did assist . cap. the divell ? scr. yes , we three , i am sorrie for it , and if your worship have occasion to use a hundred peeces more , i have 'em readie at your service , pray entreat him to accept it , i expect no scribling for it , nor use , nor principall , nor his word ; but to my lord , that i may be the driver still of all his monies . cap. i was confident , and long since cleer'd his lordship in my thoughts . sir . was there ever such a thing in nature ? cap. you must take the mans benevolence , he is undone else , come there is no harme in 't . scr. if they be not weight , i 'le change 'em . cap. no , no . scr. i humblie thanke your worship . exit and sheriffe . sir . i am all wonder . reades , when you finde all things fairely discharged , though you acquit not me , be pleased to continue a voluntary prisoner for some few minutes , there is necessity we should discourse , and conclude something else for both our honours . cap. you must pronounce him innocent , had he beene coward , as you thought him , at leste charge he might ha sau'd his honor , and secur'd your absence . sir . i beginne to be a sham'd , and my suspition cowardlie falls off ; yet certainelie all this proceeds not from devotion to me , it is a bountie he lookes my wife should thanke him for , ha ? cap. now i see all are your emptie jealousies , but thinke and be convinc'd , were his thoughts foule as you imagine to your lady , it had beene ridiculous to set you at libertie , the only barre to his designe , lust is not so tame , and foolish , common policie would have instructed him to have let you rather languish , and rot in prison , be collected , and thinke whom your false feares have injur'd , a noble wife and friend . sir . i am too blame , this act hath made me understand two soules . i 'le take 'em both to mine , and aske forgivenesse . cap. your lady . enter lady peregrine . sir . forgive me my bellamia , thou appearst white agen , and only i blacke with my false suspitions of thy goodnesse , my lord has given me a satisfaction large as his virtue , welcome to my bosome , my best , my chast bellamia . la. this is joy able to drowne my poore hart , but is all this peace concluded ? sir . thus agen confirm'd . la. iust heaven hath heard my prayers , happy bellamia . what riches i embrace , what worlds of treasures , in every kisse , how manie lives i take from those sweet smiles ? cap. who could suspect this ladie ? bel. but i am lost agen , in what place am i ? i' st not a prison ? oh that sad thought shoots a trembling through me . sir . all is cur'd agen . bellamia i am free too , out of debt , nay i did wonder at it . bel. you amaze me . sir . wast not a brave physitian , that could cure two such distempers , when my soule , and fortune lay gasping , to recover both ? 't is done , done by thy friend , and mine , that honest lord hath paid all , to the scruple of a fee , what thanks shall we both pay him my bellamia ? can he hath done this miracle , allow a place for lust within him ? 't is impossible . but he is comming hither , stay not thou , it will require more leasure to expresse thy gratitude , returne , and tell thy friends the wonder first , that when i shall present his person next , they may have spacious soules , to admire and entertaine him . bel. i obey you , doe not allay this unexpected joy with a sad change good heaven . exit cap. you will expect him . sir . religiously , an age i 'le wait for him , i prethee stay , and witnesse with what cheerfulnesse i 'le aske his pardon . cap. he is come . enter lord . sir . my lord , as you have made me object of your mercy , by such an act of bounty , as noe times have gloried in , and in that showne the cleerenesse of your braue soule , uncapable of staine , still let it shine with charity , and make mee confident of pardon , for an injurie i blush , and dare bleede for , to shew repentance . lo. are you then satisfied ? sir . i am my lord . lo. i was bold , but with no purpose to disparage your credit , to discharge some trifling debts . sir . they were great , my lord , and must enlarge my acknowledgment , you have oblig'd two lives to pray for you . cap. and the whole age to admire . lo. you would encourage mee . one word , your honor 's safe agen . sir . and happy . lo. mine suffers , 't is but yong and growing on me , it bleeds by your suspition , i was bound to this expence , 't is a malicious world , and men are apt to imagine , i was glad you were in prison , to preserue my skinne with some excuse , this brand must not come neere my forehead , though your sea be calme , i would not have my fame lost i' th tempest of mens tongues , i have made no reply , in point of man , to your challenge , and the noyse may be dispers'd , nor will what you are pleas'd to accept , render me lesse unquestioned , but beget mens feares at a high rate i have brib'd your patience baselie , perhaps , their impudence will reach to say , i have bought my passage to your ladie , and your consent to 'th shame , sir . i will proclaime you noble to all the world , and my preserver . lo. ther 's nothing but your sword can doe me right , we shall not trouble seconds , if you please the captaine stand for both , he is a gentleman knowne trulie valiant , which implyes he cannot deceive where he is trusted , i 'le expect , you 'le follow as you are a gentleman . exit . cap. he seemes troubled . what 's the matter ? sir . didst thinke it possible so faire a skie should be deliver'd of a tempest ? cap. how ? sir . i 'le tell thee as we walke , thou must not leave us . that man is miserablie compel'd , that must , to save his fame , be to himselfe unjust . exeunt .
actus quintus . enter sir solitarie , dormant , and oldrat . dor. the coach will be made readie . sol. so , so , lett 's thinke and talke of something else : tim 's precious , lett 's talke wiselie , 't will concerne us , my braine is not in tune about my nephew , who knowes upon what plott he is sent hither , the duch are grand projectors , let ts examine where he is gon now . dor. my opinion is , to kill some body , or other . sol. that would be knowne , and yet i heard a buzze , some noble man was aim'd at , we were best say nothing , and discover him to the state , we may be else in danger , and made accessaries to the parricide , which is not as the vulgar interpret , killing of a father , but parem cedendo , killing of a peere , a peere o' th land , marke that . old. i understand a procedendo well enough , but who shall serue the writ ? dor. vnder your pardon , how can you prove he is a murderer , let him first kill some bodie , no matter who it be , and then you may discover him with a safe conscience . old. laughs . sol. what 's the matter . old. i am of an opinion under correction that if wee should discover him , wee should not carrie it so privatelie , but it would be knowne , and then we shall be in as much danger o' th tother side for concealing it . dor. laughs � sol. who 's that ? dor. now i thinke better on 't , it cannot be conceal'd vnder your favour fellow oldrat , for if we do not discover , the state will not be so wise , as we are , and then 't were pitie o' their lives , besids if he go on to kill whom he list , and no bodie heare on 't he may undoe the towne by degrees in a moment , and neither we nor any that is hurt , the wiser for 't . old. laughs agen . sol. who is it laughs ? old. not i , sir , ha , ha . dor. nor i , sir , ha , ha . sol. stand both before me , is there not some spirit i' th roome ? has not some conjurer a plot upon me ? cato was wise , and never laugh'd , but when out of his casement , he beheld an asse eate thistles , wher 's the may-game ? will none answer ? sure they did laugh at me , but i 'le prevent 'em , and vex their spleenes , away . i wonot trust a laughing visard , ther 's a killing face behind it , oh the juggling of the world ! am i ridiculous at home ? there is some plot in agitation . i smell a rat . enter dormant . dor. if please you , sir , there is a dumbe embassador desires to speake with you . sol. a dumbe embassador ? when does he looke for audience ? of what nation ? where in the map is dumbe-land ? i should much affect that countrie , let him have accesse . enter vaineman . i understand you are a dumbe embassador ; your businesse pray with me : you are no lawyer , nor no divine i take it , are there no women non magpies in your countrie ? vaineman makes signes , and salutes him . sol. this fellow must have a rare understanding , for nature recompenseth the defects of one part , with redoundance in another : blind men have excellent memories , and the tongue thus indispos'd , ther 's treasure in the intellect : yet there may be a plott , hee 's sent to obserue mee , a state spie , but i 'le cozen his intelligence , and be as dumbe as he . they make signes one to another . enter pumiceston . sol. what are you , sir ? pu. i am his interpreter . sol. oh then first answer me , how came he dumbe ? pu. with melancholie , sir , he has a strange humor to crosse the methode of the world . sol. as how , sir ? pray be plaine . pu. why ; sir , to make the night his time for study , talke , or businesse , and never go to bed but in the morning . but keepe this to your selfe , for 't is a secret . sol. study ? what did he study praie o' th nights ? pu. why plotts , nothing but plotts : he did suspect all mankinde , nay their shadowes in the hangings , if they but laid their heads together , were dangerous , and talk'd treason , such a foole , a serious foole was never before extant . enter jacintha . ia. how does my solitary uncle ? sol. ha cozen , forbeare , we are engag'd upon affaires of weight , that 's an embassador . ia. what language does he speake ? sol. none , none ; but this is his interpreter . ia. interpreter , and yet he speaks no language . sol. hee 'le over-heare you , 't is a dumbe embassador . i pray be gone , you are a woman , goe . ia. and can you get no other company then dumbe and mad-folkes ? sol. who is mad ? ia. that gentleman . be you but master of some sense a while , i 'le mak 't appeare he has none . come forward , sir , doe you obserue his motion ? i intreate he should come forward , and he plaies the crab . stand still , sir , i beseech you . pu. with your pardon i must be in action , it does stirre my blood , which would congeale through cold else in my veins . ia. if it be beneficiall to your body practise this motion still . sol. 't is very strange ; he now appeares a statue : are they not both mad ? doe you thinke jacintha they have no plott in this , how came they thus distracted ? ia. this grew mad with catching cold a bed , and lying from his wife . sol. cold causes are very dangerous . ia. you are somthing guilty on 't . enter lady plott , oldrat , dormant . noyse within . la. pl. what if my husband be asleepe ? dor. wee 'le wake him . old

good madam be not troublesome , doe not you know who i am ? i charge you to resist us , come your waies , where ; where be these traitors ? let me see , where is sir solitary ? i thought he would ha shewne more wit then to concele traitors in his house .

sol. traitors ? old. traitors , we looke for , and traitors we will have , and they be above ground . dor. i saw two suspitious persons come into the house with my owne eyes , and they must out , there they are , i 'le take my oath master constable . ia. master vaineman , and master pumicestone you two suspected for traitors , oh the rotten harts of men ! old.

reprehend them . your good knight must goe too , goe cheerfully 't will be the better for you , if you discharge an honest conscience , you may have the favor to hang tell you be dead .

la. did ever any man was sure o' th gallowes , shake so ? ia. this fright may worke some good effect upon him , many men have beene frighted from their witts , having none left , why i st not possible he should be frighted backe againe into 'em ? va. one word i beseech you , 't is time to speake . la. pl. i hope you did not meane this for his cure , i am not so wearie cozen of my freedome . he that 's full master of his reason , may be master of his wife too , which i like not . enter lady peregrine . per. my uncle , sister , madam . sir ha more plotts ? ia. what 's the news sister ? you looke pleasantlie . pu. your face is full of sunshine madam . per. blesse me , but what are these ? old. we are subjects of command , shee 'l discover us . per. men ? apprehended ? what new feares invade me ? dor. what shall we doe now ? ia. e'en what you please . shee puls of their beards . per, why this is dormant your servant uncle . old. who would ha thought it ? per. and your name oldrat , what 's the matter gentlemen ? ha you an interlude ? pu. if they be no officers , we can be no traitors . dor. t was mistris jacintahs plott , we did but act it . ia. i was desirous of a scene of mirth , how farre wee should ha driven it , i know not , just so ridiculous are all your plotts uncle , ha , ha . you had your parts my brace of learned gentlemen , whom i doe discharge from feare and further penance . per. make not your selfe the generall derision , your drudges mirth . la. pl. nay , let him have his humour . ia. if you have still ambition to be laught at , and thinke it possible i can love such motleyes , come thus a wooing every day , i shall finde some tricke at last to make your worships famous . va. what thinke you o'th is ? pu.

one of us is sure to carry her , what thinke you o' th device , and the worst come to the worst , for the thousand pound ?

va, we must agree , pay it , and be reveng'd . pu. doe not you thinke you have undone us now , and that we shall dispaire , and drowne our selves , or slippe out of the world in a cleane halter ? no , we will live to vex thee , for my part because thou gavest me liberty to speake , to shew i scorne to obey thee , and in malice to thy injunction , i will never speake agen , to any woman , in revenge , exit . i 'le be more dumbe then he was . va. and because . thou didst injoyne me silence , from henceforth i 'le practise talke to weary all thy sex . i will be all , the everlasting talker , and raile upon all women , till i have worne my tongue to 'th roote , i 'le study presently a satyre that shall eate thee through the bones , and send thee first to an hospitall . ex. sir . i see i am a foole , a melancholy suspitious foole , and all my plotts are nothing . ia. lett 's follow , and eyther make him mad outright , or bring it to a cure , your part 's not done yet . exeunt . la. pl. this will undoe me , now must i to prison . dor. what dost thou thinke they meane oldrat ? old. i thinke ? i hope they meane well . and lovingly , and let us like honest servants into the sellar and pray for 'em . dor. a match . exeunt . enter lord , sir walter , and captaine . sir . then nothing will prevaile but we must fight ? lo. and no place more convenient , draw sir walter , and captaine , now indifferent friend to both , for i have no suspition thou canst slaine thy selfe by partiality , witnes with the hart i bring , i have no thought so blacke , as murder , or revenge , but to preserue my honor , which no balme can cure , if once but the suspect of coward fall upon it . sir i am not so unjust my lord to doubt your courage . cap. you have given proofe my lord abroad , that you dare fight . lo. though i affect no glory from actions of this nature , yet the world at home must be convinc'd , our fame is lost else : had peregrine beene coward , or not knowne for valour , i had runne lesse hazard of my fame , by being silent , but as i am beneath him in opinion , a yong man circled with expectation of something , that must declare mee worthy of a name , and love of men , i must attempt this danger : but let me tell thee this , which perhaps may render thy sword more fatall to mee , i did love thy lady with a sinfull purpose , persued ever persecuted her chast soule , to satisfie my wantonnesse , but found an innocence so rich in her , as may alone excuse the ill of all her sex , nor has the goodnesse only the effect to preserue her , but it return'd my eyes with so much shame upon my selfe , that i threw off my lust , and doted on her virtue , heaven shut his mercy up if i dissemble , this injust obligation to cherish , i did reward with trifles , which perhaps gave fewell to your jealousie , but know i have design'd a larger recompence , which your sword may confirme to her in few minuts , for if i chaunce fall by it , shee is declar'd the heire to my estate , and she deserues it , which shee le employ no question to assure your peace , and pardon for my death , come on , sir . sir . i am more lost then ever , let my wonder be past , or you will fight against a man whose soul 's a great way off . didst heare this captaine ? cap. with pardon of your lordship , since you have declard so freely , what i thinke winnes credit with him too , your intentions to his lady : there is no cause , you should engage your bloods , to any losse sir . you are my preserver , sir , make me not so ingratefull to advance my sword against your life , that gave me all the benefit of mine , i have assurance enough of you , and my wives honor . lo. ther 's a purse of gold is troublesome , it may be usefull to 'th surviver , come , sir , fight by thy owne ladies virtue , i shall else provoke you rudelie . sir . for her sake my lord , we should bee friends . lo. that wonot helpe my fame , nor yours , if you regard what threatens it , i must not live upon the charity of peoples tongues , their justice shall acknowledge i doe not feare to bleed , let it be argument to inflame thee , that thou mayest be happyer vpon my losse , since my last minute gives thy wife possession of all my fortune . sir . that rather charmes me from each violence . lo. this must compell you then , till now i never fight . thought thee ingratefull , by thy fame i charge thee , by thy bellamias love , fight not with pitty , let me bee worthy at least to fall with honor , fight so , as howsoever fate determine , i may get honor , though in death , and not suffer without a wound . fight both wounded . so her 's some blood yet . sir . i did but imitate my lord your character , cap. blood of both sides , nay then i interpose , as you are gentlemen , for other titles weigh nothing here , be just to both your honors , you have done well , exceeding well , unlesse i shall conclude ther 's malice on one side , be your selves now , and on such noble termes be reconcil'd agen , sir walter is no enemy at hart , and the world must be satisfied my lord , in your just valor , thinke what blest providence has mark'd you both for noble ends . sir . i 'le trust him with my sword , which rather shall make next impression here , then be his danger . lo. i am overcome , take me thy captiue . sir . my most honord friend . cap. so , so , 't is faire on both sides , but my lord , you bleed much , can you spare it . lo. well enough , i 'le wait upon you home . cap. first have a surgeon . lo. what for a scratch ? let me present thee safe , to thy bellamia , shee but with a smile can cure all wounds , come captaine . sir . wee both waite on you . exeunt . enter jacintha , and lady peregrine . ia. you tell mee wonders . bel , i shall much repent my discourse to thee , if it did not raise thy admiration , 't is a noble lord , thou art bound to make him restitution . ia. of what ? bel. of fame , you were jealous of our honours . ia. i have read the chronicles , but never met with a yong lord has done the like . bel. to what virtue in time will he grow to jacintha ? ia. virtue ? ther 's another thing , not usuall in men of his ranke , i allow a gentleman to pay his owne debts , but another mans , want's a record , besides all this , to love another mans wife , a hansome woman too , and be at cost to keepe her honest ? miracles . bel. what joyes flow in my hart . thou art sad sister . ia. no sadnesse , but i have another passion , that troubles me . bel. you 'le bee in time converted , and leave your wild invectives against men , t is possible you may marry , if you could finde such another man to be your husband . ia. no , i wood not . bel. what ? ia. finde such another man to be my husband . bel. thou woodst have him , how now my witty sister ? ia. it cannot be conceal'd . bel. has litle cupid beene practising with his bird-bolt , if thou bee'st not , i 'le wish thee hartelie in love , to punish thy want of charitie against all men and marriage , 't is but justice , nay be not melancholie ; he will be here presentlie . ia. he shall be welcome . bel. he shall . ia. be very welcome hither , he once said if i remember well , could he but love , he would marrie mee of all women alive . my fortun 's not to bee dispisd , however my hart is rich enough , but it shall languish to death , ere i will tell him so . enter lord , sir walter , and captaine . bel. but do'st love him indeed ? now but for pitie i could laugh . la. you may triumph sister , you have cause . bel. and thou canst have no argument to despaire , come shall i tell my lord ? ia. what ? bel. that thou lovest him . ia. doe him not so much iniurie , my passion can still walke in disguise , though i confesse since your relation , 't is become more troublesome to be confin'd , oh love ! i never thought to have felt thy sting , i dare not stay to see him ; i shall betray my selfe with many blushes : farewell my lord fitzavarice . lo. not so hee 'le rather meet a welcome to his bosoms , repent not lady , y' are but lovinglie betraid , and 't is my happinesse , i should have pleaded at this barre , in this prevention i am doubly blest , be constant , and devide with me both hart , and fortunes : thou must needs be excellently good in being her sister . ia. i must confesse my lord , i honor you . but not for any titles , although some woman may be allow'd the ambition , but for your noble nature . lo. i am confirm'd . sir w. but all is well agen , and must exalt thy truer joyes by finding us both live , and knit into a peace no time can violate , lo. let me salute the example of chast honor ; sister i now must call thee , and shall glorie to owne that title by jacinthas love . sir w. la. all blessings crowne your wishes . cap. i have a hart to wish you joyes . lo. they will bee all a debt to your noble care of us , master confident . ia. one of my servants but not yet discharg'd . enter confident . lo. you come to turne and winde this ladies fancie with your wit now , but your devices fadge not , it is three minutes since shee was dispos'd of , and though my stocke of braine will not reach , to make a large joynture of so many hundred sonnets per annum , and rare elegies , some fresh , and some that ha slaine . yeeres pickled , in other languages : yet shee 'le be content with a lesse witty fortune , my estate sir . con. t is happinesse enough for mee to snuffe your marriage taper , whose bright shine shall put out the worlds eye . lo. spare , spare your fancies . but i 'le not now arraigne you , if you meane to have me , know me agen , chafer some wit away for honesty , i conceale your shame , co. ther 's hope then of your pardon , when i rise from what has iustlie forfeited my name , to shew the world your childing is not lost , your lordship will not be asham'd agen to owne me for your servant . lo. i shall be a glad witnes and admirer . how now , musicke ? musicke . enter dormant . dor. wil t please you gentlemen to have a song . sir solitary , and my lady are at it , he is growne the most joviall gentleman � harke .
song . la. pl. welcome welcome , agen to thy wits . this is a holy day . sir sol. i 'le have no plotts , nor melancholy fitts but merily passe the time away : they are mad , that are sad . la. pl. bee ruld by mee ; and none shall bee so merry as wee . sir sol. the kitchin shall catch cold no more . la. i 'le have no key to the buttery dore , sir . the fidlers shall sing , the house shall ring , and the world shall see . both . what a merry couple . merry couple . couple , couple , wee will bee .
enter sir solitary , and his lady . sir . wee are new married gentlemen , i must invite your lordship for my guest . your tunes are melancholie . welcome home my wandring nephew ; you shall bee welcome too , sir . cap. i 'me your servant . sir . when shall we dance jacintha ? lo. sure this humor is very yong , pray madam is he serious ? is there no plott in this ? la. pl. beyond my hope he is recover'd sir , and i must stand too 't , and turne a miracle , a lady huswife . sir sol. no more , least with the ioy i runne into a madnes worse , then melancholie , you tell mee wonders : blesse my senses . and shall we dance ? lo. i am for any mirth , the day requires it , in which love too long blind hath found his eyes , and leads the way to his owne paradise . finis .
epilogue . praise a faire day at night the proverbe sayes , and 't is the evening that must crowne all playes . for although writers may bee first allow'd , to speake themselves , their judgements are too proud that waving all authority beside thinke 't is enough when they are satisfied , wee must appeale to you , vnles you smile wee have but cherish'd vaine hopes all this while , but if you like , by this we shall best prove it , you 'le follow the example , if you love it .

imprimatur

october . . tho. wykes .
prologue . t will be a great assize , how things will hit for us appearing at this barre of wit . is most uncertaine , we have nam'd our play the example , and for ought we know it may be made one , for at no time did the lawes however understood , more fright the cause of unbefriended posy , since the praise of wit , and judgement is not now adayes owing to them that write , but hee that can talke loud , and high , is held the witty man , and censures finely , rules the box , and strikes with his court nod consent to what hee likes ; but this must bee , nor i st our parts to grudge any that by their place should bee a judge ; nay , hee that in the parish never was thought fit to bee o' th jury , has a place here , on the bench for six pence , and dares sit , and boast himselfe commissioner of wit , which though he want he can condemne with othes , as much as they that we are the purple clothes , robes i should say , or whom i' th roman state some ill-look'd stage-keepers , like lictors waite with pipes for fasces , while another beares three-footed stooles in stead of juory chaires , this is a destiny , to which wee bow , for all are innocent but the poets now , who suffer for their guilt of truth , and arts , and we for only speaking of their parts . but be it so , be judges all , and bee with our consent , but thus farre take me w' ee if any meete here , as some men i' th age who understand no sense , but from one stage , and over partiall will entaile like land vpon heires male all action , and command of voice and gesture , upon whom they love , these , though cal'd judges , may delinquent's prove . but few such wee hope here , to 'th rest wee say heare patiently ere you condemne the play . t is not the authors confidence , to dare your judgements , but your calme eares to prepare , that if for mercy you can finde no roome , hee prayes that mildly , you pronounce his doome .
machine-generated castlist a -lord a -jacintha a -peregrine a -confident a -bellamia a -pumicestone a -solitary a -dormant a -lady a -vainman a -captain a -scrivener a -plott a -oldrat a -page a -lady_plott a -unassigned a -sheriff a -within a -both a -officer a -woman a -sir_walter_pregrine
textual notes

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take� and bee with our consent , but thus farre take me w'ee if any meete here , as some men ohsleepe lesse noyse in a steeple upon a coronation , oh sleepe , sleepe , though it were a dead � are the quietest couple , never meet , no , not a bed , there may be plotts in that earlié so earlie ? there may bee a plott in that , say her plottsith shee is young , and hansome , and there be plotts ith world . dormant , come hither . what ia�intha my neece iacintha sirra , for my wife i will let her alone is suspect he loves her . he has my nephews land in morgage too . a mere device , i fadome it �adome nephews land is morgage too . a mere device , i fadome it , come hither , let not the arras heare l��y enter master confident , and lady plott . times , gleand from italian sonetts ? and loose rimes ; his bouncing , aud his braves shall not pleas�d you were pleasd . to send for me . to you were pleasd . to send for me . mee you are not ; jealous of mee? pittie you for your counsell but it needs not , i pitie the condition of this gentleman , that makes yong meaning of a jewell , sent by a lord , a young and hansome lord too ; 'tis a thing at court pittie at court , is not in fashion , and 'twere pitie one with so good a face , should be the i�le shee deceives me much : to her your selfe , i'le take my opportunitie . f�ame still persue me with this heate of sensuall flame , and send these tempters to me , after divell� is all nunns flesh about her , but has the divell no tricke to thaw her chastitie ? i must not ari� sigillatum et deliberatum in praesentia notarij . publici . i thanke you gentlemen . ��� i have a great minde � le�ts sister , would shee were sent to a nunnery , letts loose noe time , but advance to her instantlie hee�'s articles be drawne , 'tis a safe bargaine , heer's my hand too't . withall formality and law , we doe but talke else , va with all my hart , subscribe to night , who's this to�'t from mortalitie , can lay a worthie claime to't . yau'e put a question would afflict an bounteoussie one of you must be accepted , and both so bounteouslie deserving . then , if i pronounce agen that ��� enter lord fitzavarice , and lady plott . fullens hansome woman should eate chalke , and die i'th sullens , if she might be comforted , and cured y� are y'are a strang condition'd gentlewoman . i th will be a miracle to finde one honest man ith bundle , sir , you are bound to my lord falstasse falstaffe i will beleeve thee , there is noe faith thi� my lord , she is stolen to her chamber : this wil give you admittance through my lodgings � , and reade the storie to their children , and envy the example was not theirs , i neveroh never oh , never : let mee tell you , sir , you helpe� hee's to modest : but your discretion must helpe that that . hat modest : but your discretion must helpe that that . ia� ia. shee s shees right for that , 'tis dangerous . � 'tis fit the ladie satisfie her judgment , although i hate partialitie , it becomes flattets neere a blessing , or else my poore hart flatters mee . � there is no shame for virtue to receive them : but what's all this to me , that am poore mus� i knew it was some great man must be visited beneath the ribbs , men of such � so , with smiles shall chase that winter , and shoot spring throughout your blood ; soresolute so resolute ? you have not seene sir walter � exeunt . enter jacintha , vaine-man pamiceston . p�s. pu. vayne-m� vayne-man makes pi ��� signes , shrings . mak�s vayne-man makes pi ��� signes , shrings . pi ��� vayne-man makes pitifull signes , shrings . betri'd ; you owe me for the act , it was my wit betrai'd him to the arrest , held him in prate whilst �am how i am bound to thee ? onyous ghost of cheese , with the egyptian idoll onyons , and crusts to breake an elephants tooth � enter scrivener . � bove all the engines ment to wound mankinde . oh woman , that hast forfeited the glorie � oh woman , that hast forfeited the glorie . of thy creation , and become mans ruine les�e he beene coward , as you thought him , at leste charge he might ha sau'd his honor , and me lancholie with melancholie , sir , he has a strange humor to crosse � exeunt . majest it be argument to inflame thee , that thou mayest be happyer vpon my losse , since my last serath what for a scratch ? let me present thee safe , to thy bellamia � exeunt . enter jacintha , and lady peregrine . bosomo not so hee'le rather meet a welcome to his bosoms , repent not lady , y'are but lovinglie �laine rare elegies , some fresh , and some that ha slaine . yeeres pickled , in other languages : iustiie of your pardon , when i rise from what has iustlie forfeited my name , to shew the world your
hyde park shirley, james this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text s in the english short title catalog (stc ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. martin mueller incompletely or incorrectly transcribed words were reviewed and in many cases fixed by hannah bredar lydia zoells this text has not been fully proofread earlyprint project evanston il, notre dame in, st.louis, washington mo distributed under a creative commons attribution-noncommercial . unported license a .xml hide parke a comedie, as it vvas presented by her majesties servants, at the private house in drury lane. written by iames shirly. shirley, james, - . dpi tiff g page images university of michigan, digital library production service ann arbor, michigan october (tcp phase ) stc ( nd ed.) . greg, ii, . a

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 hide parke a comedie, as it vvas presented by her majesties servants, at the private house in drury lane. written by iames shirly. shirley, james, - . [ ] p. printed by tho. cotes, for andrew crooke, and william cooke, london : .

in verse.

signatures: a b-i k .

the last leaf is blank.

reproduction of the original in the folger shakespeare library.

 a shc hyde park shirley, james hannah bredar lydia zoells play comedy shc no a s (stc ). athis text has no known defects that were recorded as gap elements at the time of transcription. incorporated ~ , textual changes made to the shc corpus by hannah bredar, kate needham, and lydia zoells between april and july during visits, separately or together, to the bodleian, folger and houghton libraries as well as the rare book libraries at northwestern university and the university of chicago

hide parke a comedie , as it was presented by her majesties servants , at the private house in drury lane .

written by james shirly .

post tenebras lvs

london , printed by tho. cotes , for andrew crooke , and william cooke . .

to the right honorable , henry earle of holland , knight of the most noble order of the garter , one of his majesties most honourable privie councell , chancellor of the vniversitie of cambridge , &c. my lord ,

this comedy in the title , is a part of your lordships command , which heretofore grac'd , and made happy by your smile , when it was presented , after a long silence , upon first opening of the parke , is come abroad to kisse your lordships hand . the applause it once receiv'd in the action , is not considerable with that honour , your lordship may give it in your acceptance ; that was too large , and might with some narrow and stoicall judgement render it suspected : but this , depending upon your censure , ( to me above many theaters ) is able to impart a merit to the poem , and prescribe opinion . if your lordship , retir'd from businesse into a calme , and at truce with those high affaires , wherein your counsell and spirit is fortunately active , vouchsafe to peruse these unworthy papers . you not onely give a life to the otherwise languishing numbers , but quicken , and exalt the genius of the author , whose heart pointeth at no greater ambition , than to be knowne

my lord to your name and honour the most humbly devoted iames shirly .
persons . the lord bonvils . amorous servants to mris caroll . mr. fairefield . mr. rider . mr. venture . mr. lacy to mris bonavent . mr. tryer to mris julietta . mr. bonavent . lords page . jocky . servants . runners . mris caroll . mris bonavent . mris julietta sister to fairefield . waiting woman . milke maide . &c.
hide parke .
the first act . enter tryer and lacy . tryer , and how and how ? lacy , the cause depends . tr. no mistresse . la. yes , but no wife . tr. for now she is a widdow . la. but i resolve � tr. what does shee say to thee . la.

shee sayes , i know not what she sayes , but i must take another course , and yet she is �

tr. a creature of much sweetenesse , if all tongues be just in her report , and yet t is strange having seven yeares expected , and so much remonstrance of her husbands losse at sea , she should continue thus . la. what if she should renew the bond of her devotion for seven yeares more . tr. you will have time enough , to pay in your affection . la. i de make , a voyage to cassandra's temple first , and marry a deform'd maide , yet i must confesse she gives me a faire respect . tr. has she , a hope her husband may be living yet ? i cannot tell ; she may have a conceipt , some dolphin has preserv'd him in the storme , or that he may be tenant to some whale ; within whose belly he may practise lent , and feed on fish , till hee be vomited vpon some coast , or having scap'd the seas , and billes of exchange fayling , he might purpose to foote it ore the alpes in his returne , and by mischance is fallen among the mise , with whom perhappes he battens upon sleepe , beneath the snow . tr. this were a vagary . la.

i know not what to thinke , or is she not the worse for the coy lady that lives with her .

tr. her kinswoman ? la. such a malicious peece , ( i meane to love ) t is pittie any place but a cold nunnery should be troubled with her ; if all maides were but her disciples , wee should have no generation , and the world for want of children in few yeares undone by 't : here 's one can tell you more , is not that iarvis the widdowes servant . enter venture and servant . ven. whether in such hast man ? ser. i am commanded sir to fetch a gentleman . ven. to thy mistresse ? to give her a heate this morning . ser. i ha spied him ; with your pardon � the servant goes to laey tr. good morrow maister venture . ven. franke tryer . tr. you looke iocond and high , venus has bin propitious , i dreamt last night thou wert a bridegrome . ven. such a thing may be , the winde blowes now from a more happie coast , la. i must leave you , i am sent for , tr. to thy mistresse ? la. without more ceremony , gentlemen my service- farwell . ven. i le tell thee , i have a mistresse . exit . tr. i beleeve it ven. and yet i have her not . tr. but you have hope . ven. or rather certainty . tr. why , i heare she is a very tyrant over men . ven. worse , worse , the needle of a diall never had so many waverings , but she is touch'd , and she points onely this way now , true north ; i am her pole . tr. and she your vrsa minor , ven. i laugh to thinke how other of her rivals will looke when i enioy her . tr. y are not yet contracted ? ven. no she chang'd some amorous tokens , do you see this diamond ? a toy she gave me . tr. cause she saw you a sparke . ven. her flame of love is here , and in exchange she tooke a chaine of pearle . tr. you le see it hang'd . ven. these to the wise are arguments of love , and mutuall promises . enter lord bonuile and page . tr. your lordship 's welcome to towne , i am blest to see your honour in good health . lo. prethee visit my lodgings . tr. i shall presume to tender my humble service . ven. what 's he ? exit lord and page . tr. a sprigge of the nobilitie , that has a spirit equall to his fortunes , a gentleman that loves cleane napery . ven. i guesse your meaning . tr. a lady of pleasure , t is no shame for men of his high birth to love a wench his honour may priviledge more sinnes , next to a woman he loves a running horse , setting a side these recreations , he has a noble nature , valiant , bountifull . ven. i was of his humour till i fell in love , i meane for wenching , you may guesse a little , by my legges , but i le now be very honest , and when i am married � tr. then you are confident to carry away your mistresse from em all . ven. from ioue himselfe though he should practise all his shapes to court her , t is impossible she should put any trick upon me , i have wonne her very soule . tr. her body must needes be your owne then . ven. i have a brace of rivals would they were here that i might ieere em , and see how opportunely one is come , enter master rider . i le make you a little sport . tr. i ha bin melancholy . you will , expresse a favour in 't . rid. m. venture , the first man in my wish what gentleman is that ? ven. a friend of mine . rid. i am his servant , looke yet , we are friends an 't shall appeare , how ever things succeed that i have lov'd you , and you cannot take my councell in ill part . ven. what 's the businesse ? rid. for my part , i have vs'd no inchantment , philter , no devices that are unlawfull , to direct the streame of her affection , it flowes naturally . ven. how 's this ? prethee observe . tr. i do and shall laugh presently . rid. for your anger i weare a sword , though i have no desire it should be guilty of defacing any part of your body , yet upon a just and noble provocation , wherein my mistresse love , and honour is engaged , i dare draw blood . tr. ha , ha , ha ! ven. a mistresse love and honour ? this is pretty . rid. i know you cannot but understand me , yet i say i love you , and with a generous breast , and in the confidence you will take it kindely , i returne to that i promis'd you , good councell , come leave off the prosecution . ven. of what i prethee ? rid. there wil be lesse affront then to expect till the last minute , and behold the victory anothers , you may guesse , why i declare this ? i am studious to preserve an honest friendshippe . for though it be my glory , to be adorn'd with trophies of her vanquisht love . ven. whose love ? tr. this sounds as if he ieer'd you ven. mushroompe ! tr. what d ee meane gentlemen ? friends and fall out about good councell . ven. i le put up a gaine now i thinke better on 't : tr. t is done discreetly , cover the nakednesse of your toole i pray . ven. why looke you sir . if you bestow this councell out of your love , i thanke you ; yet there is no great necessitie , why you should be at the cost of so much breath , thing 's well considered . a ladies love is mortall , i know that , and if a thousand men should love a woman the dice must carry her , but one of all can weare the garland . tr. now you come to him . ven. for my owne part , i lov'd the lady wel , but you must pardon me , if i demonstrate there 's no such thing as you pretend , and therefore in quittance of your loving , honest councell , i would not have you build an ayry castle , her starres have pointed her another way , this instrument will take her height . shewes the ring . rid. ha . ven. and you may guesse what cause you have to triumph , i would not tell you this , but that i love you , and hope you will not runne your selfe into the cure of bedlam , hee that weares this favour hath sence to apprehend . rid. that diamond . ven. observe it perfectly , there are no trophies of vanquisht love , i take it , comming toward you , it will be lesse affront , then to expect till the last minute , and behold the victory anothers . rid. that ring i gave her . tr. ha , ha , ha ! ven. this was his gift to her , ha , ha , ha ! have patience spleene , ha , ha ! tr. the scene is chang'd ! rid. she wonot use me thus , she did receive it with all the circumstance of love . ven. i pitty him , my eyes runne ore , dost heare , i cannot choose but laugh , and yet i pitty thee . she has a ieering wit , and i shall love her more heartily for this . what dost thinke ? poore gentleman how he has foold himselfe . rid. i le to her againe . ven. nay , be not passionate ! a faith thou wert too confident , i knew it could not hold , dost thinke i de say so much else ? i can tell thee more , but lose her memorie . rid. were it more rich hee shewes a chaine of pearle . then that which cleopatra gave to anthony , with scorne i would returne it . tr. she give you this chaine ? rid. she shall be hang'd in chaines , ere i will keepe it . ven. stay , stay , let my eye examine that � this chaine � rid. who would trust woman after this ? ven. the very same she tooke of me , when i receiv'd this diamond . rid. ha ha ! you doe but iest , she wonot foole you o'th is fashion , looke a little better , one may be like another . ven. t is the same . rid. ha , ha , i would it were , that we might laugh at one another , by this hand i will forgive her , prethee tell me � ha , ha , ha ! tr. you will carry her from ioue himselfe , though he should practise all his shapes to court her . rid. by this pearle , o rogue ! how i doe love her for t , be not dejected ; a ladies love is mortall , one of all must weare the garland , do not foole your selfe beyond the cure of bedlam . tr. she has fitted you with a paire of fooles coates , as hansomely as any taylor , that had taken measure , ven. give me thy hand . tr. nay lay your heads together how to revenge it , and so gentlemen i take my leave . ven. she has abusd us . rid. let vs take his councell , wee can be but what we are . ven. a paire of credulous fooles . rid. this other fellow fairefeild has prevail'd . ven. which if hee have � rid. what shall we do ? ven. i thinke we were best let him alone . rid. d ee heare ? wee le to her againe , you le be ruld by me , and tell her what wee thinke on her . ven. she may come to herselfe , and be asham'd on 't . rid. if she would affect one of us , for my part i am indifferent . ven. so say i too , but to give us both the canvas le ts walke , and thinke how to behave our selves . exeunt . enter mistresse bonavent , and mistris caroll . car. what d ee meane to do with him ? bon. thou art to much a tyrant , the seven yeares are past , that did oblige me to expect my husband engag'd to sea , and though within those limits frequent intelligence hath reported him lost , both to me , and his owne life , i have bin carefull of my vow ; and were there hope yet to embrace him , i would thinke another seven yeares no penance , but i should thus be held a cruell woman , in his certaine losse , to despise the love of all mankinde . and therefore i resolve , upon so large a triall of his constancy , at last to give him the reward of his respects . to me and � ca. marry him . bo. you have apprehended ! ca. no marvaile if men raile upon you then , and doubt whether a widdow may be sav'd , we maides are thought the worse on , for your easines , how are poore women overseene ? we must cast a way our selves upon a whyning lover in charity , i hope my cousens ghost will meete , as you go to church , or if you scape it then , upon the wedding night � bo. fy , fy . ca. when you are both a bed and candles out . bo. nay put not out the candles . ca. may they burne blew then , at his second kisse and fright him from � well i could say something but take your course � he 's come already . enter lacy . put him off , but another twelue moneth , so , so , oh love into what foolish labyrinthes dost thou leade us ! i would all women were but of my minde , we would have a new world quickly , i will goe studie poetry , a purpose , to write verses in the praise of th' amazonian ladies , in whom only appeare true valour ( for the instruction of all posterity ) to beate their husbands . la. how you endeare your servant . ca. i will not be guilty of more stay . enter mr. fairefeild . fa. sweete lady . ca. y' are come in time sir , to redeeme me . fa. why lady . ca. you wil be as comfortable as strong waters , there 's a gentleman . fa. so uncivill to affront you ? ca. i had no patience to heare him longer ; take his offence before you question him . fa. and be most happy if by any service you teach me to deserve your faire opinion . ca. it is not civill to eauesdrop him , but i 'me sure he talkes on 't now . fa. of what ? ca. of love , is any thing more ridiculous ? you know i never cherish that condition , in you t is the most harsh unpleasing discord , but i hope you will be instructed better knowing how much my fancy goes against it , talke not of that and welcome . fa. you retaine i see your unkind temper , will no thought soften your heart , disdaine agrees but ill with so much beauty ; if you would perswade , me not to love you , strive to be lesse faire ; vndoe that face , and so become a rebell , to heaven and nature . ca. you doe love my face then ! fa. as heavenly prologue to your minde , i doe not dote like pigmalion on the colours ! ca. no you cannot , his was a painted mistris , or if it be the minde you so pretend to affect , you encrease my wonder of your folly , for i have told you that so often . fa. what ? ca. my minde so opposite to all your courtship , that i had rather heare the tedious tales of hollinghead , then any thing that trenches on love , if you come fraught with any , cupids devises , keepe em for his whirligiggs , or lande the next edition of his messenger , or post with a mad packet , i shall but laugh at them , and pitty you . la. that pitty � ca. doe not mistake me , it shall be a very miserable pitty without love ! were i a man , and had but halfe that hansomenesse , ( for though i have not love , i hate detraction , ) ere i would put my invention to the sweate of complement , to court my mistris hand and call her smile blessing beyond a sunne beame , entreate to waite upon her , give her rings with wanton , or most lamentable poesies , i would turne thrasher . fa. this is a new doctrine , from women . ca. ' i will concerne your peace , to have some faith in 't . fa. you would not be neglected . ca. you neglect your selves , the noblenesse of your birth and nature by servile flattery of this jigging , and that coy mistresse , keepe your priviledge your masculine property . fa. is there so great a happinesse in nature ! ca. there 's one just a your minde ; can there be such happinesse in nature , fye upon t if it were possible , that ever i should be so mad to love , to which i thanke my starres i am not inclin'd , i should not hold such servants worth my garters , though they would put me in security to hang themselves , and ease me of their visits . fr. y' are a strange gentlewoman ! why , looke you lady ? i am not so inchanted with your vertues but i do know my selfe , and at what distance to looke upon such mistresses , i can be scurvely conditiond , you are � ca. as thou dost hope for any good , rayle now but a little . fa. i could provoke you . ca. to laugh , but not to lye downe , why ! prethee do ! fa. goe y' are a foolish creature , and not worth my services . ca. a loud that they may heare , the more the merrier , i le tak 't as kindly as if thou hadst given me the exchange , what all this cloud without a shower ? fa. y' are most ingratefull ! ca. good , abominable peevish , and a wench that would be beaten , beaten blacke and blew . and then perhaps she may have colour for 't , come , come , you cannot scold with confidence nor with grace , you should looke bigge and sweare you are no gamster , practise dice and cardes a little better , you will get many confusions and fine curses by 't . fa. is not she mad ? ca. to shew i have my reason i le give you some good councell ; and be plaine wo'yee none that have eyes , will follow the direction of a blinde guide , and what d ee thing of cupid ? women are either fooles , or very wise , take that from me , the foolish women are not worth your love , and if a woman know how to be wise , she wonot care for you . fa. do you give all this councell without a fee ? come , be lesse wild ! i know you cannot be so hard of soule . ca. prethee let my body alone ! fa. why are you thus peremptory ? had your mother bin so cruell to mankinde , this heresy to love , with you had bin unborne . ca. my mother was no maide . fa. how lady ? ca. she was married long ere i was borne , i take it , which i shall never be , that rules infallible , i would not have you foold it 'h expectation , a favour all my sutors cannot boast of , goe home and say your praiers , i wonot looke for thanks till seven yeare hence . fa. i know not what to say , yes i will home and thinke a satyre , was man ieer'd thus for his good will ? exit . bon. the licence wil be soone dispatcht . lac. leave that to my care lady , and let him presume , whom you intend to blesse with such a gift , seale on your lips the assurance of his heart , i have more wings then mercury , expect your servant in three minutes . ca. take more time ! you le over heate your selfe and catch a surfet . la. my nimble lady i ha busines , wee will have a dialogue another time . exit . ca. you do intend to marry him then . bon. i have promised to be his wife , and for his more security this morning . ca. how ? this morning ? bon. what should one that has resolv'd lose time ? i do not love much ceremony , suits in love , should not like suits in law , be rack'd from tearme to tearme . ca. you will joyne issue presently , without your councell , you may be ore throwne ; take heed , i have knowne wives that have bin ore throwne in their owne case , and after non suited too , that 's twice to be undone , but take your course , some widdowes have bin mortifyed . bon. and maides do now and then meete with their match . ca. what is in your condition makes you weary ? y' are sicke of plenty and command , you have too too much liberty , too many servants , your ieweles are your owne , and you would see how they will shew upon your husbands wagtayle , you have a coach now , and a christian livery to waite on you to church , and are not catechise'd when you come home , you have a waitingwoman , a monkey , squirrell , and a brase of islands which may be thought superfluous in your family when husbands come to rule . a pretty wardrobe a tayler of your owne , a doctor too that knowes your body , and can make you sicke it 'h spring , or fall , or when you have a minde to 't without controule , you have the benefite of talking loud and idle at your table may sing a wanton ditty , and not be chidde , dance and goe late to bed , say your owne prayers , or goe to heaven by your chaplaine . bo. very fine . ca. and will you lose all this ? for i sisley , take thee iohn , to be my husband ; keepe him still to be your servant , imitate me , a hundred suiters cannot be halfe the trouble of one husband . i dispose my frownes , and favours like a princesse deject , advance , undo , create againe it keepes the subjects in obedience , and teaches em to looke at me with distance . enter venture and rider . bo. but you encourage some . ca. t is when i ha nothing else to do for sport , as for example . bo. but i am not now in tune to heare em , prethee le ts withdraw . enter . ven. nay , nay , lady we must follow yee .
the second act . bonavent . listning . m. bon. musicke and revelles ? they are very merry . enter a servant . by your favour sir . ser. y' are welcome . bon. pray is this a dancing schoole . ser. no dancing schoole . bo. and yet some voyces sound like women . ser. wil t please you to taste a cup of wine , t is this day free as at a coronation ; you seeme a gentleman . bo. prethee who dwels here ? ser. the house this morning was a widdowes sir ! but now her husbands , without circumstance she is married . bo. prethee her name . ser. her name was mistresse bonavent . bo. how long since her husband dyed . ser. t is two yeares since she had intelligence he was cast away , at his departure he engag'd her to a seven yeares expectation which full expir'd this morning she became a bride . bo. what 's the gentleman she has married . ser. a man of pretty fortune , that has bin her servant many yeares . bo. how d ee meane wantonly , or does he serve for wages . ser. neyther , i meane a suitor . bo. cry ' mercy , may i be acquainted with his name . ser. and his person too , if you have a minde too 't maister lacy , i le bring you to him . bo. mr. lacy , may be t is he , would thou couldst helpe me to a sight of this gentleman , i ha businesse with one of his name , and cannot meete with him . ser. please you walke in . bo. i would not bee intruder in such a day , if i might onely see him . ser. follow me and i le do you that favour . exeunt . enter lacy , and his bride , rider , and carell , venture , dancing : bon. a loofe . ven. whos 's that peepes ? la. peepes ! whos 's that ? faith you shall dance . m. b. good sir you must excuse me , i am a stranger . la. your tongue does walke our language , and your feete shall do as we do , take away his cloake and sword , by this hand you shall dance monsieure no pardonne moye ! ca. well said maister bridegrome , the gentleman may perhappes want exercise . bo. he will not take it well . ven. the bridegroom 's merry ! la. take me no takes , come choose your firke for dance you shall . m. b. i cannot , you le not compell me . la. i ha sworne . m. b. t is an affront as i am a gentleman , i know not how to foote your chamber jigges . la. no remedy , here 's a lady longes for one vagarie fill a boule of sack , and then to the canaries . m. b. you are circled with your friends , and do not well to use this priviledge to a gentlemans dishonour . la. you shall shake your heeles . m. b. i shall , ladies t is this gentlemans desire that i should make you mirth , i cannot dance i tell you that afore . bo. he seemes to be a gentleman and a souldier . ca. good mars be not so sullen , you le do more with venus privately . m. b. because this gentleman is engag'd i le try . dance . will you excuse me yet . la. play excuse me , yes any thing you 'le call for . ca. this motion every morning will be wholsome and beneficiall to your body sir . m. b. so , so . ca. your pretty lump requires it . m. b. where 's my sword , sir i have bin your hobby horse . ca. you danc't something like one . m. b. ieere on my whimsy lady . bo. pray impute it no trespasse studdied to affront you sir , but to the merry passion of a bridegrome . la. prethee stay , wee le to hide parke together ! m. b. there you meet with morrisdancers , for you lady i wish you more joy , so farewell . la. comes , ha tother wherle , lustily boyes ! they dance in . exeunt . enter maister fairefeild and his sister iulietta . iu. you are resolv'd then . fa. i have no other care left , and if i doo 't not quickely my affection may be too farre spent , and all physicke will be cast away . iu. you will shew a manly fortitude . fa. when saw you maister tryer ? iu. not since yesterday ! fa. are not his visits frequent ? iu. he does see me sometimes ! fa. come ! i know thou lov'st him ! and he will deserve it , hee 's a pretty gentleman . iu. it was your character , that first commended him to my thoughts ! fa. if he be slow to answere it hee loses me againe , his minde more then his fortune gain'd me to his praise , but i trifle my pretious time . enter tryer . farewell ! al my good wishes stay with thee . exit . iu. and mine attend you ! maister tryer . tr. i come to kisse your hand . iu. and take your leave . tr. onely to kis 't againe ! iu. you begin to be a stranger ! in two mornings not one visit , where you professe affection . tr. i should be surfetted with happinesse if i should dwell here . iu. surfets in the spring are dangerous , and yet i never heard , a lover would absent him from his mistris through feare to be more happy , but i alow that for a complement , and dispute not with you a reason of your actions : y' are now welcome and though you should be guilty of neglect , my love would over-come any suspition . enter servant and page . tr. you are all goodnesse with me prethee admit him ! pa. sir , my lord saw you enter , and desires to speake with you ! tr. his lordship shall command , where is he ? pa. below sir ! tr. say , i instantly waite on him ? shall i presume upon your favour lady ? iu. in what ! tr. that i may entreate him hither , you will honour me to bid him welcome , he is a gentleman to whom i owe all services , and in himselfe is worthy of your entertainment . iu. if he be yours command me ! tr. my lord ! excuse enter bona lo. nay i prevent your trouble � lady i am your humble servant , pardon my intrusion i hano businesse , only i saw you enter . tr. your lordship honours me . lo. what gentlewoman 's this . tr. wy � lo. a lady of pleasure , i like her eye , it has a prety twirle , wot-will she bid one welcome . tr. be confident my lord , sweete lady pray assure his lordship he is welcome , iu. i want words . lo. oh sweete lady your lip in silence speakes the best language . iu your lordship 's welcome to this humble roofe ! lo. i am confirm'd . tr. if your knew lady , what perfection of honour dwels in him , you would be studious with all ceremony to entertaine him ! beside , to me his lordship's goodnes hath so flow'd , you cannot study , what will oblige more then in his welcome ! lo. come , you complement . iu. though i want both ability and language , my wishes shall be zealous to expresse me your humble servant : lo. come , that humble was but complement in you too . iu. i wood not be guilty of dissembling with your lordship , i know words have more proportion with my distance to your birth and fortune , then humble servant . lo. i doe not love these distances . tr. you would have her be more humble , this will try her , if shee resist his siege , she is a brave one , i know hee 'le put her too 't , he that doth love wisely , will see the triall of his mistris , and what i want in impudence my selfe , another may supply for my advantage , i le frame excuse ! lo. franke thou art melancholy ! tr. my lord i now reflected on a businesse , concernes me equall with my fortune , and it is the more unhappy that i must , so rudely take my leave . lo. what ? not so soone . tr. your honours pardon . iu. are you sir in earnest ! tr. love will instruct you to interpret fairely , they are affaires that cannot be dispenced with , i leave this noble gentleman . iu. hee 's a stranger , you wonot use me well , and shew no care of me , nor of my honour , i pray stay ! tr. thou hast vertue to secure all , i am confident , temptations will shake thy innocence , no more then waves , that clime a rocke , which soone betray their weakenesse , and discover thee , more cleare and more impregnable how is this ? tr. farewell , i will not sin against your honours clemency to doubt your pardon . lo. well and there be no remedy i shall see you anon i th parke , the match holds , i am not willing to leave you alone lady . iu. i have a servant . lo. you have many , in their number pray write me , i shall be very dutifull . iu. oh my lord ! lo. and when i have done a fault i shall be instructed , but with a smile to mend it . iu. done what fault ? lo. faith none at all , if you but thinke so . iu. i thinke your lordship would not willingly offend a woman . lo. i would never hurt em , 'thas bin my study still to please those women , that fell within my conversation . i am very tender hearted to a lady , i can denie em nothing . iu. the whole sex is bound to you . lo. if they well considered things , and what a stickler i am in their cause , the common cause , but most especially how zealous i am in a virgins honour , as all true knights should be , no woman could deny me hospitality , and let downe , when i desire accesse , the rude portcullice , i have a naturall sympathy with faire ones , as they do , i do ! there 's no hansome woman complaines , that she has lost her maindenhead ; but i wish mine had bin lost with it . iu. your lordship 's merry ! lo. t is because you looke pleasant , a very hansome lodging , is there any accomodations that way . iu. ther 's a garden , wilt please your lordship tast the ayre on 't . lo. i meant other conveniency , but if you please i le waite upon you thither . exeunt . pa. you and i had better stay , and in their absence exercise one another . wait. how meane you page . pa. i le teach you away that we may follow em , and not remove from hence . wa. how prethee ? pa. shall i begge your lip ? w. i cannot spare it . pa. i le give you both mine . w. what meanes the child ? pa. because i have no upper lip , d ee scorne me ? i ha kist ladies before now , and have beene sent for to their chambers . w. you , sent for ! pa. yes , and beene trusted with their clossets too ! we are such pretty things , we can play at all hid under a fardingale ; how long have you bin a waiting creature ? w. not a moneth yet . pa.

nay then i cannot blame your ignorance , you have perhappes your maidenhead .

w. i hope so . pa. oh lamentable ! away with it for shame , chaffer it with the coachman , for the credit of your profession , do not keepe it long , t is fineable in court . w. good maister page , how long have you bin skild in those affaires ? pa. ere since i was in breeches , and you le finde your honesty so troublesome . w. how so . pa. when you have truck'd away your maidenhead , you have excuse lawfull , to put off gamesters , for you may sweare , and give em satisfaction , you have not what they lookt for , beside the benefit of being impudent as accasion serves , a thing much in request , with waiting creatures , we pages can instruct you in that quality , so you be tractable . w. the boy is wild . pa. and you will leade me a chase , i le follow you . exeunt . enter caroll , rider , and venture . ca. why , did you ever thinke , i could affect of all men living such a thing as you are . what hope , or what encouragement did i give you because i tooke your diamond , must you presently bound like a ston'd horse . rid. shee 's a very colt ! ca. cause you can put your hat of like a dancer , and make a better legge , then you were borne to , for to say truth your calfe is well amended , must this so overtake me , that i must strait fall in love w'e yee , one step to church , another into the sheets , more to a bargaine y' are wide a bow , and some thing over shot . ven. then this is all that i must trust to , you will never ha me ? ca. in my right minde , i thinke so ; why , prethee tell me what i should do with thee ? ven. can you finde nothing to do with me ! ca. to finde any monkey spiders , were an office perhappes you would not execute ! ven. y' are a gipsy ! and none of the twelue sibills in a taverne , have such a tand complexion , there be dogges and horses in the world . ca. they 'le kepe you company ! ven. tell me of spiders ? i le wring your monkeys necke off . ca. and then puzzle your braine to make an elegie , which shalbe sung to the tune of the devill and the baker , good ! you have a pretty ambling wit in summer , d ee let out , or keepe for your owne riding , who holdes your stirrop , while you jump into a jest , to the endangering of your ingenious quodlibets . rid. come tha 'st said enough . ca. to him , you would have some . rid. some testimony of your love , if it please you . ca. indeed i have heard you are a pretious gentleman , and in your younger , could play at trap well . rid. fare you well gentlewoman , by this light a devill , i le follow my old game of horse-rasing . ven. i could teare her ruffe ! i wo'd thou wort a whore then i de be reveng'd , and bring the prentices to arraigne thee on shrovetuesday , a pox upon you . enter fairefeild . ca. a third man , a third man , two faire gamesters . rid. for shame le ts goe ! ca. will you stay gentleman ; you ha no more wit , exit . to venter , keepe your heads warme in any case , there may be dregges in the bottome o the braine pan , which may turne to somewhat in seven yeares , and set you up againe , now sir . fa. lady i am come to you . ca. it does appeare so . fa. to take my leave . ca. t is granted sir god buy . fa. but you must stay and heare a little more , i promise not to trouble you with courtship , i am as weary as you can be displeased wo ot . ca. on these conditions , i would have the patience to heare the brasen head speake . fa. whether , or how i purpose to dispose my selfe hereafter , as i know you have no purpose to enquire , i have no great ambition to discourse , but how i have studied your faire opinion , i remit to time , and come now only to request that you would grant , in lew of my true service one boone at parting . ca. forboone i proceede ! fa. but you must sweare to performe truely what i shall desire , and that you may not thinke i come with any cunning to deceive you , you shall except what ere you would deny me , and after all i le make request . ca. how 's this ? fa. but it concernes my life , or what can else be neerer to me that you sweare . ca. to what ? fa. when you have made exceptions and thought , what things in all the world you will exempt , from my petition , i le be confident to tell you my desire . ca. this is faire play ! fa. i would not for an empire by a trick oblige you to performe , what should displease you . ca. this is a very strange request ; are you in earnest ; ere you begin shall i except ? t is oddes but i may include , what you have a minde to , then where 's your petition ? fa. i will runne that hazard . ca. you will , why looke you ; for a little mirthes sake , and since you come so honestly , because you shannot say , i am compos'd of marble , i doe consent . fa. sweare ! ca. i am not come to that , i le first set bounds to your request , and when i have left nothing for you worth my grant , i le take a zealous oath to grant you any thing . fa. you have me at your mercy ! ca. first , you shannot desire that i should love you ! fa. that 's first , proceede ! ca. no more but proceede , d ee know what i say . fa. your first exception forbid's to aske that you should love me . ca. and you are contented . fa. i must be so . ca. what in the name of wonder will he aske me , you shall not desire me to marry you . fa. that 's the second . ca.

you shall neither directly , nor indirectly with me to lye with you ,

have i not clipt the wings of your conceipt . fa. that 's the third . ca.

that 's the third , is there anything a young man would desire of his mis , when he must neither love , marry , nor lye with her .

fa. my suite is still untoucht . ( with her . ca. suite ! if you have another suite t is out of fashion , ye cannot begge my state , yet i would willingly give part of that to be rid on thee . fa. not one iewell . ca. you wo'd not have me spoyle my face , drinke poyson , or kill any body . fa. goodnesse forbid that i should wish your danger . ca. then you wo'd not ha me ride through the citty naked , as once a princesse of england did through coventry . fa. all my desires are modest . ca. you shall not begge my parrat nor intreate me to fast , or weare a hayre smocke . fa. none of these . ca. i wonot be confin'd to make me ready at tenne , and pray till dinner , i will play at gleeke as often as i please , and see playes when i have a minde to 't and the races , though men sho'd runne adamits before me . fa. none of these trench on what i have to aske . ca. why then i sweare � stay you shannot aske me before company how old i am , a question most untoothsome , i know not what to say more , i le not be bound from spring garden , and the sparagus . i wo'not have my tongue tyde up , when iv'e a minde to jeere my suitors , among which your worship shall not doubt to be remembred , for i must have my humor , i am sicke else ; i will not be compeld to heare your sonnets , a thing before , i thought to advise you of , your words of hard concoction rude poetry have much impayred my health , try sence another while and calculate some prose according to the elevation of our pole at london , as sayes the learned almanacke � but come on and speake your minde , i ha done , i know not what more to except , if it be none of these and as you say feazable on my part , i sweare . fa. by what . ca. for once a kisse , it may be a parting blow , by that i will performe what you desire . fa. in few words thus receive it , by that oath i binde you , never to desire my company hereafter , for no reason to affect me , this i am sure was none of your exceptions . ca. what has the man sayd ? fa. t is cleere , i am confident to your understanding . ca. you have made me sweare that i must never love you , nor desire your company . fa. i know you will not violate , what you have sworne , so all good thoughts possesse you . ca. was all this circumstance for this ? i never exit . found any inclination to trouble him with too much love , why should he binde me from it , and make me sweare , an oath that for the present , i had no affection to him , had beene reasonable , but for the time to come , never to love , for any cause or reason , that may move me hereafter , very strange , i know not what to thinke on 't , although i never meant , to thinke well on him , yet to be limitted , and be prescrib'd , i must not doe it ? t was a poore tricke in him , but i le goe practise something to forget it .
the third act . enter lord bonvile , mistresse iulietta , fairefield , with their attendants . lo. lady y' are welcome to the spring , the parke lookes fresher to salute you , how the birds on every tree sing ; with more cheerefullnesse at your accesse , as if they prophecyed nature would dye , and resigne her providence to you , fit onely to succeede her . iu. you expresse a master of all complement , i have nothing but plaine humilitie , my lord to answere you . lo. but i le speake our owne english , hang these affected straines , which we sometimes practise , to please the curiosity of talking ladyes , by this lippe th' art welcome , i le sweare a hundred oathes upon that booke , an 't please you . enter tryer . tr. they are at it . iu. you shall not need my lord , i 'me not incredulous . i doe beleeve your honour , and dare trust for more than this . lo. i wonot break� my credit with any lady that dares trust me . iu. she had a cruell heart , that would not venture vpon the ingagement of your honour . lo. what ? what durst thou venture now , and be plaine wo'me iu. there 's nothing in the verge of my command that should not serve your lordship . lo. speake , speake truth and flatter not , vpon what security ? iu. on that which you propounded sir , your honour , it is above all other obligation , and he that 's truely noble will not staine it . lo: vpon my honour will you lend me then but a nights lodging . iu. how sir . lo. she is angry i shall obtaine , i know the tricke on t , had she yeelded at the first it had beene fatall . iu. it seemes your lordship speakes to one you know not . lo. but i desire to know you better lady . iu. better ! i should desire my lord . lo. better or worse , if you dare venture one , i le hazard t'other . iu. t is your lordships mirth . lo. y' are in the right , t is the best mirth of all . iu. i le not beleeve my lord you meane so wantonly as you professe . lo. refuse me if i doe not not meane ? i hope you have more charity then to suspect , i le not performe as much , and more than i ha said , i know my fault , i am too modest when i undertake , but when i am to act let me alone . tr. you shall be alone no longer my good lord . lo. franck tryer . tr. which side holds your honour . lo. i am o' thy side franck . tr. i thinke so ! for all the park 's against me , but . to . is oddes enough . iu. is it so much against you . tr. lady i thinke t is two , to one . lo. we were on even termes till you came hither , i finde her yeelding , and when they doe run ? tr. they say presently . lo. will you venture any thing lady ? tr. perhaps she reserves her selfe for the horse race . iu. there i may venture somewhat with his lordship . lo. that was a witty one . tr. you will be doing . la. you are for the footemen . tr. i runne with the company . enter rider , and venture . ven. i le goe your halfe . ri. no thanke you iacke , would i had tenne peeces more on 't . lo. which side . ri. on the irishman . lo. done ! i le maintaine the english , as many more with you , i love to cherish our owne countrymen . ven. t is done my lord . tr. i le rooke for once , my lord i le hold you twenty more lo. done with you too . iu. your lordship is very confident . lo. i le lay with you too . tr. lye with her he meanes . lo. come , you shall venture something , what gold against a kisse , but if you lose , you shall pay it formally downe upon my lippe . tr. though she should winne , it would be held extortion to take your money . iu. rather want of modesty , a great sinne if you observe the circumstance , i see his lordshippe has a disposition to be merry , but proclaime not this free laye to every one , some women in the world would hold you all day . lo. but not all night sweete lady . ven. will you not see 'em my lord ? lo. franck tryar , you le waite upon this gentlewoman , i must among the gamesters , i shall quickly returne to kisse your hand . tr. how d ee like this gallant . iu. hee 's one it becomes not me to censure . tr. d ee not finde him coming , a wilde gentleman you may in time convert him . iu. you made me acquainted with him to that purpose , it was your confidence , i le do what i can , because he is your noble friend , and one in whom was hid so much perfection of honour , for at first 't was most invisible , but it begins to appeare , and i do perceive a glimering , it may breake out a flame , i shall know all his thoughts at our next conference , he has a secret to impart he sayes only to me . tr. and will you heare it ? iu. yes sir , if it be honourable there is no harme in 't , if otherwise you do not doubt my innocence . tr. but do not tempt a danger . iu. from his lordship . tr. i do not say from him . iu. from mine owne frailety . tr. i dare not conclude that but from the matter of his discourse , on which there may depend a circumstance that may not prove so happy . iu. now i must tell you sir , i see your heart is not so just as i deserve , you have engag'd me to his conversation , provok'd by jealous thoughts , and now your feare betrayes your want of goodnes , for he never was right at home , that dare suspect his mistris , can love degenerate in noble breasts , collect the arguments , that could invite you to this unworthy tryall , bring them to my forehead , where you shall inscribe their names for virgins to blush at me , if i do not fairely acquit my selfe . tr. nay be not passionate . iu. i am not sir so guilty to be angry , but you shall give me leave unlesse you will declare , you dare not trust me any further , not to breake off so rudely with his , lordship . i will heare what he meanes to say to me , and if my councell may prevaile with you , you shannot interrupt us , have but patience i le keepe the story for you , and assure my ends have no base mixture , not my love to you could bribe me to the least dishonour , much lesse a stranger , since i have gone so farre by your commission , i will proceede a little further at my perrill sir . tr. i know thou art proofe against a thousand engins , pursue what waies you please . enter lacy , mistris bonavent . and mistris caroll . iu. this morning married ? tr. that your brothers mistris . iu. she that ieeres all within gunshotte . tr. in the way of suiters , she is reported such a tyrant . iu. my brother . enter master fairefeild . fa. frank tryer . iu. brother do you know that gentlewoman . fa. t is she , then you and i must seeme more familier , and you shannot be angry . la. what gentlewoman 's that ? tr. she does not know thee . ca. was this his reason , pray if you love me le ts walke by that gentleman . la. master fairefeild . ca. is that well trust gentleman one of them that run . bo. your sweet heart . ca. ha , ha , i de laugh at that ! if you allow a bushell of salt to acquaintance , pray vouchsafe two words to a bargaine while you live i scarce remember him , keepe in great heart . enter master bonavent . la. oh sir you are very well met here . m. b. we are met indeed , sir thanke you for your musicke . la. it is not so much worth . m. b. i made you merry master bridegrome . la. i could not choose but laugh . m. b. be there any races here . la. yes sir horse and foote . m. b. you le give me leave to take my course then . ca. this is the captaine that did dance . m. b. not so nimbly as your wit , pray let m� aske you a question . i heare that gentlewoman 's married . ca. married without question sir . m. b. d ee think he has bin aforehand . ca. how d ee meane . m. b. in english has he plaid the forward gamester and turnd up trump . ca. before the cards be shufled ? i lay my life you meane a coate card deale againe , you gave one to many in the last tricke , yet i le tell thee what i thinke . m. b. what ? ca. i thinke she and you might ha shewne more wit . m. b. why she and i ? ca. she to ha kept her selfe a widdow , and you not to have asked me such a foolish question , but if she had beene halfe so wise , as in my conscience she is honest , you had mist that excellent occasion , to shew your notable skill in dancing , but it pleasd the learned destinies to put things together , and so we separate . m. b. fare yee well mistris . ca. come hither , go to that gentleman mr. fairefeild . bo. prethee sweete heart who runnes ? la. an irish and an english footeman ? bo. will they runne this way ? la. iust before you , i must have a bet ! exit bo. nay , nay you shannot leave me . ca. do it discreetely , i must speake to him , to ease my heart i shall burst else , wee le expect em here , cousen , do they runne naked ? bo. that were a most immodest sight . ca. here have bin such fellowes , cousen . bo. it would fright the women ! ca. some are of opinion it brings us hither , harke what a confusion of tongues there is , let you and i venture a paire of gloves vpon their feete , i le take the irish . bo. t is done , but you shall pay if you lose . ca. here 's my hand , you shall have the gloves if you winne . bo. i thinke they are started . the runners , after them the gentlemen omnes . a teag , a teag , make way for shame . lo. i hold any man forty peeces yet . ven. a hundred pound to ten , a hundred peeces to ten , will no man take me ? m. b. i hold you sir . ven. well you shall see , a teag a teag hey . tr. ha well run irish . bo. he may be in a bogge anon . exeunt . ca. can they tell what they doe in this noise , pray heaven it do not breake into the tombes at westminster , and wake the dead . enter master fairefeild and his sister . fa. she 's yonder still , she thinks thee a new mistris . iu. i observe her . fa. how goe thinges franke . enter tryer . prethee observe that creature . tr. she leeres this way . fa. i ha done such a strange cure upon her , sh 'as sent for me , and i will entreate thee franke to be a witnes of my triumph , t is now in my power to punish all her ieeres , but i le go to her , thou shalt keepe a distance only to heare , how most miraculously i ha brought things about . tr. the cry returnes . omnes . make way there , a teag , a teag , a teag . enter runners , and gentlemen . ven. forty , fifty , a hundred peeces to ten . m. b. i hold you . ven. well you shall see , you shall see . m. b. this gentleman does nothing but talke , he makes good no bet . ven. talke ? you prate , i le make good what i please sir . m. b. make the best you can o' that . they switch , and draw , and exeunt . enter lord . bon. for heavens sake le ts remove . ca. what for a naked weapon ! exeunt . lo. fight gentlemen , y' are fine fellowes , 't is a noble cause , come lady i le discharge your feares , a cup of sacke , and anthony at the rose will reconcile their furies . exeunt enter fairefeild , and tryer . fa. i make a doubt whether i should go to her , vpon a single summons . tr. by any meanes . fa. what women are forbidden they 're mad to execute , she 's here , be you it 'h reach of her voyce , and see how i will humble her . enter caroll , and rider . ca. but keepe at some fit distance . ri. you honour me , and shall command me any service . exit . ca. he has gone a strange way to worke with me . fa. well advis'd , observe and laugh without a noise . ca. i am asham'd to thinke what i must say now . fa. by your leave lady ! i take it you sent for me ? ca. you wonnot be so impudent , i , send for you ! by whom or when ? fa. your servant � ca. was a villaine if he mention'd i had any such desire , he told me indeed you courted him to entreate me that i would be pleas'd to give you another audience , and that you swoare , i know not what confound you , you would not trouble me above six words . fa. you are prettily dispos'd . ca. with much adoe you see i have consented , what is 't you would say ? fa. nay , what is 't , you would say ? ca. be you no prompter to insinuate the first word of your studied oration , he 's out on s part , come , come i le imagine it , was it not something to this purpose � lady , or mistresse , or what you will , although i must confesse ; you may with justice laugh at my most ridiculous suite , and you will say i am a foole . fa. you may say any thing . ca. to come agen , whom you have so tormented , for nere was simple camomile so trod on , yet still i grow in love , but since there is no hope to thaw your heart , i now am desperate , oh give me , lend me but the silken tye , about your legge , which some doe call a garter , to hang my selfe , and i am satisfied , am not i a witch . fa. i thinke th' art past it , which of the furies art thou made already , i shall depart the world , nere feare it lady , without a necklace , did not you send for me . tr. i shall laugh a loud sir . ca. what madnesse has possest you ? have i not sworne you know by what , never to thinke well of you , of all men living , not to desire your companie , and will you still intrude , shall i be haunted for ever , no place give me priviledge ; oh man what art thou come to ? fa. oh woman ! how farre thy tongue and heart doe live asunder , come ; i ha found you out , off with this vayle , it hides not your complexion , i doe tell thee , i see thy heart , and every thought within it , a little peevishnesse to save your credit had not beene much amisse , but this over over doing the businesse it appeares ridiculous , like my suite as you inferred , but i forgive thee and forget thy trickes and trillabubs , and will sweare to love thee hartily ; wenches must ha their wayes . ca. pardon me sir , if i have seem'd too light , it was not rudenesse from my heart , but a disguise to save my honour if i found you still incredulous . fa. i love thee better for thy vagaries . ca. in vaine i see i should dissemble w' ee , i must confesse y 'ave caught me , had you still pursued the common path , i had fled from you , you found the constitution of women in me , whose will , not reason is their law , most apt to doe , what most they are forbidden , impatient of curbes in their desires . fa. thou sayest right . ca. oh love i am thy captive , but i am forsworn , am i not sir ? fa. nere thinke o' that . ca. nere thinke on 't . fa. t was a vaine oath , and well may be dispenst with , ca. oh sir , be more religious , i never did violate an oath in all my life , though i ha beene wilde , i had a care of that , an oathe 's a holy obligation , and never dreaming of this chance , i tooke it with true intention to performe your wishes , fa. t was but a kisse , i le give it thee agen . ca. but t is inrold in that high court already , i must confesse , i could looke on you now with other eyes , for my rebellious heart is soft and capeable of loves impression , which may prove dangerous , if i cherish it , having forsworne your love . fa. now i am fitted . i have made twigges to ierke my selfe � well thought on you shall absolve your selfe , your oath does not oblige you to performe what you excepted , and among them , if you remember , you said you must have your humor you 'd be sicke else , now if your humor be to breake your oath your obligation 's void . ca. you have releev'd me ! but do not triumph in your conquest sir , be modest in your victory . fa. will not you fly off againe , now y' are at large . ca. if you suspect it , call some witnesse of my vowes , i will contract my selfe . fa. and i am provided , franke tryer appeare , and shew thy phinomy , he is a friend of mine , and you may trust him . ca. what summe of money is it you would borrow . tr. i borow ? ca. this gentleman your friend has fully possest me with your wants , nay do not blush , debt is no sinne , though my owne monyes sir are all abroad , yet upon good security , which he answeres you can put in , i will speake to a friend of mine . fa. what security ? ca. your selves , and two sufficient aldermen , for men are mortall and may breake . pa. what meane you ? ca. you shall have fifty pounds for forty weekes to do you a pleasure . fa. you le not use me thus ? tr. fare you well , you have miraculously brought things about . ca. you worke by stratagem and ambuscado . exit . do you not thinke your selfe a proper gentleman , whom by your want of haire some hold a wit too , you know my heart , and every thought within it how i am caught , do i not melt like hony it 'h dogge daies , why do you looke so staring . fa. do not you love me for all this ? ca. would i had art enough to draw your picture , it would shew rarely at the exchange , you have a medly in your face of many nations , your nose is romane , which your next debauchment , at taverne with the helpe of pot or candlesticke may turne to indian flat , your lip is austrian , and you do well to bit it ; for your chinne it does incline to the bavarian poke , but seven yeares may disguise it with a beard , and make it more ill favoured ; you have eyes especially when you goggle thus , not much vnlike a iewes , and yet some men might take em for turkes , by the two halfe moones that rise about em , i am an infidell to use him thus . fa. till now i never was my selfe , farewell for ever woman , not worth love or anger . ca. d ee heare one word , i 'de faine speake kindly to him , why dost not raile at me ? fa. no , i will laugh at thee and at my selfe , to have bin so much a foole , y' are a fine may game . ca. i shall foole too much , but one word more , by all the faith and love of womankinde , beleeve me now , it wonot out . fa. farewell when next i dote upon thee be a monster . ca. harke sir the nightingale , there is better lucke comming towards us . fa. when you are out of breath you will give over , and for better lucke , i do beleeve the bird , for i can leave thee , and not be in love with my owne torment . ca. how sir . fa. i ha said , stay you and practise with the bird , t was philomel they say , and thou wert one , i should new ravish thee . exit . ca. i must to th' coach and weepe , my heart will break else , i 'me glad he does not see me . exit .
the fourth act . bonvile , mistresse fairefield . iu. whither will you walke my lord ? you may engage your selfe too farre and lose your sport ! lo. i would goe farther for a little sport , you meane the horse race , they 're not come into the park yet , i might doe something else , and returne time enough to winne five hundred peeces . iu. your lordship had no fortune in the last match , i wish'd your confidence a happier successe . lo. we must loose sometimes � harke the nightingale iu. you win my lord i dare engage my selfe . lo. you make the omen fortunate , this bird doth prophesie good lucke . iu. t is the first time i heard it . lo. and i this spring , le ts walke a little further . iu. i am not weary but � lo. you may trust your person lady . iu. i were too much wicked to suspect your honour and in this place . lo. this place , the place were good enough if you were bad enough , and as prepar'd as i , there have beene stories that some have strucke many deere within the parke : iu. foule play , if i did thinke your honour had a thought to venture at unlawfull game , i should ha brought lesse confidence . enter tryer . lo. ha tryer , what does he follow us ? iu. to shew i dare be bold upon your vertue , take no notice i le waft him backe agen , my lord walke forward . exit . tr. thus farre alone ? yet why doe i suspect ? hang jealousie t is naught , it breeds too many wormes in our braines , and yet she might ha suffered me , enter lacy and mistresse bonavent . master lacy , and his bride ! bo. i was wont to have one alwayes in my chamber . la. thou sha 't have a whole quire of nightingales . bo. i heard it yesterday warble so prettily . la. they say t is luckie , when it is the first bird that salutes our eare . bo. doe you beleeve it . tr. i am of his minde , and love a happy augury . la. observe the first note alwayes cuckoo ? is this the nightingale ? bo. why doe you looke so ? la. are not we marryed , i wood not have beene a bachelour to have heard it . bo. to them they say t is fatall . tr. and to marryed men cuckoo is no delightfull note , i shall be superstitious . bo. le ts walke a little further . la. i waite upon thee , harke still ha ha ha . exit . tr. i am not much in love with the broad ditty . enter fairefield . fa. frank tryer , i ha beene seeking thee about the parke . tr. what to doe , fa. to be merry for halfe an houre , i finde a scurvie melancholy creepe upon me , i le trye what sacke will doe , i ha sent my footman to th' maurice for a bottle , we shall meete him , i le tell thee to'ther story of my lady . tr. i le waite on you . fa. but that she is my sister , i de ha thee forsware women , but le ts walke . enter bonavent . m. b. this way they marched , i hope they wonot leape the pale , i do not know the disposition of my capring gentleman , and therefore two not be indiscretion to observe him , thinges must be a little better reconcil'd , the nightingale � this can presage no hurt , but i shall lose my pigeons , they are in view faire and farre off . exit . enter venture , and rider . ven. he must be a pegasus that beates me . ri. yet your confidence may deceive you , you will tide against a iockey , that has horse-manshippe . ven. a iocky , a iackanapes a horse-backe rather , a monkey or a masty dogge would shew a giant to him , and i were alexander i would lay the world upon my mare , she shall run with the devill for a hundred peeces , make the match who will . ri. not i , you shall excuse me , nor would i win his money . ven. whose ? ri. the devils , my gold has burnt this . moneths in my pocket , a little of his amongst , would scorch my thighes and make such tinder of my linings , that my breeches never after , would hold money , but let these passe ; where 's lacy and his bride ? ven. they are walk't to heare the nightingale . ri. the nightingale ? i ha not heard one this yeare . ven. listen , and we shall heare one presently , cuckoo . ven. the bird speakes to you . ri. no t is to you . ven. now do i suspect i shall lose the race . ri. despaire for a cuckoo . ven. a cuckoo wo'not flatter , his word will goe before a gentlemans it 'h city ? t is an understanding bird and seldome failes , a cuckoo , i le hedge in my money presently . ri. for shame be confident . ven. will you goe halfe . ri. i le goe it all , or any thing . ven. hang cuckoo's then . my lord , bonvile , lacy , and his bride ! enter lo. bon. lacy , mistris fairefeild , mistris bona . lo. how now gentlemen ? ven. your honours servants . ri. ladies , i kisse your hands . lo. you are the man , will run away with all the gold anon . ven. your iockey must fly else . ri. i le hold your honour thirty peeces more . lo. t is done . iu. do you ride your selfe . ven. i shall have the raines in my owne hand lady . bo. master rider , saw you not my cousen . enter caroll . cry mercy she is here , i thought y 'ad follow'd us . lo. your kinswoman , i shall be honoured to be your servant lady . ca. alas my lord you le lose by 't ! what ? ca. honour me being my servant ! her 's a brace of gentlemen will tell you as much . ven. but will say nothing for our credits . bo. you looke as you had wept . ca. i weepe ! for what ? come toward the lodge , and drinke a sillabub . bo. a match ! la. and as we walke , iacke venture thou shalt sing , the song thou mad'st ot'h horses . ven. you shall pardon me . ri. what among friends ? my lord if you 'd speake to him . lo. a song by all meanes , prethee , let me intreate it , what 's the subject la. of all the running horses . ven. horses and mares put them together . lo. le ts ha 't , come i heard you can sing rarely . ri. an excellent voyce . la. a ravishing tone . ven. t is a very ballad my lord , and a course tune . lo. the better , why does any tune become a gentleman so well as a ballad , hang curiosity in musicke , leave those crotchets to men that get their living with a song , come come beginne . the song . come muses all that dwell nigh the fountaine , made by the winged horses heele , which firk'd with his rider over each mountaine , let me your galloping raptures feele . i doe not sing of fleas , or frogges , nor of the well mouth'd hunting dogges . let me be just all praises must , be given to well breath'd iilian thrust . . young constable and kill deeres famous , the cat the mouse and noddy gray , with nimble pegabrig you cannot shame us , with spaniard nor with spinola . hill climing white-rose , praise doth not lacke , hansome dunbar , and yellow iack . but if i be just all praises must , be given to well breath'd lilian thrust . . sure spurr'd sloven , true running robin , of young shaver i doe not say lesse , strawbery soame , and let spider pop in , fine brackly and brave lurching besse . victorious too , was herring shotten , and spit in 's arse is not forgotten . but if i be just all honour must be given to well breath'd iilian thrust . . lusty gorge and gentlemen , harke yet , to wining mackarell fine mouth'd freake , bay tarrall that won the cup at newmarket , thundring tempest , black dragon eake . pretious sweete lippes , i doe not lose , nor toby with his golden shoes , but if i be just , all honour must , be given to well breath'd iilian thrust . lo. excellent , how thinke you lady ? iu. i like it very well . ca. i never thought you were a poet sir . ven. no no , i doe but dabble . ca. you can sing early too , how were these parts observ'd , invisible ? ven. you may see lady . iu. good sir your pardon : ven. doe you love singing , hum , la la . ca. who would ha thought these qualities were in you , ven. now or never . ca. why i was cosend . ven. you are not the first i ha cosend , shall i wash your faces with the drops of helicon , i ha fancies in my head . ca. like iupiter you want a vulcan but to cleave your skull , and out peepes bright minerva . iu. when you returne i le tell you more my lord . ven. give me a subject . bo. prethee cose doe . ca. let it be how much you dare suffer for me . ven. enough � hum , fa , la la . enter page . pa. master venter y' are expected . lo. are they come ? pa. this halfe houre my lord . lo. i must see the mare , you will excuse this rudenesse , sirra stay you and waite upon these ladies . exeunt . ven. t is time to make me ready , ladies i take this leave in prose , you shall see me next in other feete . ri. i wish your sillabub were nectar lady . bo. we thanke you sir , and here it comes already . enter milkemaide . iu. so so , is it good milke ? bo. of a red cow . ca. you talke as you inclin'd to a consumption , is the wine good ? milk. it comes from his excellence head ! ca. my service to you lady , and to him your thoughts preferre . bo. a health ! ca. no deepe one ? t is lawfull for gentlewomen to wish well to their friends . iu. you have oblig'd me � the wishes of all happinesse to him you heart hath chosen . bo. duty now requires i should be willing to receive it as many joyes to you both , when you are marryed . ca. marryed ? iu. you have not vow'd to dye a virgin , i know an humble servant of yours lady ? ca. mine ! iu. would be sorry you should be a nunne . ca. d ee thinke he loves me then ? iu. i doe not thinke he can dissemble where he does professe affection : i know his heart by mine ; fairefield is my brother ! ca. your brother ? then the danger 's not so great , but let us change our argument : with your pardon , come hither pretty one ; how old are you ? pa. i am young lady , i hope you doe not take me for a dwarfe . bo. how yong i pray then ? pa. foure summers since my life was question'd , and then a iewry of yeares did passe upon me . ca. he is upon the matter then , fifteene . pa. a game at noddy . ca. you can play your cards already it seems , come drink� a this sillabub ! pa. i shall spoyle your game ladies , for if there be sack in 't it may make you flush a three . iu. the boy would seeme witty . pa. i hope ladies you will pardon me , my lord commanded me to waite upon you , and i can doe you no better service , than to make you laugh . enter fairefield and tryer . fa. they 'r here , blesse you ! bo. master fairefield you are welcome . fa. i presume so , but howsoever it skils not . tr. i doe not come to borrow money . ca. and yet all they that doe so are no fooles , money or lands make not a man the wiser , i know hansome gentlemen ha paun'd their cloathes . tr. i le paune my skinne too with a woman . ca. wipe your mouth , here 's to you sir ! tr. i le pledge ye quicksilver , where 's your lord ? pa. he has left virgo sir , to goe to libra , to see the horsemen weighed . tr. lady my service ! iu. brother , you interpose too farre , my lord has us'd me honourably , and i must tell you some body has made a fault . bo. master fairefield ! fa. i kisse your hand . tr. my lord and you have walk'd . iu. yes sir . fa. my sister shall excuse , here 's to thee and thy creame boule . mil. i thanke your worship . fa. there is more honesty in thy petticoate than twenty satten ones . bo. doe you know that ? fa. i know by her pale , and she were otherwise t' would turne her milke , come hither let me kisse thee , now i am confirm'd , he that shall marry thee shall take thee a virgin at my perill . bo. ha you such skill in maidenheads . fa i le know 't by a kisse , better then any doctor by her urine , be merry with thy cow , farewell ! come franke , that wit and good cloathes should infect a woman . iu. i le tell you more hereafter , pray le ts heare who winnes . tr. your servant ladies . enter iockey and gent. what dost thinke iockey . the crack o th' field against you io. let em crack nuts . what weight . i thinke he has the heeles . get but the start . io. how ever if i get within his quarters let me alone . mounts chevall . exeunt . confused noyse of betting within , after that a shoute . ca. they are started . enter bonvile , rider , bona . try. fairef . ri. twenty pounds to fifteene . lo. t is done we 'e . fa. forty pounds to thirty . lo. done , done , i le take all oddes . tr. my lord i hold as much . lo. not so . tr. forty pounds to twenty . lo. done , done . m. b. you ha lost all my lord , and it were a million . lo. in your imagination , who can helpe it ? la. venture had the start and keepes it . lo. gentlemen you have a fine time to triumph , t is not your oddes that makes you win . within , venture ! venture ! exeunt . men . iu. shall we venture nothing o th' horses , what oddes against my lord ? ca. silke stockings . iu. to a paire of persum'd gloves i take it . ca. done ! bo. and i as much . iu. done with you both ! ca. i le have em spanish sent . iu. the stockings shal be scarlet , if you choose your sent , i le choose my colour . ca. t is done , if venture knew but my lay it would halfe breake his necke now , and crying a iockey hay . a shoute within . iu. is the wind in that coast , harke the noyse . is iockey now ? ca. t is but a paire of gloves . within a iockey . iu. still it holds . enter my lord . how ha you sped my lord ? lo. won , won , i knew by instinct , the mare would put some tricke upon him . bo. then we ha lost , but good my lord the circumstance . lo. great iohn at all adventure and grave iockey mounted their severall mares , i shan'ot tell the story out for laughing , ha , ha , ha , but this in briefe iockey was left behind , the pitty and the scorne of all the oddes , plaid bout my eares like cannon , but lesse dangerous . i tooke all still , the acclamations was for venture , whose disdainefull mare threw durt in my old iockeys face , all hopes forsaking us , two hundred peeces desperate , and two thousand oathes sent after them , upon the suddaine , when we expected no such tricke , we saw my rider that was domineering ripe , vault ore his mare into a tender slough , where he was much beholding to one shoulder , for saving of his necke , his beast recovered , and he by this time somewhat mortified , besides mortified , hath left the triumph to his olympick adversary , who shall ride hither in full pompe on his bucephalus with his victorious bagpipe . ca. i would faine see how venture lookes . bo. hee 's here , ha , ha , enter venture , and rider . ven. i told you as much before , you would not beleeve the cuckoo . ca. why , how now sir ! ven. and i had broke my necke in a cleane way , t wou'ld nere ha griev'd me , lady i am yours , thus caesar fell . lo. not in a slough deare iacke . ven. you shall heare further from me . ri. come to knightsbridge . ven. that cuckoo was a witch i le take my death on 't . ex. in triumph . lo. here comes the conquerer a bagpipe playing , and iockey , bonavent . tryer , and fairefeild . lo. from the conquest of ierusalem returnes vespasian , &c. ha , ha , mer mercy iockey . io. i told you if i came within his quarters , omnes . a iockey , a iockey . exeunt all by lacy , his bride , mistris caroll , enter bonavent . and the bagpiper . m. b. this shall be but your earnest , follow me at pretty distance , and when i say draw , play me a galliard , by your favour sir , shall i speake a coole word with yee . la. with all my heart . m. b. you do owe me a dance if you remember , and i will have it now , no dispute , draw ! that wonot serve your turne , come shake your heeles , you heare a tune , i will not change my toole , for a case of rapiers , keepe off at your perils i ha sworne . bo. for heavens sake some to part em . la. dost heare . m. bo. and you may heare the bagpipe is not dumbe , will you to this geere , or doe you meane to try how this will scoure you , come , come , i le have it . la. hold , i will ! he dances , meane time comes in my lord and tryer . m. bo. so , now we are on even tearmes , and if you like it not , i le use my tother instrument . la. th' art a brave fellow , come your wayes . lo. hold ! you shannot fight , i le understand your quarrell . la. good my lord le ts have one passe . bo. your weapons shall runne through me , and i must tell you sir , have beene injurious . m. bo. good lady why ? in doing my selfe right . bo. in wronging me . m. b. i am not sensible of that . bo. could any shame be fastned upon him wherein i have no share . m. b. i was provokt by him if you remember , and was not borne so unequall to him i should suffer his poore affront . bo. this was a day of peace , the day wherein the holy priest hath tyed our hearts together , hymen's tapers yet are burning , and it cannot be a sinne lesse than a sacriledge , to extinguish them with blood , and in contempt of heavens proceeding thus to conspire our separation no christian would prophane the marriage day , and when all other wish us joyes , could you intrude your selfe to poyson all our mirth , blast in the very bud all our happinesse our hopes had layd up for us . m. b. i was a stranger , bo. that makes ye more uncivill , we were merry which could not offend you . m. b. i had no thought to violate your mirth . bo. what came you for ? with whom had ye acquaintance , or what favour gave you accesse , at so unfit a time to interrupt our calme and free delights ; you cannot plead any abuse , where you were never knowne , that should incite you to revenge it there , i take it you were never his rivall . m. b. t is confest ! bo. what malice then prevail'd above your reason to pursue us with this injustice ? m. b. lady , give me leave ! i were a villaine to be guilty of the basenesse you accuse me ? your servant shall quit me from intrusion , and my soule is my best witnesse , that i brought no malice but unstay'nd thoughts into your roofe , but when i was made the common laughter , i had bin lesse than a man , to thinke of no returne and had he beene the onely of my blood , i would not be so much the shame of soldier to have beene ram'd and suffered , and you are too hasty in your judgement , i could say more , but t is dishonour to expostulate these causes with a woman , i had reason to call him to account , you know not all my provocation , things are not with me as with another man . bo. how is that ? the matter may spread too farre , some former quarrell , t is my best to reconcile em , sir i may be ignorant if any thing have past before this morning , i pray pardon me but as you are a gentleman , let me prevaile , your differences may here conclude ; 'las i am part of him now , and betweene a widdow and his wife , if i be thus divorc'd � m. b. i le be his servant . bo. sir you shew a noble disposition , good my lord compose their differences , prethee meete his friendship . m. b. i have satisfaction , and desire his love . la. th' ast done but like a gentleman , thy hand i le love thee while i live . lo. why so all friends . m. b. i meete it with a heart , and for disturbing your mirth to day . la. no , no disturbance . m. b. then give me but the favour to shew i wish no sorrow to the bride , i have a small oblation , which she must accept , or i shall doubt we are not friends , t is all i have to offer at your wedding . bo. ha . m. b. there 's my hand to justifie it at fit time , peruse it , my lord i shall be studious how to deserve your favour . lo. i am yours . la. my lord let me obtaine , you le honour me to night . miu . bon. reades . i was taken by a turkish pirate , and detain'd many yeares a prisoner in an island , where i had dyed his captive , had not a worthy merchant thence redeemed & furnished me , blessed delivery . enter one with another letter . ca. to me ? from venture he is very mindfull , good , i shall make use of this . bo. till then conceale me . ca. excellent stuffe , but i must have another name subscrib'd . lo. will you walke ladies . ca. your servants waite upon ke. we humbly thanke your honour . . a brave sparke . . sparke , he 's the very bonfire of nobility . exeunt .
the fift act . enter lacy , mistresse bonavent , bonvile , mistresse fairefield , mistresse caroll , tryer . la. my lord you honour us . bo. and what we want in honourable entertainement , we beseech our duties may supply in your construction . lor. what needes this ceremonie . la. thou art welcome too franke tryer . tr. i give you thankes , and wish you still more joy sir . bo. wee le shew your lordship a poore gallery . la. but where 's my new acquaintance ? bo. his nagge outstript the coaches , hee 'le be your guest anon , feare not ! exit . ca. while they complement with my lord , let you and i change a few words . iu. as many as you please . ca. then to the purpose touching your brother , lady , t were tedious to repeate , he has beene pleas'd to thinke well of me , and to trouble you with the discourse how i have answered it t were vaine , but thus how ere he seeme to carry it while you were present , i doe finde him desperate . iu. how ! ca. nay i speake no conjecture , i have more intelligence than you imagine , you are his sister , and nature binds you to affect his safety , by some convenient messenger send for him ; but as you love his life doe not delay it ; alas i shall be sorry , any gentleman should for my sake take any desparate course . iu. but are you serious ? ca, perhaps good counsell applyed while his despaire is greene may cure him , if not ? iu. you make me wonder . ca. i know the inconsiderate will blame me for his death , i shall be rail'd upon and have a thousand cruelties throwne on me , but would you have me promise love and flatter him ? i would doe much to save his life , i could shew you a paper , that would make you bleed to see his resolution , and what strange and unimitable wayes he has vow'd to pursue , i tremble to thinke on em . there 's not a punishment in fiction and poets write enough of hell , if you have read their story , but hee le try the worst , were it not that i feare him every minute . and that all haste were requisite to save him , you should peruse his letter . iu. letter ? since we saw him . ca. since , i must confesse , i wondred , but you in this shall see i have no malice , i pray send for him , as i am a gentlewoman i have pure intention to preserve his life ; and cause i see the truth of his affliction , which may be yours or mine , or any bodies whose passions are neglected , i will try my best skill to reduce him , here 's m. tryer ! enter tryer . he now depends upon your charity , send for him by the love you beare a brother . tr. will you not chide my want of manners gentlewomen to interrupt your dialogue iu. we ha done sir . ca. i shall be still your servant . iu. here 's a riddle ; but i will doo 't , shall i presume upon you for a favour . enter lord . tr. you shall impose on me a greater trouble my lord , your care . lo. we misse you above lady . iu. my lord i waite upon you , i beseech your pardon but a minute � will you doe this , it is an office he may thanke you for , beside my acknowledgement . tr. yes i le goe and yet i doe not like to be sent oft , this is the second time . iu. now i am for your lordship , what 's your pleasure . lo. i would be your echo lady , and returne your last word � pleasure . iu. may you never want it . lo. this wonot serve my turne . iu. what my lord ? lo. this is the charity of some rich men , that passing by some monument that stoopes with age , whose ruines pleade for a repaire pitty the fall of such a goodly pile , but will not spare from their superfluous wealth to be the benefactor . fa. i acknowlede that empty wishes are their shame , that have ability to doe a noble worke , and flye the action . lo. come ! you may apply it , i would not have you a gentlewoman of your word alone , they 're deedes that crowne all , what you wish me is in your owne ability to give ; you understand me ; will you at length consent to multiply , wee le point a place and time , and all the world shall envie us . iu. my lord ! lo. lord me no lords , shall we enjoy lippes upon 't , why doe you looke as you still wondred at me , doe i not make a reasonable motion , i st onely in my selfe , shannot you share i' the delight , or doe i appeare a monster 'bove all mankind , you shunne my embrace thus there be some ladies in the world ha drawne cuts for me , i ha beene talked on and commended , how ere you please to value me . iu. did they see you thus perfectly . lo. not alwayes , 't was sometimes a little darker when they prais'd me , i have the same activitie . iu. you are something , i would not name my lord . lo. and yet you doe , you call me lord , that 's something and you consider , all men are not borne to 't . iu. t' were better not to have beene borne to honours , than forfeit em so poorely , he is truely noble , and best justifies his blood when he can number the descents of vertue . lo. you 'le not degrade me . iu. t is not in my power or will my lord , and yet you presse me strangely as y' are a person , separate and distinct by your high blood , above me and my fortunes thus low i bend , you have no noble title which i not bow to , they are characters which we should read at distance , and there is not one that shall with more devotion and honour of your birth , expresse her service , it is my duty , where the king has seal'd his favours , i should shew humility my best obedience to his act . lo. so should all hansome women that will be good subjects . iu. but if to all those honourable names , that mark'd you for the peoples reverence , in such a vitious age , you dare rise up example too of goodnesse , they which teach their knees a complement , will give their heart , and i among the number of the humblest . most proud to serve your lordship , and would refuse no office or command , that should engage me to any noble tryall , this addition of vertue is above all shine of state , and will draw more admirers ; but i must be bold to tell you sir , unlesse you prove a friend to vertue were your honour centupled , could you pile titles till you reach the clouds . were every petty mannor you possesse a kingdome , and the bloud of many princes vnited in your veynes , with these had you a person that had more attraction then poesie can furnish , love withall , yet i , i in such infinite distance am as much above you in my innocence . lo. this becomes not . iu. t is the first libertie i ever tooke to speake my selfe , i have bin bold in the comparison , but find not wherein i have wrong'd vertue , pleading for it . lo. how long will you continue thus ? iu. i wish to have my last houre witnesse of these thoughts , and i will hope before that time , to heare your lordship of another minde . lo. i know not , t is time enough to thinke o'th at hereafter , i le bee a convertite within these two daies , vpon condition you and i may have one bout to night , no body heares . iu. alas you plunge too farre , and are within this minute , further from heaven then ever . lo. i may live to require the curtesie . iu. live my lord to be your countries honour and support , and thinke not of these poore dreames . lo. i find not desire to sleepe , and i were a bed wee . iu. t is not improbable my lord but you may live to be an old man , and fill up a seate among the grave nobility , when your colde bloud shall starve your wanton thoughts . and your slow pulse beate like your bodies knell , when time hath snow'd upon your haire , oh then will it be any comfort to remember the sinnes of your wild youth , how many wives , or virgins y 'ave dishonour'd ? in their number , would any memory of me ( should i be sinfull to consent ) not fetch a teare , from you perhaps a sigh to breake your heart , will you not wish then you had never mixt with atheists , and those men whose wits are vented in oathes and blasphemy , now the pride of gentlemen , that strike at heaven , and make againe of thunder . lo. if this be true ? what a wretched thing should i appeare now , if i were any thing but a lord , i do not like my selfe , give me thy hand since there is no remedy , be honest ! there 's no harme i'th is i hope , i wonot tell thee all my minde at once , if i doe turne carthusian , and renounce flesh upon this , the devill is like toha the worst on t � but i am expected . exit . iu. my lord i le follow yee . enter fairefeild , and tryer . brother welcome ? sir we are both obligd to you a friend of yours desirers some private conference . fa. with me ? iu. he does not looke so desperate ; how d ee brother ? fa. well � dost not see me ? i le come to thee presently . exit . enter againe with caroll . fa. what 's the meaning ? tr. nay i know not , she is full of mysteries a late ; shee s here agen , there is some tricke in 't . iu. brother i sent for you , and i thinke t was time , pray harken to this gentlewoman ; she will give you good councell , you and i withdraw sir . exeunt iul. and try. tr. whither you please . ca. y' are a strange gentleman , alas , what doe you meane ? is it because i have dealt justly with you , without flattery tould you my heart , you le take these wicked courses ? but i am loath to chide , yet i must tell you y' are too , too blame , alas you know affection is not to be compeld , i have bin as kinde to you as other men , nay i still thought . a little better of you , and will you give such example to the rest , because forsooth , i doe not love you , will you be desperate ? fa. i will be desperate ! ca. 't were a fine credit for you , but perhappes you le go to hell to be reveng'd o me , and teach the other gentlemen to follow yee , that men may say 't was long of me and raile at my unkindnesse , is this all your christianity ? or could you not prosecute your impious purpose , but you must send me word on 't , and perplex my conscience with your devilish devises is this a letter to be sent a mistris ? fa. i send a letter ? ca. you were best deny your hand . fa. my names subscrib'd , who has done this ? reades rivers of hell i come , charon thy oare is needlesse , i will swim unto the shoare , and beg of pluto , and of proserpine , that all the damned torments may be mine , with tantalus i le stand up to the chin in waves , upon ixions wheele i le spin the sisters thread , quaile cerberus with my groane , and take no phisicke , for the rowling stone i le hang my selfe , a hundred times a day . ca. there be short daies in hell . fa. and burne my selfe as often if you say the word . ca. alas not i . fa. and if i ever chance to come within the confines of elizium , the amazed ghosts shall bee agast to see , how i will hang my selfe on every tree , here 's a strange resolution . yours till his necke be broke , fairefeild . ca. is it not ? whither is fled your piety ! but sir i have no meaning to exasperate thoughts that oppose your safety , and to shew i have compassion , and delight in no mans ruine , i wil frame my selfe to love you . fa. will you ? why thanke you ! ' ca. here 's my hand i will ; be comforted , i have a stronger faith . fa. i see then you haue charity for an need . ca. i le lose my humour to preserve a life , you might ha met with some hard hearted mistresse , that would a suffred you to hang or drowne your selfe . fa. i might indeed . ca. and carried newes to the distressed ghosts , but i am mercifull , but doe not you mistake me , for i do not this out of any extraordinary former good will , only to save your life . there be so many beames convenient , and you may slip out of the world before we are aware , beside you dwell to neere the river , if you should be melancholy after some tides , you would come in , and be more talkt off then the pilchards , but i ha done : you sha'not go to hell for me , i now am very serious , and if you please to thinke well of me instantly wee le marry , i le see how i can love you afterward , shal 's to the priest ? fa. by your good favour , no i am in no such tune . ca. you doe suspect i ieere still ? by my troth i am in earnest . fa. to save my life you are content to marry me , yes . ca. to save thy life , i will not be troubled with thee ! how ? fa. no madam jeere all , i am now resolv'd , talke , and talke out thy heart , i wo'not lose my selfe a scruple , ha you no more letters , they 're pretty mirth , wou'd i knew who subscrib'd my name . i am so farre from hanging of my selfe , that i will five yet to be thy tormenter , vertue i thanke thee for 't , and for the more security , i le never dote againe ; nor marry , nor endure the imaginations of your fraile sex , this very hight i will be fitted for you all , i le geld my selfe , 't is something lesse then hanging , and when i have carv'd away all my concupiscence , observe but how i le triumph , nay i le doo 't , and there were no more men in the world . ca. sir , sir , as you love goodnes i le tell you all , first heare me , and then execute , you wonot be so foolish , i doe love you . fa. i hope so , that i may revenge thy peevishnes . ca. my heart is full , and modesty forbids i should use many words , i see my folly , you may be just , and use me with like cruelty , but if you doe i can instruct my selfe , and be as miserable indeed as i made you in supposition , my thoughts point upon no sensuality , remit what 's past , and i will meete your best affection , i know you love me still , do not refuse me . if i goe once more backe , you nere recover me . fa. i am as ticklish . ca. then le ts clapt up wisely , while we are both i' th humor , i do finde a grudging , and your last words sticke in my stomacke say i st a match ? speake quickely , or for ever hereafter hold your peace . fa. done ! ca. why done ! fa. seale and deliver . ca. my hand and heart , this shall suffice till morning . fa. each others now by conquest , come le ts to e'm if you should false now . ca. hold me not worth the hanging . exeunt . enter mis fairefield , tryer , bonvile . lo. i knew not , she was thy mistresse , which incouraged all my discourses . tr. my lord y 'ave richly satisfied me , and now i dare write my selfe , the happiest lover in all the world , know lady i ha tryed you . iu. you have it seemes . tr. and i have found thee right and perfect gold , nor will i change thee for a crowne imperiall . iu. and i have tryed you , and found you drosse , nor doe i love my heart so ill , to change it with you . tr. how 's this ? iu. vnworthily you have suspected me , and cherish'd that bad humor , for which know you never must have hope to gaine my love , he that shall doubt my vertue , out of fancy , merits my just suspition and disdaine . lo. oh fie franke , practise jealosie so soone , distrust the truth of her thou lov'st , suspect thy owne heart sooner , what i have sayd i have my pardon for ; thou wert a wife for him whose thoughts were nere corrupted . tr. t was but a tryall and may plead for pardon . iu. i pray denie me not that liberty , i will have proofe too , of the man i choose my husband , beleeve me , if men be at such a losse of goodnesse i will value my selfe , and thinke no honour equall to remaine a virgine . tr. i have made a trespasse which if i cannot expiate , yet let me dwell in your charity . iu. you shall not doubt that . enter fairefield , mistresse caroll , lacy , mistresse bon. pray my lord know him for your servant . fa. i am much honour'd . lo. you cannot but deserve more by the title of her brother . la. an other couple . bo. master fairefield and my cosen are contracted . ca. t is time i thinke , sister i le shortly call you . iu. i ever wisht it . fa. franke tryer is melancholy , how hast thou sped ? tr. no no i am very merry . iu. our banes sir are forbidden . fa. on what termes ? la. my lord you meet but a course entertainement , how chance the musicke speakes not , shall us dance ? enter venture and rider . ven. rivers of hell i come ! ri. charon thy oare is needelesse , save you gallants ! ven. i will swimme unto thy shoare , art not thou hero . ca. but you are not leander if you be not drown'd , in the hellespont . ven. i told thee i would drowne my selfe a hundred times a day ca. your letter did . ven. a ha ? ca. it was a devillish good one . ven. then i am come to tickle the confines of elizium , my lord i invite you to my wedding , and all this good companie . lo. i am glad your shoulder is recovered ; when is the day ? ven. do thou set the time . ca. after to morrow , name it , this gentleman and i shall be marryed i' th morning , and you know we must have a time to dine , and dance to bed . ven. married ? fa. yes you may be a guest sir , and be welcome . ven. i am bob'd agen , i le bob for no more eeles , let her take her course . la. oh for some willow garlands . recorders . enter page and master bon. lo. this is my boy , how now sirra ? pa. my lord i am employ'd in a devise ; roome for the melancholy wight , some doe call him willow knight , who this paines hath under taken , to finde out lovers are forsaken , whose heads , because out little witted , shall with garlands straight be fitted . speake who are tost on cupids billowes , and receive the crowne of willowes , this way , that way , round about , keepe your heads from breaking out . la. this is excellent , nay nay gentlemen you must obey the ceremony . ven. he tooke measure of my head . ri. and mine . tr. it must be my fate too . ven. now we beth : m. bo. and if you please to try , i doe not thinke but this would sit you excellently . la. mine ! what does he meane ? bo. i prethee master lacy try for once , nay he , he has some conceipt . la. for thy sake i le doe any thing , what now ? m. b. y' are now a messe of willow gentlemen , and now my lord i le presume to bid you welcome , fa. is not this the gentleman made you dance . la. my new acquantance , where 's thy beard ? m. bo. i left it at the barbers , it grew rancke , and he has reap'd it . la. here , take thy toy agen . m. b. it shannot neede . la. you tell me wonders lady ; is this gentleman your husband ? la. ca . how her husband my lord ? m. b. yes indeed lady , if you please you may call me your kinsman , seaven yeare and misfortune , i confesse , had much disguis'd me , but i was and by degrees may proove agen her husband . bo. after a tedious absence , suppos'd death arriv'd to make me happy . ven. this is rate ! m. b. my lord and gentlemen , y' are no lesse welcome than before , m. lacy droope not . la. this turne was above all expectation and full of wonder , i congratulate your mutuall happinesse . ven. all of a brotherhood . la. m. bonavent , a my conscience t is he ! did fortune owe me this ? ca. a thousand welcomes . bo. equall joyes to thee , and master fairefield . lo. nay then you but obey the ceremony . la. i was not ripe for such a blessing , take her , and with an honest heart i wish you joyes , welcome to life agen , i see a providence in this , and i obey it . ven. in such good company t would never grieve a man to weare the willow . m. b. you have but chang'd your host , whose heart proclaimes a generall welcome . bo. he was discovered to me in the parke , though i conceal'd it . m. b. every circumstance of my absence , after supper wee le discourse of , i will not doubt your lordship meanes to honour us . lo. i le be your guest , and drinke a joviall health to your new marriage , and the joyes of your expected bride , here after you may doe as much for me , faire lady will you write me in your thoughts , if i desire to be a servant to your vertue , will you not frowne on me then ? iu. never in noble waies ; no virgin shall more honour you . lo. by thy cure i am now my selfe , yet dare call nothing mine , till i be perfect blest in being thine . exeunt . finis .
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priv�e garter , one of his majesties most honourable privie councell , chancellor of the vniversitie tak� , i know not what she sayes , but i must take another course , and yet she is � tongu�s a creature of much sweetenesse , if all tongues be just in her report , and yet tis strange �nough you will have time enough , to pay in your affection . cassan�ra's ide make , a voyage to cassandra's temple first , and marry a deform'd maide prac�ise to some whale ; within whose belly he may practise lent , and feed on fish , till hee be vomited ��� whale ; within whose belly he may practise lent , and feed on fish , till hee be vomited fleepe mise , with whom perhappes he battens upon sleepe , beneath the snow . wer� this were a vagary . sh� i know not what to thinke , or is she not the worse for the coy lady that lives plac� peece , ( i meane to love ) tis pittie any place but a cold nunnery should be troubled with mistresse� to thy mistresse? ? service-farwell without more ceremony , gentlemen my service�farwell . wavetings , the needle of a diall never had so many waverings , but she is touch'd , and she points onely vrsaminor and she your vrsa minor , ��� enter lord bonuile and page . napety fortunes , a gentleman that loves cleane napery . ��� things succeed that i have lov'd you , and you cannot take my councell in ill part . friendshipp� this ? i am studious to preserve an honest friendshippe . for though it be my glory , to be adorn'd coat�s she has fitted you with a paire of fooles coates , as hansomely as any taylor , that had hop� have bin carefull of my vow ; and were there hope yet to embrace him , i would thinke another resp�cts constancy , at last to give him the reward of his respects . to me and � th�n no marvaile if men raile upon you then , and doubt whether a widdow may be sav'd wh�ther marvaile if men raile upon you then , and doubt whether a widdow may be sav'd , we maides are thought b� you then , and doubt whether a widdow may be sav'd , we maides are thought the worse long�r i had no patience to heare him longer ; take his offence before you question him ��uesdrop it is not civill to eauesdrop him , but i'me sure he talkes on't now . opposit� my minde so opposite to all your courtship , that i had rather sunne� hand and call her smile blessing beyond a sunne beame , entreate to waite upon her , give entr�at� her smile blessing beyond a sunne beame , entreate to waite upon her , give her rings with wait� blessing beyond a sunne beame , entreate to waite upon her , give her rings with wanton , concern� ' i will concerne your peace , to have some faith in't . hav� ' i will concerne your peace , to have some faith in't . ly� to laugh , but not to lye downe , why ! prethee do ! preth�e to laugh , but not to lye downe , why ! prethee do ! swear� nor with grace , you should looke bigge and sweare you are no gamster , practise dice and cardes ar� wise , take that from me , the foolish women are not worth your love , and if a woman know alon� prethee let my body alone ! baost expectation , a favour all my sutors cannot boast of , goe home and say your praiers , i wonot pre�ume leave that to my care lady , and let him presume , whom you intend to blesse with such a bono��nt her name was mistresse bonavent . intelligenc� tis two yeares since she had intelligence he was cast away , at his departure he engag'd fe�te tongue does walke our language , and your feete shall do as we do , take away his cloake maist�r well said maister bridegrome , the gentleman may perhappes th� the bridegroom's merry ! bridegrom's the bridegroom's merry ! �irk� take me no takes , come choose your firke for dance you shall . vagari� no remedy , heres a lady longes for one vagarie fill a boule of sack , and then to the canaries desir� i shall , ladies tis this gentlemans desire that i should make you mirth , i cannot togeth�r prethee stay , weele to hide parke together ! flow if he be slow to answere it hee loses me againe , his h�ard the spring are dangerous , and yet i never heard , a lover would absent him from his mistris � dispute not with you a reason of your actions : y'are now welcome and though you should bon�� enter bona �y� a lady of pleasure , i like her eye , it has a prety twirle , wot-will she bid enter taine you would be studious with all ceremony to entertaine him ! beside , to me his lordship's goodnes languag� though i want both ability and language , my wishes shall be zealous to expresse thes� i doe not love these distances . distanc�s i doe not love these distances . h�r would have her be more humble , this will try her , if shee resist his siege , she is a brave advantag� impudence my selfe , another may supply for my advantage , ile frame excuse ! int�rpret love will instruct you to interpret fairely , they are affaires that cannot sh�w a stranger , you wonot use me well , and shew no care of me , nor of my honour , i pray clem�ncy farewell , i will not sin against your honours clemency to doubt your pardon . oth�r i meant other conveniency , but if you please ile waite blam� nay then i cannot blame your ignorance , you have perhappes your ignoranc� nay then i cannot blame your ignorance , you have perhappes your maidenhead . maidenh�ad when you have truck'd away your maidenhead , you have excuse lawfull , to put off gamesters cr�atures , a thing much in request , with waiting creatures , we pages can instruct you in that quality il� and you will leade me a chase , ile follow you . danc�r cause you can put your hat of like a dancer , and make a better legge , then you were so� in my right minde , i thinke so; ; why , prethee tell me what i should do tarverne gipsy ! and none of the twelue sibills in a taverne , have such a tand complexion , there be shalb� puzzle your braine to make an elegie , which shalbe sung to the tune of the devill and the baker own� summer , dee let out , or keepe for your owne riding , who holdes your stirrop , while endangering� stirrop , while you jump into a jest , to the endangering of your ingenious quodlibets . som� to him , you would have some . pati�nc� on these conditions , i would have the patience to heare the brasen head speake . p�rforme but you must sweare to performe truely what i shall desire , and that you truely� but you must sweare to performe truely what i shall desire , and that you may not wh�n ile first set bounds to your request , and when i have left nothing for you worth my grant nam� what in the name of wonder will he aske me , you shall not h� what in the name of wonder will he aske me , you shall not desire me to marry ask� what in the name of wonder will he aske me , you shall not desire me to marry you m� what in the name of wonder will he aske me , you shall not desire me to marry you . m� shall neither directly , nor indirectly with me to lye with you , willigly , ye cannot begge my state , yet i would willingly give part of that to be rid on thee . rac�s see playes when i have a minde to't and the races , though men sho'd runne adamits before r�m�mbr�d which your worship shall not doubt to be remembred , for i must have my humor , i am sicke com� london , as sayes the learned almanacke � but come on and speake your minde , i ha done , i do� limitted , and be prescrib'd , i must not doe it ? twas a poore tricke in him , but ile sometim�s , hang these affected straines , which we sometimes practise , to please the curiosity of talking ventur� she had a cruell heart , that would not venture vpon the ingagement of your honour . plain� what ? what durst thou venture now , and be plaine wo'me wo'm� what durst thou venture now , and be plaine wo'me verg� there's nothing in the verge of my command that should not serve your stain� obligation , and he that's truely noble will not staine it . bele�ve ile not beleeve my lord you meane so wantonly as you professe hop� refuse me if i doe not not meane ? i hope you have more charity then to suspect , on� lady i thinke tis two , to one . rac� perhaps she reserves her selfe for the horse race . b� you will be doing . foot�m�n you are for the footemen . go� ile goe your halfe . iack� no thanke you iacke , would i had tenne peeces more on't . tenn� no thanke you iacke , would i had tenne peeces more on't . p�ec�s no thanke you iacke , would i had tenne peeces more on't . h� lye with her he meanes . swe�te but not all night sweete lady . g�ntl�woman franck tryar , youle waite upon this gentlewoman , i must among the gamesters , i shall quickly m� hee's one it becomes not me to censure . censur� hee's one it becomes not me to censure . tim� him coming , a wilde gentleman you may in time convert him . invisibl� perfection of honour , for at first 'twas most invisible , but it begins to appeare , and i do perceive harm� yes sir , if it be honourable there is no harme in't , if otherwise you do not doubt my passionat� nay be not passionate . lov� assure my ends have no base mixture , not my love to you could bribe me to the least dishonour on� is that well trust gentleman one of them that run . musick� are met indeed , sir thanke you for your musicke . mast�r i made you merry master bridegrome . brid�grom� i made you merry master bridegrome . tak� youle give me leave to take my course then . ask� not so nimbly as your wit , pray let m� aske you a question . i heare that gentlewoman's gamest�r in english has he plaid the forward gamester and turnd up trump . m�ane the cards be shufled ? i lay my life you meane a coate card deale againe , you gave one shewn� i thinke she and you might ha shewne more wit . sh� asked me such a foolish question , but if she had beene halfe so wise , as in my conscience g�ntleman come hither , go to that gentleman mr. fairefeild . nak�d weele expect em here , cousen , do they runne naked ? her� here have bin such fellowes , cousen . hav� her� have bin such fellowes , cousen . winn� my hand , you shall have the gloves if you winne . p��ces a hundred pound to ten , a hundred peeces to ten , will no man take me ? t�n hundred pound to ten , a hundred peeces to ten , will no man take me ? bogg� he may be in a bogge anon . strang� i ha done such a strange cure upon her , sh'as sent for me , and mak�s this gentleman does nothing but talke , he makes good no bet . � wonnot be so impudent , i , send for you ! by whom or when ? ar� you are prettily dispos'd . a gen to come agen , whom you have so tormented , for nere torm�nted to come agen , whom you have so tormented , for nere was simple camomile so trod on b�ene peevishnesse to save your credit had not beene much amisse , but this over over doing the w'e� in vaine i see i should dissemble w'ee , i must confesse y'ave caught me , had � love i am thy captive , but i am forsworn , am i not sir ? witn�sse if you suspect it , call some witnesse of my vowes , i will contract my selfe . contrct , call some witnesse of my vowes , i will contract my selfe . we�kes you shall have fifty pounds for forty weekes to do you a pleasure . b�ard , but seven yeares may disguise it with a beard , and make it more ill favoured ; you have �m , by the two halfe moones that rise about em , i am an infidell to use him thus . philom�l stay you and practise with the bird , twas philomel they say , and thou wert one , i should th�y and practise with the bird , twas philomel they say , and thou wert one , i should new ravish br�ak must to th' coach and weepe , my heart will break else , i'me glad he does not see me . engag� whither will you walke my lord ? you may engage your selfe too farre and lose your sport y�t horse race , they're not come into the park yet , i might doe something else , and returne towinn� something else , and returne time enough to winne five hundred peeces . nightingale� we must loose sometimes � harke the nightingale engag� you win my lord i dare engage my selfe . fur th�r and i this spring , lets walke a little further . hav� as i , there have beene stories that some have strucke many deere within the parke : tak� to shew i dare be bold upon your vertue , take no notice ile waft him backe agen , my lord notic� i dare be bold upon your vertue , take no notice ile waft him backe agen , my lord walke back� your vertue , take no notice ile waft him backe agen , my lord walke forward . ag�n vertue , take no notice ile waft him backe agen , my lord walke forward . m� our braines , and yet she might ha suffered me , chamb�r i was wont to have one alwayes in my chamber . not� and to marryed men cuckoo is no delightfull note , i shall be superstitious . furth�r lets walke a little further . sist�r but that she is my sister , ide ha thee forsware women , but lets walk� sister , ide ha thee forsware women , but lets walke . hop� this way they marched , i hope they wonot leape the pale , i do not know th�y this way they marched , i hope they wonot leape the pale , i do not know the pegaus he must be a pegasus that beates me . pock�t my gold has burnt this . moneths in my pocket , a little of his amongst , would scorch mon�y that my breeches never after , would hold money , but let these passe ; wheres lacy and year� the nightingale ? i ha not heard one this yeare � � nightingale ? i ha not heard one this yeare . susp�ct now do i suspect i shall lose the race . mad�st iacke venture thou shalt sing , the song thou mad'st ot'h horses . suct�ect prethee , let me intreate it , what's the subject � sweetelippes thundring tempest , black dragon eake . pretious sweete lippes , i doe not lose , nor toby with w�re you can sing early too , how were these parts observ'd , invisible ? � good sir your pardon : excellenc� it comes from his excellence head ! pr�ferre service to you lady , and to him your thoughts preferre . de�pe no deepe one ? tis lawfull for gentlewomen to wish happin�sse you have oblig'd me � the wishes of all happinesse to him you heart hath chosen . marry�d as many joyes to you both , when you are marryed . th� your brother ? then the danger's not so great , but let us change se�m� you can play your cards already it seems , come drink� a this sillabub ! drink� can play your cards already it seems , come drink� a this sillabub ! pa� pa. hav� my lord and you have walk'd . boul� shall excuse , here's to thee and thy creame boule . petticoat� there is more honesty in thy petticoate than twenty satten ones . sh� i know by her pale , and she were otherwise t'would turne her milke , oth�rwise i know by her pale , and she were otherwise t'would turne her milke , come hither let th�e turne her milke , come hither let me kisse thee , now i am confirm'd , he that shall marry m� how ever if i get within his quarters let me alone . w�r� you ha lost all my lord , and it were a million . w� shall we venture nothing oth' horses , what oddes v�nture shall we venture nothing oth' horses , what oddes against for saking threw durt in my old iockeys face , all hopes forsaking us , two hundred peeces desperate , and flough domineering ripe , vault ore his mare into a tender slough , where he was much beholding to one shoulder bucephalu� who shall ride hither in full pompe on his bucephalus with his victorious bagpipe . de�re not in a slough deare iacke . r�member you do owe me a dance if you remember , and i will have it now , no dispute , h�avens for heavens sake some to part em . sak� for heavens sake some to part em . �uffer was not borne so unequall to him i should suffer his poore affront . w� that makes ye more uncivill , we were merry which could not offend you . wer� that makes ye more uncivill , we were merry which could not offend you . violat� i had no thought to violate your mirth . pursu� malice then prevail'd above your reason to pursue us with this injustice ? �am'd so much the shame of soldier to have beene ram'd and suffered , and you are too hasty in th� then give me but the favour to shew i wish no sorrow to the bride tim� there's my hand to justifie it at fit time , peruse it , my lord i shall be studious m� my lord let me obtaine , youle honour me to night . hav� excellent stuffe , but i must have another name subscrib'd . v�ry sparke , he's the very bonfire of nobility . bonfi�e sparke , he's the very bonfire of nobility . b�se�ch we want in honourable entertainement , we beseech our duties may supply in your construction afew complement with my lord , let you and i change a few words . b�n� lady , twere tedious to repeate , he has beene pleas'd to thinke well of me , and to trouble gre�n� good counsell applyed while his despaire is greene may cure him , if not ? mak� you make me wonder . m� you make me wonder . requisite� him every minute . and that all haste were requisite to save him , you should peruse his letter yo� that all haste were requisite to save him , you should peruse his letter . ! letter ? since we saw him � � letter ! since we saw him . dialog�� of manners gentlewomen to interrupt your dialogue ��� you shall impose on me a greater trouble my lord , your care � ��� impose on me a greater trouble my lord , your care � ��� impose on me a greater trouble my lord , your care � � me a greater trouble my lord , your care . stoope� men , that passing by some monument that stoopes with age , whose ruines pleade for a repaire m� they're deedes that crowne all , what you wish me is in your owne ability to give ; you understand drawn� thus � there be some ladies in the world ha drawne cuts for me , i ha beene talked on and commended talk�d world ha drawne cuts for me , i ha beene talked on and commended , how ere you please to som�times not alwayes , 'twas sometimes a little darker when they prais'd me , i vertu� blood when he can number the descents of vertue . pr�sse in my power or will my lord , and yet you presse me strangely as y'are a person , separate ce�tupled prove a friend to vertue were your honour centupled , could you pile titles till you reach the rurne tell thee all my minde at once , if i doe turne carthusian , and renounce flesh upon this tr��r enter fairefeild , and tryer . perhapp�s 'twere a fine credit for you , but perhappes youle go to hell to be reveng'd o me , and �ver and if i ever chance to come within the confines of elizium ne�d i see then you haue charity for an need . new�s and carried newes to the distressed ghosts , but i am mercifull do� you doe suspect i ieere still ? by my troth i am thee� save thy life , i will not be troubled with thee! ! how ? � mirth , wou'd i knew who subscrib'd my name . i am so farre from hanging of my selfe , do�e for't , and for the more security , ile never dote againe ; nor marry , nor endure the imaginations h�art and found you drosse , nor doe i love my heart so ill , to change it with you . expiare i have made a trespasse which if i cannot expiate , yet let me dwell in your charity . �ntertainem�nt my lord you meet but a course entertainement , how chance the musicke speakes not , shall ��� much disguis'd me , but i was and by degrees may proove agen her husband . ��� after a tedious absence, suppos'd death arriv'd to make me happy . ��� and full of wonder , i congratulate your mutuall happinesse . c�remony nay then you but obey the ceremony . discoutse circumstance of my absence , after supper weele discourse of , i will not doubt your lordship meanes h�r� , and the joyes of your expected bride , here after you may doe as much for me , faire do� your expected bride , here after you may doe as much for me , faire lady will you write exe�� exeunt .
the lady of pleasure shirley, james this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text s in the english short title catalog (stc ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. martin mueller incompletely or incorrectly transcribed words were reviewed and in many cases fixed by nayoon ahn lydia zoells proofread against the page images by irina ruth huang yue hu this text has not been fully proofread earlyprint project evanston il, notre dame in, st.louis, washington mo distributed under a creative commons attribution-noncommercial . unported license a .xml the lady of pleasure. a comedie, as it vvas acted by her majesties servants, at the private house in drury lane. written by james shirly. shirley, james, - . dpi tiff g page images university of michigan, digital library production service ann arbor, michigan march (tcp phase ) stc ( nd ed.) . greg, ii, . a

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 the lady of pleasure. a comedie, as it vvas acted by her majesties servants, at the private house in drury lane. written by james shirly. shirley, james, - . [ ] p. printed by tho. cotes, for andrew crooke, and william cooke, london : .

in verse.

signatures: a b-i k .

reproduction of the original in the british library.

 a shc the lady of pleasure shirley, james nayoon ahn lydia zoells irina ruth huang yue hu play comedy shc no a s (stc ). athis text has no known defects that were recorded as gap elements at the time of transcription. incorporated ~ , textual changes made to the shc corpus by hannah bredar, kate needham, and lydia zoells between april and july during visits, separately or together, to the bodleian, folger and houghton libraries as well as the rare book libraries at northwestern university and the university of chicago

the lady of pleasvre .

a comedie , as it vvas acted by her majesties servants , at the private house in drury lane .

written by james shirly .

london , printed by tho. cotes , for andrew crooke , and william cooke . .

persons of the comedy . lord , sir thomas bornewell . sir william sentlove . mr. alex kickshaw . mr. iohn littleworth . mr. hairecut . mr. fredericke . steward to the lady aretina . steward to the lady celestina . secretary . servants , &c. aretina , sir thomas bornwells lady . celestina , a young widow . isabella . mariana . madam decoy .

scene the strand .

to the right honorable richard lord lovelace of hurley . my lord ,

i cannot want encouragement to present a poeme to your lordship , while you possesse so noble a breast , in which so many seedes of honour , to the example and glory of your name obtain'd , before your yeares a happy maturity . this comedy fortunate in the scene , and one that may challenge a place in the first forme of the authors compositions , most humbly addresseth it selfe to your honour , if it meete your gracious acceptance , and that you repent not to be a patron , your lordshipps will onely crownes the imagination , and for ever by this favour oblige ,

my lord the most humble services of your honourer , iames shirly .
the lady of pleasure .
the first act . enter aretina and her steward . _stew. be patient madam , you may have your pleasure . are. t is that i came to towne for , i wo'd not endure againe the countrey conversation , to be the lady of sixe shires ! the men so neare the primitive making , they retaine a sence of nothing but the earth , their braines and barren heads standing as much in want of plowing as their ground , to heare a fellow make himselfe merry and his horse with whisteling sellingers round , to observe with what solemnitie they keepe their wakes , and throw for pewter candlestickes , how they become the morris with which whose bells they ring all into whitson ales , and sweate , through twenty scarffes and napkins , till the hobbyhorse tire , and the maide marrian dissolv'd to a gelly , be kept for spoone meate . ste. these with your pardon are no argument to make the country life appeare so hatefull , at least to your particular , who enjoy'd a blessing in that calme ; would you be pleasd to thinke so , and the pleasure of a kingdome , while your owne will commanded what should move delights , your husbands love and power joyned to give your life more harmony , you liv'd there , secure , and innocent , beloved of all , praisd for your hospitality , and praid for , you might be envied , but malice knew not where you dwelt , i wo'd not prophecy but leave to your owne apprehension what may succeede your change . are. you doe imagine , no doubt , you have talk'd wisely , and confuted , london past all defence , your master should doe well to send you backe into the countrie , with title of supernitendent baylie . ste. how madam . are. even so sir . ste. i am a gentleman though now your servant . are. a country gentleman , by your affection to converse with stable , his tenants will advance you wit , and plumpe it so with beefe and bag-pudding . ste. you may say your pleasure , it becomes not me dispute . are. complaine to the lord of the soyle your master . ste. y' are a woman of an ungovern'd passion , and i pitty you . enter sir thomas bornwell . bor. how how ? what 's the matter ? ste. nothing sir . bor. angry sweete heart ? are. i am angry with my selfe , to be so miserably restrained in things , wherein it doth concerne your love and honour to see me satisfied . bor. in what aretina ? dost thou accuse me ? have i not obeyd all thy desires , against mine owne opinion , quitted the countrie , and removed the hope of our returne , by sale of that faire lordship we liv'd in , chang'd a calme and retire life for this wild towne , composd of noise and charge . are. what charge more than is necessarie , for a lady of my birth and education ? bor. i am not ignorant , how much nobilitie flowes in your bloud , your kinsmen great and powerfull , it 'h state , but with this lose not your memory of being my wife , i shall be studious madam to give the dignitie of your birth all the best ornaments which become my fortune but would not flatter it , to ruine both , and be the fable of the towne , to teach other men losse of wit by mine , emploid to serve your vaste expences . are. am i then brought in the ballance ? so sir . bo. though you weigh me in a partiall scale my heart is honest , and must take libertie to thinke you have obeyed no modest counsell to effect , nay study wayes of pride and costly ceremony , your change of gaudy furniture and pictures , of this italian master , and that dutchmans , your mighty looking-glasses like artillery ; brought whom on engins the superfluous plate , anticke and novell , vanities of tires , fourescore pound suppers for my lord your kinsman , banquets for tother lady , aunt , and cozens , and perfumes that exceede all traine of servants , to stifle us at home and shew abroad more motley than the french , or the venetian , about your coach whose rude postillion must pester every narrow lane , till passengers and tradsmen curse your choaking up their stalls ; and common cries pursue your ladiship , for hindring o' their market . are. have you done sir . bor. i could accuse the gayetie of your wardrobe , and prodigall embroderies under which rich sattens , plushes , cloath of silver , dare not shew their owne complexions , your jewells able to burne out the spectators eyes , and shew like bonefires on you by the tapers , something might here be spar'd , which safely of your birth and honour , since the truest wealth , shines from the soule , and drawes up just admirers , i could urge something more : are. pray doe i like your homilie of thrifte . bo. i could wish madam you would not game so much . are. a gamster too ? bor. but are not come to that repentance yet , should teach you skill enough to raise your profit , you looke not through the subtiltie of cards , and mysteries of dice , nor can you save charge with the boxe , buy petticotes and purles , and keepe your familie by the precious income , nor doe i wish you should , my poorest servant shall not upbraid my tables , nor his hire purchasd beneath my honour , you make play not a pastime but a tyrannie , and vexe your selfe and my estate by 't . are. good , proceed . bor. another game you have , which consumes more your fame than purse , your revells in the night , your meetings cal'd the ball , to which appeare , as to the court of pleasure , all your gallants , and ladies thither bound by a subpena of venus , and small cupids high displeasure , t is but the family of love translated into more costly sinne , there was a play on 't , and had the poet not beene brib'd to a modest expression of your anticke gambolls in 't , some darkes had beene discovered , and the deeds too , in time he may repent and make some blush , to see the second part danc'd on the stage ; my thoughts acquit you for dishonouring me by any foule act , but the vertuous know , t is not enough to cleare our selves , but the suspitions of our shame . are. have you concluded your lecture ? bor. i ha done , and howsoever my language may appeare to you , it carries no other than my faire and just intent to your delights without curbe to their modest , and noble freedome . are. i le not be so tedious , in my reply , but without arte or elegance , assure you i keepe still my first opinion , and though you vay'le , your avaricious meaning with hansome names of modesty , and thrift , i finde you would intrench and wound the liberty i was borne with , were my desires unpriviledged by example , while my judgement thought 'em fit , you ought not to oppose , but when the practise and tract of every honourable lady , authorise me , i take it great injustice , to have my pleasures circumscribed , and taught me , a narrow minded husband is a theefe to his owne fame , and his preferment too , he shuts his parts and fortunes from the world , while from the popular vote and knowledge men rise to imployment in the state . bor. i have no great ambition to buy preferment at so deare rate . are. nor i to sell my honour , by living poore and sparingly , i was not bred in that ebbe of fortune , and my fate shall not compell me too 't . bor. i know not madam , but you pursue these wayes . are. what wayes ? bor. in the strict sence of honestie i dare make oath , they are innocent . are. do not divert , by busie troubling of your braine , those thoughts that should preserve em . bor. how was that ? are. t is english . bor. but carries some unkinde sence . enter madam decoy . de. good morrow my sweete madam . are. decoy welcome , this visite is a favour . de. alas sweet madam , i cannot stay , i came but to present my service to your ladiship ; i could not passe by your doore , but i must take the boldnesse to tender my respects . are. you oblige me madam , but i must not dispence so with your absence . de. alas , the coach madam stayes for me at the doore . are. thou sha 't command mine , prethee sweete decoy . de. i wou'd waite on you madam , but i have many visits to make this morning i beseech . are. so you will promise to dine with me . de. i shall present a guest . are. why then good morrow madam . de. a happy day shine on your ladiship . exit . enter steward . are. what 's your newes sir ? st. madam two gentlemen . are. what gentlemen ? have they no names . st. they are the gentleman with his owne head of haire , whom you commended for his horsemanship in hide parke , and becomming the saddle the tother day . are. what circumstance is this , to know him by . st. his names at my tongues end , he lik'd the fashion of your pearle chaine madam , and borrowed it for his jeweller to take a coppie by it . bor. what cheating gallants this ? st. that never walkes without a ladies buske , and playes with fannes mr. alexander kickshaw , i thought i should remember him . are. what 's the other ? st. what an unluckie memorie i have ? the gallant that still danceth in the streete , and weares a grosse of ribbon in his hat , that carries oringado in his pocket , and suger-plumbs to sweeten his discourse , that studies complement , defies all wit on blacke , and censures playes that are not bawdy , mr. iohn littleworth . are. they are welcome , but pray entertaine them a small time , lest i be unprovided . bor. did they aske for me ? ste. no sir . bor. it matters not , they must be welcome . are. fie , how 's this haire disordered ? here 's a curle , straddle most impiously , i must to my closet . exit . bor. waite on em : my lady will returne agen , i have to such a height fulfill'd her humor , all applications dangerous , these gallants must be received or shee will fall into a tempest , and the house be shooke with names of all her kindred , t is a servitude , i may in time shake off . enter alexander and littleworth . al. lit. save you sir thomas . bor. save you gentlemen . al. i kisse your hand . bor. what day is it abroad ? lit. the morning rises from your ladies eye , if she looke cleare , we take the happy omen of a faire day . bo. shee le instantly appeare , to the discredit of your complement , but you expresse your wit thus . al. and you modestie , not to affect the praises of your owne . bor. leaving this subject , what games now on foote ? what exercise carries the generall vote ? o th towne now nothing moves without your knowledge , al. the cocking now has all the noise , i le have a hundred peeces of one battle , oh , these birds of mars ! lit. venus is mars his bird too . al. why and the pretty doves are venusses , to show that kisses draw the charriot . lit. i am for that skirmish . bor. when shall wee have more booths and bag-pipes upon bansted downes , no mighty race is expected , but my lady returnes . enter aretina . are. faire morning to you gentlemen , you went not late to bed by your early visit , you doe me honour . al. it becomes our service . are. what newes abroade ? you hold precious intelligence . lit. all tongues are so much busie with your praise , they have not time to frame other discourse , will please you madam ? tast a sugerplum . bor. what do's the goldsmith thinke the pearle is worth you borrowed of my lady ? al. t is a rich one . bor. she has many other toyes whose fashion you , will like extremely , you have no intention to buy any of her iewels . al. vnderstand me . bor. you had rather sell perhaps , but leaving this , i hope you 'le dine with us . al. i came a purpose . are. and where were you last night ? al. i madam ? where i slept not , it had beene sin where so much delight and beauty was to keepe me waking , there is a lady madam will be worth your free societie , my conversation nere knew so elegant and brave a soule , with most incomparable flesh and bloud , so spirited , so courtly speakes the languages , sings , dances , playes o' th lute to admiration , is faire and paints not , games too , keepes a table , and talkes most witty satyre , has a wit of a cleane mercury . lit. is shee married ? al. no . are. a virgin ? al. neither . lit. what a widow ? something of this wide commendation might have beene excusd , this such a prodigie ? al. repent before i name her , shee did never see yet full sixteene , an age in the opinion of wise men not contemptible , she ha's mourned out her yeare too for the honest knight that had compassion of her youth , and dy'd so timely , such a widow is not common , and now she shines more fresh and tempting then any naturall virgin . are. what 's her name ? al. shee was christened celestina , by her husband the lady bellamour , this ring was hers . bor. you borrowed it to coppie out the posie . al. are they not pretty rubies ? t was a grace she was pleasd to shew me , that i might have one made of the same fashion , for i love all prettie formes . are. and is she glorious ? al. she is full of jewels madam , but i am most taken with the bravery of her minde , although her garments have all grace and ornament . are. you haue beene high in praises . al. i come short , no flattery can reach her . bor. now my lady is troubled as she feared to be eclipsd , this newes will cost me somewhat . are. you deserve her favour for this noble character . al. and i possesse it by my starres benevolence . are. you must bring us acquainted . bo. i pray doe sir . i long to see her too , madam i have thought upon 't and corrected my opinion , pursue what wayes of pleasure your desires incline you too , not onely with my state , but with my person i will follow you , i see the folly of my thrift , and will repent in sacke and prodigalitie to your owne hearts content . are. but doe not mocke . bor. take me to your imbraces gentlemen and tutor me . lit. and will you kisse the ladies ? bor. and sing and dance , i long to see this beauty , i wood faine lose a hundred pounds at dice now , thou sha 't have another gowne and petticote , to morrow will you sell my running horses ? we have no greeke wine in the house i thinke , pray send one of our footemen to the merchant , and throw the hogsheads of march-beare into the kenell , to make roome for sackes and clarret , what thinke you to be drunke yet before dinner ? we will have constant musicke and maintaine them and their fidles in phantasticke liveries , i le tune my voyce to catches , i must have my dyning roome enlarg'd to invite embassadors , wee le feast the parish in the fields , and teach the military men new discipline , who shall charge all their new artillerie with oringes and lemonds , boy to play all dinner upon our capons . al. hee 's exalted . bor. i will doe any thing to please my lady , let that suffice and kisse oth same condition , i am converted , doe not you dispute but patiently allow the miracle . enter servant . are. i am glad to heare you sir in so good tune . ser. madam the painter . are. i am to sit this morning . bor. doe , while i give new directions to my steward . al. with your favour we 'le waite on you , sitting 's but a melancholy exercise without some company to discourse . are. it does conclude a ladies morning worke , we rise , make fine , sit for our picture , and t is time to dine . lit. praying 's forgot . al. t is out of fashion . exeunt . enter celestina and her steward . cel. fie , what an aire this roome has . st. t is perfum'd . cel. with some cheape stuffe is it your wisedomes thrift to infect my nostrils thus ? or i' st to favour the gout in your worships hand ? you are afraid to exercise your pen in your account booke ? or doe you doubt my credit to discharge your bills . st. madam , i hope you have not found my dutie with the guilt of sloath or jealousie , vnapt to your command . cel. you can extenuate your faults with language sir , but i expect to be obeyed ; what hangings have we here ? st. they are arras madam . cel. impudence i know 't , i will have fresher and more rich , not wrought with faces that may scandalise a christian with iewish stories stufft with corne and camells , you had best wrap all my chambers in wild irish , and make a nursery of monsters here , to fright the ladies comes to visite me . st. madam i hope . cel. i say i will have other , good master steward of a finer loome , some silke and silver if your worship please , to let me be at so much cost i le have stories to fit the seasons of the yeare , and change as often as i please . st. you shall madam . cel. i am bound to your consent forsooth , and is my coach brought home ? st. this morning i expect it . cel. the inside as i gave direction , of crimson plush . st. of crimson camell plush . cel. ten thousand mothes consum 't , shall i ride through the streets in penance wrapt up round in haire cloath , sel 't to an alderman , t will serve his wife to goe a feasting to their country house , or fetch a merchants nurse child , and come home laden with fruite and cheese cakes ; i despise it . st. the nailes adorne it madam , set in method and pretty formes . cel. but single guilt i warrant . st. no madam . cel. another solecisme , oh fie , this fellow will bring me to a consumption with fretting at his ignorance , some lady had rather never pray , than goe to church in 't ; the nailes not double guilt ? to market wo't , t will hackny out to mile-end , or convey your citie tumblers to be drunke with creame and prunes at islington . st. good madam heare me . cel. i le rather be beholding to my aunt the countesse for her mourning coach , then be disparag'd so , shall any juggling tradsman be at charge to shooe his running horse with gold , and shall my coach nailes be but single guilt ? how dare these knaves abuse me so ? st. vouchsafe to heare me speake . cel. is my sedan yet finish'd ? and liveries for my men-mules according as i gave charge . st. yes madam it is finish'd , but without tilting plumes at the foure corners , the scarlet 's pure , but not embroidered . cel. what mischiefe were it to your conscience were my coach lin'd with tissue , and my harnesse cover'd with needleworke ? if my sedan had all the story of the prodigall , embrodered with pearle . st. alas good madam , i know t is your owne cost , i am but your steward , and wod discharge my duty the best way , you have beene pleasd to heare me , t is not for my profit , that i manage your estate , and save expence , but for your honour madam . cel. how sir , my honour ? st. though you heare it not mens tongues are liberall in your character , since you began to live thus high , i know your fame is precious to you . cel. i were best make you my governor ; audacious varlet , how dare you interpose your doting counsell ? mind your affaires with more obedience , or i shall ease you of an office sir , must i be limited to please your honour ? or for the vulgar breath confine my pleasures , i will pursue 'em in what shapes i fancie , here , and abroad , my entertainements shall be oftner , and more rich , who shall controule me ? i live i' th strand , whether few ladies come to live , and purchase , more than fame , i will be hospitable then , and spare no cost that may engage all generous report to trumpet forth my bounty and my braverie , till the court envie , and remove , i le have my house the academy of wits , who shall exalt with rich sacke , and sturgeon , write panegyricks of my feasts , and praise the method of my wittie superfluities , the horses shall be taught with frequent waiting vpon my gates , to stop in their careere toward charing-crosse , spight of the coachmans fury . and not a tilter , but shall strike his plume , when he failes by my window , my balconie shall be the courtiers idoll , and more gaz'd at , than all the pageantry at temple barre , by countrey clients . st. sure my ladie 's mad . cel. take that for your ill manners . st. thanke you madam , i would there were lesse quicksilver in your fingers . exit . cel. there 's more than simple honesty in a servant requir'd to his full dutie , none should dare , but with a looke , much lesse a sawcie language checke at their mistresse pleasure , i 'me resolv'd to pay for some delight , my estate will beare it , i le reine it shorter when i please . enter steward . st. a gentleman desires to speake with your ladiship . cel. his name ? st. he saies you know him not , he seemes to be of qualitie . cel. admit him . sir with me . enter hairecut . ha. madam i know not , how you may receive this boldnesse from me , but my faire intents knowne , will incline you to be charitable . cel. no doubt sir . ha. he must live obscurely madam , that hath not heard what vertues you possesse , and i a poore admirer of your fame , am come to kisse your hand . cel. that all your businesse ? ha. though it were worth much travell , i have more in my ambition . cel. speake it freely sir . ha. you are a widow . cel. so . ha. and i a bachelor . cel. you come a wooing sir , and would perhaps shew me a way to reconcile these two . ha. and blesse my starres for such a happinesse . cel. i like you sir the better , that you doe not wander about , but shoote home to the meaning , t is a confidence will make a man know sooner what to trust to , but i never saw you before , and i beleeve you come not with hope to finde me desperate upon marriage , if maides out of their ignorance of what men , are refuse these offers , widowes may out of their knowledge be allow'd some coynesse , and yet i know not how much happinesse a peremptorie answer may deprive me of , you may be some young lord , and though i see not your footmen and your groome , they may not be farre off in conference with your horse , please you to instruct me with your title , against which i would not willingly offend . ha. i am a gentleman , my name is hairecut madam . cel. sweete mr. hairecut , are you a courtier ? ha. yes cel. j did thinke so by your confidence , not to detaine you sir with circumstance , j was not so unhappy in my husband but that t is possible j may be a wife agen , but j must tell you , he that winnes my affection shall deserve me . ha. j will hope if you can love , j shanot present madam an object to displease you in my person , and when time , and your patience shall possesse you with further knowledge of me , and the truth of my devotion , you will not repent the offer of my service . cel. you say well . how long doe you imagine you can love sir ? is it a quotidian , or will it hold but every other day ? ha. you are pleasant madam . cel. dost take you with a burning at the first , or with a cold fit , for you gentlemen have both your summer , and your winter service . ha. j am ignorant what you meane , but j shall never be cold in my affection to such beautie . cel. and t will be somewhat long ere j be warme in 't . ha. if you vouchsafe me so much honour madam , that j may waite on you sometimes , j shanot despaire to see a change . cel. but now j know your minde , you shall not neede to tell it , when you come agen , j shall remember it . ha. you make me fortunate . enter steward . st. madam your kinswomen the lady novice and her sister are new lighted from their coach . cel. i did expect e'm , they partly are my pupills , i 'e attend e'm . ha. madam i have beene too great a trespasser vpon your patience , i le take my leave , you have affaires , and i have some imployment calls me to court , i shall present agen a servant to you . cel. sir you may present , exit . ha. but not give fire i hope , now to the ladies this recreation 's past , the next must be to read to them some court philosophie . exeunt .
the second act . enter sir thomas bornewell . t is a strange humour i have undertaken to dance , and play , and spend as fast as she does , but i am resolv'd , it may doe good upon her , and fright her into thrift , nay i le endeavour to make her jealous too , if this doe not allay her gamboling , shees 's past a woman and onely a miracle must tame her . enter steward . st. t is mr. fredericke my ladies nephew . bo. what of him ? st. is come from the vniversitie . bo. by whose directions ? st. it seemes my ladies . bo. let me speake with him before he see his aunt , i doe not like it . enter mr. fredericke . mr. fredericke welcome i expected not so soone your presence , what 's the hasty cause ? fr. these letters from my tutor will acquaint you . st. welcome home sweet mr. fredericke . fr. where 's my aunt ? st. shee 's busie about her painting , in her closet , the outlandish man of art , is copying out her countenance . fr. she is sitting for her picture . st. yes siir , and when t is drawne , she will be hang'd next the french cardinall in the dining roome , but when she heares you 'r come , she will dismisse the belgicke gentleman to entertaine your worship . fr. change of aire has made you witty . bo. your tutor gives you a hansome character fredericke , and is sorry your aunts pleasure commands you from your studies , but i hope you have no quarrell to the liberall arts , learning is an addition beyond nobilitie of birth , honour of bloud without the ornament of knowledge is a glorious ignorance . fr. i never knew more sweet and happy houres than i emploid upon my bookes , i heard a part of my philosophy , and was so delighted with the harmony of nature , i could have wasted my whole life upon 't . bo. t is pitty a rash indulgence should corrupt so faire a genius , shee 's here , i le observe . enter aretina , alexander . littleworth . steward . fr. my most lov'd aunt . are. support me , j shall faint . lit. what ailes your ladiship ? are. is that fredericke , in blacke . alex. yes madam , but the doublets sattin . are. the boy 's undone . fre. madam you appeare troubled . are. have j not cause ? was not j trusted with thy education boy , and have they sent thee home like a very scholler . alex. t was ill done how ere they usd him in the vniversitie , to send him to his friends thus . fre. why sir , blacke ( i or t is the colour that offends your eyesight ) is not within my reading any blemish , sables are no disgrace in heraldry . alex. t is comming from the colledge thus , that makes it dishonorable , while you ware it for your father , it was commendable , or were your aunt dead , you might mourne and justifie . are. what lucke j did not send him into france , they would have given him generous education , taught him another garbe to weare his locke , and shape , as gawdie as the summer , how to dance , and wagge his feather ala mode , to complement , and cringe , to talke not modestly like j forsooth , and no forsooth , to blush and looke so like a chaplaine , there he might have learned a brazen confidence , and observ'd so well the custome of the countrey , that he might by this time have invented fashions for us , and beene a benefit to the kingdome preserv'd our tailors in their wits , and sav'd the charge of sending into forraine courts for pride and anticke fashions , observe , in what a posture he does hold his hat now . fr. madam with your pardon , you have practisd another dialect then was taught me when i was commended to your care and breeding , i understand not this , latine or greeke are more familiar to my apprehension , logicke was not so hard in my first lectures as your strange language . are. some strong waters , oh ! lit. comfits will be as comfortable to your stomacke madam . are. i feare hee 's spoild forever , he did name logicke , and may for ought i know be gone so farre to understand it , i did alwayes suspect they would corrupt him in the colledge , will your greeke sawes and sentences discharge the mercer , or is latin a fit language to court a mistresse in ? mr. alexander if you have any charitie , let me commend him to your breeding , i suspect i must employ my doctor first , to purge . the vniversitie that lies in 's head it alters his complexion . alex. if you dare trust me to serve him . are. mr. littleworth be you joynd in commission . lit. i will teach him postures and rudiments . are. i have no patience to see him in this shape , it turnes my stomacke , when he has cast his academicke skinne he shall be yours , i am bound in conscience to see him bred , his owne state shall maintaine the charge , while hee 's my ward , come hither sir . fr. what does my aunt meane to doe with me ? st. to make you a fine gentleman , and translate you out of your learned language sir , into the present goth and vandall , which is french . bo. into what mischiefe will this humour ebbe ? shee will undo the boy , i see him ruind , my patience is not manly , but i must vse stratagem to reduce her , open wayes give me no hope . exit . st. you shall be obey'd madam . exeunt . fr. mr. steward , are you sure we doe not dreame ? was 't not my aunt you talkt to . st. one that loves you deare as her life , these cloathes doe not become you , you must have better sir . fr. these are not old . st. more sutable to the towne and time , we keepe no lent here , nor is 't my ladies pleasure you should fast from any thing you have a minde to , vnlesse it be your learning , which she would have you forget with all convenient speed that may be , for the credit of your noble family , the case is alter'd since we liv'd i' th country , we doe not invite the poore o' th parish to dinner , keepe a table for the tenants , our kitchen does not smell of beefe , the sellar defies the price of malt and hops , the footmen and coachdrivers may be drunke like gentlemen with wine , nor will three fidlers upon holidayes with aid of bagge pipes , that cald in the countrey to dance , and plough the hall up with their hobnailes , now make my lady merry , wee doe feed like princes , and feast nothing but princes , and are these robes fit to be seene amongst e'm . fr. my lady keepes a court then , is sir thomas affected with this state and cost . ste. he was not , but is converted , and i hope you wo'not persist in heresie , but take a course of riot to content your friends , you shall want nothing , if you can be proud and spend it for my ladies honour , here are a hundred peeces , will serve you till you have new clothes , i will present you with a nag of mine poore tender of my service , please you accept , my ladies smile more than rewards me for it , i must provide fit servants to attend you , monsieures for horse and foote . fr. i shall submit if this be my aunts pleasure and be rul'd my eyes are open'd with this purse already , and sacke will helpe to inspire me , i must spend it , st, what else sir ? fr. i le begin with you , to incourage you , to have still a speciall care of me , there is five peeces , not for your nag . st. no sir , i hope it is not . fr. buy a beaver for thy owne blocke , i shall be ruld , who does command the wineseller ? st. who command but you sir ? fr. i le try to drinke a health or two , my aunts or any bodies , and if that foundation stagger me not too much , i will commence in all the arts of london . st. if you finde sir the operation of the wine , exalt your bloud to the desire of any femall delight , i know your aunt wonot deny any of her chambermaides to practise on , she loves you but too well . fr. i know not how i may be for that exercise , farewell aristotle , prethee commend me to the library at westminster , my bones i bequeath thither , and to the learned wormes that meane to visit 'em , i will compose my selfe , i beginne to thinke i have lost time indeed , come to the wineseller . exit . enter celestina , mardana , isabella , ma. but shall we not madam expose our selves to censure for this freedome . cel. let them answer that dare mistake us , shall we be so much cowards to be frighted from our pleasure , because men have malitious tongues , and shew what miserable soules they have , no cozen , we hold our life and fortunes , upon no mans charitie , if they dare shew so little discretion to traduce our fames , we will be guilty of so much wit to laugh at em . is. t is a becomming fortitude . cel. my starres are yet kinde to me , for in a happy minute be 't spoke , i 'me not in love , and men shall never . make my heart leane with sighing , nor with teares draw on my eyes the infamie of spectacles , t is the chiefe principle to keepe your heart vnder your owne obedience , jeast , but love not , i say my prayers yet , can weare good clothes , and onely satisfie my tailor for em . i wonot lose my priviledge . ma. and yet they say your entertainments are , give me your pardon madam , to proclaime your selfe a widow , and to get a husband . cel. as if a lady of my yeares , some beautie left by her husband rich , that had mourn'd for him a twelve moneth too , could live so obscure i' th towne that gallants would not know her , and invite themselves without her chargeable proclamations , then we are worse than citizens , no widow left wealthy can be throughly warme in mourning , but some one noble bloud or lusty kindred claps in , with his gilt coach , and flandrian trotters , and hurries her away to be a countesse . courtiers have spies , and great ones with large titles , cold in their owne estates , would warme themselves at a rich city bonefire . is. most true madam . cel. no matter for corruption of the bloud , some undone courtier made her husband rich , and this new lord receives it backe againe . admit it were my policie , and that my entertainements pointed to acquaint me with many sutors , that i might be safe , and make the best election , could you blame me ? ma. madam t is wisdome . cel. but i should be in my thoughts miserable to be fond of leaving the sweet freedome i possesse , and court my selfe into new marriage fetters , i now observe mens severall wits , and windings , and can laugh at their follies . ma. you have given a most ingenious satisfaction . cel. one thing i le tell you more , and this i give you worthy your imitation from my practise , you see me merry , full of song and dancing , pleasant in language , apt to all delights that crowne a publike meeting , but you cannot accuse me of being prodigall of my favours to any of my guests , i doe not summon by any winke , a gentleman to follow me , to my withdrawing chamber , i heare all their pleaes in court , nor can they boast abroad and doe me justice , after a salute they have much conversation with my lippe , i hold the kissing of my hand a courtesie , and he that loves me , must upon the strength of that , expect till i renew his favour . some ladies are so expensive in their graces , to those that honour 'em , and so prodigall that in a little time , they have nothing but the naked sinne left to reward their servants , whereas a thrift in our rewards , will keepe men long in their devotion , and preserve our selves in stocke , to encourage those that honour us . is. this is an art worthy a ladies practise . cel. it takes not from the freedome of our mirth , but seemes to advance it , when we can possesse our pleasures with security of our honour , and that preservd , i welcome all the joyes my fancy can let in . in this i have given the copie of my minde , nor doe i blush , you understand it . enter celestinaes gentlewoman . is. you have honord us . gen. madam , sir william sentlove 's come to waite on you . cel. there 's one would be a client , make excuse for a few minuts . mar. one that comes a woing ? cel. such a thing he would seeme , but in his guiltinesse of little land , his expectation is not so valiant as it might be , he weares cloathes , and feeds with noblemen , to some i heare no better than a wanton emissarie , or scout for venus wild foule , which made tame , he thinkes no shame to stand court centinell , in hope of the reversion . mar. i have heard that some of them are often my lords tasters , the first fruits they condition for , and will exact as fees for the promotion . cel. let them agree , there 's no account shall lie for me among their trafficke . enter gentlewo . gen. mr. hairecut madam is new come in , to tender you his service . cel. let him discourse a little with sir william . exit . ma. what is this gentleman mr. hairecut madam ? i note him very gallant , and much courted by gentlemen of qualitie . cel. i know not more than a trim gay man , he has some great office sure by his confident behaviour , he would be entertaind under the title of servant to me , and i must confesse , he is the sweetest of all men that visite me . is. how meane you madam ? cel. he is full of powder , he will save much in perfume for my chamber , were he but constant here ; give e'm accesse . enter sir will . sentlove , mr. hairecut . sent. madam the humblest of your servants is exalted to a happinesse , if you smile vpon my visit . ha. i must begge your charitie vpon my rudenesse madam , i shall give that day up lost to any happinesse , when i forget to tender you my service . cel. you practise courtship gentlemen . sent. but cannot find where with more desert to exercise it , what ladie 's this i pray ? cel. a kinswoman of mine sir william . sent. i am more her servant , cel. you came from court , now i presume . ha. t is madam the sphere i move in , and my destinie was kinde to place me there , where j enjoy all blessings that a mortall can possesse , that lives not in your presence , and j should fixe my ambition , when you would vouchsafe me so much honour , to accept from me an humble entertainment there . cel. but by what name shall i be knowne , in what degree shall j be of kinred to you . hair. how meane you madam ? cel. perhaps you 'le call me sister , i shall take it a speciall preferment , or it may be j may passe under title of your mistresse , if i seeme rich , and faire enough , to engage your confidence to owne me . ha. j would hope . cel. but t is not come to that yet , you will sir excuse my mirth . ha. sweet madam . cel. shall j take boldnesse to aske what place you hold in court ? t is an uncivill curiositie , but you 'le have mercie to a womans question . ha. my present condition madam , carries honour and profit , though not to be nam'd with that employment j expect i th state which shall discharge the first maturitie vpon your knowledge , untill then i begge you allow a modest silence . cel. i am charmd sir , and if you scape embassador , you cannot reach a preferment , wherein i 'me against you , but where 's sir william sentlove ? ha. give him leave to follow his nose madam , while he hunts in view , hee 'le soone be at a fault . cel. you know him . ha. know sentlove ? not a page but can decipher him , the waiting women know him to a scruple , hee 's cal'd the blistermaker of the towne . cel. what 's that ? is. the laundry ladies can resolve you , and you may guesse , an arrant epicure as this day lives , borne to a prettie wit , a knight but no gentleman , j must be plaine to you , your ladiship may have vse of this knowledge , but conceale the author . sen. j kisse your fairest hand . mar. you make a difference , pray reconcile e'm to an equall whitenesse . sent. you wound my meaning lady . cel. nay sir william has the art of complement . sent. madam , you honor me 'bove my desert of language . cel. will you please to enrich me with your knowledge of that gentleman . sent. doe you not know him madam . cel. what is he ? sen. a camphire ball , you shall know more hereafter he shall tell you himselfe , and save my character , till then , you see hee 's proud . cel. one thing gentlemen i observe in your behaviour , which is rare in two that court one mistresse , you preserve a noble friendship , there 's no gum within your hearts , you cannot fret , or shew an envy of one anothers hope , some would not governe their passions with that temper . sent. the whole world shanot divorce our friendship . mr hairecut would i had lives to serve him , he is lost to goodnesse does not honour him . ha. my knight i cel. this is right playing at court shuttlecocke . enter gentlew. gen. madam , there is a gentleman desires to speake w' ee , one sir thomas bornwell . cel. bornewell ? gen. he sayes he is a stranger to your ladiship . sen. i know him . haire. your neighbour madam . sen. husband to the lady , that so revells in the strand . ha. he has good parts they say , but cannot helpe his ladies bias . cel. they have both much fame 'i th towne for severall merits , pray admit him . ha. what comes he for ? enter sir thomas . bo. your pardon noble lady , that i have presum'd a stranger to your knowledge . cel. sir , your worth was here before you , and your person cannot be here ingratefull . bor. t is the bounty of your sweet disposition madam , make me your servant lady by her faire example , to favour me � i never knew one turne her cheeke to a gentleman that came to kisse her but sha 'd a stinking breath ; your servant gentlemen , will sent love how i st ? cel. i am sorry coze to accuse you , we in nothing more betray our selves to censure of ridiculous pride , then answering a faire salute too rudely , oh it shewes ill upon a gentlewoman not to returne the modest lip , if she would have the world beleeve , her breath is not offensive . bor. madam , i have businesse with you . sent. his lookes are pleasant . cel. with me sir ? bor. i heare you have an ex'lent wit madam , i see your faire cel. the first is but report , and doe not trust your eyesight for the last , cause i presume y' are mortall and may erre . ha. he is very gamesome . bor. y 'ave an ex'lent voyce ; they say you catch it from a dying swan , which joyn'd to the sweete harmony of your lute , you ravish all mankind . cel. ravish mankind ? bo. with their consent . cel. it were the stranger rape , but there 's the lesse inditement lies against it , and there is hope ; your little honesties cannot be much the worse , for men doe rather beleeve they had a maiden head , then put themselves to 'th racke of memory , how long t is since they left the burden of their innocence . bo. why you are bitter madam . cel. so is physicke , i doe not know your constitution . bo. you shall if please you madam . cel. y' are too hasty , i must examine what certificate you have , first to preferre you . bo. fine ! certificate ? cel. vnder your ladies hand , and seale . bor. go to , i see you are a wag . cel. but take heede , how you trust too 't . bor. i can love you in my wedlocke , as well as that young gallant , oth first haire , or the knight bachelor , and can returne as amorous delight to thy soft bosome . cel. your person and your language are both strangers . bo. but may be more familiar , i have those that dare make affidavit for my body . cel. d' ee meane your surgeon ? bor. my surgeon madam ? i know not how you value my abilities , but i dare undertake , as much , to expresse my service to your ladiship , and with as fierce ambition , fly to your commands , as the most valiant of these , ' lay siege to you . cel. you dare not sir . bor. how madam ? cel. i will instifi 't . you dare not marry me , and i imagine some here should i consent , would fetch a priest out of the fire . bor. i have a wife indeede , cel. and there 's a statute not repeald i take it . bor. y are in the right i must confesse y 'ave hit , and bled me in a master veine . cel. you thinke i tooke you on the advantage , use your best skill at defence , i le come up to your valour and shew another worke you dare not doe , you dare not sir be vertuous . bor. i dare , by this faire hand , i dare , and aske a pardon if my rude words offend thy innocence , which in a forme so beautifull , would shine to force a blush in them suspected it , and from the rest draw wonder . ha. i like not their secret parly , shall i interrupt em ? is. by no meanes sir . sent. sir thomas was not wont to shew so much a courtier . mar. he cannot be prejudiciall to you , suspect not your owne deserts so much , hee 's married . bo. i have other businesse madam , you keepe musicke , i came to try how you can dance . cel. you did ? i le trie his humour out of breath , although boast no cunning sir in revells , if you desire to shew your art that way , i can waite on you . bor. you much honour me , nay all must joyne to make a harmony . they dance . bor. i have nothing now , madam , but to beseech after a pardon for my boldnesse , you would give occasion to pay my gratitude , i have a house will be much honourd if you vouchsafe your presence , and a wife desires to present her selfe your servant , i came with the ambition to invite you , deny me not , your person you shall trust on faire securitie . cel. sir , although i use not this freedome with a stranger , you shall have no cause to hold me obstinate . bor. you grace me sir william sentlove � ha. i must take my leave , you will excuse me madam , court attendances � cel. by any meanes . bor. ladies you will vouchsafe your company . is. m. we waite upon you sir . exunt .
the third act . enter lord unready . hairecut preparing his periwigge , table , and lookingglasse . lor. what houre i st ? ha. bout three 'a clocke my lord . bor. t is time to rise . ha. your lordship went but late to bed last night . lor. t was early in the morning . enter secre . sec. expect a while , my lord is busie ? lor. what 's the matter ? sec. here is a lady desires accesse to you upon some affaires she saies may specially concerne your lordship . lor. a lady ? what her name ? sec. madam decoy . lor. decoy ? prethee admit her . enter decoy . have you businesse madam with me ? decoy . and such i hope as will not be offensive to your lordship . lor. i pray speake it . de. i would desire your lordships eare more private . lor. waite i' th next ch�ber till i call , now madam . exeunt . de. although i am a stranger to your lordship i wo'd not lose a faire occasion offer'd . to shew how much i honour , and would serve you . lor. please you to give me the particular that i may know the extent of my engagement , i am ignorant by what desert you should be encouragd to have care of me . de. my lord , i will take boldnesse to be plaine , beside your other excellent parts , you have much fame for your sweet inclination to our sexe . lor. how d ee meane madam ? dec. i that way your lordship hath honorably practisd upon some not to be nam'd , your noble constancie to a mistresse hath deserv'd our generall vote , and i a part of woman kind have thought how to expresse my duty . lor. in what madam ? dec. be not so strange my lord , i know the beauty and pleasures of your eyes , that hansome creature with whose faire life all your delight tooke leave , and to whose memory you have paid too much sad tribute . lor. what 's all this ? dec. this , if your lordship accept my service , in pure zeale to cure your melancholy , i could point where you might repaire your losse . lor. your ladiship i conceive doth trafficke in flesh marchandize . de. to men . of honour like your selfe , i am well knowne to some in court and come not with ambition now to supplant your officer . lor. what is the lady of pleasure you preferre . de. a lady of birth and fortune , one upon whose vertue i may presume , the lady aretina . lor. wife to sir thomas bornwell ? dec. the same sir . lor. have you prepard her ? de. not for your lordship , till i have found your pulse , i am acquainted with her disposition she has a very appliable nature . lor. and madam when expect you to be whipt for doing these fine favors . de. how my lord ? your lordship does but jeast i hope ; you make a difference betweene a lady that does honorable offices , and one they call a bawd , your lordship was not wont to have such course opinion of our practise . lor. the lady aretina is my kinswoman . de. what if she be my lord ? the nearer bloud the dearer sympathie . lor. i le have thee carted . de. your lordship wonot so much staine your honour and education , to use a woman of my qualitie . � lord . � t is possible you may be sent off with an honorable convoy of halberdeers . de. oh my good lord ! lor. your ladiship shall be no protection if thou but stai'st three minutes . de. i am gone , when next you finde rebellion in your bloud , may all within ten mile o' th court turne honest . exit . lor. i doe not finde that pronenesse since the faire bella maria died , my bloud is cold , nor is there beautie enough surviving to highten me to wantonnesse , who waites ? and what said my lady ? enter hairecut . ha. the silent language of her face my lord was not so pleasant , as it shewd upon her entrance . lor. would any man that meetes this lady take her for a bawde . ha. she does the trade an honor , credit to the profession , we may in time see baldnesse , quarter noses , and rotten legges to take the wall of footclothes . lor. i ha thought better , call the lady backe , i wonot lose this opportunitie , bid her not feare , the favour is not common , and i le reward it . i doe wonder much will sentlove was not here to day . ha. i heard him say this morning , he would waite vpon your lordship . she is returnd sir . enter secre . and decoy . sec. madam be confident my lords not angry . bor. you returne welcome madam , you are better read in your art i hope then to be frighted with any shape of anger , when you bring such newes to gentlemen , madam you shall soone understand how i accept the office . de. you are the first lord , since j studied carriage , that shew'd such infidelity and fury vpon so kind a message , every gentleman will shew some breeding , but if one right honourable should not have noble bloud . lor. you shall returne my complement in a letter to my lady aretina , favour me with a little patience , shew her that chamber . de. i le attend your lordship . ex. lor. write . madam where your honour is in danger , my love must not be silent . enter sentlove and kickshaw . sentlove and kickshaw ! kic. your lordship 's busie . lor. writing a letter , nay it shanot barre any discourse . sec. � silent . lo. though i be no physitian , i may prevent a feaver in your bloud . and where have you spent the mornings conversation ? sent. where you would have given the best barbary in your stable to have met on honorable termes . lor. what new beautie ? you acquaint your selves with none but wonders . sent. t is too low a miracle . lor. t will require a strong faith . secr. your bloud . lor. if you be innocent preserve your fame least this decoy madam betray it to your repentance . by what name is she knowne ? sent. aske alexander , he knowes her ? alex. whom ? sent. the lady celestina . lor. he has a vast knowledge of ladies , las poore alexander ! when dost thou meane thy body shall lie fallow ? al when there is mercy in a petticote , i must turne pilgrime for some breath . lor. i thinke t were cooler travell if you examine it vpon the hoofe through spaine . sent. through ethiopia . lor. nay lesse laborious to serve a prentiship in peru , and dig gold out of the mine , though all the yeare were dogdayes . sec. to repentance , lor. in briefe , this lady , could you fall from vertue , within my knowledge will not blush to be a bawde . sent. but hang 't t is honorable journey worke , thou art famous by 't , and thy name 's up . alex. so sir , let me aske you a question my deare knight , which is lesse servile to bring up the pheasant , and waite , or sit at table uncontrould and carve to my owne appetite ? sent. no more , th' art witty , as i am � sec. a bawd . sent. how 's that ? al. oh you are famous by 't , and your names up sir . lor. be wise , and reward my caution , with timely care of your selfe , so i shall not repent to be knowne your loving kinsman and servant . gentlemen , the lady celestina . is she so rare a thing ? alex. if you 'le have my opinion my lord , i never saw so sweete , so faire , so rich a peece of nature . lor. i le shew thee a fairer presently , to shame thy eyes and judgement , looke o'th at . � so i le subscribe seale it , i le excuse your pen for the direction . al. bella marias picture ; she was hansome . sent. but not to be compar'd . lor. your patience gentlemen i le returne instantly . exit . al. whither is my lord gone ? sec. to a lady i' th next chamber . sen. what is she ? sec. you shall pardon me , i am his secretary . sen. i was wont to be of his counsell , a new officer and i'not know 't ? i am resolvd to ' batter all other with the praise of celestina i must retaine him . enter lord . lor. has not that object convinc't your erring judgements . al. what this picture ? lor. were but your thoughts as capable as mine of her idea , you would wish no thought that were not active in her praise , above all worth and memory of her sexe . sent. she was faire i must confesse , but had your lordship look'd with eyes more narrow and some lesse affection vpon her face . alex. i doe not love the copies of any dead , they make me dreame of goblins , give me a living mistresse , with but halfe the beauty of celestina , come my lord , t is pitty that a lord of so much flesh should waste upon a ghost , when they are living can give you a more honourable consumption . sen. why doe you meane my lord to live an infidell ? doe , and see what will come on t , observe still and dote upon your vigills , build a chamber within a rocke , a tombe , among the wormes , not farre off , where you may in proofe apocryphall court em not devoure the pretty pile . of flesh your mistresse carried to the grave , there are no women in the world , all eyes and tongue and lippes are buried in her coffin . lor. why doe you thinke your selves competent judges . of beauty gentlemen ? both . what should hinder us ? al. i have seene and tried as many as another with a mortall backe . lord. . your eyes are bribd , and your hearts chain'd to some desires , you cannot enjoy the freedome of a sence . alex. your lordship has a cleare eyesight , and can judge and penetrate . lor. i can , and give a perfect censure of each line and point , distinguish beautie from a thousand formes , which your corrupted optiks would passe for naturall . sent. i desire no other judge should determine us , and if your lordship dare venture but your eyes upon this lady , i le stand their justice , and be confident you shall give celestine victorie , and triumph ors all beauties past and living . al. j dare my lord venture a sute of clothes , you will be orecome . lor. you doe not know my fortitude sent. nor frailtie , you dare not trust you selfe to see her . lor. thinke you so gentlemen , i dare see this creature to make you know your errors , and the difference of her , whose memory is my saint , not trust my sences ? j dare see and speake with her , which holds the best acquaintance to prepare my visit to her . sent. i will doo 't my lord . al. shee is a lady free in entertainements . lor. i would give this advantage to your cause , bid him appeare in all the ornaments did ever waite on beautie , all the riches pride can put on , and teach her face more charme then ever poet drest up venus in , bid her be all the graces , and the queene of love in one , i le see her sentlove , and bring off my heart arm'd , but single thought of one that is dead , without a wound , and when i have made your follie prisoner , i le laugh at you . sent. she shall expect you , trust to me for knowledge . lor. i 'me for the present somewhere else engagd , let me heare from you . sent. so i am glad hee 's yet so neere conversion . alex. i am for aretina . sent. no mention of my lord . alex. prepare his lady , t is time he were reduc'd to the old sport , one lord like him more would undoe the court . exit . enter aretina with a letter . decoy . de. he is the ornament of your bloud madam , i am much bound to his lordship . are. he gives you a noble character . de. t is his goodnesse madam . are. i wanted such an engine , my lord has done me a curtesie to disclose her nature , i now know one to trust , and will employ her . touching my lord , for reasons , which i shall offer to your ladiship hereafter , i desire you would be silent , but to shew how much i dare be confident in your secrecie , i powre my bosome forth , i love a gentleman on whom there woo'not meet much conjuration to meet � your eare . � de. i apprehend you , and i shall be happy to be serviceable , i am sorry your ladiship did not know me before now , i have done offices , and not a few of the nobilitie , but have done feates within my house , which is so convenient for situation , and artfull chambers , such pretty pictures to provoke the fancie . enter littleworth . lit. madam all pleasures languish in your absence . are. your pardon a few minutes sir � you must contrive it thus . lit. i attend , and shall account it honour to waite on your returne . are. he may not have the least knowledge of my name , or person . de. i have practisd that already for some great ones , and dare agen to satisfie you madam ; i have a thousand wayes to doe sweet offices . lit. if this lady aretina should be honest , i ha lost time , shee 's free as aire , j must have closer conference , and if i have art , make her affect me in revenge . de. this evening leave me to manage things . are. you will oblige me . de. you shall commend my art , and thanke me after . ex. are. i hope the revells are maintained within . lit. by sir thomas and his mistris . are. how ? his mistris . lit. the lady celestina , i nere saw eyes shoote more amorous enterchange . are. i st so ? lit. he weares her favor with meere pride . ar. her favor . lit. a feather that he ravish'd from her fan . lit. and is so full of courtship , which she smiles on . are. t is well . lit. and praises her beyond all poetry . are. i 'me glad he has so much wit . lit. not jealous ! are. this secures me , what would make other ladies pale with jealousie , gives but a licence to my wandrings , let him now taxe me if he dare � and yet her beauti 's worth my envie , and i wish revenge upon it , not because he loves , but that it shines above my owne . enter alex. al. deare madam . are. i have it , you two gentlemen professe much service to me , if i have a way to employ your wit and secrecie . both . you 'le honour us . are. you gave a high and worthy character of celestina . alex. i remember madam . are. doe either of you love her . alex. nor i madam . lit. i wod not if i might . are. shee 's now my guest , and by a tricke invited by my husband to disgrace me , you gentlemen are held wits of the towne , the consulls that doe governe the senate here , whose jeeres are all authenticke , the tavernes and the ordinaries are made academies where you come , and all your sinnes and surfets made times example , your very nods can quell a theater , no speech or poem good without your seale , you can protect scurrility , and publish by your authority beleev'd , no rapture ought to have honest meaning . alex. leave our characters . lit. and name the emploiment . are. you must exercise the strength of both your wits upon this lady , and talke her into humblenesse or anger both which are equall to my thought , if you dare undertake this slight thing for my sake , my favour shall reward it , but be faithfull , and seeme to let all spring from your owne freedome . ale. this all ? we can defame her , if you please my friend shall call her whore or any thing , and never be endangerd to a duell . are. how 's that ? al. he can endure a cudgelling , and no man will fight after so faire a satisfaction , but leave us to our art , and doe not limit us . are. they are here , begin not till i whisper you . enter sir thomas , celestina , marcana , isabella . ar. ie vous prie madam d' excuser l'importunitè de mes affaires qui m' ont fait offenser , par mon , absence , une dame de laquelle i'ay receu tant d' obligation . cel. pardonnez moy madame ; vous me faictez trop a honneur . are. c'est bien de la douceur de vostre naturel que vous tenez ceste language ; mais j'espere que mon mary na pas manquè de vous entretenir en mon absence . ce. en verite monsieur nous a fort obligè are.

il eut trop failly , s'il n'eust taschè de tout son pouvoir à vous rendre toutes sortes de services .

cel. cest de sa bonté qu'il nous a tant favorisé . ar. de la vostre plustost madame que vous fait donner d'interpretation si benigne à ses efforts . cel.

ie voy bien que la victoire fera toutsjours à madame , & de language , & de la courtesie .

are. vrayement madame , que jamais personne a plus desire , l'honneur de vostre compagnie , que moy . cel.

laissons en je vous supplie , des compliments & permiettoz à vostre servante de vous baiser les mains .

are. vous m'obligez trop . bo. i have no more patience , le ts be merry agen in our owne language , madam our mirth cooles , our nephew ! enter fredericke . are. passion of my braine . fre. save you gentlemen , save you ladies . are. i am undone . fre. i must salute , no matter at which end i begin . are. there 's a complement . cel. is this your nephew madam ? are. ie vous prie madame d'execuser les habitz , & le rude comportement de mon cousin . il est tout fraischement venu de l universitiè , ou on l'a tout gastè . cel excusez moy madam , il est bien accomply . fre. this language should be french , by the motions of your heads , and the mirth of your faces . are. i am dishonor'd . fre. t is one of the finest tongues for ladies to shew their teeth in , if you 'le latine i am for you , or greeke it , my tailor has not put me into french yet , mille basia , basia mille . cel. ie ne vous entende pas monsieur , i understand you not sir . fre. why so ? you and i then shall be in charity , for though we should be abusive , we ha the benefit not to understand one another : where 's my aunt ? i did heare musicke somewhere , and my braines tun'd with a bottle of your capering claret made haste to shew their dancing . lit. please you madam , they are very comfortable . st. alas madam how would you have me helpe it , i did use all meanes i could , after he heard the musicke , to make him drunke in hope so to containe him , but the wine made him lighter , and his head flew hither , ere i mist his heeles . ale. nay he spoke latine to the lady . are. oh most unpardonable ! get him off quickly , and discreetely , or if i live � st. t is not in my power he sweares i am an absurd sober fellow , and if you keepe a servant in his house to crosse his humour , when the rich sword and belt comes home , hee 'le kill him . are. what shall i doe ? try your skill , master littleworth . lit. he has ne're a sword , sweet mr. fredericke . bo. t is pitty madam such a syen should be lost , but you are clouded . cel. not i sir , i never found my selfe more cleare at heart . bo. i could play with a feather , your fan lady , gentlemen , aretina , ta ra ra ra , come madam . fre. why my good tutor in election ? you might have beene a scholler . lit. but i thanke my friends they brought me up a little better , give me the towne wits , that deliver jeasts cleane from the bow , that whistle in the aire , and cleave the pin at twelvescore , ladies doe but laugh at a gentleman that has any learning . t is sinne enough to have your clothes suspected , leave us , and i will find a time to instruct you ; come here are sugar plumbes , t is a good fredericke . fre. why is not this my aunts house in the strand ? the noble rendevous ? who laughes at me ? go , i will root here , if i list , and talke of retoricke , logicke , latine , greeke , or any thing , and understand 'em too , who sayes the contrary ? yet in a faire way i contemne all learning , and will be ignorant as he , or he , or any taffata , satten , scarlet , plush , tissue , or cloath , a bodkin gentleman , whose manners are most gloriously infected ; did you laugh at me lady ? cel. not i sir ? but if i did shew mirth upon your question , i hope you wod not beate me little gentleman . fr. how little gentleman ? you dare not say these words to my new cloathes , and fighting sword . are. nephew fredericke ! fr. little gentleman , this an affront both to my bloud and person , i am a gentleman of as tall a birth as any least nobility , though my clothes smell o' the lampe , my coate is honourable , right honourable , full , of or , and argent , a little gentleman ! bor. coze you must be patient , my lady meant you no dishonour , and you must remember shee 's a woman . fre. is she a woman , that 's another matter , d ee heare , my uncle tells me what you are . cel. so sir . fr. you cald me little gentleman . cel. i did sir . fre. a little pinke has made a lusty ship strike her topsaile , the crow may beard the elephant , a whelpe may tame the tiger , spight of all false decks and murderers , and a little gentleman be hard enough to grapple with your ladiship top and top gallant ; will you goe drinke uncle ? tother inchanted bottle , you and i will tiple , and talke phylosophy . bo. come nephew , you will excuse a minutes absence madam . waite you on us . st. my duty sir . are. now gentlemen . ex. all but cel. & alex. & little . alex. madam i had rather you accuse my language for speaking truth , then vertue suffer in my further silence , and it is my wonder that you , whose noble carriage hath deserv'd all honour , and opinion should now be guilty of ill manners . cel. what was that you told me sir ? lit. doe you not blush madam ? to aske that question . cel. you amaze rather my cheeke to palenesse , what you meane by this ? i am not troubled with the hickup gentlemen , you should bestow this fright upon me . lit. then pride and ill memory goe together . cel. how sir ? al. the gentleman on whom you exercise your thin wit , was a nephew to the lady whose guest you are , and though her modesty looke calme on the abuse of one so neare her bloud , the affront was impious . lit. i am asham'd on 't , you an ingenious lady and well mannerd ? i le reach a beare as much civility . cel. you may be master of the colledge sir for ought i know . lit. what colledge ? of the beares . cel. have you a plot upon me ? d ee possesse your wits , or know me gentlemen . enter bornewell . bor. how 's this ? al. know you ? yes we doe know you to an atome . li. madam we know , what stuffe your soule is made on . cel. but doe not barke so like a mastive , pray , sure they are mad , let your braines stand awhile and settle gentlemen , you know not me , what am i ? lit. tha' rt a puppet , a thing made of clothes and painting , and not halfe so hansome as that which plaid susanna in the faire . cel. i heard you visited those canvas tragedies , one of their constant audience , and so taken with susan , that you wishd your selfe a rivall with the two wicked elders . al. you thinke this is wit now , come you are � cel. what i beseech you ? your character will be full of salt and satyre , no doubt , what am i ? al. why you are a woman . cel. and that 's at least a bow wide of you knowledge . al. wo'd be thought hansome , and might passe i' th country vpon a market day , but miserably forfeit to pride and fashions , that if heaven were a new gowne , you 'd not stay in 't a fortnight . cel. it must be miserably out of fashion then , have i no sinne but pride ? al. hast any vertue ? or but a good face to excuse that want ? cel. you prais'd it yesterday . al. that made you proud . cel. more pride ? al. you neede not to close up the praise , i have seene a better countenance in a sibill . cel. when you wore spectacles of sacke , mistooke the painted cloath , and kist it for your mistresse . al. let me aske you a question , how much have you consum'd in expectation that i would love you . cel. why ? i thinke as much as you have paid a way in honest debts this seven yeare , t is a pretty impudence , but cannot make me angry . lit. is there any man that will cast away his limbes upon her ? al. you doe not sing so well as i imagind , nor dance , you reele in your coranto , and pinch your petticoate too hard , y ave no good eare toth ' musicke , and incline too much one shoulder , as you were dancing on the rope , and falling , you speake abominable french , and make a courtsey like a dairie maide , not mad ? lit. doe we not sting her hansomely bor. a conspiracie . al. your state is not so much as t is reported when you conferre notes , all your husbands debts and your owne reconcild � but that 's not it will so much spoile your marriage . cel. as what sir ? let me know all my faults . al. some men doe whisper you are not over honest . cel. all this shall not move me to more than laughter , and some pittie , because you have the shapes of gentlemen , and though you have beene insolent upon me , i will engage no friend to kicke or cudgell you to spoile your living , and your limbes together , i leave that to diseases that offend you , and spare my curse , poore silken vermine , and hereafter shall distinguish men from monkies . bo. brave soule , you brace of horseleaches , i have heard their barbarous language madam , y are too mercifull , they shall be silent to your tongue , pray punish e'm . cel. they are things not worth my character , nor mention of any cleane breath , so lost in honesty they cannot satisfie for wrongs enough , though they should steale out of the world at tiburne . lit. we are hang'd already . cel. yet i will talke a little to the pilchards , you two that have not twixt you both the hundred part of a soule , course woollen witted fellowes , without a nap , with bodies made for burdens , you that are onely stuffings for apparrell as you were made but engines for your taylors to frame their clothes upon , and get them custome ; vntill men see you moove , yet , then you dare not out of your guilt of being the ignobler beast but give a horse the wall , whom you excell onely in dancing of the brawles , because the horse was not taught the french way , your two faces , one fat like christmas , tother leane like candlemas , and prologue to a lent , both bound together would figure ianus , and doe many cures on agues and the greene disease by frighting , but neither can with all the characters and conjuring circles charme a woman , though sha 'd fourescore yeares upon her , and but one tooth in her head , to love or thinke well of you ; and i were miserable , to be at cost to court such a complexion , as your malice did impudently insinuate , but i waste time and staine my breath in talking to such tadpoles . goe home and wash your tongues in barly water drinke cleane tobacco , be not hot i' th mouth , and you may scape the beadle ; so i leave you to shame and your owne garters , sir i must entreate you for my honour doe not pennance em , they are not worth your anger , how i shall acquit your ladies silence . bo . madam , i am sorry to suspect , and dare revenge cel. no cause of mine . bor. it must become me to attend you home . cel. you are noble � � farewell mushroomes . are. is she gone . li. i thinke we peperd her . al. i am glad t is over , but i repent no service for you madam . enter servant with a letter . to me ? from whence a iewell a good preface , be happy the conclusion . are. some love letter � he smiles upon . lit. he has a hundred mistresses , you may be charitable madam i ha none , he surfets , and i fall away i' th kidnyes . al. i le meete , t is some great lady questionlesse , that has taken notice , and would satisfie her appetite . are. now mr. alexander , you looke bright o' the suddaine , another spirit 's in your eye . al. not mine madam , onely a summons to meete a friend . ar. what friend ? lit. by this jewell , i know her not ! ar. t is a she friend , i le follow gentlemen , we may have a game at sant before you goe . al. i shall attend you madam lit. t is our duty . are. i blush while i converse with my owne thoughts , some strange fate governes me , but i must on , the wayes are east already and we thrive when our sinne feares no eye nor perspective . exit .
the fourth act . enter two men leading alexander blinded , and goe off suddenly . al. i am not hurt , my patience to obey em not without feare to ha my throat cut else , did me a curtesie whither ha they brought me t is devillish darke , the bottome of a well at midnight , with but two starres on the top , were broad day to this darkenesse , i but thinke how like a whirlewinde these rogues caught me up and smoothered my eyesight , let me see , these may be spirits , and for ought i know have brought me hither over twenty steeples , pray heaven they were not bayliefes ; that 's more worth my feare , and this a prison , all my debts reeke in my nostrill , and my bones beginne to ake with feare to be made dice , and yet this is too calme and quiet for a prison ; what if the riddle prove i am robd ; and yet i did not feele em search me ? how now ? musicke ? enter decoy like an old woman with a light . and a light ? what beldam 's this , i cannot pray ; what art ? de. a friend , feare not young man i am no spirit . alex. off. de . despise me not for age , or this course outside , which i weare not out of poverty ; thy eyes be witnesse , t is no cave or beggars cell tha' rt brought too , let that gold speake here 's no want , which thou maist spend , and finde a spring to trie even prodigality if thou beest wise . alex. the devill was a coyner from the beginning , yet the gold lookes currant . de. tha' rt still in wonder , know i am mistresse of this house , and of a fortune that shall serve and feed thee with delights , t was j sent for thee , the jewell and the letter came from me , it was my art , thus to contrive our meeting , because j would not trust thee with my fame , vntill j found thee worth a womans honor . al. honour and fame ? the devill meanes to have a care on 's credit , though she sent for me , j hope , she has another customer to doe the tricke withall , j wod not turne familiar to a witch . de. what saist ? canst thou dwell in my armes to night , shall we change kisses , and entertaine the silent houres with pleasure ? such as old time shall be delighted with , and blame the too swifte motion of his wings while we embrace . al. embrace ? she has had no teeth this twenty yeares , and the next violent cough brings up her tongue , it cannot possibly be sound at root , i doe not thinke but one strong sneeze upon her , and well mean't would make her quarters fall away , one kicke would blow her up like gunpowder , and loose all her limbs ; she is so cold , an incubus wod not heate her , her phlegme would quench a furnace , and her breath would dampe a musket bullet . de. have you sir considerd . alex. what ? de. my proposition , canst love ? alex. i could have done , whom doe you meane ? i know you are pleas'd , but to make sport . de. thou art not so dull of soule as thou appearst . alex. this is . but some device , my granam has some tricke in 't : yes i can love . de. but canst thou affect me . al. although to reverence so grave a matron were an ambitious word in me , yet since you give me boldnesse , i doe love you . de. then thou art my owne . al. has she no cloven foote ? de. and i am thine , and all that i command thy servants , from this minute thou are happy , and fate in thee will crowne all my desires . i griev'd a proper man should be compeld to bring his body to the common market , my wealth shall make thee glorious , and the more to encourage thee , how ere this forme may fright thy youthfull eyes , yet thou wo't find by light of thy owne sense , for other light is banish'd my chamber , when our armes tie lovers knots , and kisses seale the welcome of our lippes , i shall not there affright thee , nor seeme old , with riveld veines , my skin is smooth and softe as ermines , with a spirit to meete thine , active and equall to the queene of loves when she did court adonis . al. this doth more confirme she is a devill , and i am within his owne dominions , i must on , or else be torne a peeces , i have heard these succubi must not be crost . de. we trifle too precious time away , i le shew you a prospect of the next chamber , and then out the candle . al. have you no sacke i' th house , i would goe arm'd vpon this breach . de. it shanot need . al. one word mother , have not you beene a cat in your dayes ? de. i am glad you are so merry sir , you observe that bed . alex. a very brave one . de. when you are disrob'd , you can come thither in the darke , you shanot stay for me , come as you wish for happinesse . exit . al. i am preferd , if i be modest and obey , she cannot have the heart to doe me harme , and she were hecate herselfe , i will have a strong faith , and thinke , i march upon a mistris , the lesse evill , if i scape fire now , i defie the devill . exit . enter fred . littlew . stoward . fre. and how d ee like me now ? st. most excellent . fre. your opinion mr. littlewor . lit. your french tailor has made you a perfect gentleman , i may converse now with you , and preserve my credit , de' e find no alteration in your body with these new clothes ? fre. my body altered ? no . lit. you are not yet in fashion then , that must have a new motion garbe , and posture too , or all your pride is cast away , it is not the cut of your apparrell makes a gallant , but the geometricall wearing of your clothes . st. mr. littleworth tells you right , you weare your hat : too like a citizen . lit. t is like a midwife , place it with best advantage of your haire , is halfe your feather molted ? this does make no shew , it should spread over like a canopy , your hot reind monsieur weares it for a shade , and cooler to his backe , your doublet must be more unbotton'd hereabouts , you 'le not be a sloven else , a foule shirt is no blemish , you must be confident , and outface cleane linnen ! your doublet and your breeches must be allow'd no private meeting here , your cloak 's too long , it reaches to your buttocke , and doth smell too much of spanish gravitie , the fashion is to weare nothing but a cape , a coate may be allowed a covering for one elbow , and some to avoid the trouble , choose to walke in quirpo thus . st. your coat , and cloak 's a brushing in long-lane lumbard . fre. but what if it raine ? lit. your belt about your shoulder is sufficient to keepe off any storme , beside a reede but wau'd discreetly , has so many pores , it suckes up all the raine that falls about one , with this defence , when other men have beene wet to the skin through all their cloakes , i have defied a tempest and walk'd by the tavernes drie as a bone . st. because he had no money to call for wine . fr. why you doe walke enchanted , have you such pretty charmes in towne ? but stay , who must i have to attend me ? lit. is not that yet thought upon . st. i have laid out for servants . lit. they are every where . st. i cannot yet be furnish'd with such as i would put into his hands . fr. of what condition must they be , and how many in number sir ? lit. beside your fencing , your singing , dancing , riding , and french-master , two may serve domesticke to be constant waiters vpon a gentleman a foole , a pimpe . st. for these two officers i have enquird , and i am promisd a convenient whiskin , i could save charges , and employ the pye wench that carries her intelligence in whitepots , or t is but taking order with the woman that holds the ballads , she could fit him with a concubin to any tune , but i have a designe to place a fellow with him that has read all sir pandarus workes , a trojan that lies conceal'd , and is acquainted with both citty and suburbian fripperies can fetch em with a spell at midnight to him , and warrant which are for his turne , can for a neede supply the surgeon too . fre. i like thy providence , � such a one deserves a livery twice a yeare . st. it shanot need , a cast suite of your worships will serve , he 'le find a cloke to cover it out of his share with those he brings to bed to you . fre. but must i call this fellow pimpe ? lit. it is not necessary , or iacke , or harry , or what hee s knowne abroad by will sound better , that men may thinke he is a christian . fre. but heare you mr. littleworth , is there not a method and degrees of title in men of this art . lit. according to the honour of men that doe employ em . an emperour may give this office to a duke , a king may have his viceroy to negotiate for him , a duke may use a lord , the lord a knight a knight may trust a gentleman , and when they are abroad , and merry , gentlemen may pimpe to one another . fre. good , good fellowship ! but for the foole now , that should waite on me , and breake me jeasts . lit. a foole is necessary . st. by any meanes . fre. but which of these two servants must now take place . lit. that question mr. fredericke the schoole of heraldry should conclude upon ; but if my judgement may be heard the foole is your firstman , and it is knowne a point of state to have a foole . st. but sir the other is held the finer servant , his employments are full of trust , his person cleaue , and nimble , and none so soone can leape into preferment where fooles are poore . lit. not all , there 's story for 't , princes have beene no wiser than they should be , would any noble man , that were no foole spend all in hope of the philosophers stone , to buy new lordships in another countrey , would knights build colledges , or gentlemen of good states , challenge the field and fight because a whore wo'not be honest , come , fooles are a family over all the world ; we doe affect one naturally , indeede the foole is leiger with us . st. then the pimpe is extraordinary . fre. doe not you fall out about their places ; here 's my noble aunt ! enter aretina . lit. how doe you like your nephew madam now ? are. well , turne about fredericke , very well . are. am i not now a proper gentleman ? the vertue of rich clothes ! now could i take the wall of iulius cesar , affront great pompeys upperlip , and defie the senate , nay i can be as proud as your owne heart madam , you may take that for your comfort ; j put on that vertue with my clothes , and j doubt not but in little time , j shall be impudent as any page or players boy , j am beholding to this gentlemans good discipline , but j shall doe him credit in my practise , your steward has some pretty notions too in morall mischiefe . are. your desert in this exceedes all other service , and shall bind me both to acknowledge , and reward . lit. sweet madam ! thinke me but worth your favour , j wo'd creepe vpon my knees to honour you , and for every minute you lend to my reward , i le pay a yeare of serviceable tribute . are. you can complement . lit. thus still she puts me off , vnlesse j speake the downe right word , she 'le never vnderstand me , a man would thinke that creeping vpon one's knees were english to a lady . enter alex. ale. how i st iacke ? pleasures attend you madam , how does my plant of honour ? are. who is this ? al. t is alexander . are. rich and glorious ! lit. t is alexander the great . ale. and my bucephalus waites at the doore . are. your case is alterd sir . ale. j cannot helpe these things , the fates will have it , t is not my land does this . lit. but thou hast a plough that brings it in . are. now he lookes brave and lovely . fre. welcome my gallant macedonian . al. madam you gave your nephew for my pupill , i rea'd but in a taverne , if you 'le horrour us , the beare at the bridge foote shall entertaine you , a drawer is my ganimed , he shall skinke briske nectar to us , we will onely have a dozen partridge in a dish , as many phesants , quailes , cockes and godwits , shall come marching up like the train'd band , a fort of sturgeon shall give most bold defiance to an army , and triumph ore the table . are. sir , it will but dull the appetite to heare more , and mine must be excusd , another time i may be your guest . ale. t is growne in fashion now with ladies , when you please i le attend you ; littleworth come fredericke . fre. wee le have musicke , i love noise , we will out roare the thames and shake the bridge boy . ex. lit. madam i kisse your hand , wod you wod thinke of your poore servant , flesh and bloud is fraile , and trouble some to carry without helpe . are. a coach will easily convey it , or you may take water at strand bridge . lit. but i have taken fire . are. the thames will coole . lit. but never quench my heart , your charitie can onely doe that ! are. i will keepe it cold of purpose , lit. now you blesse me , and i dare be drunke in expectation . are. i am confident he knowes me not , and i were worse than mad to be my owne betrayer , here 's my husband . enter born . bor. why , how now aretina ? what alone ? the mystery of this solitude ? my house turne desart o' the sudaine , all the gamsters blowne up ? why is the musicke put to silence ? or ha their instruments caught a cold , since we gave e'm the last heate ? i must know thy ground of melancholy . are. you are merry , as you came from kissing celestina . bor. i feele her yet warme upon my lip , she is most excellent company , i did not thinke there was that sweetnesse in her sexe , i must acknowledge t was thy cure to disinchant me from a dull husband to an active lover , with such a lady , i could spend more yeeres , than since my birth my glasse hath run soft minutes , and yet be young , her presence has a spell to keepe off age , she has an eye would strike fire through an adamant . are. i have heard as much bestow'd upon a dull fac'd chambermaid whom love and wit would thus commend , true beauty is mock'd when we compare thus , it selfe being above what can be fetch'd to make it lovely , or could our thoughts reach some thing to declare the glories of a face , or bodies elegance , that touches but our sense , when beauty spreads over the soule , and calls up understanding to looke when thence is offer'd , and admire , in both i must acknowledge celestina most excellently faire , faire above all the beauties i ha seene , and one most worthy mans love and wonder . bor. doe you speake aretina , this with a pure sence to commend , or i st the mockery of my praise aret. although it shame my selfe , i must be just , and give her all the excellency of women , and were i a man . bo. what then ? are. i know not with what losse , i should attempt her love , she is a peece so angellically moving , i should thinke frailty excusd to dote upon her forme , and almost vertue to be wicked with her . exit . bor. what should this meane ? this is no jealousie , or she beleeves i counterfeit , i feele something within me , like a heate , to give her cause , would celestina but consent , what a fraile thing is man , it is not worth our glory to be chaste , while we deny mirth and converse with women , he is good that dares the tempter , yet corrects his bloud . exit . celestina , mariana , issabella . cel. i have told you all my knowledge since he is pleasd to invite himselfe he shall be entertaind , and you shall be my witnesses . mar. who comes with him . cel. sir william sentlove , that prepard me for the honourable encounter , i expect his lordship every minute . enter sentlove . sent. my lord is come . enter lord . hairecut . cel. he has honord me . se. my lord your periwig is awry ! lo you sir � while hairecut is busie about his haire , sentlove goes to celestina . sent. you may guesse , at the gentleman that 's with him . it is his barbar , madam , d ee observe and your ladiship want a shaver . hai. she is here sir , i am betraid sentlove your plot , i may have opportunity to be reveng'd exit . sent. she in the midst . lo. she 's faire , i must confesse , but does she keepe this distance out of state . cel. though i am poore in language to expresse how much your lordship honors me , my heart is rich and proud in such a guest , i shall be out of love with every aire abroad , and for his grace done my unworthy house , be a fond prisoner , become anchorite , and spend my houres in prayer , to reward the blessing , and the bounty of this presence . lor. though you could turne each place you move in , to a temple , rather than a wall should hide so rich a beauty from the world , it were lesse want to lose our piety and your prayer , a throne were fitter to present you to our wonder , whence your eyes more worth than all they looke on , should chaine every heart a prisoner . sent. t was pretty well come off . lo. by your example i shall know how to complement , in this you more confirme my welcome . cel. i shall love my lippes the better , if their silent language perswade your lordship but to thinke so truely . lo. you make me smile madam . cel. i hope you came not with feare that any sadnesse here should shake one blossome from your eye , i should be miserable to present any object should displease you . lo. you doe not madam . cel. as i should account it no lesse sorrow , if your lordship should lay too severe a censure on my freedome . i wonot court a prince against his justice , nor bribe him with a smile to thinke me honest , pardon my lord this boldnesse , and the mirth that may flow from me , i beleeve my father thought of no winding sheete when he begot me . lor. she has a merry soule , it will become me aske your pardon madam for my rude approach so much a stranger to your knowledge . cel. not my lord so much stranger to my knowledge , though i have but seene your person a farre oft , i am acquianted with your character , which i have heard so often , i can speake it . lo. you shall doe me an honor . cel. if your lordship will be patient . lo. and glad to heare my faults . cel. that as your conscience can agree upon em , how ever if your lordship give me priviledge , i le tell you what 's the opinion of the world . lo. you cannot please me better . cel. y' are a lord borne with as much nobilitie as would divided serve to make ten noble men without a herald , but with so much spirit , and height of soule , as well might furnish twenty . you are learnd , a thing not compatible now with native honour , and are master of a language that doth chaine all yeares , and charme all hearts , where you perswade , a wit so flowing and prudence to correct it , that all men beleeve they onely meete in you , which with a spacious memory make up the full wonders ; to these you have knowne valour , and upon a noble cause , know how to use a sword to honors best advantage , though you were none ; you are as bountifull , as the showers that fall into the springs greene besome ; as you were created lord of fortune , not her steward ; so constant to the cause , in which you make your selfe an advocate , you dare all dangers , and men had rather you should be their friend , than justice or the bench , bound up together . lor. but did you heare all this . cel. and more my lord . lor. pray let me have it madam . cel. to all these vertues , there is added one , ( your lordship will remember when i name it , i speake but what i gather from the voyce of others ) it is growne to a full fame that you have lov'd a woman . lo. but one madam ? cel. yes many , give me leave to smile my lord , i shall not neede to interpret in what sence , but you have shewd your selfe right honorable , and for your love to ladies have deserv'd , if their vote might prevaile a marble statue , i make no comment on the peoples text . my lord i should be sorry to offend . lor. you cannot madam , these are things we owe to nature for . cel. and honest men will pay their debts . lo. if they be able , or compound . cel. she had a hard heart , would be unmercifull , and not give day to men so promising , but you ow'd women nothing , lo. yes i am still in their debt , and i must owe them love , it was part of my character . cel. with your lordships pardon i onely said , you had a fame for loving women , but of late men say you have against the imperiall lawes of love , restraind the active flowings of your bloud , and with a mistris buried all that is hop'd for in loves succession , as all beauty had died with her , and left the world benighted ! in this you more dishonor all our sexe than you did grace a part , when every where love tempts your eye to admire a glorious harvest , and every where as full blowne eares submit their golden heads , the laden trees bow downe their willing fruit , and court your amorous tasting . lor. i see men would dissect me to a fibre , but doe you beleeve this ? cel. it is my wonder ! i must confesse a man of nobler earth then goes to vulgar composition , borne and bred high , so unconfind , so rich in fortunes , and so read in all that summe vp humane knowledge , to feed gloriously , and live at court , the onely spheare wherein true beauty moves , natures most wealthy garden , where every blossome is more worth , than all the hesperian fruite , by jealous dragon watch'd where all delights doe circle appetite , and pleasures multiply by being tasted , ) should be so lost with thought of one , turne ashes . there 's nothing left my lord that can excuse you , vnlesse you pleade , what i am asham'd to prompt your wisedome too ? lo. what that ? cel. that you have plaid the surgeon with your selfe lo. and am made eunuch . cel. it were much pitty . lo. trouble not your selfe , i could convince your feares with demonstration that i am man enough , but knew not where vntill this meeting beauty dwelt ; the court you talk'd of must be where the queene of love is , which moves but with your person , in your eye her glory shines , and onely at that flame her wanton boy doth light his quickning torch . cel. nay now you complement , i would it did my lord for your owne sake . lor. you would be kind , and love me then . cel. my lord i should be loving where i found worth to invite it , and should cherish a constant man . lor. then you should me madam . cel. but is the ice about your heart fallen off , can you returne to doe what love commands ? cupid thou shall have instand sacrifice . and i dare be the priest . lor. your hand , your lip , now i am proofe gainst all temptation . cel your meaning my good lord . lor. i that have strength against thy voyce and beauty , after this may dare the charmes of womankind , thou art bella maria unprophaned yet , this magicke has no power upon my bloud . farewell madam , if you durst be the example of chaste as well as faire , thou wert a brave one . cel. i hope your lordship meanes not this for earnest , be pleasd to grace a banquet . lo. pardon madam . will sentlove follow , i must laugh at you . cel. my lord i must beseech you stay , for honour for her whose memory you love best . lo. your pleasure . cel. and by that vertue you have now profest , i charge you to beleeve me too , i can now glory , that you have beene worth my triall , which i beseech you pardon , had not you so valiantly recoverd in this conflict , you had beene my triumph , without hope of more than my just scorne upon your wanton flame ; nor will i thinke these noble thoughts grew first from melancholy , for some femall losse , as the phantasticke world beleeves , but from truth , and your love of innocence , which shine so bright in the two royall luminaries at court , you cannot lose your way to chastitie , proceede , and speake of me as honour guides you . exit lord . i am almost tir'd , come ladies wee le beguile dull time , and take the aire annother while . exeunt .
the fifth act . enter aretina and servant . are. but hath sir thomas lost five hundred pounds already ? ser. and five hundred more he borrow'd , the dice are notable devourers madam , they make no more of peeces , than of pebbles , but thrust their heapes together to engender , two hundred more the caster cries this gentleman , i am w' ee . i ha that to nothing sir , the caster agen , t is covered , and the table too , with summes that frighed me , here one speakes out , and with a martyrs patience , smiles upon his moneyes executioner , the dice , commands a pipe of good tobacco , and i' th smoke on 't vanishes ; another makes the bones vault ore his head , sweares that ill throwing has put his shoulder out of joynt calls for a bone setter that lookes to 'th boxe , to bid his master send him some more hundred pounds , which lost , he takes tobacco , and is quiet ; here a strong arme throwes in , and in , with which he brusheth all the table , payes the rookes that went their smelts a peece upon his hand , yet sweares he has not drawne a stake this seven yeare . but i was bid make haste , my master may lose this five hundred pound ere i come thither . exit . are. if we both waste so fast , we shall soone finde our state is not immortall , some thing in his other wayes appeare not well already . enter sir thomas . bor. yee tortoises , why make you no more haste , go pay to 'th master of the house that money , and tell the noble gamsters , i have another superfluous thousand pound , at night i le visit em . d ee heare ? ser. yes and please you . bor doo 't ye drudges , ta ra ra � aretina . ar. you have a pleasant humor sir . bor. what should a gentleman be sad ? ar. you have lost . bor. a transitory summe , as good that way as another . are. doe you not vexe within for 't ? bor. i had rather lose a thousand more , than one sad thought come neere my heart for t , vexe for trash , although it goe from other men like drops . of their life bloud , we lose with the alacrity , wee drinke a cup of sacke , or kisse a mistris , no money is considerable with a gamster , they have soules more spacious than kings , did two gamsters divide the empire of the world they l make one throw for 't all , and he that lost be no more melancholy , then to have plai'd for a morning draught , vexe a rich soule for dirt , the quiet of whose every thought is worth a province : are. but when dice have consumd all , your patience will not pawne for as much more . bor. hang pawning , sell outright , and the feares over . are. say you so ? i 'le have another coach to morrow if there be rich above ground . bor. i forgot to bid the fellow aske my jeweller , whether the chaine of diamonds be made up , i will present it to my lady bellamour , faire celestina . are. this gowne j have worne sixe dayes already , it lookes dull , i le give it my waiting woman , and have one of cloth of gold enbrodered , shooes and pantables will show well of the same . bor. i have invited a covey of ladies , and as many gentlemen to morrow to the italian ordinary , i shall have rarities , and regalli as to pay for madam , musicke , wanton songs , and tunes of silken petticotes to dance to . are. and to morrow have i invited halfe the court to dine here , what misfortune t is your company and ours should be devided ? after dinner j entertaine e'm with a play . bor. by that time your play inclines to the epilogue , shall we quit our italian host , and whirle in coaches , to the douch magazine of sawce , the stillyard , where deale , and backragge , and what strange wine else , they dare but give a name too in the reckoning shall flow into our roome , and drowne westphalias , tongues , and anchoavis , like some little towne endangered by a sluce , through whose fierce ebbe we wade and wash our selves into a boate , and bid our coachmen drive their leather tenements by land , while we saile home with a fresh tide to some new randevous . are. if you have not pointed the place , pray bring your ladies hither , j meane to have a ball to morrow night , and a rich banquet for e'm , where we 'le dance till morning rise , and blush to interrupt us . bor. have you no ladies i' th next roome , to advance a present mirth ? what a dull house you governe ? farewell , a wife 's no company � aretina , j 've summ'd up my estate , and find we may have a month good yet . are. what meane you ? bo. and j do rather be lord one moneth of pleasures , to the height and rapture of our senses , than be yeares , consuming what we have in foolish temperance , live in the darke , and no fame waite upon us , i will live so , posterity shall stand at gaze when i am mentioned . are. a mon'th good , and what shall be done then . bor. i le over sea , and traile a pike , with watching , marching , lying in trenches , with enduring cold , and hunger , and taking here and there a musketshot , i can earne every weeke foure shillings madam , and if the bullets favour me to snatch any superfluous limbe , when i returne with good friends , i despaire not to be entold poore knight of windsore ; for your course madam , no doubt you may doe well , your friends are great , or if your poverty , and their pride cannot agree , you neede not trouble much invention , to find a trade to live by , there are customers , farewell , be frolicke madam , if i live i will feast all my senses , and not fall lesse than a phaeton from my throne of pleasure , though my estate flame like the world about me . are. t is very pretty . enter decoy . madam decoy . de. what melancholy exit . after so sweet a nights worke ? have not i shew'd my selfe mistris of my art . are. a lady . de. that title makes the credit of the act a story higher , y 'ave not seene him yet , i wonder what hee 'le say . are. he 's here . ale. beare up enter alexander and fredericke . my little mirmidan , does not iacke littleworth follow ? fre. follow ? he fell into the thames at landing . alex. the devill shall dive for him ere i endanger my silke stockings for him , let the watermen alone , they have drags and engins , when he has drunke his julip , i shall laugh to see him come in pickeld the next tide . fre. hee 'le never sinke , he has such a corke braine . ale. let him be hang'd or drown'd all 's one to me , yet he deserves to die by water , cannot beare his wine credibly . fre. is not this my aunt ? ale. and another hansome lady , i must know her . fre. my bloud is rampant too , i must court some body , as good my aunt , as any other body . are. where have you beene cozen ? fre. at the bridge , at the beares foote , where our first health began to the faire aretina , whose sweet company was wished by all , we could not get a lay , a tumbler , a device , a bona roba for any money , drawers were growne dull ; we wanted our true firkes and our vagaries ; when were you in drinke aunt ? are. how ? fr. do not ladies play the good fellowes too ? there 's no true mirth without e'm , i have now such tickling fancies , that doctour of the chaire of wit , has read a precious lecture , how i should behave my selfe to ladies , as now for example . are. would you practise upon me ? fre. i first salute you , you have a soft hand madam , are you so all over ? are. nephew . fre. nay you should but smile , and then agen i kisse you ; and thus draw off your white glove , and start to see your hand more excellently white , i grace my owne lip with this touch , and turning gently thus , prepare you for my skill in palmistry , which out of curiosity no lady but easily applies too , the first line i tooke with most ambition to find out , is venus girdle , a faire semicircle enclosing both the mount of sol and saturne , if that appeare , she 's for my turne , a lady whom nature has prepar'd for the careere , and cupid at my elbow , i put forward , you have this very line , aunt . are. the boy 's franticke . fre. you have a couch or palate , i can shut the chamber doore , enrich a stranger when your nephew 's comming into play . are. no more . fre. are you so coy to your owne flesh and bloud ? al. here take your playfellow , i talke of sport , and she would have me marry her . fre. here 's littleworth . enter littleworth wet . why how now tutour ? lit. i ha beene fishing . fr. and what ha you caught ? lit. my belly full of water . al. ha ha , where 's thy rapier ? lit. my rapier 's is drown'd , and i am little better , i was up by 'th heeles , and out came a tun of water beside wine . al. 'thas made thee sober . lit. would you have me drunk with water ? are. i hope your fire is quenched by this time . fre. it is not now , as when your worship walkd by all the tavernes iacke , drie as a bone . al. you had store of fish under water iacke . lit. it has made a poore iohn of me . fre. j doe not thinke but if we cast an angle jnto his belly , we might find some pilchards . lit. and boild by this time , deere madam a bed . al. carry but the water spaniel to a grasseplot where he may roule himselfe , let him but shake his eares twice in the sunne , and you may grind him into a posset . fre. come thou shalt to my bed poore pickerell . de. alas sweete gentleman . lit. i have ill lucke , and i should smell by this time , i am but new tane i am sure , sweet gentlewoman . de. your servant . lit. pray doe not plucke off my skin , it is so wet , unlesse you have good eyes you 'le hardly know it from a shirt . de. feare nothing . are. he has sacke enough , and i may find his humor . exeunt . al. and how i st with your ladiship ? you looke without a sunshine in your face . are. you are glorious in mind and habit . al. ends of gold and silver . are. your other clothes were not so rich , who was your tailor sir ? al. they were made for me long since , they have knowne but two bright dayes upon my backe , i had a humor madam to lay things by , they will serve two dayes more , i thinke i ha gold enough to goe to 'th mercer , i le now allow my selfe a suite a weeke as this , with necessary dependances , beaver , silke stockings , garters , and roses in their due conformitie , bootes are forbid a cleane legge , but to ride in , my linnen every morning comes in new , the old goes too great bellies . ar. you are charitable . al. i may dine w' ee sometime , or at the court to meete good company , not for the table , my clarke o' th kitchins here , a witty epicure , a spirit that to please me with what 's rare can flie a hundred mile a day to market , and make me lord of fish and foule , i shall forget there is a butcher , and to make my footmen nimble , he shall feede on nothing but wings of wildfoule . are. these wayes are costly . al. therefore i le have it so , i ha sprung a mine . are. you make me wonder sir , to see this change of fortune , your revenew was not late so plentifull . al. hang durty land and lordships , i wonot change one lodging i ha got for the chamber of london . are. strange of such a sudden , to rise to this estate , no fortunate hand at dice could lift you up so , for t is since last night , yesterday , you were no such monarke . al. there be more games then dice . are. it cannot be a mistris , though your person is worth love , none possibly are rich enough to feed as you have cast the method of your riots , a princesse , after all her jewels must be forc'd to sell her provinces . al. now you talke of jewels ? what doe you thinke of this ? are. a rich one . al. you 'le honour me to wear 't , this other toy i had from you , this chaine i borrowed of you , a friend had it in keeping , if your ladiship want any summe , you know your friend and alexander , are. dare you trust my security . al. there 's gold , i shall have more to morrow . are. you astonish me , who can supply these ? al. a deare friend i have , she promisd we should meete agen i' th morning . are. not that i wish to know more of your happinesse , then i have aready heart to congratulate , be pleasd to lay my wonder . al. t is a secret . are. which i le die ere i le betray . al. you have alwayes wish'd me well , but you shall sweare not to reveale the partie . are. i le lose the benefit of my tongue . alex. nor be afraid at what i say , what thinke you first of an old witch , a strange ill favor'd hag that for my company last night , has wrought this cure upon my fortune ? i doe sweat to thinke upon her name . are how sir a witch ? ale. i would not fright your ladiship too much at first , but witches are a kin to spirits , the truth is � nay if you looke pale already , i ha done . are. sir i beseech you . ale. if you have but courage then to know the truth , i le tell you in one word , my chiefe friend is the devill . are. what devill ? how i tremble . ale. have a heart , t was a shee divell too , a most insatiate abominable devill with a taile thus long . are. goodnesse defend me , did you see her ? al. no t was i' th darke , but she appeard first to me i' th likenesse of a bedlam , and was brought i know not how , nor whither , by two goblins , more hooded than a hawke . are. but would you venter vpon a devill ? al. i for meanes . are. how blacke an impudence is this ? but are you sure it was the devill you enjoy'd . al. say nothing , i did the best to please her , but as sure as you live , t was a helcat . are. de' e not quake ? al. i found my selfe the very same in i' th morning , where two of her familiars had left me . enter servant . ser. my lord is come to visite you . al. no words , as you respect my safety , i ha told tales out of the devills schoole , if it be knowne i lose a friend , t is now about the time i promis'd her to meete agen , at my returne i le tell you wonders , not a word . exit . are. t is a false glasse , sure i am more deform'd , what have i done , my soule is miserable . enter lord . lor. i sent you a letter madam . are. you exprest your noble care of me my lord . enter bornwell , celestina . bor. your lordship does me an honour . lor. madam i am glad to see you here , i meant to have kist your hand ere my returne to court . cel. sir thomas has prevaild to bring me to his trouble hither . lor. you doe him grace . bor. why what 's the matter madam ? your eyes are tuning lachrimae . are. as you doe hope for heaven withdraw , and give me but the patience of ten minutes . born. wonderfull ! i wonot heare you above that proportion , shee talkes of heaven , come , where must we to counsell ? ar. you shall conclude me when you please . bo. i follow . lor. what alteration is this ? i that so late stood the temptation of her eye , and voyce , boasted a heart , 'bove all licentious flame , at second veiw turne renegade , and thinke i was too superstitious , and full of phlegme not to reward her amorous courtship with manly freedome . cel. i obey you sir . bor. i le waite upon your lordship presently . lor. she could not want a cunning to seeme honest when i neglected her , i am resolv'd , you still looke pleasant madam . cel. i have cause my lord , the rather for your presence , which hath power to charme all trouble in my thoughts . lor. i must translate that complement and owe all that is cheerefull in my selfe to these all quickning smiles , and rather than such bright eyes should repent their influence upon me , i would release the aspects , and quit the bountie of all the other starres ; did you not thinke me a strange and melancholy gentleman to use you so unkindly . cel. me my lord ? lor. i hope you made no loude complaint , i wod not be tride by a jury of ladies . cel. for what my lord ? lor. i did not meete that noble entertainment , you were late pleasd to shew me . cel. i observd no such defect in your lorship , but a brave and noble fortitude . lor. a noble folly i bring repentance for t , i know you have madam a gentle faith , and wonot ruine what you have built to honour you . cel. what 's that ? lor. if you can love i le tell your ladiship . cel. i have a stubborne soule else . lor. you are all composd of harmony . cel. what love de' e meane ? lor. that which doth perfect both , madam you have heard i can be constant , and if you consent to grace it so , there is a spacious dwelling prepar'd within my heart for such a mistrisse . cel. your mistris , my good lord ? lor. why my good lady ? your sexe doth hold it no dishonour to become mistris to a noble servant in the now court , platonicke way , consider who t is that pleades to you , my birth , and present value can be no staine to your embrace , but these are shadowes when my love appeares , which shall in his first miracle returne me in my bloome of youth , and thee a virgin , when i within some new elisium of purpose made and meant for us , shall be in every thing adonis , but in his contempt of love , and court thee from a daphne hid in the cold rinde of a bashfull tree , with such warme language , and delight , till thou leape from that bayes into the queene of love , and pay my conquest with composing garlands of thy owne mirtle for me . cel. what 's all this ? lor. consent to be my mistris celestina , and we will have it spring-time all the yeare , vpon whose invitations when we walke , the windes shall play soft descant to our feete , and breathe rich odors to repure the aire , greene bowers on every side shall tempt our stay , and violets stoope to have us treade upon em . the red rose shall grow pale , being neere thy cheeke , and the white blush orecome with such a forehead , here laid , and measuring with our selves some banke , a thousand birds shall from the woods repaire . and place themselves so cunningly , behinde the leaves of every tree , that while they pay as tribute of their songs , thou shat imagine the very trees beare musicke , and sweet voyces doe grow in every arbour , here can we embrace and kisse , tell tales , and kisse agen , and none but heaven our rivall . cel. when we are weary of these , what if we shift our paradise ? and through a grove of tall and even pine , descend into a vally , that shall shame all the delights of tempe , upon whose greene plush the graces shall be cald to dance to please us , and maintaine their fairy revells , to the harmonious murmurs of a streame that gently falls upon a rocke of pearle , here doth the nimph forsaken eccho dwell , to whom we 'le tell the story of our love , till at our surfet and her want of joy , we breake her heart with envy , not farre off a grove shall call us to a wanton river , to see a dying swan give up the ghost , the fishes shooting up their teares in bubbles that they must lose the genius of their waves , and such love linsey woolsey , to no purpose . lor. you chide me hansomely , pray tell me how you like this language . cel. good my lord forbeare . lor. you neede not flie out of this circle madam , these widowes so are full of circumstance , i le undertake in this time i ha courted your ladiship for the toy , to ha broken ten , nay twenty colts , virgins i meane , and taught em the amble , or what pace i most affected . cel. y' are not my lord agen , the lord i thought you . and i must tell you now , you doe forget your selfe and me . lor. you 'le not be angry madam . cel nor rude , though gay men have a priviledge , it shall appeare , there is a man my lord within my acquaintance , rich in worldly fortunes , but cannot boast any descent of bloud , would buy a coate of armes . lor. he may , and legges booted and spurr'd to ride into the countrey . cel. but these will want antiquitie : my lord the seale of honour , what 's a coate cut out but yesterday to make a man a gentleman ? your family as old , as the first vertue that merited an escucheon , doth owe a glorious coat of armes , if you will sell now all that your name doth challenge in that ensigne , i le helpe you to a chapman , that shall pay and powre downe wealth enough for t . lor. sell my armes ? i cannot madam . cel. give but your consent , you know not how the state may be enclind to dispensation , we may prevaile vpon the heralds office afterward . lor. i le sooner give these armess to 'th hangmans axe , my head , my heart , to twenty executions than sell one atome from my name . cel. change that , and answer him would buy my honour from me . honour that is not worne upon a flagge or pennon , that without the owners dangers , an enemy may ravish , and beare from me , but that which growes and withers with my soule , beside the bodies staine , think , thinke my lord to what you would unworthily betray me , if you would not for price of gold , or pleasure , ( if that be more your idoll ) lose the glory and painted honour of your house � i ha done . lor. enough to rectifie a satires bloud , obscure my blushes here . enter sentlove and hairecut . ha. or this or sight with me , it shall be no exception that i waite vpon my lord , i am a gentleman , you may be lesse and bea knight , the office , i doe my lord is honest sir , how many such you have beene guilty of , heaven knowes . sent. t is no feare of your sword , but that i wod not breake the good lawes established against duells . ha. oft with your periwig , and stand bare . lor. from this minute i le be a servant to thy goodnesse , a mistris in the wanton sence is common , i le honor you with chaste thoughts , and call you so . cel i le study to be worth your faire opinion . lor. sent love , your head was usd to a covering , beside a hat , when went the haire away . sent. i laid a wager my lord with hairecut , who thinkes i shall catch cold , that i le stand bare this halfe houre . ha. pardon my ambition madam , i told you truth , i am a gentleman , and cannot feare that name is drown'd in my relation to my lord . cel. i dare not thinke so . ha. from henceforth call my service duty madam , that pigges head that betraid me to your mirth , is doing penance for 't . sent. why may not i my lord begin a fashion of no haire . cel. doe you sweat sir william . sent. not with store of nightcaps . enter aretina , bornwell . are. heaven has dissolv'd the clouds that hung upon my eyes , and if you can with mercy meet a penitent , i throw my owne will off , and now in all things obey yours , my nephew send backe agen to 'th colledge , and my selfe to what place you 'le confine me . bor. dearer now than ever to my bosome , thou shat please me best to live at thy owne choice , i did but fright thee with a noise of my expences , the summes are safe , and we have wealth enough , if yet we use it nobly ? my lord � madam , pray honour to night . are. i begge your presence , and pardon . bor. i know not how my aretina may be disposd to morrow for the country . cel you must not goe , before you both have done me honour to accept an entertainment , where i have power , on those termes i 'me your guest . bor. you grace us madam . are. already i feele a cure upon my soule , and promise my after life to vertue , pardon heaven , my shame yet hid from the worlds eye . de. sweet madam . enter decoy . ar. not for the world be seene here , we are lost , i le visite you at home ; but not to practise what she expects , my counsell may recover her . enter alexander . al. where 's madam ? pray lend me a little money , my spirit has deceiv'd me , proserpine has broke her word . are. doe you expect to find the devill true to you . al. not too loud . are. i le voyce it louder , to all the world your horrid sinne , vnlesse you promise me religiously , to purge your foule bloud by repentance sir . al. then i 'me undone . are. not while i have power to encourage you to vertue , i le endeavour to find you out some nobler way at court to thrive in . al. doo 't , and i le forsake the devill , and bring my flesh to obedience ; you shall steere me , my lord � your servant . lor. you are brave agen . al. madam your pardon . bor. your offence requires humility . al. low as my heart . sir thomas i le sup with you , a part of satisfaction . bor. our pleasures coole , musicke , and when our ladies are tired with active motion , to give them rest in some new rapture to advance full mirth , our soules shall leape into a dance . exeunt .
finis .
machine-generated castlist a -celestina a -aretina a -alexander a -bornwell a -lord a -littleworth a -steward a -frederick a -decoy a -sentlove a -haircut a -secretary a -mariana a -isabella a -gentlewoman a -servant a -both a -unassigned a -kickshaw unassigned a -unassigned a _multiple a -londoner
textual notes

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, candlestickes , how they become the morris whith which whose bells they ring all into whitson whi�� candlestickes , how they become the morris , which whose bells they ring all into whitson ales � power joyned to give your life more harmony , you liv'd there , secure , and innocent � praisd for your hospitality , and praid for , you might be envied , but malice knew not � necessarie , for a lady of my birth and education ? it� h bloud , your kinsmen great and powerfull , it'h state , but with this lose not your pictures ceremony , your change of gaudy furniture and pictures, of this italian master , and that dutchmans dutchmnas pictures of this italian master , and that dutchmans , your mighty looking-glasses like artillery � motley than the french , or the venetian , about your coach whose rude postillion must you which consumes more your fame than purse , your revells in the night , your meetings cal'd . in time he may repent and make some blush , to see the second part danc'd on the stage my i ha done , and howsoever my language may appeare to you , it carries no other than avatitious first opinion , and though you vay'le , your avaricious meaning with hansome names of modesty , fulfill d will returne agen , i have to such a height fulfill'd her humor , all applications dangerous , � leaving this subject , what games now on foote ? what exercise carries the generall vote � exercise without some company to discourse . persum'd tis perfum'd . sluffe with some cheape stuffe is it your wisedomes thrift to infect my sit me be at so much cost ile have stories to fit the seasons of the yeare , and change as : no madam . requi�d there's more than simple honesty in a servant requir'd to his full dutie , none should dare , but fav'd preserv'd our tailors in their wits , and sav'd the charge of sending into forraine courts � a minde to , vnlesse it be your learning , which she would have you forget with all � entertainments are , give me your pardon madam , to proclaime your selfe a widow , and to ��� coach , and flandrian trotters , and hurries her away to be a countesse . courtiers have ��ies ��� away to be a countesse . courtiers have spies , and great ones with large titles , cold lharge courtiers have ��ies , and great ones with large titles , cold in their owne estates , would haire� haire. � enter sir thomas . � my surgeon madam ? i know not how you value my abilities , � you did ? ile trie his humour out of breath , although boast no cunning sir in revells � whose vertue i may presume , the lady aretina . � the same sir . ��� de. � tis too low a miracle . � through ethiopia . � so sir , let me aske you a question my deare knight lovings , so i shall not repent to be knowne your loving kinsman and servant . gentlemen , the lady bac�e and tried as many as another with a mortall backe . lord� lord. � lord . date j dare my lord venture a sute of clothes , you � this creature to make you know your errors , and the difference of her , whose memory � meet much conjuration to meet � your eare . � fon trop failly , s'il n'eust taschè de tout son pouvoir à vous rendre toutes sortes de services en�je laissons en je vous supplis , des compliments & permiettoz supplis laissons en�je vous supplie , des compliments & permiettoz à vostre d � execuser ie vous prie madame d'execuser les habitz , & le rude comportement de mon hi'ther wine made him lighter , and his head flew hither , ere i mist his heeles . � has ne're a sword , sweet mr. fredericke . � who laughes at me ? go , i will root here , if i list , and talke of retoricke , logicke � entreate you for my honour doe not pennance em , they are not worth your anger , how i shall ��� bo . caus� no � cause ��� mine . ��� no � cause of mine . b�r. bor. � i thinke we peperd her . � i am glad tis over , but i repent no service for you madam . �th i ha none , he surfets , and i fall away i'th kidnyes . al� al. ��� not mine madam � onely a ��� to ��� a friend . � not ��� madam , onely a ��� to ��� a friend . ��� not ��� madam � onely a summons to ��� a friend . ��� not ��� madam � onely a ��� to meete a friend . � by this jewell , i know her not ! � tis a she friend , ile follow gentlemen , we may have a game ��� ile follow gentlemen , we may have a game at sant before you go � go� gentlemen , we may have a game ��� before you goe � gentlemen , we may have a game ��� before you go . ��� i shall attend you madam ��� i blush while i converse with my owne thoughts , some strange face governes face blush ��� my owne thoughts , some strange fate governes me , ��� the wayes are east already gove��� ��� my owne thoughts , some strange face governes me , ��� the wayes are east already and ��� thoughts , some strange face governes me , but i must on, the wayes are east already and we thrive � the fourth act . ��ded enter two men leading alexander blinded , and goe of suddenly . �f two men leading alexander ��ded , and goe off suddenly . ��� ha my throat cut else , did me a curtesie whither ha they brought me tis devillish darke , tire thou maist spend , and finde a spring to trie even prodigality if thou beest wise � � tire even prodigality if thou beest wise . � , the jewell and the letter came from me , it was my art , thus to contrive our meeting quart�rs upon her , and well mean't would make her quarters fall away , one kicke would blow her up p��ces dominions , i must on , or else be torne a peeces , i have heard these succubi must not be su�cubi else be torne a peeces , i have heard these succubi must not be crost . : enter fred . littlew . stoward . �a� littleworth tells you right , you weare your hat : too like a citizen . qui�po to avoid the trouble , choose to walke in quirpo thus . � that falls about one , with this defence , when other men have beene wet to the skin sub�rbian conceal'd , and is acquainted with both citty and suburbian fripperies can fetch em with a spell at � such a one deserves a livery twice a yeare . wi�er theres story for't , princes have beene no wiser than they should be , would any noble man fa�es j cannot helpe these things , the fates will have it , tis not my land does this �� but thou hast a plough that brings it in. . wel ��� welcome my gallant macedonian . date now you blesse me , and i dare be drunke in expectation . hre's were worse than mad to be my owne betrayer , here's my husband . ��� , than since my birth my glasse hath run soft minutes , and yet be young , her presence � my lord your periwig is awry ! � though you could turne each place you move in , to a temple , rather than a wall should banquer not this for earnest , be pleasd to grace a banquet . � this seven yeare . but i was bid make haste , my master may lose this five hundred pound superf�uous tell the noble gamsters , i have another superfluous thousand pound , at night ile visit em . othermen fort , vexe for trash , although it goe from other men like drops . of their life bloud , we they d two gamsters divide the empire of the world theyd make one throw for't all , and he that lost ; but when dice have consumd all , your patience will not pawne for as much merc�r , i thinke i ha gold enough to goe to'th mercer , ile now allow my selfe a suite a weeke � summe , you know your friend and alexander , a fraid nor be afraid at what i say , what thinke you first � what love de'e meane ? ma�e , whats a coate cut out but yesterday to make a man a gentleman ? your family as old , il� your name doth challenge in that ensigne , ile helpe you to a chapman , that shall pay
the school of compliment shirley, james this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text s in the english short title catalog (stc ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. martin mueller incompletely or incorrectly transcribed words were reviewed and in many cases fixed by madeline burg keren yi this text has not been fully proofread earlyprint project evanston il, notre dame in, st.louis, washington mo distributed under a creative commons attribution-noncommercial . unported license a .xml the schoole of complement¨ as it vvas acted by her maiesties seruants at the priuate house in drury lane. by i.s. shirley, james, - . dpi tiff g page images university of michigan, digital library production service ann arbor, michigan october (tcp phase ) stc ( nd ed.) . greg, ii, (a). a

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 the schoole of complement¨ as it vvas acted by her maiesties seruants at the priuate house in drury lane. by i.s. shirley, james, - . [ ], p. printed by e[lizabeth] a[llde] for francis constable, and are to be sold at his shop in pauls church-yard, at the signe of the crane, london : .

dedication signed: i. sherley.

partly in verse.

printer's name from stc.

reproduction of the original in the folger shakespeare library.

 a shc the school of compliment shirley, james madeline burg keren yi play comedy shc no a s (stc ). . b the rate of . defects per , words puts this text in the b category of texts with fewer than defects per , words. incorporated ~ , textual changes made to the shc corpus by hannah bredar, kate needham, and lydia zoells between april and july during visits, separately or together, to the bodleian, folger and houghton libraries as well as the rare book libraries at northwestern university and the university of chicago

the schoole of complement .

as it vvas acted by her maiesties seruants at the priuate house in drury lane .

— haec placuit semel —

by . j. shirley

london , printed by e. a. for francis constable , and are to be sold at his shop in pauls church-yard , at the signe of the crane . .

to the trvly noble gentleman , william tresham esquire .

sir , i have long cherished a desire , by some worthy testimony , to expresse how much i honour you : but after a tedious expectation , hopelesse to meete with an occasion to make me so fortunate ; i resolued , rather then to hazard the censure of neglect , to snatch any opportunity of presenting my seruices . this ( which to me hath no name , but what your bounty shall bestow ) hauing pleased you vpon the stage , comming into the world , offereth it selfe to kisse your hand . if you be merciful , i am vpon euen termes with the world beside , and will study next to reach your minde with imaginations of a higher nature . in the meane time , grow you vp , and ripen your selfe for honour ; the flowings of your blood will instruct you how to merit ; while i rest content with my ambition , if i may still write my selfe ,

your deuoted seruant , i. sherley .
the schoole of complement . prologve . it is a principle by nature wrot in all our vnderstanding , there is not end . one art or action , but it must tend and moue from some beginning to its the souldiers that weare the honoured bayes vpon their browes , and glorious trophies raise to fame on pile of wounds , knew a time when they suckt at warre . your muse inspired men and of diuiner earth , sacred for wit , crept out of their first elements to it : the goodliest haruest had first seed and hope , ere it could lade with an enriching crop the rurall teame , th' exactest building first grew from a stone , though afterward it durst wrap his faire head in clouds : nothing so true , as all things haue beginning : vpon you dwell candid application ; this play is the first fruits of a muse , that before this neuer saluted audience , nor doth meane , to sweare himselfe a factor for the scene . though he employ some houres he onely prayes you take it as first borne , although he sayes , he meant it not his heire , since t is vniust one should haue all , as in the law it must . accept then a beginning ; all men know , he first kist bayes , that wore them on his brow .
drammatis personae . cornelio , an ancient gentleman . infortunio , a gentleman louer of selina . rufaldo , an old merchant . antonio , son to cornelio , in loue with hilaria . gasparo , a gentleman a louer of felice . ienkin , a welshman . bubulcus , a rich gull , in loue with hilaria . iocarello , ienkins page . gorgon , antonio's seruant . ingeniolo , a iustices clarke . orlando furioso , a roarer . an old countrey-man . offe his sonne . seruingman . shepheards . selina cornelio's daughter . felice , her sister . hilaria , rufaldo's daughter . delia , a chamber-maid . medulla , a countrey gentlewoman . shepheardesses .
the schoole of complement .
scena prima . enter antonio and gasparo . antonio .

sirra , this welshman is in loue with my sister selina , and hath chosen me for his prolocutor .

gasp.

o! this loue will make vs all mad , thou knowest i lou'd a sister of thine once , but heauen knowes where she is , i thinke she lou'd me too , dost thinke she did not ?

gasp.

well , thy father has reason to curse himselfe , beside some that she and i haue .

ant.

nay , nay , thou 't fall into passion againe , when things are past recouery , 't was a good wench , but come , prethee leaue to thinke on her .

gasp.

nay , i ha done , what shal 's doe ?

ant.

any thing but talke of state matters : thou hast much intelligence in the world , prethee what 's the newes abroad ? i come forth a purpose to heare some , and this is an age of nouelties .

gasp.

newes ? o excellent newes !

ant.

prethee what i st ? i long to heare some .

gasp.

there is no newes at all .

ant.

call you that excellent newes ?

gasp.

is it not good newes , that there is no bad newes ? the truth is , the newes-maker master money-lacke is sicke of a consumption of the wit .

ant.

the newes-maker ? why , is there any newes-maker ?

gasp.

oh sir , how should younger brothers haue maintained themselues , that haue trauelled , and haue the names of countreyes , and captaines without booke , as perfect as their prayers , i and perfecter too ? for i thinke there is more probability of forgetting their prayers , they say them so seldome ; i tell you sir , i haue knowne a gentleman that has spent the best part of a thousand pound , while he was prentice to the trade in holland , and out of three sheetes of paper , which was his whole stocke , a pen and inke-horne he borrowed , hee set vp shop , and spent a hundred pound a yeere vpon his whore , and found sheetes for them both to lye in too : it has beene a great profession ; mary most commonly they are souldiers : a peace concluded , is a great plague vnto 'em , and if the warres hold , we shall haue store of them ; o , they are men worthy of commendations , they speake in print .

ant.

are they souldiers ?

gasp.

faith so they would be thought , though indeed they are but mungrels , not worthy of that noble attribute ; they are indeed bastards , not sonnes of warre and true souldiers , whose diuine soules i honour , yet they may be cald great spirits too , for their valour is inuisible , these i say will write you a battell in any part of europe at an houres warning , and yet neuer set foot out of a tauerne , describe you towns , fortifications , leaders , the strength a' th enemies , what confederates , euery dayes march , not a souldier shall lose a haire , or haue a bullet fly betweene his armes , but hee shall haue a page to waite on him in quarto , nothing destroyes 'em but want of a good memory , for if they escape contradiction , they may be chronicled .

ant.

why , thou art wise enough to be an informer .

gasp.

i mary , now you speake of a trade indeed , the very atlas of a state politicke , the common-shore of a city , nothing falls amisse vnto 'em , and if there bee no filth in the common-wealth can liue by honesty , and yet be knaues by their priuiledge , there is not an oath but they will haue money for it !

ant.

oh braue trade .

gasp.

they can eat men aliue and digest 'em , they haue their conscience in a string , and can stifle it at their pleasure , the deuils iourneymen , set vp for themselues , and keepe a damnation house of their owne ; indeed they seldome proue aldermen , yet they are taken for knights euery day a' th weeke , when they ride post , they haue the art of insinuation , and speake writs familiarly , they are agents as i haue heard for the deuill in their life time , and if they dye in their bed , haue this priuiledge , to be sonnes of hell by adoption , and take place of seriants .

enter infortunio and selina . gasp.

stay . who 's there ? thy sister and infortunio : let 's obserue .

infor.

i must haue other answer , for i must loue you .

sil.

must ? but i doe not see any necessity that i should loue you , i doe confesse you are a proper man .

infor. o doe not mocke selina , let not excellence which you are full of , make you proud and scornefull , i am a gentleman , though my outward part cannot attract affection , yet some haue told me , nature hath made me what she need not shame , yet looke into my heart , there you shall see what you cannot despise , for there you are with all your graces waiting on you , there loue hath made you a throne to sit , and rule ore infortunio , all my thoughts obeying and honouring you as queene , passe by my outside : my brest i dare compare with any man . sil. 〈…〉 can see this brest you boast of so ? infor. oh t't is an easie worke , for though it be not to be pearced by the dull eye , whose beame is spent on outward shapes , there is a way to make a search into hiddenst passage . i know you would not loue to please your sense : a tree that beares a ragged vnleau'd top in depth of winter , may when summer comes speake by his fruit , he is not dead but youthfull , though once he shew'd no sap : my heart 's a plant kept downe by colder thoughts , and doubtfull feares , your frownes like winter stormes make it seeme dead , but yet it is not so , make it but yours , and you shall see it spring , and shoot forth leaues worthy your eye , and the oppressed sap ascend to euery part to make it greene , and pay your loue with fruit when haruest comes . if my affection be suspected , make experience of my loyalty , by some seruice though full of danger , you shall know me better , and so discerne the truth of what you see not . sil. then you confesse your loue is cold as yet , and winter 's in you heart . infor. mistake me not , silena , for i say my heart is cold , not loue . sel. and yet your loue is from your heart i le warrant . infor. oh you are nimble to mistake , my heart is cold in your displeasures onely , and yet my loue is feruent , for your eye casting out beames , maintaines the flame it burnes in . againe , sweete loue , my heart is not mine owne , 't is yours , you haue it , and while it naked lyes , not dain'd your bosome to keepe it warme , how can it be but cold , in danger to be frozen ? blame not it , you onely are in fault it hath no heate . sel. well sir , i know you haue rethoricke , but i can without art giue you a finall answer . infor. oh stay , and thinke a while , i cannot relish you should say finall , sweet , deliberate , it doth concerne all the estate i haue , i meane not dunghill treasure , but my life doth stand or fall to it , if your answer be that you can loue me , be it swift as lightning , but if you meane to kill me , and reiect my so long loue-deuotions , which i haue pay'd as to an altar , stay a little longer , and let me count the riches i shall lose by one poore aëry word , first giue me backe that part of infortunio that is lost within your loue , play not the tyrant with me . sel. y' are ouer-weake to let your passions sway you : if i knew any thing i had of yours , i would not doe you that iniustice , sir , to let it stay with me , and for your loue i cannot pay it backe againe with mine , either release the debt , or i shall dye in 't , your suite is fruitlesse , hopelesse , pardon me , farewell . ant.

now by all my hopes you are to blame , sister , come , this gentleman deserues your loue , infortunio .

sel.

brother , you forget your selfe .

ant.

why , i doe remember i am your brother , i say you must loue him .

sel.

must ?

ant.

what , does that moue your spirit ? what are you , but you may loue ? be not petulant , y' are a baggage and not worthy of a man , by heauen i now could kick her .

exit . gasp.

thy tother sister was of calmer temper , this a true woman .

infor.

sir , had not nature made you brother to her , i should be angry .

exit ant.

alas poore gentleman , i doe not feele my selfe in such an humour for hilaria , and yet by this hand i loue her well enough , and now i thinke on 't , i promis'd her my company , she has a damnable vsurious stinking wretch to her father , that cannot abide me , but 't is no matter , this wench and i may find a place to meete in , in spight of his eyes and spectacles . how now gorgon , what sayes she ?

enter gorgon . gorg.

sir , i haue done your remembrances to mistris hilaria , and told her you should find her comming by and by , but you were best passe in some obscurity , for her father rufaldo is hard by sir . lupus in fabula .

enter rufaldo . ant.

gasparo , and thou loue me , shew thy wit to entertaine this piece of blacke dammaske and veluet guards , while i goe in to hilaria .

ruf.

old men are the truest louers , young men are inconstant and wag with euery wind , we neuer moue , but are as true as steele .

gor.

but in womens matters as weake as water , as weake as water .

ruf.

besides , sweet loue , but doe i court a shadow ? to see whither loue will carry a man : let me see , i could find in my heart to bestow a ring vpon my sweet-heart , but that i am loth to part with it : hem , i will get but one childe , and that shall be a boy , lest hauing too many children , i vndoe my heire , and my goods be deuided . o sweet selina , o amiable selina ; sure i am not old .

gor.

i haue it , signior gasparo , pray let me begin with my merchant if you loue me , and if you like it , second me .

gasp.

goe to gorgon , let 's see thy window .

ruf.

old men walke with a staffe , and creepe along the streets , hold their heads below their girdle , faulter in their speech , foame at mouth , and breathe ten times in a furlong , and are ready to spit their lungs on euery mans threshold .

gorg.

god saue you sir .

ruf.

god a mercy honest gorgon .

gor.

i crie you mercie sir , i le assure you sir , i tooke you for master rufaldo the old merchant .

ruf.

why , and am not i ? is not the fellow drunke ? i am rufaldo .

gor.

it may be some kin to him , but not that rufaldo i meane , you are younger a faire deale .

ruf.

i am that rufaldo , the merchant , that buried my wife lately , and haue one daughter hilaria , ancient acquaintance with cornelio and your master antonio .

gor.

oh sir , you must excuse me for that .

ruf.

is thy name gorgon ?

gor.

what else sir , honest gorgon i ?

ruf.

doe i know thee to be gorgon ? what , shall i be fac'd out of my selfe ? why thou varlet , who am i , if not rufaldo ?

gor.

why sir , 't is plaine , you haue no gray haires in your head , your cheeke is scarlet , a wanton youthfull eye ; rufaldo had a head like frost , his eyes sunke into his hollows , a rugged brow , a hoarie beard , and all his body not worth a drop of blood , a very crazie old meale-mouth'd gentleman , you are younger at least by thirty yeeres .

ruf.

i le assure thee i was rufaldo , when i rose in the morning .

gor.

you haue not slept since , haue you ?

ruf.

no .

gor.

't is the more strange . i haue heard of some that haue beene changed in a dreame , but neuer waking before : this is strange , nay admirable !

ruf.

young , chang'd , art sure thou dost not mocke ?

gor.

i were a very knaue then , if you be rufaldo , i hope your worship knowes i haue beene bound to my good behauiour .

ruf.

altered young , ha ! i would i were ; and yet me thinks i am liuelier then i was , i feele my ioynts plyable as waxe , and my voyce is stronger too . but tell me , honest gorgon , is it possible for an old man to be young againe ?

gor.

nay , i see you le not beleeue me : well sir , i will be bold to report the wonder abroad , and astonish all your friends .

ruf.

nay , stay , honest gorgon , ha ! young , no gray haires ? stay , who 's here ?

exit gorgon . gasp.

ha! 't is not he , i le speake to him , no 't is in vaine , i le see if he knowes me . — he passes by .

ruf.

gasparo ! what , does not he know me too ?

gasp.

sir , i should know you , are you not signior petrucchio , the dancing master ?

ruf.

tricks , passages , i am rufaldo , old rufaldo .

gasp.

rufaldo indeed is old , but you are young , you doe retaine his countenance , i would sweare you were he , but you are younger farre .

ruf.

't is so , i am chang'd , i am younger then i was , i am that rufaldo , beleeue , i know you to be a learned gentleman , nam'd gasparo , i was told afore i was altered , but not to trouble you with many questions , onely one , gasparo , is it a thing possible for an old man to be young againe ? i know 't is admirable , but is it possible ? you are a scholler .

gasp.

possible ? oh yes , there 's no question , for we see by experience , stagges cast their old hornes , and proue vigorous , snakes cast off their old coates , eagles renew their age , your plants doe it familiarly , the phoenix when she is old , burnes herselfe to ashes , from thence reuiues a young phoenix againe . possible ? i haue heard some old men haue beene twice children sir , — therefore ' this not impossible .

ruf.

t is very strange : i am not yet confident .

gasp.

there be receites in physicke , sir , to keepe them young , sauing that time runnes on a little beforehand with em : yes , and to make young , since it is harder to make aliue when they are dead , then to make young when they are aliue , and physicke doth reuiue some out of all question , though not so familiarly as kill , for that they doe with a little study ; mary i thinke , if it were as gainefull to the phisicion to restore as to destroy , hee would practise the art of recouery very faithfully .

ruf.

why , doe you thinke it would not proue as gainefull ?

gasp.

oh! by no meanes , for where an old man would giue a hundred pound , to haue forty or fifty yeeres wiped off the old score of his life , his wife or next heire would ioyne rather then faile , to out-bid him halfe on 't , to put him out of debt quite , and to send his old leaking vessell into mare mortuum .

ruf.

well , well , but if i bee young , i haue tooke no physicke for 't .

gasp.

if nay , 't is past if , and , and too , you are certainly restor'd , let me see , you looke like one of foure , or sixe and thirty , not a minute aboue , and so much a man may take you for .

ruf.

well , i know not what to say too 't , there is some power in loue has blest me : now selina , be thou gracious .

gasp.

are you in loue ? nay , the wóder is not so great ; who can expresse the power of loue ? i haue read of a painter named pigmalion , that made the picture of a womā so to the life , that he fell in loue with it , courted it , lay in bed with it , and by power of loue , it became a soft-natur'd wench indeed , and he begot i know not how many children of her . well sir , selina cannot choose but be mad for you .

ruf.

not mad , gasparo , i would be loth to be troubled with her and she be mad .

gasp.

yes , and shee be mad in loue , there is no harme in 't , she cannot be too mad in loue , your cornucopia may be abated at pleasure , besides sir , the best morall men say , loue it selfe is a madnesse , and the madder your wife is , the more sure you may be she loues you .

ruf.

no , no , i loue no madnesse on any condition , for feare of being horne-mad .

gasp.

why sir , madnesse is not such a discredit , as the age goes : you know there are many mad fashions , and what man but some times may be mad ? are not your great men mad , that when they haue enough , will pawne their soule for a monopolie ? besides mad lords , what doe you thinke of ladies at some time of the moone , you may spell em in their names , maddame ? you haue mad courtiers , that run madding after citizens wiues : the citizens are mad too , to trust em with their wares , who haue beene so deepe in their wiues bookes before : your iustice of peace is some times mad too , for when he may see well enough , he will suffer any man to put out his eye with a bribe : some lawyers are often starke-mad , and talke wildly , no man is able to endure their tearmes .

ruf.

prethee mad-cap leaue , i am almost mad to heare thee .

gasp.

well , my old young rufaldo , if you marry selina , i shall haue a paire of gloues , i hope , and you le let mee dance at your wedding .

ruf.

that thou shalt , boy , and i le dance my selfe too , hey , —

exit leaping . gasp.

farewell credulitie ; ha , ha , with what a greedinesse doe old men run out of their wits ? 't was a good recreation to see with what pleasure he suffered himselfe to be guld : faith gasparo , play out thy hand , now thou art in : me thinkes i haue an excellent appetite to make my selfe merry with the simplicity of this age : let me see , 't is spring and , i meane to giue my head a purgation , it may beate off the remembrance of my lost loue felice : a pox of melancholy , i will act two or three parts if i liue in spight of it , and if i die then

exit gasparo . enter gorgon . gor.

seignior gasparo , my master would speake with you : the proiect too : i met the youth strutting like a gentleman vsher , 't was my inuention .

gasp.

but i gaue it pollish , gorgon .

gorg.

i confesse , you tooke off the rough-cast , but 't was gorgons head brought forth the proiect , from my ioues braine came this minerua .

gasp.

i thinke thou art a wit .

gor.

who , i a wit ? i thought you had ' more wit , then to make such a question , all the towne takes me for a wit , here 's a pate hath crakers in 't and flashes .

gasp.

and thou saist the word , wee le ioyne in a proiect of wit , to make an asse of the world a little , it shall make vs merry , if it take no other wayes , wo't ioyne ?

gor.

by this hand , any proiect of wit , what i st , good gasparo ? the proiect .

gasp.

canst be close ?

gor.

as mid-night to a bawd , or a paire of trusses to an irish mans buttockes .

gasp.

goe to , thou shalt now then excuse me to thy master , i will presently furnish my selfe with new lodgings , and expect to heare from me shortly my braue delphicke , i haue it in embrio , and i shall soone be deliuered .

gorg.

if i faile , call me spider-catcher .

exit . gasp.

mum , not a word , if all hit right , we may laugh all our melancholy thoughts away .

exit .
actus secundus , scena prima . enter bubulcus . bub.

if i were a woman , now could i fall in loue with my selfe : euery body tels me i am the proprest gentleman in the towne , and i put it vp , for the truth is , i dare not giue any one the lye , a pox a fighting , i can looke as big as another , but shall i be such an asse , to venture my selfe with beasts ? for they say , your swords most commonly are foxes , and haue notable mettall in 'em ; let me see , i am now at rufaldoes my father in law that must be , here he is .

enter rufaldo apparelled youthfully .

master rufaldo , if you had beene my owne father , as you are but like to be my father in law , i should haue prou'd my selfe a foole , by this hand i should not haue knowne you , why , how briske and neate , and youthfull he is !

ruf.

i am something altered i confesse , since i saw you .

bub.

by this flesh that shines , a man would not take you to be aboue fiue or sixe and thirty at most , how came this ?

ruf.

iust as gasparo told me , 't is apparent , nay , nay , sonne , forbeare to be inquisitiue , i confesse i am abated of my age , the power of loue , and so forth , but i see your fire of loue is not out too .

bub.

no , mine was but raked vp in the embers .

ruf.

why , this loue does make vs all ingenious too : come sit downe , sauing your tayle sir , a cushion , we may discourse with the more case .

bub.

pray , how does my sweet-heart mistris hillaria .

ruf.

shee is very well , ha sonne , i am in loue too : son i call you , i hope you will get my daughters good-will , but you le finde her peeuish .

bub.

no matter , sir , for that , i would not haue her easily , i would sweat for her , i le warrant , i le make her loue me .

ruf.

looke you can you read , i made a ditty to send to my mistris , and my musician that i keepe in my house , to teach my daughter , hath set it to a very good aire , he tels me : you shall heare and iudge of it , i heare him tuning his instrument .

a song . god of warre to cupid yeeld , he is master of the field , he with arrow hits the heart , thou with lance the worser part . cupid greater is then ioue , since he wounded was with loue , nay , in power by much ods he excels the other gods . loue transform'd ioue to a swan , made vlysses a mad man , but rufaldo it does make young for his selinas sake . ruf.

how doe you relish it , ha ?

bub.

i troth the ditty is as pretty an ayer as ere i saw , 't is diuided into three regions too , i warrant you , can make ballads easily .

ruf.

oh fie , they are barbarous and ignoble , that 's beggerly .

bub.

but for all that , i haue read good stuffe sometimes , especially in your fighting ballads , when cannons are roaring , and bullets are flying , &c.

ruf.

fie , a whipping post , tinkerly stuffe ; how did you like the aire ?

bub.

as sweet an aire as a man would wish to liue in , but 't is some-what backeward .

ruf.

oh musicke , the life of the soule .

bub.

i should haue learn'd musicke once too , but my master had so many crochets , i could ne'r away with it : but where is your daughter , sir ? there is no musicke without her , she is the best instrument to play vpon .

ruf.

and you shall haue her betweene your legs presently .

bub.

i had as liefe be betwixt hers , for all that .

ruf.

hilaria , where is this girle ? i le fetch her to you , and leaue her with you , for i haue a loue of mine owne , to whom i meane in person to present this ditty , i le fetch her .

exit . bub.

i doe not see what fault shee 'can finde with me , and if i had some good word to come ouer her : but i must helpe it out and neede be , with swearing ; but here she is .

enter rufaldo , hilaria , antonio aloofe . ruf.

still antonio with you ? you are a foolish girle : doe i take care to prouide a husband for you ? and will you cast away your selfe vpon a prodigall ? but that i would not discontent his sister , whom i hope to make my wife , i would forbid him my house ; therefore be wise , and take heede of him , hee 's giddy-headed , and loose-bodied . the bee may buzze , but he will leaue a sting : plant your loue there : vpon my blessing , he has many lordships .

hil.

pray heauen he haue good manners .

ruf.

i haue set open the gate of opportunity ; cupid speed vs both .

bub.

let mee alone to enter my man , now the point is open : hum , stay , there 's a man in her tables more then i looked for : foot , he kisses her , i le call rufaldo backe , hee s out of sight , it were but a cowardly tricke , for me to run-away .

ant.

be buzzard now , the sting of conscience eate vp his gut , frie his suet , and leaue him at his death not able to weigh downe a pound of candle .

bub.

he talkes of suet , i doe melt already .

hil.

looke , doe you see that man of clothes ? vpon my fathers blessing he must be my husband . what will you doe ?

ant.

fight with him , his clothes are too big for him , i le beate him till he swell to 'em .

hil.

no , as you loue me , doe not strike him .

bub.

i will set a good face whatsoeuer come . hilaria , how does my loue , come kisse : why so : this comes of valour , we fall to , and he falls off , he 's some coward , i hope , and how doest hilaria ? 't is an age since i saw thee : what springals is that ? ha .

hil.

one that desires to be of your acquaintance , sir .

bub.

my acquaintace , who is he ? none but knights , and knights fellowes , are of my acquaintance , i scorne gentlemen .

hi.

but for my sake , pray be acquainted with him .

bub.

thou shalt doe much with me , sir , i am content for her sake whom i loue , to bee acquainted with you , wo't borrow any money ? for so doe all that begin their acquaintance with me , 't is the fashion , he is a coward , is he not ? here : nay , and you scorne my money , i scorne your acquaintance .

hil.

pray for my sake .

bub.

why , he will borrow no money of mee , i had neuer such a tricke put vpon me , since i knew what acquaintance was : i me sure there haue beene forty acquainted with me , since i came to towne , and not one had not so little breeding , to let me aske 'em the question , wee could no sooner shake hands , but the other was in my pocket : it may be 't is his modesty . sir , this is my loue hilaria , and if you will not borrow money of me , by this hand , there lyes my sword , he is a coward .

hil.

it appeares .

bub.

hilaria is my mistresse , and if any man dare be so venturous , as to blast her reputation with a foule breath , he shall breathe his last .

hil.

't is very sure , he shall not be immortall .

bub.

or if you shall offer in my presence to defile her lip , or touch her hand , or kisse but the nether part of her vesture , you had better kisse her in another place ; nay doe but blow on her .

hil.

you forget your selfe , this is my friend .

bub.

or winke at her , or speake to her , or make signes , or thinke on her to my face , and you had better keepe your thoughts to your selfe : now to conclude , and if you bee agrieu'd , my name is bubulcus , and you lye .

ant.

and you lye there at h ground : why should not i knocke his braines out with his owne hilts , or stake him to the ground , like a man that had hang'd himselfe ? sirra clothes , rat of nilus fiction , monster , golden calfe , oh , i would kicke thee till thou hast no more braines , then thy cousin woodcocke : i will not dishonour my selfe to kill thee , halfe a dozen kickes will be as good as a house of correction , out you monkey .

bub.

oh , that i could run thee thorow body and soule , i will challenge thee , a pox on your toes , would i had the paring of your nayles , were you dumbe so long for this ?

ant.

hence .

bub.

who look't for you ? when will you be here agen ? looke for a challenge , the time may come , when i will beate thee .

exit . ant.

has thy father left a multitude of men , to make choice of this peece of folly to be thy husband ? oh , the blindnesse of a couetous wretched father , that is led onely by the eares , and in loue with sounds ! nature had done wel to haue thrust him into the world without an eye , that like a mole is so affected to base earth , and there meanes to dig for paradise : but come , hilaria . fathers their children , and themselues abuse , that wealth a husband for their daughter chuse .

exeunt . enter cornelio , rufaldo , and selina . cor. i did not thinke , rufaldo , pardon me , you could haue so preuail'd , but if she can plant her affection on yee , i le not be backward to call you sonne . seli. hee does appeare with all the charmes of loue vpon his eye , and not rough drawne , but polisht , he assumes a power 'boue all resistance . cor. an old mans darling , is a petty queene aboue all her desires . ruf. nay , she shall wāt nothing my wealth can purchase , o my sweet selina . cor. rufaldo , with your patience , i would haue a word or two in priuate , you neede not preiudicate me . ruf. with all my heart . cor. selina , thou knowest i am thy father . sel. my duty , sir , shall speake it . cor. and you know whom you haue reiected . sel. young infortunio . cor. aud you know what man he is , with whom you meane to tye that knot , nothing but death is able to vndoe . sil. rufaldo , sir , an old man . cor. oh selina , felice thy poore sister thou recalst to sad remembrance , but heauen alas knowes onely where she is . sel. sir , i haue often heard you talke of her , but neuer knew that sister well . cor. thou with thy vncles tendernesse wast kept alwayes i th countrey , not vntill her losse at home with me , her fate taught me to giue a liberty to thee , her i restrain'd poore wench in loue with gasparo , till betwixt obedience to a father , and the loue to him , she left vs both , father and friend , now to auoyd the like affliction , i vowed thy freedome , and thou seest i doe not encounter thy affection with the bonds a father might enforce vpon his child . sel. i humbly thanke you . cor. but yet selina , take heed , be not too rash , i haue obseru'd you want no common iudgement , o doe not precipitate thy selfe into a sorrow , shall waste thee with repentance , let me tell you , there is a methode , when your passion 's young to keepe it in obedience : you loue rufaldo , art thou not young ? how will the rose agree with a dead hyacinth ? or the honey wood-bind , circling a withered bryer ? you can apply , can you submit your body to bed with ice and snow , your blood to mingle ? would you be deaf'd with coughing , teach your eye how to be rumaticke ? breathes he not out his body in diseases , and like dust falling all into pieces , as if nature would make him his old graue : i say too much . o what are all the riches of the world , to an oppressed mind ? which then must be fed with despaire of change , or will gold buy off th' imprisonment ? nay , will it not compose the chaines , that bind you to endure it ? well i haue said enough , keepe still your freedome , and loose it where you will , you shall not blame me for your fate , nor grieue me with your shame . sel. deare father , low as earth i tender you the duty of a daughter , i haue heard you not with a carelesse eare , that liberty you haue bestow'd on me , for which i owe all that i am , doth make me confident you will not be offended , if i tell you my loue is vertuous , were it otherwise , i should elect as you premonish youth , and prodigall blood : and father , i thinke here i shew my selfe your daughter , nor am i without good president too : how many fine young noble ladies , in this faiëry i le , haue matcht with reuerend age ? and liue as they were borne from natures puritie , free from staine of sensuall imputation , by their loues , deriuing heauenly honours to themselues 'boue merit of equality . cor. no more , heauens blessing and mine light on thee , sha't haue rufaldo . sel. i would not leaue rufaldo for a world of rash vntemperate youth , beleeue it sir . cor. rufaldo , heard you that ? she sayes she would not leaue you for a world of other men . ruf. nor i for thousand worlds forsake my loue . come seale it with a kisse , another , another , another . cor. as close as cockles . ruf. oh , that we were married ! 't is death to stay the ceremonies , would we were a bed together . cor. 't were time i see we were at conference , to confirme all things for the marriage , you being agreed , i thinke we shall not differ in other circumstance , and 't were sinne to let that keepe your ioyes asunder by delay : please you wee le haue some treaties . ruf. most willingly , o my bird , my chicke , my doue , my america , my new-found world , i shall shortly run backe into one and twenty againe . exeunt cornelio and rufaldo . sel. with what agility he moues himselfe , as he were made of ayre ? let weaknes taxe our inequality , i haue a minde can easily contemne what the worlds malice out of its owne first guiltines can throw vpon our loues , 't shall be enough for me thus to conuince the world of so much basenes , lodg'd in luxurious thoughts , by my chast thoughts . rufaldo , thou art mine , all time , me thinkes is slow , till we be actually possest of mutuall enioying . stay , who 's this enter lenkin , and his page locarello . the welshman that deliuers his affection at second hand to me . ien.

looke you pages , where our sweet-hearts and pigsnies be , & her could tell what to say to her now , know her heart very well , but pogs vpon her , cannot aule her knowledge speake rethoricks , and oratories , and fine words to her ? looke you kanow better to fight , and cut doublets with her welsh glaues , marke you .

ioc.

sir will you loose this opportunitie , you le curse your selfe in welsh , two or three dayes together for 't .

ien.

sentilwoman , if her knaw not her name , was ienkin , borne in wales , came of pig houses , & prittish bloods was haue great hils and mountaines aule her owne , when was get 'em againe , anie was her cousins , and our countreyman was neuer conquered , but alwayes haue the victories prauely , haue her armes and scushrins , to know that say you , was giue in her crests great deale of monsters , and dragons , kille 'em with their hookes very valiantly , as any sentelman in the whole world : pray you now was please you place her affections and goodwils vpon her , in wayes of makemoney , marke you teale plainely , lenkin was loue her very honestly , else pox vpon her , and her will fight in her cause , and quarrels , long as haue any plood in her bellies and backs too , marke you .

sel. sir , i am bound to you for the affection you cast on me , 't is farre aboue my merit . ien.

merits say you ? awle merits are awle banished our countries and nations , you know dat : pray you was her loue lenkin ?

sel. loue you , sir ? i know not how to be so inhumane , not to loue you , your parts deserue a nobler obiect , i am not worthy so much opinion of your loue , but wherein i may doe you seruice sir , you shall command selina . exit selina . ien.

shall her , was make her meanes and satisfactions warrant her , or say senkin was sentleman of wales , say you now pages , was haue her matrimonies & wedlocks very fast , looke you , and when was get her awse her cousins , was make ioyes and gratulation for her good fortunes vpon her walsh harpes , know you dat very well pages ? her feare her shall be knighted one dayes , and haue great cumulations of vrships , honours , and dignities too , a great while agoe .

ioc.

and great castles i th' aire .

ien.

was giue awle our lands , and craggy tenements in wales away to our cousin vp iohn , and liue her selfe here vpon very good fashions , with our monies and mighty riches , when her can get 'em .

enter infortunio . infor.

how now , whither so fast , man ? thou maist get to hell by night , and thou goest but an aldermans pace .

ien.

by cats blood , her will goe to the deuill and her list , what is that to her ?

infor.

cry you mercy , your name is master lenkin .

ien.

and what haue her to say to master lenkin ? lenkin is as good names as her owne , pray you was good sentle man as her selfe , know very well , say you now ?

infor.

godboy , sir .

ien.

boyes , does her call her boyes ? harke you her ? her name is lenkin , her be no boyes , no shildren .

infor.

i will not be vsed so .

ien.

her shall be vs'd worse , and her call lenkin boyes , was knocke as tall a man as herselfe , an welsh plood be vp , looke you .

infor.

can she loue rufaldo ? 't is impossible .

ien.

piple pables , 't is very possible .

infor.

his body has more diseases then an hospitall , an hunger-staru'd rascall .

ien.

raskals ? sheshu ! was neuer such names and appellations put vpon her , awle her dayes , becar her will make you eate vp awle her words and ignominies , or her plade shall make holes in your bellies diggon .

infor.

a very puffe , a weake canniball .

ien.

hey , puffe , and cannibals , if the deuill be in your mouthes , her will picke your teeths with her welsh plade , and pay you for all your puffes , & cannibals , warrant her .

infor. but 't is her fault , aloue impudent woman . oh , may you like narcissus perish by your face , the fall of others , or vnpityed of heauen and earth , dye loathsome ! i could curse . ien. her can curse , and sweare too , looke you now . infor. pardon diuinest sexe , passions doe force my reason from me , i doe submit , craue pardon , as your creature . ien.

nay , and her craue pardons , and make submissions , lenkin was put vp awle her angers and indignations , farewell .

exit cum locarello . infor. oh , selina ! thou art too much an adamant to draw my soule vnto thee , either be softer , or lesse attractiue : but rufaldo , 't is depth of witchcraft , oh , i could be mad , beyond all patience mad , it is some malice hath laid this poyson on her . enter gorgon with a letter . gor.

here 's infortunio . alas , poore gentleman , little does he thinke what blacke and white is here , a bitter handfull of commendations to him , my young mistris is mad of the old cockscombe , and will marry him almost without asking , i cannot tell but if shee doe not cuckold him , and make him crye cornes on his toes ere he dye , he has fooles fortune , for a wise man would be out of hope to auoyd it , he spies me .

inf.

whither running , gorgon ?

gorg.

not out of my wit , sir , i haue a letter from my yong mistris selina , must in all haste haue cleanely conueyance to old rufaldo .

inf.

let me but see the directions . to my beloued friend master rufaldo : 't is a lye , she was mistaken , it was i should owe this appellation , i le not beleeue the superscription , 't is a painted face , i 'de see the heart on 't .

gorg.

i hope , sir , you will not throw open the sheet , and discouer my mistris secrets ? how he stares !

inf.

if you loue me , and wish me constant , be your owne friend , and let our marriage day begin with the next morning : thine , mine . oh selina , she 's mad . all woman-kinde is mad ; and i am mad : whom shall i rend in pieces for my wrongs , and as with atomes fill this poysned ayre , rufaldo ? stay , is not she a creature rationall ? oh no , there is no sparke of nature in her , all is sunke , lost for euer : stay , stay , see .

gorg.

he has made a taylors bill on 't , torn 't apieces ere it be discharg'd : what shall i doe ?

inf. this is medias brother torne in pieces , and this the way where she with iason flies , tom colchos , come not neere 'em , see , looke , that 's an arme rent off . gorg. this ? inf. and the hand beckens vs to cry out murder . gorg. i le but hold it by the hand . inf. that 's a leg o' th boy . gorg. this sir , a leg , it shall goe with me then . inf. there , there 't is , head and yellow curled locks , his eyes are full of teares , now they doe stare , to see where all his other members lye . gorg.

so i haue all his quarters , i le presently , sir , get poles for 'em , and hang 'em vpon the gates in their postures for you .

exit . inf. but she and iason are both slipt , and argos is sayling home to greece , see how the waues doe tosse the vessell , and the windes conspire to dash it 'gainst a rocke , it rides vpon a watery mountaine , and is hid in cloudes , it cannot stay there , now , now , it tumbles , three fatham beneath hell , let 'em goe , here comes the father of medea now , calling in vaine vnto the gods , and spies his sonnes limbes throwne about , in stead of flowers , to his daughters nuptials he does take 'em vp , he knowes the face , and now he teares his haire , and raues , and cryes medea , poore old man , command a funerall pile for thy yong childe , and lay the pretty limbs on , from whose ashes shalt haue another sonne i' th shape of phoenix . shall i ? excellent ! prepare a fire all of sweet wood for my sweet boy , a fire , a fire . exit .
actus tertius , scena prima . enter rufaldo . ruf.

't is now early day : fie , what a long night hath this beene ? the sunne went drunke to bed the last night , and could not see to rise this morning : i could hardly winke , i am sure , loue kept me waking , and the expectation of this my wedding day did so caper in my braines , i thought of nothing but dancing the shaking of the sheets with my sweet-heart . it is certaine , i am yong euery body now tels me , so it did appeare by selina's consenting so soone to loue , for when i had but broke the ice of my affection , shee fell ouer head and eares in loue with me ; was euer man so happy as i am ? i doe feele , i doe feele my yeeres fall off , as the raine from a man that comes dropping in , i doe feele my selfe euery day grow yonger and yonger still : let me see , an hundred yeeres hence , if i liue to 't , i shall be new out of my teenes , and running into yeeres of discretion agen : well , i will now to master cornelios , and bid 'em good morrow with a noise of musicions , and to see the very talking of musicke , how my heart leapes and dances , at my wedding already ! i haue bespoke the parson to marry vs , and haue promised a double fee for expedition . o now i am so proud of my ioy , my feete doe not know what ground they stand on .

exit . enter ienkin and iocarello . ien.

ienkin has risen very early this mornings , and beene in studies and contemplations , to make ditties and verses vpon her mistris beauties and pulchritudes , but the deuil 's sure in these poetries , they call it furies and raptures , look you , but ienkins pate is almost mad , and yet her cannot awle her inuentions meete with these furies and raptures .

enter selina in shepheards weedes . sel.

thus farre i haue past without discouery : the morning is auspicious to my flight . selina , what an alteration hath a day made in thee , that to preuent thy so desired marriage , thou art thus lost in a masculine habit , and dost flie him ? thou didst so much loue aged rufaldo , in what a lethargy wert thou falne , selina ?

ien.

iocarello , does her not name selina ? 't is no very good manners to make interruptions , her will heare more , looke you .

sel. whither had reason so withdrawne it selfe ? i could not make distinction of a man , from such a heape of age , aches and rheume : sure i was mad , and doth encrease my fury , to thinke with what a violence i ran to imbrace such rottennesse . o , my guilty soule doth feele the punishment of the iniury i did to infortunio of late , of whom as i despaire , so shall the world , euer to know againe haplesse selina . this is the morne the sacred rites should tie me to rufaldo , ripe in expectation , but like ixion he shall graspe a cloud , my empty cloathes at home , selina thus is turn'd a shepheard , and will try her fortune ; hard by the shepheards haue their shady dwellings , there let selina end her haplesse daies , father and all farewell . thus as felice my other sister , i le weare out my life , farre from your knowledge : sacred loue commands reuenge and iustice for my cruelty , and reson now awak'd shall lead me to it , thus i am safe , i goe to finde out that , will meete me euery where , a iust sad fate . exit . ien.

pages , haue her seene treames and apparitions : hark you , was selina turn'd shepheardesse , pray you ?

ioc.

either we dreame , or this was selina , your mistris , that is turn'd into breeches , and become a shepheard ; the case is altered .

ien.

what a teuill is in the matters & businesses , pray you ? cases neuer was knowen such cases and alterations in awle her life , womans neuer weare preeches in wales , 't is not possible , we are awle in treames and visions , very treames and visions .

ioc.

sure we are awle awak'd , sir , and it was selina , did she not say she would obscure her selfe from her fathers knowledge , and liue among the shepheards hard by ?

ien.

it may be , but it is very impossible .

enter cornelio , rufaldo , antonio , hillaria . cor.

i am amaz'd , when was she seene ?

ant.

not to day , sir , i haue searcht her chamber , and almost turn'd it out ath ' window , but no selina .

ruf.

it is very strange , is not your man gorgon come back ?

cor.

what should this meane , it is a strange absence , ath ' wedding day too .

ruf.

that angers me most , sir .

cor.

my heart misgiues me , some fatall accident vpon my life , is hapned to her .

enter a seruant . ruf.

hast thou happy newes ?

ser.

i haue traueiled all the towne o're , and can meete no intelligence of her .

cor. be dumbe , night-rauen , she 's lost , she 's lost , the fates sure make conspiracy to take my daughters from me : one i lost because i would not giue her , and i haue repented full iustice for it , and am i so vnhappy to lose selina too ? but i le not sleepe , vntill i finde her either aliue or dead . rufaldo , you haue interest in this sorrow , ioine in the inquisition . oh my girle selina . exit . ruf.

haue i beene yong for this ? if i finde her not , i will run , i will run , i will run mad , mad .

exit . ant.

no more , i know where her clothes be : if it take , applaud my inuention : i haue coozned my owne father before now , and i will try new conclusions , but i must haue thy assistance and secresie : if my sister haue a conceit of mirth to put vpon vs , i may chance put her to proue her selfe selina , or remoue her with a habeas corpus .

exeunt antonio , hillaria . ien.

iocarelloes , awle is true , selina is gone in shepheards vestiments to the woods & forrests , but her wil make trauels and ambulations after her : neuer was sentilman i th' hole world loue as ienkin now , to make iourneyes & peregrinations for a womans , looke you : but if her finde her , as know her very well , her will there make awle sure works and performances , warrant you pages , here is moneyes , pray you make prouisions of breads and victuals too , know vds are very bare places , and shenkin was alwaies haue cud stomacks and appetites , looke you , pray you , doe , pray you , doe .

exeunt . complement-schoole . enter gasparo habited punctually , master of the schoole , and gorgon his vsher . gasp.

be the hangings vp , curculio , and all the chaires and stooles put into methode ? the day is old , me thinkes , time runs fast , me thinkes , vpon the minute , brings my disciples . doe my bils of complement still relish , curculio , doe they please the pallat , ha ?

gorg.

my most ingenious and noble criticotaster , brauely bils , pils you should say , not fac'd , but lin'd , with gold they swallow 'em greedily , and still flocke to 'em , and conglomerate my sonne and heire of the muses : a proclamation is as quiet as the poore mans box , no man lookes after it , not a balladmonger has any audience : but happy is the man that rides first poast to your papers & cryes admirable : your old men looke vpon 'em with their spectacles , as they would eye an obligation within a minute of forfeyture .

gasp.

thou hast eaten vp the furies already , and speakest all buskins , but close walke in the cloudes , yet i haue not heard of any mountebanke of wit durst euer attempt to set vp shop ath ' trade yet : but whist , vsher , take your place .

enter bubulcus . gorg.

foot , 't is bubulcus .

bub.

this is the complement-schoole .

hee dances . gorg.

three cuts and a halfe , hey . i giue you , sir , generous salutation , and wish a faire morne descend vpon you : thrice noble spirit , welcome , does your worship desire to bee sprinkled with the drops of hellicon , to gather the pippins of pernassus , and haue your forehead fillited with apollinean bayes , or laurell ?

bub.

troth , sir , i doe not know how to conster what you say , although i know it be latine , sir : the cause of my comming to you , is to let you vnderstand , that here is a complement-schoole , and i haue great desire to be taught some of your figaries , and braue words , i doe meane to pay for 't soundly too , sir : i thanke my starres , as they say , i haue ready money about me .

gorg.

you shall be verberated , and reuerberated , my exact piece of stollidity : please you draw neere , there is the starre of eloquence , vnder whom i am an hypodidascall , in english , his vsher .

bub.

a gentleman vsher at least .

gorg.

approach without feare : here is a pupill , sir , desires to suck the hony of your eloquence , he is a gentleman in folio .

gasp.

your accession is gratefull , my most gentile lump of insipience : what complement doth arride the pallate of your generosity ?

bub.

what saies he pray , in english ?

gorg.

he askes what kind of verbosity you would be practis'd in ? because i perceiue you are raw , i will descend to your capacity , he askes what complement you would learne ?

bub.

why looke you , sir , i would haue two kindes of complements : for , sir , i am in loue , and i am in hate .

gasp.

how ? in loue , and hate too ?

bub.

yes , i am in loue with a wench , and would haue a delicate speech for her , and i am in hate with a gentleman , a yong animall , and i would kill him now without danger of the law : to tell you true , hee did abuse me in the presence of my sweet-heart , and did ( sauing this good company ) kisse my backside .

gorg.

how ?

bub.

but it was with his foote , sir : now in regard i haue not the heart to kill him with my sword , i would cut him in pieces , and murder him with mouth-guns : looke you , sir , here 's money , please your selfe : but i pray you giue me a powdring speech , for i would blow him vp : i beseech you , if euer you put gall into your inke , make it a bitter speech .

gasp.

sir , i will draw you a sublime speech shall coniure him .

bub.

pray doe , for he has a great spirit in him .

gasp.

vsher , in the meane time entertaine him with some copie of amarous complement .

gorg.

there is an vshers fee belongs to my place .

bub.

here 's gold for your fee , i receiued it for good fee simple , i am sure .

gorg. simple , i am sure : so , sir , looke you , i should teach you to make a leg first , but these postures anon . resplendent mistris , for thy face doth farre excell all other , like a blazing starre we mortals wonder at , vouchsafe to cast out of those sparkling diamond eyes thou hast , a sacred influence on thy vowed creature , that is confounded with thy forme and feature . bub.

admirable !

gorg.

goddesse of cyprus .

bub.

stay , i doe not like that word cypres , for shee 'le thinke i meane to make hatbands on her , cannot you call her taffata goddesse , or if you goe to stuffe , cloth a gold were richer .

gorg.

oh , there 's a conceit , cyprus is the embleme of morning , and here by cyprus you declare how much you pine and mourne after her , sir .

bub.

very good , pray you goe on .

gorg.

goddesse of cyprus , venus is a slut .

bub.

stay , who doe i call slut now ? the goddesse of cyprus , venus , or my loue ?

gorg.

you doe tell the goddesse , that venus is a slut .

bub.

i doe so .

gor.

for thou art venus faire , and she is not .

bub.

how is she venus faire , when then i call her slut to her face ?

gorg. no , sir , your loue is venus faire , and shee is not : that makes plaine the other , that she is a slut . o that i were a flea vpon thy lip , there would i sucke for euer , and not skip . bub. sucke ? gorg. that is , you would not bite her by the lip . or if thou thinkst i there too high am plast , i le be content to sucke below thy waste . bub. which side she please . gorg. thy foote i 'de willing kisse , but that i know , thou wouldst not haue thy seruant stoope so low . she will giue you leaue to kisse higher . oh speake thou , wilt be mine ? and i will be the truest worme e're trod on shoo to thee . bub.

worme ?

gorg.

by worme you doe insinuate and wriggle your selfe into your affection , and shee by shoo will conceiue your desire the length of her foote : how doe you like it , sir ?

bub.

i would not for forty pounds but i had come to complement : why , i shall bee able in a small time to put downe a reasonable gentlewoman .

gorg.

oh , any ordinary lady , you must get it without booke . now to make your legs .

bub.

i haue two made to my hands .

gor.

oh , by no meanes , your legs are made to your feete .

enter delia . gasp. beauty and graces dwell vpon the face of my disciple delia . del. muses inspire you : what , at study ? gasp. negotiating a little with the muses . gorg. see me salute her . as many happinesses waite on delia , as beames shoote from the sunne this pleasant morne . del. as many thankes requite you , as that sunne is old in minutes since the day begun . bub.

what 's she , curculio ?

gorg.

her mistresses best moueable , a chamber-maide .

bub.

she is an early riser : at schoole so soone ?

gorg.

she is an early riser , and yet sometime as soone downe as vp , she cannot be quiet for the seruingmen , 't is her houre betweene eight a clocke and her mistris rising , to come to discipline .

bub.

't is a pretty smug wench , is her name delia ? she has a pretty name too .

gorg.

oh , sir , all her credit is in her good name : it was diana's the goddesse of chastity , and therefore when she marries , she may cuckold her husband by a priuiledge , for diana gaue hornes to actaeon .

enter a seruingman . ser.

where 's master criticotaster ?

gasp.

who 's that ?

ser.

sir , my master has sent you a little gold , he desires you send him the speech he should speake at sessions in the country , he 's now riding downe .

gasp.

sir valentine wantbraine , that has neuer a clarke ?

ser.

the same , sir .

gasp.

newly put into commission for the peace , being puisne , it fals to him to giue the charge . i haue drawne it , let me see in comitatu , &c. here , read it , curculio , he may the better instruct his master , a touch , a touch .

gorg.

good men of the iury for this session , i will not implicate you with ambages and circumstances , i am vnwilling to confound your little wits with affected diuisions of my narration , into quis , quid , quomodo , and quandoes : i will neither vtter by grosse , nor part my speech into a doozen of long points , knotted often in the middle , and vntagd in the end ; you are to present malefactors , whereof you are the chiefe — reformers , and seeing you stand ready for your charge , i will giue fire to this great piece of seruice , & send you all off with a powder , that in any case we may goe to dinner betimes , &c.

gasp.

so , 't is enough : beare my respects to your master , tell him 't is a speech will doe him credit , bid him learne it perfectly without booke .

gorg.

and doe you heare , if he chance to be at a nonplus , he may helpe himselfe with his beard and handkercher , or it will be a good posture for his hand now and then to be fumbling with his bandstrings . farewell .

exit seruant . enter mistris medulla . gasp.

mistris medulla , the sun of honour shine vpon your hopes , till it sublime you to a ladiship : i will attend you presently .

med.

sirra , bid your fellow make ready the caroch , and attend me here about an houre hence , i will ride home .

bub.

what gentlewoman is that ?

gor.

an old country gentlewoman , that hath buried her husband lately , and comes vp to be a lady , for she sweares she will not marry any more gentlemen : she is fallen out with a iustice of peaces wife in the country , and she will haue a knight , though she pay for his horse-hier , to spight her neighbours .

gasp.

a word with you , sir .

bub.

your friend and master bubulcus . ha you done , sir ?

gasp. the cupidinaean fires burne in my brest , and like the ouen etna , i am full of squibs and crackers . bub.

this will powder him .

gorg.

lady , wounded by your beauty , i will acknowledge mercy if you kill me not , yet rather murther me , then vulnerate still your creature , vnlesse you meane to medicine where you haue hurt , and i implore no better remedy then i may deriue from the instrument wherewith you pierced mee , like achilles speare , your eye hauing shot lightning into my brest , hath power with a smile to fetch out the consuming fire , and yet leaue my heart inflam'd .

del.

sir , although where i am not guilty of offence , i might deny iustly , to descend to a satisfaction : yet rather then i would be counted a murtherer , i would study to preserue so sweet a modell as your selfe ; and since you desire my eye which enflamed you , should with the vertue of a gracious smile make you happy in your fire , it shall shine as you would haue it , and disclaime that beame shall shine vpon another obiect .

gorg. so , very well , this is your cunning lesson . knocke within . gasp. some strangers , curoutio . gorg. sir , the country comes in vpon vs . enter an old-man with his sonne . old. is not here a complement-schoole ? gasp. a schoole of generous education , sir . old.

i haue brought my sonne to bee a scholler , i doe meane to make him a courtier , i haue an offer of fiue or sixe offices for my money , and i would haue him first taught to speake .

bub.

he is a great childe , cannot he speake yet ?

gasp.

in what kinde of complement , please you , venerable sir , to be edoctrinated ? but we will withdraw .

enter a gentleman . gent. come , for another lesson , my braue mars , now i am fit to quarrell with the starres , and catch at ioue . bub. what 's hee ? gorg. orlando furioso . gent.

by the blood-staind fauchion of mauors i will carbonado thee , keep off , or in my fury i will cut thee into atomes , and blow thee about the world .

bub. i hope he does but complement . gent. i will out-labour ioue-borne hercules , and in a greater fury ransack hell : teare from the sisters their contorted curles , and wrack the destinies on ixions wheele , braine proserpine with sisiphs rowling stone , and in a brazen caldron choakt with lead , boyle minos , eacus , and radamant , throw pluto headlong into moorish fennes , and sooty regions . dam vp cocitus with tormented soule , and batter downe the brazen gates of hell , make the infernall three-chapt band-dog rore . cram tantalus with apples , lash the fiends with whips of snakes , and poysoned scorpions , snatch chain'd prometheus from the vultures maw , and feede him with her liuer , make old charon waft backe againe the soules , or buffet him with his owne oares to death . gorg.

so , so , 't is well , you shall take forth a new lesson , sit downe and breathe .

bub. 't was a deuillish good speech . enter a iustice of peaces clerke , ingeniolo . ing. oh , why did nature make thee faire and cruell ? bub. what spruce fellow 's this ? gor.

he is an hundred & fifty pounds a yard in potentia , a yeomans sonne , and iustice of peaces clarke , hee is in loue with a farmers daughter , and thus he speakes his passion in blanke verse .

inge. thou art some goddesse , that to amaze the earth with thy celestiall presence , hath put on the habit of a mortall , gods sometimes would visit countrey houses , and guild ore a sublunary habitation with glory of their presence , and make heauen descend into an hermitage : sure thy father was maias sonne , disguis'd in shepheards weeds , and thou dost come from ioue , no maruell then we swaines doe wonder at thee , and adore , venus her selfe the queene of cytheron , when she is riding through the milky way , drawne with white doues , is but a blowze , and must , when thou appearest , leaue her bird-drawne coach , and giue the reines to thee , and trudge afoot along the heauenly plaines , paued with starres , in duty of thy excellence , while the gods looking amaz'd from their cristall windowes , wonder what new-come deity doth call them to thy adoration . bub. o , heauenly farmers daughter ! gor. i le call him in ; ingeniolo ! cla.

your seruant , sir . lady , i kisse your hand , and reuerence the antiquity of your vestment , delia . fortune let fall her riches on thy head , that thou maist fill thy apron . i am your humble obseruicer , and wish you all cumulations of prosperity .

bub.

sir , i desire to sucke below yor waste .

cla.

i doe euaculate my selfe to be your shadowes , my generous condisciples .

gor. this is scholler-like . bub. hee 's one of the head forme , i warrant . enter gasparo , the old man and his sonne . gasp.

sir , i receiue your sonne , and will wind vp his ingeny , feare it not , but first he must be vnder my vsher , who must teach him the postures of his body , how to make legs and cringes , and then he shall bee aduanced to a higher classe . curculio , licke him with your method into some proportion , take off the roughnesse of his behauiour , and then giue him the principles of salutation .

old.

law you there , boy , hee will teach you the principles of saltation . well , good-morrow , sir , i le leaue my iewell .

gor.

your iewell may haue the grace to be hang'd one day .

enter ienkin . exit old man . ien.

blesse you sentlemen awle , and your studies and contemplations : is here a schoole of complements , pray you ?

gasp.

a place of generous breeding .

ien.

generous preeding , harke you , her name was ienkin , a good sentleman , 't is knowne , her take no pleasures and delectations in vrds and phrases of rhetricks ; welsemen haue awle hearts & fidelities , marke you , her was going along pout creat businesse , but casting her eyes & visions vpon your pils and significations of your skils & professions , looke you , her come in , to see the fashions and manners of your exercises , and yet if your vrships has any madrigals and pastorall canticles , looke you , for in truthes and verities was going now to the vds and forrests , and meane to turne shepheards goddillings , her will giue you good payments of awle your inuentions , and muses , pray you now .

gasp.

amorous pastorals ? i can furnish you , venerable sir .

turne , amarilsis , to thy swane , thy damon cals thee backe againe , here is a pretty arbor by , where apollo cannot pry , here let 's sit , and while i play sing to my pipe a roundelay .

how like you it , sir ?

ien.

roundelayes very good , here is moneyes and considerations , looke you .

gor. we acknowledge your bounty , my tenth-worthy . gasp.

so mistris , i haue trespass'd on your patience , now i will take occasion by the fore-locke . you can say your lecture : haue you your hand-kercher ready , that when a sutor comes , you may put him off with wiping your eyes , as if teares stood in 'em euer since your husbād was buried ; well , suppose i haue had accesse to your chamber , i begin , lady , thinke it not strange , if loue which is actiue in my bosome , force me to turne petitioner , that i may be reckened amongst your seruants ; all my ambition , sweetest , is to be made happy in your affection , which i will study to deserue in my vtmost possibilities .

med.

alas , alas , i had a husband .

gasp.

very well counterfeited , nay weepe not , those eyes were made to shine , not waste with dew : if it be for the remembrance of him you haue lost , recouer him againe , by placing your good opinion on a man shall sweat to doe you seruices .

med. it doth not , sir , become our modesty to talke of loue so soone , you will renew my passion for his losse , and draw downe teares afresh vpon his hearse : you doe not well t' oppresse a widdow thus , i pray , sir , leaue me , at least i will enioyne you , if you stay , to speake no more of loue , it is vnwelcome . what , am i perfect ? gasp.

so 't was very well , at the next lesson you shall learne to be more cunning .

gor.

wil t please you heare the nouice ?

gasp.

good boy , speake out .

offe.

god saue you , sir , felicities be accumulated vpon you , sir , i thanke you generous sir , you oblige me to be your seruant , sir , in all my — p — o — s — possibilitie , sir , i honour your remembrance , sir , and shall bee proud to doe you my obseruance , sir , most noble sir .

gasp.

very hopefull now : a repetition all together , the more , the merrier .

they all rehearse at once . enter infortunio . infor.

what , at barley-breake ? which couple are in hell ? are not you hellen , whose insatiate lust ruin'd faire illium ? and you sir paris with a golden nose ? harke you , rufaldo is married to selina .

bub.

who ? that 's my father in law .

infor.

how , your father ? looke , hee has clouen feete , i am glad i haue found you , what are you in hell for ?

gasp.

insinuate to 'em all for their owne safeties , hee 's desperate mad , bid none stirre hence .

infor. hey , how came you all thus damn'd ? ien. damn'd , who 's damn'd ? is ienkin damn'd ? gasp.

i beseech you , sir , to maintaine the credit of my schoole , i shall be vndone else , humour him a little .

ien.

will you haue her be damn'd ? when heare you pray' a welshman was damn'd ? of all things in the vrld , her cannot abide to be damn'd .

gor. see if you can roare him away . gent. keepe off , i am hercules , sonne of alcmena , compress'd by ioue , i le carbonado thee . infor. how , art thou hercules ? strikes him downe . lye there , vsurper of alcides name , bold centaure : so he 's dead , by this i proue i am ioue borne . ien.

well , for your credits and reputations , her care not to be damn'd for companies and fellowships , looke you , has hee knock'd him downe ? would hee had knock'd ienkin downe .

infor.

now , on with your relations , and tell me all the stories of your fortunes .

't is i am hercules , sent to free you all . what are you damn'd for ? in this club behold all your releasements . what are you ? gor. stand in order and be damn'd . gasp. i am the conscience of an vsurer , who haue beene damn'd these two and twenty yeeres , for lending money gratis . infor. how , a vsurer ? why didst not corrupt the deuill to fetch thy soule away ? hee le take a bribe for lending money gratis . gasp. yes , sir , for thankes : i tooke no interest , for at the lending of each hundred pound , they brought my home some twenty or thirty thanks , indeed 't was paid in gold . infor. oh golden thankes i well , goe to , i le release you , vpon condition you shall build an hospitall , and die a begger . what are you ? gor. the soule of a watchman . infor.

how came you damn'd ? could not you watch the deuill ?

gorg.

he tooke me napping on midsummer eue , and i neuer dream 't on him .

infor.

your wife had giuen you opium ouer night .

cor.

no sir , i had watch'd three nights before , and because i would not winke at two or three drunkards as they went reeling home at twelue a clocke at night , the deuill owed me a spight .

infor.

well , you shall bee prentice to an alcumist , and watch his stills night , by night , not sleepe till he get the philosophers-stone . what are you ?

del.

sir , i am a chamber-maid .

infor.

what are you damn'd for ?

del.

not for reuealing my mistris secrets , for i kept them better then mine owne , but keeping my maiden-head till it was stale , i am condemn'd to lead apes in hell .

infor.

alas , poore wench , vpon condition you will bee wise hereafter , and not refuse gentlemens proffers , learne pride euery day , and painting , bestow a courtesie now and then vpon the apparitor to keepe counsell , i release you , take your apes , and monkies away with you , and bestow them on gentlewomen , and ladies , that want plai-fellowes . what are you ?

cle.

i am an vndersheriffe , sir , damn'd because i told the debtors , writs were out against 'em , brought 'em to composition without arrests , fauoured poore men for a whole yeere together , was very good in my office , gaue vp a iust account at the yeeres end , and broke .

infor.

oh , miracle ! an honest man ! thou shalt bee church-warden to a parish , draw the presentments , and keepe the poore mens box for seuen yeares together , 't is pitty , but thou the eldest haue fifty writer , to propagate honest generation . what are you ?

med.

a iustices wife i th' the countrie , sir .

infor.

and who drew your mittimus hither ? what are you damn'd for ?

med.

for refusing sattin gownes , and veluet petticots , turning backe capons at christinas , and sessions times , and making much of one of my husbands seruants , meerely for his honestie and good seruice towards me .

infor.

't is iniustice , you shall burie your husband quickly , weare some blackes a while for fashion sake , & within a moneth be married to his clarke , vnlesse you will be diuided among the seruing-men . what are you ?

old mans son .

a younger brother , sir , borne at the latter end of the weeke , and waine of the moone , put into the world to seeke my owne fortune , got a great estate of wealth by gaming and wenching , and so purchas'd vnhappily this state of damnation you see me in .

infor.

came you in 't by purchase ? then you doe not claime it by yours fathers interest as an heire : well , i will ease you of the estate , because it is litigious , and you shall make presently a bargaine and sale of it to a scriuener , that shall buy it of you , and pay you both his eares downe vpon the naile for it . what are you ?

bub.

i am a horse-courser .

infor.

and couldst not thou out-ride the deuill ?

bub.

i had not the grace to mend my pace , i was an honest horse-courser , and suffered euerie foole to ride me , i knew not what belonged to horse-play , let the world kicke at me , i neuer winch'd , all that i am damnd for , is , that desiring to thriue in the world , and to haue good-lucke to horse-flesh , i ambled to the bed of a parsons wife that was coltish once , and gaue her husband a horse for 't in good fashion , he nener gaue me godamercie for 't , indeed it prou'd afterwards to haue the yellowes .

infor.

there was some colour for 't : well , since your occupation is foundred , you shall trot euery day afoot , and walke a knaue in the horse-faire . what are you ?

ien.

her haue no minde at all to bee damn'd , becar her will fight with her & kill awle the deuils in hell : diggon .

gorg.

sfoot , here 's more adoe to get one welshman damn'd , then a whole nation . sir , 't is but in iest .

ien.

in iests , is it in iests ? well , looke you , her will bee contented to be damn'd in iests and merriments for you .

infor.

you will tell me what you are damn'd for ?

ien.

and her be so hot , was get some bodyes else to be damn'd for ienkin , her will tell her in patiences , looke you , her was damn'd for her valour , and ridding the vrld of monsters , looke you , dragons with seuen heads , and serpents with tailes a mile long , pray you .

infor.

oh , let me embrace thee , worthy in my armes , i le charme the destinies for their bold attempt , for cutting off thy threed , thou shalt cut their throats , and be instald lord in elisium , oh , let me hug thee , owen glandower .

ien.

owen glandower was her cousin , pray you .

infor.

goe your waies all : stay , take hence prometheus and burie him , if you come into hell againe , there 's no releasement .

ien.

so , farewell sentlemen , now her meane to make trauels and peregrinations , to the vds and plaines , looke you , very fast . good speed to awle .

exit . gorg.

we thanke thee iouiall hercules .

gasp.

liue long thou king of hell . so , so , well done of all sides , here our schoole breakes vp , i might haue runne mad like , had i not taken off the edge of melancholy . thus poore gentleman . o loue thou art a madnesse , drawing our soules with ioy , to kill with sadnesse .

infor.

so , so , poore soules , how glad they are of liberty . this is a hot house , i doe scorch and broyle : i le seeke the elisian fields out , and dye there .

actus quartus , scena prima . enter antonio drest in selinaes apparell , with hillaria . ant.

haue i not done my part , wench , with confidence to proceed thus farre with thy father ? either i am infinitly like my sister , or they are all mad with credulitie : but our good fathers are blinded with their passions , and that helps me much : well , i doe but thinke vpon the nights worke , there lyes my master-piece , i haue it , 't is for thy sake hillaria , i haue assum'd this habit , the end will speake it .

hil.

but what will you doe ? antonio is lost now .

ant.

well enough , is suppos'd to goe after selina , and is not return'd yet , out of my brotherly loue , they will imagine i haue but taken a iourney in quest of a sister , time enough to returne agen , and hee goes farre , that neuer does wench by story . enter bubulcus whetting his sword . here 's bubulcus .

bub.

antonio is gone , no newes of him : i am glad of that , i hope he will come no more .

ant.

how now ? what meanes this ? what ! sword drawne ?

hil.

and he is whetting it .

ant.

for heauens sake , what 's the matter ?

bub.

nay , nothing , nothing , i doe but — a —

hil.

by my virginity you make me afraid , what 's the matter ?

ant.

he meanes to fight with some body on my life .

hil.

heauen defend it , good sir , tell me .

bub.

bee not afraid , gentlewomen , for i doe but , you see .

hil.

but what ?

bub.

whet my long knife , somebody shall smart for 't , but —

ant. he does meane to challenge somebody . hil.

i charge you , if you loue , tell me who 's your enemy .

bub. nay , no body , i doe not meane to fight , if i liue . ant. what ? bub.

nay , nothing , sweet ladies , be not troubled , i doe but sharpen my sword .

hil. tell me the truth , why ? bub.

i was eating oysters tother day , and i had neuer a knife , and so —

ant.

come , come , there is some other matter in 't , pray tell me .

bub.

welll , you are my friends , if you chance to heare of any mans death shortly , then say bubulens .

hil.

i hope you doe not meane to kill any man i' th field , you doe make me tremble , i le assure you .

bub. no , no , sweet-heart , doe not tremble , i will but — he makes a thrust . lose my honour ? i le be caru'd first . ant. what a capon 's this ? pray let me perswade you . hil. and me . bub. no , no , 't is but in vaine to perswade me , i 'm resolu'd , if you loue me , doe not vse any arguments : the cupidinaean fires burne in my brest , and like the ouen etna i am full of squibs and crackers . i had almost forgot — hil.

the ouen etna i le bee baked then : what a fury are you in ? he lookes like the god of warre .

bub.

the god of warre ? i thinke i haue reason . hillaria , i must , and i will , and all the world shall not hold me .

hil. but you shall not goe away thus , till you be calmer . bub. o that i were a flea vpon his lip , there would i sucke for euer , and not skip . i will carbonado him , his face doth farre excell all other like a blazing starre we mortals wonder at . vouchsafe to cast off the sparkling diamond eyes thou hast : o let me goe on , me thy vowed creature , that is confounded with thy forme and feature . ant. is the foole mad ? hil.

he has something in his head , and it were out : but here comes our fathers .

enter cornelio , rufaldo . cor. antonio not heard of yet ? ruf.

this morning we wanted a bride too , but she was found , mary i cryed for her first . father , come , my brother antonio is but gone to looke his sister : ha , my sweet wench , when shal 's to bed .

enter gorgon . cor.

i hope 't is so , and yet he staies too long . here 's gorgon : sirra , where haue you beene all this day ?

gorg.

indeed , sir , i haue made inquisition , both my tongue and my feete haue walked , but my mistris is not to be found or heard of , i le assure you .

ruf. gorgon , hast lost thy sences ? here 's selina . gorg. mistris , then we are all made . — he capers . cor. but sirra , your master antonio's gon . gorg. gon in wine , sir , for ioy of his sisters finding agen . cor.

goe your waies , sirra , and either bring me newes of him , or looke mee in the face no more , you 'l finde we iest not .

gorg.

pray' , sir , let me take my iourney in the morning , the wedding night is fatall : i hope your worship does but iest , i may be drunke too night , and wake early enough to be gon afore day too , i beseech you sir .

ant.

pray' , sir , let him stay to night .

gorg.

by this hand there he is , where ? did not i heare his voice ?

cor.

away sirra .

gorg.

i haue beene mad all this while , and now am like to be my owne man againe : since there is no remedy , gentiles all , good night . gorgon begins to be a wandring knight .

exit . cor.

i cannot be heartily merry : well , let 's leaue these two without any more ceremonies , 't is late , all ioyes be multiplyed on my sonne and daughter : good night , i doe comfort my selfe with hope of antonio's returne , and yet feares are great .

exit . ruf.

lights there : so , so , welcome thou much expected night , i doe salute thy blacke browes : come , my selina , shalt finde i haue yong blood : hillaria , doe seruice to your mother , make her vnready .

ant. 't is time enough . ruf.

and why should we lose any ? i pray thee let her come . i know 't is your virgin modesty , loth to part with a maidenhead , but it must off : come , prethee be not idle : why , thou knowest i married thee , selina , as thou louest me —

ant. sir , by that loue i must entreat you one thing . ruf. any thing , sweet-heart . ant. to ratifie an ancient vow i made . ruf. any vowes , what is 't ? ant.

i vowed when euer i married , my husband should not lie with me the first night .

ruf. should any body else ? ant. not any man . ruf.

come , 't was a foolish vow , and must bee broke . not lie with me the first night ? 't were a sinne beyond incontinency . i had rather lose halfe my estate , then misse thee but an houre out of mine armes this night .

ant. 't is but one night . ruf.

oh , 't is an age , a world of time to me : why i haue fed of oister-pyes , and rumps of sparrows a whole moneth , in expectation of the first night , and leaue it for a vow ?

ant. indeed you must . ruf.

how ? must , come ? i know you doe but iest , this is but your deuice to whet me on , and heighten me , as if old age at once hath soakt vp all my marrow . harke you , how old doe yee thinke i am ?

ant. some threescore and seuenteene . ruf.

out vpon thy iudgement : why i am not aboue , by all computation , sixe or seuen and thirty : i am restord , renewd , when first i lou'd thee , by this hand i was .

ant.

i see then you would tire me , by this beard you must not lie with me to night .

ruf.

how ? nay then i see you 'l try my strength : thus i could force you . antonio throwes him downe . she has throwne me downe , i know not how to take it , nor well how to beare it , my bones ake , a pox a gasparo , a my conscience i am an old foole : ha ? i will see more , and set a good face on 't , you know who i am ?

ant. yes , old rufaldo . ruf.

ha , old ? 't is so , my spirits faint agen : what did you marry for ?

ant. to make an asse of you . ruf. how ? ant. thou credulous foole , didst thou imagine i should euer loue thee , or lie with thee ? but when i haue a child would shame the father : oh the power of dotage , that like an inundation doth o'recome the little world of man , drowne all his reason , and leaue him spoild , euen of his common sence . didst thinke i was a piece of stone sawne out by caruers art , so cold , so out of soule , so empty of all fire to warme my blood , i 'de lie with thee , worse then the frigid zone , or isicles that hang on beard of winter ? haue i with wearied patience lookt to see , when thou 'dst lay violent hands vpon thy selfe ; for being so mad , so impudent to loue me , and wouldst thou bed me too ? didst thou not tremble to dare the holy rites and nuptiall tapers ? oh impious sacriledge ! hence , goe waste thy selfe with sorrow , pine that halfe-staru'd body , vntill thy bones breake thy skinne , and fall to dust before thy face : nay , you shall endure me : for since y 'aue tyed me to you , i will be thy constant fury , worse then hags or night-mare , if thou dost talke of loue , or seeke to be at reconcilement . ruf. selina , sweet selina , heare me . ant. sweet ? oh villanous presumption ! ruf. what will you doe ? ant.

saue a disease , a labour , make an end of you , come sirra , sweare to obserue what i shall impose vpon you .

ruf. oh , any thing , bitter selina . ant. first , you shall neuer sollicite me to lye with you . ruf. neuer by this hand , and thanke you too . ant. stand bare in my presence . ruf. starke-naked . ant. runne of my arrands . ruf. to the worlds end . ant. and keep a whore vnder my nose , nay , i will allow it . ruf. if you will haue it so , i am content . ant. sweare , sirra . ruf. flesh , and blood , i doe sweare . ant.

so , rise . in hope of your conformity , i forbeare to let the punishment be equall with your deserts .

ruf.

oh , i haue married a deuill , i shall be vtterly disgraced , if this bee knowne : pray sweet wife , let me begge one request of you , that you would not discredit mee , i will be content to endure your pleasure , doe not forsake my house , i beseech you that you would lye with my daughter .

ant. shall you appoint my lodging ? ruf.

oh no , i doe but humbly intreate you will be pleased to lie with my daughter .

ant.

well , since you submit so respectiuely , i will tender your credit in that point vpon your good behauiour , are you not well ?

ruf.

i am the worse for you by forty markes . one thing more , vertuous wife , that you would not tell your father , nor any body else , how you haue beaten me : goodnight , sweet vertuous wife .

exit . ant.

ha , ha , hillaria , my way to thee is free , i haue beat my passage , and i come to thee .

enter felice like a shepheardesse , selina , shepheards . sel. i had thought the woods and such wilde groues as these , had beene the house of rapine , and could not afford humanity , beasts , and men like them , are wont to make such places desolate : did nature make you thus at first , and are we that haue cities , house , and ciuill lawes more rude then you ? or hath all vertue chose you as diuine earth to dwell vpon ? shepheardesse , indeed i am in loue with your wild kingdome here , and would not be a king abroad , if i might be a subiect with such faire nymphes as you . . shep. oh sonne , you would say so , when our pleasures all you know : we are not opprest with care , with which you in cities are , a shepheard is a king , whose throne is a mossie mountaine , on whose top we sit , our crooke in hand , like a scepter of command , our subiects , sheepe grazing below , wanton frisking to and fro . fel. we nothing feare , awake nor sleepe , but the woolfe goddild our sheepe , on a countrey quill each playes madrigals , and pretty layes of passions , and the force of loue , and with ditties heauen moue . birds will listen to our song , and to leauy arbours throng , to learne our notes , and mistris name , vallies ecchoing with the same . . shep. when we hunt , as there is store of deere , the trembling hare , and bore , you would thinke that you had seene gods in shepheards weeds agen . a hundred pretty nymphes apace tripping ore the lands , and chase , as many lads , the gentle aire playing with their dangling haire . fel. sometimes we dance a feary round , hand in hand vpon the ground , shepheards piping , garlands crowning , with our harmelesse bosomes drowning . . shep. walke vnto the siluer brooke , you shall need no other hooke , to catch the dancing fish withall , but a song , or madrigall . fel. when the clouds let fall their showres , we haue at hand a hundred bowres , where vnder sweet-bryer , safe are wee and honey-dropping woodbind tree , here in spight of stormes we tell stories of loue , of philomell , of paris , and the golden ball , of eccho , and narcissus fall . . shep. here no false-loue brings despaire , iealousie , or suspition , care , alwaies happy most of all on siluanus festiuall . sel. no more , good shepheards , you vndoe a boy with the opinion of his happinesse : if a few iewels i haue brought with me , may find acceptance here , i shall bestow them as freely as your loues haue falne on me . nay then , i le force 'em on you , i haue left to purchase a flock with you . . shep. we thanke you , gentle boy , gooden , we must to our flockes agen . sel. but shepheardesse , or sister if thou wilt , oh would thou wert , i preethee call me brother , hath loue a part among you , tell me pray , what punishment inflict you on false loue ? but sure you are exempt from such a misery : what then is her reward , that out of peeuishnesse contemnes the honest passion of her louer , insults vpon his vertue , and doth place vnworthily her affection ? fel. though such a woman need no curse , being one her selfe , or worse , yet we shepheards vse to say , may she loue another day , and not be lou'd , dye in despaire , and haue no other tombe but aire . enter infortunio distracted . infor. a prey , a prey ! where did you get that face ? that goddesse face ? it was selina's once : how came you by it ? did she on her death-bed bequeath her beauty as a legacy , not willing it should die , but liue and be a lasting death to infortunio ? oh she was cruell , not to bury it with her ! but i am a foole , 't is venus and her sonne , where be your bow and arrowes , little cupid ? didst thou maliciously spend all thy quiuer vpon my heart , and not reserue one shaft to make selina loue me ? tell me , venus , why did you vse me so ? you shall no more be queene of loue . stay , stay , cupid was blind , how comes he now to see ? yes , he did see , he neuer could haue wounded me so right else . why then let fortune haue her eyes agen , and all things see how wretched i am made . sel. oh , is there not within the power of art , how to restore this gentleman ? fel. there is , and out of that experience we haue in these woods , of simples , i doubt not , but to apply a remedy . sel. he will be worthy of your care herein , and should he be , which i cannot imagine , ingratefull to your skill , i would reward it , and call you mother , or my sister for it . fel. it seemes you haue some relation to him . sel. indeed he is the dearest friend i had : and if my blood were powerfull to restore him , i de spend it like a prodigall . i know selina . inf. ha , doe you know selina ? she 's married to rufaldo , the old vsurer , that went to bed afore to his money , and begate forty i th' hundred : now he beds selina , and layes his rude hand o're her sacred brest , embraceth her faire body , now he dares kisse her , and suck ambrosia from her lip . those eyes that grace the day , now shine on him , he her endimion , she his siluer moone , the tongue that 's able to rock heauen asleepe , and make the musicke of the spheres stand still , to listen to the happier aires it makes , and mend their tunes by it : that voice is now deuoted to his eares , those cheekes , those hands , would make gods proud to touch , are by his touch profaned euery houre : oh , this makes me mad , but i will fit 'em for it , for i le die , it may be then she 'le weepe , and let fall teares vpon my graue-stone , which shall be of marble , and hard like her , that if she powre out floods , no drops shall sinke thorow it to soften me , i will be wrapt in lead to keepe out praiers , for then i know , shee 'le beg i would be friends : but then i will be iust , and hate her loue , as she did mine , and laugh to see her grieue . sel. come , i will fetch selina to you , if you will sleepe . inf. will you then ? i will liue , & you shall be my best boy . come , i scorne to weepe , or shead another teare : sit downe , i le haue a garland for my boy , of phoenix feathers : flowers are too meane to sit vpon thy temples ; in thy face are many gardens , spring had neuer such : the roses and the lillies of thy cheekes are slips of paradise , not to be gathered , but wondred at . sel. but you said you would sleepe : when slept you last ? inf. i remember , before i lou'd , but that i know not when i slept soundly , and dreamt of gathering nosegayes . 't is vnlucky to dreame of hearbs and flowers . fel.

for selina's sake i le try my best skill on him , get him to sleepe , your presence i see is powerfull , yonder 's a pleasant arbour , procure him thither while i prepare the hearbs , whose precious iuyce may with heauens blessing make him well againe .

sel.

a thousand blessings on you . come , sir , goe with me , and when you haue slept , i le fetch salina to you .

iuf.

prethee doe , i am very drowzy : come , i le dreame of some thing , my eyes are going to bed , and leaden sleepe doth draw the curtaines o're them .

sel. will you goe with me ? inf. yes , and we will picke a dish of strawberies . exeunt . enter ienkin , hauing lost his way . ien.

has almost lost her selfe in these woods and wildernesses , was very weary of these iourneyes and trauels in foote-backs : haue not since her commings beheld any reasonable creatures : blesse vs awle , iocarello is lost too , cannot tell where , in these mazes and labyrinths . iocarello , so ho .

eccho .

so ho .

ien.

ha , there 's some bodies yet , harke you tere , here is a sentilman of wales , looke you , desires very much to haue speeches and confabulations with you : where is her ?

eccho .

here is her .

ien.

here is her ? knaw not which waies to come to her : pray you tell ienkin where you be ?

eccho .

boobie .

ien.

poobies ? was her call her poobies ? 't is very saucy trauels , her will teach her better manners and moralities , if her get her in reaches and circumferences of her walsh blades truely .

eccho .

you lie .

ien.

how , lies and poobies too ? harke you , ienkin was giue you mawles and knocks , for your poobies , and lies , and indignities , looke for your pates now . exit with his sword drawne . enter againe . here is no bodies but bushes and bryers , looke you , awle is very quiet : so ho , ho .

eccho .

so ho , ho .

ien.

her am very much deceiu'd , now it comes into our mindes if these voyces be not ecchoes , eccho .

ecc.

eccho .

ien.

't is very true , but her maruell much , haue her ecchoes in these countries pray you ?

ecc.

yes pray you .

ien.

warrant her 't is a welsh eccho , was follow ienkin in loues out of wales .

ecc.

out of wales .

ien.

't is very true , blesse vs awle now , her call to remembrances and memories , her had communications and talkings with this very ecchoes in clamorgan-shire , in de vallies and talles there looke you , her am very glad her hath met with ecchoes , was borne in her owne countries , harke you , ienkin was trauell hither out of loues and affections to selina .

ecc.

nay .

ien.

nay , yes very true , pray you tell her , be selina in these woods , or no ?

ecc.

no .

ien.

no , where is her den , haue her taken awle these labours and ambulations in vanities ? say you , shall ienkin then goe backe as he came ?

ecc.

asse he came .

ien.

gone ? it is not possible , hit may bee selina was turne spirits and be inuisible rather , she is not gone verily .

ecc.

there you lye .

ien.

lye , very well , you haue priuiledges to giue lyes and awle things in the world , but her will not leaue these woods for awle dat , her will bee pilgrims all tayes of her lifes , ere her goe without her .

ecc.

goe without her .

ien.

how , not loue ienkin ? then there is a deuill in awle female sexes : know very well she promise loues and good wills in times , great while agoe , pray you now , her will talke no longer with you . fare you well eccho , pray if you meete her pages , bid her make hasts and expeditions after her . fare you well .

exit . ecc.

fare you well .

enter gorgon . gorg.

i thinke iupiter has snatch'd vp my master antonio , to make a ganimede on him , hee is not to be found yet , i haue search 't all the tauernes i th towne , i am sure , and that method my nose led me to , hoping he had beene a good fellow , but , non est iuuentus , well , my stocke is spent , but with this terrible face a buffe ierkin , and a roaring basket-hilt , gorgon will haue a tricke of wit to beare his owne charges : but here comes a gentleman , to my postures now .

enter gasparo . gasp.

i am resolu'd .

gorg.

good your worship bestow a small piece of siluer vpon a poore souldier , new-come out of the low-countries , that haue beene in many hot seruices , against the spaniard , the french , and great turke . i haue beene shot seuen times thorow the body , my eyes blowne vp with gun-powder , halfe my skull seard off with a canon , and had my throat cut twice in the open field : good your worship take compassion vpon the caterwaking fortunes of a forlorne gentleman , that haue lost the vse of my veines : good your generous nature take compassion vpon me , i haue but foure fingers and a thumbe vpon one hand : can worke , and woonnot : one small piece of gratefull siluer , to for my lodging , i beseech you venerable sir .

gasp.

canst not see ?

gorg.

onely a little glimmering , sir , the beames of your gentility haue radiated , and infused light into my poore lanternes , sir .

gasp.

can you feele then ?

gorg.

oh , sir , that faculty alone , fortune and nature haue left inuiolated .

gasp. here 's somewhat for thee . what , can you see now ? he kickes him , and gorgon opens his eyes . gorg. gasparo , is it you ? pox on your beneuolence . gasp. whence came this proiect of wit ? gor.

from the old predicament . faith , necessity that has no law , put me into this habit : my master is turn'd coward , and ran away from me .

gasp.

and thou art turn'd souldier , to fight with him when you meet agen : then thou wantest a master ? harke sirra , what saiest thou to another proiect ?

gorg.

oh , i could caper for 't .

gasp.

i am now leauing the world , and going into the countrie , woot turne gipsie , or shepheard ? i am for the woods , canst madrigals yet ?

gorg. phillis faire , doe not disdaeine the loue of coridon thy swaine . gasp.

excellent i wee le turne shepheards presently , thou shalt be phillis , and i le be coridon : let me alone to prouide russets , crooke , and tarbox : they say there 's good hospitality in the woods , and songs and pastimes vpon siluaum day .

gorg.

but that were pretty , shall i be a woman ?

gasp.

by any meanes , thou hast a good face already , a little simpering will doe it , i le accomodate thee early , keep thy owne counsell , and i le warrant thee for a maide-marrian .

gorg.

foote ! shall i runne into my coates agen ? goe to , put me into what shape you will , i le play my part : mee thinkes i doe feele an hundred rurall animals taking vp my petticoate already .

exeunt . enter antonio , bubulcus , and hillaria . ant.

pray' forward with your relation .

bub.

as i was saying , hauing challenged antonio for the affront he did me before hillaria , here by heauen , you must say nothing .

hil.

not a syllable .

bub.

hee did accept the challenge , and the weapons were soone agreed vpon , and wee met : but not a word of fighting , if you loue me .

ant.

you are not come to fighting yet your selfe , but by the way , what were your weapons ?

bub.

a long sword .

ant.

t was long ere you could remember it , me thinkes .

bub.

soone as we came into the place appointed , wee looked about , and saw all cleere .

hil.

as cleere as day on your side .

bub.

we drew , but not a word of fighting , by this hand .

ant.

not by that hand .

bub.

we threw our doublets off , to shew wee had no coate of maile , or priuie shirt vpon vs , against the lawes of duelling , in fine , i bid him say his prayers .

ant.

t was well thought vpon , and what did you ?

bub.

i let 'em alone , for i knew i should kill him , and haue time enough to say 'em afterwards at my leasure .

hil.

when he had prayed , what then ?

bub.

when he had said his praiers , he thought vpon it , and let fall words tending to reconcilement : a my conscience , he would haue asked me forgiuenesse , but i stood vpon my honour , and would fight with him , and so wee stood vpon our guard : but not a word of fighting , if you loue me .

ant.

oh , by no meanes , but when did you fight ?

bub.

i le tell you , antonio when he saw no remedie , but that i would needs fight with him , and so consequently kill him , made a desperate blow at my head , which i warded with my dagger , better then he looked for , and in returne , i cut off his left hand , whereat amazed and fainting , i nimbly seconded it , as you know i am very nimble , and run my rapier into his right thigh , two yards .

hil.

then you were on both sides of him ?

ant.

your rapier , did you not say your weapons were long swords ?

bub.

but mine was both a sword and rapier , there 's it , but not a word of fighting , as you loue me : well , not to weary you with the narration of the inumerable wounds i gaue him , i cut off euery ioint from his toe vpwards , to his middle , by these hilts , now you may beleeue me , there ended antonio my riuall , iudge , iudge now , whether bubulcus be valiant or not , but not a word of fighting , as you loue me , let it dye .

exit . ant.

t was very valiantly done .

hil.

harke you , sweet-heart , doe you not remember who this is , that you haue discouered this businesse too ? this is selina , his owne sister .

bub.

what a rogue was i , not to remember that ?

hil.

doe not you know that she is my mother in law ? nay , nay , plucke vp a good heart , what will you doe ? there 's no running away .

bub.

haue you neuer an emptie chest ?

hil.

what , to hide your selfe ? that i know you would not doe for your credit : draw your sword , and stand vpon your guard , we know you are valiant , that could kill antonio so brauely .

bub.

hillaria , if euer you lou'd me , oh , i haue made a faire piece of worke , would you not tell me it was his sister ? oh , here they come .

he runs behind hillaria . enter antonio , rufaldo , and officers . ant.

he hath confest it , sir , your daughter heard it , sir , i charge you lay hands vpon that murtherer , he hath slaine my brother antonio .

ruf.

did you heare him confesse it ?

bub.

here 's right , confesse and be hang'd now .

hil.

i must confesse i did .

ruf.

bubulcus kill antonio ?

bub.

by this hand i doe not know how to deny it for my credit .

ruf.

nay then lay hands on him .

bub.

yes father , rufaldo , selina , oh , a plague of all coxcombes , what a rogue was i ?

ant.

i will haue iustice , away with him .

bub.

i am a lying rascall by this hand .

ant.

we must require antonio from you , sir , or your blood answer his . away with him , hillaria .

bub.

i le bee hang'd then , father . hillaria , will you see me hang'd ?

ruf.

there is no remedy : would thou hadst kild his sister ; i am plagued with her , and dare not speake it for shame , i le doe what i can to get a repriefe for you ; nay , and you kill folkes , you must eene take your fortune .

bub.

a curse of all ill fortune , i kild no body .

ant. away , i say , out villaine , hence , for i doe heare my brothers blood for iustice cry . exeunt .
actus quintus , scena prima . enter infortunio , selina , and felice . infor. i doe not know this place , nor who you are , nor know i yet my selfe . sil. infortunio ? infor. that name i once did answer to , but then i was not banisht to a wildernesse , nor slept on such a bed . oh , if i be hee , whom you call infortunio . tell me how i came hither , dost thou weepe ? i prethee tell me , boy , why doe those teares drowne thy faire cheekes ? but that they will not shew manly in me , i 'de force my eyes to weepe too , and we would sit vpon a banke , and play drop-teare , till one were bankrout . you amaze me : i aske how i came hither ? answer me with other language , if you doe not meane i came by water , which you might expresse too in words as well , nay , better , for you now are cruel to your selues , and murder me : tell me , or i shall be mad . sel. oh , stay : that brought infortunio hither , you haue now told your selfe , distraction brought you . infor. ha distraction ? now you increase my wonder : was i mad , or doe not you by answering , study to make me so ? why should i be mad , or being so , how came i well againe ? for if i dreame not , i am well and calme . sel. you owe this shepheardesse for your restore , whose skill heauen made so happy . infor. did you , faire shepheardesse restore me then , and by your art recouer natures losse ? all my wel-beings your's : but yet if you could so physicion-like cure the disease which is but the effect of some distemper , you then should know the cause : for else you are vncertaine in your applications . pray tell me then , why was i mad ? sel. this lad can tell you that , better then i , but if his sorrow will not let his tongue deliuer it , i le tell you sir ; you were in loue . infor.

with whom , i pray ?

fel.

one whom they call selina .

infor. ha , selina ? in what a depth of black forgetfulnesse is infortunio fallen into ? selina , could i forget selina ? oh shepheardesse , i was not mad till now : for can i be my selfe , and forget her ? oh , in this question i am vndone : for i doe hold my selfe and all my vnderstanding by her name , i am a begger , she hath purchas'd all , nor am i master of one thought of comfort i borrow not from her : what curse was falne vpon my memorie , to forget selina ? sel. sir , you remember her too well , vnlesse she would deserue it better . infor. it is not in her power to deserue , boy , for she is now beholding for her selfe vnto another . oh , this teares my soule , you did not well to release me of my furies , and make me sensible againe of that was my first corrosiue , it was vnfriendly : oh , t was a happinesse to be mad , starke mad , for she being lost , what haue i else to lose ? i was all hers , i gaue my selfe away : and deedes of gift should hold . sel.

why should you be so passionate ? let once reason so late recouered , teach you loue your selfe , reseru'd for nobler fortune .

infor. it is true , i am a very foole in doing so , and will you be a mistris then , and teach me how to forget my selfe ? what saist boy ? shall i be shepheard too ? i will liue here and haue thy company , thou art like my loue , shall we shepheardesse ? fel.

with all my heart .

infor. come let 's sit downe awhile , nature hath spred her carpets for vs here , this is the lowest , and yet 't is higher then a palace : pray teach me your shepheards life , now i doe long to be a wood-man too , and you shall doe a double cure vpon me . enter gasparo and gorgon disguised . gasp.

stay , yonder are some shepheards , le ts on this banke sit downe and prattle . and how long i st , since your sweet-heart forsooke you ?

gorg.

it will be a quarter of a yeere next grasse .

gasp.

alas , poore mopsa , but come , put him out of thy minde , sing him away .

gorg.

laugh , and sing him to his graue shall i ?

gasp.

and neuer loue him more .

gorg.

oh no , his loue like a canker hath eate such a great hole into my heart , i cannot forget him , but i le sing a song of him .

gorgon sings a song , all this while gasp.

prethee doe .

gasparo eyes felice . infor. here 's innocence of all sides , who would liue out of this common-wealth , where honest swaines are lords and subiects ? here is no acquaintance with craft and falshood , all their soules are clad in true simplicity : i will take a truce with care a while , to talke with this poore wench . mopsa i heard you nam'd , pray tell me , were you in loue ? gorg.

yes forsooth .

infor.

with whom , forsooth ?

gorg.

with a gentleman that has prou'd vnkind , forsooth , broken his vowes , and oathes , forsooth , hee made much of me , time was , before his father dyed , forsooth , who was a good yeoman , then he kist me , forsooth , and coll'd surreuerence , but now hee scornes mopsa : i was his equall once , and haue danced with him vpon our church greene in a morris ere now .

infor.

alas , alas , has forsaken thee ?

gorg.

he is now about to commit matrimoniall businesse with a young girle i wisse .

gasp. 't is she . i le haue a tricke to know it . blessings on you shepheardesse , yet by this hand , you are no lesse , you were in loue with a faire man , crost by a father , began this shepheards life , & russet weed , is it not the truth , i reed ? ha , ha . fel.

sir , are you a fortune-teller ?

gasp. no , i am foole , and yet i know something , though you thinke not so . fel.

doe you see all this here ?

gasp.

that and more in this table

lies your story : 't is no fable , not a line within your hand , but i easily vnderstand : your line of life is faire , hard by ascends that of prosperity , but broken in the mid'st to th' mount of saturne here , which ill we count , ha , triangle and mercuriall line ? but venus is no friend of thine . infor.

how now , palmistry ? beleeue him not .

gasp. in your face your fate is wrote , you lou'd a woman , she not you , you know whether i say true , her name began with s. but shee , shall neuer be enioyd by thee , shee s married now to one that 's old , but very rich : your fortune 's told . infor.

beshrew me he has cunning .

sel.

doe you beleeue him sir ?

gorg.

beleeue him ? nay , you may beleeue him , he 's abomination cunning man , he told me my fortune as right as if he had beene in my belly .

shep.

does thy fortune lie in thy belly then , sweet-heart ?

gorg.

partly , sir , as other womens fortunes doe .

gasp. damsell , you haue yet a fate will make you wonder more thereat , by collection , i dare proue , that his name , whom you did loue , began with g. but 't is too true , he hath slaine himselfe for you . felice faints .

felice , come againe , doe not beleeue me , i told thee false , i did but trie to gaine a knowledge of thee : thy starres owe thee more happinesse , felice , looke vp , see thy friend aliue , i am gasparo . foot , i ha made faire worke .

fel. ha , 't is gasparo . gasp. haue i found thee , o wench , thou wert vniust , too much vniust , thus to absent thy selfe from gasparo , thy cruell father since hath wept enough to wash away his error . fates , i doe thanke you , for this blest direction . but infortunio , i am sorry now , i read the truth of thy vnhappinesse , it is too true , selina is beyond your spheare of hope , pardon , worthy sir , the shape i tooke , was not to mocke your fortunes , but trie mine owne . and haue i found the wench ? gorg.

oh , no , no , your suite is in vaine , hands off , shepheards .

. shep.

i will make thee amends and marry , prethee sweet mopsa , beautifull mopsa .

gorg.

beauty ! i doe confesse i haue reasonable beauty , for blacke and white , for all other colours are but compounded of them : but the truth is , i cannot so soone forget my old loue ; though he hath prou'd false vnto me , mopsa will proue true vnto him : oh , and it were not for shame , now i would die for loue .

sel. be not deiected , sir , you haue a fate doth smile vpon you , i haue a little skill . in that this gentleman seem'd to haue some knowledge , i must needs crosse his iudgement , and pronounce you are more happy . let not ought your soule annoy , you that virgin shall enioy , that you first lou'd , who doth waite to make your wishes fortunate , and ere sun twice declines to west , you may be with marriage blest . gasp. the boy is mad . infor. doe not vndoe , sweet boy , the benefit thou hast already done me , thou dost vtter impossibilities . sel. then with one argument i can easily take off your wonders , looke on thy selina , that on the wedding morne , forsooke rufaldo , touch'd with a sense of thy indignities , thus to obscure me from all curious search and inquisition , but not hoping euer to be made thine , now if true loue maintaine the opinion you pretend , thus in your armes i powre my selfe . infor. it is selina . oh , i am rent in pieces with ioy and wonder . gasp. harke you , sir , doe not beleeue him , let not passion make you a mockery .

is not selina married to rufaldo ? then am i goose-giblet : i should haue bin at church with 'em , but for a crotchet that i had in my pate all the morning : i spake with her father yesterday , and from his mouth i heard , selina was very well , i thinke i doe not dreame , indeed now i call to memory , hee said selina was mist two or three houres ath ' wedding morne ; some figarie , i know not what : and antonio , as i supposed , gone in quest of her , not heard of since : but selina is sure rufaldoes wife , or some deuill in her likenesse has abused them all with credulity . this is true , sir , therefore be not easie , doe not deserue more pitty , this boy is mad , a iuggling boy .

sel.

shall i not be beleeued then for my selfe ? am i refused now ?

inf.

it cannot be she : troth boy , thy conceit tooke me at first with much credulity : but here 's our natures weaknesse , apt to credit what wee affect : were there not too much against it , thou mightst deceiue me : oh no , infortunio is giuen vp , lost to all felicity .

sel.

since then you put me , sir , to proue my selfe , let me not be lost , i will not call you what i desire , nor name you sister : giue me leaue to finde my selfe , i know not where i am yet : my brother antonio gon ? what fury hath assum'd selina's shape ?

gasp.

come , put on a mans spirit , mopsa .

gor.

well , sir , in regard you are so exit cum inf. & fel portunate , although i haue forsworne marriage , if you desist constant , you may chance to haue a licke at my maydenhead .

exeunt . sel. i haue it , my brother 's lost : i le send a shepheard in antonio's name , to inuite my father hither , and that incubus . i vow not to forsake these plaines , till i possesse my selfe , or be reiected quite , suspend thy passions then awhile , selina , to morrow is the shepheards holiday , which they solemnize with rurall pleasures , 't will draw them sooner : ha , are they gone ? i will not leaue 'em , with this thread i shall tread o're the labyrinth , and discouer all . exit . enter cornelio . cor. antonio slaine ? haplesse cornelio , my hopes were treasur'd vp in him , the staffe and comfort of my age , and is he gone ? enter antonio , hillaria , rufaldo . hil.

hast sent for bubulcus ?

ant. i haue , father , let not too much passion soyle that temper hath beene obseru'd in old cornelio . cor. why , was not he thy brother ? canst thou thou hast so little share in yong antonio , that thou darest speake of comfort ? ant.

sir , on my life antonio is not dead .

ruf.

no , no , 't is impossible .

ant. bubulcus , on my soule 's a very coward , and durst as well attempt to take a prey out of a tygers iawes , as see a sword with patience bent against him . cor.

but cowards in despaire proue desperate , and most vnhappy .

ant.

a my conscience i could beate him into a mouse-hole .

ruf.

nay , i could beate him , and i am sure you can beate me , woo'd i were well rid of you : 't is a double misery to be abus'd , and dare not speake out .

enter bubulcus , officers . hil.

here 's bubulcus .

bub.

not guilty , not guilty , and please your worships , let me not be hang'd for a lie of mine owne making : 't is well knowne i am a stinking coward : not guilty , i beseech you ; i neuer drew sword in anger in my life : if you hang me , you vndoe me for euer .

ant.

looke you , sir , 't is cleare .

bub.

my conscience is as cleare as christall : not guilty , my lord , i beseech you —

cor.

didst not thou kill antonio then ?

bub.

let me be hang'd if i did .

cor.

stay , he 'le confesse .

bub.

i confesse i told a lie , thinking to haue got some credit : but if euer i saw antonio , since he gaue me two or three kicks , which i deseru'd well enough , broyle me ath ' coales . mercy , oh mercy : doe not cast me away vpon the hangman now , in the pride of my youth : not guilty , my lord .

cor.

howsoeuer feare of death possesse him so , i see the murther in his eyes .

bub.

my eyes ? woo'd they were out then : doe you see murther in my eyes ? are my eyes blood-shot ?

cor.

his very hand doth shew a guiltinesse , looke how it trembles .

but.

the feare of hanging hath put my whole body into palsey : my hands guilty ? i can wash my hands cleane of it , i neuer kild a fly . by this hand , not guilty .

enter a shepheard hastily . shep.

which is cornelio ?

ant.

this : what 's the matter ? what makes this shepheard here ?

cor.

i am cornelio : is it with me thou woo'dst ?

shep. if your name cornelio be , contentment and felicity i bring you : i am sent from one that doth call himselfe your sonne , yong antonio , who thus low would beg your blessing , prayes that no affliction too much you dismay for his absence , bad me say , if you daine suspend your care , a few houres , and repaire vnto the place of shepheards by , to grace their pleasures with your eye , antonio will himselfe declare , faithfully what causes were of his absence , and requite these dolours with a fresh delight : and so farewell . this is all : back againe i heare them call . exit shepheard . cor.

oh stay awhile .

ant.

he 's gon , sir : did i not tell you , antonio was not dead ? but this is strange .

cor.

doe i not dreame ?

ant.

antonio among the shepheards ? if he be there , i am drest ifaith : by any meanes , goe sir .

bub.

is antonio aliue againe ?

ruf.

yes verily , aliue againe , let not the hangman fright away your wits any longer .

bub.

i hope i shall choose my owne gallowes then . hillaria , you would not beleeue me : did i looke as i had kild any body ? now i hope you will hold me for an innocent hereafter .

cor. babulcus , pray' let vs haue your company , it doth concerne your freedome . antonio liuing ? rufaldo , let vs make a merry day on 't , if it be true . if ? i doe sinne against discretion to distrust it . o my starres , i doe acquit you all your iniuries , if you possesse me of antonio . neuer did man to blisse more willing goe . bub.

i am glad i am reprieu'd : come hillaria .

ant.

't were pretty if antonio bee multiplied : here 's tricks indeed , i am resolu'd to see what will the end of this confusion be .

exeunt . enter ienkin . ien.

neuer was ienkin in such wildernesse , her haue walked and trauelled creat deale of miles in these woods : but her can finde no end nor euasions , looke you : her haue read in histories , and relations , and kernicles , very famous knights , and praue sentilmen of valours and shiualries haue beene enchaunted , looke you , in castles and very strange dwellings , and towers , and solitary places , now was haue creat feares and suspicions , lest ienkin was fallen into some wisheries and coniurations , and was inchaunted , blesse vs awle in these desarts and wildernesses for her valours and magnanimities .

enter iocarello . ioc.

so ho , ho , master ienkin .

ien.

it is our pages agen . iocarello , where haue you beene ? you are very tilligent poyes , to lose your master thus .

ioc.

i was lost my selfe , had not a shepheard by chance found me , and carried me into his house vnder the ground , where with a great many of shepheardesses we sate vp all night in making garlands for some shew and pastimes to be done this day , which they call their festiuall : pray' , sir , since we haue run a wildgoose chase so long , let 's stay one day to see these sports and dancings .

ien.

sports and dances , say you ? take pleasures and delectations in dances ? very well , ienkin was knaw how to dance her selfe , was pred in awle sentilmans qualities , looke you , her will make no peregrinations backe till awle be done , and it may bee , was shake her legs in capers too , looke you now .

enter cornelio , rufaldo , antonio , bubulcus , hillaria . corn.

master ienkin , you are well met in these parts , i perceiue you are early this morning , to partake the pastimes of our shepheards .

ien.

good tayes and salutations , and cret deale of felities come to awle your vrships .

bub.

sir , my name is master bubulcus , and i am as good a gentleman .

ien.

as who pray you ? doo you make comparisons ?

bub.

i doe embrace your familiarities , and remaine your truest worme .

ien.

not too much wormes , nor familiarities pray you : ha pages , here is selinaes in her owne apparels and vestiments , awle was very true as our countrey-woman ecchoes was make reports : selina was gone back agen : very well : mistris selina's was very full of ioyes and exhillarations , to see you in these places , you knaw how greatly and ardently ienkin was taken with your peauties , and pulchritudes , cret while agoe : pray' when did you make returnes out of these woods ? ienkin had knowledge , and saw you in your shepheard apparels , and was make ambulations after you hither , out of meere amors and affections as her was true sentilman .

ant.

i make returne out of these woods ? i entred them but now .

ien.

well , you desire not to haue things declared , and puplished , her was keepe awle silences .

ant.

vpon my life you are mistaken quite in this , master ienkin .

ien.

oh , pray you make not ienkin ridicles , and derisions , looke you , shall heare no more of that matters , call you only to memories you promised loues to ienkin , pray you in matrimonies creat while agoe .

ant.

i deny not that , sir , but i know not why you haue long neglected me , and i am now married to rufaldo .

ien.

rufaldoes ? hit is not possible .

bub.

father , hee sayes it is impossible selina should bee your wife .

ruf.

how , not my wife ? i would faine see that .

ien.

is selina your wifes in truths and verities pray you ?

ruf.

doe you make question ? my wife ? i thinke there is some reason , shee is my very deare wife , i will assure you sir .

cor.

he has got a boy by this time .

ruf.

a boy ? well , i haue got something , a pox a your fingers . how saist ? is not something , done sweet-heart ?

ant.

yes , in my conscience something is done .

ien.

ienkin was neuer awle his dayes haue such iniuries and contumelies put vpon her : was euer sentilman thus abused ? haue her made repetitions and genealogies of her plood , for no matrimonies ? ienkin has peat the pushes , and rufaldoes has get the pirds . hum ! her loue not to make quarrels & prabbles , but ienkin could fight with any podies in the whole vrld , awle weapons , from the long pikes to the welsh-hookes , looke you now , no matrimonies ? her welsh-blood is vp , looke you .

cor.

master bubulcus .

ien.

master blew-pottles , haue you any stomakes or appetites to haue any plowes or knogs vpon your costards , looke you ?

bub.

no great stomack at this time , sir , i thanke you : alas , i haue 'em euery day , they are no nouelties with me .

cor.

come , master ienkin , i now perceiue you lou'd my daughter , if you had acquainted me in time , i should not haue beene vnwilling to haue cald you sonne , but since 't is too late , let your wisedome checke impatience : i know you are of a noble temper , howsoeuer passion may a little cloud your vertues , le ts be all friends i pray .

ien.

here is very cood honest words , yes , looke you , ienkin is in awle amities and friendships , but —

cor.

oh , no more shooting at that but : harke , i heare the shepheards musicke , and voyce too , le ts sit downe i pray , antonio keepe thy word .

musicke . enter shepheards and shepheardesses with garlands . song . wood-men shepheards , come away , this is pans great holy-day , throw off cares , with your heauen aspiring aires helpe vs to sing while valleyes with your ecchoes ring . nymphes that dwell within these groues , leaue your arbours , bring your loues , gather poesies , crowne your golden haire with roses , as you passe foote like fayries on the grasse . ioy drowne our bowers , philomell , leaue of tereus rape to tell , let trees dance , as they at thracian lire did once , mountaines play , this is the shepheards holiday . dance . the song ended , enter a maske of satyres &c. and dance . enter a shepheardesse with a white rod . . shep. post hence satyres and giue way , for fairer soules to grace the day , and this presence , whip the aire with new rauishings , hence with care , by the forelocke hold time fast , lest occasion slip too fast away from vs , ioyes here distill . pleasures all your bosomes fill . exit . enter infortunio , selina , gasparo , felice , gorgon , shepheard . they dance . sel.

faire nymph , vouchsafe the honor to dance with me .

ant.

troth , sir , i cannot dance .

sel.

we know you are selina .

infor.

your hand , fairest .

. shep.

disdaine not , gentle sir .

ien.

pible pables , with awle her hearts , looke you .

gorg.

noble sir .

bub.

faire lady , at your seruice .

gasp.

i will not change .

fel.

nor i .

one measure . cor.

which is antonio ?

dance . ruf.

it will breake out anon .

sel.

you are a thiefe .

ant.

ha ?

sel.

you haue robd selina .

ant.

then i le make restitution , what are you ?

sel.

antonio .

ant.

the deuill you are ! faith , deale honestly with me , and i le be true to thee : who art ?

sel.

i am selina by my hopes of heauen .

ant.

ha , sister then !

sel.

i haue no brother but antonio .

ant.

and i am he . oh happinesse !

sel.

if thou beest antonio , what made thee assume my habit ?

ant.

of that anon . liues infortunio ?

sel.

hee s here , and with him gasparo and my sister the lost felice .

ant.

i am rauisht with this wonder .

sel.

keepe your face constant : the musicke calls .

dance . cor.

ha , what meanes this ?

ant.

selina .

fel.

your blessing , sir , we are your children .

cor.

who 's this ?

sel.

i am selina , sir .

ant.

and i am antonio .

cor.

amazement : thou antonio ? he selina ?

ruf.

ha , how 's this , my wife become a man ? i confesse she plaid the man with me .

cor.

but who is this ?

fel. i am felice , sir , your long lost daughter , found out by gasparo , vnto whom my vowes in heauen were long since sacred , and i beg once more he may be mine . sel. as i to be possest by infortunio here . cor. stay children , stay : take heed , you doe not know what strength of ioy my fainting age can beare : you fall in too full showres , like swelling nile these comforts will exceed the narrow bankes of my poore frailty : rise , enioy your wishes , and my blessings be multiplyed vpon you . ha! rufaldo , here 's felice my lost girle , take her , take her , gasparo . selina , art not thou rufaldo's wife ? ant. no , sir , i ventured that , he knowes me well , hillaria and i were bed fellowes , at his request . bub.

how ? hillaria and you bedfellowes ? i 'de laugh at that .

ruf.

i am abus'd , disgrac'd , vndone .

cor.

nay , rufaldo .

bub.

why then , it seemes you were antonio , that i kild so , and you haue , as a man should say , line with hillaria beforehand .

ant.

i am not behind hand .

bub.

nay , and you haue tickled her before and behind , tickle her all ouer for bubulcus .

ien.

harke you , is there another selina's ? blesse vs awle , here is very praue loue-trickes , looke you .

ruf.

blessing on him : why he hath made stockfish on me , hee has beaten away all my inclination to giue my blessing .

cor.

come , vpon recollection , you must make it a bargaine : they haue , it seemes , bought and sold already , 't is past recouery , he shall be worthy of her .

hil.

sir , that you may with more alacrity let fall your blessings : know , our bloods are pure , antonio and your daughter are as chaste from any sinfull act , as when wee were first mantled after birth .

ruf.

ha , saist so ?

ant.

't was none of my fault , i am sure .

ruf.

then my blessings to you : come , y' are both my children .

bub.

how ?

cor.

amen , and mine : why i am rapt beyond my selfe with ioyes . infortunio , fate hath effected that i beg'd of heauen in many prayers for you , oh my blisses .

bub.

so , so , i am guld , my house taken o're my head ?

gorg.

sir , you know who i am , i am yet walking terra incognita , i haue a great minde to bubulcus , you know what i haue suffered for him , and so forth .

gasp.

let me alone , so , so : then pleasures runne with a streame vpon vs , but if we shall make a full day on 't , here 's one more to meet with her match , this poore virgin hath beene long in loue with bubulcus : troth , sir , looke vpon her at length pittifully complayning : alas good soule , be honest at length : prethee doe , and marry her , you know what has past betweene you , 't is a handsome wench .

bub.

vmh , i doe remember she was in loue with mee , and so was twenty more : what 's that to me ? alas , would you haue me descend so low ?

gorg.

oh , sir , you sung another song in my mothers dairy , when we sate vp all night together , and had a sack posset .

all . bub.

i doe remember such a thing , but what 's that ? i le take 't vpon me .

gorg.

i beseech you , gentlemen , speake for mee , for i will haue him , i am asham'd to shew my reasons .

bub.

very small ones : away you durty queane .

inf.

what , has he got thee with child ?

gorg.

more then that , sir .

fel.

has he had any bastards ?

gorg.

indeed mistris , i le tell you ; hee hath begot three children of my body .

inf.

fie vpon 't , no lesse then three bastards .

bub.

how ? nay , she lies falsly , i got but two , so many i will acknowledge , because they shall not doubt my sufficiency , had i any more then two ? speake you lying whore

gasp.

sir , i tender your credit , there is but two waies either you must marry her , or giue her a piece of money that 's the easiest way , she is poore : for your reputation —

bub.

what doe you thinke will content the whore ?

ien.

harke you , best for you , make some satisfactions to this sentilwoman , or senkin was learne you more ho and behauiours towards these vmans , warrant you master blew pottles .

gasp.

a matter of twenty or thirty pieces , you can spare them .

bub.

you strumpet , here 's twenty pieces for you : doe you heare ? keepe well the boyes then : but you shal sweare , before these gentlemen , you will neuer claime marriage : there , be an honest woman hereafter .

gorg.

yes , beare witnesse , gentlemen , i doe accept his wise beneuolence , and will neuer trouble him with marriage — while gorgon liues .

all .

gorgon ?

gorg.

your seruant , and your pardons : nay , gorgon has had his deuices and vagabunduloes as well as the best on yee : giue you all ioy , i wish you wit , sir .

bub.

i am foold of all sides , was i borne a foole ?

all .

ha , ha .

ien.

stay you , master double colours , there bee more fooles in the busines as your selfe : well ienkin , were euen best make shurneyes back into her owne countreyes , and neuer put credits or conferences in any womans in the whole vrld : they all lie and coozen , and make derisions out awle measures .

inf. nay , nay , gentlemen , let 's all together wee 'le drowne all discontents this day with wine . let 's take vp all our fates then , and proclaime this day new festiuals in hymens name . bub.

stay a little , and i le along with you . since i haue mist my wench , i le aske these gentlemens good wils to a second match , in stead of an epilogue .

courteous spectators , and kinde gentlemen . — gor.

why , how now ? what , are you mad ? will you speake the epilogue ? though you haue plaid a foole in the play , you will not show your selfe an asse before all this company . the epilogue ? i hope i am the wiser ath ' two , and the better read in complement .

iudicious gentlemen — ien.

harke you , master double-colours , and you goody gorgons , here is one wiser , asses you both , to pronounce the epilogue , warrant you , and one , that knawes — to speake in as good english , gentlemen , now sans complement .

our loue-trickes haue beene shewne , and we attend to know if your acceptance crowne the end , the world is full of trickes, but it will be to these of 〈…〉 contentment dwell on you we 〈…〉 play thieves well , which 〈…〉 call , that we might proue 〈…〉 your loue . 〈…〉 finis .
machine-generated castlist a -bubulcus a -gorgon a -antonio a -gasparo a -rufaldo a -infortunio a -jenkin a -selina a -cornelio a -hilaria a -felice a -echo a -jocarello a - _shepherd a -delia a -medulla a -gentleman a -servant a -oldman a -shepherdess a -all a -unassigned a -ingeniolo a -clark a - _shepherd a -oldman_son a -clerk a - _shepherd
textual notes

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●ifter make vs all mad , thou knowest i lou'd a sister of thine once , but heauen knowes where br●st you as queene , passe by my outside : my brest i dare compare with any man . who●● though it be not to be pearced by the dull 〈◊〉 whose beame is spent on outward shapes , there th●r● whose beame is spent on outward shapes , there is a way to make a search into hiddenst yo● with my merchant if you loue me , and if you 〈◊〉 it , second me . gorg●n goe to gorgon , let's see thy window . w●●●ow goe to gorgon , let's see thy window . and●am why , and am not i ? is not the fellow drunke ? i w●der are you in loue ? nay , the wóder is not so great ; who can expresse the power wi●es courtiers , that run madding after citizens wiues : the citizens are mad too , to trust em ●ad who , i a wit ? i thought you had ' more wit , then to make such a question brane , and expect to heare from me shortly my braue delphicke , i haue it in embrio , and i itroth i troth the ditty is as pretty an ayer as awte merits say you ? awle merits are awle banished our countries and ferses and contemplations , to make ditties and verses vpon her mistris beauties and pulchritudes your often in the middle , and vntagd in the end ; you are to present malefactors , whereof you ●ldest yeares together , 'tis pitty , but thou the eldest haue fifty writer , to propagate honest veluer for refusing sattin gownes , and veluet petticots , turning backe capons at christinas lika enter felice like a shepheardesse , selina , shepheards . ●uery proud to touch , are by his touch profaned euery houre : oh , this makes me mad , but i will loft creatures : blesse vs awle , iocarello is lost too , cannot tell where , in these mazes inuentus he had beene a good fellow , but , non est iuuentus , well , my stocke is spent , but with this sighting bubulcus be valiant or not , but not a word of fighting , as you loue me , let it dye . your sword , and stand vpon your guard , we know you are valiant , that could kill antonio so makrimoniall he is now about to commit matrimoniall businesse with a young girle i wisse . bother's i haue it , my brother's lost : ile send a shepheard in antonio's gui●ty put my whole body into palsey : my hands guilty ? i can wash my hands cleane of it , i neuer supicions solitary places , now was haue creat feares and suspicions , lest ienkin was fallen into some wisheries creatly to see you in these places , you knaw how greatly and ardently ienkin was taken with your confess● ha , how's this , my wife become a man ? i confesse she plaid the man with me . thr● indeed mistris , ile tell you ; hee hath begot three children of my body . toget●●● nay , nay , gentlemen , let's all together wee'le drowne all discontents this day with loue-●●●kes our loue-trickes haue beene shewne , and we attend to know kno● loue-trickes haue beene shewne , and we attend to know 〈…〉 acceptance crowne the end , the world
the sisters shirley, james this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (wing s ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. martin mueller incompletely or incorrectly transcribed words were reviewed and in many cases fixed by hannah bredar lydia zoells this text has not been fully proofread earlyprint project evanston il, notre dame in, st.louis, washington mo distributed under a creative commons attribution-noncommercial . unported license a .xml early english books online. the sisters, a comedie, as it was acted at the private house in black fryers: written by james shirley. never printed before. shirley, james, - . dpi tiff images (displayed as gif) and xml-encoded text (displayed as html). university of michigan library ann arbor, michigan november (tcp phase ) a wing (cd-rom, ) s greg ii, (unm) e

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 the sisters, a comedie, as it was acted at the private house in black fryers: written by james shirley. never printed before. shirley, james, - . [ ], , [ ] p. printed for humphrey robinson at the three pigeons, and humphrey moseley at the prince's armes in st. paul's church-yard, london : . reproduction of original in the folger shakespeare library, washington, d.c.. eng a shc the sisters shirley, james hannah bredar lydia zoells play tragicomedy shc no a r (wing s ). athis text has no known defects that were recorded as gap elements at the time of transcription. incorporated ~ , textual changes made to the shc corpus by hannah bredar, kate needham, and lydia zoells between april and july during visits, separately or together, to the bodleian, folger and houghton libraries as well as the rare book libraries at northwestern university and the university of chicago

the sisters , a comedie , as it was acted at the private house in black fryers ,

written by james shirley .

never printed before .

london , printed for humphrey robinson at the three pigeons , and humphrey moseley at the prince's arms in st. paul's church-yard . .

to the most worthily honoured william paulet esquire . sir ,

compositions of this nature , have heretofore been graced by the acceptance , and protection of the greatest nobility ( i may say princes ) but in this age , when the scene of drammatick poetry is changed into a wilderness , it is hard to find a patron to a legitimate muse . many that were wont to encourage poems , are faln beneath the proverbiall want of the composers , and by their ruins are only at leasure to take measure with their eye , of what they have been . some extinguished with their fortune , have this happiness , to be out of capacity of further shipwrack , while their sad remaynes peep out of the sea , and may serve naked marks , and caution to other navigators , malignant stars the while ! in this unequall condition of the time , give me leave to congratulate my own felicity , that hath directed this comedy unto you , who wear your nobleness with more security , than titles , and a name that continues bright and impassible among the constellations in our sphear of english honour . i dare not detain you , sir , with too long a preface ; if you please to entertain these papers , as the modest tender of my service , i shall receive it as a most kind influence upon me ; and you will engage to all your commands , the humble heart of

sir , your faithfull honourer , ja. shirley .
prologue at the black-fryers . does this look like a term ? i cannot tell , our poet thinks the whole town is not well , has took some physick lately , and for fear of catching cold dares not salute this ayr . but ther 's another reason , i hear say london is gone to york , 't is a great way ; pox o' the proverb , and of him say i , that look'd ore lincoln , cause that was , must we be now translated north ? i could rail to on gammar shiptons ghost , but 't wo' not doe , the town will still be flecking , and a play though ne'r so new , will starve the second day : upon these very hard conditions , our poet will not purchase many towns ; and if you leave us too , we cannot thrive , i 'l promise neither play nor poet live till ye come back , think what you do , you see what audience we have , what company " to shakespear comes , whose mirth did once beguile " dull hours , and buskind , made even sorrow smile , " so lovely were the wounds , that men would say " they could endure the bleeding a whole day : he has but few friends lately , think o'th at , hee 'l come no more , and others have his fate . " fletcher the muses darling , and choice love " of phoebus , the delight of every grove ; " vpon whose head the laurel grew , whose wit " was the times wonder , and example yet , 't is within memory , trees did not throng , as once the story said to orpheus song . " johnson , t' whose name , wise art did bow , and wit " is only justified by honouring it : " to hear whose touch , how would the learned quire " with silence stoop ? and when he took his lyre , " apollo dropt his lute , asham'd to see " a rival to the god of harmonie . you do forsake him too , we must deplore this fate , for we do know it by our door . how must this author fear then , with his guilt of weakness to thrive here , where late was spilt the muses own blood , if being but a few , you not conspire , and meet more frequent too ? there are not now nine muses , and you may be kind to ours , if not , he bad me say , though while you careless kill the rest , and laugh , yet he may live to write your epitaph .
persons . farnese , prince of parma . contarini , a noble man . antonio , uncle to the sisters . frapolo , the chief bandit . longino bandits . strozzo bandits . rangino bandits . pachequo bandits . lucio , paulina's steward . giovanni servants to paulina . stephanio servants to paulina . fabio . piperollo , sonne to fabio . countrymen . citizens . petitioners . a scholar . pulcheria disguised , and under the name of vergeria paulina sisters . angellina sisters . morulla , wife to fabio . gentlewomen .

scene parma .

the sisters .
act i. enter frapolo , longino , pacheco , rangone , strozzo , and other banditi . lon. i like not this last proclamation . ra. nor i . st. it startled me to read it . fr. did you read ? t is a fault strozzo a fault i 'l have no theef hereafter learn to read ; threaten us with long winded proclamations ? we are safe within our woods , and territories , and are above his edicts ; have not wee a common-wealth among our selves , ye tripolites ? a common-wealth ? a kingdom ; and i am the prince of qui-vala's , your sovereign theef , and you are all my subjects . lo. we are � fr. and is there one so base to change complexion , because we are proscrib'd ? i 'l be no prince . i have a grudging on me to be honest , and leave you to the fear of hemp , and hunger ; have i by stratagems so oft preserv'd you , when you were howling out your lives , and lead a way in dog-couples by rusty officers ? and are you struck dead with a paper pellet ? your bloud turn'd whay , because there is reward promis'd to bring our heads in ? i renounce you � land rats � pa. most excellent frapolo , they recant ; a little humane frailty may be pardon'd . fr. shall theeves , whose predecessors have been kings , and conquer'd worlds , be factious , and schismaticall ? i speak not for my self , but your own sakes , whose impudence , and art in valiant theft , hereafter , may advance you to be princes . lo. you have confirmed us . fr. you were best be rogues , and one betray another , to get the base reward ; do , lose your honour , live branded , and be pointed at i' th street , there goes a rascall that betrai'd his prince , or cut the throat of his comrade , this will shew well i' th' chronicles � stand fair you varlets , because we cannot tell whose heart is treacherous , i will examine all your phisnomies , and in whose face soever i can find a scandalous line , or look that may beget suspition of a man that wo'not die an honourable rebell , and defie the laws , i 'le shoot him presently . lo. hang laws , and those that make 'em , conscience is a varlet ; stand fair and shew complexions . fr. ye are all valiant , honest theeve landers , and i will be your prince agen , and dy w' ee , as boldly , as they dare invent � ra. hang cowards . fr. i will not have you theeves among your selves . lo. how 's that , and please thy excellence , not theeves ? fr. not theeves one to another ; but religious � there is a kind of a religion we outlaws must observe . st. i never knew religion yet , and 't will be now unseasonable to learn . ra. i 'l be of no religion . fr. who was so bold to say he would have no religion ? what man is he , hopes to be drunk , to whore , to scape the wheels , the gallies , and the gallowes and be of no religion ? lo. he says right . fr. yee shall be of what religion i please . pa. t is fit we should , frapolo is our monarch . fr. and yet i must consider of some fit one that shall become our trade and constitutions ; hum ! silence . str. nay , nay prince , take time to think on 't , ther 's no hast . fr. i have thought , and you shall be no pagans , jews , nor christians . lo. what then ? fr. but every man shall be of all religions . ra. i like that well . fr. why should i clog your conscience , or confine it ? do but obey your prince , and i pronounce you shall live grandees , till the state phangs catch you , and when you come unto the wheel , or gibbet , bid figo for the world , and go out martyrs . omnes . a prince , a prince ! fr. provided , that no theef makes a confession at his death , or peach his tribe , or make a shew of penitence , to make the butter-women melt , and draw compassion from the toothless musty rabble ; this will exclude the benefit of that canon declares you martyrs for the cause . a noise within . exit longino . scout and discover . ra. t is a howling voice . fr. what cry was that ? enter longino . lo. of one , whose pocket has given up the ghost , and with the fear his body should do so , he howles o'th is fashion . they put on vizards . fr. bring him to our presence . piperollo brought in . pi. gentlemen , t is very cold , i beseech you do not strip my skin off , you are not sure i shall go to a fire when i go out of this world ; and yet as i am , i confesse i shall yield very little burn'd . lo. knock out his brains . pa. pistoll him . st. cut's throat . pi. gentlemen , hear me � i am very sorry , i had no greater sum � but if you please to reprieve a poor wretch , i may do you service , and if you knew my inclination , you would not be too cruell . fr. to what are you inclin'd sirra ? pi. i have been commended for a dexterity at your fellonious trade ; for gentlemen , i have been a pickpocket of a child , and have these many years been thought a pretty house-theef , mary i have not yet breeding abroad with such deserving men , but i shall be most glad to learn , and if you please t' accept me to your tribe , i have intelligence where money lyes hid , and very few spirits to guard it . fr. be confident , and be cover'd . lo. let him be one of us . fr. be brief , where is this treasure ? pi. i have an old father , and mother , gentlemen , please you bestow a visit upon them ; they have some goldfinches , having new sold a peece of land , was given 'em by the rich vincenzo , father to the famous , proud paulina , now his heir . lo. the glorious daughter of old vincenzo ? she 's a semiramis . pi. the very same ; if you would visit her , i am acquainted with the house . fr. wee 'l take a time to think on her ; to th' point . what ready money has your father sirra ? pi. t is but two days ago since he receiv'd six hundred pistolets , i can direct to a cedar chest , where the fine sum lies dormant . st. what servants has your father ? pi. alas none , they are miserable hinds , and make me all the drudge , you need not fear the court-du-guard ; if you please let me go an honest theeves part , and furnish me with a devills complexion , to hide my own , i will conduct you . fr. a very honest fellow ! pi. i do not love to be ingratefull where i 'm kindly us'd , my heart is honest . fr. is he thy own father ? pi. my own father and mother sir , the cause would not be so naturall else , and meritorious . fr. a precious rogue , fit him instantly with a disguise , and let him have that face the devill wore in the last anti-masque . pi. it cannot be too ugly sir to fright 'em . fr. but if he fail in any circumstance � pi. 't is not far off , i know the nearest way . fr. or give the least suspition to betray you , be sure you cut his throat . lo. we shall . pi. i thank you sir , d' ee think i 'l be a traytor ? lo. come first along with us . exeunt . fr. you heard this fellow name the proud paulina , her chests are worth the rifling . pa. the castle is impregnable she lives in . fr. was that spoke like an understanding theef , a true bandit ? how i do blush for thee ? was not the orchard of hesperides watcht by a fierce , and flaming dragon , robd ? shall wee despair to reach her golden apples ? wee 'l make discovery of the place , and persons , put it to fate , let stars do what they please ; mercury is a stronger theef than hercules . exeunt . enter giovanni stephanio . gio. what a brave time have we had , since our old master died ? st. though he were a gallant man , his daughter makes his memory burn dym , and ( compar'd to her ) he liv'd but like a hermit in a cell , she is all magnificent , a berenice , every hair of her head worth stellyfying . gio. but my lady , for so we must call her , may be of kin to lucifer for pride ; how many brave gentlemen hath she despis'd , when once their blister of love broke out , and they made offer of mariage ? enter antonio , angellina . ste. here is her sister angellina a virgin of another constitution , their two natures as different are , as the two poles , our mistress cannot be so tyrannically proud as she is sweet , and humble . gio. that 's the reason her father left her only as much as would commend her to a nunnery . st. her uncle dotes upon her . gio. he does love her . st. t is an old blunt brave fellow ; but he has quite lost our gallant ladies good opinion , he is out of grace . ex. ant. ang. gio. because he would correct her insolence , who oblig'd by her father to the care of her governour , wo'not tie up his counsell , which he enforces sometimes so passionately , it is a sport to hear her contempt of his gravity . enter paulina , antonio . he has met my lady , i see a quarrell in their looks already , let us withdraw behind that lobby , we may hear , and laugh securely . exeunt . an. how long have you been speechless ? am not i your uncle ? why do you look so scurvily ? i do not think you are a princesse yet , and therefore take the boldness to salute you , without the ceremony of petitioners that haunt your ladiships charity ; or if you thought me despicable , your sister has deserv'd your smile . pa. it may be so � an. buffoones , that make an idoll of you , and can pawn their souls to flatter you , should be entertaind , and courted to your vanity . i blush for you ; will nothing bring you into sense of honour or modesty ? i ha done . pa. it will become you ; you do presume too much . an. presume ? why , are not you paulina am not i antonio your uncle ? speak . pa. i do remember sir , i calld you so , while you preserv'd your wits , and may acknowledge you again , upon sober conditions , and your senses perfect . an. sober conditions ? am i drunk , gipsey ? what flesh is able to forbear . dost hear ? thou hast drunk a devill . pa. i did not see him in my cup . an. and he has sweld thee to this monstrous pride , more than thy sex beside ; if thou goest on at this rate , thou wilt make lucifer an ape , he must be thy disciple . pa. the old thing raves . an. thing ? what thing ? thank heaven thou art a woman ; i would beat thee into a poltise � when didst thou say thy prayers ? pa. you know i keep a chaplain . an. thy soul wants desperate lancing ; ther 's an eternall ulcer in thy heart , te witches cannot suck it dry , there is a bath of poyson in thee . pa. i shall pity him ; a posset , and to bed with him , his head does want the benefit of sleep ; how wild the good man looks ? an. thou art � pa. the mistress of this castle as i take it , without your legacy . an. i could rail upon the dead for 't ; dost thou not fear thy fathers ghost should haunt thee ? pa. i never think upon him , and it was his providence to leave me an estate , to keep me from those malancholy fancies , and i will have you my caprichious uncle know , in the circle of these my dominions , i will have no competitor . an. dominions ? was ever such an insolence ? are not you ome queen conceald ? pa. i am independent , and sole regent here . an. so so , where 's your nobility ? they are to blame not to attend � pa. who waits ? enter giovanni , stephanio . an. but they do want white staves , this is not state enough . pa. it shall be mended , let them be remembred . an. she 's in earnest � and if i were worthy to advise you madam , your grace should be a little more reserv'd , and entertain none that did treat of mariage to your private conference , untill they had in publick receiv'd audience like ambassadors . pa. i like the counsell well , it shall be so , the next that comes shall find it my good uncle . an. she 's incorrigible . what if you commanded those that do attend your person to observe you on their knees sometimes , they must be humble to your highness ; i can forget my gray hairs , name , and bloud , and teach your servants duty . pa. the example will edifie the houshold , and you may , by fair degrees rise to our princely favour . enter lucio . lu. madam , the lord contarini is arrived the castle . pa. he comes a woing to me , let it be your office reverend uncle to acquaint him , our pleasure is to give him audience to morrow in full state , untill when uncle , make it your care his entertainment be such as becomes the greatness of his bloud , and one , on whom the prince , we know , bestows his speciall grace . an. d' ee hear sweet niece ? be not you transporte this is no dream , the man is no mock-lord . pa. i 'l be a princess here , as you directed , if he can humble himself to ceremony , promise him honourable access , and freedom , if the conditions please him not , he may return , and leave our court . exeunt an. is this in nature ? well i 'l follow her , and if she be not past all shame , and senses , i will humble or confound her . ex
act ii. enter longino , strozzo , binding fabio , and morulla . mo. ah sweet gentlemen , we are very poor , and have a great charge . str. we do come to ease you of your charge . fa. pity my age . st. you must then pity our youth . enter piperollo visarded with three bags . pi. here , share and share like . mo. alas we are undone . st. what shall we do with them ? pi. if you have bound her hands and feet , you may try whether she be a witch or no , there 's a pond in the backside , if she swim , so � for him ? fa. have some compassion , t is our whole estate . lo. you have a son , a pious child we hear . st. he will not let you want . mo. alas poor boy , he little thinks what we with care and providence laid up for him should thus be lost . o pity gentlemen . pi. boh � le ts away . st. i begin to find a kind of a compunction , let us be charitable theeves for once � lo. and return half , what say you ? pi. not a gazet , y' are not such foolish theeves ; part with present money ? part with my life first . st. not to your parents ? pi. we use them well , because we do not carry their cowes away ; there they have cheese , and butter , bread comes by nature , and they both can glean , there 's water in the well too ; not a penny � if you will be so charitable , defalk from your own shares , mine is a just theeves part ; i look for thanks , distribute your own alms ; these things must be employ'd to better uses . is a father , and mother considerable to ready mony ; oh ! fie � boh ! st. then we must over-rule you . trips up his heels . pi. ah what do you mean ? st. baul and betray your self at your own perill . we will be bold with your theeves part � come neerer � look you good woman , you shall not lose your thirds , say you have met with honest theeves ; this shall suffice at present , which we but borrow neither , that you may not suspect our payment , you shall have security , this honest man bound for 't , and so we leave you . fa. t is money . mo. and left one of their fellows bound . fa. do we not dream wife ? i dare not come neer him . mo. they are gone , i 'l see his complexion ; who 's this ? fa. our own son piperollo ? pi. pray father give me your blessing , ah � mother do not stone me to death with that money bag , i am your son . mo. my son ? i know thee not . pi. a liar , you know mother , is worse than a theef ; do not destroy the hopes of your family , alas , i was drawn in , and made a theef in my own defence , they swore to cut my throat else , do you think i had so little grace � mo. did they so ? i 'l try what i can do . she draws her knife . pi. oh my quibibles ! sweet mother , remember you were a woman in your days , that knew what 's what , and the true difference of things . i am a man yet , your forgivenesse may make me a true man . libbing , and hanging are no helps to posterity , i am your own sweet flesh and bloud � oh . mo. kick him out of doors . pi. i thank you , this correction may do me good ; gently , ah gently ; shall i not ask you blessing , a twelve-month hence ? both . never . pi. i wo'not . my mother has a deadly lift with her leg . fa. boh , you tadpole . exeunt . pi. i shall do no good o'th is trade . now to my wits , this is no world to starve in . exit enter lucio , giovanni , stephanio , with white staves . lu. this is very fine ; do not these staves become us ? but will my lady be thus mad , and give the lord contarini audience in such state ? she takes upon her like a very princess . gio. but is 't not strange , her uncle should thus humor her ? ste. he gave her the first hint , which she pursues to his vexation . luc. but will my lord stoop to this mockery ? gio. he is prepar'd by her uncle ; 't wil be sport , if she but carry it with pride enough . gio. let her alone . st. and if my lord wants confidence � gio. i think her impudence will make him blush , and put him out ; i have seen a counterfeit with such a majesty compose himself , he thought himself a prince , could frown as scornfully , and give his hand out to great lords to kiss , with as much grace , as all the royall bloud had musterd in his veins . lu some monarch of innes a court in england sure ; but when his reign expires , and christmas in the grave cold as the turkies coffind up in crust , that walk like ghosts , and glide to severall tables , when instruments are hoarse with sitting up , when the gay triumph ceases , and the treasure divided , all the offices laid up , and the new cloathes in lavender , what then ? gio. why then the man that kist his highness hand o'r night , may justle him for the wall next morning , and have it too ; if he come off with all his wits , the play is paid for , and he fit for travell . enter contarini , antonio , vergerio , they whisper . my ladies uncle , and the lord contarini . ver. my lord contarini expects when he may have the happiness to present his service to your great lady . lu. we shall sir acquaint her . ver. your office sir ? lu. her steward . ver. yours i pray ? st. mine , treasurer . gio. mine , controller . ver. i kiss your hands ; this may be worth my lord curiosity . an. for the mirths sake , my lord be pleas'd , you may do an act of charity and restore her senses ; i 'l wait on you again . exit . con. now vergerio ? ver. the expectation is increas'd , her officers observe the state ; were your affections earnest and i my lord your mistresse , i should trust her pride . con. unless she ravish me . enter antonio . an. she 's upon entrance , her madness holds , your confidence may convert her , shee s my neece and i am sorry for it . enter paulina attended in state , angellina , ladies . pa. give him accesse . con. what ladies that stands on her right hand ? an. her younger sister , that does vex me as much with her humility , as the other with her impudence . con. an excellent peece , vergerio . ver. which my lord ? con. madam , the glory of your time and nation , whose looks do shine with majesty , and shoot a flame t' undoe the admirer , o call in some beams that wait upon the thrones of light , or i shall fall your sacrifice , and not finish what my great master gave me in charge . lu. has the prince a mind to her himself . st. t is not impossible . pa. speak on my lord . an. gipsey , she does believe the lightning of her eys will blast indeed , how scornfully she squinnies con. i come from the great sovereign of hearts , whose glorious monarchy uncircumscrib'd , extends to all the habitable world , where ever land or lover stretch'd his arm , whose scepter 's not like that of common kings , but a bright golden shaft feather'd with sighs , and headed with a flame , which finds access , like subtill lightning to the most secure , and stubborn cell that ever yet inclos'd a humane thought � lu. he flies high . gio. t is his arrow � pa. speak this great name . con. the most immortall prince of love � gio. a high and mighty prince indeed . lu. t is not our prince of parma then ? con. unto your beauty madam , that makes sweet the breath of fame , in his name i am sent to offer up a servant , rich with wonder , and humble thoughts that honour you ; who can see those perfections and not adore the divine owner ? brightness that offends the innocent eye that gazes , is in you the cure of blindness , and the filmes that hang upon the humble sight , fall off and vanish , that it may take new life and light from you . an. is she not yet ridiculous to her self ? con. i can leave cupids court to live with you , and all those bowers , where an eternall spring makes every flower in love with it's own beauty . the wind whose airy wings convey all sweetness that sense can entertain , i would exchange but to be near your breath ; and think there dwels a harmony in your voice , above the airs of all those charming birds by love selected from every wood to be his quire . i fear i am too bold , and may be thought to wander ; if madam you accept my amorous vows , which live yet in the weak expression of him that honours you , time will produce a white and fortunate hour to crown our loves with nuptiall happiness . pa. you have relation to the court of parma , your name lord contarini , you have no message from you master ? con. madam your same hath fild his court , and he presents by me his princely wishes of your happiness , and should he see your person , like mine , his heart i fear would melt into a stream of love and admiration . pa. sir , we accept in good part greeting from the prince , but you have no commission to treat for him ; the substance of your own affair will ask our pause , we will take time to answer , which till you receive , you may command our court . exeunt paulina , servant angellina stayes . ver. proud folly ! ant. prodigious impudence ! con. what think you signior ? ant. i am confounded , i 'l to her agen . exit ang. when shall i awake ? this sure is but a dream , the gentleman cannot so much mistake his time and language . con. i came with curiosity to see her pride so talk'd of , but my heart i feel is taken with an object of true sweetness . is 't not a lovely figure ? say vergerio . ver. if but her mind answer that fair proportion , my lord she is worth love , but being sister to a woman of such pride � con. i prethee leave me . ver. she is very beautifull ; my lord is taken . exit . con. lady , but that ther 's story for your births , i should make judgment by your modest face , this arrogant woman could not be your sister . ang. sir , if your expectation be not answered with her full worth , i shall beseech you name her with less disgrace , ( our bloud so neer ) it cannot be gratefull to my ear , to hear her blemishes . con. i was prepar'd before to meet this goodness ; these words and looks become that innocent spring from whence they flow , vertue hath such an army about your heart , ther 's nothing can approach ill to betray it , or proceed from you but warranted by honour . an. i know not , but sure my lord , you talk too fine a language for me to understand ; we are far from court , where though you may speak truth , you cloath it with such trim and gay apparell , we that only know her in plainness , and simplicity , cannot tell how to trust our ears , or know , when men dissemble . con. by your own love to truth , you must beleeve me , when i say , although it took beginning from this visit , i love no beauty but your self . ang. you said you lov'd my sister , and exprest your passion in such mighty phrase and fancie i thought your soul had made a business on 't , pardon the weakness of my faith if i dare not believe this change . con. your sister , lady , i came to visit , not affect , i heard , and had a purpose but to try how neer the wonder of her pride ( pardon sweet virgin ) came to a truth , nor did i court her with the language of a meaning lover ; but prepared by your vncle , meant to make her see her miserable folly ; i dare not present such mockeries to you ; suspect not this hasty address ; by your fair self , i love you . ang. my lord , if i beleev'd this , reall courtship , i should not entertain your honour with a a fruitless expectation , but declare , besides my want of fortune , beauty , birth , to make me worth your love , i am already contracted by my father to religion , whose will i cheerfully obey , and wait when my good uncle will dispose me to a nunnery . con. a nunnery ? ang. where for so great an honour you pretend to me a most unworthy maid , i 'l offer up my prayers , that you may choose a heart more equall to your own love , and greatness . enter antonio , paulina , and servants . con. nay you must not leave me so , we are interrupted , you may trust me fair one with a neerer conference . exeunt . pa. alas poor old man . ant. the old man before your borrowed ladiship is bold to keep his head warm , and to tell you you are a puppet , take that to your title ; of honour . pa. so sir , none restrain his insolence ? ant. i 'l make him swallow down his staff of office that stirs . i ha'not done . canst be so impudent to think his lordship does not laugh at thee ? your eys the thrones of light ? a brace of lanthorns , in which two snufs of candle close to th' socket , appear like fire-drakes , and will serve to light a traveller into a ditch . you madam majesty , and the glory of a nation ? tho' art a disease to honour , modesty , a feaver in thy fathers bloud , a gangren upon his name , a pox upon thee for 't ; ther 's one disease more , yet i have not done . pa. my charity may invite , if these fits hold , some close provision for you 'mong mad men ; i do command you leave my house . ant. i wo'not , i 'l fire the house ; dost hear ? thou wo't burn well , th' ast oil enough about thy face , and all thy body pitch , very combustible . but i 'l not be damn'd for thee , now i think on 't , and since no counsell will prevail , i 'l save my self . before i go , give but a reason why thou dost slight this gallant lord , and squint as if he were groom or foot man . pa. i 'l tell you , you would have the truth . ant. if thou canst speak any . pa. i do esteem my self more equall for his master . ant. who , the prince ? pa. no , the blind prince of love , you are wise uncle , but i am out of poetry . ant. i think i were best cut off thy head , and save the laws a labour � ther 's no talking to her . pa. i am of your mind uncle , you may edifie your charge , my younger sister , she 's not proud , pray take her w' ee , shee 'l become the cloister ; go , and be mortified together , take her , i am weary of her . ant. and i of thee ; she shall be further oft too , thou 'lt infect her , although her foolish father , ( yet he was my brother ) i have not power to speak well o' th' dead , gave thee his whole estate , i have a fortune , dost thou hear ? i have , and to vex thee , thy sister shall have that , i 'l see , and i can make her proud , i 'l do 't ; she shall have servants , suters , fidlers , flatterers , fine cloathes , and all the food that can provoke to glorifie her sense ; i have bags to spare , she shall not to a nunnery to vex thee , i say again she shall not , wee 'l have humours ; the to'ther pox upon thee , and farewell . pa. i fear he 's mad indeed . let me have musick , this talk has made me melancholy . exeunt .
act iii . enter lucio , piperollo . lu. for thy mothers sake thou shalt be entertain'd . pi. an under butler would fit me rarely , ther 's none i' th' house that shall be sooner drunk , nor oftner for my ladies credit sir . lu. can you write ? pi. and read in print sir . lu. art thou faithfull ? may a man trust thee ? pi. for more than i 'l speak on ; trusted ? i was bound for two gentlemen lately , that could not take up five hundred pistols upon other security , my father and mother knows it ; i shall never endure a theef for a thing that i know , alas you know i am a neighbors child , my mother was your good ladies nurse . lu. do not i know thy mother ? pi. better it may be , than i know my father . lu. till some office fall i' th' house , you shall serve me , and ride with me , to receive my ladies rents . enter controller giovanni . gio. mr. steward , yonder are the rarest fellows , in such phantasticall habits too , they call themselves mathematicians . lu. what do they come for ? gio. to offer their service to my lady , and tell fortunes . lu. have they no chief ? gio. yes a quaint philosophicall fellow , they call him a caldean , a great schollar , they do not come for money like your starch'd fac'd egyptians , but carry things for the credit of the mathematiques honourably ; my lady hath given the caldean her nativity , who is to consult with the ephemerides , and give account how the stars wil dispose of her . pi. we shall know all our fortunes then . gio. the worst of his train can discipher hands , tell foreheads . pi. and noses . gio. one at the first sight did but whisper to my ladies gentlewoman , and she did so blush through her tiffany . pi. that 's no great matter , i have seen one blush through a plaister of paris . lu. how 's that ? pi. a kind of french painting sir . gio. well said piperollo ; i have entertain'd him ; but my lady . enter paulina , gentlewomen . pa. the caldean pleases me , i long to hear my fortune , if it be good he shall have a reward to cherish his great art , and worth my bounty ; what if my stars should frown ? didst bid 'em follow ? ste. they are all ready madam . pi. musicall knaves . enter longino , rancone , pacheco , strozzo , in queint disguises . a song . beauty and the various grace , that adorn the sweetest faces , here take their glorious throne ; may be that is the god of archerie , never aim one angry dart , but soft , and gentle as your heart , court it with flame , and rich perfume , to light , and sweeten , not consume . pa. not the caldean come yet ? my thoughts are inflam'd with fierce desire to know my destiny ; you have skill gentlemen ; but i 'l expect the judgment of your master on my fate ; when the great man of art returns acquaint me . exit . ste. come my friends , le ts lose no time ; sir . lo. i am for you to the extent of my art signiour . ra. if it please you , let me peruse your hand . lu. 't is at your service . pi. please you to examine my palm ; can you tell me learned sir , what is past ? pa. you know that already . pi. 't will be a satisfaction to me , if you can make it appear , that you know something in that point . lo. a fracture in the mercuriall line , and the mount of saturn ill characted i you are strazzo picks neer a misfortune sir . stephani . pocket . ra. jupiters mount is well form'd and colour'd a cross conspicuous , the suns mount well figur'd , and linea solis , without any intersection , lu. your iudgment upon that sir ? enter antonio . an. more anticks yet ? what nation have we here , fortune flingers ! sir . you shall know yours immediately . an. her house is open for these mountebanks , cheaters , and tumblers , that can foist and flatter my lady gugaw ; every office open , when poor men that have worth and want an alms , may perish ere they pass the porters lodge ; what are you sir ? str. one of the mathematicians noble signior . an. mathematicians ? mungrell , how durst thou take that learned name upon thee ? you are one of those knaves that stroul the country , and live by picking worms out of fools fingers . str. and something out of your trunks , my reverend cato . an. busie the raskals are , how the rogues stink ? i 'l send your regiment a quarter-master . exit . str. now to my other gamester . pa. you have been � pi. what sir ? pa. in your ear � a theef . pi. he has a devil ; good sir not too loud . pa. and you shall be � pi. hang'd i warrant you . pa. let me see tother hand . pi. shall it scape with burning ? ra. you shall be a lord . lu. a lord . ra. hum , yes , a lord infallibly . pa. you shall be a knight sir . pi. of the theeves order , and wear my rich collar of hemp ; is 't not so ? pa. an honourable knight , upon my word . lu. a lord � pray give your opinion . to longino . lo. your hand � you shall be a right worshipfull � lu. one of your tribe told me i should be a lord . str. and shall be us'd accordingly , lords are transitory . strozzo picks lucioes pocket . lo. let me see tother hand . i marry sir , this line cleeres the doubt , and markes you right honourable , which makes up the tother half of your fortune signior , these two parallell lines from the dexter angle to be the mount of sol , has made all plain , you must be a lord . pi. he has given you a very good reason sir , a man can have but half his fortune in one hand , and two right worshipfulls makes up one right honourable ; these are rare fellowes , i am predestinate to be a knight , the stars may do their pleasure , i obey . this should be the caldean . enter frapolo , castruchio he whispers to the rest . fr. i have narrowly observed the castle , and where the treasure lies , i know my lady in honour will entertain us this night , and when they are asleep wee 'l take our opportunity to rifle her exchequer , boyes , mean time let me alone to humour her proud nature ; i will so claw her ambition . lu. in the interim , i 'l put a question to his astrology . sir , if you please till my lady return to satisfie her seward , and oblige him by your art , one of your under mathematicks has given me a comfortable destinie . fr. your hand . when were you born ? lu. i know not sir . ran. a lord � r. whispers fr. no matter , venus in the ascendent with sol , being lady of your seventh ; hum , hum , with iupiter , designes you to be a lord . lu. they all agree ; the miracle of learning ! one question more i beseeth you sir , i am to ride with my man to receive my ladies rent to morrow through the forrest � fr. go to . lu. now i desire to know , whether we shall be rob'd in our return or no ? fr. what time do you think precisely to come back sir , for we should know the very minute . lu. the money is ready sir , and we do purpose , in your ear � fr. yes , you shall be rob'd , ther 's nothing in nature to prevent it . pi. will they kill us , and please you ? fr. no , they shall not kill you , they shall only take your money , and break your pate , that will be all . pi. why let 'em rob us sir , the loss of our money will be an evidence of our preferment , and you may have more assurance to be a lord , and i of my knighthood � my lady sir . enter paulina . fr. madam , the stars shine with their full beams upon you , who by me their interpreter , salute you with a glorious fortune : for leo's lord of your horoscope in the right angle of heaven , and a royall fixt sar calld regulus , or the lions hart , culminating with him , and a naturall reception between mars , and sol lord of the tenth , being in the first with mercury and venus in the house of honour , besides a conjunction of iupiter and luna in pisces , in the house of mariage . i must give iudgment . pa. i shall beseech your cleerer language . fr. you shall be married to a prince , it is inevitable . pa. a prince ? lu. may not i come to be a lord then ? pi. and i a knight ? pa. when shall i see him ? fr. he shall within few days visit your castle , drawn hither with the fame of your person , and bravery . i need not instruct you to entertain him with state and ceremony becoming his excellence , but if he court you not into his arms , i will renounce the stars , and say there is no truth in astrology . pa. how my thoughts swel already . fr. she has swallowe'd it . pa. give him five hundred pistolets . fr. do not wrong so much one that does honour you ; as i bribe not the stars to tell me their decrees , i dare not for money sell their secrets , and if any that have relation to me presume to take a iulio � lo. by no means madam � pa. i like it that no mercenary ends guide 'em to flatter me . a drum far off . lo. is not that a march ? exit . pi. if it entrench not too far upon your art , this prince , sir , has a name . fr. and rules this province , fernese is a bachelour . pa. the prince of parma ? my bloud refines in every vein already , dull heavy souls that are content to drudge in humble thoughts . enter longino and whispers to frapolo . lo. i fear we are betraid ; the countries up and marching to the castle , we may be all surpriz'd let us to , horse � exit . pa. deny not , sir , this night an entertainment , such as my castle yields , it sha'not spread to receive guests more welcome . lu. a drum madam . exit . ra. must we not stay and rob the house to night ? er. madam , my art foretells i cannot be safe to remain here , at my return i wo'not baulk your castle , i' th' mean time cherish high thoughts , your stars do call you princess , so kissing your fair hand � pa. make me not so unhappy . fr. there is no dispute with destinie , i take my humble leave , away to horse . exeunt . pa. this more amazeth me , what danger should provoke this hast , if it prove their concernment , i must believe they do converse with fate , and trust to them as oracles ; a princess ? was not my soul propheticall ? enter lucio . lu. madam , some accident hath rais'd your tenants , they march in fury this way , in strange postures and arms , as if they came to storm the castle . enter piperollo . pi. madam , we are all undone , the clubs are up , your tenants are turn'd rebels , and by this time entred the hall ; and threaten to surprize i know not whom ; but the caldean , and his troop are vanish'd , they foresaw this tempest . pa. what should this mean ? enter countrymen armed . come on you men of lusty chine , dear lady be not affrighted , captain of thy guard am i , thy naturall tenant , and thy vassall ; where be these sunburnt aethiopians ? i wo'not leave one canting rogue alive . pa. what aethiopians , what canting rogues ? do not your clounships know me ? know our princess ? we honour thee , and rise in thy defence ; where be these theeves ? we heard there were a regiment , that came to cheat and plunder . pa. y' are a knot of knaves and fools , and shall repent this insolence ; you that command in chief , good captain bumbard , may teach your raggamuffins face about , was it your stratagem to fright my guests ? your uncle told us madam , and commanded . pa. was it his plot ? he 's still my enemy . pardon us madam , we came simply hither to do you service ; kneel , or we shall all be stript out of our tenements . pa. my uncle has abus'd you , but this submission takes our anger off , continue dutifull to my commands , and you shall be remembred ; piperollo � exit . pi. i know the buttery madam ; follow me , it is my ladies pleasure you be drunk , and thank her grace ye keep your copiholds ; d ee you bring up the rear , i 'l march in front . exeunt . enter antonio , contarini . ant. passion o' me , it is to great an honour , refuse a man of your high bloud and name , that courts her honourably ? i could beat her . con. 't is not impossible at my return to find a change . i must to court agen . ver. the horses my lord are ready . con. vergerio � ant. what a baggage 't is , shee s all for the nunnery , she sha not have her will , i 'l undo my self but i 'l destroy this modesty ; if i could but make her proud there were some hope on her . ver. my lord you may command , but how unfit , i am to manage this affair . con. thou hast a powerfull language , it prevail'd on me when i first saw thee , since which time i have not deserv'd unkindly from thee , and this trust speaks more than common favour . ver. make me his advocate to angellina ? an. my lord , if you can still preserve these thoughts of honour to us , leave her to my counsell . con. most cheerfully , i am not desperate ; this gentleman i 'l leave to wait upon her , who is privy to my counsells , and affection . an. your lordship hath found trust in him , but that sha'not excuse my care , to make her know her happiness , and the honour of our family , by meeting your commands . she 's here . enter angellina , francescina . francescina tell me , what hope of your mistress ? how does thy counsell work ? does she pray less then she was wont ? or listen now and then when thou talk'st wantonly , does she smile upon 't ? fr. between our selves , i put her to a smiling blush . ant. what said she , tell me on thy modesty , when she found her dear delight , the legend of the saints remov'd , and ovids tales of jupiter put in the place ? fr. she said , that iupiter was a most sensuall heretick , and the cestus that venus wore was not st. francis girdle . ant. how did she like the picture of leander , swimming the hellespont upon his back ? how that of cleopatra kissing antony ? fr. she says that queen was none of the poor clares , but one bread up in black aegyptian darkness ; all i can say , she is not desperate , i sing no anthems to her . ant. what says she to her dancing master ? fr. she is past her honor ; that 's a precious fellow , she 'l laugh to see him gamboll with his limbs , his head flies like a ball about the room , you 'd think he were at tennis with it . ang. though in the guilt and knowledge of my own defects , to answer such an honourable esteem of me , i dare not yet presume to meet it ; i shall want no pious thoughts for this so great a bounty to a poor desertlesse virgin . ant. hang your pious thoughts and love my lord . con. not for the wealth of parma should my cause force one cloud upon her face or put her eys to the expence of tears , it shall be argument for me to hope , if she accept this youth to wait upon her , who may in some auspicious hour , prepare me a gentle seat within her heart , mean time i leave upon your virgin lip the faith , of your true servant lady . ant. i 'l attend you to horse my lord . exeunt . ang. poor miserable maid , faln now beneath the pity of thy self ; my heart , on which so late a flame of heaven stream'd comfort in my holy resolutions , is fil'd with love , but not of contarini , whose passion may deserve anothers welcome . i prethee francescina take thy lute and let me hear thy voice . fr. i can sing venus and adonis to you . ang. any thing . fr. or will you hear the pleasant dity how fair calisto first became a nunne . ang. i prethee do not name a nun , the flame that i feel here deserves no vestall name . fr. i 'l do my best to fit you , ther 's no such tool in nature as a chambermaid to work upon her mistress . exeunt .
act iiii . enter frapolo , longino , strozzo , pacheco , with the rest . fr. it was a fatall business to lose such an opportunity . lo. my lady was wound up so rarely . str. we were betraid for certain ; 't was high time to scud , and get into our territories ; now we are safe in our grots , secure as the minotaur , and keep the clew of our own labyrinths . pa. we lost a rare design , but in my opinion , t is better scouting here with our heads on , than have 'em carryed in by clowns at the court rate . fr. the ignorant rogues would nere ha' sold them to their worth . lo. and they dare as soon venter upon hell , as shoot their heads into this furnace . fr. but this claridiana sha'not scape so , i am resolv'd to visit her again , and i am glad i prepar'd another expectation , these difficulties shall make our next attempt more glorious . lo. those shapes will conjure up the bores again . st. she does expect the caldean . fr. hang the caldean . i have a new device shall scoure the castle , and make dame guinever with all her pride , thank and adore the invention . lo. how dear frapolo ? how ? whooting within . fr. scout and discover , strozzo . str. i see but two men coming down the hill . fr. cannot their worships travell with less noise ? lo. they durst not be so confident without a number , 't is good to be secure , the noise approaches , le ts to our shells . fr. do you lie perdue still . they retire . pa. i do not like their confidence , these may be the enemies scouts , le ts non engage to soon for fear of a reserve . the state has threatned to send their vermin forth . fr. obscure : close , close . enter lucio , piperollo . lu. what dost thou mean ? thou hast a mind to be rob'd indeed . pi. i would have art maintain'd in reputation , you know my lady is to be a princess , and you must be a lord , and i be dubbed , but if we be not rob'd , i know not how to trust the mathematicks or the stars ; i am afraid all the bandits are hang'd , a thousand pistols should not fear to travell . lu it is not wisdom to proclaim our charge , though i could be content to be a lord , i am not over hearty , theeves are theeves , and life is precious , prethee le ts make hast . pi. illo ho ho , think upon your honour , are there no gentlemen ? no wanting gentlemen that know how to spend a quantity of gold ? there is no thief in nature . str. the gentleman is very merry , they that mean well , and have their wits about 'em , do not use to call upon our tribe . this is a plot , a very plot , and yet the coast is cleer , now i may reach their voice . pi. it wo'not be , was ever men distrest so ? lu. come we are well yet piperollo , if the stars decree our robbery , it will follow . pi. i pray sir le ts sit down here , as you hope to be a lord , we must do our endeavour and help the fates . do but hear reason sir . str. 't is my proud madams steward , and our quondam fellow thief ; they were told their fortunes to be rob'd ; here had been a purchase lost if i had not lain perdue . you shall be dispatcht presently , never fear it . he whistles . lu what 's that ? i do not like that tune . pi. hum , i am not in love with that quailpipe . i could dwindle , but that i have a strong faith in the mathematicks . theeves and be thy will . lu. if they should cut our throats now � this is your folly ; would i were off . pi. would i were a knight in an embroidered dish clout . have a good heart sir , ther 's no more to be said in 't , let the stars take their course , 't is my ladies money � and if we be rob'd , we are so much the neerer to preferment . enter frapolo and the rest . lu. ah sweet gentlemen take but the money � pi. 't is ready told ; nay , nay , we are friends ; give us but a mote under your hands for my ladies satisfaction , that you have received it gentlemen . lu. you need not trouble your selves to tell it gentlemen , it is all right . lo. so , so , wee 'l take your words . pi. i should know that vizard , the garments that you wear too i have seen old acquaintance ? fr. does he know you ? cut his throat . pi. no sir , i do not know him , nor any man , nor my self , i was not once rob'd before , neither did i help any man to rob my own father and mother ; i knew no cedar chest i , i disclaim it , nor was any man that i know left bound for the money ; ye are all honest gentlemen , and i congratulate our good fortune , that you came so luckily in the very nick , we had carried home the money else in good sadness � sir , we are made for ever � rare mathematicians ! fr. what 's that you talk sirra of mathematicians ? pi. it pleased some of the learned tribe to visit my lady not long since , but they are well i hope , they told us we should be rob'd , and 't is done ; blessed caldean ! fr. what became on 'em ? pi. they scap'd a scouring , for my ladies cinicall uncle , in meer malice to learning , rais'd the towns upon em , perswading the hobbinolls they came to rob the house ; but honored be the stars , they brought 'em off at the back gate . fr. they seem honest fellows , let 'em live , and pass . lu. we humbly thank you gentlemen , come piperollo . pi. and yet , now i remember , there wants a circumstance , my pate is not broke yet , that was a clause the caldean was a little out . fr. i had forgot , will you be prating sirra ? fr. breaks his head . pi. now t is done , i thank you , dear gentlemen , i thank you , go forth and be a knight ; mathematician i adore thee , it bleeds ; where are you sir ? all is compleat , and my head is broke according to prophecie . oh admirable caldean ! exeunt . lo. we have not lost all my ladies money , but to your plot frapolo . fr. this hath ripend it , and i appear a blazing star already . str. what 's the mystery ? fr. you know i am your prince . lo. 't is acknowledged . fr. we will in state visit the proud paulina , i am the prince farnese , and you are all my lords and privy counsellors bear up for honour of your prince . lo. i apprehend it , 't is a most rare design , she will be mad to meet it . pa. will you marry her ? fr. i cannot tell , there may be a necessity , but when i ha' the wench , her plate and jewels , and other sums , i have cast already whither . we must transport our selves � wee 'l divide all . lo. and the wench too ? fr. no not the wench , untill i cast the concubine ; remember who i am , the choice of flesh is my prerogative ; no murmuring , you shall provide our robes . str. now we are rogues to purpose . fr. i am your prince , and the worst theef a states-mans . omnes a prince , a prince . exeunt . enter angellina , and francescina . ang. where is vergerio ? fr. i know not madam . ang. madam ? i prethee leave that folly , i am no lady , call me angellina . fr. i 'l call you madam , 't is a name in fashion , what do you want to justifie that title ? have you not beauty , jewels , gold at pleasure ? fine cloathes , high food , and men as motley , as the ambassadors to wait ? does not your uncle allow you all that can make up a lady ? pardon my boldness madam , i beseech you . enter two gentlewomen . ang. what are these ? fr. the gentlewomen were commended , madam , most excellent in their art about great ladies ; and come to tender you their humble service . most proud if you accept our duties madam . fr. look you , they 're proud already , they have nothing but their trade to live on ; she with the face spotted with ermins , hath been late in france , and knows the mode to a mathematicall point , she has the theory of song , but lost the practick part by sitting up a nights ; she danceth still , can talk in severall languages , and has the art of every game , to instruct a novice lady � ang. to lose time . fr. and what age , do you think the other gentlewoman carries ? that simpers so ? the miracle of painting ! she presents scarce five and twenty , but if you credit church records , she numbers but five short of threescore , medea had no charmes like her , to preserve youth , and beauty ; she hath the art of making eys , new hair , and ivory teeth , hath skill in making fruitfull , and is an excellent midwife ; she hath cur'd a man that had no nose , and a court-lady that had no tongue . ang. these are transcendent qualities ; since t is my uncles pleasure , they may wait , but not to serve me . one knocks . fr. who 's that knocks so modestly ? 't is not your dancing-master , nor the doctor , they have more confidence . 't is the parsons nephew , come from the university , some say a pretty schollar , and a wit ; hath an ambition to kiss your hand and tender his first fruits . ang. what 's that ? fr. some poetry . by any means madam , you must be flatter'd , great ladies cannot live els . ang. let him enter . enter schollar . sch darling of beauty , fairest angellina , thus low the muses bow , and send by me an abstract of your self ; oh make the paper more white by kissing your fair hand , and with your breath , like a soft western gale , perfume these lines created in your praise . ang. what 's heer ? � i am a stranger to you sir , and to your language , these words have no relation to me ; i pity men of your high fancy , should dishonour their own names , by forming such prodigious shapes of beauty in our sex . if i were really what you would commend , mankind would flie me ; get a painter sir , and when he has wrought a woman by your fancy , see if you know her again ; were it not fine , if you should see your mistress without hair ? drest only with those glittering beams you talk of ? two suns instead of eys , and they not melt the forhead made of snow ; no cheeks , but two roses inoculated upon a lillie ? between , a pendent alablaster nose ? her lips cut out of corall , and no teeth , but strings of pearl ; her tongue a nightingales ; her chin a rump of ivory ; and so forth ? would not this strange chimera fright your self ? and yet you take the boldness to present us , and think we must applaud , and thank you for our selves made monsters by your art ; no more of this for shame ; lose not your time and honour in this fantastick idoll ; you will say , the world is peevish , and not kind to virtue ; give him ten pistolets to cure his poverty , there are good seeds in him and they may grow with some cherishing . sch. you are enough to vindicate your sex , i shall not blush to write your story . fr. you shall owe me sir an anagram , and a poesy too for my next ring . sch. you shall command my faculty , my dearest abigall exit . fr. thank you sweet sir roger . enter four citizens . is her ladiship at leasure ? ang. what are these ? we are humble sutes madam for your favour . ang. speak your request . i am a tailor madam that holds intelligence with forein courts to furnish ladies with new fashions . and i have patterns of the strangest shapes that ever ladies long'd for . ang. i believe it . i have the ambition to own the name of your perfumer madam . i your jeweller ; what think you of that carcanet sweet madam ? the pearls are orient , i have a diamond the sultan gave one of his concubines , it weighes � caracts , if it please you madam , to wear it in the court , and i 'l attend your ladiship six moneths hence to pay me for 't ; i know your uncle madam . ang. this is his plot . fr. by all means take it . ang. excuse me ; what are you ? speak your desire . i would present you madam with a pair of curious spurs . ang. for what use prethee ? for what you please , i see all men of trade apply themselves to gain relation to you , and i would be your spurrier . ang. do ladies wear spurs my friend ? they may in time , who knows what may be done , if one great lady would begin , they ride like men already ; 't is all one to me , so i may have the credit of your name , and privilege to swell above my neighbors . ang. when i stand , gentlemen , in need of your professions , i 'l send for you , i' th' mean time you shall need no solicitour . omnes . your servants . buy a spur . exeunt . ang. i prethee let me not be troubled with this kind of people francescina ; ladies have a fine time , if they be all thus visited . fr. you are rude and sawcy fellows to intrude so far without my ladies licence . ang. what makes thee so impatient ? will they not be gone ? fr. gone ? here 's a new regiment is pressing forward ang. what are they ? fr. beggers . ang. how ? fr. and tell me i abuse your charity , to keep off their petitions ; we must have a court-du-guard , i think , and centries plac'd at every dore . ang. i prethee let 'em enter . enter three petitioners . fr. the room will not be sweet again this three days ; but if it be your pleasure � know your distance . ang. the blind , and lame , what 's your condition sir ? as miserable madam as the sea , that swallow'd all my wealth , can make a man , that once commanded thousands , i blush to beg but nature too impatient of sterving compels me to this boldness , you may soon peruse my tragick story there . gives a paper . ang. good old man ! fr. what is his loss to you ? my petition too ; a poor blind man , that hath lost more by fire than his estate valued a thousand times ; and 't is but equall , fire should spoil my eys , that ravish'd me of all , was precious to 'em , a wife and pretty children . ang. burn'd ? all burn'd ; and what my eys cannot afford their memory my poor heart weeps in bloud . i am a souldier that in my countries service lost my limbs ; i 've had more lead in bullets taken from me than would repair some steeple . fr. ring the bells , that was a loud one ! i have given wounds have kil'd the lookers on with horror of their gaping , and have march'd ten miles a day thus deep � fr. in dirt ? in blood . fr. upon those wooden leggs ? an. poor souls ! i pitty 'em , here honest men , divide this bag , and pray for my good uncle . omnes . blessings on you , madam . . equall division , come . . stay , in the first place , i brought you hither , therefore my part is most considerable . . i 'l have no prerogative . . nor i . . but i will . do not i know you both for cheating rascals ? thus are good meanings cozen'd , and you sha'not lose your reward ; send for some officers . , . we are betraid . ex. , . ant. my uncle . ant. they have found their eyes and leggs again , neece i observe your charity , but you see not the inside of these things , and i did mean and hope these sums might serve your self ; some ladies would have considered a new gown and trinkets ; francescina , i see little amendment , she 'l undo me in pious uses . fr. she has entertain'd these gentlewomen . enter vergerio . and that young gentleman does good upon her . an. i like it well , he 's carefull of my lord , and if she meet his honorable treaty , she may learn pride at court , should our art fail . she smiles � i wo'not interrupt 'em . enter giovanni . gio. my lady entreats the presence of her sister . an. do's she entreat ? yes , you may visit her sir if you please , i 'l trust her to your conduct . ver. 't is my ambition to attend her . an. hark you , remember who you are , and carry things for the credit of my heir , and one that must be right honourable shortly , if i hear thou flout'st her , thou sha't have another gown and petticoat embroider'd , or but beat her and put me to a pension ; fare you well , francescina wait , wait all upon your mistress . exeunt . enter paulina . pa. no news yet of the prince ? he fill'd my dreams last night , it was a golden glorious slumber ; me-thought we both were led into a temple , where all our rites of mariage were perform'd in the presence of a thousand angel-cupids . enter piperollo , and stumbles . pi. 't was my devotion , madam , to present you the news , i could not break my neck upon a better cause . pa. is the prince come ? pi. the prince is at your service ; though i slipt at chamber door , it is my happiness to be the first messenger . pa. of what ? pi. i desire no reward madam , 't is sufficient i know what will become of us all , you remember the caldean ; all has happen'd , i thank astrology . pa. for what ? pi. your money is gone , your rents have been received , and my head broke to purpose ; things are visible . enter lucio . my master can confirm it . pa. what 's this prodigie ? lu. madam 't is done , we have been rob'd . pa. how ? lu. as the caldean and the stars would have it , just to a minute . pi. rare mathematician ! pa. i 'l hang you both , pi. you may , and be no princess . pa. did he foretell this loss ? pi. is my pate broken ? do i live , and hope to kneel , and say , if please your grace , to call him lord , and answer to a knight ? � we 're made . pa. be at a distance , if there be truth in the caldeans art , these inconsiderable losses are a new presage of my approaching greatness . enter stephanio , and longino , disguiz'd . st. one from the prince . lo. his highness farnese , madam , greets your ladiship , and intends to be your guest this night , pa. it will be an honour my life must ow him duty for . pi. do not you feel a lordship creep up by your short ribs ? lo. his grace is not far off . pa. present the humble duty of his handmaid , and say my castle droops til it receive him ; lo. i shall madam . pa. we must prepare to meet and entertain him ; all things have been prophetical . pi. my very good lord . lu. right worshipfull piperollo . exeunt . enter vergerio , angellina , servants aloof . ver. in my pity that so much innocence should not be lost on faithless contarini , i have landed upon your knowledge this unhappy secret . ang. promis'd his faith to another ? t was ill done , to work my uncle , and destroy my thoughts of a religious life . ve. you may collect those pure desires again , heaven will be soon invited , and a second resolve confirm that happiness . ang. may we not , without so strict forsaking of the world , be capable of blessing , and meet heaven at last , though erring nature guide sometime out of the nearest way ? ver. yes angellina . an. i must be no votary , but when you turn a fryer then . ver. how lady ? an. sir you have merited for this discovery all that i am to serve you , and unless you help me in this labyrinth , i must live in despair of freedom . ver. any service ; there 's so much sweetness in you , i could lay my life a sacrifice , be confident i must be left of heaven , when i forsake you . an. and i dare trust your virtue with a secret i have not told my ghostly father . fr. i know not what opinion my lord has of his smooth advocate , but i should gather by symptomes of my mistress , she is sick of the younger gentleman . ver. i dare not hope this blessing , 't is an honour plac'd on me that has no value , i am a stranger , an. you are no stranger here . ver. your uncle too � ang. may erre in his election . ver. but his anger � ang. my prayer and tears may soften . ver. do not dress your eys with sorrow angellina , this too gracious an influence upon your servant must command my utmost duty . upon this white hand i breath out my heart , and when i pay affection to another mistress , in your revenge , her beauty blast me ! but we may be observ'd . ang. be all my guide . ver. this must be manag'd wisely , we are lost els . ang. we are now arriv'd the castle francescina . fr. we attend . exeunt . enter prince farnese , contarini . fa. i am obscur'd sufficiently . con. my life on 't . fa. here are great preparations , and the people flock as to see some triumph , this paulina will be ador'd i' th' country . con. but her sister , with an extreme of sweetness and humility will take the wonder off , she so transcends . fa. your words fall from you , i have observd my lord , with too much passion ; she 's but a woman , and may be no miracle , when a clear eye is judge . con. sir i owe all that i am in fortune , name and greatness unto your person , next whom , give me leave to say i rate no expectation equall to be her servant , yet i find her cold to those desires , that court her with all honour , i shall humbly beg , your grace when you converse , will interpose your favour , and by your mediation perfect all that can be nam'd my happiness . far. you express a strong captivity in so small acquaintance ; well my lord trust to me ; is this her castle ? enter piperollo . by your favour sir . pi. speak quickly what 's your business ? far. is this paulina's castle ? pi. plain paulina ? and is this her castle ? my friend you want some breeding , she that owes this palace , for a prince hath made it so , is not far off ; turn your eys backward sir , and tell your self without a perspective what man is coming towards us ? far. worthy sir . pi. put of your hats and hear his name , farnese the prince of parma's there , i kist his hand , my breath is since the sweeter . far. the prince , where ? pi. you 'l find him with my lady whom he came to visit , if you 'l promise to be drunk , take what 's a secret yet , he comes to marry her , or ther 's no truth in stars , she is to be his spouse ; farewell , and thank my worship heartily . exit . con. this fellow 's mad ! fr. he kist the princes hand , what mystery is this ? con. see , they approach . far. i am not lost sure in this cloud , they march in state this way . loud musick . enter frapolo , paulina , a train of gallants and ladies , vergeria , angellina . ang. how , an impostor ? ver. sure i know the prince . ang. conceal it yet . far. what gentleman is that ? lon. the prince of parma sir . con this will be worth observing . far. do we not both dream ? that paulina ? how disdainfully she moves ? con. that 's her younger sister upon whom vergerio waits . far. he knows i am the prince . con. how do you like her sir ? fa. ha ? t is not fit to tell thee . con. does she not answer my character ? fa. on my heart a fair one ? con. pray tell me how you like her sir . fa. not yet . i am lost in wonder of her sweetness . bid vergerio bring her to antonio's ; i 'l be his guest to night . con i shall obey sir . pi. make room for the prince , fellows bear back ; you are not to be knighted friend i take it . fa. thus can the flame of heaven with subtill art , leave the skin whole , yet quite consume the heart . exeunt .
act v. enter contarini , antenio . an. my neece has had a pretty warm night on 't , 't is a bold knave to take the prince upon him i did believe the noyes , and was considering how to contrive my peace with her good grace . con. you have no fear to suffer now ? ant. i thank your lordship , that has made my house and knowledge so fortunate , by the presence of our great farnese , 't is an honour makes me young ; and yet this rascal troubles me , that durst come in the princes name , and charge my neece so home too ; is 't not treason sir ? con. of highest nature . ant. let him then tast the law ; yet i commend his spirit , that would scorn to die for felonie , and when his head goes off , the shame and grief may help to break her heart : i do not love her , and then my girl , my angellina's heir , and you her lord and mine . con. my hopes are fair , the prince himself having vouchsaf'd to be my advocate . ant. he must command all here . enter farnese , and angellina . 't is a good prince , and loves you well , and let me without boast , tell you my lord , she brings no common blood , though we live dark i' th' country i can derive her from the great ursini , but we have been eclips'd . far. contarini leave us . you may stay antonio ; is 't not an honour to your family a prince should court your neece into his arms ? ant. i must confess , 't is good enough for such a baggage , they will make together sir , a most excellent shew upon the scaffold . far. the impostor , and paulina's pride , takes off your understanding ; i do court your neece fair angellina . ant. how sir ? far. and as becomes a princess . ant. your grace is merry . far. i know not , but there 's magick in her eyes . an: magick ? and she be a witch , i ha' done with her . does he love angelina ? please your highness � do you affect this girl ? far. religiously . an. and have you all your princely wits about ye ? far. this language is but coarse . i tell you sir the virgin must be mine . an. your whore ? far. my princess . an. that 's another matter . far. shew your obedience , you have commands upon her as a father . an. i know not what to say , but i 'l perswade ; hark you neece , you hear what the prince says , 't is now no time to think of nunneries . be rul'd then , and love somebody ; if you have promis'd my lord , i say make good that promise , if not , the prince is worth considering . the gentleman will make you a round iointure . if thou beest free , love him , to vex thy sister , who may upon submission be receiv'd to grace , and rise in time a madam nurse to your heir apparent . i have done my duty . but this is no great honesty , to cheat my lord . i see the greatest men are flesh and blood , our souls are much upon a making ; all men that are in love deal with the devil , only with this difference , he that dotes upon a woman is absolutely possest ; and he that loves the least is haunted with a familiar . enter a servant ser. old fabio sir your tenant , with much business jn 's face , desires to speak with you , i could hardly keep him from pressing in , his wife he sayes is lunatick . ant. we shall all be mad shortly , where is the knave ? exit . aug. i dare do sir as much to shew my duty as any maid alive ; i dare dye for you . fa. and yet you dare not love . ang. not in that sense you invite me to . far. my courtship carries no stain to fright you , what i have propounded is worth the ambition of a greater lady ; though you profess so liberally , i find your cunning , and because i have so much descended from my title , you assume this unbecomming nicety , take heed , i can be angry . ang. as you are a man that passion may come neer you sir ; and as you are my prince , you may command my death to follow and appease it , but you said you lov'd me . far. i doe , if you can wisely entertain it . an. then you must love my honor , a virgins wealth , for every honest man or woman has an honor , and that has engag'd my heart already by a contract ; this tye dissolv'd with justice , i should kneel to ask your princely favour . far. i am answer'd . who waits ? call my lord contarini hither . enter contarini . con. sir . far. you might have mock'd another person , and not have made me a ridiculous story to your mistress sir . con. i understand you not . far. engage me to mediation for her love , with a pretence how much my act should honor your faint hopes , when you are conscious of a contract , already past between you . con. contract sir ? she never yet gave me any language did promise hope , she still concluded me with going to a cloister . far. how 's this fair one ? an. it is most sure i am contracted . con. to whom ? an. vergerio your lordships agent . con. that boy betray me ? in whom i took delight , made him my friend , he play the traytor ? i 'l be reveng'd upon his heart . far. contain your passion contarini , her beauty had a power above my friendship , it well might shake his faith , and yet 't is strange . call in vergerio . enter vergerio . ver. i have heard all , and come to meet my sentence . you 're a prince gainst whom i dare not lift a thought ; i see what storm is rising , yet let this , great sir , invite your mercy to me , i have made no breach against your love , and that which was my fault to his , may be excus'd , by what he felt himself love not to be resisted . this virgin i lay claim to , and her vowes no subject must compell me to resigne ; but if the prince think me unfit , and call this treasure from my bosome , and can place his love , where i so chastly have delighted , i will not keep a thought that shall repine , when i am miserable in her absence , but give my interest cheerfully ; to you , my lord , i answer , i have made no trespass , and shall , so please your highness to be iudge , make it appear . con : was ever such an impudence ? this presence does protect him , i should els write treason on his heart ; but angellina i pity thy undoing , how canst thou expect a truth from him , betrays his master ? an. my lord , you have been faulty sure , and this ( not worthy to be call'd a loss of me ) was meant by providence to wake your faith , that 's owing to another . far. possible ? the vice-roy of sicilies daughter ? pulcheria . con. pulcheria here ? ver. here contarini . con. ha , prov'd a woman , oh my shame and folly ! ver. pardon my too much love , that made me fear you had forgot pulcheria , though you left your vowes and me at sicily , when you were embassadour from the prince . con. whence embarqu'd thou brought'st me news pulcheria was dround , and thou for her sake entertain'd my servant , welcome , at once receive me and forgive me . fa. i had your promise , were this contract void in honour , nor will take from my own merit to think when your considerate thoughts come home , you can pretend excuse to your own happiness , which lest you may suspect , let us in state visit paulina , and unmask that counterfeit which hath usurp'd our name . ver. sir we attend you , con. this blessing must require a spacious soul , mine is too narrow to receive . exeunt . enter steward , and piperollo . lu. i am not yet created honourable . fi. sir , things must have their time , but will his highness remove so suddenly , and carry my lady to th' court with him ? t is a most sweet young prince . lu. order was given to pack up her plate , her gold and jewels , for he means to have tiltings and triumphs when he comes to parma . fi. there it is fit we should expect our honours . i will attend the prince . exit . enter contarini . con. signior lucio . lu. your good lordship . con. pray tell my lady , i would kiss her hand , and shall present news will secure their welcome . i come from the prince . lu. the prince my lord ? he is within � con. a small march off the castle , and commanded me to prepare her , that he comes to be her guest . lu. my lord , i will acquaint some of the bed-chamber , but , when did your lordship see his highness ? con. i left him at the park gate . lu. this is the nearest way unless his highness have leap'd a window , or can walk invisible . your lordship may have some conceit . i 'l go sir . exit . enter piperollo . pi what is the meaning that ther 's such a guard upon our castle ? 't is besiedg'd , and no man suffer'd go forth ; this is some lord or other by his stradling . enter lucio , longino , strozzo , and the rest . lo. from the prince ? that he ? pi. 't is as i tell you sir , ther 's a little army , surrounds the castle . lo. they have no order from his highness . str. we are betraid agen . lon. sir , would you speak with the prince ? con. why have you such a thing within the castle ? who dares be so much traitour to usurpe that title ? wher 's that puppet , gentlemen ? lu. that is his secretary . pi. the rest are lords and privie counsellors . ca. we are undone . enter farnese , vergerio , angellina , attendants . la. t is he , the very he , i dare not look on him ; oh for an impudence worth a chronicle , to out ace him now , it were a possible thing , if people would believe � lu. i 'l tell my lady , they are vanish'd ; hum , i do not like that face . exit . far. come hither fellow , whom do you serve ? pi. i know not sir . fa. what prince have you within ? pi. the prince of darkness . fa. what is this fellow ? pi. a knight o' th' post , the pestle is too honourable . fr. where is your excellent lady ? pi. i have a guess if things go on , as i suspect , she will be � fr. where ? pi. at her wits end very shortly . fr. an ingenious fellow ? pi. i have convers'd a little with the mathematicks , sir , who is that gentlewoman , not that i am ignorant , but to satisfie a doubt ? ver. she is one that may be the prince of parma's lady , when the priest hath done his office . pi. if i be not mistaken here comes the princesse , that is angellina the younger sister . enter paulina . pa. it is my wonder you that have the face and garb of gentlemen , should dare to be so insolent , to affront our person , and his , to whom your hearts and knees owe reverence . far. command the impostor forth , seize on the traitors . enter longino . lo. his grace will be here presently , fear not madam , i would venter a neck-breaking at some window , and be content to crawl away a cripple ; but there 's no hope to scape the multitude that will be scrambling for my limbs . great sir , i challenge the privilege of the last bando , kneels . he that can bring frapolo the chief bandit , beside what was proclam'd other reward , shall have free pardon for all past-offences ; to that grace i appeal , and here produce frapolo . enter frapolo , strozzo , &c. pa. this amazeth me . fr. can you stand the dazeling sun so long , and not be struck blind for this bold affront ? what wildness brought you in multitudes to fright my happy peace , and this good ladies , my most vertuous consort ? lo. he bears up still ! fr. have all my cares and watchings to preserve your lives , and dearest liberties , deserv'd this strange return , and at a time when most your happiness is concern'd , since by our mariage with this sweet lady , full of grace and beauty , you may expect an heir to bless your countrey . con. will you suffer him ? fr. 't is time your prince were dead , and when i am companion to my fathers dust , these tumults fomented by seditious men , that are weary of plenty , and delights of peace , shall not approach to interrupt the calm good princes after death enjoy . go home , i pray depart , i rather will submit to be depos'd , than wear a power or title that shall not all be dedicate to serve you ; my life is but the gift of heaven , to wast it for your dear sakes , my people are my children , whom i am bound in nature and religion to cherish and protect . perhaps you have some grievance to present , you shall have justice against the proudest here ; i look not on nobility of birth . office , or fortunes , the poorest subject has a native charter and a birth-right to th' laws , and common wealth , which with an equall , and impartial stream , shall flow to every bosom . str. pious prince ! far. i am at a loss to hear him ; sure i am farnese , if i be not lost by the way . pi. stand off gentlemen , � let me see � which ? hum ! this � no , th' other . hum ! send for a lion and turn him loose , he wo'not hurt the true prince . far. do not you know me sir ? fra. yes , i know you too well , but it stands not with my honor ; what composition ? far. who am i ? gentlemen , how dare ye suffer this thing to talk ? if i be your farnese . fra. i say i am the prince , far. prince of what ? fra. of rogues , and please thy excellence . pa. how ? fra. you must excuse , i can hold out no longer these were my subjects sir , and if they find your mercy , i 'm but one , whose head remov'd , or nooz'd , this lady will be soon a widdow , whom i have not deceiv'd , 't was her ambition to go no less than prince , and now you have one , during this gentlemans pleasure . pa. what scorn shall i become ? far. let him be guarded , and all his puppet lords . enter antonio , fabio , morulla . an. news , news , excellent news ; i shall leap out of my flesh for joy . sir i have undertook for your pardon to this reverend couple , they heard my neece was to be maried to the prince , and thought it treason to conceal � far. what ? an. paulina is not my neece , no blood of mine ; where is this lady and her pageant prince ? the truth is , she is not paulina , but their own daughter . fra. possible ? then we are both cheated . an. whom she obtruded on our family when our paulina died an infant , with her , a nurse to both ; does your grace apprehend ? fab. we do beseech your pardon . an. now angellina thou art heir to all . pip. by all this circumstance you are but my sister ! con. the prince is prov'd a prince of theeves . an. why ther 's a baggage and a theef well met then . i knew she was a bastard , or a changeling . pau. where shall i hide my shame ? o curst ambition ! ant. give you joy sir , my most illustrious nephew , joy to thy invisible grace . fra. thanks to our loving uncle : far. take hence the traitors . ang. sir i beseech a pardon to their lives . let nothing of my story be remembred with such a tragedie , 't is my first petition . far. i must not deny thee ; all thank her virtue ; live you , and love that gentlewoman ; but it were a sin to innocence , and our honor would encourage treason by example , if they should scape all justice , take 'em to custody : frapolo , we confine you to this castle , where if she please your bride may accompany you till we determine otherwise . fra. 't is some mercy ; but i shall be getting children , and two nothings wo'not maintain a family , 't were as good to hang me out o' th' way , ' ere charge come on , or take away my tools , i shall be working . far. provision shall be made you shall not sterve nor surfet sir . ang. because i call'd her sister , i will contribute something to their fortune . far. what thy own goodness will direct ; and now remove the scene to court , to perfect there my own , and parma's happiness ; pride has met with severe reward , and that high justice ( that governs all ) though envy break with her own poyson , calls the amazed world to see what blessings wait upon humility . exeunt .
finis .
epilogue . frapolo .

gentlemen , do not say you see me ; i have made an escape from the prince and paulina ; his graces word is but mortall , and not security enough for me ; for all this sun-shine he may hang me , when i come to parma , for an example , and therefore i have chosen , rather to trust to my legs , than a reconcil'd state-enemy .

t wo'not be worth your glory to betray a man distrest , whom your own mercy may preserve to better service ; rather then go back i 'l stand your iustice gentlemen . i 've plaid the thief , but you , as the case stands , may save or kill , my lif 's now in your hands .
machine-generated castlist a -francischina a -angelina a -piperollo a -parma a -contarini a -lucio a -longino a -farnese a -vergerio a -antonio a -stephanio a -giovanni a -fabio a -strozzo a -rangino a -xxxx_ a -morulla a -unassigned a -xxxx_ a -scholar a -omnes a -xxxx_ a -xxxx_ a -both a -servant a -castruchio a -lady a -frapolo a -paulina
textual notes

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fot forsake him too , we must deplore this fate , for we do know it by our door . how must this vergerid pulcheria disguised , and under the name of vergeria sc�pe is he , hopes to be drunk , to whore , to scape the wheels , the gallies , and the gallowes anoise a noise within . bererice hermit in a cell , she is all magnificent , a berenice , every hair of her head worth stellyfying withd raw quarrell in their looks already , let us withdraw behind that lobby , we may hear , and laugh ex���� exeunt �ith alas poor boy , he little thinks what we with care and providence laid up for him should �hould with care and providence laid up for him should thus be lost . o pity gentlemen . �et i begin to find a kind of a compunction , let us be charitable theeves for once � �hat and return half , what say you ? �art gazet , y'are not such foolish theeves ; part with present money ? part with my life first purfues he gave her the first hint , which she pursues to his vexation . ma� the mirths sake , my lord be pleas'd , you may do an act of charity and restore her senses ��� gipsey , she does believe the lightning of her eys will blast indeed , how scornfully ��� eys will blast indeed , how scornfully she squinnies inhocent divine owner ? brightness that offends the innocent eye that gazes , is in you the cure of blindness ex�� exit boun� more than i'l speak on ; trusted ? i was bound for two gentlemen lately , that could not luc�oes strozzo picks lucioes pocket . �ar a drum far off . piperelle enter piperollo . frantescina and put me to a pension ; fare you well , francescina wait , wait all upon your mistress . disguiz�d enter stephanio , and longino , disguiz'd . int�nds farnese , madam , greets your ladiship , and intends to be your guest this night , ��scur'd i am obscur'd sufficiently . happine�s mediation perfect all that can be nam'd my happiness . vergerin paulina , a train of gallants and ladies , vergeria , angellina . contarint contarini leave us . you may stay antonio ; is't not a bove passion contarini , her beauty had apower above my friendship , it well might shake yet'tis friendship , it well might shake his faith , and yet 'tis strange . call in vergerio . wa� breach against your love , and that which was my fault to his , may be excus'd , by what lu�io signior lucio .
stella meridiana caroli secundi regis, &c. verses written years since, upon the birth and noon-day star of charles, born prince of great brittaine the of may : our now miraculously restored and gloriously crowned charles the second of great britain, france and ireland king, &c./ by several persons of honour. approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing s estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) stella meridiana caroli secundi regis, &c. verses written years since, upon the birth and noon-day star of charles, born prince of great brittaine the of may : our now miraculously restored and gloriously crowned charles the second of great britain, france and ireland king, &c./ by several persons of honour. shirley, james, - . p. : port. printed for t. basset ..., london : . some poems signed: j. p., ja. shirley. reproduction of original in huntington library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng charles -- ii, -- king of england, - . great britain -- history -- charles ii, - -- sources. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - john latta sampled and proofread - john latta text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion stella meridiana caroli secundi regis , &c. verses written years since , upon the birth and noon-day star of charles , born prince of great brittaine ; the . of may . our now miraculously restored , and gloriously crowned , charles the second of great britain , france and ireland king , &c. by severall persons of honour . london , printed for t. basset in s. dunstans church yard in fleetstreet . . vpon the . of may . being our gracious king charles the second his happy birth-day , being a feria , and no commemoration of any saint for that day . the holy ghost , which guides the church her way , admits no saint an office on this day . but by divine fore-sight reserv'd this room to be supply'd by one that was to come ; which is fulfil'd , for now the thankful earth shall keep it holy for this prince his birth . by the lord windsor . he that observ'd this dayes nativity , had sure the spirit in 't of prophecy , divining above thirty years before , it should be kept for holy evermore . and now by parliament confirm'd appears a holy office for this day all years . what in this calender before was blanck shall bear a rubrick from hencefore to thank almighty god , honour our king , and pray , in his blest reign to centuply this day : a day whose blessings none too high can sing ; that brought us first our prince , and next our king ; and with him came to three ●orn kingdomes peace , whose name and presence did our woes release : for which te deum , and all praise be given ; let hymns and authems eccho up to heaven . iames parry . king charles the first ( of ever blessed memory ) went to s. pauls church the . day of may . to offer there , and to give praise and thanks to god for the birth of his son , our now most gracious king charles the second , ( born the . of the same may ) attended with all his peers , and a most royal train , where a bright star appeared at high noon in the presence and sight of all . sir william iones sitting in the same seat with serjeant hoskins , and both of them beholding the star with admiration ; sir william iones , said judge hoskins , ( who was a very learned and ingenuous poet ) brother , here is a fair subject for you to write some thing upon . who then composed these verses following , which were presented to the kings majesty the same day at dinner . dvm rex paulinas accessit gratus ad aras , emicuit medio , lucida stella die. die mihi divinus tractans aenigmata preco , hac nobis hodie , quid sibi stella velit ? magnus in occiduo , princeps modo nascitur orbe crasque sub * eclipsin regna orientis erint . jo. hoskins servi . ad legem . englished . whilst to the altar of saint paul the king approached with a gratefull offering , a star at noon appear'd ; tell me divine , that preachest riddles , why it then did shine ? i' th' western world a * great prince newly born ; and th' east to morrow in eclipse shall mourn . some further observations on the same subject , written the same time by james parry , esq t is not fit any should conceal what god from high doth here reveal , when by strange language of the skies he thunders ears , and stars our eies ; for by most high prognosticks god forewarns his mercies and his rod. a star appearing at high noon , and in highest glory face the sun. for doctor don saies , the stars be ( by light he lends ) his com'naltie . and in the presence of his rayes 'pear not but in ecliptick dayes . this noon-bright star doth therefore show somethng above what man can know . king , church , peers , citizens discern'd this star at once , and all concern'd . pray god no fiery spirits high disturb our peacefull monarchy . god's tabernacle's in the sun , as clear's his truth , when some stars run erring in opposition , ill aspects that oft produce as ominous effects ; but god's true church shall be in sight by him maintain'd whilst sol hath light , 'gainst which hell gates shall ne'r prevail : who promis'd it can never fail . pray heaven th' eclipse that doth attend , no future troubles may portend . clouds cause dark dayes . eclipses fears , when past the sun more bright appears . but gracious charles ( best king on earth ) here gives god praise for his sons birth , who sends his star at noon to shine , and pose the riddleing divine . the sun's height then makes me presage , this prince at his meridian age shall shine in glory most renown'd , and in his perfect age be crown'd great brittain's king , and all restore that church , peers , gentry lost before . b'ing * first born prince of britain since the blest cadwallader went hence . and this the nation to advance , be second charlemain of france . somewhat more on the text and eclipse observed . th' eclipse follow'd the birth too near , wherefore some wish'd it had been thirty years before , that the saturnian malevolence might have been wasted , and quite vanisht hence . the text was sampsons riddle intricate , and puzled with his audience too great state , in scruples of his text the man was maz'd , and with the presence daunted as he gaz'd . the king commanding no new text should be , nor other preach that day but only he appointed was before , and be content at that time with the pulpits accident . the business fraught with much dark my stery of a dead lion , a strange history , in which a commonwealth of bees did build , their waxed garison with honey fill'd , suck'd from the flow'ry meads , and seem'd to thrive , having that princely carkas for their hive , and arm'd with stings levellers seem'd to be their houses equal , all of like degree . but had not there their parliament enjoy'd , had not mis●haur the lion king destroy'd , but were at last discover'd in full season , and lost their lives , and all they got for treason . i.p. there was a lawdress had imbezzled a jewel ( that had been queen annes , ) and had got it altered , and sold it to our queen . the late king charles of blessed memory ( who had an excellent judgement in all things ) knew the precious stone . the woman was dismissed ; and in further fear of danger , she got this petition put into our then prince charles his hand , being an infant before he could speak . read royal father , mighty king , what my little hand doth bring . i , whose happy birth imparts joy to all true subjects hearts , though an infant , dod not break natures laws , if now i speak by this interpreter , for one whose face doth blush and heart doth groan for her acknowledged offence , who only found my innocence to gain her mercy ; she is bold , o may it some proportion hold ; if to the father she doth run by mediation of the son. to whom a star god also gave in token i was born to save . if therefore , o my royal sir , my first request may purchase her restoring to your grace , to me ( though yong ) it will an honour be when in my cradle it was said , i master of requests was made . ia. sherley . i heard it credibly reported by a person of quality , that king charles the first , of blessed memory ; ( the mirrour of princes for piety and patience ) being in his bed in christ church in oxford , and a candle burning in the chamber , as the order was ; the king being awake , ( who did meditate much , and sleep little ) saw that the candle was gone out of a sudden ; whereupon the king calls to a great peer of eminent office , that lodged in the chamber , and told him the candle was gone out , and it was so , and all dark ; the lord wondred at it , and said , he would call to have it lighted again ; but his majesty bad him let it alone and take his rest : a good while after the king wakens him again , and shewed him the candle lighted again of it self . the lord suspected some witchcraft ; but the king said , i see i shall suffer detriment , but charles my son shall shine again . and his majesty commanded the noble-man not to speak of it whilst the king lived . a remarkable strange light seen about the time of the kings martyrdom . about the time king charles was hence enspher'd , a wonderfull strange light that mouth appear'd , six miles from hereford , where is a park , through which the owner riding in the dark , and his man with him : from the earth did rise a light that with amazement did surprise the two beholders , and in quantity like the moon orb'd in full serenety , and from the ground ascended to the sky , which there receiv'd it up immediately . they were not frighted with the glorious shine , but home they rid , and told what they had seen . the name of morehampton the place doth bear , i' th' golden valley , and my neighbor near . a person wise and grave , of honesty , not to report or speak but verity . to kill a king is deicide , cristicide , regicide , paricide , and homicide . j. speed , in his chron. bloud is a crying sin ; but that of kings cries lowdest , and to certain ruine brings . ia. howell , in his inquisition after bloud . and till his murderers come to justice hand , the stain and scandal lies on all this land ; though those that sign'd and seal'd his blest bloud spilt , yet on the nation they laid all the guilt . he was the common father of us all : and duty bids us loud for justice call . let some lords , priests , cits , lawyers , men o th' blade , of all sorts some be now a victim made . i. p. finis . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e * an eclipse of the sun next day . * magnus princeps , here he was stiled great at his birth . notes for div a -e * hactenus anglorum nulli was the motto on the meddals , made in memory of prince charles his birth-day the . of may . upon them , &c. and since cadwallader , the last king of the britains , none born prince of great britain , but only this our now most great and gracious king charles the second , whom god blesse and preserve with long and most happy reign . amen . notes for div a -e sampsons riddle . the true impartial history and wars of the kingdom of ireland its situation, division into provinces; shires &c., its ancient inhabitants, manners, customs and the state it was in at its being first invaded and conquer'd by the english in the reign of k. henry ii : with the several revolts and rebellions of the natives and by what means they have been reduced to obedience in the reign of our several kings and queens : but most particularly relating to all the memorable skirmishes, battels, sieges ... since the grand revolution under the reign of their present majesties k. william and q. mary ... shirley, james, - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing s a estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) the true impartial history and wars of the kingdom of ireland its situation, division into provinces; shires &c., its ancient inhabitants, manners, customs and the state it was in at its being first invaded and conquer'd by the english in the reign of k. henry ii : with the several revolts and rebellions of the natives and by what means they have been reduced to obedience in the reign of our several kings and queens : but most particularly relating to all the memorable skirmishes, battels, sieges ... since the grand revolution under the reign of their present majesties k. william and q. mary ... shirley, james, - . [ ], p. printed for nicholas boddington ..., london : . attributed by wing and nuc pre- imprints to shirley. "epistle to the reader" signed: j.s. reproduction of the original in the british library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng ireland -- history -- th century. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - rina kor sampled and proofread - rina kor text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion the true impartial hlstory and wars of the kingdom of ireland , describing its situation , division into provinces , shires , &c. it s ancient inhabitants , manners , customs , and the state it was in at its being first invaded and conquer'd by the english , in the reign of k. henry ii. with the several revolts and rebellions of the natives , and by what means they have been re●uced to obedience in the reign of our several kings and queens . but more particularly relating to all the memorable skirm●shes , battels , sieges , and other extraordinary transactions , since the grand revolution under the reign of their present majesties k. william and q. mary , to the siege and surrender of lymerick , and that has since happened to iune . being a history full of variety , and worthy the perusal of the ingenious reader . the second edition with additions . london : printed for nicholas boddington at the golden ball in duck-lane . . the epistle to the reader . reader , in this small book you are presented with a long prospect of an opulent kingdom , not only in its dimension and description , but historically treated of from the time it was first known to be peopled , to this present year . as well before the english had any knowledge of it , or so much as navigated the rough hibernian seas , as after it allured them to its conquest in the reign of henry ii , since which time it has been a dependant kingdom by right of conquest , and now inseparably annexed to the imperial crown of england . to shake off which soveraignty it has often strugled in vain , and smarted under the many wars and rebellions that have been raised on that account ; yet , as if infatuated , those warnings have been little available to the natives , as will appear in the relation we give you of what has happened worthy of notice , in the reigns of our kings and queens since its subjection , but more particular in the transactions for three years past , as relating to councils , policies , skirmishes , sieges , and what else materially happened . a history so full of variety , that we cannot conceive but it will give ample satisfaction beyond what has been published of this kind : and so not doubting but upon that score it will find acceptance and approbation in the hands of the impartial and vnprejudic'd perusers , i make bold to subscribe my self the candid reader 's well wisher , and most humble servant , i.s. the introduction ▪ that ireland has been very anciently inhabited , it appears not only by their own , but many other historians , to whom a greater credit is to be given ; and tho' ( the natives being little given to navigation ) its fame has not much spread into the remoter parts of the world ; yet for its situation and fertility , if the provident care and frugality of the irish would but have help'd the soil in any reasonable degree , it might be compared with most islands in producing things necessary not only for the supplying its inhabitants , but such as could command the most valuable commodities of europe ; yet the people of the ancient stock not accustoming themselves to labour , but rather to spoil and war , desirous to live idly upon the product of the country , and manufacture of the industrious english , by such unlawful ways as opportunity has put into their hands , have in a great measure neglected their own patrimonies , and suffered them in many places to become of no considerable value , as being eaten up by the encroachment of boggs , and over-grown with such excrements of nature as hinder fertility ; and this mainly out of not altogether so much sloth and neglect , as their irreconcilable hatred to those of the brittish nation that inhabit amongst them , that they should get nothing by their lands , tho' by their friendly instruction and conversation they might have been exceedingly bettered in their fortunes and manners , and such manufactures of sundry kinds improved , as might have redounded , not only to their particular interests , but to the inhansment of the value of the island among the neighbouring nations ; for it not only abounds in iron , but other useful minerals , and many other things that might , if well improved , set the poorer sort on work , and not only put an end to that poverty that too much pinches the natives , but likewise make their traffick abroad considerable enough to be taken notice of , and bring them a trade , that in a short time would much contribut to the encrease of a greater plenty , and prove a comfortable maintenance to some thousands , who for several yearts past have been destitute of such a livelyhood as might render them capable of subsisting , and for want of which they have been forced to travel abroad and serve other nations , where they are for the most part treated little better than slaves , as well in war as other employments , many of them , if we impartially consider their merits , as to education , natural endowments , deserving better usage ; for it must be confessed by all unbiafied persons , that the irish gentry are qualified sufficiently ( at least the greatest number of them ) for great undertakings , if they would , according to what they understand , labour to improve their own advantage , by putting themselves forward in the world to acquire those preferments and undertakings they are capable of , and might be very serviceable to the government , but that most of them being roman catholicks , and so superstitiously zealous in their way , that they are absolutely swayed and guided in all their undertakings by their priests , who labour all that in them lies to keep up their idolatrous traditions , and themselves in esteem to their great advantage , in gathering the wealth of the kingdom , and as they see their opportunity , stir them up to a disesteem of the government , which has been the occasion of much bloodshed , and brought misery and desolation upon the land , that at sundry times has made it uneasie for many years ; and we are not insensible that in the last revolt , which has been a smarting one to the irish , the priests hurried them , especially the meaner sort , into a fruitless rebellion by threats of excommunication , and all the bugbear fulminations of the romish church . tho' at last it is hoped , seeing the stream of blood is now so kindly stopped in the kingdom , that the natives will see their former errors , and stick to their obedience , notwithstanding any insinuations or under-hand dealings that may hereafter be inculcated , or cladestinely carried on . never had the irish nation a better opportunity to lay hold on , for settling a lasting happiness to themselves and their posterities , under the auspicious reign of a king and queen , who make it their utmost endeavours , and think it their greatest felicity , to do their subjects good , sparing no charge , nor shunning any hazard or danger that may conduce to the settlement of a glorious peace , not only in their own dominions , but in all europe , and restore thereby , as far as lies in human possibility , the golden age , wherein all appeared serene and calm , whilst universal joy spread her downy wings to shelter the delighted nations from the storms of discontent and trouble . from all which we may conclude , that if ireland ever was desirous to be in a prosperous state , the time is come that puts that opportunity into the hands of her inhabitants to become a happy people . when on the other hand , had things succeeded , as too many of them unadvisedly wished some few months since , they might , instead of being at perfect liberty , been the sons and daughters of slavery , and the most severest of bondages , under the french tyranny ; which how easie that yoke is to bear , the subjects of france have fatally experienced in the reigns of many of their former kings , but more especially under lewis xiv . to avoid which , the more discerning part have undergone a voluntary exile , and become a scattered people over the face of the earth , finding better usage in barbarous nations . this , i hope , may suffice to warn the irish , to consider where their interest lies , and to embrace their majesties protection , as their true asylum . a true and impartial history of the kingdom of ireland , describing its situation , ancient inhabitants , manners , customs , and the state it was found in at the time it was invaded and conquered by the english , in the reign of king henry ii. &c. the kingdom of ireland is of no mean extent , but rather very large and considerable ; it is an island , it is bounded on the east with england and scotland , on the west with the main ocean , on the south with part of france and normandy , and on the north with the ducalidonian sea. it is , as all other islands , sur●ounded with water , containing in length ● and in breadth miles , and is especially parted or divided into four provinces ▪ viz. munster , which is again divided into the counties of limerick , kerrey , waterford , cork , desmon , and the holy cross in tipperary . . the province of leinster , divided into the counties of the east and west meaths , kilkenney , caterlough , king's county , kildare , wexford , dublin and wicklow . . the province of conno●●●● , divided into the counties of clare , thumond , majo , sligo , letarim , and roscomon . . the province of vlster , divided into the counties of tyrconnel , tyrone , cavan , coleraine , monaghan , antrim , down , armah , and lough ; and these are for the most part at this day replenished with many considerable cities and towns , of which i shall have occasion to speak in the series of this history , as they shall fall in their proper places . the country is naturally very fruitful , and seems by the soil always to have been so , though the natives have not appear'd very active in improving it , as being naturally given up to floath , or to live by war and rapine . as for the first peopling it after noah's flood , it remains very much , if not altogether in the dark , the natives having been imposed on by monks and bards , a sort of rimers and fortune-tellers , with fables for reality , though it is conjectured by the learned , that this island was peopled upon the confusion of tongues at babel , soon after the flood ; and the irish historians of the best account , tell us , that one bastolenus , encouraged by the example of nim●od in syria , settled his monarchy in the western islands , and amongst others peopled this ; yet where he kept his head residence no mention is made , but that his three sons ruling there , had war with giants that grew up in the land and rebelled against them ; and that afterward divers scythians roving to seek adventures , got footing there ; and so they go on in the doubtful paths of uncertainty a great way farther : but true it is , that according to our own histories , and those of other nations , the irish began very early to rove abroad , and in their boats , and such kind of ships as they had , coming frequently ashore in england and scotland , and other places ▪ did great mischief by burning and plundering , but were frequently met withal , and a great many of them killed . nor do we find that the romans , when they conquered britain , extended their arms to ireland . it is held they were converted to the christian religion by st. iames the apostle ; and some give large grounds for it : but their authors will have it done by one pala●inus , sent thither to that purpose by pope celestine , but more especially perfected by st. patrick , to whom they ascribe a thousand incredibilities : but to leave these conjectures that are not greatly pertinent to our matter , we now come nearer to that for which we have more warrant and certainty . the first acquaintance that the english had with the irish , as to any thing that is remarkable , was in the reign of henry the second of england , their chief communication being with france , whether they sent several bands of soldiers to help them against the english , who were waring there under their king for the recovery of his right in the provinces that were his grand-father's , which he having pretty well settled , turned his thoughts upon ireland , where he heard they were at variance among themselves , the whole land being divided under many petty princes , when it luckily happened a business fell out that gave him an easie inlet to the conquest of it ; for in the year . the eastern part of the island along the sea being possessed by dormat mac-mur , king of leinster , his cruelties had highly incensed his subjects against him , and what more raised their fury , was , the injury he did to morice king of meath , by wheedling away his queen , and living with her in adultery ; so that the inraged husband seeking reparation and revenge , invaded his countries , by the assistance of roderick o conor , king of connaught , at the terror of whose approach , dormat being detested by , and forsaken of his subjects , was forced to flie to england , and there implored protection ; which upon taking an oath of fidelity and obedience to the king , was freely given him ; and henry , with a sum of money , procured leave of pope adrian , an english-man , promoted to st. peter's chair , that he might conquer ireland , promising moreover , throughly to establish the christian religion , and bring it to an acknowledgment of the see of rome ; but whilst he was preparing to pass the seas , new troubles arose in his french territories , that required his presence ; yet by his letters patents he gave leave , with encouragement to his nobles , and such others as were willing to go for ireland . dormat impatient of his exile , mainly upon this concession , solicited richard the king's son , promising not only his daughter , a very beautiful young lady in marriage , but great possessions in the country , when he should be restored , and all his territories after his death . the young prince being of a warlike temper , and thirsting after glory , resolved , though his father was absent , to undertake this expedition ; and early the next spring sailed from bristol with divers ships , on board which were thirty knights , sixty esquires , and three hundred archers , the first english-men ever known to land in a hostile-manner in ireland ▪ and being met by dormat with such forces as he , going over a little before , had raised , they seized upon the town of wexford , which was given to one fitz-stevens , a welch gentleman , according to agreement upon his raising part of the forces ; so that news of this , and other successes flying to england , many adventurers came over ; and although the petty kings joyned their forces , yet were they beat in divers bloody battels : and dormat being restored , had dublin submitted to him , inflicting grievous punishments upon such of his capital enemies as he found there . the prince being now in ireland , greatly increasing in strength , that came over to him , carried all before him ; which made king henry , who feared the prince's aspiring upon such successes , and willing to have the honour of conquering so large a kingdom himself , sent his mandate to recall the english out of ireland , so that but a few being left with the prince in dublin , and they reduced to a great streight by the irish that had taken heart , they nevertheless sallied upon an army of with not above men , and utterly routed them , taking great spoil ; and then coming for england , he surrendered all the cities and forts he had taken into his father's hands , for dormat by this time was dead ; and in the year . king henry landed with a royal army , which brought such a terrour upon ireland , that roderick , and most of the petty princes that were independent , or his tributaries , came witn their humble supplications to intreat him , that he would take the government upon him , as their supream prince and lord : so that at christmas he made them a noble feast in dublin ; and settled the kingdom in civil and ecclesiastical matters , reforming abuses and barbarities : and soon after those that held out in vlster were brought to submit , from which time we may date the conquest of ireland by the english , under which soveraignty it has ever since remained as a conquered kingdom , and now annexed to the crown : yet the natives who are generally hot spirited , uneasie , and restless under restraint , have often strugled to break this chain , though to the loss and disadvantage mostly of themselves . king richard the first , by reason of his wars in the holy land , his imprisonment upon his return in austria and the empire , and other disappointments he met with at home , had no war with the irish , nor happened there any thing extraordinary , but care and industry to settle the government ; which was done with such tenderness , that the natives being more civilized , began to think themselves happy in the change , and that they were redeemed from perpetual war , which when so many princes governed as absolute in their dominions , could not be avoided among so rough and stubborn a people . but because king edward the first had sent for forces out of ireland , to help him against the scots , with whom he had mortal wars , the wilder sort of the irish in edward the second's time invited them over , and many of the leading men of the natives revolting , ruining the country ; but upon the english joyning battel with them they were routed , and about slain , among whom was a king of connought , and one okly a lord of great possessions : but soon after the lord roger mortimer being sent over as lord justice of ireland , he managed matters so ill , that the scots were again called in under edward bruce , brother to the scots king , who taking several places by the revolt of the irish from the english obedience , caused himself to be crowned king of ireland ; but in a great battel his forces being routed , and he labouring to restrain their flight , was killed by one morepass whom he likewise requited with death before his fall , and the dead bodies fell by that means on each other , which happened in the year . however , they were rather dispersed than broken , doing considerable mischief where they found an opportunity to fall upon the english , that had settled themselves in the towns and villages near the sea , &c. in the year . during the reign of king edward the third , the irish in leinster and meath rebelled ; against whom the earl of ormond drew out what forces he could , but being over-poured in number , was defeated , and the irish made great spoils of the english possessions , and amongst other barbarities , burnt eighty of them in a church where they had fled for refuge ; but at last the english fortified themselves in wexford , and upon their approach to besiege it , sallied out upon them with such courage , that success crowned it , and of the irish were killed , most of them that fled being hotly pursued , were drowned in the river slane ; which with some other encounters , where victory declared on our side , so quelled them , that in this king's reign they rebelled no more . anno . in the reign of king richard the second , the irish fell again into rebellion , and by surprize fall upon the king's lieutenant , and divers persons of quality , whom they slew ; which made the king with considerable forces haste thither , and landing , he put them in all parts to the rout , killing a great many , and taking several of their ring-leaders , and keeping his court of state at dublin , to him resorted the nobility and chief of the irish , submitting and paying him homage , promising to keep the country in quiet for the future : but troubles arising in england , the king hastily left ireland , and was no sooner arrived in wales , but finding himself deserted , he betook him to a castle , where he was seized by henry duke of lancaster , to whom he resign'd his crown , and was afterward inhumanly murthered . upon whose death many troubles and contentions arose ; so that the english being embroyled at home , ireland was little minded , the people there doing , in a manner , what they pleased . but in the reign of henry the fifth , we being setled at home , more care was taken to prevent the outrages and depradations of the irish ; insomuch , that several who had been formerly offenders were punished , and others fled , amongst whom were divers of their great nes , who notwithstanding the care of the earl of ormond , then lieu●enant of the kingdom , to repress them , drew a great multitude of people into rebellion : but the earl gave battel at redmore-athy , where the irish under the leading of o moor , stood stoutly to it , as men in despair ; but after a bloody fight , that coloured all the ditches of the fens with blood , the battel swerved , and the irish were defeated with great slaughter . which quelled them in so terrible a manner , that for a long time after they seemed out of love with war : so that nothing memorably occurs in history , till the reign of henry the seventh , when the earl of kildare being deputy , one richard symons a priest , wheedled him into a belief , that one lambert a youth , whom he had brought up as his scholar , was really the earl of warwick son to george duke of clarence , brother to king edward the fourth , that had escaped out of the tower , and was come thither for protection ; and the young spark having been well tutored ; and of a graceful carriage , so well acted his part , that not only the lieutenant , but a great many of the irish nobility sided with him , raising considerable forces to espouse his quarrel , crowning him king in dublin , and not content to keep him there , they brought him with a considerable army into england , landing in lancashire , and proclaiming him . but the king's forces advancing , they were in a set-battel over-thrown , and the imposter taken prisoner , the priest hanged , &c. they likewise in the king's reign aided another called perkin , or peter warbeck , who stiled himself duke of york , younger son to edward the fourth ; but in this they had no better success than in the former , a great many being killed , the impostor taken , after several attempts , and bloody encounters , having engaged the scots as well as irish , on his part , marrying the lady catharine gourdon , niece to that king ; he was first obliged to confess his impostor , how he was set on , maintained and encouraged by the dutchess of burgundy , sister to edward the fourth , and then being publickly punished , was sent to the tower , from whence endeavouring to escape , he was executed , and with him the real earl of warwick , who had been kept a prisoner there a considerable time : all that was alledged against him was , that he attempted to make his escape with perkin , to raise new commotions . in the reign of henry the eighth , great commotions were stirred up , which were at first suddenly appeased , but the earl of kildare being deputy , the people exhibited their complaints against him to the court of england , as the cause of many disturbances by his severe using them , and amongst other articles they had this , viz. all ireland is not able to rule this earl. then , said the king , this earl is the fittest man to rule all ireland : and thereupon he continued him deputy ; it appeared this hatred against him proceeded only from the strict hand he had over them to keep them from rebelling . and another was , that he had caused to be burned the cathedral church of cashal . the archbishop of that place being his chief accuser , and when every one would have denied it , he humbly replied , by chreest i would never have done it , had i not byen told the archbishop was in it . which plain dealing made the king smile , and the archbishop storm and fret : however , the earl was ordered to rebuild it at his own charge , and so continued in his deputyship ; but often fell into displeasure by reason of his plain downright dealing ; and cardinal wolsey now ruling all at court , for speaking too plain to him upon his examination at the council-board , where wolsey sat as president , he sent him to the tower , and ordered a warrant for his execution without the king's knowledge ; of which the king having notice by the lieutenant , was mightily incensed at wolsey , and that great favourite soon after falling into disgrace , the earl was released and sent to ireland , with one sir william sheington , who was made deputy : however the o moors fell into rebellion , but being opposed by forces drawn out of dublin , they were dispersed , and many of them killed , and for that time the tempest blown over ; however it lasted not long , for the earl of kildare's enemies , having again upon many grievous complaints prevail'd to have him sent for to england , he was committed to the tower ; whereupon his son , the lord thomas , notwithstanding the perswasions of the chancellor to avert him from it , fell into rebellion , and drew great forces after him ; yet driven at last to extream necessities , he was perswaded by the lord grey , then deputy of the kingdom , to submit himself to king henry's mercy , without hope of pardon ; but some of his followers having killed alen archbishop of dublin , he was upon his arrival committed to the tower ; and king henry being informed , that the geraldine family had vowed never to have peace with him , he sent for the earl's five brothers in custody ; when one of them during their crossing the seas , demanded of the master , what the name of the ship was ? who replied , the cow : nay then , said he , looking on the rest with a dejected countenance , we are all lost men ; for now a prophecy comes into my head , that says , five brethren of an earl should be carried into england in the belly of a cow , and never come back again : and i doubt not , but all things hitting so pat , we are they . and indeed so it happen'd ; for being accused of the late rebellion , though two of them were ignorant of it ; the lord thomas , son to the earl , was beheaded on tower-hill , and the five brethren hang'd drawn , and quartered at tyburn , and the earl soon after died in the tower of grief , which destroyed the center of that noble family ; for although one brother escaped , yet travelling through many countries , he at last came to naples , and there died childless . nor did the lord grey escape , for being countermanded , and accused of holding correspondency with this family , though without any notable proof , he was condemned for high-treason , and beheaded on tower-hill . the kings of england , the better to please the natives of ireland , having been all this while only called lords of ireland , the parliament sitting at westminster in the d year of henry's reign , invested with the title of king of ireland : whereupon the earl of tyrone , and divers others rebelled ; but in some bloody encounters being defeated , the earl was at last subdu'd , and brought prisoner for england ; yet upon his humble submission released and sent over , upon promise of keeping the country in quiet ; which he pretty well observed during the short reigns of king edward the sixth , and queen mary , only some petty commotions happened that were soon quieted . in the year . being the seventh year of queen elizabeth's reign , one of the chief lords of ireland , named donald mac carti more , upon some little stirs that happened , came over , and not only cleared himself to the queen , but delivered up to her all his territories , vowing perpetual fealty ; but she in gratitude restored them again , and made him earl of glencare , giving him a considerable sum to bear his expences ; so that by his great authority amongst the natives , it was thought the kingdom would be kept quiet ; but it proved otherwise : for after some private conspiracies , that never broke out , were defeated , the earl of desmond , the eleventh earl of that title , who had great territories and abundance of followers broke into open rebellion , and did great damage to the english , driving them out of many places , killing divers gentlemen in revenge , as he said , of the earl of kildare and his family being put to death ; and amongst others , one with whom he had contracted a strict friendship , and usually called father , who when he saw him with his drawn sword breaking into his chamber , and relying upon his former friendship , cried out , what is the matter , desmon , my son ? to whom the bloody earl sternly replied , i am no longer thy son , nor thou my father ; but thou shalt surely die : and thereupon they put him , and all they found in the house to the sword. these outrages allarmed the lord deputy , who drawing out his forces , after divers skirmishes put the earl to the rout , who being forsaken of his followers , lurked for sometime in the bogs and mountains ; but miserable want driving him thence among the cottages , he was there found and slain by a private souldier , when his head being conveyed to england , was set upon london-bridge ; and so fell this eleventh earl of desm●nd . but in his grave the restless spirits of the irish were not buried , for casting their eyes on the family of the bourks , they gave out they would have an eminent person of that family to be their king , or governour ; and many tumults were raised : but this prudent queen , notwithstanding some intestine troubles at home , took such care , that she a long time by policy and force reduced the unruly natives to their obedience ; the former of which was particularly effected by driving away their cattel , and making them submit through extream necessity , after they had been got together in the woods , about forty days . the second was by the timely notice the deputy had of two thousand scotch highlanders landing to joyn with the irish , and knowing nothing that they had laid down their arms , as to their greatest number , they came on with such as fell in with them by the way , in hopes to joyn the rest , breaking into the province of connaught , where indeed a great many of the country peasants took arms on their part ; but the lord-deputy by speedy marches towards them , and finding they were got into bogs and fastnesses , after he had encamped within sight a-while , feigned a retreat , and they , by reason of their over-numbring him , supposing he had fled , immediately followed ; but were no sooner trained on the firm ground , e're the english fac'd about , charged their front and flanks , piercing the array of their battel , and put them to utter rout and confusion , so that not above eighteen of them escaped of upwards of three thousand , which crushed the scots attempting to help them in their rebellion . these bad successes shewing plainly , the hand of heaven against them , did not however make them sensible of their misfortune , in taking up arms against a powerful nation ; for perceiving themselves too weak to struggle in the lyons paws , they began to tamper with other nations , alledging after the reformation , religion , as a ground to justifie their rebellions , though they were ever starting from their allegiance , when both nations professed that of the roman catholick communion ; but now taking this for a plausible pretext , the earl of tyrone began und●r hand to deal with philip the second of spain , for succours of men and ammunition , promising to hold the kingdom at his devotion : but this being about to be discovered by hugh o neale , tyrone in a rage clapped a cord about his neck , and strangled him with his own hands . notwithstanding this , it was known , and he summoned to answe● it in the english court ; and upon some assurance of pardon he went , submitting himself , and making such plausible protestations of innocency , that times running high by reason that the spaniards were about to invade england , he was pardoned , and sent over again , but afterward proved ingrateful , and a very dangerous enemy . much about this time one mac malcoon , a leading man among the irish , stirred up commotions about paying taxes , for which he was taken , tried , and executed , his estate being given partly to his family , and partly to the english , that living upon it they might curb and over-awe the rest : whereupon one brian o roch , who had sided with him , to prevent a present punishment , fell into an open rebellion ; but upon the rout that immediately was given him , he fled into scotland for protection ; but the queen's influence was so great upon that kingdom , that she had him delivered up ; and being tried at westminster , he was there found guilty , and being carried to tyburn , he was there executed without being concerned at death . these things having been buzzed in the ears of the multitude , to have been done in an arbitrary way , the earl of tyrone thought it a fit time to lay hold on their discontents , and raised all the forces he could , calling in the spaniard , and imploring the other roman catholick nations to assist him , as he pretended , to prevent heresies over-running that kingdom ; nor was the pope , to whom he had sent one ste●●ley , an english renagado , as his agent , wanting to further his design , causing harquibussers to be levied in the territories of the church , for the service of tyrone ● but s●ewkley , who commanded them , coming into the port of lisbon with them , at what time king don sebastian was going to invade africa , he retained them for his service , when at the fatal battel of alcazaz against the moors , they were all cut to pieces : however , tyrone being very much strengthned , gave the english a great overthrow , and put all connaught , vlster and munster in arms ; and the war after that went on with doubtful success , sometimes one party prevailed , and sometimes another . here the famous earl of essex , the great favourite of queen elizabeth , commanded ; but whilst he was fighting in ireland , he was undermined by his foes at the english court , and being called home , and some misdemeanours in this war , and other things charged against him , he was confined to his house , where falling into discontent , he after having imprisoned the privy counsellors that were sent to him from the queen , he broke out into open violence , for which he lost his head on tower-hill . the fall of so brave a souldier proving afterward to small cause of grief to the queen ; and his loss was greatly regretted by the people , whose darling he was . the lord norrice being deputy of ireland in the stead of the earl of essex , he followed his business so close , that giving tyron● several overthrows , and beating out the spaniards that came to his assistance , he at last was left by his followers , who cursing him for bringing them into such troubles , shifted as they could ; so that after he had lurked up and down some months , suffering extream necessity , he came and surrendred himself to the lord-deputy , upon promise he should be sent over to england , there to throw himself at the queen's feet for mercy ; and according he was sent over and committed to the tower ; but the queen dying before he could be brought to trial , king iames the sixth of scotland , and first of england , coming to the crown , he was by an act of indempnity pardoned , and set at liberty , he and all his adherents , promising exact obedience for the future ; and that wise king knowing how to settle a troublesome nation , as having been brought up in one himself , he knew it was best to prevent and lay aside animosities , and therefore by his proclamation of pardon , he utterly extinguished all offences , not only against the crown , but between subject and subject , as to particular trespasses ; and the like to every one that at a set day would appear and claim the benefit of his pardon before the justice of assize , and publick justice for that purpose being setled in every country , it abated much of the tyranny their petty lords had over them , and made the vulgar sort of them sensible of the goodness of the english laws , of which before they had purposely been kept in ignorance : being now for the most part freed from their servitude , and in the king 's immediate protection , so that if their lords had a mind to rebel , they could not compel their tenants to rise as they had formerly done : and ireland being now divided into shires , the circuits were erected in every province ; and the english had their lands alotted , and more particular colonies established , so that trade began to flourish ; and several corporations of the city of london having purchased large proportions of land , built a strong town for their securi●y , against the incursions of the irish that might happen , very advantageously situate on the bank of a river and lough , which made a wonderful change , to all appearance , in the face of things ; but what can hinder a people from being miserable that will make themselves so , as may not improperly say , in spight of providence : the chief of the irish were displeased at these proceedings , finding the english improvement rendred such plenty in the kingdom , as made their land of little value ; and therefore many of them spightfully let them lye neglected to be over-run with thistles and briars , cursing their posterity if ever they had any communication with the english , or so much as ploughed or sowed ; by which their irreconcileable hatred to us may be measured . the ordinary sort of people notwithstanding their lords di●●wasions , finding they had not their former power to compel , perceiving advantage to arise by this new settlement , inhabited very friendly with the english , and by their examples began to improve themselves in industry , and seemed averse to be stirred up as formerly upon every slight occasion to rebel , insomuch that a long peace ensued , and that brought with it extraordinary plenty ; but as nothing is certain or permanent upon earth , so in process of time this golden cord of union between the two nations was violently cut in sunder . troubles arising in the year . thro' a mis-understanding , and fomented heats blown by secret enemies , and war being in prospect between england and scotland , several of the native irish chiefs , not finding the people prone to hearken to them , incited the popish priests , who by promising them heaven for obedience to their commands , and damnation on the contrary , with many other strange stories and things , pushed them headlong on to one of the blackest iniquities ●he sun has for many ages beheld , and was too late discovered to be prevented , for it happened , that on the d of october , the irish headed by a great many of their nobility and gentry , rose generally in arms , seizing upon divers strong places , arms , ammunition , and all that came to hand , vowing the utter destruction of all the english in ireland , to extirpate them from the face of the irish earth , both root and branch ; and this was discovered but one night before it was to be executed ; by which providence however dublin and some other places , by the imprisoning the conspirators , and fortifying them with good garisons , were secured , and became a refuge to the lives of many ; so that now one might every where behold houses flaming , the miserable people fly every where for their lives , whilst the blood of many were mingled with flames , and the earth made red by the blood of those that were slaughtered in the fields and ways ; thousands were drowned in rivers and lakes till the stream was glutted with the dead bodies , and they bridged over the waters ; many were ripped up alive , and others tortured in a more cruel manner ; some were turned out into snows and frost and starved to death ; the priests and fryers going along with the murtherers , and beating them on to it with their crucifixes , telling them , they were hereticks , and no longer to be suffered alive on the earth ; and that it was so far from a sin to kill them , that it was meritorious , and even damnation it self to spare them ; giving the sacrament to the more scrupulous of conscience to confirm them in the bloudy enterprize ; so that in a short space , before any succour could come from england , they destroyed by sundry barbarous ways men , women , and children , burnt most of their houses and villages , killing their cattel , and suffering them to rot upon the ground , roo●ing up likewise their newly sprouted corn , as maliciously bent not only to destroy the people , but in hatred and utter detestation all that appertained to them ; flattering themselves by the inducement of old lying prophesies , to shake off the english yoke , and choose them a king from among their country-men , but fate consented no● . the king was at the beginning of this fatal mischief in ireland , upon the borders of scotland , labouring to compose the differences ; recommending the care of ireland to his parliament then sitting at westminster , who promised a speedy relief and assistance to the protestants that were got together in arms , and stood upon their defence ; voting pound for to raise forces ; and the earl of ormond was made lieutenant-general of the royal forces in that kingdom ; to joyn whom sir simon harcourt was sent out of england with a regiment . so that the poor remnant of the protestants getting together , made the irish papist that was so good at base and unmanly murthers , fly the face of war. but troubles growing fast on in england , by the misunderstanding between king charles the first and his parliament , and sprouting up into a miserable civil war , most of the guilty persons at this time escaped unpunished : but the small force of the prote●●ants that were left , being once united , forced the irish out of their strong hold , and restored the face of government ; yet about eigh● years after a bloody scene was acted , for king charles the first loosing his kingdoms with his life , his eldest son charles , as his undoubted right , taking upon him the kingly dignity , though in exile , england being cast , as they termed it , into a model of a free state or republick , the marquess of ormond , lord-lieutenant of ireland , was commissioned to labour the securing that country to the behoof of his master king charles the second ; and finding no other means to do it in that imergency , he closed his interest with the chief of the leading irish , concluding a peace in the king's name , with the most considerable of them , upon submission and obedience to his majesty , there being a concession of certain articles on the part of the marquess to be performed , when being joyned by the marquess of clanricard , and the lord inchequeen , the earl of castlehaven , &c. trim and tredah or drogheda , upon a defeat they gave the forces that came from england , surrendered : and now dublin , wherein was a strong garison commanded by colonel iones , being the only place of strength that held out , the marquess laid siege to it , with a brave army to appearance , but it seems there were too many irish in it , for the besieged taking the advantage of the carelesness of the camp , made at first very slender sallies , but finding the advantage , they sallied with their whole strength , and beating the besiegers out of their works , followed them into their camp , which occasioned such terrour and confusion , that the irish fled , and left the english and some few french to stand to it , but being over●owered by the vigorous attacks , they at ●ength , after a sharp and bloody dispute , gave ●way , and were forced to raise the siege , whilst ●he besieged became masters of their camp , ●nd an extraordinary rich booty ; and more forces arriving from england , fortune went against them almost every where . and now london-derry being besieged , that siege was ●aised by sir charles coot ; but what yet was a greater terrour , cromwell , a vowed and mor●al enemy to the irish , landed with seven regiments of foot , four regiments of horse , ●nd one of dragoons , bringing along with him ●he title of lord governour , or lieute●ant of ireland , and had to bring over ●hese forces forty sail of ships , with ●attering pieces , mortars , ammunition , ●nd all other warlike stores and materials . he staid a while to visit dublin , and ●hen marched with a compleat army to ●esiege drogheda , wherein was a strong gar●ison of english and irish , it being upon ●he rumour of his approach reinforced with two thousand five hundred foot , and three ●undred hor●e ; and although it was stoutly ●efended , yet it was carried by force , and by the too cruel order of the general , all were put to the sword , not respecting age ●or sex , except a very few who hid them●elves for many days , till the fury was over : and here it is the more to be lamented , be●ause this brunt fell mostly upon many brave english gentlemen , who were got into the place to defend it for their king. othe● towns were likewise taken by storm , an● treated at the like rate ; so that a bloody vengeance seemed to fall heavy upon a great many that were innocent for the sins of the guilty , who had so lately polluted the land wit● innocent blood , and now kept mostly out o● the way in the mountains , bogs , and fastne●ses ; however , being at last hunted from plac● to place , a great number fell by the swor● , famine , and pestilence , insomuch that the lan● was greatly depopulated , a third part of th● people being wasted , and had severe task masters over them that made them groan ●nder their burthens , till charles the secon● came to lighten their sholders , and resto●● them again their peace and ea●e , by accessio● to the crown upon the happy restauration so that the people wearied with their forme● miseries , began to be out of love with wa● and insurrections , and seemed mightily inclin●ble to peace . and indeed the king too care to place such ministers of state among them , especially the lords lieutenants an● lords justices , that they had no reasonabl● cause to complain of their usage , either i● affairs civil or military ; and indeed th● tranquility the kingdom enjoyed , made th● people in a great measure forget what the● had suffered : they traded to france an● spain with the product of their native soil the rivers and lakes likewise affording the● plenty of fish , which they transported fo● wine and other commodities . nor did the●● thoughts appear to be elevated above what was reasonable , till the death of the king. but when king iames the second ascended his brother's throne , and declared himself a roman catholick , then it was the irish papists began to prick up their ears , and to expect advantages beyond their abilities , publickly declaring , the day was their own , and that the protestant religion must go down . but it seems in this , as in their other aims , they took such measures as made them shoot wide of their mark. the earl of tyrconnel , who had been raised by king iames , when duke of york , from a mean to a considerable figure , was looked upon as a fit instrument to carry on the design in that kingdom ; and therefore upon the re-calling of the right honourable the earl of clarendon , he was made lord-lieutenant , and soon gave the irish great hopes of superiority over the english in that kingdom , by first cashiering the protestant soldiers and officers that were in arms , and then the officers and ministers of justice : and though there were complaints made against him at the english court , yet they were not regarded , but he the rather encouraged in his enterprizes ; insomuch , that things run so high that many feared a fatal event , and divers left thereupon the kingdom ; some going for holland , others for scotland and england : and in such a method matters continued to be pushed violently on , till news came of a purposed invasion of the kingdom of england by the prince of orange , now our soveraign , then tyrconnel be●tir'd himself to secure ireland , imprisoning such as he suspected , and disarming others ; draining the garrisons of the most expert irish soldiers that were papists ▪ and sending them over to the number of three thousand , or thereabout , to the assistance of his master ; but they did him far more hurt than good by increasing the peoples fears that were but before suggested . and indeed , the whole english nation revolting in a manner from king iames , and what was more remarkable , a great part of the army he had been so long training up at a vast expence . upon the landing of the prince with his forces , the irish forces that had been sent over in expectation of mountains , found that they were not only dwindled into less than mole-hills , but themselves in a miserable condition , not only at the point of starving when disbanded with the rest of the forces , by the earl of feversham , but almost exposed to the fury and violent resentment of the people , who had conceived a hatred against them ; so that at last , submitting , they were taken care of , and most of them shipped for the emperour's service against the turks . tyrconnel was not idle in ireland upon the news he had from england of king iames his flight to france ; but calling a council mostly of his creatures , told them , that now it was their time to stand up for their country , and secure it against all opposers ; and that for his part , if even his master should command him to deliver up the sword , he should think it , in such ● iuncture , his duty to refuse it . and immediately not only spread the news throughout the country , but caused the irish every where to take arms , such as they could get ; ●o ●ha● the tumultuous rabble getting together , plundered the protestant houses , drove away their cattel , fired their stacks of corn and hay , murthered some , and barbarously used others , insomuch that the terrour working in all , such as could fled for their lives , leaving their substance behind them , and happy they thought themselves in that condition , if they could pass the seas ▪ either to england or scotland ; for although several of the protestant n●bility and gentry made head in the north , yet the enemy having in their posse●sion all the strong towns , they found themselves too weak to make any extraordinary resistance against so mighty a torrent as came roaring on ; however , they gave several o● their parties notable overthrows , fortifying london-derry , slego , and the ●●le of inniskilling , and such other places and difficulties of access as they found opportunity ; for by this time tyrconnel had given orders for s●opping the ports , and made many large and plausible offers to bring them over to his party , but they prevailed on a very few . the prince and princess being proclaimed king and queen of england , france and ireland , on the th of february , . upon the humble address of both houses of parliament , great care was taken for the speedy succouring the oppressed protestants of ireland ; and that the papists in arms against them , might be left without excuse , a proclamation was sent over , offering , among other things , a pardon and indempnity for all that should in obedience to it lay down their arms and retire to their respective places of abode , and there peaceably behave themselves as obedient subjects ought to do , upon which condition they should in full freedom enjoy their estates according to law , and that the roman catholicks upon such a consideration should have all the favour that the law allows for the private exercise of their religion ; with a further promise , that a parliament should be speedily called in that kingdom : but upon refusing to comply with the royal mandate , to be esteemed as rebels and traytors to the crown of england , &c. their lands and possessions to be forfeited , and disposed of by way of distribution among those that should be aiding and assisting in the reducing the kingdom to its obedience . this royal concession , though tyrconnel laboured what in him lay to hinder its being dispersed , wrought some good effects , notwithstanding that earl , to counter-ballance it , put forth a paper which he termed his declaration , not only therein insinuating what great advantage the kingdom would reap by ●anding out . but that their fears might be dissipated , he promised speedy aids and succours from france , and that they should not want for either money or provision ; and moreover , the better to encourage them , gave hopes of king iames's speedy landing there with a numerous army . and the better to secure himself , and keep up the courage of his party he sent out detachments to secure divers protestant gentlemen in the country , and make garrisons of their houses . but the greatest part of them having timely notice , made their escapes ; by which the protestants grew stronger in the north ; however their goods and possessions were destroyed and harassed . the priests being the greatest incendiaries to stir up those that were actually in arms to spoil and rapine , as being sure of a share , as likewise to arm the madding multitude ; so that one might see droves of the latter , some half naked , others tattered , and all in miserable rags , armed with pitchforks , bills , staves , and what other merciless weapons they could get on the suddain , running like so many furies to spoil and plunder , and in their greediness of prey , not many times distinguishing papists from protestants . and it was strongly reported , that there was a great debate in the council , to which some popish bishops were admitted , about a general massacre , as the best expedient to clear the country of hereticks : but tyrconnel ( let it be to his praise ) had the generosity to oppose and detest it , and put a stop in some measure to the mischievous progress of the rabble , yet when some of the chiefs who had got protections from him , made their complaints : that they were notwithstanding plundered : he only shook his head , and told them , it was necessity that made his men to do it ; and he could no ways help or restrain it . these violent proceedings made those that thought upon the earl's protection , they might have some confidence in their continuance as to safety , begin to make away for the sea-coast ; and although the masters of ships were commanded on pain of death to transport none , yet many escaped to england and scotland , where they were well received , and provision made for them by way of publick brief and collection , &c. about the latter end of march the abdicated king landed in ireland , with a great train of officers , but very few forces , and was received at dublin with a mixture of joy and sorrow , bringing with him as his supervisor monsieur d'avaux , with some french generals . the recorder of dublin made a long speech to him upon his arrival , extolling him for courage , conduct , and all the heroick vertues imaginable , above the skies ; and a general joy spread in the faces of the roman catholicks , thinking now the day was all their own , and not doubting to carry every thing by force or submission ; and more soldiers were listed and regimented under the french officers that came over , and care taken to lay up stores . money was every where extorted , and the plundered cattel , corn and hay brought in , and sold at inconsiderable rates ; insomuch that they soon gathered an army of between forty and fifty thousand men. whilst these things were doing at land , the english navy being out at sea with a strict charge to hinder correspondence between france and ireland , the squadron under the command of admiral herbert , had notice by their scout ships , that part of the french fleet was abroad , and stood away to the irish coast : whereupon he made all the sail he could after them , and the next day found they stood into bantry bay , a very spacious bearing in of the sea , and though for fear of the shallows , and other difficulties that might offer , it proved a work of difficulty to enter upon them , for they seemed no ways willing to come out to an engagement ; notwithstanding they were much superiour in number ; yet the admiral drawing his ships into a line , and lying upon the stretch , battered them extreamly from ten in the morning , till five in the afternoon , at what time the french admiral tacked from us , and stood farther into the bay. we killed them a great many men ; and some of our men declare● , they saw one of their great ships go to the bottom . on our side we lost captain aylmer of the portland , with a lieutenant , and about three hundred seamen killed and wounded , and could our fireships have entred upon them , most of their ships , which were forty four in number , to about twenty eight of ours , might have been destroyed . our fleet after this engagement came back to portsmouth , and there refitted , whether the king of england went to take a view of them , and dining aboard the admiral , created him earl of torrington , &c. and distributed about six thousand pound among the seamen . and now the french having violated the peace , and undeniably begun the war in invading ireland , the king delayed not to denounce the war against them by a declaration to that purport , bearing date the seventh of may , . and great preparations were made for passing over to ireland , forces were levied in all parts of england , and money prepared for defraying the charge of the expedition ; which was the more facilitated , upon the estates of scotland submitting their crown to king william and queen mary , and taking of them upon their being owned and invested king and queen of that kingdom , which they did by their commissioners , who waited upon their majesties to that purpose , in the banquetting-house at whitehall . and the viscount of dundee , who had headed the rebel highlanders , and others in that kingdom , being killed in a fatal battel near st. iohnstown , things began to go better , and the success of the scotch affairs gave way to a more speedy prosecuting those in ireland , where the inniskilling-men being abroad , pierced the enemies quarters , and got great booties , defeating divers parties , and making themselves terrible to the enemy . upon news brought that maccarty was in those parts with a strong party , plundering and ravaging the country . lieutenant-colonel berry , with three companies of foot , eight troops of horse , and three of dragoons , marched towards them ; but upon their approach , found they were made stronger than they were reported , by another party that had joyned them , and were much superiour to him in number ; which obliged him before he found himself sufficiently strong to attack them , to send to colonel woolsey at inniskilling , for a re-inforcement ; which he no sooner obtained , but he charged them with much bravery , killing a considerable number , taking some prisoners , and putting the rest to flight ; but the flyers in their way being greatly re-inforced , rallied , and came to second encounter , which for a time continued bloody and doubtful , they by reason of their advantageous post , much galling our horse with their cannon ; but the defiles , or dirty narrow passages being resolutely passed by our foot and dragoons , they made themselves masters of the cannon , which gave our horse the advantage to charge the enemies horse , who thereupon deserted the foot and fled , and the foot after them , a great many being killed , and some taken prisoners , by which defeat the country was freed from great incumbrances . this part of the enemies army that had a long time lain heavy upon it , being by this means , and in this battel , fell of the enemy by the sword , and those that were drowned in desperately throwing themselves into the lough to escape the pursuers , about three thousand . there happened likewise divers other rencounters of lesser note , wherein the protestants for the greatest part gained the advantage . whilst these things were doing , the irish army , with king iames at the head of it , marched towards london-derry , promising themselves , the terrour of their arms would oblige it to a surrender upon their first approach ; but found they were extreamly mistaken ; for although colonel lundy the governour , and the two regiments sent from england , under the colonels cunningham and richards , had withdrawn and slighted it , as a place not tenable against an army of forty thousand men , with a train of artillery and divers mortars ; providence so ordered , it became the bulwark of the sinking nation , and gave the enemy their first considerable check ; for divers troops that were abroad , mostly composed of undisciplined soldiers , throwing themselves into it , they , together with those that were found there were regimented , even the multitude seizing the keys , and undertaking with great alacrity to defend it , having chose mr. george walker , minister of an adjacent village , their governour , and major baker , his co-adjutor , or assitant-governour during the siege . and now those in arms in the town consisted of companies , and every company contained sixty men , being in all common soldiers , and officers . the next thing taken in hand , was to view the stores , and ordering their better security from any embezling , as resolving to defend the place to the last extremity , having already rejected the offers the enemy made them , in case they would readily submit , which consisted of much promised favour and protection ; but the hard dealings others had met with , who had put themselves into their hands , made them deaf to all proposals , and their great guns being mounted on the wall , they fired upon the advance-guard of the enemy , who had been promised to be received with open arms , by hamilton and others , who undertook to bring over the besieged , which much consternated king iames , then within the reach of their cannon , and obliged him to remove to a place of more safety . however , seeing fair words and promises could not gain it , they resolved to reduce it by force , beginning within a day or two after their appearance before it , to break ground , and run their trenches , drawing up a demi-culverine , within a furlong of the town , with which they battered the market-house , and did some damage to other houses ; but the cannon from the town playing among them , did considerable execution ; and to hinder their nearer approach , the besieged sallied , and beat them out of their trenches , killing about two hundred men , amongst whom was the french general mamow , and others of note , with little loss on our side , and of note , only lieutenant mac phedris was killed . the besiegers finding this way little availed them , drew four demi-culverine into an orchard adjoyning to the town , and kept continual firing , which hurt many people in their houses , and made some impressions in the walls : nor was the damage left unrequited from the cannon of the town , which killed them a great many men , and some considerable officers , and a sudden shot took off two fryars in their habits , as they were exhorting the besieged to press on the siege . and now to do their work more effectually , they placed two mortar-pieces , and threw in divers bombs , which did some damage to the houses and people , whereupon the besieged sallied , and killed several of the enemy at penburn-hill , losing only two of their own and eighteen wounded . the same day a shot from the town broke and dismounted one of their pieces on the battery , and killed the gunner , whereupon they drew a trench a-cross windmil-hill , from the bog to the river , and there raised another battery , lining the hedge with dragoons ; but at the same time the besieged sallied in a considerable number , and dividing one part , made them masters of the trenches and advantageous ground , killing about two hundred ; whilst the other party beat the dragoons from the hedges . which reiterated losses so enraged the enemy , that having captain cunningham , and lieutenant douglass upon some sallies , they , after quarter given , put them to the sword , which served to confirm the besieged in the belief of the mercy they were to expect if they fell into their hands , and made them more obstinate in a resolute defence : and alluring the governour out , under pretence of treaty , they fired a hundred shot at him , yet none of them had the power to hurt him , by reason upon their first presenting , he sheltred him behind the ruines of an old house , and retired into the town , cautious how he trusted them any more . the besiegers by this time grown weary of continual duty , and the danger they were exposed to , drew off their main body , and encamped on a hill about two miles from the town , yet left it entirely besieged . on the fourth of iune , a squadron of voluntier horsmen , who promised upon oath to do great things , supported by a detachment of foot , made an attack upon the windmil-work , resolving to force the line , coming on with loud shouts and huzza's ; but were frustrated in their enterprize , being beat off with considerable loss , four hundred of them were accounted to be killed ; and to secure their retreat , the foot carried faggots at their backs , and those that had none , hoised the dead bodies , and carried them away on their backs to dead the shot . on the part of the besieged , the loss was very inconsiderable , only captain butler pressing too eagerly after the enemy , was taken prisoner , and a few killed by a great shot coming over the river . these sev●●al defeats and disappointments of taking a place they before had thought so easie , that the french general upon the first view , swore he would beat down the walls with pot-guns , so enraged the enemy , that they were resolved to make all the effort imaginable , and the next night played bombs , some of them pounds , which broke up the streats , beat down several houses , and killed divers persons ; which occasioned some consternation , and the more when their stores of provision began to fail , and famine to encrease , so that they needs must have been disheartned , had they not been encouraged by the discovery of thirty sail of ships in the lough , which were sent to their succour from england , under the command of major-general kirk , with provision , men , and ammunition : but the river being chained up with a floating boom a-cross it , and batteries of the enemy on the bank , he could not only for several days get up , but had much ado to have communication by letter ; yet the hope of relief so near at hand , kept up the spirits of the besieged , and encouraged them to a vigorous defence , though many died daily for want . monsieur de rosen the french marshal , by this time arrived in the enemies camp , and understanding the little progress they had made in carrying on the siege , fell a swearing , by the belly of god , he would not only demolish the town , but bury the besieged in their own ruins . but upon the attacks he made , found no better success than the rest : and the lord clancar●y , who they said was destined by an old prophecy to take the town , making an attack , and being beat off with great loss , lieutenant-general hamilton , who had falsified his trust to king william , and revolted to the enemy , upon his being sent from england to pacifie matters in the beginning , came to make large offers , but was rejected by the besieged with indignation ; nor was rosen's promises and threats regarded . whereupon he pitched upon a french politick , imagining that would inf●de●●ly do , viz. he caused all the miserable protestants to be gathered out of the countries round about , and driven half naked and starved there to perish , if the besieged refused to succour them , whose wants , though they pierced their hearts , having very slender provision in the town , they could not relieve , and therefore kept the gates shut against them , yet fired among the enemies party that drove them , four or five of them fell dead with the shot . and now there being several prisoners in the town , who had several relations of note and command in the enemies camp , the governour , and the rest , caused a gallows to be set up in the sight of the enemy , threatning to hang the prisoners thereon , if those miserable people were not suffered to return to their habitations , yet leave given them to write to their friends , to know what they would do on their behalf . rosen returned them no answer ; but hamilton returned them a slight one . however , this stratagem prevailed , and the people were permitted to return ; which proved advantageous to the garrison ; for amongst them five or six hundred poor starvlings were shuffled out , and some able bodies taken in . another stratagem they had to shoot letters into the town in the dead shell of a bomb , viz. not filled with powder , as imagining the governour , and other superiour officers kept their proposals from the soldiers ; but this enraged them the more , and it was ma 〈…〉 th so much as to discourse of a surrender . about the thirtieth of iune , major baker died ; yet the defence continued as vigorous as ever , and divers sallies were made , though the garrison through famine , diseases and loss was lessened near one half , and the famine increased so fast , that horse-flesh was fold for eighteen pence the pound , and but little of that to be had : a quarter of a dog , that fead upon the dead irish , at five shillings and six pence , his head at half a crown , a cat at four shillings and six pence ; rats , mice , tallow , greves , and all noysome things that could be possibly eaten , proportionably ; so that in the whole town there was but nine lean horses left , and a pint of meal , and a little tallow to each man , when providence so ordered , whilst they were at their devotions , news came that ships were making their way up the river ; which to their great joy and comfort proved true : for major-general kirk having notice that the town could hold out no longer , ordered the mountjoy and phoenix , and mountjoy guarded by the dartmouth , to force their way at any hazard , which they did through the showers of the enemies shot , and found the boom broke ; one of them however struck upon a shelve , yet the stock of her guns set her free again , and they came safe to the town , bringing life to a dying people : which the enemy perceiving , thought it to no purpose of staying longer before it , least they should receive worse disgrace , but in some confusion raised their camp , firing culmore , and divers other places in their retreat , breaking for haste some of their great guns ; and had a party of the inniskilling-men , and some of the garrison upon their rear , who cut off , or took prisoners the s●raglers , with some booty , the former having before defeated lieutenant-general maccarty , they likewise threw about twelve care load of arms into the river for want of carriages to bear them off ; and lost before the town in a siege of one hundred and five days , for so long it lasted , between and men , and among them of their best officers . and now pardon me , reader , for insisting so long upon this particular , which i could not slightly pass over , since ( if we consider the weakness of the place , few of the men that defended trained up in war , and scarcity it endured , and the time it held out against a powerful army , backed by almost a whole kingdom ) it may very well compare with the most famous siege that ever was mentioned in history . major-general kirk soon after these succours got in , came to london-derry , and was received with all the demonstrations of joy a people in so ruinous a condition , could bestow ; and having viewed the walls and fortifications , blessed himself to think that such slight works could ever have been defended so long against such an army . things in london-derry being settled as well as the shortness of time would permit , it was agreed that mr. walker should go for england , and present his majesty with an address in his own , and the names of the principal persons that had been in the town during the siege ; where he was very graciously received , and his majesty , as a mark of his favour , for the signal services he had done him , ordered him pound , and a promise of his further regard . whilst this siege lasted , the inniskilling-men and others of the protestant party abroad were not idle , but a detachment of men were sent under the cammand of colonel stewart , got into the isle of inch ; and hearing the irish had fortified themselves in tully , he sent a commanded party of sixty musquetiers , and beat them out , when more forces coming to him , he and other commanders raised some small fortifications in the island , and there succoured a great many protestants who fled from the enemy with their cattel and substance , and others that had been stripped of all , and came naked ; beating divers parties of the irish that attempted to force him from his strength ; and the duke of berwick being sent this way with horse , attempted to force ralfamulin , where a small party of our men quartered ; but having timely notice , getting to their arms , and barrocading the street , the enemy , after a sharp dispute , drew off with the loss of men ; and on our part only lieutenant coningham , and a few private soldiers , and a lieutenant wounded : however , very desirous to bring these parts into subjection , nothing was omitted that threats or alurements could effect ; but neither of them prevailed against the stedfast loyalty of the protestants ; they too sadly remembred how often they had broke their words , and how little they esteemed keeping it with those they termed hereticks . one fatal instance of which take for many : it happened that the lord galmoy being abroad with a party , took captain dixie prisoner by surprize in his father's house , which house he set on fire , and with him brought away cornet charlton : but hearing one brian mac king●or mac gurrie , a captain of the irish army , had been taken by our men , and was prisoner at cran , he sent to the governor of the castle , to offer captain dixie in exchange , vowing upon his honour , so soon as gurrie came , dixie should be sent them . this was well accepted , and guerrie was sent , but galmoy thereupon ordered the two young gentlemen to be tried by a council of war , for receiving a commission from england ; and being sentenced , had orders to prepare to die the next day , but in the mean time great endeavours were used , and promises made them of life and preferment , if they would turn papists , and adhere to king iames. but they generously rejected the offer , and preferred their religion before the saving their lives ; and although mac gurrie interceded mainly for them , and reproached the lord galmoy with the stain of his honour after his solemn promise in writing ; yet he would hear nothing on their behalf , but caused them to be hanged upon one russel's sign post ; whilst he made merry there ; and not content with their lives , he ordered their heads to be cut off , and tossed to the soldiers to play at foot-ball with , which when they had misused for a time , he caused to be set up on the market-cross at belturbet . this made , i say , the rest more cautious to trust their mercy ; whereupon the french general rosne , resolute to subdue them , came within the shot of their cannon to encourage the soldiers that were gathering in those parts against them , but a shot had spoiled his undertaking , had it not fallen a little too short , yet it beat up the stones , which wounded him in the leg , and his horse in the body , and killed two troopers , insomuch , that frighted with this disaster , he gave over the attempt : but greater actions than these attended the fate of ireland ; the english army so long expected was embarqued , and came on with a fair wind , being discovered some leagues at sea , by the longing people who watched for it on the shore , and proclaimed its arrival by their loud shouts and acclamations of joy : and on the thirteenth of august , . duke schombergh , who commanded the forces , landed at carickfurgus ; and after a short enquiry into the state of the kingdom , he sent two regiments to belfast ; and having refreshed himself , and that part of the army that landed with him , he directed his march to find out the enemy , being every where received by the protestants with the greatest expressions of joy imaginable : at the terrour of whose approach the castle and town of antrim was deserted , and our men took possession of it , leaving there a garrison of fif●y soldiers , under the command of captain ormsby ; and many other places and passes were secured : but carickfurgus refusing upon summons to surrender , a part of the army sate down before it ; and the next day the cannon and mortars were planted against it whilst the trenches were opened , and no sooner they heard the english speak to them in a dialect of war , from the mouths of their cannon , but they beat a parley ; but the main import of their request being to send to king iames to have his leave to surrender : it was rejected , and the mortars and cannon began to play against the town very furiously , they answering us with their cannon in like manner , especially anoying our men with two pieces advantageously planted in the lord dungale's house ; yet our bombs did great execution , beating down and setting many houses on fire . several of our ships that lay in a line , played likewise their cannon on the other side , and no less indamaged the besieged ; whereupon they again desired a parley , but insisting to march out with their cloaths and baggage , the duke would not agree to it , only allowing them to be prisoners of war ; and again the batteries were renewed ; they again hung out a white flag to parley , and upon submitting to a surrender , were allowed to be conducted to the next irish garrison ; whereupon sir henry ingoldsby marched in with his regiment , and took posse●sion of the place . by this time fifty sail of ships came up the lough , on board which were a regiment of horse , and four of foot , who joyning the army , the general marched towards belfast , and were two miles beyond lisnoygarney on the d of september , which made the enemy retreat with much precipitation ; yet they took so much time as to set divers places on fire ; whereat the general was so incensed , that he sent to tell the commanders of those parties , that if they desisted not from using such french tricks , they must expect no quarter , if they fell into his hands ; which made them upon quitting dundalk leave it intire . the duke finding the plains of dundalk commodious to encamp on , and the winter season approaching , caused the tents to be pitched , whilst the enemy's army between and fortified and entrenched about ardee . slego being still in the hands of the english , a party of the enemy consisting of about horse and foot , advanced that way in hopes by force or surprize to make themselves masters of it : but colonel lloyd , who commanded the inniskilling-men , having notice of their design , drew out about a horse , dragoons , and foot , and lining the hedges of the lanē of boyle , where they were to pass , with his foot , he drew up his horse on a rising ground , and charged the enemy so suddenly , that after a smart engagement he put them to flight in great confusion ; and taking a nearer way with his horse and dragoons , got into boyle before the enemy , and charged them again in the front , whilst the food did the like in the rear ; so that were cut off , and about taken prisoners , with o kelly their commander , and forty other officers of note ; and by this rout head of cattel were recovered , which the enemy in their ravaging the country had got together , also a great many arms , ammunition and provision ; so that those parts continued in quiet a long time after : so that the enemy perceiving force in vain , undertook to ruine our affairs by treacherous policy , bu● they failed in that , as in all the rest . the project was thus : it happened that regiments of french protestants were raised in englan● for the service , and amongst them divers were listed that came over just then by the way o● holland , which being done in haste , the colonels had no time strictly to examine them ▪ so that amongst these there was one du plessey ▪ who had been formerly a captain in france ▪ and fled thence for a murther , but now served as a private soldier ; this man sent ●● monsieur d'avaux , to let him know , that if he would get him his pardon in france , an● let him have the command of such as 〈◊〉 brought over , he would inveagle the papists that had been unwittingly regimented to the irish camp. which upon his trial before a council of war appearing by his intercepte● letter , and confession , he , with four others hi● accomplices , were found guilty , and executed ; and upon a strict scrutiny a great many papists were found in those regiments , and sent prisoners to england . providence by thi● timely discovery frustrating the design they might have to revolt , and endeavour the turning the scale of victory , if it came to a battel . the plains of dundalk , by reason of the fogs and wetness of the place , incommoding ●he camp with sickness and inconveniency , about the middle of november it broke up , and marched away to the newry pass ; and beat●ng out the enemy , possessed themselves of ●he town , and upon their attempting to recover it , were beaten with considerable loss . brigadier stewart falling upon them with horse and foot so resolutely , that they fell ●nto confusion , thirty being killed on the place , ●nd about eighteen taken prisoners , and among the number five officers . and colonel woolsey took belturbet upon the first summons . nor did only the men , but the women ●affle the courage of the irish : for a strong party of them attempting to make themselves masters of the lady newcomens , house , that heroick fortified it , and garrisoned with her tenants , beating off the enemy , and killing ●everal in the attacks they made , though she ●ad no great guns , and but a few small shot ; ●hereupon they found themselves obliged to ●ring some cannon and a mortar before it ; ●hich caused her to surrender , in considera●ion , that dismissing the garrison to march ●ith their baggage to lisnigarvy , she and her ●omesticks might continue there in quiet . ●ut this was not virtually observed ; for get●ing into her house , they took away many ●●ings of value . whilst these things happened at land , some●hing remarkab e , and not amiss to be recited , was done on the water , in the bay o● dublin , in spight of all the power and for●● of the irish , that then possessed that gre●● city . sir clously shovel being on that coast , afte● cruising thwart the bay , he stood into it , an● could then perceive a ship a mile within th● bar , whereupon resolving to fetch her out if possible , he came to an anchor , and we●● on board the monmouth yatch , and at a litt●● more than half flood , the wind being no●therly , he with that yatcht , two men of wa● hoys , a catch , and the pinnace , got over th● barr ; whereupon the ship being aware of h●● coming , weighed anchor , and moved up 〈◊〉 salmon-pool , about a mile nearer to dubl●● and there run a-ground , within shot of 〈◊〉 french man of war of twelve guns , and t●● or three english ships that lay a-ground fill●● with soldiers , who continually kept firing 〈◊〉 our vessels ; however , they followed the a●tack , and after some dispute , sir clously s●●vel made a sign for the fireship to enter a●● bear up ; which when the enemy perceive● they left their ships , and got away in th● boats ; whereupon our men went on boar● her , and having somewhat lightned her brought her off , in turning out the wind , ●●ring out of the sea , one of sir clously's hoys r●● a-ground , and could not be got off before t●● water fell away from her , so that the 〈◊〉 were forced to lye by her , and get out her ●●chors , ready to heave off , when the ty●●● should return ; and the hoy being upon 〈◊〉 ●round , thousands of people came upon the ●trand , among which was king iames with ●is guards , as spectators of what might hap●en , and two protestants that had escaped ●rom dublin , got to our armed boats , and with much supplication intreated to be taken ●n . however , a french trooper to shew his bravado , came riding up within half musquet ●hot , and reviling our men as well as he could ●abble english by the epithets of rebels , & c. ●e had so much courage as to discharge his pistol at that distance ; but a shot from the boat that lay next the shoar killed his horse , whereupon monsieur pulling off his boots , left ●hem to our men , betaking him to his heels as ●ast as he could run , for fear an unwelcome messenger should overtake him , and make him ●ay dear for his vain-glory. the ship thus taken was the pellican , the ●iggest of the two scotch frigots taken by the ●rench the precedent summer , carrying a●out twenty guns . three or four of those ●hat were aboard her , were killed by the fi●ing of our men , and found dead upon the deck , besides those that were carried off , as ●ell killed as wounded : and our vessels ha●ing done what they came for , returned in ●riumph with their prize , in the sight of a ●umerous people , who thought it for the most ●art safest to keep at a distance . this ship lay here to carry off some of the ●rotestants goods that had been seized in dublin ; but the freighters by this means were ●isappointed of their expectations . colonel woolsey being still abroad with a party to observe the enemies motions , having with him a party of men , out of the regiment of kirk , earl , grover , and the inniskilling troops , he ordered half o● them to make an incursion towards finag● under the command of lieutenant-colone● creichtoune , he with the rest marched to kilislia , a strong castle between belturbet and cavan , where he by secret marching came by break of day , and brought his men withi● musquet shot of the fortress , under the shelte● of the hedges and ditches , and immediately fixed his miners to the wall , where they soo● finished a mine , and were ready to spring i● by ten the next morning ; whereupon th● colonel sent to summon the garrison , upo● which they sent out an officer to treat , and about two hours after the conditions were agreed on . which were , that the garrison shoul● march out with their arms and baggage ▪ and accordingly the castle gate was delivere● about noon , and the garrison commanded b● one captain darchy , marched out within a● hour after , consisting of men detache● out of several regiments ; and according t● articles agreed on , were guarded to cavan ▪ so that this strong place was reduced with th● loss of three men on our side , and four or fiv● wounded ; it being of great importance t● their majesties affairs ; by reason it opene● a free passage into connaught , and all that par● of leinster that lies on the shannon ; and afte● having put in a garrison of one hundred men , he returned to belturbet , and was there reinforced by a battalion of danes , to enter upon further action , as he found it advantageous to the service . insomuch , the irish parties were so frequently met withal , that they came not abroad so often as they were wont ; by which means our men had the better leisure to get in hay and corn to the magazines , which they frequently adventured for in the enemies quarters , and for the most part succeeded so well , that they mainly encreased the stores ; so that with that , and what came from england , the camp , and out-quarters were plentifully supplied ; and even the papists chose rather to bring in their provisions to our camp than the enemies , so self-interest , by reason of the disproportion in the money , as taking valuable coin in ours , and only copper and mixed mettal at a vast disproportion ; in the other promised to be changed hereafter into better coin , though they knew not when , nor cared to rely upon such uncertainties . about this time the damp fogs arising in the country a great many officers and soldiers died in either camp ; but the destruction light mostly on the french , in comparison of their number , who coming out of a warm dry country , could not so well endure the incommoding vapours and cold damps , which the frequent rains that fall in ireland , especially when the season is any thing considerably advanced towards the winter quarter and now that the blessing of god might be upon their majesty's arms , and judgments averted , the general caused his proclamation to be published throughout the camp , and in other places , strictly prohibiting swearing , cursing , and prophaneness in the officers and soldiers on pain of displeasure , and such punishments as might be inflicted , which for a time stopped those volleys of oaths and curses , that were wont to be heard on every trivial occasion . the general went out with a party to view the enemies posts , and situation of the country , and upon his return to lisburn , where now his head-quarters were , he received the welcome news , that colonel woosley marching from belturbet with seven hundred foot , and three hundred horse , notwithstanding his being discovered by the centinels , who gave the alarm , and the badness of the weather , he got thither half an hour after break of day , and there , contrary to his expectation , found the duke of berwick arrived with twenty five hundred men , which with the garrison made up about four thousand , and these were drawn up in good order near the fort ; yet the colonel took courage , resolving to charge them , ordering his men as the ground gave opportunity , and soon they joyned in a fierce encounter , the inniskilling-men standing to it manfully ; so that notwithstanding the great odds , in two hours time they beat the enemy out of the field with considerable slaughter ; in which action the duke of berwick had his horse shot under him , and colonel o rely , governour of cavan was killed , as also two lieutenant colonels , and divers other officers of note . the enemy beaten out of the field , our men too eager of plunder , entered the town before they had gained an entire victory ; which the irish perceiving , rallied , and those in the fort sallied upon them ; so that in the scattered disorder they were in , they had been mostly cut off , had not the colonel with a reserve of two hundred and fifty foot , and eighty horse hasted to their rescue , and given them leave to get to their arms , and although he beat the salliers into the fort , and made the others retire ; yet the town being a magazine , and full of plunder , he could not get his men out , till he was forced to fire it about their ears , whereby great stores , of provisions were consumed ; for most of the houses were filled with bread , meal , oats , and the like , being a six months provision for the garrison : and by this defeat and the ruine of the town , the duke of berwick was disappointed of his design , which by his orders , was to post there with ten thousand men , to be composed of a detachment of all the regiments , and so to keep the country in awe , and make incursions as he perceived it advantageous . in this action , on our side were only twenty men killed , of which number were captain armstrong , major trahern , captain mayo , and captain la maugere ; but the enemy lost above three hundred , and two hundred taken prisoners ; many that fled threw away their arms and baggage for haste . upon this success , sir iohn lanier being at the newry with a strong party , advanced to dundalk , and from thence to bedlow castle , where was a company of foot , consisting of between thirty and forty men ; but the dragoons soon stormed it , killed divers of them , and set the castle on fire , and upon their return attacked dundalk , wherein the enemy had a garrison ; but they kept close and would not venture to sally , and our men not being strong enough for a formal siege , plundered the houses thereabout , and marched away with a considerable booty . about this time the prince of wirtemberg landed with the danish forces under his command for their majesties service , and in a short time joyned the army . col. callimot attempting to surprize the strong fort of charlemont , but being too soon discovered , he was obliged to retreat ; which he did with the loss but of one man. spring coming on , lewis the fourteenth was not altogether unmindful of his promise , but sent five thousand french , with some cloaths and ammunition , in lieu of which succours , as many irish were sent to france , under the leading of lieutenant general maccarty , who having been taken prisoner by the inniskilling-men upon the great overthrow , had by this time made his escape , for which colonel hamilton , governour of inniskilling , where he had been detained prisoner , was questioned ; but upon trial , producing a letter from his superiour officer , for what he had done , the matter passed over . colonel woosley about this time had the castle of killesandra delivered to him upon summons , the garrison being terrified into a compliance , upon notice he was about to spring a mine under it , the garrison consisting of men , were conducted to cavan ▪ and many other castles and advantageous places were frighted at the approach of our forces , or compelled to surrender ; and great plenty abounded in the english camp , by reason those that brought it received silver money : when on the other side king iames had caused brass money to be coined , and an order to pass it at certain rates , though it was not a twentieth part of the value ; yet prohibited it in payments in his custom-house and exchequer : and having called a pretended irish parliament , they anulled the act of settlement , and all other acts favourable to the protestants , relating to matters civil or ecclesiastical ; so that protestant bishops and ministers were out , and popish bishops and priests advanced to their benefices , and great oppressions used on all hands : but whilst this was doing , charlemont , a strong fortress of the enemies , that had been all the winter blocked up , finding no succours of provision , though some of our men got in over the morass , which hastened the consumption of their provision , beat a parley , and after some debate about articles they were agreed upon , they being in their orders as followeth : that all the garrison , viz. the governour , officers , soldiers , gunners , and all other inhabitants , the deserters who run from our camp , since the first of september precedent , only excepted ; and all other persons in the said garrison , shall have their lives secured , and march out with their arms , bag and baggage , drums beating , colours flying , match lighted , and bullet in mouth , each officer and soldier twelve charges of powder , with match and ball proportionable , and their horses without any molestation in their persons and goods now in their possession , not belonging to the stores upon any pretence whatsoever , that the said garrison may march the nearest way to dundalk , and not be compelled to march above or miles a day . that all sick and wounded officers , and all other persons that are not able to march at present , may remain within the said garrison , till they are able to march , and then to have a pass to go to the next irish garrison . that none of the army under his grace the duke of schomberg's command , shall enter the said fort , except such as are appointed by him to take possession , till the garrison be marched clear out of the gates . that there shall be a sufficient convoy appointed for the said garrison to conduct it to the place before-mentioned . that they shall deliver fully and wholly without any embezelment or diminution , all the stores belonging to the said fort ; and that an officer shall be immediately admitted to take an account of them . that the fort shall be put into the possession of such forces as his grace shall think fit at eight of the clock on wednesday the fourteenth of may , . and the garrison shall march out an hour before the outward gate shall be delivered to such forces as the general shall appoint in case a supply of one months provision for men be not brought into the garrison for relief between the signing of these articles , and the time the place is articled to be delivered up . that the above-mentioned articles shall be inviolably performed on both sides , without any equivocation , mental reservation , or fraud whatsoever , according to the true intent and meaning thereof . lastly , that all acts of hostility shall cease between the said garrison and army , so soon as notice can be given on both sides . thus after a long holding out , this strong place was forced into a compliance , notwithstanding the enemy had put such confidence in it , that many of those abroad proposed it as a last refuge , if things came to a greater extremity , its scituation and strength giving them incouragement to hope it was impregnable ; and indeed , it had baffled our men in some attempts they made on it and held out so long , contrary to expectation ; however at last ; we find that was agreed to be surrendred , and accordingly it was surrendred , and the governour teague o regan , and the garrison , who had near consumed all their provision , marched out in number ; they left pieces of brass cannon , mortars , and a considerable quantity of ammunition . and this place by nature and art being exceeding strong , greatly availed to the keeping all that part of the country in awe . and what more exceedingly heartned the soldiers , was the news that the king of england had left whitehall on the fourth of iune , and was coming for ireland with a considerable army , great sums of money , stores of ammunition , and all things necessary for the vigorous carrying on and expediting the war. nor were they deceived in the report ; for on the fourteenth of iune he landed at carickfergus , and went from thence to belfast , where he was waited on by duke schomberg , and many of the great officers , and with him came not only some of the irish nobility , but a great many of that country , who had fled for england to avoid the danger that threatned from the papists ; and great was the joy of the protestants for his arrival , and as much on the other hand the terrour and consternation of the papists . his majesty , soon after his landing , ordered . to be brought on shoar , and fifteen tun of half-pence and farthings of the new tin coin , and gave notice to all the agents of regiments to bring in their accompts within three days , that they might receive the moneys due to the soldiers ; and care thereupon was taken to clear their quarters , and discharge the country . the king thus landed , to the great joy of all the protestants , every one laboured who should be formost in shewing their humble gratitude for his exposing his royal person to so many dangers for their safety , whereupon the gentlemen of the county of down , &c. presented this address . to the king 's most excellent majesty . great sir , we the sheriffs and iustices ●f the peace , and gentlemen of the county of down and antrim , do most heartily congratulate your majesty's safe arrival into this kingdom , and do humbly offer your majesty our unfeigned thanks for the great pains and hazard your majesty does undergo in restoring us to our religion , liberties and properties , and do not doubt but as god has made your majesty miraculously instrumental in re-establishing those blessings in the kingdom of england , so he will in this distressed country ; which that he may do , and grant your majesty a long and prosperous reign over us , is the hearty wish and prayer of your majesty's faithful and most obedient subjects and servants , &c. on this occasion likewise the clergy of the churches in the province of ulster presented their address , as did the presbyterians , and those of their perswasion in the north of the kingdom . the like from the mayor , aldermen , &c. of london-derry ; and another from the soveraign burgesses and inhabitants of belfast , which created a high satisfaction and more general rejoycing . and here it was that mr. walker , that so bravely defended london-derry accompanied with divers of the clergy , waited upon his majesty , and congratulated his happy arrival in the kingdom . and parties were sent out to observe the motions of the enemy . the king , intent upon the great affair he came about , stayed not for many ceremonies and complements ; but being well refreshed , went to hilsbourgh , and from thence to newry , where a great part of the army that had been under the general lay , of which he took a view , and ordered all things to the best advantage for carrying on the war , nor was the measures taken slow in executing . and now whilst this is doing , let us turn a little towards dublin , and see how affairs stand in the metropolis of the kingdom . it was not to be doubted , but upon the king 's landing with an additional army , the papists would have been more concerned than they were , but i know not upon what false topick they grounded their hopes , their concern was not so great , as might have been expected from so eminent a danger ; whether it was to abate the courage of the protestants , and startle them into a mistake of some private design they had against the king ; or that they had some old prophesies , which they too much relied upon for their success ; or that they trusted to the number of their army , remains doubtful ; but however they kept up their courage beyond expectation . the protestants in dublin guessed it proceeded from the false news that men were ready to rise in england , and recall king iames , or declare for a common-wealth , and that the french fleet being very powerful at sea , would not fail to intercept the king of england's return , and so they fancied they had him as it were in a trap. and indeed in this immergency , the affronts the protestants every where received , without any hope of redress , made them not know what to think of their condition ; nor was it long e're the chief of them were imprisoned ; and the rest were told , they would be glad e're long to go to mass in a short time . and they were put into frequent frights of having their houses fired about their ears , or at the least to be plundered of all they had . and it seems it was debated , that if it came to a battel , and the irish were worsted , the city should be set on fire , if not the protestants massacred . but it is said king iames opposed it ; and on the th of iuly marched out of dublin , to joyn with about foot sent from france , and one regiment of them being dutch , and mostly protestants , great care was taken to keep them from startling , and the whole irish army was composed of about men , besides that remained in garrisons , and of the militia , under the command of colonel luttrel and mac gillicuddy , who was ordered as his assistant in the government of the city . and hereupon a hasty order came out , that all who walked the streets without bayonets or swords , should be seized . and thereupon a great many protestants , who could not get such weapons , were taken up , and many of them imprisoned . and another order , that upon pain of death , not above five protestants , besides the family , should meet together : so that the churches , which had till this time been kept open , were shut up , and dr. king dean of st. patrick's imprisoned : yet such was the zeal of the protestants in these dangerous times , that they gathered considerable contributions for the maintenance of the dispos sest clergy , and for such as were prisoners , till they were forced to desist ; all the goals and many of the churches , being crowded with prisoners , not only citizens , but such as had been brought from galloway , kilmainham , and other places ; many of them were stifled by crowding and wanting of air , and others almost famished for want of sustenance . it would be too tedious to enumerate all the particular sufferings of the protestants , their frequent allarms , fears and many other disturbances . therefore let it suffice , that though sorrow lasted for a night , joy came in the morning , as by the sequel will be evident . the two armies being now in the field , the irish however declined fighting all they could ; and it was given out , that king iames designed to lead them about the banks of the river boyne to weary out the english , as thinking they could not pass that stream , if defended on the other side ; and after he had so done , to cross the country and go for limerick . however , least the english should push on , and give him battel , he resolved to provide for the worst , and therefore ordered sir patrick trant , the first commissioner of his revenue , to have shipping ready at waterford to carry him off , if things came to extremity ; for at last he found , unless he abandoned dublin , which was proposed to be defended , he could not avoid fighting above ten days ; for the king of england , impatient of delay , possessed himself of almost all the passes and posts that were advantageous to bring the enemy to a battel ; and many skirmishes happened between parties abroad , wherein our men gained the advantage . the enemy by this time being encamped near dundalk , and strongly guarding a pass , call'd four-mile-bridge , which was very difficult to force , it was resolved that our army should march to market-hill , and therefore to fall into the great road that leads from armagh to dundalk ; whereupon major scravenmore was sent out with a detachment of horse and dragoons , to view the road and passes , and find a convenient place to en●●mp in , and discover , if possible , the posture of the enemy ; which was so well performed , that a small party of theirs , seeing this detachment betimes in the morning marching towards market-hill , supposed it to be the vauntguard of the whole army , and therefore gave the alarm to their camp that our army was almost upon them , which , without sending to know the certainty , put them into such a fear , that they fired their camp , and marched away ; which being certified to the king , it appeared so strange , that it could not presently gain credit : but being in a short time confirmed from all hands , the order of the march was changed , and a dispatch sent to the forces at armagh and tenargee , that they should immediately march by the great road towards dundalk . but a detachment of foot and dragoons going from the newry towards dundalk , were incompassed by an ambush of of the enemies horse ; and though our men fought desperately , yet above of them were killed and wounded , and the enemy lost as many , with the officer that commanded them , whose horses our men in their retreat brought away with them . on the th of iune the king marched early in the morning from his camp at ardee towards drogheda , and found the irish army encamped along the boyne above the town ; but the foot not coming up before it was late , and with them the artillery ; nothing could be done that night , but visiting the posture of the enemy , and the fords of the river ; which appeared very difficult to pass . however , the king encamped within shot of the enemies cannon , which had like to have proved very fatal to these kingdoms , by sending death so near a precious life that is so dear to them ; for as his majesty was taking a view of their posture , a six pound shot brushed his shoulder , and razed the skin , making a large though not a deep wound ; yet he nothing daunted thereat , only caused it to be dressed , and mounting again , kept on horseback for several hours after ; and toward the dusk of the evening , he commanded count schomberg , with the right wing of the horse , two regiments of dragoons , and trelawney's brigade , to take five field-pieces , and go early in the morning to try the fords some miles above the enemies camp , and if he found an opportunity to pass over and attack them in the flank , or oblige them to decamp . and almost beyond expectation , he passed with good success , beating off squadrons that stood ready to oppose him ; and having gained firm ground on the other side the river , drew up his men in battalia , sending to acquaint the king what he had done , and to receive his further orders : but the king no sooner received the news , and perceived the enemy were drawing up to charge the right wing , but he caused an attack to be made in three places ; the first before a small village , at a very good ford ; at the second the foot waded the middle ; and at the third the horse were forced to swim . the dutch foot-guards that first passed over , sustained the shock of the enemies shot , whilst they were in the water , not firing till they came up close , and then pouring in their bullets . those that were in the village , and behind the ditches gave way ; but five of the enemies battalions came up to charge them , before the third battalion of that regiment had passed the river , yet ours maintained their ground , and made them retreat in disorder , leaving one of their colours , and many dead men upon the place ; but our men pressing eagerly on , and advancing beyond the village , were twice vigorously attacked by the enemies horse , but received no great damage ; whereupon the danish forces advanced to the left and the brigadiers melionere and hanmore came on the right , one being attacked by the dragoons , and the other by the horse , but neither did any great matter , by reason they had no pikes . and now the thundering of the guns , clashing of swords , and the cries and shouts made a confused noise ; so that the irish trembled at the din of war. duke schomberg having passed the river with a few forces , at what time about thirty officers , and others of the enemies life-guard , had desperately charged the king's battalion , and were all killed except five , and those attempting to escape through the village , unhappily met with the duke , who in the firings that were made , received a shot in the neck , doubtful whether from the enemy , or accidentally from his own men , whereupon he fell from his horse , and died without speaking in arms of a french captain , who alighted to relieve him , and as he had been trained up in war almost from his youth , so now he ended his days in the bed of honour . he received in this action likewise two cuts over the forehead , but not ve●y considerable . and the famous mr. walker , who held out the siege of london-derry , passing the river , received a shot in his belly , of which he died soon after , much lamented of all that knew his vertue and courage . the king all this while discharging the part of a great general and a valiant soldier , was every where at hand to give orders , and succour those that stood in need , marching with seventeen battalions of foot , and the horse he had about him , to inforce those troops that had engaged the enemy , though they had not much advanced towards the right wing ; which he did with nine squadrons of horse , and twelve battalions of foot , and so marched them against the enemy ; who upon their approach fled , without staying to be charged , retiring in much disorder ; but our horse pressed on to overtake them in such haste , that the foot could not keep pace with them ; they took with them likewise five small field-pieces ; and our dragoons supported by the horse , charged the rear of the flying enemy , and killed a great many of them ; so that for the more speed they threw away their arms , and what else was cumbersome ; yet finding themselves hard pressed by so small a part of our army , some of the french faced about , and made as if they would stand the charge ; but the king appearing on the hills with his troops , they fled faster than before , many of them scattering and making their escapes through the bogs and narrow passes , our foot pursued them but to duleek , yet our horse had the chase of them four miles further , till night came on , and then the king sent them orders to return to the foot , and sent for tents and baggage from his camp at drogheda , that the weary soldiers might repose themselves that night . the greatest part of the enemies baggage fell into the hands of our army , as their chariots , tents , arms , cannon , ammunition , provision , and some money ; and what was more remarkable , a great many arms were found laid down in rank and file , those that owned them being run away , without so much as staying to recover them . about three thousand were slain , and divers prisoners of note taken , amongst whom was lieutenant-general hamilton , who deserted the king , the trust he reposed in him ; yet he was used very kindly , notwithstanding his former ingratitude : and upon this defeat the strong town of drogheda surrendred , as did many other places thereabout . the late king iames , who had stood at a distance to view the fight , as soon as he perceived his army in rout , fled with all speed towards dublin , with a very few attendants , where he immediately called a council , and acquainted the magistrates of the city with the misfortune that had befallen him , declaring never to trust himself more at the head of an irish army , who would not stand a single charge , and then told those about him , they must shift for themselves as he intended to do ; but strictly commanded the papists not to fire the city , saying , though he left it , he did not quit his claim to it . the french horse under monsieur lauzun , having stood the hottest of the fight against ours , were extreamly broken and shattered ; of between five and six thousand , there not remaining above three thousand five hundred . king iames having slept very ill upon his loss , was the next morning alarmed with the news that king william was on his way to dublin ; which put him into such a fear , that accompanied with the duke of berwick , the marquess of p●wis , and some others , scarce giving himself time for refreshment , he left the city , and hasted to waterford , where a ship lay ready to receive him , and neither slept nor eat till he got out to sea , and stood away for france : where it ●eems , he received no extraordinary welcome when the great loss and expence of treasures was known . the protestants that were prisoners in dub●in , having news of what had happened , got 〈◊〉 liberty , and possessing themselves of the militia arms , secured the city , and the bishop of limerick and meath being there , got together the gentry and chief citizens , and formed a committee to regulate and settle the affairs , which in the hurry and confusion were put much out of frame and order , and pursuant thereto , they garrisoned the castle , and secured the stores for the king's use , sending to acquaint the king with what had happened , and to intreat him to hasten thither , and quiet the tumult and disorder some unruly people had raised . the king upon this notice immediately sent thither a troop of dragoons , and the next day the duke of ormond and monsieur overkirk were sent with nine troops of horse , and joyfully received . whereupon the papists , especially such as had been over-active in oppressing the protestants , got away with such things as they could carry either by land or water , as fearing to be called to account for their misdoings : so that they who had a little before tyrannized over the protestants , found the scene changed , and the stream turned against them ; some indeed the rabble had seized , and prevented from flight ; but such was the clemency of the king upon his coming to that city , most of them were not only set at liberty , but that the kingdom might be quieted , he published his declaration in these words : william r. as it hath pleased almighty god to bless our arms in this kingdom with a late victory over our enemies at the boyne , and with the possession of our capital city of dublin , and with a general dispersion of all that did oppose us , we are now in so happy a prospect of our affairs , and of extinguishing the rebellion of the kingdom , that we hold it reasonable to think of mercy , and to have compassion upon those whom we judge to have been seduced : wherefore we do hereby declare , we shall take into our royal protection all labourers , common soldiers , country farmers , plough-men , and cottiers whatsoever : as also citizens , towns-men , trades-men , and artificers , who either remain at home , or having fled from their dwellings , shall by ●he first day of august next repair to ●heir usual places of abode , surrendring what arms they have , to such iustices of ●he peace as are , or shall be appointed by ●s to receive them , and register such the ●aid appearance of such of the said persons ●s shall come and render themselves to our authority : for our royal intention is , and we do hereby declare , that we will not only ●ardon all those poor seduced people , as to their lives and liberties , as shall come in by the time aforesaid , from all violences they have done or committed by the command of their leaders during the war ; but we do also promise to secure them in their goods , their stocks of cattel , and all their chattels personal whatsoever , willing and requiring them to come in ; and where they were tenants , there to preserve the harvest of grass and corn for the winter supply . but forasmuch as many of them had a legal right to the tenancy of several lands , some holden from protestants , and some held from popish proprietors , who have been concerned in the rebellion against us , our will and pleasure is , that all those tenants that do hold from our good protestant subjects , do pay their rents to their respective landlords ; and that the tenants of all those who have been concerned in the present rebellion against us , do keep their rents in their hands , until they have notice from the commissioners of our revenue , unto whom they are to account for the same : and we do here strictly forbid all violence , rapine , and molestation to any who shal● thus come in , and remain obedient to us : so for those of this , or any other rank o● quality , who are already in our quarters , o● within our power , or obedient to us , w● do hereby charge and require , that they be not disquiet in any sort , without our particular command . as for the desperate leaders of the present rebellion , who have violated those laws by which this kingdom is united , and inseparably annexed to the imperial crown of england ; who have called in the french ; who have authorised all violences and depredations against the protestants ; and who rejected the gracious pardon we offered them in our proclamation of the st of february , . as we are now by god's great favour in a condition to make them sensible of their errors , so are we resolved to leave them to the event of war , unless by great and manifest demonstrations we shall be convinced they deserve our mercy , which we shall never refuse to those that are truly penitent . given at our royal camp at finglass near dublin , the seventh of iuly , . in the second year of our reign . upon this offer of pardon , a great many of the meaner sort of the irish laid down their arms , and complied with the contents of the declaration , some going home to their habitations , and many of those that were destitute of any , took the service ; and things began to carry a face of settlement , wonderfully altered from what before it was : so that the people , who a little before were , as it were , in slavery , and in danger of their lives , now found themselves at liberty , and utterly freed from those fears that had so long afflicted them . and soon after his majesty came to that city , and heard a sermon at st. patrick's church , preached by dr. king , suffering only his guards , and some of his great officers , to enter the city with him , and went that day back to his camp to dinner , when he had given the magistrates such necessary orders as he thought conducing to the happiness of the place , and was addressed by them , and by the bishops and clergy , wherein they expressed their abundant joy and gratitude for his majesty's having been the instrument , in the hand of heaven , for their great deliverance , &c. and the town and castle of wexford being deserted by the governour , who fled amongst others to france , it declared for the king , and a garrison was put into it . and now the main strength of the irish army being broken by the last defeat ▪ the popish priests every where made it their business to stir up the rabble and looser sort of people , who plundered and made great spoil , especially in the countries where the king's forces were not at hand to quell them ; however , the militia frequently met with them , and many of their ring-leaders being taken , were hanged up as thieves and robbers . and that the counties might be the better settled and guarded , his majesty made his progress into divers of them , and appointed sheriffs and other officers , as he passed , conferring upon count menard , the duke of schemberg's son , in respect of the great affection he bore his father , the place of great master of the artillery , and soon reduced wexford and many other places . yet the enemy held by garrisons many towns of strength , as cork galloway , athlone , limerick , &c. near to the last of which tyrconnel and lauzun had rallied the broken army , so that to dislodge them , the siege of that place was resolved on , though the season began to advance apace towards the usual coming on of bad weather in that kingdom . the king having pretty well settled the affairs of those counties where his army had passed , and those that put themselves under his protection , took it into his princely consideration , that his subjects had , during this war , been very much imposed upon , and abused by moneys coined in the enemies quarters , and by the order of the late king , of no value , in competition of its premium directed by the exhibitors , for the relief of such abuse to the subject , issued out his proclamation for the suppressing it , or reducing it to its intrinsick value , in the following tenor , viz. william r. having taken into our consideration the great oppression and abuses committed by our enemies in our kingdom of ireland , by making currant brass-money of copper , or mixed metals , and raising the value thereof to an extravagant height , thereby to enable them to continue the war against us , and to impoverish our loving subjects in our said kingdom , we have therefore thought it necessary to put a stop thereto ; and to the end that such part of the said copper , or mixed metal money , which remains in the hands of our said subjects , may not be wholly lost , we have thought fit to reduce the former value of the said copper-money to the value or standard of the like copper-money formerly currant in this our kingdom : and accordingly we do will and require hereby all our subjects within our said kingdom of ireland , to take and receive of all such copper and mixed-metal money , lately coined in the mint erected in our city of dublin , at the several and respective valuations following , and that the same do pass currant in the exchange of money , and for all manner of goods and provisions whatsoever , and shall be received by all officers and collectors of our customs , excise , or other branches of our revenue accordingly ; viz. the large half-crown of copper-money , together with the crown-piece of like metal and weight , lately stamped , shall pass at one peny sterling . the small half-crown of copper , lately stamped , shall pass at three farthings . the large copper shilling shall pass at a half-peny sterling . the small shilling lately stamped and six pence , shall pass each at one farthing . and our will and pleasure is , that all such pewter-pence as have been lately coined in the said mint , shall pass for half-pence ; and all half-pence of the like metal , stamped in the said mint , shall pass for farthings . which several sorts of coin shall be deemed as currant money , at the rates before-mentioned , in all payments whatsoever , within this our kingdom . given at our camp by dublin this th of july , . and in the second 〈◊〉 of our reign . by this we may see the great loss people of all qualities sustained , the money being as we elsewhere have mentioned , ordered , upon great penalties in case of refusal , to pass at the values mentioned , though extraordinarily superiour to the value of the metal , as appears by its being reduced to its intrinsick value ; yet little of this fell to the share of the protestants , who in their extremities thought themselves well to escape with their lives , having no considerable opportunities to handle money , and therefore came off with as little loss in the reducement of it . on the th of iuly the royal camp lying at chappel-izard , removed thence towards waterford , that still held out , when as the king sent a summons to the town , requiring lieutenant-colonel hevesey , governour of the place , immediately to surrender , and that if he obeyed the royal mandate , the garrison should be permitted to march out quietly , and the citizens to enjoy their houses , goods and the benefit of trade ; but upon refusal to expect no quarter . horse , under the command of col. comboon and col. matthews , went with the trumpeter , who delivered his message : but the governour making divers extravagant demands , which would have been answered with a sudden attack , but that his majesty had compassion of about 〈◊〉 protestant families in the town , that 〈◊〉 have suffered in the common calamity ; wherefore in singular clemency , he commanded the same capitulation to be sent them which had been granted to drogheda the day after the battel of the boyne , with this addition , that the garrison might depart each man with his own arms , but not with drums beating and colours flying ; which , after some debate , they thankfully accepted ; and on the th of iuly marched out , to the number of about men , being conducted to mallow , a small town , lying in the way to lymerick ; but some of their officers stayed behind , and implored his majesty's protection ; when on the same day the king viewed the walls of the place , but entered not into the town , and so returned back to the camp , sending a summons to captain michael bourk , governour of duncannon fort , offering the like capitulation that had been granted to waterford , in case he immediately surrendred , but upon refusal to expect no mercy . when instead of a positive answer , he only desired six days to consult tyrconnel ; which being refused , he declared he would take that time . whereupon the cannon was commanded to be brought and planted against the place , in order to a battery . but on the th in the evening , sir clously shovel appearing with frigats , mounted with guns of considerable force , within shot of the fort , it brought such a terrour upon the garrison , that the governou● wrote to major-general kirk , that h● would accept of the terms offered ; which his majesty being made acquainted with , he was pleased to order , that they should still have the benefit of the articles that were as first proposed ; and the fort accordingly was surrendred . after which the king marched towards dublin . during these transactions , divers parties were abroad , who hindered the scattered irish from getting together , reducing some castles , forts , and other advantageous fortresses and posts , to their majesties obedience . his majesty now resolving , as is said , to besiege the strong town of lymerick , scituate on the river shannon , under the shelter of which the greatest part of the enemies rallied forces were retired , being about strong , lieutenant-colonel douglas , who had for some time blocked up athlone , was ordered to draw off , and to joyn the royal army on its way . the garrison was composed of a mixture of french and irish ; they had various disputes about surrendring that important place upon honourable terms ; but at last were prevailed with by the earl of tyrconnel to stand upon their defence . whilst the army prepared to march towards lymerick , and his majesty to be present at that siege , had put off his intended passing over from england , of our dragoons approaching the town of youghall , the place surrendred : to bring it to which , the contrivance was in this manner ; the garrison that marched from waterford , was conducted by those dragoons under the command of captain pownal to youghall , who telling the governour of the place , who was the same that surrendered up carickfergus the precedent year , the certain ruin he would bring upon himself , if he thought of holding out ; and thereupon advising him to a surrender : he after some further debate , only desired him to expect his answer till ten at night , at which time he privately marched out with three companies of foot , giving the captain an unexpected possession of the town , where he found guns mounted , and without carriages , barrels of oats , stone of wooll , and several other sorts of provisions , but neither powder nor ball. the king being thus far on his march , a deserter came out of lymerick to our camp , and gave information , that the french had marched out of the town with eight field-pieces , and took their way towards galloway , there , if urgency required it , to be ready for imbarcation to france ; and not only those in the town were unsettled and discontented , and that others , displeased at tyrconnel 's proceeding , were retired to the mountains of kerry ; and such fear the approach of our army brought upon the enemy , made them break down the bridges to retard their march. however , that hindered but little , for where they found them in that condition , they forded the rivers ; and that the people might be still assured of his majesty's clemency towards them , another declaration was published ; and also that a blessing might attend his arms , a fast was proclaimed to be observed through all the provinces of the kingdom under their majesty's obedience on the th of august , and to be observed constantly , during the war , on friday in every week ; which was religiously kept , as well out of a due sense of god's mercies and favours already extended towards the late languishing kingdom , in a wonderful deliverance , as what they further expected . the approach of our forces was no sooner known to tyrconnel and lauzun , but they retired further into the country , leaving monsieur boisteau governour in the town , with a very good garrison , and store of provision , the french retiring under the walls of galloway ; but the inhabitants not liking such unfriendly guest , who sought their master's interest more than the welfare of ireland , shut their gates , and denied them entrance . however , at last being received into the town at the instance of tyrconnel and others , they shewed their resentments by dealing very severely with the inhabitants ; and we had an account that they hanged up two of those that were most active in opposing their admittance . the army approaching lymerick , found the enemy strongly posted about a mile from the town , and that they had lined the hedges , from whence they fired upon our men , but were soon dislodged , and obliged to fly to their main-guard ; and the english passed the river shannon without any considerable resistance , the enemy that guarded the further shoar flying at their approach , and for haste left behind them several tents and other materials , and encamping within the reach of their great guns , they raised works to secure them from the shot , though some were killed by random bullets . the army was no sooner encamped , and entrenchers made some advance , but the king sent to summon the governour to surrender , withal , offering him very good conditions , but he utterly refused it ; returning answer , that he was resolved to defend the place to the last extremity . upon which the trenches were opened , and the great guns being on their way to the camp , colonel sarsfield , with a strong party , taking a great compass , set upon those that had them in charge , and over-powering the convoy , killed divers of the waggoners , not sparing their wives , with their children in their arms , burning some of the waggons and carriages of the cannon , nailing up part of the great guns , and breaking others . but upon the approach of captain coningham with a party of the inniskilling-men , they made a hasty retreat ; yet the captain fell in with their rear , killed some , took other prisoners , and recovered a considerable booty . so that these , and other great guns , being brought to the camp , clonmel , a small fort near lymerick surrendred upon discretion , and the garrison made prisoners of war. and now the batteries being raised , the cannons spoke english language in thunder against the town , and the trenches were advanced within paces of the wall , and two redoubts taken , the which , and other successes of the like nature , made them advance towards another redoubt . whenas colonel douglas mounting the guard , and the sign appointed given by firing guns for attacking it , those that were detached for the service being , besides officers , fell on with extraordinary bravery , and entering the fort , drove out the enemy , killing about , possessed themselves of it , though the enemy from the town made a vigorous sally with horse and foot ; and the new batteries being levelled against the high towers , soon laid them in rubbish ; also the bombs and carkasses thrown in set a great many houses on fire : so that under the favour of these consternations the enemy were put unto , our men made their advances within thirty paces of the ditch , and the cannon still playing , not only widened the breach , but beat down part of the counterscarp and palisado's ; so that an attack was made on the counterscarp , begun by a detached party of granadiers , seconded by other detachments , who soon gained it ; as also a fort the enemy had under the wall ; but instead of lodging themselves as they were commanded , thinking fortune was altogether now on their side , they pushed on to enter the breach in pursuit of the irish that ran thither , but the cannon being turned upon them , charged with cartridge-shot , the greater part of those that were advanced were cut off , and some blown up by the springing of a mine in the ditch ; so that by computation men were killed and wounded , yet they came not off without leaving the marks of their valour upon the enemy . but by this time , the army having the elements to contend with , as well as the enemy , by reason of the stormy winds and incessant rains , which not only made the river over-flow , but filled the trenches knee-deep with water , and would in a short time , in all probability , have cut off the communication , and hindered the forrage from coming in , his majesty , upon mature deliberation , thought fit to raise the siege , and refer it to a more seasonable opportunity . so that on the th of august the heavy cannon and baggage were sent away , and the next day the army decamped and marched off in good order , strong detachments being sent towards cork and kingsale : and the king having appointed the lord viscount sidney and sir thomas conningsby governour● of the kingdom , and setled the other affairs , as advantageously as might be , sailed for england , and landed at bristol , where , as in other places , he was received with a general joy. upon the king's departure , the irish garrisons thought themselves safe for the winter at least , but found in a short time they were deceived , for other measures were taken . the english fleet had orders to stand away to the coast of ireland , and soon arrived in cork harbour ; and upon notice of their arrival , the land forces drew down to joyn them upon their landing . upon which the duke of berwick who stiled himself lord general of ireland , drew off , lauzun and tyrconnel being already gone to france . lieutenant-general douglas followed after the duke with a strong party , to fall upon his rear , but he encamped so advantagiously behind the bogs , that it was not thought feasible to attempt the forcing his camp. a battery of guns was raised to hinder the landing of our men , but two or three armed boats forcing ashoar those that were to manage and guard the guns fled , and our men dismounted them , throwing the carriages into the sea ; so that on the th of september , or seamen , gunners , and carpenters were detached to be employed in raising the batteries and mounting the cannon against the town of cork and divers boats of arm●● men were sent to assist the taking it by water ; so that upon the approach of the army , the enemy set fire to the suburbs , and the earl of marlborough , who commanded the king's forces in chief , having taken a view of its scituation , and finding the enemy had quitted a post called cats-fort , sent a detachment to take possession of it , and then advanced his camp within musquet shot of the south-side of the town , which occasioned the enemy to set fire to the suburbs , for fear our soldiers should lodge themselves in it ; yet our men advanced to the ruins , and played upon the old fort from two batteries they had raised , and the next day made a breach in the wall so wide , that the besieged fearing our men would enter by storm , and dreading the consequences of delay , they beat a parly , and sent out an officer to capitulate , and hostages were exchanged ; but the besieged standing high upon terms , four regiments under the command of brigadier churchil , were ordered to get into the island near the wall , where the breach was made , which they performed by fording it to the middle , the granadiers , commanded by the lord colchester , leading the van , being exposed to all the fire of the enemy : amongst those that attempted this were a great many noble voluntiers , as the duke of grafton , the lord o brian , colonel granvil , captain leighton , captain cornwal , captain nevel , captain fairborn , and others ; but it proved fatal to the duke , for by a shot he received , he soon after died , and his body being carried for england , was there honourably interred . the besieged finding that our men would not enter , as not being above paces from the breach , beat another parley , but could have no other conditions than to be prisoners of war ; to which , with some difficulty , they agreed , and the capitulation was signed which in the articles was to this purpose , viz. that upon the garrisons being received as prisoners of war , no prejudice should be done to the officers , soldiers , or inhabitants , but that the general should make it his endeavour to obtain his majesty's mercy and favour towards them . that the old fort should be delivered up within an hour , and the two gates the like , by in the morning the next day . that all the arms of the garrison and inhabitants should be put into secure places , and the protestant prisoners immediately released . that a due account should be given of the magazines as well of provision as ammunition . and the same night men took possession of the old fort , and the next morning of the town ; the garrison , between and being made prisoners of war ; and of note amongst them were the earls of clancarty and tyrone , colonel macgillicot the governour , and divers others . this place thus taken and put into trusty hands , the army immediately marched towards kingsale , and took their posts about the new fort , whilst major general teteau was commanded with men to make an attack upon the old fort ; whereupon passing the river in boats , he on the d of october , gave an assault , and entered it by storm , making at the same time , to divert the enemy , a false attaque ; and our men at one and the same time giving the bastions , some barrels of powder took fire , and destroyed about of the enemy , and in the heat of fury many were killed . those that escaped , some fled unto the old castle in the midst of the fort , and some endeavouring the new fort , by the help of a boat , the tide being against them , they were mostly killed by the shot of our men , from the shoar , the governour and several officers were killed in defending the ramparts , and found dead in the places where they fell , and the soldiers got considerable plunder . the old fort thus entirely won , the general sent a summons to the new fort to demand its immediate surrender ; but the governour sent back word , that it would be time enough to talk of that a month after . but the general , not to be dallied , caused the heavy cannon to be mounted , and two attacks were ordered to be made by the english on the right , and the danes on the left ; and the more to amuse the enemy , a false attack was made , and on the th of october the cannon played all the morning , and the galleries were preparing to lay over the ditch , when about one of the clock the enemy beat a parly , proposing that hostages might be exchanged in order to a treaty ; which done , articles were agreed on , and signed about midnight ; and pursuant thereto the middle bastion was to be delivered up the next morning , and about men , of which the garrison consisted , were to march out the day after . and the principal of the prisoners taken here , and at cork were shipped for england ; but some of them met with a sad disaster on the coast ; for being put on board the breda , by what means is uncertain , her powder taking fire , she blew up , and most of those who were on board were desteoyed ; the rest of the fleet returned in safety . the irish that yet kept the field , were not above , yet they promised themselves great recruits against the spring . in the mean while the protestants conceived great joy at this success , and in a grateful acknowledgment to his majesty , who had been so signally instrumental in the hand of heaven for their deliverance , his birth-day being the fourth of november , old stile , was observed in the reduced places in an extraordinary manner , but especially at dublin , where the militia , consisting of foot , and two troops of horse , and as many of dragoons were drawn out , and gave several vollies ; and in the evening there was very fine fireworks before the lords justices house on colledge-green , and by their order claret was distributed to the people , who drank their majesty's healths with all the expressions of duty and loyalty ; and most of the nobility and gentry in and about the city , were invited by the lords justices to a splendid entertainment and banquet , the day concluding with ringing of bells , and the night with bonefires and illuminations , as also other publick demonstrations of joy and triumph . the fifth of november , being the anniversary of the popish powder-plot , the lords justices attended by the nobility , judges , and other persons of quality in the town , with the king and herauld at arms and the ensigns of honour carried before them , went to st. patrick's church , and after their return the lords justices gave the nobility and gentry another splendid entertainment , their majesties titles being at the second course proclaimed in latin , french , and english , by the king at arms , the great guns in the castle continually thundring the general joy in their roaring language . and that the common people might not be wanting in sharing of their bounty , a whole ox , and an hogshead of strong bear was dealt out amongst them , and at night the general joy was concluded with bonefires , and other demonstrations of publick satisfaction . the soldiers being now mostly in their winter-quarters , that they might have good usage , and the inhabitants of those towns where they were quartered at the same time receive no damage , the lords justices thought it neccessary to give their orders concerning those matters , and accordingly issued out their proclamation for regulating the quarters of the army , and ascertaining the rates to be allowed for the soldiers diet , the prizes of provisions , and the manner how the inhabitants that trusted them should be paid for what they delivered out to them . the rapparies having already been fairly warned to desist from their ravages , and burnings in the countries under obedience ; they notwithstanding enterprizing the like , captain archer upon notice that a party of them were abroad , marched against them with about twenty of the militia ; but upon his approach finding them much stronger than he had been informed , after a hot dispute he found himself obliged to retire with the loss of four of his men ; however , not giving it over , he immediately raised more of the militia , and the next morning by break of day fell upon them a second time with better success for having put them to rout , he killed about twelve of them , and took twenty prisoners , enriching his men with such booty as those people had scraped together , in those countries where they had been for a considerable time doing much mischief . and now the lords justices and councel having reason to suspect that several dangerous persons coming to the city of dublin , as spies from the enemies quarters , and upon other wicked designs , were sheltered in that city by papists , natives , who kept taverns , and other publick houses , and there frequently met to continue as much as in them lay , the subversion of their majesties government , and the ruin of their good subjects of the kingdom of ireland , thought fit to put out their proclamation , to prohibit and forbid all papists , natives of the kingdom , to sell any wine , beer , ale , or other liquors by retail , after the th of decemb. . upon pain of being proceeded against as retailers of wine and other liquors without license . by this time one mac finnan having got together about four hundred men , being a mixture of the irish army and rapporees , marched towards castle-town , to surprize thirty dragoons , commanded by a lieutenant detached thither from their quarters at iniskeen , and although they had all the advantage they could wish , yet the lieutenant and his men behaved themselves so bravely , that they killed ten of their enemies , but having spent their ammunition , and five of their own party being killed , they found themselves constrained to surrender , and had quarter given them , yet the lieutenant , his serjeant , and several of his men were put to the sword in cold blood : however the alarm reaching iniskeen , major culleford , who commanded there , advanced with another detached party , and falling upon them in the height of their success , put them to the rout killing about on the place , took prisoners , without the loss of a man on our side . nor were the commanders his majesty had intrusted less watchful on all parts ; for major-general tettau marching from cork to killcreagh , and on his way being joyned by others , so that he made up a body of men , he entred the county of kerry , where the enemies troops retired before him , and coming into a fortification at scrovolard , he attacked it , and in two hours took it with little difficulty ; when advancing along the edge of the mountains , and sustaining the rapparees fire , without receiving any considerable damage , they discovered towards brewster field , some of the enemies scouts , whereupon of our dragoons and horse having the vanguard , came up with a party of of the enemies horse , who not enduring the fire of our men , upon the first charge retreated , and falling by degrees into confusion , at last came to plain running , though there were several irish nobility , and some considerable officers amongst them ; yet such as our men had not yet attacked , put , by this time , the country round about in a flame , and our forces not being far from killarny , hasted thither with all the speed they could to save that place ; and notwithstanding the enemy upon their approach left it , yet about twenty cabbins were burnt by two troopers that stayed behind for that purpose , who as a reward of their undertaking , were killed by our men , and brewster's forge saved , and put divers of the enemies parties , then abroad , to the rout , clearing the country in a manner on that side whilst the irish only bore up the little courage they had left , relying much upon the further aid they expected from france . however , though the season was far advanced , our men gave it not over as yet , but for the better securing winter-quarters , and preventing the country from plunder , they took in several castles , as the castles of b●ham and rea , into which baldorick mac donnel had put a garrison of men , confining by this means the irish that were in arms 〈◊〉 the province of v●ster ; whereupon the ground of our army went into winter-quarters , leaving some flying parties abroad to keep under the rapparees , who thought it now their time to rob and steal ; and indeed they not only burnt the lord orrery's house at charleville , but committed many other outrages , though divers of them came short home ; for this kind of black guard not being looked upon to be soldiers , plundering sometimes as well the papists as the protestants , were frequently cut off in their attempts ; and now when force began to fail , the enemy had recourse to stratagems ; but in this they failed , by a timely discovery , by letters that were dropt by some persons as they were flying to the woods or mountains ; one of them written by one mr. hogen , who had been a colonel in the irish army , acquainting him , that the protestants were secure and supine in their quarters ; and that her friends had lately done several strange feats in the places that were under the english obedience , and especially in the county of wicklow , and that the french in the kingdom were very industrious to take all advantages ; that tyrconnel would soon return with forces from france ; that the soldiers , in dublin were poor and miserable , and would do any thing for bread ; so that if sarsfield had a mind to come over the shannon with his forces , not only the army , but the militia would be drawn out of the city , and then every papist firing his own house or lodging , whilst the consternation lasted , they might destroy the protestants and secure the city , and that which had hitherto hindered them from putting the projec● in execution , was the records of the kingdom being there , which must needs perish i● the flames ; but however , they had at last removed that scruple , and were resolved to go o● with it , &c. this woman was taken and brought before the privy council , where she was so fa● from denying it , that she with confidence affirmed she writ it ; and though she could no● be blamed for doing what she had done , upo● which she was committed to prison . th● lords justices upon this discovery put out ● severe proclamation against the papists , to di●able them from putting such wicked desig● in practice , by banishing some for several mile● and taking strict recognizance of the rest which according to its true tenor , for the s●tisfaction of the curious in so weighty a ma●ter concerning the safety of the whole kin●dom , will not be amiss to be inserted . the lords justices proclamation , & ● . it having been observed that divers p●pists , and others , disaffected to the g●●ernment , some of whom are lately come 〈◊〉 of the enemies quarters , do daily reso●● unto th● city of dublin , and into the l●berties of st. sepulchre , thomas cou● and donore , and do presume not only 〈◊〉 the day , but in the night time , to meet in numbers , to the intent , as we have great reason to apprehend them , to consult how to raise disturbances , to the prejudice of their majesties government , and to continue the rebellion of this kingdom , as also to destroy the city of dublin by fire , which some of them , as we are credibly informed , have threatned and designed : for remedy therefore of the mischi●f that may happen upon such resorts and meeting , we do hereby strictly charge and require all persons whatsoever of the popish religion , who have not been noted house-keepers within the city or liberties aforesaid , for the space of three months last past , that within hours ●fter the publication of this proclamation , they depart out of the said city and liberties , and repair to their several habitations , or other places in the country , at least ten miles distance from this city : which ●f they neglect or refuse to do , they shall be apprehended , and proceeded against as spies , and persons designing the disturbance of the publick peace . and in order to the more ●ffectual execution of this our proclamation , we hereby require the lord mayor of the ●ity of dublin , and seneschals of the said liberties , to cause diligent search to be made immediately after the time hereby limited for the departure of such persons , as aforesaid , into all houses and places throughout the city and liberties , and a true account to be taken of the names and qualities of such as shall be found therein not qualified as aforesaid , which is forthwith to be returned to us , under the hands of the said lord mayor , sheriffs and senaschals of the said city and liberties , whereupon we will give order to have them proceeded against with the utmost rigour of their majesties laws . and we do hereby further declare , that if any such papist or other disaffected person , after the fourth of december next , not being house-keepers , as aforesaid , shall repair unto the said city or liberties , and there abide by the space of hours after such proclamation , without rendring him , or her , or themselves to the lord mayor , or one of the sheriffs or aldermen of the said city , or one of the seneschals of the said liberties , to the end it may be known in what house , he , she or they take up his , her , or their lodging , or if above the number of five papists , or disaffected persons , as aforesaid , whether house-keepers or any others , shall meet within any house within the said city or liberties , on any pretence whatsoever , either by day or night , or shall be out of his , her , or their lodgings after nine of the clock at night ; in either of these cases , if any person shall be so hardy , as not to give due obedience to our direction aforesaid , they shall be prosecuted as contemners of their majesties royal authority : and because rewards , as well as punishments are necessary , conducing to the discovery of such as shall offend in the particulars aforesaid , we do hereby publish and declare , that as we will severely punish such offenders as aforesaid , the receivers and harbourers of them , contrary to this our proclamation , so we will give a reward of twenty shillings to each person who shall give information against any such offenders , in any of the said particulars , to be immediately paid out of their majesties treasury upon proof of such offence or offences , made before the lord mayor of the said city , &c. this , and the diligent search made after suspected persons , startled the caballars and conspirators in such a manner , that they either dispersed or concealed themselves . so the pernicious design of laying the metropolis of ireland in ashes , and mixing those ashes with the blood of its inhabitants , was frustrated . and indeed this appeared not to be grounded upon light suspition , but upon substantial reason ; for the enemies troops abroad were about that time moving nearer towards dublin , then any other occasion but such intelligence or correspondence could reasonably require , but upon this discovery retired , and the city guards were augmented , and all manner of caution and circumspection used that might prevent , in any probability , the threatned danger . d●ring these transactions , those troops we had abroad were not idle , but often marching many miles into the enemies quarters , not only beat them from their posts , and killed a great many of them ; but gave the villages opportunity to rest in quiet under their majesties protection , and freeing them from those ravagements wherewith before they were distressed ; so that many , who before stood out for fear of being plundered or destroyed , came in , and joyfully laid hold of the gracious pardon offered them ; so that the face of things seemed to put on a calm , considering the tempest that a little before had in a manner disjointed and put them out of frame . the enemies regular troops missing of the advantages they expected , now gave way to the outrages of the rapperees more than ever , having before a little restrained their insolencies , that the advantage of plunder might accrue to themselves ; so that they committed many barbarous murthers in villages and loan-houses , where their force prevailed , being mainly incited thereto by the revengeful priests , who shared with them in their booty which made our troops , though the season was very incommodious for marching , by reason of the rains and quagginess of the ground , and incroach upon them , and frequently surprize them in their randezvous , beating them out of their cabins , and firing them over their ears . and now his majesty providing for the civil affairs , the privy council were , the lord primate of ireland , the lord chancellour , high treasurer , and archbishop of dublin for the time being , the duke of ormond , earls of meath , drogheda , longhford , ranelagh , granard , and viscount lisburn , the bishop of meath , the vice-treasurer , the chancellor of the exchequer , the chief justices of the king's bench , common pleas , chief baron of the exchequer , master of the rolls , principal secretary of state , and master of the ordnance for the time being , robert fitz-gerrard , sir henry , and william hill esquires . the judges appointed by his majesty were , for the king's bench sir richard raynel , mr. justice lyndon , sir richard stephens ; for the common pleas , mr. justice cox , mr. justice ieffersdon ; for the exchequer , lord chief baron hely , mr. baron echlin , sir standish harstrong . nor was the civil settlement alone considered , but likewise the ecclesiastical promotions , for the good and tranquility of the protestant churches of ireland ; viz. dr. march bishop of feras , was advanced to the archbishoprick of cashel , dr. tenison bishop of killala , to be bishop of cloglier , dr. william king to be bishop of london-derry , dr. digly bishop of lymirick to be bishop of elphin , dr. vigor● dean of armagh , to be bishop of ferus , dr. wilson dean of rapho , to be bishop of lymerick , dr. fitz-gerrald dean of cloim , to be bishop of cloufort , dr. lloyd dean of achonry , to be bishop of killala . so that now the face of things began to look pleasant ; however , though it was in the dead of winter , our troops abroad found some action ; for one of our advanced parties , setting upon the enemy near castle-town , they killed of them , and took prisoners , and colonel foulks gave a considerable defeat to about rapperees and trained soldiers , killing many of them , and taking some prisoners near the bogg of allen. whilst these successes were carried on with a high hand , colonel brewer possessed himself of the forts and town of lansborough , and defeated about of the enemy . soon after major-general tetteau , heightned with his frequent success , and the beating some small parties of the enemy , he marched his forces towards the strong town of ross , which had in it a carrison of men , under the command of colonel maccarty , the lords coursey and slane , and others of note were also in the place , upon the approach of our men , but not thinking themselves secure enough , they poasted away for lymerick , and thereupon our approaches being made , danes , and of the detachment out of kingsale , were ordered to storm a fort cut out of a rock , which they did with so great a resolution , that they froze the enemies courage , and soon made themselves masters of it , putting most they found therein to the sword , and many of those that endeavoured to swim from thence to another rock , were killed in the water ; and marching thence to tralee , general sheldon abondoned it with such speed , that they had no time to set it on fire , and so it fell entire into our hands ; and we having a small fort at fermoy-bridge in the county of cork , the enemy advanced with about horse and foot , under the command of one carrol , who upon his approach sent to have it surrendred , declaring that he knew the strength of the place , and that it was not tenable . but upon his approach found such a warm reception , that after divers firings , he being kill'd upon the place , his men took to their heels , and that they might glory of something , they burnt one house in their return . soon after this defeat , and the routing divers parties of the rapparees , colonel brewer and major board went out with a detached party of horse , and about foot from mullengar , to relieve marescourt and mayvore with provision ; and that done , they took their way towards ballymore , and dislodged the enemy on those passes , opening and freeing the country , and then returned to their stations , without the loss of any men ; and soon after this lieutenant taylor defeated of the irish near endery . lieutenant-general ginkle , upon notice that a great body of the enemy was gathering , and some of them advancing towards athlone , he and sir iohn lanier drew out a party to oppose them ; who upon their approach , retired in great confusion , but being pursued by our horse and foot , they were beat from the retrenchments they had made , as their last refuge ; and the chace being continued , about of them were killed and wounded , and several taken prisoners , and our men got a great booty of horses ; for the enemy in their flight , being hard pressed in the rear , quitted them , and got into the woods . colonel hamilton being abroad , meeting with a party of the enemy as they were ravaging the country , near a place called bautrey , set upon them , and at the first charge put them into disorder , and soon after to open flight , killing about of them , and taking some prisoners with booty , &c. and captain derby defeated another party of them at birre . and now the rapparees being more terrible to the country people than the enemies regular forces , a party was sent out to suppress them ; so that being frequently met withal , a great many of them were killed , and some that were taken prisoners were executed ; and lighting on a party of about irish , though he had then foot , and horse , having lessened his number by detachments , sent to find out the rapparees ; he however drew up , and charged them with such bravery , that during the action some more of his men coming in , he put them utterly to the rout , killed and took prisoners most of their officers , and recovered a great booty . and indeed the winter , not fit for the motion of great bodies , was spent in the piquering of parties , and settling the civil , as well as military affairs of the kingdom , and so continued till his majesty went to head the conf●derate army in flanders sarsfield having a great command among the irish , many of the enemies chief officers being gone for france , under pretence of bringing fresh recruits early in the spring , he drew together part of the shattered army , and some of the militia , at knockany , with a design to attack some of our troops that were advantageously posted ; but was so warmly , received , that he found his attempts very disadvantageous to himself , and thereupon picking the most serviceable men out of the militia troops , sent them to joyn the forces he had ordered to encamp in the province of connaught , and put some of his troops into garrison and winter-quarters . notice being given to lieutenant spencer , that a hundred men of the enemies troops were advanced within a mile of copperquin in the county of waterford , with a design to surprize and carry off the recruit horses sent from england , for brigadier's regiment , he immediately marched with a corner and troopers , most of his men being gone a forraging , and finding the enemy in some disorder , charged them with his small party , and pressed them so hard , that they retired into a wood within a mile of the place , and thereupon more of his men coming up , part of them dismounted , entering the wood , whilst the rest on horseback secured the pass , the dispute lasted without firing on both sides for several hours , in which they killed of the enemy , and took the captain that commanded them , with soldiers prisoners , also their arms and accoutrements , only one of the lieutenant's party being killed , and two or three wounded . lieutenant purcel being abroad with a party , fell in with the rapparees , and in several encounters with them killed about , but attempting to burn their cabbins in the county of longford , was way-laid by sir daniel o neal's regiment of dragoons , part on horse-back , and part on foot ; but of the royal regiment of dragoons , broke their whole body upon a furious charge , killing of them , and taking prisoners , with a lieutenant , and pursued the rest to newcastle , a garrison they held in those parts , yet in the hasty flight many of them quitted their horses , and took to the bogs , where some were lost : these successes were followed with others no less advantageous to us , and unfortunate to the enemy ; for colonel lillingstone being gone from roscreagh , joyned by another from a neighbouring garrison , marched to nonagh , where he found the enemy strongly posted ; yet charging them with great resolution , he dispossest them of those posts , and beat them into the castle , burning the town where they had laid up great store of provision , and brought off a booty of head of cattel , with the loss of soldiers and a trooper's horse , the manner of the attack being thus : the colonel detached horse , and as many foot , and having them on garrans , or irish horse , made all the haste he could to secure the bridge of nenagh , about half a mile from the town , whereupon the whole garrison came out to make opposition ; but he maintained the pass till his foot came up , and then leaving them at the bridge , he advanced with his horse towards the enemy , who made many firings , but so soon as our men came near , began to retreat , and by degrees disordering themselves , fell to running , but being hotly pursued , about of them were killed , and a cornet taken prisoner ; after which he sent a detachment to secure the pass on the other side of the town towards lymerick , whilst the rest of his men entred with the flying enemy ; however , many of them got into the castle , but our men burnt the town , and got considerable plunder . and now open force failing the enemy , they betook them to cruel stratagems ; for a part of colonel foulk's regiment being in their quarters , near yaughal , about of them were set upon in a private house , and murthered by surprize in a most despiteful manner , the like treatment being supposed to be intended to all the rest , had not this timely alarm'd them to stand to their arms , and defend themselves . upon suspicion of which murthers divers ; were taken up and strictly examined at dublin , amongst which one of them being found guilty , and executed in the castle-yard , owning at his execution he buried the murthered corpse , but by no means could be induced to discover his accomplices ; and several other were thereupon missing in other places , supposed to be made away by them by the same means ; insomuch that the lords justices found themselves constrained to publish the following proclamation to terrifie and deter the protected irish from such unmanly enterprizes of barbarism . the proclamation of the lords justices , &c. whereas notwithstanding the great clemency extended by their majesties to the popish irish inhabitants of this kingdom ; whereby , upon their submission , they have had equal protection with their brittish and protestant subjects ; yet such is the inveterate and implacable malice of many of the popish irish , that upon all occasions they not only relieve their majesties enemies , but joyn with them in the committing and concealing many horrid murthers , one of which of eight soldiers of their majesties army inhumanly strangled at one time , and in one place , has by god's providence been lately discovered near this city , to have been committed by the inhabitants of the place where the said soldiers were quartered , for which some of the criminals have received just and deserved punishment , and the lords iustices being fully satisfied that such offences cannot be committed within the open and well-planted counties of this kingdom , without the contrivance and help , or at least the connivance of the protected inhabitants ; and having received full information that there is a confederacy among many of the said protected irish , to give all aid and relief in their power to their majesties enemies upon all occasions , and to take all opportunities to destroy the officers and soldiers of their majesties army , and other their good subjects , their lordships being resolved to prevent as much as in them lies such their cruel and malicious designs , and to punish with all necessary severity those who shall be guilty , or justly suspected of the same , do publish and declare , that if any such murther shall hereafter be committed in any place within their majesties quarters , if the popish inhabitants of that neighbourhood shall not use their utmost endeavour and diligence to apprehend the malefactors , and immediately discover all they know of such fact , to some magistrate living near the place where the said offence shall be committed , so as the said offenders may be apprehended and brought to punishment , that then the popish irish inhabitants of the parish where the said murther shall be committed , shall be immediately put out of their majesties protection , and orders shall thereupon be given , that they be proceeded against as spies and enemies , according to the course of law. and soon after another proclamation was published on the occasion of these murthers , setting forth , that whereas by examination of divers persons , it does appear that a romish priest , calling himself father christopher brown , who has lived many months in several places within his majesties iurisdiction and power , without being molested on account of his orders or religion , has been , if not the first contriver and principal director and counsellor , yet a main abettor and encourager of the late barbarous murthers of their majesties soldiers near this city ; and whereas several others have been found to have been guilty of the said murthers , who are fled from iustice , their lordships do promise a reward of five pounds to such persons , not guilty of the same , as shall apprehend and secure the said christopher brown , and ten pounds for every of the other persons , and a pardon to such , though privy to the said murthers , as shall apprehend any of the said offenders . this proceeding stopped the issue of blood that way , and rendred the soldiers more secure in their quarters and other places where they came , the irish for fear of being taken notice of , giving them every where , in the places subject to their majesties , better usage . about the latter end of april , lieutenant-general ginkle came from kilkenny to dublin , and many of the general officers , to consult with the lords justices about the affairs of the campaign , and concert matters advantageous to their majesties service ; and the monmouth yatch arrived with money to that purpose , as likewise several ships with recruits of horse and foot. so that the train of artillery being by this time drawn out , the soldiers began to draw from their winter-quarters nearer dublin , and waggons and carriages were provided on all hands , and parties were sent out to remove the enemies posts , that the spring being come , the forage might not be wastfully destroyed . some of captain green's militia dragoons , marching into the enemies quarters , killed divers of the rapparees , and set fire to the place that harboured them : and quarter-master chalagan with a party , beat the enemies party abroad , took divers prisoners , and some of note , with a considerable booty ; and by lying in the marish fields , a great many of the enemies best horse died , and their provision grew very scanty , which occasioned many to desert , some going to their habitations , and others coming over to us , where such as were able were received . about the middle of april , . one captain fitz-gerald , of the enemies party , marched out with about men of the standing troops , to attack a strong stone-house called croghan , near philips-town , which although it was guarded only by a corporal and or soldiers , made a resolute defence , killing about of the enemy , and had done them greater damage , had not their powder failed , at what time they were constrained to capitulate , and give up the place . however , we were not long behind-hand with them , for on the fourth of the next month a small party of our troops was marched by major wood , from mountmelick to castle-cuff , with foot , being detachments of colonel lloyd's and the lord george hamilton's regiments , and horse of colonel bierly's , and dividing his foot into several parties , in order to surprize the rapparees in the bogs and woods , and with his horse kept along the skirts of the bogs , to hinder their getting off , by which mea●s about of them were killed , and a booty recovered , which he sent away , and a guard of men , and in the mean while , with foot and horse , beyond the toger of mallyhone , when about ten in the morning he discovered two bodies of men of the enemies army , each about , marching silently between the woods and the mountains , but when they found our men had espied them , they beat up their drums . upon this the major drew up his horse and foot in a ploughed field , and bid them defiance ; so that the enemies granadiers , thinking that our men , discouraged at their number , would have run , came over the hedge , but finding they stood firm to expect them , they stood , not advancing any further : in the mean while , a detachment of the enemy charged those men on the side of the wood that were sent away with the booty ; whereupon the major wheeled off by the skirts of the wood , to succour them , who defended themselves by firing very briskly on the enemy , being commanded by lieutenant ellis , and having got the horse and foot over the bog , more of his men came to him , and thereupon he ordered the foot to march in two divisions on each side the river , he marching between them with the horse , when being advanced somewhat near the enemy , and thinking the horse might do most service , in taking a compass about , and falling on the rear , wheeled about with an intention to surround them , which they perceiving , and at the same time being pressed very hardly by the foot , began to make an orderly retreat ; which the major perceiving , broke in upon their flank with the horse , which put them to rout and disorder , and soon after to open flight , whilst our horse and foot pursued them through the woods , and down to the bogs killing about , and among them captain charles , and lieutenants , taking prisoners major iohn fitz-patrick , who commanded them , and captains , lieutenants , and ensigns , belonging to the several regiments of colonel butler , colonel robert grace , colonel luttrels dragoons , colonel moor , and sir maurice eustace , and about private soldiers , among which were serjeants , corporals , an adjutant-major , a chyrurgeon , drums , and about musquets . which victory is to be accounted the more brave and great , because the courage and resolution of our men carried it against such odds , we having only a corporal killed , and adjutant robinson , with two foot soldiers and a trooper wounded . nor was this all the success about this time , for foot , commanded by captain clayton , being sent for from cork to relieve the garrison of ballymaggooly ; they were in their march observed by a considerable body of the enemies horse , but they durst not attack them ; yet those that were relieved , marched out about twelve in the evening , commanded by captain thorncroft and lieutenant hays ; and about break of day they were discovered by about of the enemies horse and and dragoons , who it was thought lay in wait for them ; as also a considerable number of rapparees : and our men being all foot , thought not the open fields secure against the horse , but for their better defence , drew into an old pound , having a wall about it breast-high ; when by this time the enemies advance party coming up offered them quarter ; but they answered only by the firing of their musquets ; however , all the enemies troops being come up , they made many attacks upon our men , to force them from their strength , yet they sustained their firings with little hurt ; but in returning it , killed a great many of the enemy , who were commanded by brigadier carrol and sir iames cotton , which so discouraged them , that after they had offered our men quarter upon surrendring , and it was refused , that they marched off , carrying away the wounded and most noted of those that were killed ; yet they left behind captains and troopers slain , and major slingsby desperately wounded , which they thought were too near our shot to be carried off ; and in all they had between and killed and wounded , and of ours were killed , and wounded , and major slingsby was carried prisoner to cork . and much about this time one walter brown , who had been high constable of the barrony of delwin , being taken as a spy , was executed , and captain pallasor , being abroad with a party of our men , consisting of about firelocks of the army , and of the militia , was by the subtil insinuation and treachery of one terence megral , drawn into an ambush of two of the enemies regiments of foot , and some troops of horse , which in that exigency made him betake to the ruins of an old castle , where he caused his men to fortifie and defend themselves , which they did , continually firing upon the enemy , till all their powder was spent , and then prayed for quarter ; and having it granted them , they were carried prisoners to nenagh ; yet the militia and others under the command of col. piper , had good success in clearing the country in dispersing the rapparees , and dispossessing the enemies regular troops of such advantageous posts , from whence they might annoy by-inroads , the countries under their majesties obedience , so that they began to shrink together into a narrower circumference . now great stores coming daily from england , and a recruit for our army every day expected . the time for action drawing near , the lords justices ( that nothing might be wanting that was conducing to their majesties service ) caused their proclamation to be published for the armies better accommodation , the substance being in the following manner , viz. whereas the army is now to draw into the field , where it will be necessary that provisions be brought in from time to time for its supply ; and that in order thereunto , all due encouragement be given to sutlers and other persons that shall repair thither for that purpose , they do strictly charge and command all officers civil and military , and soldiers of their majesties army , not to disturb or molest any sutler , or other person that shall have a warrant from the colonel of any regiment , or leave from the lords iustices , or the commander in chief of their majesties forces , to follow the camp for this service , that they do not presume to take any thing from them , or use any violence towards them , upon pain of being proceeded against with the utmost severities : and all colonels , and other officers in chief , are to take care , that the officers and soldiers ad pay for all such things as they shall be furnished with by the sutler , according to the rates that shall from time to time be settled . and that the forces may be more plentifully supplied , and and those unnecessary persons prevented from following the camp , who are only an incumbrance to it ; and it being found by experience , that the country has suffered extreamly by them , they have not only robbed and plundered it themselves , but have inticed the soldiers to do the same ; for the preventing of it for the future , and that the quarters may be the better secured , whilst the army is in the field , from rapparees and other disaffected people , the lords iustices do hereby order and direct all their majesties protestant subjects , as well as papists , to stay at , or repair to their respective habitations , for the preservation and improvement of the same , and that no person or persons whatsoever , except such as come thither with provisions for the use of the army , or upon some lawful occasion approved of by the commanders in chief , do follow the camp upon pain of death . and that the people whom this war had scattered into divers places , leaving many destitu●● of habitations , might again be settled , anothe● proclamation was issued out to this effect ; that all the inhabitants of the counties of w●terford and tipperary , do retire within three da● to their respective houses or habitations , or to som● adjacent garrison , if they could not go home wit● security . and those belonging to the counties of cork , l●●merick and kerry , are forthwith to repair eithe● to their own houses or habitations , if they have a●● or else to some of the garrisons there , to be employ●● in the militia for the defence of the country wh● the army is in the field , according to such 〈◊〉 orders as shall be given them for the publick se●●vice . and lieutenant-general ginkle , command in chief of their majesties forces in ireland , 〈◊〉 to be behind or wanting in any thing , exhibi● an order to this effect , viz. that all officers and soldiers , and other pers●●● whatsoever , were strictly charged not to press 〈◊〉 horse , carts or carriages , without licence first 〈◊〉 from the lords iustices , or himself in writing . and whereas that the militia being to be in arms for the defence of the country , whilst the army remained in the field , no person should press any horse actually listed in the said militia , under any pretence whatsoever . about this time some other transport ships arrived from england , and brought a great quantity of all sorts of military provisions , and about twenty thousand arms , also ordinance and stores ; whilst the enemies great expecta●ion of the like supply from france failed ●hem in great measure , that king seeming now ●o grow weary of a war that proved so expensive to him without profit , and expecting ●o be sharply pressed this summer in flanders , by the confederate army , under the command of the king of england , send indeed some officers , and a few clothes , and such like mat●ers , but seemed frugal in husbanding his troops for a shelter from a storm he expected ●earer home ; which did not a litte discou●age the irish , and made them again to desert 〈◊〉 numbers : and their falling off had been ●reater , had not their priests taken them to ●ask , and insinuated how meritorous it was to ●●ght with and destroy the hereticks . while these things passed , captain white of ●●e lord george hamilton's regiment , detach'd 〈◊〉 hundred men under the command of captain iohnston , who marched to belnamona in tings county , and surprized by break of day ●wo troops of dragoons of brigadier clifford's , and three troops of horse of the lord merriony's regiment , killing lieutenant archibald , quarter-master barnwell , and dragoons , took ensigns , and other prisoners . the governour of clonmel marching from that place with a detachment of horse , and two troops of the militia dragoons came by night into the enemies quarters , towards michael's town ; but not finding them there , th● rapparees upon his return fired out of th● wood , which he immediately causing to be surrounded , so ferreted them about , that o● them , together with casheen their ring-leade● or captain , were killed . and foot , and horse commanded by lieutenant-colone● hodson , marching from mountmelick , he posted them at kilkapog by break of day , where th● foot entred the woods and bogs , and th● horse securing the skirts , they hunted out and killed about of the enemy that lay lurking there to surprize such as passed that way ; an● indeed these sort of enemies were more dangerous and cruel where they mastered , tha● the regular troops , but so cowardly witha● that they would not stand a charge , if the● perceived the match was but any thing nea● equal ; an instance of which may be observe● in this , viz. a party of colonel brewer's men being upon their march towards ki●negad , a great body of rapparees lay in ambush , yet durst no● come out for fear of being worsted , though ou● men were much inferiour to them in number but let them pass ; when so it happened , thoug● very unfortunately , that a serjeant and soldiers of this party lagged behind a considerable way ; upon these the rapparees seized , and though on their knees they begged for quarter , yet they murthered them , and not satisfied with their deaths , they bored out their eyes , and mangled their dead bodies ; but the next day three of the murtherers were taken and brought to mullingar , where one of them accused the other two of the fact ; they were upon such conviction immediately hanged up : ●nd captain poyn soon after falling upon the whole knot of them with a party of men of the garrison of mullingar , put to the rout , and dispersed throughout the country , killing ●etween and of them . and now since ●e have had occasion to speak so much of these rapparees in the series of this history , some ●ay be inquisitive to know what manner of ●eople they are : to which i answer , they are a sort of vagabonds and thieves , ●ot caring to work , or take any employment ●pon them ; a mixture of irish with other na●ions , who herding together , take all opportu●ities , where they are strongest , to plunder , ●urn and murther , their hands being against ●ll , and the hands of all against them , to de●troy as beasts of prey . they rejoyce at wars ●od troubles , because then they have liberty ●hey think to do what they please . their dwel●ings for the most part are cabins , or moveable houses , and their skulking places bogs , woods ●nd mountains . they are not held as soldi●rs , nor included in the articles of war , but lie at the mercy of those that take them , without their being obliged to give them any quarter , though they crave it . their apparel , unless they rig themselves by plunder , is so misserable , that they go in a manner naked . yet these hopeful sticks , the commanders of the irish army encourage , and put weapons into many of their hands , to harress and destroy the countries under their majesties obedience . yet they have been so often met with upon their incursions , that about of them have come short home since this war begun . and furthermore to encourage the people to be vigilant , and to discourage such rakeshame● the lords justices and council of ireland , pu● forth a proclamation in these words or to thi● effect : that to prevent the robberies , wilf●● burnings of buildings , corn and hay●● murthers and insurrection , with which th● parts of the kingdom under their majestie● obedience was threatned by the rebels an● their adherents , during the time their majesties army should be upon their march t● the frontiers , or in the quarters then po●sessed by the rebels , they have thought it n●cessary , and do thereby publish and declare that the popish irish inhabitants of the r●spective baronies under their majesties ob●dience , where any rebels commonly call●● rapparees , shall commit any such robberies burnings or murthers ; or where any such insurrection shall happen , if they do not immediately give notice of such rapparees and insurrections respectively to the iustice of peace , or chief officer of the militia next to their habitations , and assist him in the taking and destroying them , and in the suppression of insurrections ; that then they , where such fact shall be committed , neglecting their duties , shall be deemed confederates with the said rebels , and enemies of their majesties government : and by order to be given by the lords iustices , as occasion shall require , shall be proceeded against with the utmost severity of military execution . and they do further order , that no protectted irish papist shall be abroad out of his or their dwelling-place of abode , after the hours of nine at night , or before the hours of four in the morning , under the pain and penalty of being put out of their majesties protection . and if after the thirtieth of may , . any arms or ammunition shall be found upon the persons , or in the possession of any such irish papists , he or they shall be looked upon as rebels , and punished accordingly : and as they intend severely to punish all such as shall offend in the particulars above-mentioned , so they do assure all those . irish papists who live under their majesties protection , that they behaving themselves as becomes good subjects , shall have the benefit thereof . these proceedings made many of the papists stir to prevent the mischief , who before stood laughing in their sleeves at the damages their protestant neighbours sustained , though to curry favour in a dissembling manner , they often shewed them a fair countenance , and seemed to pity their losses . and major o neal and some others , came over from the enemy , and took the advantage of their majesties protection . but whilst these things were transacting , one mark baggot apparelling himself in womens clothes , made it his business to spy into our quarters , and the manner of affairs ; but his too much inquisitiveness discovering him , he was seized , and being sentenced by a court marshal , he was executed at dublin on the th of may. the season thus far in a forwardness , gave a favourable invitation to the army , for their taking the field , when a party of the irish army , consisting of men , thinking to be early at it , and do some notable exploit to be talked on , came to castle-lions , and took thence a few of the poor peoples cows ; but colonel donep with about danes , and a like number of the militia dragoons pursued , over-taking them at ballyderdawn , where a lieutenant with danes , and dragoons , beat off of them who had lined the hedges , in which action the lieutenant was killed ; but the colonel coming up with his party , and being reinforced with fresh men , he still pursued them , killing about of them , of which were commission officers , took horses , and his men got indifferent store of plunder . this was followed with other successes of the like nature , nor could any great actions be expected , by reason the armies were not as yet in the field , our staying for the arrival of more ships from england ; and the irish upon the like account from france . and about the latter end of may , ships with carriage-horses , and other necessaries for the army came to dublin , and lieutenant-general scravenmore , major-general mackay , and major-general ruvigny came likewise on shoar . and now the train of artillery consisted of pieces of cannon , field-pieces , and mortars . and in the mean while the french general st. ruth proceeded to model the irish army , and give commissions in his master's name , ordering things with an absolute power , where their troops drew together at loghera in connaught . and in the beginning of iune all things on our part was in a manner in a readiness , the soldiers by this time being well recruited of the hardships , found many of them in their winter quarters ; and being often out in parties . the army indeed lay still longer than the irish expected , which made them promise themselves more success than they were like to meet withal , for the general intending to make a vigorous war , and push on for speedy victory , and the reducing all places that yet held out , and had refused to submit to their majesties obedience , took care so effectually to provide for all things necessary for enterprizing so great an undertaking , that nothing might be wanting to retard in the least the progress of their majesties arms ; and because the stores laid up the year before as to forrage , and other things of that nature , whereby the army might subsist in its march , it was prudently taken into consideration , that nature should have time to do her part , in furnishing the earth with such a sufficiency as might supply what was wanting , if any delays by cross accidents should happen , that so every thing that could be expected might contribute to the sudden and effectual reducing the kingdom , and putting an end to so chargeable a war ; whereby the forces upon so happy a conclusion , as must be at leisure to oppose the grand disturber of europe in a more sensible manner ; seeing it was concluded his main policy in assisting the irish , was only to divert those troops he otherwise could not without reason expect , would make him an unwelcome visit upon his own frontiers , and joyntly labour to plant the rightful monarch in the field of golden lilies . these considerations , i say , being of weight , presaged the unparallel'd success in a great measure , that attended and crowned them to our wishes . the irish , and the french in confederacy with them , held several strong towns ; such as were not thought easily to be reduced ; as bal●ymore , the two towns of athlone , galloway and lymerick , besides a numerous army that had already taken the field , and promised to themselves great matters from their valour and conduct , as now supporting themselves better disciplined than the year before ; for they had amongst them a great many french officers , who laboured to exercise and train them up in the arts and methods used in the french army . and indeed , had they had to do with any other nation but the english , they might have come off better than they did in the oppositions they made ; but the ancient british valour revived in so short a war , took again its insuperable vigour , resolving to overcome all difficulties , and stick at no danger , but furiously press on where the least glimmering of victor presented , and so like a rapid torrent forcing the opposing dams , carrying all before it , and crown their monarchs with sprouting laurels and triumphs . but not longer to detain the reader from matter of fact , which is mainly the intended scope of this history : the supplies expected from england being seasonably arrived , and every thing that was thought necessary in a readiness , there wanted but orders to march ; which were not delayed ; for now , as is said , the army being ready to take the field , our forces were commanded to decamp , and accordingly decamped from mullingar ; and the same day the army was joyned by lieutenant-general douglas , with the northern troops , and on the seventh of iune came before ballymore , seizing upon all the enemies out-posts , which they quitted upon the approach of our men ; but being taken , the serjeant was hanged for firing after the communication was then cut off between him and the town . in the afternoon a battery of four field-pieces was bent against the fort , and five batteries were raised the night following , from whence our cannon rent the walls and curtains ; and the general sent to the governour to let him know , that if he and the garrison would surrender within two hours , he would save their lives , and make them prisoners of war ; if not , they must expect no quarter . to which the governour made no direct answer ; but reply'd , he hoped to get better terms . our cannon having made two great breaches , and four boats brought from mullingar , put into the water , the fear of a present storm made the besieged hang out a white flag , and colonel bourk , with several officers , came and submitted to the general at discretion : so that colonel earl with men marched in and took possession of the place ; in which there was a garrison of soldiers , besides rapparees well armed , and about women and children . in this action we had men killed , and the enemy above . this important place thus reduced , and the prince of wirtemberg having joyned the army with about horse and foot , the march was directed towards athlone . on the nineteenth our men came before the place , where they had put up the french colours in four parts of the town , to make us believe there were a great many french ingarrisoned in it : but this hindred not ; for by ten in the morning a battery of ten eighteen pounders was finished ; and playing upon the great bastion , in a short time the face-flank and curtain were laid in rubbish , and the general ordered the assault to be made in this order . first there advanced detach'd granadiers . then pioneers with more faggots . then feusileers , supported by two regiments of foot. after them pioneers with more faggots . then men with axes to cut the barrocades , if any opposed . so that about six in the evening , on the twentieth of iune , the signal was given to fall on , which was the discharge of all the cannon in battery . at first the enemy seemed resolved to defend the breacb ; but upon the first flight of the english granadoes , they scattered and fled in much confusion over the bridge to the irish town on connaught side , some leaping into the shannon for haste , and there perished in the waters . our men immediately entred the english town ; but lying somewhat open to the enemies shot on the other side the river , some few were killed , and others wounded ; but the engineers soon raised blinds to shelter them . on our part of note , lieutenant-colonel goar , and lieutenant-colonel kirk of villier's regiment were killed , one entring the breach , and the other surveying the town from a hill. the siege was carried on against the other town with great resolution ; so that having battered it till the walls and castle were partly beat down , and perceiving it saultable , order was then given for the storming of the place . on the th of iune , about seven in the morning , much in the same order as the former attack was made , yet the detachments were greater , as being a stronger place : but before our men could be in a readiness , a small part of the enemy came and set fire to a close gallery laid over the arch of a stone-bridge , they had broken down , but were many of them killed in the attempt ; yet it deferred the attack till the thirtieth . however the cannon and bombs ceased not to play , and do terrible execution , setting the houses on fire , and beating down all before them . about six in the afternoon the signal was given to fall on by ringing the church-bell ; whereupon they entred the ford below the bridge , and pressed with such vigour upon the enemy , that they forced them to quit the trenches , and within the space of half an hour made themselves masters of all their outworks , and the ruins of the castle where they had fortified themselves with sconces ; and major-general maxwell with soldiers , and divers officers of note , were made prisoners . yet in the soldiers over-running the town in the first fury , a great many were killed ; insomuch , are computed to be slain from the beginning of the siege , till the english were entire masters of the town . the place was taken in the sight of the irish army , who , when too late , were sending a detachment to their relief . there were found only pieces of brass cannon , and mortars , but little store of provision and ammunition . the principal officers kill'd of the irish were brigadier mackellicuddy . the colonels mac mahon , o neal , o gard , and grace . the lieutenant-colonels , mac genis and barnwell , also major murray . the enemy had all the advantage imaginable to relieve this important place , as lying with their whole army on the other side , but a little distance from it , where we had no forces ; or if any , none capable of opposing them at that time ; yet so infatuated they were , that relying on its strength , they still had a confidence that the town beyond the river would baffle the english courage , notwithstanding they saw the other town was taken with a very little resistance . monsieur st. ruth , and other of their chief commanders , were reported to be often in it , viewing its works and fortifications , and assured themselves it would at least be a great part of the summers work to reduce it , if they were not in the end obliged to draw off from before it ; and the rather , because some part of our army had been before it , and gone off without any considerable success , or doing any great matters against the place . but their imaginations answered not , as it has appeared . their expectations , and those supplies , as is said that they sent , came so unsonably late , that all the advantage they had , was to put a stop to our mens pursuing too far such as got out of the town , and fled for shelter towards their army . this sensible blow greatly damped the courage and resolution of the enemy , who before had promised to do great things , and made them bethink themselves of taking new measures ; insomuch that some took the opportunity , as they found occasion , to desert . the french seemed discontented with the weak resistance of the irish ; and every thing appeared more and more dreadful to this numerous army . when several consultations were held what was best to be done , whether to remove or expect the english in that camp ; for they could not propose any thing less to themselves , than that after this success our forces would give them a nearer visit , and attempt the dislodging them from a place so near a town newly taken , now very weak in it self by battery . and though they talked high , yet in all their debates it did not , it seems , appear they had any great mind to come to a fight ; but rather to delay our army , till the season should advance to put a stop to any considerable opportunity , or till they might find some great advantage to further their purpose . whilst the enemies considerations run to this purpose , our men were gathering the plunder of the place ; which was not so considerable as in so strong a town might have been expected ; for besides what had been burnt in the fires that had happened by throwing in of bombs , and destroyed in the beating down of houses , some of the chief inhabitants early apprehending this siege , had removed what was valuable , together with themselves , to distant places , where they thought them more secure ; though by the way part fell into the hands of the rapparees , who distinguished not between friend or foes , where they found opportunity to get booty . but to come nearer . the enemy , after several debates , perceiving our men were absolute masters of the place , which was in a manner laid in rubbish by the throwing in bombs , and the force of great shot , they came to a result ; and it was concluded immediately to raise their camp , and march some miles further ; which they did : and to increase their number , drew the garrisons of sligo , iames-town , and lanesborough , quitting them to those that would come and take possession . as soon as the walls of athlone were a little repaired , the general left a garrison there under the command of colonel lloyd ; and drew out to observe the enemies motion . the enemy , to amuze us , gave out , they were resolved to come to a battel ; when for the supply of our army , divers vessels with ammunition and other stores , arrived from england , and bringing over likewise the earl of portland's regiment of horse , who soon joyned the army . it was now resolved to dislodge the enemy , or oblige them to fight . their majesties forces on the tenth of iuly passed the river , the foot over a bridge of boats below the town , and the horse over a stone-bridge that had been repaired for their more advantagious passage , and marched to ballinsloe , a place on the river sac. the enemy lying three miles distant , very advantagiously encamped at a place called aghrim , a small town , stretching their left towards kilconnel-abbey , and their right upon the hills of kilcomodon , having two very difficult bogs before them , through which the roads go to galloway : and on the left was the ruines of an old castle , where an intrenchment was made and lined with musquetiers ; and on the right likewise were several retrenchments for the security of their camp. the english army passed the river sac , the foot and artillery over a stone-bridge , and the horse by two fords , forcing the out-guards to retreat , whilst our left wing of horse advanced beyond the bog that covered the enemies right , and made way for the foot to come in , between them and that . our cannon fired upon the enemies guards at the end of the defile or dirty lane that leads to aghrim , dislodged them that defended it , whilst our horse and foot took their posts , pouring in their shot . the enemy drew down a great body of horse towards our left , and were so strongly possessed behind the high banks of the ditches , that they held our foot in dispute for hours , before they could gain any thing considerable upon them ; but at last we prevailed , and forced them to give way , notwithstanding fresh recruits of horse and foot were sent to sustain them , as they were pushed back ; and although three battalions of foot advanced on the right , over the skirts of the bog , and a small rivulet that discharged it self into the sac , where in a corn field others of the enemies battalions and squadrons stood firm to the charge ; yet they notwithstanding maintained their ground , till more of our regiments and squadrons advanced to support them ; and then charging up the hills where the enemies squadrons were posted , gave them a warm entertainment . in the mean time our left had opportunity to beat the irish from their ground ; and at the same time the right pressing upon them , disordered them to that degree , that a general rout of their horse ensued ; and their foot thereupon being hotly charged , fell into disorder ; and though they had made a resolute resistance , they were obliged to quit the field , and were pursued by our army four miles ; but then night coming on , and the difficulty of the ways hindred the further pursuit , it being in the evening when the armies engaged , and near before they broke and fled . the enemies army was superiour to ours , consisting of foot , and horse , and had by their encampment all the advantage ; yet our men gained an entire victory , of the enemy being killed upon the place . among the slain of note were the lord galloway , colonel moor , colonel baker , colonel gourdon , a great many captains , lieutenants , ensigns , cornets , &c. and more particularly monsieur st. ruth , the french general , who received here his reward for the many cruelties he used towards the protestants in france . many of note were wounded , of which many mortally , and soon after died of their wounds . about officers and soldiers were made prisoners ; and all the enemies provision , tents , baggage and cannon fell into the hand of our men , with a great many colours and standards , and most of the arms of the foot , which to help their speed in flight , they threw away . this great and entire victory was obtained with the loss of men on our side ; and of note major-general holstable , colonel mongats , colonel charles herbert , major-general petit , major davenish , major colt , major cornwal , major fox , with divers subalternate officers . the wounded of note were the prince of hesse darmstadt , the lord cutts , the lord george hamilton , colonel earl , lieutenant-colonel burdwell , with several subalternates . the enemy in this flight and total rout scattered their arms and baggage all the way they fled , thinking as it may be by that means to stay the pursuit : but it availed them little ; for such trifles were not regarded , in comparison of the great work that was in hand , to subdue and bring the kingdom under their majesties obedience by an entire conquest ; insomuch , that urged by the sword behind , and not finding way to escape through the press and throng that was before them , a great many cast themselves into the bogs and water-plashes , and of these not very many escaped . others that were more nimble of foot , and had got the start of the press , scampered by known ways , and never left running when the pursuit was given over , till they got to the woods or mountains , or into such bogs where they thought it was impossible to follow them . the french , who were not so nimble as the irish , or if they had , yet but very little acquainted with the country , came mostly by the worst on it , where they were broken and scattered , throwing away their arms , and crying for quarter , which in the heat of the soldiers fury could not be always obtained . some of the enemies horse indeed retreated pretty indifferently , keeping together as well as the confusion would permit ; but thought it not safe to stay in the countries thereabout , for fear of being attacked by some of our detachments the next day ; but being got at a great distance , and those that were scattered coming to their rendezvous , they made a small body under the command of colonel sheldon , and some other officers ; but the foot was so entirely dispersed , that we heard little of them afterward , unless such as got into the places that yet held out , and even there many of the fugitives were refused , the garrisons being already filled up and straitned for provision , so that for a time lying under the walls , and hankering about without any thing wherewith materially to subsist , many disbanded of themselves , and others by the leave of their officers , as finding this great blow had broken their hopes and interests in the kingdom so far , that they even despaired of piecing it together again by force ; and withal knowing no doubt , that this would be such unwelcome news to france , that although the late king resided in that court to solicite on their behalfs , they could expect but little succours , seeing all that had been already sent had turned to so little account ; and that the english heightned by this success , knew well enough how to take the advantage , and push on to the walls of lymerick , wherein , as their last refuge , they had placed some hopes . whilst these things were employing the enemies serious consideration , care was taken of our wounded men ; and such prisoners as had been secured , who received very good usage , and what else was requisite , till they should be disposed of as prisoners of war. the victory thus entirely gained , the army encamped beyond the place of battel , and brigadier eppinger going out with a strong party , possessed himself of portumney , whereupon the fort and castle of bavaher surrendred , and many of the scattered forces fled to galloway and lymerick . as for the greatest part of the standards and colours taken in this battel , they were sent to england , and there exposed to the publick view of the people , as eminent trophies of so signal a victory . the english army upon the former successes , resolute to push on for the entire reducing the kingdom to their majesties obedience , after some refreshment , marched towards galloway . being before the place , the general sent a trumpet to the lord dillon , governour of the town , to offer him advantagious terms in case he surrendred before the cannon were planted against the walls . but he returned for answer , that monsieur ussone the french lieutenant-general , who commanded , was of the same opinion with himself , and the rest of the officers ; and that they were resolved to defend the place to the last . upon which the approaches were made , and on the th of iuly by break of day , a fort or ravelin on the hill was attacked , and our granadiers that were ordered for that purpose , marched with great silence ; insomuch that they were not discovered till they were at the foot of the glacis , where they delivered their granado's , and went on to the pallisado's , entring the fort. the enemy perceiving all was lost , cried for quarter , leaving our men masters of it ; so that they strongly retrenched themselves : but hearing that baldorick o donnel was on his march to throw himself into galloway , the water was bridged over with the tin boats , over which passed regiments of our foot , and squadrons of horse to oppose his attempt : so that finding he could not effect his design , he retreated into the county of mayo , burning and plundering in his way . the taking this fort so alarm'd the town , that the governour desired a parley , and leave to send some persons to the general to treat about articles of surrender ; so that three of their lieutenant-colonels came out , and as many of ours-entred the town , by way of hostage ; and after some debate it was agreed , that the town should be delivered to such officers as the general should appoint ; and in the mean time five hostages should be sent for the due performance of the agreement on the articles ; and all the outworks of the town put into the generals hands , the enemy forbearing to fortifie any thing in the mean-time ; and to withdraw all their cannon from the walls ; but that our men might be permitted to work and post themselves ●s they saw convenient , provided they came not within three yards of the wall , or placed any cannon on the batteries that should be made : and that the garrison and townsmen should have the benefit of the lords iustices proclamation of indempnity , which gives them their estates and liberties . and further , that those who were desirous to depart , might be conducted to lymerick , with their arms , drums beating , &c and six pieces of cannon ; and have liberty to send to tyrconnel , and acquaint him with what they had done , and invite him to do the same at lymerick . that pursuant thereto they sent the lord clanrickard , with four officers of note as hostages , and allowed two persons sent from the general to enter the town , and take an account of the stores , &c. the treaty upon these considerations coming to a final conclusion , the garrison marched out on the th of iuly , d'vssone the french lieutenant-general having leave to be on his way to lymerick , three hours before the rest marched out . on the th of iuly matters being settled , and the place garrisoned , the army marched away towards lymerick the only strong place the irish held in the kingdom . whilst these things passed , sir teague o regan delivered up slego to colonel mickleburn , and divers other places of no considerable defence were surrendred by others . baldarick o donnel , whose success an old prophecy had foretold , fearing by the ill luck ●he all along had had , it was but a fable , willing to submit with the men under his command , sent to desire a cessation on this particular , and that some place might be assigned him and his followers , till his majesty was acquainted with his proposals for coming over ; which was in part allowed him , and he afterward was received into their majesties protection . now our parties being abroad , entred those counties that held out , and brought away great booties of cattel , defeating divers of the enemies detachments that were abroad , plundering the country . upon the approach of the english army towards lymerick , the enemy , who were encamped near it , no sooner perceived the advanced parties , but their foot entred the town , and their horse drew off further into the country . and now tyrconnel finding the thread he had spun grew too fine , and ready to break in sunder , vexing at the crosness of affairs , fell sick and died , as 't is reported , of grief , being buried in lymerick , the place where he died . on the th of august our army marched from nenagh to shalley , about two miles from the silver mines . the next day to tusla , where to refresh them they remained one day . but the next day the general being resolved to push on and prosecute the success , they had orders to march to larrick-en-lysh , about miles from lymerick , the only place wherein the enemy reposed their last hopes , as having yet some small glimmering of hope , which they reposed in a continual expectation of some fresh succours from france . from carrick the next day the general went with horse and dragoons within sight of lymerick , beating in their out-guards , and taking a view of their out-works from a hill that over-look'd the city where our artillery encamped the last year ; and upon his being there , sev●●al deserters came over , and confirmed an account before received , that the horse were retired to the other side of the shannon , and their foot drawn within the retrenchments . further informing , that upon tyrconnel's death , a commission was produced under the late king's hand , which mr. plowden ( formerly one of the commissioners of the revenue ) had brought lately from france , impowering sir alexander fitton , sir richard neagle , and the said plowden , justices of ireland . and a further account was given , that divers persons were seized and made prisoners in lymerick , by the order of the french general vssone , for having made some proposals in order to a timely surrender . upon which the general sent them word by a trumpet , that if they put any man to death for having a mind to come over to him , he would retaliate it on the irish prisoners that had been lately taken , and were now in his power . of which indeed there were a great many , and some of no mean quality in titles , besides officers of considerable note , upon the account of their late commands ●n the irish garrisons or army . on the th sir iohn hanmore joyned the general with five regiments of foot from cork , and the neighbouring garrisons ; as also some other re-inforcements from divers adjacent places , as well horse as foot. the same day major-general la-forest was sent out with a strong detachment to meet the cannon , but with some impatience had been expected from athlone , under the convoy of colonel loyd's regiment ; and though in the mean time a great deal of rain fell , yet it nothing abated the courage of the officers and soldiers , to go on in prosecuting the intended siege of lymerick . to further whose purpose , a squadron of english ships were in the shannon , who made themselves masters of a french ship of considerable burthen , which had taken in st. ruth's horse and equipage , in order to carry it for france ; after which they braved the city of lymerick , by coming almost within cannon shot of it . whilst these things were doing and the lord justice coningsby , who had been to concert matters in the army , was returning from dublin , the militia were in a readiness to keep those parts in quiet , consisting of foot , and horse and dragoons , having with them field-pieces ; whilst others of the militia of the neighbouring counties were advancing to augment their number , and make them up effectual men , under the command of the earl of granard , their business being likewise to secure such places as might fall into their hands by force , or being abandoned by the enemy . the english army having been some time retarded at carrick-en-lesh , in expectation of the heavy cannon , upon its arrival in the camp , marched on the th of august nearer to lymerick , and took in divers places by the way , and especially those near lymerick . in one fort new built , and garrison'd with men , made great shew of resistance , yet upon an attack made by of our granadiers , ●fter they had fired upon them , killing one of our men , they made a running retreat , and ●y a covert-way got within their flank-lines ●rawn about the town . w●ilst the army was preparing for a for●al siege , a considerable detachment of foot ●nd horse , with some cannon , was sent under ●he command of the prince hesse darmstadt , ●o take in castle conel , where the enemy had garrison . another party was sent to take in three o●●er castles which the enemy had garrison'd ●n the river below the town , and enterprized ●●em with good success ; yet at the first co●ing on of our army before lymerick , several ●ield-pieces and canno● were planted so ad●antagious to the enemy , that playing upon a ●egiment of dragoons , and another of horse , ●●ey obliged them to draw off to a further di●●ance ; yet our men advanced to cromwel's ●ort , which was quitted , as also was the line ●● communication they had made to the ●hurch , retiring within the retrenchments ●●at were better secured by the cannon of the ●own . however , to come into action , a detachment of granadiers were commanded to attack one of their out-works , which was a new fort guarded by men , notwithstanding upon the approach of our granadiers , having discharged their pieces , they fled by a covered-way into the town , and left us masters of the fort ; yet our men pushing on , pursued the fliers , killing some , and taking about prisoners , losing but one man in the action ; and the same night colonel d●nep , a commander of the danish horse , was killed by a random shot . on the th of august the heavy cannon and mortars came up , and our men began to work on the lines of communication , and the next day the batteries were raised against thomond-bridge , whilst the prince hesse darmstadt march'd with a detachment of horse , foot and drrgoons , and pieces of cannon to attack castle connel ; and lieutenant-general scravenmore , with another detach'd party , marched to carrick gunnel , which surrendred upon the first summons , ●●e garrison consisting of men , being made prisoners of war. and our light frigats with ammunition and provision came to an anchor within sight of lymerick ; which the besieged taking for succours from france , were mainly heightned with joy ; but upon being undeceived , were as much dejected . castle connel , a very strong fortress , was surrendred to the prince , and several other small castles at divers times , in all which were taken about prisoners . the siege began by this time very much to streighten lymerick , insomuch that the besieged could not without great difficulty have any considerable communication with their parties abroad ; for their horse had been removed by our shot from their camp that was under the cannon of the town , and obliged to march a great way further ; yet they appeared very vigilent in guarding the passes of the shannon , posting their troops upon many of the fords , and frequently sent their scouts along the further bank , to observe the motion of our men , and to give notice to their main-guards , if they perceived them about to make an attempt for passing it . however , that little a●ail●● , as will by and by appear . the reducing of lymerick b●ing firmly resolved , our men went on vigorously with the works , making a line of contravallation with forts , for the better defending it from any attack the enemy might make upon it in their sallies , and raised new batteries on the right , almost in the same place where the attack was made upon the place the last year , the largest of them being within carbine-shot of the wall , in a place where it was held not to be extraordinary strong ; and indeed the cannon being mounted , and playing furiously against it , made the stones shiver , and with a few balls rent it in several places , that the breaches began to appear at a great distance , whilst the bombs thrown into the town made great havock , so that the flames of the fired houses frequently ascending very dreadful , especially when it happened in the night time , so that it might be discerned for many miles round the country , and divers were killed by the breaking of the shell , blowing up and beating down of houses , and amongst those that had their lot to fall this way , was the lady dillon , and a great many were wounded and disabled from the service ; so that according ●● the report of some deserters , they began greatly to murmur , especially the militia , who ●ad been forced thither after the battel o● aghrim , complaining that their wives and children in their absence , were many of them in very great distress ; and unless they might have liberty speedily to go and take care of them , they must perish for want : some of them urged the danger the place was in , and not likely to make a long resistance against fo● powerful an army , that had all manner of recruits and supplies at hand , as occasion should require it ; when on the contrary , they were shut up within stone walls , and could reasonably expect none . however , to di●●ipate these discontents , i● was caused to be rumored abroad among●● the citizens and soldiers , that the french were speedily expected with large succours ; but when it appeared very difficult to gain credit that they could be that way effectually relieved , by reason we had several frigats carrying a considerable strength of guns , and men up●on on the river to hinder their coming up tha● way ; likewise a prevailing and victoriou● army in the field , to obstruct their putting in succours by land ; it was then to quiet the clamour , promised by monsieur d'vsson , the french governour , that the militia should be dismissed if succours did not come from france within days . but he failed them : or had he intended to have sent them home , the difficulty of getting away would have been very great , if not impossible , had they not first had leave from the general ; for it was apprehended they would have thrust out a great many useless people to save their provision , which occasioned a watchful eye upon the passes , that few could get away without permission ; yet some they thrust into an island in the river , being mostly protestants , where they must have starved , had not our men in compassion fetched them off . during this care , and the vigorous carrying on of the siege , further care was likewise taken for the suppressing the parties abroad ; whereupon horse and dragoons were sent to re●inforce those that were abroad , and bring into subjection the small garrisons the enemy yet h●ld out against their majesties in kerry , and the neighbouring parts ; and six pieces of cannon were likewise ordered for that servic● ; so that upon the approach of our forces , m●st of them surrendred without opposition , a●d all the country round about b●came free and open , so that the country people brought in their provisions , and other necessaries , to the great refreshment of our army ; and measures were taken for setling those parts in their obedience , the people appeared every where to be highly pleased , as now being under a better assurance of safety from plunder , and the future inconveniencies of a war , that had wasted almost all they had ; so that contrary to the usual manner in this case frequently used , they were so far from flying , for the most part , with the little substance they had left , that the villagers , and others that had taken refuge there , met their conquerours with tears of joy , and welcomed them as their deliverers ; peace and rest being ever most sweet and pleasant to those , who precipitating themselves unadvisedly into misfortunes , have had leisure to consider their error ; and by the sharp convincing arguments of suffering , have known what it is to be rash , in undertaking what they could not reasonably expect to go through with against the prevailing arms of a powerful nation , contending with which ireland has always been succesless . things being thus ordered , the out-parties , unless so many as could keep the places taken in obedience , returned to the camp , carrying thither some prisoners of note ; and amongst others , the lord castle connel was brought thither ; where , notwithstanding the advancing of the season , the soldiers shewed much resolution and cheerfulness in their undertaking to carry on their works , and manage all other matters for the accomplishment of the main end of so brave an undertaking ; and though the enemies great guns from the walls , castles and towers of the town , kept a continual thundering ; yet the great shot did not obstruct the progress they made in their advances . on the th of august mortars played against lymerick , whose bombs set fire to several houses ; but the flame was soon extinguished . the next day pieces of cannon were bent upon the bridge to ruin it , and hinder thereby the enemies communication with their camp : and that night mortars more of inches diameter , were placed in battery ; and two batteries , one of fourteen , and the other of ten pieces , all twenty four pounders , were finished , and some deserters came over , who gave but a melancholly account of the posture of affairs in the town , as to their being badly armed , and worse provisioned . now whilst the siege went successfully on , upon advice that a great party of rapparees were drawn together in the county of kerry , mixed with some of the enemies horse , the general ordered brigadier levison , with horse and dragoons to march against them , of which they had no sooner notice , but they divided into two parties for their better retreat ; and the brigadier did the like , and with part of his detachment pursued one of the parties , whil●t colonel nieuenhuys did the like by the other ; the brigadier soon overtook his party , which consi●ted of two regiments of hors● , and a great number of rapparees , which our men charged so desperately , they making no cons●derable resistance , that they were soon broken and in rout , most of them being killed or taken prisoners , and a great booty recovered which they had got in ravaging the country . the colonel did the like by the party he pursued ; which gave the villages rest from their fears of burning and plundering , &c. our cannon and bombs continuing to play against lymerick , the former beat down thirty yards of the wall of the english town on the north-east side , dismounting the enemies cannon , and laying them in rubbish , whilst the latter set fire to three of their magazines , one of brandy , and two of biskets ; the fire lasting till morning , and doing great damage , so that to save their other provisions , they hastily removed them to more distant places ; and their horse that encamped along the river , being removed by the guns of our frigats , encamped between the town and killaloo , that they might be at hand to defend the passages of the shannon . and now the general resolving the army should pass the shannon , in order to attack the irish horse in the county of clare , and to streighten the town on that side , the better to conceal the design , a shew was made , as if he intended to ship away the heavy cannon , and quit the small castles and outward fortifications ; which the enemy taking for his being about to raise the siege gave a great shout for joy. but that night our men laid the pontons over the river , about a mile above the town , and early the next morning the royal regiment of dragoons , with a detachment of horse and foot , had passed over undiscovered by the enemy ; but as soon as brigadier clifford , who lay with regiments of dragoons to guard the passage , perceived our troops had gained the banks , he brought down his men on foot , their horses being at grass ; but at the first charge they fell into disorder , and from that to open flight . being pursued by our men , a great many of them were killed , some taken prisoners in the flight , most of them flung away their arms , and left their tents , baggage , saddles , bridles , and other accoutrements to be divided amongst our men , with pieces of cannon , and the standard of maxwel . the enemies horse that encamped higher near killaloo taking the alarm , drew out ; but it was only to get time to take down their tents , and cover their baggage ; for as soon as our troops advanced towards them , and had passed the first defile , they hastily marched away in some disorder towards the mountains . on the th of september the lord lisburn , as he was quitting the trenches , was killed with a cannon bullet ; and the next day capt. taaf came over from the enemy , giving an account , that the town was almost ruined with our bombs and great guns ; and that they had not above ten days bread for subsistance , the garrison not consisting of above able men. whilst these things were doing , col. michelburn marched with a detachment of his regiment , of the militia , troops of dragoons , and field-pieces , encamping at drumchiefle , and then advancing towards slego , which again was in the enemies hands , beat in their out-guards , and being joyned by the lord granard , who a little before had reduced the castle of balymont , that garrisom apprehensive of the danger they were in , capitulated almost upon the same articles that were allowed to galloway , including in the capitulation the castles of bellaby , new-town , and castle-bourk , which were to be taken care of , provided they surrendred within hours after summons . and hereupon the fort on the th of september was delivered up , and men marched out under the command of sir teague o regan , and left in the place pieces of cannon , and col. michelburn was constituted governour : and now to return again to lymerick . whilst the siege was yet carried vigorously on , the general , with lieutenant-general scravenmore , being an the other side of the shannon with horse and dragoons , and a proportionable detachment of foot marched into the county of clare with field-pieces and or days provision , to oblige the enemies horse to fight , or drive them further from lymerick ; whereupon they not only avoided coming to action , but many of them dispersed and disbanded , so that their number daily lessened . brigadier levison with horse and dragoons had fallen upon the enemy in kerry , where they were about strong , and routed them , killing a great many , and taking divers officers prisoners ; by whi●h means their majesties forces were entire ma●ters of the county : so that the general being now on clare side of lymerick with a strong body of horse , regiments of foot , and pieces of cannon ; the rest of the army remaining under the duke of wirtemberg for the security of the works on the other side , on the d of september about noon , our troops drew up before the english town , though the enemies cannon played upon them all the while from the cas●le and several towers , as also the small shot from the flankers and outworks . about four in the afternoon the general ordered a detachment to attack the fort near thomond bridge . whereupon the enemy sent two great detachments out of the town , to support and defend those that were in the fort : but our men marched on with such courage and bravery , that notwithstanding this reinforcement , they bore down all before them , pursuing with hot execution the flying enemy over the bridge , and brought such a terrour upon the city , that monsieur d vsson , the french governour of lymerick , durst not lower the draw-bridge to let in his own men , dreading least ours should enter with them ; so that crouding on the bridge in great numbers , our men by perpetually pouring their vollies of shot amongst them made a miserable slaughter ; insomuch , that from the foot of the bridge to the draw-bridge , nothing was to be seen but heaps of dead bodies discolouring the river with blood , and were computed to be killed in this action , and about taken prisoners ; amongst whom was col. skelton , who being very much hurt , died soon after of of his wounds ; and our men during this hot dispute , being very much exposed to the fire of the town , were about of them killed and wounded , but none of note . this resolute enterprise of our men brought such a terrour upon the garrison , that in the afternoon a parley was beaten round the town , and notice was given , that the people were very much enraged against the french governour for suffering so many men to be cut off , by keeping them out of the city , that they had insulted , and could hardly be kept from using violence . the beating this parley was to desire a cessation of firing and casting in bombs ; which was allowed till . the next morning , when the colonels sarsfield and wahop came out , and desired the truce might continue a day longer , and that they might send to the horse commanded by sheldon in the county of clare , to know whether they would be included in the capitulation ; which was allowed : and on septemb. . col. sheldon , and some of his officers 〈◊〉 to our camp , and had leave given him to go into lymerick , and consult with the officers in garrison ; and the next day sarsfield and wahop came out again , and dined with the general , and hostages were proposed to be exchanged , which being concluded on , the l. cutts , sir david collier , col. p●per , and col. tiffany were sent by the general ; and the town sent out the lords westmeath , trimelstown , lowth , and evagh ; so that the cessation was continued , and the garrison sent out their proposals ; but they were such as the general could not approve of ; and therefore instead of answering them , he sent in twelve articles which he would allow ; and not to be unready to speak his mind in another language , in case the truce should be broken by their refusal , he ordered the cannon and mortars to remain charged on their batteries , ready to fire upon the first command ; whi●h made the besieged more reasonable in their demands : so that the commissioners for the treaty coming forth again the same day , had a long conference with those appointed to treat with them by the general , and became more moderate . a very good prospect of accommodation presented at this time ; for we had of their prisoners taken in the last action , lieutenant-colonels , majors , captains , lieutenants , and ensigns . and this being likely to be a general treaty for the settlement of the kingdom , the lords justices set forward from dublin to be assisting at it , and arrived in the camp the first of october , and after some conferences with the commissioners on the part of the garrison , and their troops in the county of clare , the articles of surrender of the city of lymerick , and the castles of clare and ross , with all other places and castles that were at that time in the hands of the irish , were on the third of october concluded and agreed on , and signed by the general and lords justices on the one side , and by the french governour , and the persons deputed by the garrison on the other ; and thereupon a stone-fort , and one of the gates was put into the general 's hands the same evening ; and the next day five of our regiments marched into the irish town , it being among other things agreed , that the french , and such as are willing to go beyond the seas , may continue in the english town and the island , till they can be transported , and shipping are to be got ready for that purpose . and seeing upon the articles of this capitulation , the quiet and settlement of the country consisted , and upon signing which , 〈◊〉 entirely returned to its obedience , it is requisite the reader should not be ignorant at least of the substance or chief matters contained in them : they consisting in two parts , civil and military . as for the civil part , it gave the roman catholicks the exercise of their religion , as far as was consistent with the laws of ireland , and as they enjoyed it in the reign of king charles the second , &c. and to all persons in general that had been in arms , or otherwise under king iames , except forfeiting persons out of the kingdom , should be repossesed of what they could justly claim , or were lawfully entituled to in the reign of king charles the second , and at any time since , by any law or laws that were in force in his reign . and those of trades or callings to return to them , and exercise them as in the reign of king iames the second , on condition they took the oath of allegiance made by the english parliament the first year of their majesties reign . merchants , and reputed merchants , that were beyond the seas , and had not born arms since their majesties declaration of february . were included , and to have the same benefit if they returned within the space of eight months after the date of the articles . as also were several officers , viz. colonel simon lutterel , captain rowland white , morice eustace , and others who were gone beyond the seas , upon the account of their regiments remaining in ireland , upon their returning in the space of eighth months , and taking the oath above-mentioned ; and those comprised and so submitting to the government , to have general pardons of all attainders , treasons , and other crimes and offences against the government , committed since the beginning of the reign of king iames the second . and that all things that have happened since the war , whereby troubles , suits , or vexations may arise , should be passed over and indempnified to those comprised in the articles to the date thereof , to be mutual and reciprocal on both sides . every nobleman and gentleman comprised is allowed to ride with a sword and case of pistols , and to have a gun for the defence of his house , or for recreation ; and that inhabited the city of lymerick , or other garrisons , might depart with their goods , chattels and provisions out of it , without being sear●hed , or paying any duties ; and moreover , not to be compelled to leave their lodgings in six weeks ensuing the date of the articles . the roman catholicks that submit , to take the oath of allegiance , and no other . and if any person or persons , at any time break any of these premisses , he shall shall not cause any other , not concerned in such breach , to forfeit the benefit of them ; and that such persons as are included , shall have the favour of the lords justices and general , to use their endeavours to have them protected from arrests , execution , debts and damages for the space of eight months . that provision be made to enable colonel iohn brown , by restoring so much of his estate and effects as were taken away , to pay his debts : the matter to be stated , and agreed , &c. thus things proceeded of this kind advantageous for the quieting of the minds of the people , and settling in peace and tranquility . as for the military articles , the substance of them were : that any persons willing to leave the kingdom , might pass with their goods and families , except into england , scotland ; and for the officers and soldiers , and those called rapparees , that are minded to go , ships should be prepared to transport them , and days and places appointed for those that were willing to go to declare their minds to that purpose , and be reduced under their officers that are to conduct them : and the english and scotch officers that serve in ireland , to be included in the capitulation , for the security of their estates and effects in the three kingdoms , if they are content to remain here , or for passing freely into france , or any other country to serve , and land-carriage and shipping to be furnished for those of all conditions that are not prisoners of war , that have a mind to be transported , and they to be protected from all wrongs and injuries : and the ships that are to transport them , to be furnished with neccesaries for horse and men , to be paid for by those transported upon their safe arrival in france , and hostages were to be left for the safe return of the ships , the danger of the sea excepted ; and till their embarkation quarters to be assigned them , they having liberty to transport gratis , including those of their officers nine hundred horse ; and for the troops remaining behind , to dispose of themselves as they thought convenient , delivering up their horse and arms to such as the generals should nominate to receive them . horse-provender for those that were to be transported , to be bought at the king's rate , and all necessaries to be had without molestation . and all those prisoners of war on both sides , that were in the kingdom of ireland on the th of september , to be set at liberty ; the general promising his endeavour for the release of those likewise in england and flanders : and medicines and other necessaries be furnished for the sick and wounded . and that notice of these things upon signing , be sent to france , and those that are to pass thither not to be stopped upon the account of debt , or any other pretence : and that french ships for transportation shall freely resort to any parts , and have passports ; and upon the arrival of such ships a free communication shall be between it and the said troops , more especially for those who have passes from the fleet , and monsieur de tumeron the intendant ; in consideration of which the town of lymerick was to be put into the hands of the general , or whom he shall appoint ; viz. the irish town , except the magazine and hospital , upon the day of signing : but the english town , with the island and free passage to thomond-bridge , to be in the hands of the irish garrison , or those that shall come from clare , cork , kerry , &c. till a conveniency offer to transport them . and that no disorders might happen between the garrisons , the irish troopers were to remain in the english town and island , until they should embarque on the fifty ships that should first go to france , and to keep from any injury on either side , under pain of punishment . and when they are to march , they may march out together , or at sundry times , as opportunity of embarking requires , with arms , baggage , beat of drum , lighted match , bullet in mouth , colours flying , six brass guns and two mortars , with some ammunition and other stores , and that an inventory of the ammunition shall be given to that end , the day after the signing . the magazines and provisions to remain in the hands of those appointed for their care , for the subsistance of the irish that are to pass for france , and they to be further furnished , if occasion required . and a cessation of arms at land and sea to be had , in respect to the ships , either english , dutch or french , to be used in the transportation , until they are returned to their harbours ; and that sufficient passports shall be on both sides as to ships and men ; and that any violating the cessation shall be punished , and satisfaction made for the wrong ; and that persons should be sent to give the english and french ships notice of this cessation of arms for the time ; and hostages be given on both sides : and if there happen any change in the government , or command of the army ; before the capitulation be fully executed , it shall yet stand in force . this being briefly the heads and substance of these famous articles , i shall now proceed to what ensued upon so happy a juncture , in which the nation had so great a promise of peace and tranquility ; which has since raised its drooping head from the dust. about the time of this agreement , news came that divers french men of war , with transport-ships , were on the coast , and endeavoured to put into some places , though very distant from lymerick ; but either not well knowing the harbours , or being fearful , as having no certainty of what had happened , they continued cruizing , being seen sometimes off one place , and at other times off another , as being doubtful and uncertain of their enterprizing any thing to the end for which they came ; as perhaps , having intelligence that a squadron of our men of war , under the command of sir ralph delaval , was making towards ireland , to prevent any evil design they might have , notwithstanding the capitulation , considering on our part , that the french maxim is much the same with that of the ottomon port , viz. to consider nothing against their interest ; but in the firmest peace to take all the advantages of open hostility , where any thing offers that may render their attempts successful . but whether they sooner or latter had an account of what had happened at lymerick , and that with the rendering up that important place , all their measures had been broken , considering in those articles , the few places of no considerable strength were included , we determine not ; but certainly so it happened , they attempted nothing worthy of note on the coast of that kingdom , but kept out at sea as well as they could . during the cruizing of the french , we had at length certain knowledge that they had notice of what had happened , viz. that lymerick had submitted , and with it all those places that yet held out , if in the time limited , they , by surrendring , took the benefit of the articles agreed on , which occasioned a greater security in them , as to the fear of being attacked by our men of war ; because in one of the articles it was agreed , that such of the irish and french as had a mind to leave the kingdom , and go for france , might stay to expect a free passage thither , without interruption , and then they more boldly appeared upon the coast of kerry , being discerned from the hills and cliffs , to be about sail of men of war , with some fire-ships , and transport-ships , and that it might be taken , that their design in coming at first , was no other than to carry off ●he french and irish that were unwilling to ●tay , monsieur d'vsson , the late french go●ernour , took his first opportunity to give notice of their being there to major-general tal●ash , who had been appointed by the gene●al to command at lymerick ; and upon ma●ure deliberation , it being thought more con●enient to suffer such as would transport themselves in french ships , than trust any of ●urs in the enemies port on that account , ●t last it was agreed , that the transport●●ips might come into the river shannon ; ●ut the men of war and fireships to keep ●●t at sea ; and that those transport-ships should have liberty to take on board such as would freely imbark . in the mean while divers irish gentlemen , and persons of quality , who it was by some supposed , would have embraced this voluntary exile ; considering , perhaps , how the french had insulted them in their own country , and expecting worse treatment when they should be more ablosutely under their jurisdiction , resolved not to trust their kindness by leaving their native country , but rather chose to rely upon the kindness of a generous prince , whose word in all things is inviolate , and thereupon spontaniously came in , and took the oath of fidelity to their majesties : nor were the rapparees , who are accounted the most obstinate of the irish , behind hand in this : for divers of their chiefs considering their safety depended upon a speedy submission , thought it their best way to lay hold of the grace offered , least such a favourable opportunity might for ever be out of their power ; and thereupon resolving to lay hold on it , laid down their arms , and submitted to mercy , causing many others of their subalternates to do the like , and bring in their arms ; insomuch that roads that a little before lay unfrequented by travellers for fear of this rapacious sort of people , were again frequented , and those that had been so terrible to them , now proved their guards in many places , to protect them against such as yet held out , by which means the face of things seemed won●erfully changed , and a country that a lit●le before had been so bloody a scene of war , ●ow promised , and gave a large prospect of durable peace , attended with plenty , and 〈◊〉 greater advancement by trade than e●er , in consideration of a greater assurance ●f security given , especially to the prote●●ants , by the glorious success of their majesties arms , than has been in the form●r reigns . although sarsfield , sheldon , and others , ●ho centered their fortunes and interest in ●●e late king , who had mainly raised them 〈◊〉 his favours , expected to draw after the ●reater part of the discplined soldiers to be ●●sposed of in the service of the french king , 〈◊〉 also some of the gentry and nobility ; yet ●●ey missed of their aim . matters being thus brought to a conclusion 〈◊〉 the kingdom of ireland , care was taken to 〈◊〉 our troops into winter quarters , who 〈◊〉 such extraordinary enterprizes so 〈◊〉 succeeding each other , were somewhat 〈◊〉 , and required for the recovery of ●●●ir strength and health , more refresh 〈◊〉 nt and ease than the field could any ways 〈◊〉 them . and in this such order and care was taken that none should be endamaged in the quarters ; but if any such thing happened by any oppression or unruliness of the officer or soldiers , the party grieved , upon complaint to those appointed to inspect and regulate these affairs , should have speedy redress , that the fears of the countries about lymerick might be at an end , the french an● irish that resolved for france , were furthere by the english , by way of friendly assistanc● for their embarkment on such ships as we●● ordered or allowed to carry them to the●● desired ports . the lords justices received an accou●● on the first of november , from major-general talmash , that the french and iri●● marched out of the english town on the fir●● of the said month , and part of them embarked on the french ships that were permitted to enter the river shannon , in order 〈◊〉 transport them . the general , after the many glorio●● succeses that crowned their majesties ar●● under his command in so short a tim● arriving at dublin , was received sever●●● miles from that city , by a great body 〈◊〉 the gentry on horseback ; and approachi●● through the loud shouts and acclamations 〈◊〉 the crouding people , was received at 〈◊〉 gates by the lord mayor and aldermen in ●heir formalities , and highly welcomed , and ●he ceremony performed upon the occasion ●● his coming to that capital city , ended with a general joy , and the highest marks ●● respect to a person who had been so ser●iceable to the kingdom . his majesties birth-day and the anniversary of the powder-plot , were likewise ob●erved with all imaginable demonstrations of ●oyalty , and marks of firmness to the pro●e●tant religion . nor were some of the papists wanting to express their satisfaction to see the hero , ●●o had been so mainly instrumental in re●●oring them that peace they had so ra●●ly ●orfeited ; and had leisure during almost a ●ree years , to repent of the trouble they had ●●ven the kingdom , and of the losses them●●lves sustained . whilst this joy lasted , care was taken to ●●der the garrisons , and provide them with ●●ch necessaries where they were wanting , as ●ight serve for the winter stores , and put the ●oldiers in a good plight . nor was the joy 〈◊〉 these successes bounded in this island , but ●read into remote countries ; so that in the ●amps of the allies the cannon was fired , ●nd all other demonstrations of a high satis●●ction for the success of their majesties ●●ms were set on foot : though the french commanders , especially in their camps , laboured to extenuate these brave and vigorous undertakings , crowned with such ample success , least it could dishearten and abate the courage of their men , who already by their frequent deserting , seemed to grow weary of a war , wherein they too plainly found , that instead of what they formerly gained by plundering , and laying defenceless places waste , they must expect nothing but blows , and severe treatment . on the first of november following these transactions , the irish entirely left the english town of lymerick , embarking o● the transport-ships in the shannon ; whe● sailing for france , one of those ships having on board four hundred men , beside● stores and furnitures of divers kinds , running foul on a rock overset , and about on● hundred men were drowned , though n● diligence was wanting to endeavour thei● preservation . upon the marching out of the irish , ou● soldiers marched in , and garrisoned th● english town , and now sir david collie● was made governour of the city of lymerick , and the lord o brian of th● county of the said city . and on the six●● of this month the french squadron , consisting of eighteen men of war , six fire-ships , and twenty transport-ships , who brought about ten thousand arms , wine and brandy for sale , and much provision , fell down about two leagues below scaltery , viz. the men of war , but their transport-ships were suffered to remain nearer , to take in provisions and other necessaries for transportation of the people they were to take on board . and major-general talmash having settled and ordered things to the best advantage in the city , gave place to the new governour , and departed for dublin , where he was received with many expressions of joy , according to the true merit of his courage and conduct in this war. upon this great turn of fortune , many of their ringleaders going away in the french ships , the rapparees found themselves abandoned , and in great distress , so that they were constrained to come in and submit ; so that the face of things appeared to be strangely changed , uproar and confusion being turned into a calm peace ; so that most of the english and dutch regiments , &c. - prepared to embark for england , where they soon after arrived , and passed for flanders , where they were for the winter season quartered advantagiou●ly in divers towns , to hinder the incursi●ons of the french. the general having put an end to the war of ireland , being highly caressed and treated in dublin , embarked for england on the monmouth yatch , where he received the applause and high commendations of the people in all places where he passed . the king received him very graciously , and created him earl of athlone , &c. the parliament likewise sent their thanks to him for the good service he had done , desiring him to communicate the same to all the officers that had served under him in this expedition : and he , together with them , was highly entertained at a noble treat by the city of london . the soldiers now returning , a proclamation was issued forth for their well abearing and behaving themselves in their march , quarters , and making due payment . and so great was the joy of the irish nobility and gentry for restoring that kingdom to peace and tranquility , that in humble gratitude they made the following address to his majesty , viz. we your majesties most dutiful and loyal subjects , crave leave in the first place to offer our most humble thanks to the divine majesty , by whom you reign , for having raised and inspired your majesty for the deliverance of these oppressed nations , and for preserving your royal person , so frequently exposed to danger , but never in greater than in the kingdom and cause of the protestants in ireland : what was then so graciously undertaken by your majesty in person , is now so happily finished by the success of your arms , that we owe to your majesty's courage and conduct , next to the divine providence , the restoration of our religion and civil rights and liberties . we beseech your majesty to accept this recognition as the first fruits of our redemption , till we are able to make a more solemn and parliamentary acknowledgment to your majesties iust title to our allegiance , not only in right of this crown , but in gratitude to our great deliverer and conqueror of your majesty's enemies . we are sure your majesty will effectually preserve those you have so generously delivered ; and we hope your majesty shall never have occasion to doubt the steady and united affections of the protestants of ireland in the service of your crown and dignity , from principles of inclination , duty and interest ; all which makes us unanimously and heartily to pray for the sacred person , victorious arms , and iust and gentle government of king william and queen mary , with peace and continuance over us . on the two and twentieth of december , sarsfield having got together two thousand six hundred men , women and children , set sail from cork for france : he thought to have carried a greater number , but was deceived by their deserting him ; as did the whole regiments of mac dermo , brian o neal , and colonel felix o neal , upon the advice they received of the ill treatment of the irish that were already landed in france , where the officers were generally displaced , or made to serve in lower stations , even to common soldiers , and french men set over them . ireland being now in a fair way to a settlement , colonel foulk , governour of dublin , had orders to disband the irish regiments that came over to us upon the surrender of lymerick , except fourteen hundred which were appointed for the emperour's service ; the which , though they prosessed a great willingness to serve their majesties , they submitted to , and had two cobs a man given them gratis , most of them going to their habitations or employments . on the three and twentieth of ianuary , being the first day of the term , the right honourable sir charles porter , lord chancellour , and thomas conningsby esquire , lords justices of the kingdom , came to the court of kings bench , accompanied by divers of the privy council , and other persons of quality ; where they took the oaths , and subscribed the declaration required by the late act of parliament made in england : after which the judges of other courts , and persons of different quality and employments did the like . about this time there happened an extraordinary storm , which did much damage at land , but more by sea : the adventure of london was cast away on the coast and all her men drowned . a vessel laden with corn was driven from her anchor in the road , and beaten to pieces , but her men saved , and divers other shipwracks were driven on shoar in the ports of this kingdom . and now the poor being very numerous , by reason of losses in the war , care was ordered every where to be taken of them till they could better provide for themselves having conveni●●●● houses appointed for their shelter . and the militia of the country was reviewed , to know in what condition it stood . and the lords justices issued out a declaration , prohibiting any officer , clark , or other person or persons whatsoever , depending upon their majesties treasury , either by himself or any other , to use in part , or in whole , directly or indirectly , to buy any arrears or debenture ●ue to any officer , soldier , or any person or persons that have been employed in their majesties service the preceding war , upon pain of forfeiting the benefit of every contract or agreement for such arrears which shall be paid to the party to whom they are due , when the same shall come to be paid ; as also upon communication of such a fault , be dismissed from his or their employment , and declared being uncapable of serving in the treasury for the future . this saved a great many officers and soldiers much money , who to supply presant need , would have taken a small matter for what was after paid them to the full . and now though it had been stipulated and agreed by several articles made with the garrison of lymerick , galloway , &c. that all arms were to be delivered up , unless such of the nobility and gentry as were allowed them for defence of their houses , &c. and this not being punctually observed , a proclamation was issued out by the lords justices , to command all persons who had any to surrender , or cause to be surrendered to the sheriff of the city , town , or county , or to the next justice of the peace , all their fire-arms , swords , pikes , half-pikes , halbards , partisans , skenns , bayonets , and all other arms , offensive and defensive . and upon failure or contempt , to be prosecuted to the utmost severity of the law : a reward of ten shillings was likewise proposed to any person who should , after the tenth of march , discover any arms ; and the concealer to be prosecuted at the next assizes as a contemner of their majesties royal authority , to be looked upon as disturbers of the peace , and to forfeit the benefit of the said articles . this made a great many of the papists bring in their arms , for fear of a discovery , which they had kept till now perhaps to so sinister an end : so that by this means the peace being better assured , the protestants found themselves out of danger ; the husbandmen manured their ground with cheerfulness , as not doubting to reap the benefit of their labours , which they had been long debarr'd , to the undoing of many thousands . the artificers fell again to their respective crafts with courage . so that the land casting off its bloody stain , laboured to forget its sorrow ; and though the usual trade with france was prohibited , yet ●rom england , scotland and spain , 〈◊〉 necessaries were brought tha● u●ually supplied the kingdom from abroad . and that they might yet be more easie , some illegal proceedings being represented to the lords justices , they put forth a proclamation for suppressing them , running to this tennor ; viz. that the lords iustices being informed that several iustices of the peace , sheri●ffs , and other magistrates , presuming on their power in the countries , have by colour of their authority , in a most illegal and arbitrary manner , contrary to the known laws of the kingdom , dispossessed several of their majesties subjects , not only of their goods and chattels , but of their lands and tenements ; they therefore command and require all iustices of the peace , mayors , sheriffs , and other magistrates , to forbear such illegal proceedings , and not to intermeddle with the right , property , title , or possession of the estates , goods , or chattels of any of their majesties subjects , other than by due course of law they are required , and as they shall be able to justifie . this was thrice proclaimed in all the market-towns that every one might take notice of it , and have redress of their grievances , if any should afterward be committed upon them , or their possessions ; yet it extented not to the prohibiting the searching for , and taking away of arms. and the better to confirm and inform all sorts of people , being dutiful and loyal , in their majesties good intentions towards them , their majesties proclamation was published in the following words , viz. whereas by an act made in our parliament at westminster , in the first year of our reign , entituled , an act for the better security and relief of their majesties protestant subjects of ireland , it was amongst other things enacted , that all and every person and persons whatsoever , should be absolutely discharged and acquitted of any from the payment of all the quit-rents , composition-rents , heart-money , twenti●th-parts payments , and other chief rents , arising or payable out of any houses , lands , tenements , hereditaments , rectores , tythes or church-livings , incurring or becoming due to us at any time after the five and twentieth day of december , . until the said kingdom of ireland should by us be declared to be reduced , and the war and rebellion there ended : we have now , pursuant to the said act of parliament thought fit , by and with the advice of our privy council , to issue out this our royal proclamation , hereby declaring , that the said kingdom of ireland is reduced to our obedience , and the war and rebellion there ended . and we do hereby will and require , that all and singular such rents and payments , and all other duties payable to the crown , which shall henceforth grow , incur , or become due , be duly answered and paid unto us , in such manner , and under such penalties and forfeitures as if the said act had not been made . dated the d of march , / . and to the end that none of the irish might be ignorant of what was intended for the good of the nation , another proclamation was published in all the chief towns of the kingdom , to ascertain a day to those that should be distinguished to be comprehended within the articles of lymerick &c. , to shew their said rights and claims to the said articles ; the lands and other matters they desire restitution of , with the place of their being and situation ; and that they should have fair hearings and favourable constructions made on their claims and petitions : the days and places of hearing to that purpose be set and appointed , that none might pretend any mistake on that account , not to come provided with sufficient proof and testimony of such their rights and claims , according to the tennor of the articles of lymerick and galloway &c. , and that seeing several protestants did inhabit galloway and lymerick , during the sieges of those places , it was required that three witnesses should give testimony as to the premisses , one of them to be a protestant , in every particular matter for proof of each persons qualification , as to the articles , who claims to have been within the said city or town , and thereby to be comprised within the said articles , or either of them . and on the sixth of april the lord's justices of the council and kingdom sat to hear and examine the claims exhibited before them , by such persons as made their application to them , sitting m●nday , wednesday and friday weekly for that purpose . and that nothing might be wanting to encourage and promote the trade of the kingdom , ships daily arrived in the ports with provision and other necessaries , insomuch , that after a long scarcity , plenty began again to be restored to a prospect of a greater height than ever , by which the calamities and sufferings appeared to vanish , and the joy of the people , the protestants especially , to be restored more than ever , especially under the conduct and government of affairs of those prudent persons that are put into power and trust. the kingdom of ireland thus settled , and in a fair way to happiness , his majesty was in flanders , drawing his forces together to prosecute his victories on that side , and compleat the felicity of his kingdoms , when in the mean while some ill men of restless spirits at home , were labouring under hand to disquiet us by endeavouring to hold correspondence with the common enemy , and encouraging him to invade their native kingdoms ; but providence , as at all times , so now more particularly , timely discovered their dark projects and sinister designs , whereupon many were apprehended and imprisoned in divers places , in order to be brought to justice and condign punishment ; yet this did not so much discourage the french king , but that he got his fleet very early in a readiness , as it is generally supposed to invade england ; but the winds appeared to stand on our side , and kept them in their harbours , contrary to their expectations , though he had drawn down his forces on the coast of normandy &c. , to embark on his men of war and transport-ships , as occasion should offer . our fleet in the mean while was hastned out to oppose them , and the dutch squadrons with much celerity joyned us , so that on the th of may they stood away to the south-west in search of the french fleet , and about six leagues from cape barsleur got sight of them , who with much presumption bore down upon us , having the weather-gage , the wind at south-west ; and about eleven in the morning they engaged admiral russel , who commanded our red squadron . the sight continued hot on both sides till about three in the afternoon , turville the french admiral being very much worsted , and fearing to be hemmed in by our blue squadron ; and the dutch , who laboured to get the wind of the enemy , bore away , but not so speedily but that the blew squadron had time enough to come in and engage him about six , so that another hot dispute continued till about ten at night , the french making a retreating fight , in which some of their ships were blown up , and others sunk : all night it was very calm , and foggy the next morning ; and ab●ut eight it began to clear up , the wind at east-north-east , when the french fleet appeared about two leagues to the leeward of ours , much less in number than the day before , being but thirty six men of war , standing away to their own coast , whilst ours pursued them ; and both fleets , upon a great calm , came to an anchor , the dutch , who now had the van , being within a league of them ; and on the one and twentieth they weighed and stood away , and we after them , admiral russel taking his course towards barsleur , having sight of several ships under the shoar ; but by this time many of them were got into the first harbours they came to ; so that fear and too much haste , caused several of them to run aground to prevent our coming up with them . but it availed little , for vice-admiral delaval hotly pursuing fliers who put in , made , under cape de wick , their squadrons , being now broken and separated , with much difficulty got in with light frigats , fire-ships , and armed-boats , and in spight of the fire the french made from their ships , and from their platform on shoar . captain heath laid the royal sun of france on board with his fireship , and burnt her , being the french admiral of guns ; and captain green burnt the conquerdant , of guns ; and another ship of guns was burnt by the boats that were sent out after the men were taken from it , and some other vessels , with little loss of men on our side . captain fowlis attempted to burn the royal sun , but was set on fire by an accidental shot from the enemy , supposed to be made red hot for that purpose . monsieur gaberet's ship , admiral of the french blew squadron , perished in the fight amongst the rest . whilst these things were doing , admiral russel , with the red squadron , stood with the enemies ships , who were got into the bay of la hogue , and sent vice-admiral rook , with a squadron of light frigats and fireships , and all the boats he had with him , well armed , to burn the ships he had there penn'd up ; which succeeded so well , that six were burnt that night , and with the same resolution six more were burnt the next morning , three of them being three-deck'd ships , carrying a great force of men and guns , and the other three from sixty to seventy guns : and one of fifty six guns was overset , and utterly lost : so that the whole number in that bay was destroyed ; the men in the boats on this occasion behaving themselves with much bravery and resolution , insomuch that they took possession of several of the french ships ; and turned the guns upon the platform that fired upon them from the land , in the sight of the french and irish camp that lay near the shoar . many of the french seamen perished with their ships , those on shoar refusing to fetch them off ; and a great many were taken prisoners . so that in the main we destroyed about one and twenty of their biggest ships , and of other frigats , crafts , and transport-ships , to the number of thirty ; and this without the loss of any ship on our side , unless fireships that were spent on the enemy . for this signal victory the admiral caused a solemn thanksgiving to almighty god to be held on board the fleet ; and had the wind been more timely favourably , few of the french that engaged had escaped . this happy news caused great rejoycing in all their majesties dominions , and in the courts of the confederate princes . and now to shew god's more signal favour and mercy towards us , a hellish conspiracy was discovered , that had been carried on to destroy his majesty beyond the seas by assassination , influenced by the greatest persons in the french court , to their eternal infamy , as it was deposed upon oath ; and this was undertaken by one de grandual , a captain of dragoons in the french service , and one dumot a walloon , who had the last year agreed together to kill the king ; and for that purpose went to loo , whilst his majesty was there , but missing of their wicked purpose , they went back to paris , and there remaining during the winter , they engaged one leefdale in the same pernicious design , agreeing to attack the king , either upon a march , or when he should ride out to see the troops ; but an almighty hand held them from their executing what they so wickedly intended , and saved his anointed to be a joy and comfort to his people , and a scourge to the common enemy , who , though good at close villanies , and purchasing of towns , yet not to stand in competition at fair valour and heroick bravery , as has all along appeared by retreats and strong encampments , when urged to battel in a fair field ; yet , no doubt , a short time will let us see the difference between true manhood and politick d●lays and precautions . ireland is now waiting to receive her right honourable lord deputy with all the demonstrations of joy that a willing nation can express , sutable to the great expectations she has to be yet more happy under the auspicious conduct of so worthy a hero , and wise dispencer of justice ; and an encourager and propagator of the protestant religion , &c. thus we see , through god's blessing upon their majesties arms , this kingdom is once again in a happy way to be prosperous , and more entirely happy than ever . finis . the duke's mistress shirley, james this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text s in the english short title catalog (stc b). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. martin mueller incompletely or incorrectly transcribed words were reviewed and in many cases fixed by hannah bredar this text has not been fully proofread earlyprint project evanston il, notre dame in, st.louis, washington mo distributed under a creative commons attribution-noncommercial . unported license a .xml the dukes mistris as it vvas presented by her majesties servants, at the private house in drury-lane. written by iames shirly. shirley, james, - . dpi tiff g page images university of michigan, digital library production service ann arbor, michigan october (tcp phase ) stc ( nd ed.) b. greg, ii, (*). a

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 the dukes mistris as it vvas presented by her majesties servants, at the private house in drury-lane. written by iames shirly. shirley, james, - . [ ] p. printed by john norton, for andrevv crooke, and william cooke, london : .

signatures: a b-k .

one of three imprint variants of this edition; this is probably the first (see "the library" (dec. ), p. - ).

reproduction of the original in the bodleian library.

 a shc the duke's mistress shirley, james hannah bredar play comedy shc no a s (stc b). . b the rate of . defects per , words puts this text in the b category of texts with fewer than defects per , words. incorporated ~ , textual changes made to the shc corpus by hannah bredar, kate needham, and lydia zoells between april and july during visits, separately or together, to the bodleian, folger and houghton libraries as well as the rare book libraries at northwestern university and the university of chicago

the dvkes mistris , as it vvas presented by her majesties servants , at the private house in drury-lane .

written by iames shirly .

london , printed by john norton , for andrevv crooke and william cooke . .

the prologue . so various are the pallates of our age that nothing is presented on the stage , though nere so square , and apted to the lawes of poesy , that can winne full applause , this likes a story , that a cunning plot this wit , that lines , here one , he know's not what . but after all this looking severall wayes , we do obserue the generall guests to playes , meet in opinion of two straines : that please satire , and wantonnes , the last of these though old , if in new dressing it appeare will move a smile from all , but shall not heare . our author hath no guilt of scurrile friends . for satire they do know best what it meanes , that dare apply , and if a poets pen , ayming at generall errors not the men , 't is not his fault , the safest cure is , they that purge their bosomes , may see any play . but here we quit your feare of satire too , and with these disadvantages to you thus humbly bow , to such helpes tane away what hope is there many will like the play , but good or bad , have patience but two howers , the poets credit is at stake with ours .
the dvkes mistris
actus primus . enter silvio , and valerio . si. wee are like to have a brave , and jolly time on 't . va. the court looks now as 't should be , after such a tempest , what should follow but a calme , and sun-beames ? wher 's the dutchesse ? and yet as the case stands , we can scarce give her that title , all her glory is eclips'd , shee 's i' th west , poore gentle-woman i can but pity her , i meane euphemia . sil. i dare not speake . val. thou mayst speake any thing that 's courtly , and in fashion . sil. but the duke . val. ' is duke , and heaven preserve him , let him have his humor , and his mistresses , what are we the worse , nay le ts consider like wise-men we are the better for 't , it gives us liberty , and matter for our dutifull imitation . sil. but she was his dutchesse . val. what then ? sil. a lady of , a flowing sweetnes , and but in his eyes can want no beauty , how her nature may thus cruelly affronted , keepe that soft , and noble temper . val. take heede , and be wise , we are or should be courtiers , if it please the duke for reasons best knowne to himselfe to have more wives , i say 't is fit he have 'em , i make it my owne ease . sil. thou art not married . val. no , i dare not for that reason , cause i hold it unfit my conscience should be limited , but we are private men , and though the lawes have power on us , the state , and dukedome may suffer , if he that is the soule of all , i meane the duke , should wast his life with one , one melancholy wife , come let me tell thee since he has chosen one , that he thinks fayrer 't is happy for his first to keepe her head on , sil. coulst thou have thought so cruell , las euphemia val. no thou art deceiv'd , if i were duke 't is ten to one i 'de have noe wife at all , sil. how ? val. not of mine owne , while any of my subjects had those i could affect ; whom i wo'd have presented by their husbands , they should doe themselves that curtesie , none would denie , considering what may follow . sil. besides hornes . val. right , if the toy be gamesome , the husbands made for ever . sil. cuckold . val. and his wife a great one , hornes excuse for all . sil. the old mind still . val. i know my constitution enter leontio . his countenance weares some sore of discontent do'es he not appeare cloudy . sil. lett 's speake to him . val. my lord , � my lord . not answer . sil. he does not heare . my noblest lord . val. if i did thinke he were proud now of a suddaine , i wod not aske him how he do'es , to save his life � i 'le speake once more , my worthiest lord , leontio . leo. ha! val. i ha waken'd him . leo. valerio , and siluio . i am your servants . val. not that we grudge our duties to your lordship or breath , for without flattery , i dare be hoarse with praysing , and with praying for you , but we would willingly have your lordship take notice , when we expresse our hearts to serve you . leo. your pardon gentlemen , i am confident you have more vertue then to let me suffer in your opinions sil. you looke sad . leo. not i . val. and talke as you had but started from a dreame , i dare not be too bold to enquire the cause , but your face will teach others melancholie . sil. now in this generall mirth it must appeare , the greater wonder to behold your trouble . leo. i shall betray my selfe , keepe in my passions . sil. ther 's something in 't more then we apprehend . val. what should distract the freedome of your sole kinsman , and onely favourite to the duke , the peoples love too , and these seldome meete , the minion of the souldiers , who honour you most infinitly for your valour , and your bounty . leo. flatter not gentlemen . val. i 'le be your hinde first . ecclipse not , sr , the glories of your minde with this strange melancholy , i wod not for my hopes the duke should see this dulnes , he may with unhappy jealousie interpret � leo. what jealousie ? val. i know not . leo. is my heart transparent ? val. now ioy revels in the court , by his command , and his example too ; doe not affront his pleasure , i am bold , but 't is my zeale , that wo'd not have you suffer , and you may give it pardon . leo. i must thanke thy love valerio , thy heart does speake a noble friendship , you shall witnesse gentlemen i will be very pleasant , keepe , keepe in yee rebell thoughts , and take some other time to shew your wildnes . sil. observ'd you that ? val. shall i be bold to aske your lordship a que-stion ? leo. any thing . ual. you will pardon the folly on 't ? leo. what is 't ? be cleare with me . val. are you not in love , my lord ? leo. in love ? val. i have shrewd coniectures . leo. from what ? val. from these dull symptomes , if you be leo. what then ? ual. let me be your physition , 't is a woman i must presume . leo. what does a man love else ? val. there be those men are in love with their own cloathes their wits , their follies , their estates , themselves , but if you love a woman , let me advise you . sil. heare him my lord , his practise upon that sex has made him learn'd . val. something i have observ'd after a hundred mistresses , i had beene dull else , but to the point . leo. how would you advise mee ? val. i would not counsell you not to love at all , as some that are all satyr , 'gainst the sex , love me a hansome lady , but so love her that still your heart finde roome for a fresh beautie , for twentie , for a thousand . leo. is inconstancie so easie , and so pardonable . ual. why dee' shift your shirt , the linnen 's fine , but not so cleane and sweete after a journey , 't is a justice to change : and a security a woman is tyrant , when she finds a dotage , love but wisely , to delight our hearts , not ruine 'em with too severe impression . leo. prethee tell me , what doe most men desire that are in love ? val. in this wise love i meane ? why , my lord , they desire to enioy their mistresses , what else can be expected ? and 't is necessary in my opinion . leo. hadst thou beene woman , thou wod'st not have beene so cruell . val. troth , my lord , i know not how the sex might have corrupted mee but had i beene adonis , without question my lady venus should have had no cause to accuse my bashfullnesse , i should have left the forrest to have hunted � leo. i beleeve it . val. but i must be content . sil. nothing will much trouble thy head ualerio . val. i doe not vex my selfe with much inquirie what men doe in the indies , or what trade the great turke 's on , nor what his designe is , nor does the state at home much trouble me , after the warres i enioy my limbs , and can boast some activitie , untill some woman in kindnesse take me downe , be ruled by me , employ your spring and youth upon those joyes they are fit for , beget a new elizium , under some pleasing shade le ts lie and laugh our temples crown'd with roses , with the choyse , and richest blood of grapes , quicken our veines , some faire cheek'd boyes skinking our swelling cups , and we with joviall soules shooting them round at each mans lip a mistresse . sil. i did looke for this before . val. they in this bower shall with their songs , and musicke charme our eares , and nimbly dance , their bright haire loosely spread ; nor shall they more their amorous beauties hide then those contended for the golden ball . leo. thou wod'st imagine many fine devices but after all these pleasures , as there is a limit , and a period set , what will succeed these raptures , when they are past enjoyings but leave so many stings upon our thoughts . val. we wo'not thinke of that , or if we do , wee 'le venture upon fortunes curtesie . leo. thou art resolute valerio , if ere sorrow lay seige to me , i 'le wish thee my companion . val. i am your humble creature , and shall be honord in your commands . enter ascanio . as. my lord , the duke ask'd for you . ascanio whispers with valerio , and silvio . ardelia . leo. i 'le attend . whither in hast ? val. we are commanded to attend sil. it is his pleasure , we should waite upon her to his presence . leo. ardelia , it will become you , and but that his highnes exacts my person , i should be a part exeunt . of her attendance , but not serve her with halfe the devotion , i would pay euphemia the too much injur'd dutchesse , now a stranger to the dukes bosome , while another sits , and rules his heart , but this prepares my happines , my hopes grow from her misery , which may encline euphemia to pity me . i must use art . enter euphemia , and macrina . la. good madam have more comfort . leo. is not that she ? her habite like her fortune most blacke , and ominous , heer 's a change of state , noe noyse of waiters , and officious troopes , of courtiers futter here , where are the traine of ladies , with more blossome then the spring , ambitious to present their duties to her , where be those jewells , whose proud blaze did use to vye with sun-beames , and strike gazers blind ? all gone behind a cloud ? how she observes the structures , which more soft then dionisio seeme to incline their marble heads , and sweate in the compassion of her iniury , my heart is labouring for breath , and yet i dare not speake to her , the duke has spies upon her ; and his anger carries ruine . enter courtiers , who passe by neglectfully . eup. sure i should know this place . la. t is the court madam . eup. and those were courtiers that past by ? la. they were . eup. some of them serv'd me once , but now the duke has discharg'd all , why dost not thou forsake me . la. i serv'd you madam , for your selfe , and cannot thinke on you with lesse reverence , for your change : of fortune . eup. is not that leontio ? la. it is madam . eup. does he decline me too ? though i am miserable , my griefe wo'd not infect him , but he must compose himselfe to please , the duke , whose creature he has beene alwayes . leo. i will speake to her , though death in the dukes eye threatens to kill me , great mistresse . eup. you doe not well leontio to insult upon my misery , dionisios frowne may make your feild as barren . leo. by all vertue , and by your selfe the mistris , i have not one thought so irreligious in my soule i weepe for your misfortune , and shall study all humble wayes to serve you . eup. you have beene noble . leo. your titles are all sacred still with me , the dukes neglect cannot unprince you here ; oh let not hasty sorrow boast a triumph over so great a mind , let not that beauty whither with apprehension of your wrong that may be soone repented , and the storme that cowardly would shake that comliest building make for your happines , some lament your fate . enter strozzi . whose lookes speake mirth , be confident , the duke will chide the unlawfull flame , that like rude and wandring meteor , led him from your vertues with so much danger to embrace ardelia . str. the duke shall know your complements . exit . eup. noe more , least for your charity to me , for i must call it so , you ruine not your favour with the duke , farewell leontio yet i would pray one favour from you . leo. me ? my life 's your servant . eup. if you heare the duke speake of me , as i feare he never will but in displeasure , tell him i will thinke it noe cruelty to take this poore life from me , rather then let me draw a wretched breath with generall scorne , let him command me dead , and i forgive him , otherwise farewell . eexeunt . leo. that close shewed something , like a will to be , reveng'd her brest heav'd up , and fell againe , while both her eyes shot a contention upward , as they would seeme to put just heaven in mind how much she suffers . enter pallante . if griefe thus become her , what magicke will not love put on ? i must stifle my passion . pallante , welcome , you are well met in court ; where dost thou live pallante ? pall. every where , yet no where to any purpose , we are out of use , and like our engines are laid by to gather dust , the court i ha'not skill in , i want the tricke of flatterie , my lord , i cannot bow to scarlet , and gold-lace , embroiderie is not an idoll for my worship , give me the warres agen . leo. but yet remember we fight for peace , the end of warre . pall. i never did , my lord . leo. what ? pall. fight for peace , i fought for pay , and honour , peace will undoe us . leo. t is the corruption of our peace , that men glorious in spirit , and desert , are not encourag'd . pall. the faults somewhere . leo. i presume thou art not of so tyrannous a nature , but thou couldst be content to weare rich cloathes , feed high , and want no fortune without venturing to buy them at the price of blood . pall. i could . leo. and i le engage thou sha't , be this the prologue . pall. not i , keepe , keepe your money . leo. you doe not scorne my bounty . pall. you may guesse that fortune has not doted much upon mee , and yet i must refuse it . leo. your reason pray ? pall. why ten to one i shall spend it . leo. so t is meant . pall. 't will make me gay a while , but i shall pawne my robes , and put on these agen , leo. thou sha't not while i have fortune to preserve thee otherwise , pall. i say out of my love to you i must not , i never yet tooke money upon charity , i earn'd it in the warre , and i 'le deserue 't in peace , of you i cannot , t is my misery to be unserviceable . leo. is that your scruple ? but that i know thy humor , i should thinke this cunning , but you shall not , sr , despaire , i shall find wayes to have mention'd in your accounts for merrits , doubt not , i will give you occasion to deserve more . pall. on those conditions i 'le take more , and thinke the better of my owne life , honour'd by your imployments . leo. the duke . enter duke , strozzi , ascanio . du. ha ? leontio . str. if i have any braynes , he shew'd a passion did not become him to your dutches sr. du. presumes he on his blood , above our favour ? dares he but in a thought controule our pleasure , no more , wee 'le take noe knowledge , oh my lord you absent your selfe too much , though we confesse our state must owe much to your care , we would not your offices should wast you with imployments preserve your health i pray � leo. i never did enioy it more then when i studied service , and duties to your grace . du. musicke , the minuits are sad i' th absence of ardelia , and moove too slow , quicken their pace with luts , and voices . a song . du. no more ; we will be musicke of our selves , and spare your arts , thought of ardelia , should strike a harmony through every heart , what brow lookes sad , when we command delight ? we shall account that man a traytor to us , that weares one sullen cloud upon his face , i 'le read his soule in 't , and by our bright mistresse , then which the world containes noe richer beauty , punish his daring sinne . leo. he will deserve it great sir , that shall offend with the least sadnes , or were it so possest , yet your command that stretches to the soule , would make it smile , and force a bravery , severe old age shall lay aside his sullen gravity , and revell like a youth , the froward matrons for this day , shall repent their yeares , and coldnes of blood , and wish agen their tempting beauties to dance like wanton lovers . du. my leontio , in this then thou dost present our bosome to thee , what 's he ? leo. a gentleman that has deserv'd for service in your late warres , sir , a captaine . du. he may turne courtier now , we have no use of noyse , we can march here without a drumme , i hope we are not in arreares to him , he haunts us for noe pay ? leo. your bounty beside that , hath wonne their hearts . du. why has he noe better cloathes ? this is a day of triumph . pall. i beseech your highnes pardon , i ha' drunke your health in better cloathes , dispise my christian buffe ; this is the fruits of peace , i 'le waite on you agen . exit . du. wher 's my ardelia ? how at the name my spirits leape within me , and the amorous winds doe catch it from my lips to sweeten the ayre � heaven at the sound lookes cleare , and lovely , and the earth put 's on a spring to welcome it , speake leontio strozzi , gentlemen , but she appeares . enter ardelia , valerio , silvio . for whom the world shall weare eternall shiue , brightest ardelia , queene of love , and me , ar. the onely honor , my ambition climes too , is to be held your highnes humblest hand-maid . du. call me thy servant , what new charmes her lookes does throw upon my soule . sil. how the duke gazes ? du. there is some strange divinity within her , is there not valerio ? val. i am not read so farre yet as divinity , mine is but humane learning . du. speake agen , and at thy lipps the quires shall hang to learne new tunes , and the dull spheres but coldly imitate , i am transform'd with my excesse of rapture , frowne , frowne ardelia i shall forget i am mortall else , and when thou hast throwne downe thy servant , with one smile exalt agen his heart to heaven , and with a kisse breath in me another soule fit for thy love , but all my language is too could , and we wast time , lead on , ther 's something of more ceremony expects our presence , italy is barren of what we wish to entertaine ardelia . leo. may all the pleasures thought can reach attend you . exeunt . finis actus primi .
actus secundus . enter bentivolio , horatio . hor. be counsell'd yet without being too ambitious to buy a deere repentance . ben. now we are . arriv'd at court , shame to our resolution , i prethee do'nt tempt me to such cowardise , horatio i must see her , shee le not blast us , she was lovely when our eyes saluted last , and at my fare-well many innocent teares wittness'd her sorrow , cleere as aprill weepes into the bosome of the spring , not see ardelia ? hor. you have travel'd since , and she wanting noe beauty , was not over willing to languish in your absence , how i pity thee , but that i wod not too much vexe your folly , do'st thinke ther 's faith in any womans eyes , she wept at parting , a strong obligation when they can thread their teares , and make a chaine of water , let me weare one o' their bracelets ; i will convince thy madnes in six words , admit she said she lov'd you , and to your thinking vow'd it , for you say you were contracted all this is nothing . ben. no . hor. not this ; although you had beene married , and i' th sheets together , and chaffer'd earnest for a boy , 't is nothing it binds not . ben. how ? hor. not with a thousand witnesses . ben. how not bind her ? hor. nor any woman living , that 's possest with a wandring spirit , clap her in a dungeon , pile three castles on her , yet she shall breake prison when she has but the least minde too 't ; she le worke through a steele-mine , to meete a friend that she likes better , with more ease throw up a quarrie of marble , than a mole shall dust , they worke with spirits , man , and can doe wonders , especially a hansome woman , from whose false and sly temptations , all my wits defend me . there were some dealing with an elvish female , that had but a course face , or say but halfe a one , emnaticke eyes , with no more sight than could distinguish well , man from a horse , or beare , to keepe her from mistake in procreation , a nose of many fashions , and as many water-workes in 'em , lips of honest hide , and made to last , teeth of a moores complexion , a chinne , without all controversie , good to goe a fishing with , a witches beard on 't , with twentie other commendations , such a thing were no mischiefe , and a man might trust her with no scruple in his conscience . ben. this is plaine madnesse . hor. you may call it so , but i le be bound to travell further with this night-mare , than the finest flesh and blood you court , and call your mistresse , why the devill with all his art , and malice will nere cuckold me , and i should leave her in hell , and goe a journey , i should be sure at my returne to find her safe , and untouch'd , sound of her winde , and limbs ; a faire , and hansome woman would not scape so : you have my opinion now , and 't were lesse evill to practise it , you mind not my instructions . ben. not i . hor. these lectures have l read toth ' city with the same successe , that gentlemen might live honest , and men have lucke to father their owne children , but 't will not be , you are resolv'd to try it ? ben. am i engag'd thus farre to fall backe now ? hor. remember where you are yet . ben. i am i' th court . hor. where you expect to complement with the dukes � ben. what ? hor. what doe you thinke ? the dukes married , they say although he love ardelia , and without question , in these parts may want no intelligence of your purpose , and your person , and there 's no doubt , but if he find you quaile-catching , he has power enough to coole your blood , and hers , should she remember what has past betweene you , in that respect be caution'd , doe not worke a double ruine , to sooth one vaine humour ; eyes will beget an appetite of more neerenesse , and how that may succed , 't is better feare , than prove . ben. i prethee fright me not with shadowes . hor. you are then for her substance � i le not leave you . ben. i le see her did the duke proclaime it death . hor. i had rather see the cow , with her five legges , and all the monsters in the market , then be troubled with the spectacle , but on , stay , yet will you but see her ? will her face content you , a farre off , without multiplying twinckles , ridiculous sighes , or crost armes pinion'd thus , as the kinght-templers leggs are , whollie buried , like taylors , no djected lookes , as y 'ad your father alive agen to send you out to sea , with pention to maintaine you in bisket , poore john , and halfe a livery , which should be part of your governor , to read morrall vertue and lenton lectures to you , or if she frowne as much as say my friend , i am not for you , the dukes the better gentleman , and shall pay for 't will you returne then with a handsome patience , and wisely love where no man els will rivall you , a witch or some old woman , ben. i prethee leave thy phrenzy , thou shal't witnes i le be temperate . enter valerio . who 's this ? signior valerio . val. bentivolio , welcome to pavie , and the court . ben. my friend , sir . val. you both divide me . ben. then i am no stranger , in confidence of that friendship we both seal'd in travell . val. what affaires brought you to pavie ? ben. being at large , i had curiositie to observe what might improve my knowledge here with some taste of your court . val. and i am happie i have some power to serve your wish , nor could you arrive to see it shine with more delight , it is compos'd of revells , now all ayre , let me present you to the duke . ben. i shall be honour'd to kisse his hand . val. sha't see his mistresse , the faire ardelia , the dukes no saint , i may tell thee . hor. pray sir , with your favour , cannot the court furnish a gentleman , and need be , with an uglie face or two , such as would turne your stomacke , would content my fancie best . val. what meanes your friend ? ben. a humour he playes withall . ual. he would not play with such a woman , wo'd he ? hor. yes , and if the place be not too barren to afford me one ill-favoured enough . val. nere feare it , they are common here as crowes , and something of a hue by moone-shine promise to keepe your wits , and i le present you . hor. i have a lease sir , of my braines , and dare enconnter with an armie out of lapland . exeunt . musicke , and song in dialogue . enter the duke , ardelia , fiametta , leontio , strozzi , ascanio , silvio , ladies . duk. how likes ardelia this ? ard. if it affect your highnesse eare , dutie hath so compos'd my will to obedience , i must praise the musicke , and wish no other object to that sence , unlesse you please to expresse more harmonie by some commands from your owne voice , that will challenge my more religious attention . du. what charme is in her language ? cease all other ( but discord to her accents ) what a sweet , and winning soule she has , is it not pity she should be lesse than dutchesse , farre above euphemia in beautie , and rare softnesse of nature , i could wonder , gaze for ever ; but i expose my passion too much to censure , yet who dares dispute our will ? leontio looke upon ardelia , and tell me . leo. what sir ? duk. canst see nothing there ? leo. i see a spacious field of beautie sir . duk. t is poore , and short of her perfection , beare her this other jewell , i will have her shine like a volumne of bright constellations , till all the world turne her idolater : when did euphemia looke thus ? leo. never sir . duk. be judge thy selfe leontio , if my dutches lov'd me , could she denie her dionisio this happinesse , but she has a stubborne soule . she has , and shall repent it . leo. sir , remember shee is a princesse . du. you were best remember her , perhaps shee le take it kindlie . leo. sir , i hope you have more assurance of my faith to you then to interpret � du. nothing , come , all 's well , name her noe more , how ere she has displeas'd us , you can violate noe duty still to love her . leo. i sir ? du. this infects delight , let 's dance my sweete ardelia . leo. the dukes jealous or i 'me batraid . du. leontio , silvio , strozzi , the ladies blush for you , they have breath'd too much . while the dance is enter valerio , bentivolio , horatio . val. sir , here are gentlemen desire the grace to kisse your highnesse hand . du. ardelia supply our dutchesse absence , val. it is the dukes desire by his example , you extend your faire hand to a payre of strangers , ambitions of the honour . ard. bentivolio ? t is he , how my heart trembles as my frame would fall to peeces , doe you know that gentleman ? va. yes , madam . ar. let him attend me in my lodgings it will be worth your friend-ship to conduct him . val. i shall . du. your countenance changes , i observ'd your eyes upon that stranger . ar. he revewes the memory of a brother , i lov'd dearely , that died at sea : i ne're saw two so like . du. for representing one so neare ardelia , receive another welcome , and what favours your thoughts can study from our court , possesse 'em . ben. you oblige my humblest services � how now , how dost like this ? ho. why scuruily , you flatter your selfe into distruction , i see the arrow will peirce thy heart , decline it yet . ben. still frantickely opposing . ho. i ha' done be mad , i 'le give my braine to somewhat els , sir , i 'wod see a phisnomy , though it looke as big as the fower winds , i ha' court-ship for it , and wo not he blowne off with an hericano , yet trust me i 'le be honest . va. i beleeve you . ho. onely to please my eye . va. what thinke you of that divells lans-schape , you observ'd not her , notwithstanding her complexion , she is a lady usefull at court , to set of other faces , especially the dukes mistres , whom for that , and some thing else his grace has recommended to be her companion , will she serve turne ? did you ever see a more excellent wall-eye ho. i marry , sir . va. nay let me prepare you , madam d ee observe that gentleman , the ��aring stranger , he has busines to you , and you will bid it welcome . fi. does he know me ? va. he inquir'd for you by all discriptions � and i guesse he may be worth your favour . fia. mine ? val if ever man were an jdolater , he is yours , i 'le bring him to your lodgings madam , if you please . fia. you 'le honour me . du. agen to our revells , ther 's noe life without being active , val. not now ? you shall have opportunity , and i have commission to informe you something , away here 's like to be a storme . enter euphemia . ben. what 's shee ? va. euphemia . str. your dutches , sir . du. how dares shee interrupt us ? leo. a guard about my heart , i am undone e'ls . each looke , and motion in her greife present such a commanding sweetnes , if i observe with the same eyes i shall betray my selfe . eup. i come not sir , with rudenes of my language , or person to offend your mirth , although the nature of my sorrow is so wild it may infect weake minds , and such as have not some proofe in their owne bosomes , but to make one , and my last suite , which when you have heard it may appeare so reasonable , and proportion'd to what your thoughts allow me , that you will find easily a consent to make it fortunate , and me in the prevailing . ardelia offers to depart . du. doe not moove . ardelia , i am full protection here . eup. ther 's something sir in my request to make her happy too , ard. i dare not heare the dutchesse , her lookes wound me . du. speake your promising wishes . eup. although i know not for what guilt in me of more then my obedience , and some lesse beauty then dwells upon ardelias cheeke , you have exild me from your love , and bosome , and worse then one condemn'd by force of lawes , for sinne against your bed have sentenc'd me to wander with disgrace , carv'd in my brow the fable of a dutchesse , and your anger ; my desires are you would have so much charity though you have made me an out-law by your doome , not to compell me after all my shames to be a murderer . du. treason , our guard . eup. you shall not trouble sir your feares i bring the least blacke thought against your person , heaven avert so foule à sinne , the danger all doth threaten me , and my life , which i thus most humbly beg may not be forc'd through blood by my owne hands urgd by your heavy wrongs to such a desperate mutiny , which you may prevent by your revenge of law upon me . to which , and your displeasure i would yeild my life your welcome sacrifice , i 'le praise your mercy for my death , and blesse the stroake devids my sad soule from me . du. this your project ? leo. did you heare the dutches suite ? ard. noe , but i 'le beg it may be granted , doe not sir deny your dutches her desires so just , and reasonable ; leo. how 's this ? shee 'le pray to be rid on her , audacious woman eup. let me rise with horror . du. ardelia knowes not what euphemia ask'd . leo. she 'le appeare cunning . ard. i am confident she hath propounded nothing ill becoming . leo. nothing , a very trifle , wearied with her injuries she onely begs the duke would be so kind to order with as much conveniency as he please , her head to be chop'd of , that all , and you were charitable to joyne so modestly in the advancement of her desires . ard. defend it heaven , madam your pardon , i imagin'd not you aym'd such cruelty upon your selfe . eup. proud , and dissembling woman , at such impudence i take my spirit to me , and no more will put my breath to the expence of prayer to be short-liv'd , i will desire to live to see heaven drop downe justice , with such loud , and publicke noyse of my revenge on thee , and thy adulterate arts , as the world naming but once ardelia , shall be palsey-strucke . i feele a new , and fiery soule within me , apt to disperse my rage , which feare and my religion would ha' stifled . oh my fate ! du. she raves , to prison with her , we are not safe while she enjoyes the freedome of our ayre : stay ( my good genius ) she carries yet the title of our dutches ; t is our pleasure leontio , she be your prisoner , but see her narrowlie confind , till we determine what shall follow , in what we limit , you not make your owne reason guide , but on your life secure her . leo. your commands in all things i obey , most blest occasion ! du. foole , thou dost entertain what must undo thee , and make you both ripe for eternall absence ; hug juno in the clouds , and court her smiles , though she consent not , t is enough you l stand suspected , and expos'd to equall danger . you sha'not lose your ayre to plead for death , thus we le secure ardelia . eup. i heare , and with all chearefullnesse resigne my will to imprisonment , or death ; forgive the wildnesse , and furie of my language , i repent my wish upon ardelia , may she live to doe so too , and you to be possest of all joyes , earth and heaven can blesse your heart with may danger never in a dreame affright you , and if you thinke i live too long , t is possible , before you send death to conclude my sufferings , some thoughts of you may wither my poore heart , and make your path smooth , to what most you joy in be not a tyrant when i 'me dead , upon my fame , although you wish me not alive , yet say i was euphemia , let that sticke upon my tombe , if you will grace my shade with so much cost , in that name is supplied enough to tell the world for whom i died . du. we heare too much , away with her . exeunt . finis actus secundi .
actus tertius . enter bentivolio , valerio , horatio . ben. i have given a treasure to your bosome sir . val. you shannot friend repent it , and this act of so much confidence , new binds my faith to you ; contracted to ardelia ? i may chance make use of this . your pilgrimage ends here � exit ualerio hor. doe you know what you have done ? ben. i have told him what concern'd ardelia , and my selfe ; thou wod'st suspect , and chide my credulous nature , come , i le trust him with my life . hor. that 's done already , he has a secret , much good doe him wo't , should ha' burnt a passage through my heart , and left it ashes , ere th 'ad wandred from me thus , and if you never did before , pray now he may be honest to you , t is too late to finde compunction for it , pray , and heartily he may be dumbe . enter valerio and ardelia . val. signior bentivolio ? exit ardelia , and bentivolio . so , so , that 's over , now i le conduct you to your pretious saint , unlesse your bloud turne coward . ho. ob , never feare it , sir . val. but would you did first tell me and discharge me of some wonder , you have an humor of the newest fashion i ere yet saw , and how the court may follow 't i know not , how long have you beene possest sir ? ho. possest ? what divell doe you meane ? val. with these ilfavour'd , deform'd women , y' are bewitchd sure ? ho. thou dost not know the fiends i have convers'd with . ual. i have no ambition to be acquainted with any goblins , further then their knowledge might make me understand the ground of your inchantment . ho. oh a world , legions , legions . val. of what ? ho. of hansome women . val. they the cause of this ? ho. their false , and periur'd natures , i nere met with one hansome face that made a conscience of me . val. and dee' thinke to finde more faith in those that looke all ore like devills ? ho. t is possible they may have soules , who knowes ? howe're in my revenge , i le love , and doate on 'em , and iustifie thy are the sexes glorie . val. i have enough . enter ardelia , and bentivolio . they are return'd , this way sir , to your fayrie . exeunt . ar. my dearest bentivolio , why dost stand at so much gaze , and distance , as thou wod'st teach love unkindnesse , can these out ward formes disguise me from thy knowledge , le ts salute , my lips retaine their softnesse , and unles thy love be chang'd , our breath may meet , and we convey the heartie meaning of our soules , as we once did . ben. y' are very brave ardelia , ar. but have no pride without you , these are no glories compar'd to what i weare within , to see thee safe , whom my feares gave up lost , and after so much absence , doe i live to embrace my bentivolio ? ben. you would have me beleeve j am welcome hither , faire ardelia , pardon , i know not yet what other name to call you by , and if i wrong your titles , be gentle to my ignorance ; this hand you gave me once , when no ambition frighted the troth we vow'd , our chast simplicity durst kisse without a shame , or feare to be divorc'd by greatnes , tell me , sweet ardelia , when i did court thy virgin faith , and paid an innocent tribute to thy most chast lip , when we had spent the day with our discourse , and night came rudely in to part us , what were then thy usuall dreames ? how many visions were let into thy sleepe , thou shouldst be great , torne from my bosome , to enrich thy selfe , and a dukes armes ? and that a time should come , when i , the promisd master of this wealth , should thus present my selfe a beggar to thee , and count thy smiles a charitie ? ard. what meanes my bentivolio by this passionate language ? ben. i doe confesse i was compell'd to be an exile from thee , in obedience to my father , who would trust me to the seas , or any land , ere leave me to this shipwracke , for so his anger sinn'd against thy beautie , whilst the idoll gold grac'd not thy fairer temple , yet when we plighted hearts , ardelia , i tied with mine an everlasting contract , and did expect at my returne to have found thine spotles . ard. t is the same . ben. the same to me ? what makes you here then ? doe not , doe not flatter thy guilt so much . is not this pavias court ? ardelias court indeed , for she rules here , the lady paramount whilst the duke himselfe bowes like a subject ! ar. be not , sir too credulous , and with too apprehensive thoughts doe injury to that which you should cherish , the duke is � ben. you le say none of your subiect , he is a prince , prince of your province , writs ardelia his , t is ravish'd all from me , and i am become a stranger to my owne , nay stand , and see my treasure rifled , all my wealth tane from me , and dare not question the injurious power that revells in my glory , but canst thinke i will be cold for ever , that all seeds of man lie dead within me , and my soule sunke in my phlegme , will never rise to forme some iust revenge ? thinke there are then noe furies . ard. you come to threaten not to love , and having already by long absence made a fault , to quit your selfe would lay a staine on me , t is not well done . enter a servant . ser. the duke . exit . ben. the duke ? ard. t is possible he may not feare your anger . ben. i 'le squat then behind this hedge , this garden hath quient shades , i hope you 'le not betray me . ard. this the forme of your revenge , enter duke . du. my faire ardelia excuse me if i presse upon thy private walkes , love gives a bouldnes to meane spirits , but in a princes brest : t is much more active , and feares noe imputation , what doth fright thy countenance ? i hope ardelia my presence brings noe horror . ard. sir , much comfort , whether it were my fancie or a truth i know not . du. what 's the matter ? ard. you have noe satires within this ground , doe any haunte this garden ? du. satiers ? ard. as i have read 'em character'd , so one appear'd , or i imagin'd so , and as you entred hid himselfe , they are halfe men � � du. halfe beasts . ard. with goats hornes in their fore-head , the thought on 't troubles me . du. the effect onely of melancholie thoughts , noe such things are in nature , yet i 'le search , and � strange apprehension . ar. 't was more then shape , sure it did talke to me , and threaten me for your sake . du. how ? for mine ? i 'le have the trees , and arbors all torne up , divels lurke here ? the earth shall not secure 'em , ard. he said he lov'd me , and accus'd my heart of periury , as we had beene contracted . du. more strange ! my guard ! ard. stay sir , before you goe let me beseech your iustice in defence of my much iniur'd honour , as you are a prince , i doe beseech you speake all truth , for let him be the divell , i 'le not have my innocence abus'd , i know not from what fame , or fond opinion voic'd of me , by some that had more thought to serve your will then vertue , i was made beleeve you lov'd me , which though my force resisted by some practises , you gaind my person hither , and in court command my stay . du. entreat , my best ardelia . ar. you may sir , smooth your cause , but i can fetch a witnes from my bosome to convince the truth i urge , yet let me not be lost to gratitude , my soule bids me acknowledge never was subiect to a prince more bound for free , and beauteous graces , then ardelia to your highnes , and with many lives to wast in service for them , i were still in debt to you . du. t is in thy power to satisfie for all , and leave me ten times more oblig'd to thee . ar. let me for this time beg on answer from you , although i am not ignorant , what price your wild bloud would exact , speake in the eare of silent heaven , have you obteyn'd so much as one stoope to your wanton avarice , one bend to please your inflam'd appetite . du not any yet , the more unkind ardelia . ar. speake clearely by the honour of a prince . du. by better hopes i sweare , and by thy selfe . ar. you doe me sir , but justice , i will study to pay my humblest duty , and i 'le tell when next i see the satire � � du. to discharge those feares , i 'le presently destroy , this garden , and not leave shelter , for a bird . ar your pardon , to what wo'd my immagination lead me ? i see all was but melancholie , here was nothing . du. fruits of a troubled fancie , come be pleasant , and tell me when you will redeeme your cruelty , it may incline you somewhat to remember by what soft wayes i have persued your love , how nobly i would serue you . ar. love , your grace knowes , never was compelld . du. but love should find compassion to the wound it makes , i bleed , and court thy gentle pity to my sufferings , all princes are not of so calme a temper , thinke of it my ardelia , and reward the modest expectations of a heart , that in thy absence withers , but i 'le have thee to chide thy cruell thoughts , and till our lipps salute agen , flatter my selfe with hope thy nature will be wise , and kind to love , where t is so fairely courted . exit . ben. is he gone ? with what acknowledgment of my fault ardelia shall i beseech thy pardon , i am lost in wonder of thy innocence ; 't were just i should suspect the truth of my owne bosome , thou hast too rich a goodnes . ar. now you flatter , i knew noe way o' th suddaine to convince you , but by the dukes confession , i am yet preseru'd my bentivolio , but with what danger of being lost to thee , and honour i shall remaine here , may concerne our jealousie , ben. together with the knowledge of thy vertue like balsome powr'd into my eare , i tooke a poyson from the duke , i find he loves thee with a blacke purpose , and within his language was something worth our feare indeede , it will require our study , and much art , ardelia . ar. let 's retire into my chamber , and mature some course for both our safeties . ben. i attend you . exeunt . enter valerio , horatio , fiametta . val.

i wo'not stay three minutes , i le but step aside for distillation . i leave you the pleasure of your eyes .

exit ho. well , goe thy waies . fia. doe you not mocke me sir , shall i beleeve a gentleman of your neate , and elegant making , can stoope to such a creature as i am . ho. will you have me sweare ? fia. by no meanes . ho. then i wo'not , but i will give it thee under my hand , read that . fia. what 's this ? ho. something to shew i hate all hansome women . fia. is 't a song ? ho. it may be , with a voice , and tune put too 't , i le reade it . he reads . enter ualerio , with aurelia , and macrina veild . val. l am come agen sir , and choose , rather then to afflict you with expectation , to bring my company along , you may salute 'em if you please . ho. they are not welcome . val. will you beleeve me now ? aur. if we may trust our eies . ho. ladies you must excuse me , i affect no vulgar beauties , give me a complexion cannot be match'd agen in twenty kingdomes , you have eies , and nose , and lips , and other parts proportion'd . aur. sure the gentlemans distracted . ho. no , i am recover'd , i thanke my starres , to know , and heartily abhorre such faces , what come they hither for ? dee' know 'em madam ? fia. i had no purpose they should be my guests at this time , th' are court ladies , i confesse , signior valerio this was your plot . ual. my pure intention , madam , to doe you service , i knew they were not for his pallate , these will inflame his appetite to you , and set you off , meere foiles to you doe they looke as they were ambitious to be compar'd with you . fia. noble sir , although i have not beautie like these ladies . ho how ? you ha' not beautie , take heed doe not shew your selfe unthankfull to wise nature , do not they ha' not wealth enough in all their bodies to purchase such a nose . mac. ha , ha . ho. ha , ha , good madam kick shaw , that laugh to shew how many teeth you have . val. be not uncivill sir . ho. why does that fayrie grin then ? i 'le justifie there is more worth , and beautie , consider'd wisely , and as it preserves man in his wits , and sence , than can be read i' th volumne of their flattering generations . good madam looke a squint , a little more , so , keepe but that cast with your eies , and tell me whose sight is best , hers that can see at once more severall waies then there are points i' th com-passe , or theirs that lookes but point-blancke . mac. a new way to commend the eies . ho. you thinke your fore-head pleases . whose top with frizled , and curld haire beset , appeares like a white cliffe , with reeds upon 't ; your nose , which like an isthmus parts two seas . aur. seas ? you meane eies agen . ual. what of their nose ? ho. will be in danger , with continuall beating of waves , to wash the paint off , and in time may fall , and put you to the charge of building a silver bridge for praises to passe over . mac. we 'l barre your commendations . ho. it sha'not need , i doe not melt my wits to verse upon such subject , here 's an instrument to smell with , tough as an elephants trunke , and will hold water . val. it has a comely length , and is well studded with gems of price , the gold-smith wo'd bid money for 't . aur. is he not mad ? ho. i can assure you no , and by this token i would rather be condemn'd to 'th gallies , then be once in love with either of your phisnomies . mac. is 't possible ? ho. you may put your whole faith upon 't . val. dee' beleeve him ? madam . aur. methinkes this is the prettiest mirth , you have a mighty wit , could you be angry i love you for 't . mac. his humor takes me infinitely . ho. it does , and you doe love me for 't ? mac. most strangely . ho. i would you did , and heartily . mac. what ? ho. love me . mac. so well , i could be happy in thy wife . ho. could fate make me so miserable if i did not in lesse than a sennight breake thy heart , shu'dst cuck old me at my owne perill . val. this lady has a mightie estate . ho. t is all the fault she has , would she had none , had she no house , nor clothes , nor meanes to feed , yet i would sooner marry , observe , this naked salvage , then embrace the fairest woman of the earth , with power to make me lord of italy , i should alwayes enjoy my health . val. her very face would keepe your bodie soluble . ho. no feares compell me to be a prisoner to my dining-roome , i might hawke , hunt , and travell to both indies . aur. give any doctor leave to give her phisicke . mac. or change of ayre . val. save much in your owne diet , which else would call for amber-greece , and rootes , and stirring cullices . aur. you might allow her to visit maskes and playes . ual. and the bordellos , i thinke she would be honest . ho. and that 's more then any christian conscience dare assure by oath on your behalfe to be short ladies , howe're you may interpret it my humour , mine's a platonicke love , give me the soule , i care not what course flesh , and blood inshrine it ; preserve your beauties , this will feare no blasting : i beg you call me servant . aur. did you heare him ? fia. you must acknowledge then i am your mistresse . ho. i le weare your perriwig for my plume , and boast more honour in t , than to be minion to all the ladies of the court , deere mistresse if you can love a man , jeere 'em a little . fia. faire ladies will you in , and taste a banquet , be not discountenanc'd that this gentleman is merrie with your beauties the spring lasts not all the yeare , when nature that commands our regiment will say , faces about , we may bee in fashion , no controwling destiny . passion , who curld your haire ? here wanteth powder , who is your mercer , madam ? i would know what your cheeke stands you in a weeke in taffata ? your face at distance shewes like spotted ermine . ho. or like a dish of white-broth strew'd with currains . fia. right servant , that was a more proper simily , discretion should ha put more ceruse here , your fucus was ill made , d' ee you not lie in a maske all night , madam . va. thou dost in a vizard i will be sworne how the rude gipsie triumphs ho. enough , they now begin to swell , and sweate , let 's leave 'em . exeunt . va. what a hecate was this ? will you not be reveng'd ? aur. yes , if we knew by what convenient stratagem . va. i have it , there is another creature of my acquaintance , if you have faith more monstrous then this beldam , i will possesse her with this gentlemans humor , and skrew her up to be this witches rivall , what thinke you of that ? au. will it not make her mad ? ma. i wo'd goe a pilgrimage to see 't , 't will be a mirth beyond the beares . au. loose no time then . val. i 'le fit him with a female fury , such as the divell with a pitch-forke will not touch . come madam . exit , enter leontio , euphemia . leo. have comfort madam , i prophecy your sufferings are short-liv'd . eup. you meane i shall die shortly . leo. we shall find lesse want of all the starres , the aged world may spare their light , while 't is possest of yours , which once extinguish'd , let those golden fires quite burne themselves to ashes , in whose heape day may be lost , and frighted heaven weare blacke before the generall doome , have bolder thoughts , and bid us all live in your onely safety . eup. let not your fancy mocke the lost euphemia ? leo. let not the apprehension of your sorrow destroy your hope , should the duke never wake his sences steep'd in his adulterate lethargy you cannot want protection , nor your will to be reveng'd , an arme to punish his contempt of so much beauty . eup. how my lord ? leo. what scithian can behold an outrage done upon these eyes , and not melt his rough nature in soft compassion to attend your teares ? eup. my lord i know not with what words to thanke your feeling of my sufferings . i will now beleeve i am not lost to all the world ; you are noble , and i must be confident these streames flow from your charity . loe. doe not injure the unvalued wealth of your owne honour madam , let pore deserts be worth our charity , all sacrifice of greife for you is justice , and duty to the alter of your merrit , these drops are pale , and poorely speake my heart , which should dissolve into a purple flood , and drowne this little iland in your service , name some imployment that you may beleeve with what true soule i honour you , oh madam if you could read the volume of my heart , you would find such a story of you there . eup. of me ? leo. t is that keepes me alive , i have noe use of memory or reason , but in both to exercise devotion to your excellence . eup. my lord i understand you not . leo. you are more apprehensive if you wod but thinke so , in vaine i still suppreste my darke thoughts madam , which in their mutiny to be reveal'd have left a heape of ruines worth your pity . oh doe not hide that beauty should repaire what my love to it hath decay'd within me , for i must say i love , although you kill my ambition with a frowne ; and with one angry lightning , shot from your eye , turne me to ashes . eup. good heaven ! leo i know what you will urge against me , you shannot need to arme your passion , i will accuse my selfe , how much i have forgot the distance of one place beneath you , and wounded my obedience , that i am false to the duke , the trust impos'd upon me , and to his favor which have made me shine a starre , on whom the other emulous lights looke pale , and wast their envies , i confesse i have not in the stocke of my desert enough to call one bounteous smile upon me , my whole life is not worth your liberall patience , of one , one minute spent in prayer to serue it , yet after all wish'd destiny commands the poore leontio to love euphemia . eup. what doe i heare ? consider sir againe . le. i have had contentions with my blood , & forc'd nature retire , and tremble with the guilt of her proud thoughts , seeking to make escape through some ungentle breatch made by our conflict but noe prevailing against love , and fate , which both decree , me lost without your mercie . oh bid me live , who but in your acceptance shall grone away my breath , and whither till i turne my owne sad monument . fup. noe more , i st possible new miseries should oretake euphemia ? oh my lord i with what offence have i deserv'd , after my weight of sorrow , your wounds upon my honour ? call agen your noble thoughts , and let me not reply to your vnjust desires , if i must answer them , take my most fixt resolve , er'e i consent to wrong diovisio . leo. stay . eup. may : be blasted , though with contempt he looke upon me now , his blood may cleare , and he returne to challenge euphemias prety , our vow was made for life my lord , and heaven shall sooner fall , and mixing with the elements make new chaos , then all mans violence , and wrath upon me betray one thought to breake it . leo. loose not all your peace at once , vouchsafe i may waite on you . eup. i know my prison . leo. let me hope in this , enter pallante . my pardon seal'd pallante ? pall. my good lord . leo. your humble creature madam , though the duke confine your person , thinke upon your prisoner . exeunt euphemia , and pall . our vow was made for life , 't was so how swift an apprehension love has ? but hee 's duke ; conscience be waking , i shall lanch into a sea of blood els , steere my desperate soule diviner goodnes . enter pallante agen . how i start at shaddowes ? love take me to thy charmes , and prosper me pallante thou art faithfull . pall. to you my lord , may i be ever els condemn'd to an hospitall . leo. and darst assist to make me happy . pall. yes , though with the hazard of my throat-cutting , i hope sir , you suspect not , name an action though it looke nere so gastly , see how much i 'le tremble at it . leo. in thy eare . pall. once more tough service i' th beginning , may i not thinke on 't ? leo. yes . pall. and aske my selfe a question ere i answere . leo. you may . pal. at first dash kill the duke , no lesse to begin withall , how now leontio ? was there no other life but this , for saving of mine so often ? he has trusted me , to whom shall i turne traitor ? pray my lord , are you in earnest ? would you have this done ? leo. aske one , whom tyrannie hath chain'd to 'th oare for ever forfeited to slaverie . whether he would not file off his owne bondage , and in the blood of him that ownes the gally swimme to his freedome . pall. doe you apprehend it so necessary ? why i le doe my poore endeavour , nay , t is but modest , if 't concerne your lordship in that degree , i le doo 't , you will have some convenient care of me , when t is dispatchd , he scorn'd my valiant buffe , i thought upon 't , you are the next in blood , when dionisio visits the wormes . leo. thou giv'st me a new life , with the same care i le cherish thee pallante . pall. and you doe not , it is not the first conscience hath been cast away in a great mans service , cheere your heart sir . leo. it is not mine pallante , i have lost the use and sway , t is to anothers growne , and i have but the ruines of my owne , exeunt . finis actus tertii .
actus quartus . enter horatio , and fiametta , dancing a coranto . ho. so , so , now let 's releeve our lungs a while , they 'l tire , i nere met with such a dancing divell , my destinies take me to your charge , 't will give us breath , if the musitians exercise their voice upon the song i made , come sit . fia. you shall command me servant , now , the song . song . enter servant . ser. the lady aurelia , madam , and macrina are come agen to visit you . fia. i am not in tune for their discourse , say , i am busie . ho. by no meanes , she has a plot upon me . fia. then i le meet em . ho. do not feare but i am fortified ; here were a purchase now , and pension with a mistresse , many a proper mans profession , nature meant she should pay for 't , and maintaine a man in fidlers , fooles , and running-horses , here were no feare of any lords returne from tennis , no suspition at home , to force her to a politicke pilgrimage to trie the vertue of some well , no kinsmen , with lookes to keepe the flesh in a we , no children to cry , and fright the house their mothers smother'd . enter fiametta , aurelia , macrina . they are here . mac. i wonder at valerios stay . aur. he wo'not be long absent , never feare madam . ho. ladies , i have no power to bid you welcome , or if i had you wod scarce thanke me for 't , you know my mind already . enter scolopendra led by valerio . aur. see hee 's come , and his beare with him . val. signior , you see what care i have to provide for you , there is not such another dapple-mare i' th dukedome , unlesse this face content you , you may stay till the cretan lady goe to bull againe , or africke have more choice of monsters for you . ho. i am ravish'd . fia. how 's that servant ha ? a rivall . ho. pray what 's her name ? val. her name is scolopendra . ho. scolopendra ? i have read of her , what kinne is she to the serpent with a hundred legges ? val. i know not but she is cosen-germane to the salamander she was a cooke-maide once , so inu'rd to fire , and tough , the flames of hell will hardly scortch her . ho. an admirable dragon , can she speake ? will she not spit fire if i should salute her ? i le venter . val. he has preservative against the odor of her lungs . aur. he had need of fortification for his eyes . ho. not all the spices in arabia are like her breath . val. oh sir , beleev 't , right stix , most pure avernus . sco. sir , j did never see a gentleman whom i did wish more heartily my husband . val. to beget scorpions on her . ho. thanke thee my pretious scolopendra , but i have a kind of feare thou wot be unconstant , shall noe man get thee from me ; here 's a face is worth my jealousie , and who lookes upon 't , but with my eyes will be as mad as i am . sco. the needles not more constant to the north . ho. but for all that , the needles wavering i would be certaine . fia they conspir'd to wrong me , i feare hee 's taken with her more deformity , will you forsake me servant ? ho. humstand off , and give my eyes play further yet , your shadowes are yet to neare � my judgment is confounded , consider one thing with another , they are both such matchles toads , i know not which to choose : you have an excellent eye , but there 's a pearle in hers , noe gold-smith knowes the value on 't . fia. observe the colours in my eye . ho. y' are right madam , as many , and more bright then those i' th raine-bow delightfull as the parrats plume , but then her for-head � va. so like a promontory or � ho. a feild of hony-suckles , and poppy-flowers embroder'd with dazies , and emboss'd with yellow-warts which like to mole-hills swell , va. where many emmets hunt , and sport themselve i' th sunne , till to her haire a quick set hedge i' th evening they retire . ho. but twixt her eyes you may discerne a forrest , some higher timber is so well growne , that fashion'd on the top with scissers and cut poynted like a pyramide , the world will take her for an unicorne . aur. good beetle-browes . sco. sir , you must be my champion . va. examine but this nose . sco. i have a toter . va. which plac'd with symmetry is like a fountaine i' th middle of her face � distilling rhewme , and at two spouts doth water all her garden . ho. but here 's one soft as 't were compos'd of wax . aur. a nose of wax . mac. it will melt presently . ho. not stubborne , but submits to any shape , shee le put upon 't round , flat when she is pleas'd she can extend , and hang it with such art over her mouth , that when she gapes into the sunne , and shewes her teeth , you will imagine you see a perfect dyall in her chaps , to tell you what a clocke t is , then her lips . va. i see not so much red there , as will make a dominicall letter , looke upon these cheekes � sco. i never painted , sir . va. here 's red enough . ho. which hideously dispos'd , and mixt with blacke , the ground of her complexion will mortefie the most unnaturall concupiscence , while her cheekes represent in curious land-schape , gomorrah , and her sister sodome burning . va. that comparison was home . ho. but she has a breath , a more preservative then methridate va. but with one kisse she will preserve you from the infection , and with stronger force repell the poyson of the ayre . sco. i thanke you sir , i have a strong breath ' indeed va. when she is moov'd shee le kill you with her phlegme , fowerscore point blancke , the innocent part of it will staine a marble , let me alone to commend thee . fia. she carries not destruction like my tongue employd upon thy enemies horatio . the bells rung backwards , or the mandrakes cry , wolves howling at the moone , the scritch-owles dirge , the hieus voice , the groanes of parting soules , added to these , what is in nature killing , to the eare is not more fatall then my tongue when it is bent on mischeife , shall i blast this witch to begin withall ? sco. blast me ? va. belch back-wards , and then shee 's a dead woman . sco. i 'le teare your snakes . fia. mine hecate . va. well said scolopendra . ho. they wonot skirmish . va. the divells will runne at tilt . au. madam suffer this ? fia. compare with me ? va. sa , sa , sa , now sound a point of warre . enter a servant . ser. madam the duke . ua. his grace has spoild the duell , and we must sound retreat . all goe forth but fiam . enter duke , silvio , ascanio , valerio returns , and falls in with the rest . du. we trusted to your art about ardelia , she makes noe hast to our delight . fia. and please your highnes i have had a strange hand with her , and i must tell you she was prety comming untill the stranger came . du. what stranger . fia. signior bentivolio nay i know nothing by 'em , but he has a most prevailing tongue upon a gentle-woman . du. my feares ! have i advanc'd him to supplant me ? va. bentivolio so gracious with the duke ? sil. hee 's courted next ardelia . asc. t is for her we may imagine the duke graces him . ua. oh there is noe such instrument , beleeve it as a court-lady to advance a gentleman , or any masculine busines , they are sticklers enter bentivolio . du. no more . signior bentivolio . fia. where 's horatio . va. he was afraid you might kill one another , and so hee 's gon to hang himselfe . fia. better all thy generation were executed , but i must to my charge ben. your highnes powers such infinite graces on me i shall want life to expresse my pious duties , though time should assure me ages . du. thanke ardelia , or if you would expresse your gratitude to me . employ your wit , and tongue , to gaine that lady to our close embrace , you have a powerfull language , be it your first service we doe not place this confidence on all . ben. you meane ardelia . enter strozzi . du. that faire one , strozzi . ua. well signior bentivolio , my quondam friend , and fellow traveller , you owe to me a part of your court exaltation , and least you should forget , as few great men are guilty of good memories , i meane to pay my selfe . ben. i must not appeare troubled . va. i congratulate your favor with the duke , and thinke it , not the least of my owne happines . that i was a poore instrument � ben. you honour'd me , and shall command my services : how sped my friend horatio ? va. he gave me thankes i ha fitted him , you mist excellent sport . ben. i shall have time to enquire , and thanke you for the storie , you know how to excuse me friend , if some engagements force me hence ? exit . va. why so . he has the tricke already , full of busines , court agitations , he is yet scarce warme , how will he use us when his pride boyles over ? a nod will be a grace , while we stand bare , and thanke him for the rufling of his countenance , and discomposing his court face , that 's bound upon some state affaires , t is very well . du. give him accesse , thou hast shew'd diligence , and trust me to reward it . str. t is my duty sir . exit strozzi . va. i have some intelligence wil be worth your hearing too . du. speake signior valerio . ua. doe you know the gentleman whom you have grac'd so lately . du. signior bentivolio . va. that 's his name , but doe you know his nature ? or his busines in these parts . du. prethee instruct me . va. you doe but warme a serpent in your bosome , in short he loves your mistres . du. ho's ? va. more is contracted , and they both practise cunning , i ha search'd his heart � your eare � sil. the duke seemes moov'd , asc. most strangely ! enter strozzi , pallante . du. expect a while . str. humbly your graces pleasure . ua. your highnes shall not wast a passion , i am of counsell with his thoughts , and will present him ripe to your just anger , trust me to manage things a while . du. honest valerio . val. keepe your face smooth , least he interpret sir , i ha' betraid him , ere his head be readie for the execution , it were necessary i should examine her pulse too . duk. ardelia's ? val. i le creepe into her soule to bring you all the best intelligence . duk. precious ualerio ! endeare me by this service , thou hast my heart . val. my dutie shall preserve it . duk. strozzi . str. this is the gentleman , an 't please your highnesse , can discover most strange things . pall. to your private eare . enter ardelia . duk. ardelia ? my best health , deare as my soule , i cannot be long absent . exit . val. so , how shall i begin now ? madam , i have a suit to you . ard. to me noble valerio , be confident for your owne worth , if any power of mine can serve your wish , you shall not finde me slow to exercise it . val. yes , t is in your power . ard. presume t is finishd then . val. in your free power , without the duke , or other to confirme it . y' are flesh , and blood . ard. what meane you ? val. no other than i say , nor wish it other , a woman is a partner in the frailty of humane nature , and knowes how to excuse the errors of our blood , and yet you shall have cause to give me thanks , when you consider my sence , and your owne state , what dee' thinke of me ? ard. for what ? val. for what you please to call it , my persons not contemptible , though i be no duke , i can behave my selfe to please where i am accepted . ard. what 's your purpose signior ? val. you cannot sure be ignorant of my meaning , there 's not a girle of seaven yeares old , but will expound it readily , here we sucke this language and our milke together , i could have us'd more circumstance , have prais'd you into folly , and when i had put out both your eies with metaphors , lead you to my desires , and to your pillow : but 't was about , i could have said i lov'd you , lookd sad , and squeez'd my eies , have sigh'd perhaps , and sworne my selfe quite over breath , that i thought you a saint , and my heart suffer'd more than the ten persecutions ; hang 't , time 's precious , i take the neerest way , which your discretion will like me for , yet i can love you too , and would for thy embrace forget asmuch goodnesse , and tempt as many mischiefes as , another man , i hope you understand me . ard. i am lost , and see a blacke conspiracie . val. you shall see me naked . i ha' no conspiracies , carrie no private engines more then nature arm'd me withall , be wise and doe not tremble . ar. how dare you be thus insolent ? though my per-son move you to no regard , you shall finde one will teach you manners . val. you would meane the duke now . ar. has that name no more reverence owing to it ? ual. yes , i desire no better judge , he 'l heare us both , and equally determine all ; let 's to his highnesse streight . ar. what meanes this rudenesse ? ua. you are the dukes game-royall , or els should be the mistris of his thoughts , whose nod does make us tremble , and in time may be the dutchesse , unles your sweete heart bentivolio snap you before him . ar. ha ? va. what fine netts you walke in , you are noe , jugler , there has past noe contract betwixt you , and the gallant , no ? and while , the honest easie duke , whose spirit raise not , doates on that face , humbled beneath a subject , you have noe private meetings , change no kisses , nor hot carreers , alas hee 's but a stranger whom you respect but for the bare resemblance of a dead brother , there 's noe flame in you but what lights you to charity ; i wast breath , the duke is yet that tame thing , you ha left him , his soule in a dreame , let not your folly , and peevish opposition to receive me to your armes , wake him into a tempest , the lightning cannot moove more nimbly , then his rage to both your deaths , your ganimede will find the dukes revenge in his hot blood , when his heart weeping the last drope shall have noe pity waite upon 'em , that durst feed the rivall to a prince , though common men for want of power , and courage to revenge neglect their shame , wild princes that know all things , beneath their feete but heaven , obey noe fate , and but to be reveng'd will hazard that . ar. i am undone for ever . va. not so madam , you shall lead destiny in cords of silke , and it shall follow tame , and to your pleasure , the duke knowes nothing yet , you shall seale up my lip to eternall silence of your love , if i may but injoy you , you shall rule with the same sway his bosome , and possesse your wealth in bentivolio too , i 'me but a friend or rather servant , that shall be proud of your smile , and now , and then admitted to kisse you when the curtaines drawne , and so forth . ar. who plac'd me on this precipice ? sir , heare me , t is vaine to aske how you deriv'd the knowledge of what i thought conceal'd , you are a gentleman . va. that does appeare by my desires . ar. have yet some mercy on a distressed maid . va. maid ? thanke you for that , i wo'd you were indeed , virginity is wiser then men take it for , and therefore we distinguish , there is one virginity in the wedge , or bullion as we may say , and this we call lunor maiden-head , and there 's another in the coine , the gold is not lesse gold for the impression , your maiden-head is currant in this sence . and in this maiden-sence you may give milke . ar. by all the goodnes that i wish were in you , not bentivolio , whom you thinke i most affect , hath more of me then virgin knowledge , nor hath the duke with all his flatteries wrong'd my first state , although i must confesse he every day expects my fall from vertue , doe not you more sir , then the divell could , taking advantage of my wretched fortune , betray me to a shame will kill us both , in fame , and soule . va. in fame ? who shall reveale it ? and tother may repent . ar. sir , can you kill me ? va. no , no i sha'not hurt thee , women are not kil'd that way , i meane to skirmish , come you may save all with little study , and lesse hazard . what is the toy we talke of ? eyther resolve or the duke knowes all , and perhaps more . ar. stay sir . va. yes , yes madam i can stay , and be till tomorrow for the sport , i am not so hot but i can bath , and coole my selfe . ar. can you be just hereafter if to buy my owne , and my friends safety at so deare a value . va i 'le cut my tongue out e're reveale my tongue , all my concupiscence , and the cause , i will submit to thy owne carving ; feare not me , i hate a blab worse then an honest woman , why so ? this wisdome is becoming thee , noe blubbering , kisse me , and be confident , a prety rogue , tomorrow shall we meete ? ar. woe is me tomorrow . va. no , thou shalt laugh tomorrow , i 'le come to thy owne lodgings , that 's but reason , far-well , another kisse , be comforted , and safe , the duke knowes nothing , all shall live , and wee 'le be very loving , mighty merry . ar. i must doe something to prevent this divell . exit ardelia . va. why so , this bargaine was well made , and timely . enter leonato . leo. i have noe peace within me , till i heare how bould pallanto thrives , oh love upon what desperate actions dost thou engage us ? with scorne of opposition , like a fire which till it turne all that his flame can meete with into it selfe , expires not ; faire euphemia ! bright in thy sorrowes , on whom every teare sits like a wealthy diamond , and inherits a starry-lustre from the eye that shed it , the duke must die � have i betray'd my selfe . va. hold , my lord you know me . leo. for valerio . but must hand-backe that secret , 't was not ment so early for thy knowledge , from thy bosome i 'le teare or drowne it in thy blood , past search of dangerous intelligence . va. hold my lord , you shall not neede , thinke my lord i know the world , and how to keepe a secret too , though treason be contain'd in 't , i am not so holy as you take me , my good lord for some ends of my owne , i wish the duke in another vvorld as heartely as your lordship , and will assist to his conveyance thither , though i be quarter'd for 't , that 's faire , and friendly , you love euphemia , why t is not amisse , i love ardelia , ( i trust you my lord ) you for the wife , i for the concubine , how could the duke being in heaven , hurt me now ? you are his kinsman , were his favourite . leo. how 's that ? va. oh sir , there is a gentleman my rivall , one bentivolio got a round above you in favour � leo. he shall die . va. no , let him live a litle while , to kill his highnes first , and take your owne time then to turne the ladder . enter bentivolio . leo. thou talkst a mistery . va. it shall be cleare , be advis'd , and second me my honor'd friend , you , and my lord be more familiar . leo. sir , i shall serve you . ben. make me happy my lord , by your commands . ua. ardelia your mistris is in health � nay be not stirrd . i have done you a curtesie by acquainting my lord how things stand , and introth he pities you , we have had a counsell meerely concern'd you , and the poore gentlewoman , whom the duke has not yet lur'd to fist . ben. i know not how to thanke you . va. hee 's next heire to 'th dukedome , and has power when his grace dies � imagine , a sweet soule may i perish in my hopes , if his eyes did not melt when i told thy story , and how much . the innocent lady suffered . ben. i am bound much to his goodnes . leo. sir i would doe more then pity your just cause . va. nay we ha' cast it , and so much above blood , and state , has vertue impression in his heart , he can forget , and thinke the duke a dead man . ben. excellent lord ! leo. i am ashamed , and trust me have applied what my poore learning could affect , to coole his riotous blood , but hee 's incorrigible , and now more desperately bent then ever . ben. to violate her ? leo. i blush to say 't , nor will your person be long safe . va. well interpos'd . ben. he shines on me with bounteous smiles . leo. they are dangerous , and but engage you to a greater ruine . you stand discover'd . va. that 's my wonder sir , d ee thinke your friend horatio has not wrong'd you in 's drinke perhaps � some men are such spongies , a child may squeeze their soule out . ben. you fright my sences . i doe now suspect , the dukes command toward ardelia confirmes it . va. wisdome must prevent i know thou hast a daring spirit , we are friends , t is clearely our opinion you should by steele or poyson � you conceive me for your owne safety , and your wives , i call her so whose life , and honour lies a bleeding , t is nothing to me , my lord i told you , is next heire , and cannot but in conscience pardon you . leo. t were pity thou shouldst suffer more . ben. but dare your lordship meane this . leo. be confirm'd . ben. your counsells have met a spirit , apt in my revenge to flie upon the world , i hope i shall be constru'd in his death , to have done your lordship noe great discourtesie , being next heire , va. t is to be understood . leo. the dukedome made mine by his death , is nothing to the crowne of faire ardelias love , in whose free bosome my pardon , and best wishes shall soone plant thee past the divorce of tirants . ben. i am new create , and build my hopes upon your honour . exit . leo. they are secur'd dost thinke hee 's firme , and daring . va. if he kill not the duke � i 'le cut his throate , he sha'not scape howe're , if i have braines i must have all his venison to my selfe , i 'le spare nor haunch nor humbles , oh my lord be confident if he meete the duke , and time though it cost him a dayes journey , hee 'le goe thorough him t is his owne cause ; he was wound up discreetely , you doe not by this time repent your secret . i can be wicked upon good occasion , the divell sha'not part us now . leo. be constant , and meete the truest friend , va. meete at a wench till then your humble servant . leo. my fate smiles conscience steeres not ambition by what 's good , who lookes at crownes or lust , must smile at blood . exit . finis actus quarti .
actus quintus . enter ardelia , fiametta . fia. he will no longer be put off with ceremony , you must consent this night to his embrace , or take what followes madam . ar. i am lost , and every minutes fild with new despaires , it is in your power to perswade him yet . fia. i have said too much already . ar. say i am not in health , poore refuge ! fia. not in health , the duke shall give you physicke � there be ladies no dispraise to your beauty , wo'd be sicke a purpose to have the duke their doctor . ar. what can cure my sicke fate ? oh my heart , poore bentivolio , on what high going waves do we two faile , without a starre or pilot to direct our reeling barke ? valerio too expects a blacke reward for silence , he is here , enter ualerio . already ? doe not leave me fiametta , i charge thee by thy duty to his highnes . fia. why what 's the matter ? va. let me pay a duty to her white hand , whom the duke onely honors , you looke not with a cheareful countenance madam . ar. i am not well my lord . va. i am exelent at restoring health , send of tosiphone i wo'd not have her picture i' th roome when we are at generation . ar. shee 's commanded to stay here . va. how ? commanded ? madam i have commission to impart some private meanings from his highnes to this lady . fia. and i have order , this my lady have no such conference , but i must be a witnes . va. you will not contest i hope , and dispute my authority , vvhat an officious fury t is ? how shall i be rid on her ? madam you see this ring , a friend of yours signior horatio desires another meeting by this token . whispers with fiametta . fia. vvhere is my noble servant ? va. but you must expresse your love in making hast , i knew although for mirth i flatter'd scolopendra , that you would carry him , but loose no time . fia. lend me thy wings sweet love to flie to him . exit . va. flie to the divell , he wants a companion , i 'le shut the dore after your beldamship , and trust my selfe with key . ar. you doe not meane to play the ravisher my lord . va. as if you mean't to put me too 't , i have your promise and where consents meete in the act of love , the pleasures multiply to infinite . ar. infinite horror ! yet my lord , be a man . va. you shall not doubt that madam , if you will apply your selfe discreetly , we loose time , although i be no duke , i can present thee vvith all the pleasures , appetite can wish for vvithin loves empire , when you know me madam , you will repent this tedious ignorance , and not exchange my person , to claspe with the greatest prince alive , ( christian or infidell , though i commend my selfe , i ha' those wayes to please a lady . ar. wayes to please the divell ? va. you wo'not be coy now . ar. my lord i know , at least i hope , howere you speake a language rather to fright then court a womans thoughts , ( not yet acquainted with her owne dishonor ) you have some love within your heart . va. canst thou suspect it ? wo't thou see my heart ? give me a fort-nights warning , and let me but all that while possesse thy love , and those delights i 'le prompt thee too , i 'le wish to live no longer , get what surgeon thou wot to cut me to a skeleton , not love thee ? ar. then by that love my lord , i must desire you at this time to deferre your expectation , and leave my chamber . va. quit the chamber madam ? ar. if not for love of me , for your owne safety , there is danger in your stay , for every minute i do expect a visite from the duke . va. this is some tricke , you sha'not fright me lady , i must have that i came for . ar. meete it here shewes a pistoll . licentious divell , i shall do a benefit to the world , in thus removing such a traytor , to man , and womans honor , you shall carry no tales to his highnes , if thou hast a soule . pray , t is my charity to let thee live two minutes longer . va. madam , ardelia , you wo'not use me thus , ar. will you pray sir ? va. alas i have forgot , i ha'not pray'd this tweny yeares at least , i am willing madam to obey , and quit the chamber , pardon me , my ghost may in revenge els , do you a mischeife , and betray bentivolio to the duke , but if you let me live , i will be dumbe , madam consider a wild flesh , and blood , and give me leave to spend my rest of life , onely in thinking out some fit repentance , for i will never speake , if you suspect me . one knocks . the duke is come already , i am undone mercy , and some concealment . goes behinde the hangings . bentivolio opens the dore . ben. ardelia alone , i heard another voyce , with whom were you in dialogue , and the dore so fast ? ar. it is but your suspition . ben. this dissembling i like not . ar. if he know who t is , i shall inflame his jealousie � deere heart appeare lesse troubled , do not throw such busie eyes about the roome , i 'le whisper 't in thy eare , the duke � ben. where ? ar. there , obscur'd behind the hangings upon thy entrance . ben. guilt has made him fearefull , oh i am lost , and thou art now not worth my glorious rescue . ar. softly , by all goodnes he has not injurd me , and if you durst but trust our private conference , i 'le die rather then bring thee ruines of my honor . ben. if thou beest yet white , my owne arme secures thee from all his lust hereafter . va. oh he wounds valerio behind the hangings . i am murder'd . ar. what have you done ? ben. nothing but kild the duke , you shall with me ? ar. whither ? ben. no matter where . so we escape the infection of this ayre . exeunt . valerio falls into the stage . va. i am caught in my owne toyles , by the same engine i rais'd to the dukes death , i fall my selfe , the mistery of fate , i am rewarded , and that which was the ranke part of my life , my blood , is met withall , and t is my wonder my veines should run so cleere a red , wherein so much blacke sinne was wont to bath it selfe , i wo'd looke up , and beg with my best strength of voyce , and heart forgivenes , but heaven's just , thus death payes treason , and blood quencheth lust . moritur enter leontio , melancholy . some cry treason within . leo. although i love , and wish the act of treason the noise yet comes to neare me . enter strozzi . str. oh my lord ! the duke is kil'd . leo. the duke ? by what blacke murderer ? str. that gives the state another wound , we cannot suspect who was the traytor , to revenge it , but whosoever was guilty of this paracide , is still within the court , the deeds so fresh he cannot be farre off . leo. shut up the gates , and plant a strong guard round about the palace , let none goe forth in paine of death , the divell sha'not obscure him here with his blacke wings , though he rob hell to cover us with darknes , wee 'le find him under twenty foggs , and drag him to his just torment . str. y' are his pious successor . exit . leo. t is done , and my ambition 's satisfied containe my heart , but to which bold assassinate pallante or bentivolio must i owe this bloody service . enter pallante pall. i ha' don 't my lord . leo. softly , thou art my brave , and glorious villaine . pall. there have beene better titles sir , bestow'd on men of my desert , the killing of my lawfull prince , hath beene esteem'd an act 'bove the reward of villaine , though i know i am one , and a monstrous villaine too , i wo'd not be cal'd so . leo. thou sha't devide titles with me , dost thinke i 'le not reward it ? thou art sad . pall. i am a litle melancholy after my worke . leo. dost thou repent thy service ? pall. were he alive , i 'de kill him agen for you . t is not his death that hants my conscience , but the condition , and state he died in , that troubles me . leo. what state , or what condition ? pall. when i had taught him to beleeve he was not long liv'd , and that your lordship had by me . sent him a writ of ease , for i 'le make short . leo. didst thou discover me ? pall. why not ? i was to take an order he should n'ere reveale it , upon the mention of your name my lord . he fetch'd a sigh , i thought would have prevented my execution on his heart , as if that were a greater wound then death upon him , but i , whose resolute soule was deafe to his prayer , bath'd in as many teares , as would have wrought a marble to compassion , bid him choose the humor he would die in , and collect some thoughts to waite upon him to eternity , and what doe you thinke he made his choice ? leo. i know not . pall. to die an honest man , no wish to part the world with faire ardelia in his armes , and give his ghost up in a wan-ton kisse . but with a thousand groanes , calling upon euphemia to forgive him , to whose vertue his soule was going forth , to meete , and seale to it , a new , and everlasting marriage , nay he had so much charity to forgive you sir , and me , and would have pray'd for us , but that i sent the message to his bosome that made him quiet , and so left his highnes had he died obstinate in his sinnes , the wanton lascivious duke he liv'd , i wo'd not blush for 't . leo. why , dost relent for this ? pall. i find some mutiny in my conscience , pray my lord tell me do not you wish it were undone . leo. thou hast the tremblings of an infant , it exalts my thoughts to another heaven , pallante thou must not leave here , but make leontio , owe his perfect blessing to thy act , goe to euphemia , and with thy best art drop this newes into her eare . within . away with 'em . leo. what tumults that ? enter bentivolio , and ardelia with officers off. my lord we have found the traytor he does confesse he kil'd the duke . pall. howe 's that ? leo. he kil'd the duke ? t is bentivolio . ben. i did my lord , you shannot trouble much examination , with this hand i sacrific'd ferneze , and you ought to call my act pious , and thanke me for removing such a tyrant , whose perfidious breath had heaven beene longer patient wo'd have blasted parma . leo. and in the confidence of this service done , you present your selfe to be rewarded . ben. i meant not to have troubled you for that had not their force compeld us backe . leo. come neerer . ar. i wonder at this noyse of the dukes death , valerios tragedy is all that we are guilty of , which yet i have conceal'd from bentivolio . leo. had you no ayde to this great execution , did you doo 't alone ? ben. alone , and t is my glory that noe hand can boast his fatall wound but mine , and if you dare be just my lord . leo. be confident , there is some mistery in this pallante both could not kill the duke , he does accuse , himselfe . pall. i am all wonder my good lord . leo. you are sure t is done . ben. now you dishonor me , d ee know blood royall , when you see 't , you may beleeve that crimson evidence , i hope your lordship will remember . leo. feare it not , but for a time you must be prisoner to satisfie a litle forme upon my life , no danger shall approach thee , trust my honor , though i frowne , and call thee traitor i will study thy preserving next my owne , is not this strange pallante that hee le take the guilt upon himselfe , if both have kild him noe feare but hee 's dead , this foole pallante shall quickly by his death secure thy fate . put on a cunning face meane time , and narrowly observe the full behaviour of the court , but ' specially insinuate with the greatest , and as they talke of me , declare my passion , and with what horror , i receav'd the death of our good duke , my pious zeale to appease that blessed spirit with his murderers blood , in care to their owne heads , they will proclaime me duke , i 'le to euphemia , and by some strong art make her my owne . pall. your grace is prudent . leo. away to 'th prison with 'em . ar. let me beare him company my lord . leo. you sha'not doubt it good madam mischiefe , and repent together , as you are like to bleed , and with full torture , howle out your wretched lives for the dukes murder . ar. you are deceav'd my lord , we wo'not dye for that offence . leo. you wo'not , glorious strumpet . ar. y' are a most uncivill lord , thy birth had not more innocence to justifie thy mother . ben. i le be modest , and say , this is not honourable . leo. so sir , you will have time to talke at your arraignment , away with 'em , now to euphemia . exit . enter oratio , and fiametta . fia. did you not send for me , and by this token ? ho. follow me not , unlesse thou wo't sweare to imitate what i shall lead thee too by my example , for rather then not be rid of thee , at next convenient river i will drowne my selfe , and thinke i goe a martyrdome by water . cannot a gentleman be merry w' ee , but you will make him mad ? fia. i le never leave thee , i will petition to the duke , and plead a contract . ho. thou't be dam'd then . fia. what care i . ho. so , i shu'd have a blessing in this fiend , this child of darkenesse once remov'd , i send for thee , and by a token ? i wo'd sooner send for the hang-man , and pay him double fees to strangle me , what i endur'd before , thinke t was a pennance for some mighty sinnes i had committed , and be quiet now . fia. did you not love me then ? ho. love thee ? consider what thou hast said , and hang thy selfe immediatly , i le sooner dote upon a mare , dost heare me , a mare with fourescore , and ninteene diseases , and she the greatest to make up a hundred , then harbour one such monstrous thought , thou art a thing , no cat that comes of a good kind , will keepe the company , and yet thou lookst so like a miserable ore-growne vermine , now i thinke better on 't , it is my wonder th' art not devour'd quicke , leave me yet . fia. not i sir , i know you love me still , all this is but to try my constancy . ho. art thou so ignorant , or impudent , or both ? let me intreat thee but to have something of a beast about thee . thy sences in some measure , looke but how i frowne upon thee , for thy safety therefore , if thou hast no desire to save my credit abroad , tame thy concupiscence , we draw all the spectatours but to laugh , and wonder at 's , and i shall be the greater prodegy for talking so long with thee , wo't be rul'd , and trudge from whence thou camst , good honest bruite , my humours out of breath , and i ha' done , but all that 's ugly in thy face , or what 's unseene deformity , i am now in earnest , and therefore doe not tempt me . fia. my deere signior . to what ? ho. why , after all to beate thee , if thou leav'st me not the sooner . fia. are not you my servant ? ho. but in passion i forget things , and if my mistresse want discretion , i shall , in my pure zeale to have her wise , beate some into her , most abhominably beate her , and make deformity to swell , she sha'not get in to her chamber doore . i le bruise , and make thee up into a ball , and boyes shall kick thee home , dost thou not feare me ? fia. i le endure any thing from thee , my love shall thinke no paine a suffering , come , kisse me but once , and i will die thy patient martyr . ho. she wo'd be kild , to have me hang for her , was ever such an impudence in woman ? you that are hansome ladies , i doe aske forgivenesse and beleeve it possible you may be lesse vexations to men . dost heare ? to tell thee truth , for it will out by some , or other , you must here discharge your dotage , for it is but two howers since i was married . fia. married ? to whom ? ho. toth ' tother wild beare that courted me , to scolopendra , she met i' th nicke , and wee clapt up . and you know t is not conscience to abuse our honest wedlocke . fia. i shall runne mad . ho. wo'd thou wo'dst runne into the sea , and see if i wo'd goe a fishing for thee . fia. furies , rise in my braine , and helpe me to revenge . ho. i am afraid she 'l beate me now . fia. false man , i have not breath enough to raile , and curse thy apostacy , how couldst thou use me thus ? but seeke some sudden way to be divorc'd , or one shall dye . ho. wo'd thou wert buried quicke . fia. but are you married , tell me sweet horatio , and must i weare a willow garland for thee ? ho. weare a halter . fia. it is not possible , thou canst be so unkind to me . ho. you may beleeve it madam . fia. yet i must love thee till i die , and you may keepe me alive , with now , and then some favour , it want's no president , we may kisse i hope , and thus walke arme in arme , wo'd deny thee nothing . ho. do not vanish me good madam . a noise within . the people hoote already , none to reskue me . enter bentivolio , and ardelia guarded . is not this bentivolio , under guard , and his faire mistresse pinniand ? how now friend , wither are you bound with such a convoy . . to prison , they are traitors . ho. traitors . ar. do not beleeve 'em . . they have kil'd the duke . fia. how 's that ? . doe you know him sir ? fia. deere madam are you prisoner too . ho. take me along , better be hang'd then hanted with that goblin . . another of the conspiracy disarm'd him . ho. let me but speake a word to this old damsell . . shee 's of the plot too . fia. i ? i defie him , i know him not . ho. i hope you wo'not leave me in distresse love , mistresse lady-bird . fia. i defie all traitors away with 'em , the duke kil'd ! out upon 'em , that fellow alwayes had a hanging countenance blesse me , defend me . exit . ho. 't is well treason will make her forsake me yet . ben. dost know on what danger thou dost ingage thy selfe ? ho. although i die for company 't is worth it gentlemen you know not how you have releev'd me madam , i did expect you 'd bring him into mischeife , i am perfect in your sex now , come to prison . ar. you may repent your malice sir . ho. and you may be a saint , away with us , come friend , women have made me weary of the world , and hanging is a helpe , we might ha' liv'd if you had tane my counsell , nay i 'le share w'ed i ha' not lost all my good fellowship . enter duke disguis'd , with euphemia . exeunt . eup. my sorrowes , i forgive you all , this blessing has overpaid my heart , and though it cracke with weight of this so unexpected happinesse , i shall die more then satisfied . du. and euphemia . thou art too mercifull , and my repentance is yet too feeble , and too short a wonder , sure thou dost flatter me , if not heaven suffred , my fall with holy cunning to let thee shine the worlds great example of forgivenes . eup. but wherefore does your grace come hither thus disguis'd , being your selfe , and mine agen , what needs this cloude upon your person , truth did never shame the professor . du. though i live to thee , the world doe thinke me dead euphemia , leonato whom i lov'd , and trusted most , design'd my everlasting far-well from thee , but he that should have been my executioner , without disordering this poore heape of nature , gave me another life , and growth to vertue , pallante , blest good man eup. leonates creature , du. that honest soldier after by his counsell , i put this shape on , while to my false kins-man he gives relation of my death , this key he lent for my accesse to thy sad chamber , i hope he is return'd . leonato opens the dore . t is leonato . my heart o' th suddaine trembles with the feare of a nere danger , i am unarm'd too , for our defence � madam you are not wise , and merit not this providence to dote upon a shadow , your dead husband , when leonato lives , with more ambition to succeed him in your love , then this faire duke-dome . leo. what fellowes this that pleads my cause , t is some pallante has appointed to prepare her , du. with pardon , you deserve him not , and were i leonato � my good lord . leo. spare your dull retorick sir . du. that i could snatch his sword , i dare not call for helpe , or leave 'em she may be lost within a paire of minutes , my heart , my braine ! leo. madam you said your vow was made for life , fernizes death hath canceld that obligation , and in midst of teares fate smiles upon you , if you dare looke up , and meete it with a will to be made happy he courts you now , has power to kill all sorrow , from these faire eyes , be just to your kind fortune , and dresse your face with your first beauty , madam , it may become the change , why weepe you still . eup. i weepe for you my lord . leo. for me . eup. because you cannot for your selfe , pray tell me sir , is the duke dead in earnest , you have not a mourning face , but great heires seldome dy with sudden greife , or weeping for thier father , or kins-mens funerall , i pray how dy'd he ? although he were not kind to take his leave , i wod pay my obsequie of teares upon , his hearse , and weepe a prayer to his cold dust . leo. that may be time enough . eup. how i desire to kisse his lip agen , oh shew me yet where 's the pale ruines of my dead lord ? stay he shall have halfe my soule , where 's a soft , and silent breath i will convay to warme , and quicken his stiffe bosome . leo. madam , what 's all this to my reward ? eup. reward for what . leo. my love which for your sake , and let me tell you not without some encouragment from you , to give your heart more freedome to meet ruine , hath sent the duke to heaven . eup. thou art a murderer , treason ? du. treason . leo. who was that . du. some eccho within the chamber , nothing else my lord . leo. is not the dukes ghost hovering hereabout , it has a clamour like his voyce , ha , but i can take order for your silence , use that tongue againe , with the least accent to affright the aire , and i 'le dismisse thy soule , to waite upon thy husbands angry shade . du. horror ? what can preserve us but a miracle ? leo. yet i 'le not so much favour you , 't is death perhaps you have ambition too . du. one word my gracious lord , it has been my trade to deale with women , with your pardon you do practise too tame a court-ship for her nature , use the opportunity , and force her , to your pleasures , away with sword , and buckle with her , leave me to keepe the doore , i ha been us'd to too 't shee 'le thanke you when 't is done , loose no time in talke . leo. ha ? do thy office . du. wod your lordship know me ? you shall � what thinke you of this officer ? false to thy blood ; thy honour , and thy prince , y' are caught my precious kins-man , and i live with my owne hand to be reveng'd upon thee , leo. ha then thorow her , i will receive my mends , i did suspect that voyce , had not my confidence of thy most certaine death betraid me thus , i wod have made sure worke , some fate direct his sword thorow both our hearts . du. no treason , treason . enter pallante , strozzi , silvio , ascanio , with a guard , they wound leonato . leo. so let me employ the short breath that remaines to tell you i engag'd pallante , to the dukes death with a full hope to satisfie lust , and ambition , but he jugled with me , and so has bentivolio , though he be with his ardelia in prison , for acknowledging himselfe your murderer , to which vallerio , and my selfe inflam'd him . du. valerio traitor too . sil. sir he is slaine , his wounded body found in ardelias chamber . du. ardelia ! this darke mischeife shall be cleer'd strozzi , command bentivolo , and ardelia be instantly brought hither ? str. i shall sir . du. most ingratefull leonato . leo. i know i am not worth your charity , and yet my lord your cruelty upon euphemia , and some licence i tooke from the example of your wanton blood , was ground of these misfortunes , 't seemes y' are reconcil'd , be worth her love hereafter , thou wert just , pallante , be still faithfull to thy prince , i beg your generall pardon . du. we forgive thee . leo. heaven is a great way of , and i shall be ten thousand yeeres in travell , yet t were happy if i may find a lodging there at last , though my poore soule get thither upon crutches it cannot stay , far-well , agen forgive me . pall. he is dead . eup. i pity him . enter strozzi . str. the prisoners waite . du. admit 'em . enter bentivolio , ardelia , horatio . was your life so great a burthen that you upon the rumour of our murder , would take the act upon you , though you had promis'd to be the traitor , or did you envy another man should owne the glory , and title of our bloudy executioner . ben. i , but confest the guilt i then beleev'd . du. this is a mistery . ar. i can best cleere it . sil. t is my wonder how ? valerio was slaine . ben. that i must answer , although my sword then promis'd to another revenge , yet in the wound he met a justice , i now repent not . eup. what 's that gentleman . ho. i am one madam that do court my friend here , so well that though he be in faire election to loose his head , or to be strangled � had rather take such as i find with him , then live to be tormented with a woman . eup. what woman . ho. any woman , without difference , i have heard your grace has a good fame , and though it does become your subjects to beleeve it , i was not borne here madam , and i 've had such ill luck with your sex , it does not bind my faith , t is possible there may be good both faire , and honest women , but they were never under my acquaintance , no noe yet ilfavored , in whom i onely look'd to find a soule , but bost my labour . this is all truth madam : eup. his humour makes me smile . du. enough , not onely our pardon for valerios death , i give thee back ardelia , she was my mistresse but i returne her pure as thy owne wishes . ben. this grace is mighty sir . du. wee le see you married , and what our person , and euphemias can adde to grace you . ar. y 'ave already blest us , and heaven shower joyes upon you . du. the next thing is to honor thee pallante , thou savest my life , and didst now marrie me , thy faith is not rewarded . pall. ' was my duty . ho. what , is all well agen ? and is she honest . ben. most innocent . ho. then shee 's too good for thee , come the truth is , and now i 'le speake my conscience if there be few good women in the world , the fault rise first from one of our owne sex , by flattery in false-hood to deceave 'em , and so the punishment does but descend to us in justice . ar. that 's some charity . du. come my euphemia , this second knot shall be as firme as destiny , nor shall what ever was to our chast vow a shame , in my lives after story have a name . exeunt omnes .
finis .
epil . for horatio . gentlemen , and ladies , if i have transgrest in any language ��� hansome faces , i hope you will forgive me , and imagine , i have but plaid the part , which was most against my genius , of any that ever i acted in my life , to speake truth , who is so simple to dote upon witches , and hel-cats . venus deliver us , the poet stands listning behind the arras to heare what will become on 's play , under the rose if you will seeme to like it i 'le put a tricke upon him . for though he heare when you applaud , i 'le say your hands did seale my pardon , not the play . finis .
machine-generated castlist a -valerio a -leontio a -horatio a -duke a -ardelia a -bentivolio a -fiametta a -euphemia a -pallante a -silvio a -aurelia a -macrina a -strozzi a -scolopendra a -xxxx_ a -lady a -ascanio a -servant a -multiple a -officer
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ean , and apted to the lawes of poesy , that can winne full applause , this likes a story sit himselfe to have more wives , i say 'tis fit he have 'em , i make it my owne ease . ftiendship love valerio , thy heart does speake a noble friendship , you shall witnesse gentlemen i will be sine why dee' shift your shirt , the linnen's fine , but not so cleane and sweete after a journey rul�d some woman in kindnesse take me downe , be ruled by me , employ your spring and youth upon doenot you doe not well leontio to insult upon my misery snew�d that close shewed something , like a will to be , reveng'd chaino they can thread their teares , and make a chaine of water , let me weare one o' their bracelets ayrc delight , it is compos'd of revells , now all ayre , let me present you to the duke . condemn�d your love , and bosome , and worse then one condemn'd by force of lawes , for sinne against your �urgd be forc'd through blood by my owne hands urgd by your heavy wrongs to such a desperate astaine made a fault , to quit your selfe would lay a staine on me , tis not well done . ��� no , i am recover'd , i thanke my starres , to know , and heartily consider d justifie there is more worth , and beautie , consider'd wisely , and as it preserves man in his mine'sa howe're you may interpret it my humour , mine's a platonicke love , give me the soule , ungentlebreatch thoughts , seeking to make escape through some ungentle breatch made by our conflict but noe prevailing loofe loose not all your peace at once , vouchsafe i n�ere suspect not , name an action though it looke nere so gastly , see how much i'le tremble at giv�st thou giv'st me a new life , with the same care ile cherish onscience and you doe not , it is not the first conscience hath been cast away in a great mans service they�l so , now let's releeve our lungs a while , they'l tire , i nere met with such a dancing divell for�t welcome , or if i had you wod scarce thanke me for't , you know my mind already . a fraid he was afraid you might kill one another , and so ��� honest valerio . val. keepe your face smooth , least he interpret quarter�d assist to his conveyance thither , though i be quarter'd for't , that's faire , and friendly , you hanuch his venison to my selfe , i'le spare nor haunch nor humbles , oh my lord be confident if putme as if you mean't to put me too't , i have your promise and where � vvithin loves empire , when you know me madam , you will repent this tedious ignorance , hristian claspe with the greatest prince alive , ( christian or infidell , though i commend my selfe wo t to live no longer , get what surgeon thou wot to cut me to a skeleton , not love thee assassivate satisfied containe my heart , but to which bold assassinate pallante or bentivolio must i owe this bloody wo d am one , and a monstrous villaine too , i wo'd not be cal'd so . ar� me , dost thinke i'le not reward it ? thou art sad . thourepent dost thou repent thy service ? fetch�d upon the mention of your name my lord . he fetch'd a sigh , i thought would have prevented diethy suffering , come , kisse me but once , and i will die thy patient martyr . le�se forgivenesse and beleeve it possible you may be lesse vexations to men . dost heare ? to tell when'tis ha been us'd to too't shee'le thanke you when 'tis done , loose no time in talke . liftning hel-cats . venus deliver us , the poet stands listning behind the arras to heare what will become
vvits labyrinth, or, a briefe and compendious abstract of most witty, ingenious, wise, and learned sentences and phrases together with some hundreds of most pithy, facetious and patheticall complementall expressions / collected, compiled and set forth for the benefit, pleasure or delight of all, but principally the english nobility and gentry by j.s., gent. shirley, james, - . this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (wing s ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing s estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) vvits labyrinth, or, a briefe and compendious abstract of most witty, ingenious, wise, and learned sentences and phrases together with some hundreds of most pithy, facetious and patheticall complementall expressions / collected, compiled and set forth for the benefit, pleasure or delight of all, but principally the english nobility and gentry by j.s., gent. shirley, james, - . [ ], , [ ] p. printed for m. simmons, london : . ascribed to james shirley. cf. wing. errata: p. [ ] at end. reproduction of original in huntington library. eng aphorisms and apothegms. quotations, english. english wit and humor. a r (wing s ). civilwar no vvits labyrinth. or, a briefe and compendious abstract of most witty, ingenious, wise, and learned sentences and phrases. together with some shirley, james b the rate of defects per , words puts this text in the b category of texts with fewer than defects per , words. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - john latta sampled and proofread - john latta text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion vvits labyrinth . or , a briefe and compendious abstract of most witty , ingenious , wise , and learned sentences and phrases . together with some hundreds of most pithy , facetious , and patheticall , complementall expressions . collected , compiled , and set forth for the benefit , pleasure , or delight of all , but principally the english nobility and gentry . aut prodesse , aut delectare potest . by i. s. gent. london , printed for m. simmons , . to the illustrious and generous , the nobility and gentry of the kingdom of england . i. s. wisheth all encrease of honour , happinesse , and prosperity . right honourable , i know it will appear strange & preposterous , to many , to see a poem of this nature , in these distracted and confused times ( when scarce the iron hand of warre is ceast : but like a fearefull and prodigious commet stil hangs over us , threatning ruine and destruction to this royall kingdome ) set forth to the view and censure of the world . for , noble gentlemen , i must ingenuously confesse , it had beene much more sutable to the times , had it had its birth in our halcyon dayes , when blest peace and prosperity reigned in our happy albion : but since 't is so unhappy to breathe life in this unnaturall age , let it begge your favourable and candid censures : not of abortive , but a posthumus . and now to vindicate my self from foule detraction , which the envious and carying zoylusses & momusses of all ages ( by their virulent tongues & pens , to prejudice and traduce the workes of others ) have too frequently , but most falsely cast upon writers : i shall endeavour to give you some satisfactory reasons of publishing this my pamphlet . as first , because i never heard or read of any booke of this subject , set forth in the english tongue , although in all other languages they are most frequent . the next is for the benefit , pleasure , or delight of the reader , especially now in these sad and disconsolate times , it being a great refreshment , and recreation to the minde of man , ( by way of divertion ) to take him off from the consideration of these danger-threatning times , and entertaine his thoughts , sometimes with sweete variety of matter , according to that saying : interpone tuis , interdum gaudea curis , ut posses animo , quemvis sufferre laborem . and lastly , although this poem is but a collection of divers sentences , phrasers , &c. as appeareth in the title , ( not methodically composed or digested ) it being unpossible in a subject of this nature , so to doe ) but promiscously intermixt with variety and delight ) which many yeares since in times of my better prosperity . i gathered out of some hundreds of authors , never having the least thought of putting it to presse . yet now , by the importunity , or rather the commands of some noble friends , to whose endearements for their noble favours , i owe my gratitude : i have adventured , or rather presumed , ( under your noble patronage and protection ) to put it into print : and noble gentlemen , let mee indulge your favours , not to reade it with prejudicate opinions , for then i know you will doome it to scorne and your contempt : but that you will behold it , with a gracious and favourable aspect , rather pittying then censuring the author ; and where you finde it worthlesse and unusefull , you would bury it in the ocean of your goodness , thereby you will oblige me for to be , your honours in all humble observance and duty , i. s. a briefe and compendious abstract of most witty , ingenious , wise , and learned sentences and phrases . vertue illustrates true nobility . bounty and mercy grace nobility . bounti 's the badge of true nobility . reputation is the soule of honour . the sicknesse of the bodie , oft-times proves physick to the soule . afflictions are preparatives for grace . vertu 's more worth , then all the hidden treasures of the earth . mercie 's the object of a christian . sinne and grace are incompatible . this world 's a moment to eternity . all earthly treasures are but vanities . heaven is the object of the soule of man . content is the crown of earthly happinesse . vertue and grace runne parallel with heaven . all qualities that spring from vertue , have their reward . where beauty is , there needs no other plea . riches are lent for to relieve the poor . he that relieves the poor , gives almes to heaven . bounty and liberality consists , not in feasting the rich , but feeding the poore . hee that contemns the poore may forget heaven . the rich mans bounty , is the poore mans exchequer . to feede the hungry , cloath the naked , and relieve the poore , is a sacrifice heaven is well pleased with . the sicknesse of age is avarice , the errours of youth profanenesse . the memory of past misfortunes augments the present happinesse . revenge sweetens disgrace . innocence is the safest armour . storms divided abate their force . melancholy is the nurse of frenzie . worth should ever be admired , and vertue lov'd . conquests hard got , are sweete and glorious . let vertue be the object of your will . desperate torments must have desperate cures . mans greatest extreamity , is heavens best opportunity . grant mee gracious heaven , the head of solomon , and the heart of david . he is master of any mans life , that contemnes his owne . whosoever writes a modern history , and follows truth too neare the heeles , it may chance strike out his teeth . no man can so change himself , but that his heart may bee sometimes seene at his tongues end . the minde ought to have reason , to remember , that passion ought to be her vassall , not her master . hee 's of a poore spirit that declines every mans anger . the covetous man relishes any thing that comes of free cost . money comes neere the nature of a spirit it is so subtle , it opens lockes , drawes curtaines , buyes wit , sells honestly . affection flowes uncompelled . your feares abuse you . shew not a guilt of so much weakenesse in you . it is in vaine to interrupt our fate . what is decreed above , becomes not mortalls to dispute . redeeme your selfe to liberty againe . ambition like a torrent ne're lookes back . ambition is the last affection a great minde can put off . let not faith seeme cheaper for springing out of penitence . the dignity of truth is lost by much protesting , few are vertuous when reward 's away . they are petty crimes are punish't , great rewarded . attempts begun with danger , still end with glory . as crimes doe grow , justice should rowze her selfe . better thy fortunes should forsake thee , then thy vertues . let falshood flee thy breast . let not hatred harbour in thy bosome . adde not to the ill you have done , resolution ever waits the noble mind . obey necessity , and lick the lyons feet till happier times . by your delayes , you hasten miseries . betray not your selfe to filthy lust , or base contempt . let revenge sleepe . laugh not at aged sorrow . destract not from your self . sell not your liberty . sell not your soul for such a vanity as eye-pleasing beauty . make tryall of your vertues . no hell so low , which lust and women cannot lead unto . into how sad a toyle ambition and swift ryot run into , when mean content sits low , happy and secure . no course that 's violent , can be secure . smooth runs the brooke , whereas the streame is deepest . the foxe barks not , when he would steal the lamb . as opposite to every good , as truth and falshood . the smallest worm will turne , being troden on . things ill got , have ever bad successe . the common people are like summer flies . suspition alwayes haunts the guilty mind . the world 's a theatre of theft , great rivers rob the smaller brooks , and them the ocean . close as a usurers purse . let reason cleer your sight . let not time out-strip you . delay draws on danger . most things are what they seeme , not as they be , all is opinion . sometimes at a banquet , more ground is got , then at a bloody battle . nature will never violate her selfe . were it a tempest in a showr of gold , i would endure it . one ill succeeds another , untill the mouth of mischiefe be made up . gold can make hard the softest conscience . ascribe not that to merit , which was meer fortune . rub not old wounds , to bleed againe . adde not affliction to misery . wound not reputation so be a friend to truth . it 's a meere comment of your owne . fortune is blind , and sees not wher 's desert . bootlesse is complaint where there 's no remedy . love being resisted , growes impatient . fortune is yet your friend . time is the author , both of truth and right . time is the child of truth . violence leaps forth like thunder , wrapt in a bal of fire . seek not to encrease your sorrow . nourish not jealous thoughts . beauty invites temptation . rouze up your sleeping vertue . i am circled round with danger , and no hope left to redeeme me . they are empty men that trumpet their owne deserts . you trumpet your owne shame . a virgins speech must always be ushered with fear my very thoughts ( i hope ) are wing'd with innocence . i must exact your utmost care in this . from a pure spring , sweet rivers ever flow . gold 's not too dear a sollary for such a hazard . burst not with envy . vertue 's turn'd hand-maid to blind fortune . honest simplicity and truth are the agents i 'le employ . i wish my secret thoughts lay open to discovery . it 's no time now to play with your good fortune . equall nature made us all of one mould ▪ 't is not fortune , but your folly . you shall runne no such hazard . torment me not with expectation . i desire not my deepe designes . true loves a servant , brutish lust a tyrant . duty must not assume the name of merit . i am paid for all my sufferings . have all your wishes . disdaine not vertue though clad in rags . y' are drunke with a false opinion of your owne worth . thinke not with giant arms to fathom earth . flatter not your selfe with such false hopes . redeeme the forfeit of your fault . a free confession of a fault wins pardon . laugh not at danger . let not your joy oppresse you . play not with anger , that will consume you . 't is above wonder , undeard of violence . all my poore fortunes are at stake , and i must run the hazard . i have long fed on the bread of sorrow . comfort 's a stranger to me . the amazed sunne hides his face behind a maske of clouds . in my sufferings , all sorrow 's comprehended . these are but chymera's of your jealous feares . i have not faith enough for to believe you . i must not credit impossibilities . the torrent of your joyes will o're-whelme you . temperance is the queen of vertues . you describe a wonder a rare temper . you wrack me beyond patience . cherish desert in all . i walk upon a bridge of glasse . i would not live slave to jealousie for the world . such cruelty would force a savage to compassion . men pitty beasts of rapine , if o're-matcht . you beare it with a saint-like patience . adde not fuell to that fire that burnes too hot already . where cruelty reignes , there dwells nor love nor honour . will you assist me in my undertakings . it falls not in the compasse of my understanding . be not transported thus with grife and sorrow . this confirmes what before i doubted . can your charity descend so low as to look on my sufferings ? be not too indulgent to your folly . your malice cannot reach me . you must of force now use your patience . y' are wrong'd beyond a cowards sufferance . all circumstances meet to give it credit . vertue though in rags , may challenge more , then vice with all her greatnesse . you 'l pluck a mountaine of disgrace upon you . you are all made of passion . i 'le teach my spaniel to howle in better language . you forget the dignity of the place . you cannot free your selfe from these aspersions . i cannot cloath my thoughts in better language . like a rocke i 'le beare off all temptations . you may as soone wash an aethiope white . never cure was , but with some paines effected . i 'de rather trust the mercy of a storme , thento be calm'd for ever . let not feare fright you , nor hope foole you . all is not deadly , that lookes dangerous . times ancient bawde is opporunity . folly begets danger . y' have spoke the worst that malice could invent . cedars and shrubs are not parallels . virginity in an ancient maid , is like a garment long laid by , and out of fashion , not worth wearing . virginity sometimes is like a false friend , better lost then kept . your thoughts instruct you ill . your heart 's a rebell to you . descents to ill are easie , steepe are the steps to grace . i 'le waken heaven and earth with my exclaims . griefe's a true watch-man . base ones made big by beauty , are but slaves . unequall marriage is not love , but lust . the bee can breed no poyson , though shee sucke the juyce of hemlock . indignation flies on wings of thunder . traytors are like to poyson'd arrowes , which tyrants shoot at mischiefe . mine eyes waxe dim with expectation . the minde of man is like a restlesse ship that 's tost and hurl'd upon the surging seas . the lofty eagle will not catch at flies . this world 's a chaos of confusion the nights black mantle over-spreads the skie . blacke night is fled to his deformed cell . you dwell in labyrinths . your language is more dubious than an oracle . the spaniel sawnes , because he dares not bark . you flatter as though you had serv'd your apprentiship in court . your starres bid you be happy . your heart 's like pibbles , smooth , yet stony . generous spirits , are still subject to credulity . 't is the misery of princes to sin in ignorance . you will repent this language . inroule your meaning in your speech . old time hath thrown his feathers from his heels . it is legitimate blood of the rich grape . i 'le sooner couple with a man-drake , and beget groanes . i 'me lost unto your memory . time hath now sprain'd his foote , and goes awry . as pensive as the night . as liberall as the sun , which shines on all . gold is the quintescence and elixar of all metals . time grows humorous with age . the morns faire cheek hath not yet lost her tears . the eye of heaven doth winke , or is out . mixe ability with your will . as wholsome as the blood of grapes to age . you will inrage your violence . the frozen hand of death hath ceaz'd him . the snake hath cast his skin . as swift as thought . eolus defend us from these stormes . the jewell that 's enjoy'd , is not esteem'd . true beauty , yet was never mercilesse . who most doe love , must seeme most to neglect . night , nor sleep are nor more silent . if a man halt but once in his estate , friendship will prove but broken crutches to him . night with her black steeds drawes up the day . they deafen aire with their loud exclaims . in warres , is wealth and honour to be wonne . mourning for the absent , is like sorrowing for the dead . outward shewes expresse not alwayes truth . imagination doth not ever faile . sparks of honour will burst into flames . a princes greatest glory is but a cloudy mist . princes with their lookes engender feare . i love to heare vice anatomiz'd . observe him as the watch observes the clock . there 's nothing roman in him . ambition makes more trusty slaves , then need . when power , that may command , doth much descend , their bondage , whom it stoopes too , it intends . it is not safe to inforce a soverainges eare . princes heare well , if they at all will heare . wrath covered , carries fate with it . revenge is lost , if men professe they hate . it is not safe , the children draw long breath , that are provoked by a parents death . thunder speakes not till it hit . none sooner are opprest , then they , whom confidence betrayes to rest . all power is to be fear'd , where 't is too much . age in all things breeds neglect . wolves doe change their haire , but not their hearts . take heed of whispering your thoughts . there is no losse , nor shame in providence . he threatens many , that hath injur'd one . your fraud is worse to me then violence . you strive to make him guilty , whom you have foredoom'd . your thoughts looke through your words . the coward , and the valiant man must fall . the times are sicke , when vertue cannot safely bee advanc'd . who nourisheth a lyon , must obey him . a princes power makes all his actions good . princes agents are like dumb instruments , to doe , but not enquire . princes intents are to be serv'd , not search't the way to rise , is to obey , and please . no innocence is safe , when power contests . what wee doe know will come , wee should not feare . 't is hard when ignorance is scarcely innocent . a good man rather must sit downe with losse , than rise unjust . 't is place , not blood , discernes the noble , and the base . night hath many eyes ; whereof , though most doe sleepe , yet some are spies . 't is now about the noone of night . he well doth give , where merit meets his bounty . injuries neglected , finde their owne grave . the punishment of writers augments the reputation of his workes . the first crime is the bridge to all succeeding ones . when a woman hath lost her chastity , shee hath no more to lose . where distrust begins , there friendship ends . there 's nothing in man but his ambition , that waxeth not olde . great matters should bee sooner done , than disputed of . 't is more honour to give , than to receive . when the service is so great , that it cannot well be recompenc'd , it makes him that hath done it , odious and troublesome . princes had rather give to oblige , than to acquire themselves by rewarding . patience too much wrong'd , turnes to fury . providence is the safest shield against the threats of fortune . that power can never bee well us'd , that is ill got . 't is hard to judge of a mans felicity , before his death . that favour that is acquired by merit , or good fortune , is conserv'd by modesty , and lost by insolence . vertue wheresoever found , is honourable . fortune attend me , as my ends are just . suffer mine eyes for to discourse my griefes . vertue and grace , are alwayes pair'd together . braine is the mother of invention . kill this monster griefe . true worth , scornes to turne camelion . when beautie 's withered , lustfull love growes cold . your guilt keepes ope your eyes . midnight's the generall bawde to the whole world . nimble prevention out-runs woe . 't is rare , to finde a woman chaste and faire . destruction , though delaid , yet 's deadly sure . the blessed man is absolutely rich . as secret as calme silence , or the night . anothers losse , makes many fortunate . in sicknesse , an associate helps disease . envi's the common traytor to estate . that man 's to lethergy condemn'd , that takes a politician to his friend . to suffer wrong , inflames revenge . a pregnant pupill thrives without a tutor . an hypocrites heart is like a deceitfull spunge . the sunne at his departure seem'd to smile . mischiefe , like mighty waves , ne're comes alone . place cannot change the nature of good things . innocence is resolutions ground . let affection be your servant , will your slave , passion your drudge . the foord is shallowest , where the streame doth roare . hearts are small things , but infinite in desires . the head-strong windes doe rage with hideous stormes . the fearefull sunne descends as red as blood . there is no hell to an aspiring minde . all strive to have , but few for to deserve . what horrour and affrightment ceaseth me . the sun will blush , for to behold such guilt . man is the pride of heavens creation . let not clouds of passion choake your reason . nothing deforms a man so much as sinne . when black hands are lift up , heaven hath no feeling . death could not speake a word more fatall to mee . just heaven will ne're forsake the innocent . griefe's weight is eas'd , when each one beares his part . ignorance doth not alwayes strut in sattin , it oft-times walkes a clergy pace in blacke . the foxe will have his prey before the lyon . words are ayery shades , they are deedes that please . wealth is abus'd , when it conducts to hell . he 's blest , that to bee rich , can give consent with honesty , or rest poore with content . let mercy lodge within your gentle breast . what ground for this suspition , finde your thoughts . our heads cut ayre , and yet our hearts plough earth . murther from heavens eye cannot be conceal'd . vaine thoughts will flatter you . passion must vent it selfe in speech or teares . too much indulgence is not love , but hate . the body hath no sicknesse like the minde . you hugge your hopes , as a politician his ayery plots . murther , like your jesuite , doth whisper death in silence . the vsurer whilst his interest money in doth trole , cares not to lose the principall his soule . murther will out , though by the actors mouth . rich men , as well as poore , must turne to dust . gold 's the world's idoll . gold is the young man's whore , the olde man's saint . ignorance is foe to arts . you put into a sea , you cannot ●ound . harke how the sound of horrour beates the ayre . the alpine snow at the sunne beames doth melt . 't is vanity to quarrell with your destiny who seemes most crafty , proves oft-times most foole . mercy is nobilities true badge . the raven doth not hatch a larke . did ever raven sing so like a larke . sorrow conceal'd , doth burn the heart to cynders . the firmament hath not more sunnes than one . friends should associate friends in griefe and woe . trust him by leasure , that deceiv'd thee once . your smiles to mee are like a flattering glasse . there is sedition in your countenance . content's a kingdome , and you weare the crowne . banish from your breast sad discontent . care lodges in my heart , griefe in my breast . charity is fled to heaven . death is the end of all calamity . rich men flye the poore , as good men shunne the devill . oh what a clogge to the soule is sinne . pity it is repentance comes too late . blow not those coales , which long were rak'd in embers . let not the head contend against the foote . a benefit upbraided , forfeits thankes . there 's no content attends a wavering minde . that man is only happy with his fate , that is contented in a setled state . time flies with winged hast . a bounteous act hath alwayes glory following it . 't is best to feare without a cause . your sword hath made some windowes for my blood . who hunts for honour , happinesse neglects . you are both deafe to prayers , and blinde to teares . by base revenge , there is no honour wonne . to forgive an injury , is the greatest victory . he that will once give the wall , shall quickly bee thrust into the kennell . i was not salted at the university to be colted here . love 's the reward of love . mischiefe for mischiefe , is a due reward . blood asketh blood , and death must death requite . wrong done , is righted , when men grant , they erre . tell trueth , and shame all travellers and tradesmen . he that soares too neare the sunne , may melt his wings . blushing doth ill in a waiting-gentlewoman , but monstruous in an old courtier . the vulture smels a prey . sin is the worst of ills . a duty well discharg'd , is never followed by sadd repentance . the world 's a citie , full of straying streets , and death's the market-place where all doe meet . make not misery and affliction a toy to jest at . my hope 's a prisoner to me . a willing man dyes sleeping . truth is times eldest daughter . awake , and pay the duty which you owe . power makes all things lawfull . envy stands ever gaping at desert . love hath a blind-fold judgment . truth hath no need of rhetorick . death is a debt , for which there is no forgivenesse . perswasion shall not change me . no man shall want his merit . still waters drowne , the shallow doe but roare it is truths part to suffer . a bastard is the filthy dreggs of lust , that was be got when sinne was revelling . shake hands with passion . earth must not question heaven . as innocent as truth . kill not your comfort . gold is a good perswader . he that knowes the world , knowes not all her mischiefes . care may prevent a danger . he that feares danger , shall be sure to finde it . in stillest rivers , are the greatest dangers . make vertue your companion evermore . truth will appeare sometimes by miracle . severity brings safety . misery will make a man the better relish happinesse . dally not with mischiefe . the lambe is unnaturall , that should hate the damme . all ship-wracks are not drownings . stomackes with kindnesse cloyd , disdaine must stirre . deepe plots desire the night , not babling day . wine is wits mid-wife . time may favour winne . fear 's as bad as death . darke night hath blacke velvet wings . melancholy is the nurse of frenzie . the poorest service is repaid with thankes . it is the minde that makes the body rich . the fire of love is blowne by dalliance . the more ill threats us , we suspect the lesse . preferment seldome graceth bashfulnesse . cares are companions of a crowne . mischiefe lurkes in the darke . a storme may come , be the day ne're so cleare . quicke speede is good , where wisdome leades the way . hasty purposes , have hated ends . death is the conquerour of kings . he loves not me , that loves mine enemie . the monster griefe afflicts my very soule . death is farre sweeter then captivity . reason's the mistresse of experience . report is ever subject to abuses . worth should be ever admir'd , and vertue lov'd . true love is void of feare . no danger can afflict a constant minde . your waxen wings will melt against the sun . beauty may tempt to lust . put not out the eye of reason . beauty set to sale , wantons the blood . beauty doth draw like to the wanton morning sun , the eyes of men to gaze on . truth will be prevalent . justice , like lightning , ever should appeare , to few mens ruine , but to all mens feare . let not passion ecclips your judgment , or reason . truth will discover all mens treacheries . mercy and beauty well doe sympathize . causes best friended , have the best events . better be ever dumb , then not speake truth . silence argues guilt . appetite to love , never leaves an old woman , till cracking of nuts failes her . sleepe is deaths younger brother . a man past grace , is past recovery . nights candles burne obscure . the moone lyes buried in a cloud . earths joyes are but short liv'd your soule bleedes at your eyes . the care of state is quicke , and jealous . good men may erre sometimes . soft rest hath ceas'd on mortalls browes . passion , like midnight , sits upon your thoughts . i 'e vent my griefes in silence . experience makes it good , they stand not fast , that rise by blood . what fits you not to know , leave to desire . suspitions eye doth dog you . death is the post of heaven . take truce with sorrow . you may as soone perswade the ocean , in a storm to leave swelling . envye stands a typ-toe , to pull downe innocence . every thing the lesse common it is , the more admir'd . love is ever seconded with flattery . vertue is rich , and rewards it selfe . death 's a quicke carver . death is the harbinger of heaven . fortune showres downe content beyond desert . nature hath made you , what she need not shame . when he that should reward , forgets the man , 't is vertue to boast a merit . time creepes , when we expect our blisse . prevent your fate , by vertuous providence . no sun-shine followes me . virgins resolves are weake . be reconcil'd to vertue . innocence is a strong tower . death 's a devouring gamster . reproach is death , to him that liv'd in fame . griefe by dispaire seemes greater then it is . by industry , wise men doe seeke reliefe . true setled love , can ne're be turn'd to hate . though fortune faile us , let us not faile our selves . vertue 's unto it selfe a sure reward . beware betimes , and be not wise too late . there lurks an adder in the greenest grasse . danger , or purpose , alwayes hides her head . nothing wounds deeper then ingratitude . he that is one mans slave , is free from none . where there is plainenesse , there is ever truth . rage is the vent of torment . mischiefe's ready way lyes alwayes open . gold is of power to make an eagle's speed . fortune is fickle , and her face is blinde . the foxe fares alwayes best , when he is curst . great honours are but fortunes flatteries . who soares too neare the sun , may melt his wings . the shrub is safe , when us the cedar shakes . ambition like the plague , see thou eschew . a disgrace not seene , is held no shame . let not lust conquer vertue . the halcyon sings before a storme . you know no pitty for an injury . at the lowest ebbe , the tide still turnes . you have shewed me a rich jewell , and put it in a casket for your selfe . when mynes are to bee blowne up , men digge lowe . let plenty spread your boord , and charity take away . great men to princes , are like valleyes unto hils , they may be councelled by them , not controwled . conscience is seldome seene in cloath of gold . great fortunes earned , are great slaveries . where beggars once take almes , they look for 't ever . storms are at sea , when it is calme at land . you feede some discontent . discontent 's a mould , fit to cast mischiefe in . hee that hath the muses smyle , hath moneyes frowne . better to fight with lyons , then with lawes . heaven is the poore mans champion . sorrow ends not , when as it seemeth done . truth hath a quiet breast . where words are few , they are seldome spent in vaine . mens ends are mark'd , more then their lives before . you seeke no shelter , to avoid the storme . a tide of woes comes rushing on all at once . thankes is the exchequer of the poore . things past redresse , ought to be past care . teares shew their love , but want their remedy . your heart is not confederate with your tongue . griefe's not to be asswag'd by flattery . chastity is a thing not known in court . nothing is hard to them that dare to dye . cherish desert in all . men are not fit to live in the state they hate . the easinesse doth much abate the edge . no pain 's so irksome as a forc'd delight . there needes no flattery , but where desert is wanting . he 's next in right , that hath the strongest power . sometimes noble blood is hid in rags . feare argues a base spirit . death is the last , and the extream'st of ills . vertue is paid her due by death alone . time weares out , what art or nature cannot bring about . when lust is up , all women are alike . none can finde , the subtle cunning of a womans minde . you give a drop of honey in a sea of gall . ther 's no resisting of necessity . there is a cloud obscures my sunne . late providence , procures long repentance . blinde is the censure of uncertainties . great sorrow is alwayes dumbe . the greatest vertue is true patience . my heart was never feaver-shook with feare . all censures soone take fire . the dawne of mid-night , is the drunkards noone . chastity is a virgins riches . to shut your lips fast , take this locke of gold . a faulty woman never wants excuse . women are like to venice glasses , one cracke spoyles them . as kinde as the sunne to the new-come spring . as constant as the needle to the adamant . good things abus'd , convert unto the worst . an eagles nest disdaines to hatch a crow . small flies it'th spiders web are ta'ne , when great ones teare the web , and free remaine . no man ever durst sweare for his wife , but adam . innocence wrong'd , is crown'd . thieves are diana's forresters , or gentlemen of the shade . as melancholy as a lovers lute , or haire ▪ tread not upon my patience . a railing wife is worse then a smoaky house . as bountifull as mynes of india . your letters speakes your minde . as wanton as a goate . discretion is the better part of valour . a false comfort is worse then a true wrong . suspition alwayes hath a ready tongue . in poyson there is physicke . wake not a sleeping wolfe . as neare of kinne , as the parish heyfer to the towne bull . discretion is the better part of man . let wisdome be your guide . uneasie lyes the head , that weares a crowne . olde folkes are times doating chronicle . he is walk'd the way of nature , and of death . abate your fury . as quicke and fiery , as the palfrey of the sunne . there 's flattery in friendship . the man that would have sold the lyons skinne , while the beast liv'd , was kill'd with hunting him . noble mindes contemne dispaire or danger . there is more safety in a tygers jawes . to wretched men , death is felicity . no beast is so fierce , but knowes some touch of pitty . a wren may prey , where an eagle dares not perch . 't is good to sort occasion . when clouds appeare , wise men put on their cloakes . the minde of man , mistrusts ensuing dangers . the waters swell , before a boysterous storme . riches are in fortune , as great a good , as wisedome is in nature . hope is such a bate , it covers any hooke . calumnies are answered best with silence . health is the blessing of the rich , and riches of the poore . the sunne that sets , may rise againe . play not with , or delay not opportunity . guilty persons suspect what they deserve . mischiefe doth ever end , where it begun . it is an act of horrour . heaven never failes the innocent . good wits are greatest in extreamity . to plead for the guilty , hurts the innocent . mischief's feed like beasts , till they be fat , and then they bleed . brave minds , are strongest in extreamities . the most doe favour errour . reason is the ground of arts . your complements call your faith in question . you may improve your vertue . death hath more doores than one . truth is a word , that doth in every language relish well . play not too long upon my patience . mine eyes begin to summon me to sleepe . love is alwayes jealous . in full fields , the gleanings are allowed . the end still crownes the deed . best natures are soonest wrought upon . where shall i borrow patience . a storme is comming , i must provide for harbor . man's right to every thing , wains with his wealth . 't is a dangerous thing to steale prey from a lyon . the worst deeds are made good , with good successe . flatterers looke like friends , as wolves like dogs . misery of vertue , ill is made good with worse . a wronged hart will breake a rib of steele , but vent it selfe . you are a gulfe of all ingratitude . dishonest things , have bitter rivers , though delicious springs . truth is not made of glasse . princes discontents , are like the flames of etna , not to be quench'd . pray yield my innocence justice . doe not inforce your merrits , so your selfe . where medicines loath , it grieves men to bee heal'd . danger alwayes haunts desert . submission is a full , and compleat recompence . reward goes backward , honour on his head . we must to vertue , for our guide resort . innovation is more dangerous than errour . all faults are still-born , that from greatness grow . frailty is fruitfull . the height of love is still wonne with denyings . guilt carries feare with it . flattery , like the plague , pierceth unfelt . keepe not fire in your bosome , lest it consume you . you cherish a viper in your bosome , which will destroy you . the politician , or machevilian , covers hate with smiles . a politician must ( like lightning ) melt the very marrow , yet not pierce the skinne . an olde husband is good to make screene of , to stand next the fire , whilst his young wife sits behinde him , and keeps a friends lips warme . you with your hand turn fortunes wheele about . vertue is the fountaine , whence honour springs . let no mans birth be blemish to his worth . we must give way to want . 't is manners to take kindnesse . necessity must be obeyed . the feast of marriage is not lust , but love . when cynthia's pride 's at full , she waynes againe . death is the greatest monarch in the world . love is a slave to hope . night clad in black , mournes for the losse of day . sleepe is death's younger brother . loves power by wisdome , cannot be with-stood . firm constancy , like rockes , can ne're be mov'd . the face is the index of the minde . 't is a weakenesse to measure by our selves , the purposes of others . you carry too much sale for your small barque . let not false hopes abuse you . to be thankfull to a servants merits , is growne a crime . greatnesse comes from above . 't is a favour , which vertue cannot warrant . an innocent trueth can never stand in neede of a guilty lye . i am but coffin to my cares . my tongue 's the voyce of truth . gold is the misers god . men flesht in blood , know seldome to amend . love subdues all things . love is the soveraign vertue of the soule . death to the godly , is the gate to blisse , but death ( the wicked ) leades to the abysse . most pithy , facetious , and patheticall complementall expressions . confirme me in your favour , with a smile . the justnesse of my cause , i hope will gaine successe . her necke 's more white , then new falne snow . her breasts , are swan-like . her very breath perfumes the aire she breaths . you embrace the occasion to depart . welcome as manna , to my hungry soule . i will contrive my selfe for your best use . i will performe my best on your behalfe . shee is a rich myne of beauty . shee is the glory of her sex . shee beares the palme of beauty from them all . others compar'd to her , seeme like glimmering starres to the full moone . her breath 's more odiferous , then a bed of spices . nature ne're fram'd a more delicious piece . i 'le pay the tribute of my lips , to your faire hands . the musicke of the spheares , is not so ravishing . the name of him you come from , is warrant sufficient to make your welcome here . let my boldnesse prove pardonable . let us change aire a little . you have power to steere me , as you please . i hope you hold no suspition of me . 't is my duty to obey your faire commands . my feares are almost over . in your good , i 'le bury all my hate . i can relish any thing that comes of free cost . you are the only man i have ambition to honour . i should be proud to merit such a favour . 't is in your power to oblige me . pray point mee out some service , to expresse my gratitude . you will dishonour me by your suspition . i know you are all court-ship . you have discourst me into admiration . i 'l live an hereticke in that point . you have a soule is full of gratitude . you have sown your charity in a fruitfull ground . you are very liberall in language . breake silence , when you please . doome me not a scorne , before condemn'd . your sight gives me a lease of longer life . bee wise , faire opportunity waites upon your pleasure . your will is but controul'd by dastard feares . let me now circle in mine armes , all happinesse . i have not soule enough , to apprehend my joyes . i hope my fortunes cannot deserve your scorne . let me be bold to claime your noble promise . my blood heaves in my veines . 't is happinesse enough , that you have mentioned it . let me beg your pardon . make me happy to renew my suite . vouchsafe me kisse your hands . i 'le consecrate this day to triumph . i am shadow to your worthinesse , noble friend . the riches of the world flow to your coffers . thinke not , that i would bid you graspe the wind , or call you to the embracing of a cloud . you have power to melt mee , and cast mee in any mould . all my breast holds , i 'le powre into thee . i 'le tell it , or speake it in thine eares . i had been happier by your fellowship . put on your better lookes , or thoughts , ther 's nought , but faire and good intended to you . speake your imperfect thoughts . i am ever bound to you , for many favours . fame renders you most worthy of it . report could never have got a sweeter aire to flye in , than your noble breast . you are all bounty , all worth . enjoyne me to what punishment you please . i 'le flye at your commands . i feare 't will prove prodigious to you . your warrant must prove mighty then . for this let me embrace you . i will be secret as your soule , or night . i 'le like your shade pursue you . all faire content dwell here . fortune may be propitious yet . i feare , my griefes are not at full yet . i emulate your daring spirit . you can bawle well , with your full oyster voyce . you barke too much , to bite . all valour 's not confin'd within your breast . the happinesse of the day crowne your desires . i wish the night may equall the dayes happinesse . all content , both night and day , crowne your desires . my desires equall your wishes . i 'le weepe the day out , and out-mourn the night . who gave you patent to examine me . she equalls your commends in all respects . so true a faire , i ne're beheld till now . you merit not , to touch so choise a rarity , you over-charge me with so great a favour , as your descending thus to visite me . your carriage speakes you so impartiall worthy . i should doe wrong to merit , not to honour you . your hopes should flye a pitch above it . i see , there speakes a fortune in your brow . i dare not looke so high . is this the hooke your golden baite doth cover . i will not further disswade your resolution . i will not lesse esteeme your merit . you engage me to you ever . her minde 's so chast , a man may sooner melt the alpes , then her you are ungentle to triumph in my torment . glut your relentlesse sight with full eyed sorrow . shee is all amorous , all faire . those teares would melt the hearts of tygers . gold , that doth usher greatnesse , lacques you . the tongues of ravens are too milde to speake it . you cast your eyes too much upon the flame , proves your destruction . turne backe your commet eyes , or i shall perish in the flames of love . i 'le be as just to you , as heaven to trueth . can there remaine a soule , that will vouchsafe me pity . i 'le put you to the test . you dazell your owne eys . i will out-toyle the day for your content . i cannot speake your worth to the full . what sad noyse wounds my eares . you are the prodigy of nature . you are the substance of that shadow , i did represent . the world may smile againe . calme your contumelious tongue . reverse that doome . if i say , i may repent , but if i sweare , it is irrevocable . you looke like leane fac'd envye . i scorne your worthlesse threats . you have a tygers heart wrapt in a womans hide . even as the rockes please them , that feare their wracke . pray give no limits to my tongue . without your leave , i 'me priviledg'd to speake . your man-hood hangs upon your tongue . as if a channell , should be call'd , the sea . whether flye the gnats , but to the sunne . dark clowdy death , ore-shades his beames of life . aske mercy , and obtaine no grace . the ghostly father now hath done his shrift . you cry content , to that which grieves you most . you can adde colours to the camelion . you can change shapes with proteus . you 'le set the aspiring cateline to schoole . i 'le never fawne upon your frownes . you are as amorous as youthfull may . you are as gray as january . my deeds shall alwayes waite upon my promise . just aesopps crowe , pranc'd up in borrowed feathers . all my liberty lies in your service . more manners wovld become you better . i yield my selfe to your direction , manage mee at your pleasure . you would faine endeare your service . i have beene faithfull in all you trusted me . i 'le make a vertue of necessity . no service , more then reciprocall . i cannot passe you without an ave . secret as mid-night , quicke as lightning , sure as the sunne . i listned for that string , and you have toucht it . you oppresse me with wonder . i 'le give no sufferage to it . i feare you have made a conveyance of your virginity before-hand . you have suck'd the milke of the court . i 'le be your anvill to worke upon . i will out-waite a sergeant for you . shall i hope this benefit from you . you set too high a price on my poore deservings . i reap'd more grace , then i deserv'd or hop'd . darke night hath shut up day , to pleasure us . what ever joy earth yeelds , succeede to you . the vertues of your minde would force a stoicke to sue to be your servant . you are a staine of honour . i am a constant lover of your minde . your noble deeds , transcend all presidents . it is an honour , and so i doe receive it . peace waite upon you . it is a favour , and so i doe receive it . you have fir'd mee with the heate of your deservings . the vertues of your minde are infinite . you wander in the wilde maze of desire . pray guide me to your lips . your lookes are agues to me . let 's have a scene of mirth . you are a diligent observer of the times . too much of one dish cloyes one . i 'le seate you on a hill of happinesse . i feele a womans longing . you have out stript me in the race of honour . 't is farre from me , to be your rivall . one frowne of yours , strikes dead all comfort in mee . your feares are needlesse ▪ i 'le not be wanting : but stil strive to serve . you are the miracle of vertue . i stand indebted for a benefit to you . in thankefull duty , i 'le study how to serve you . i cannot speake your prayses to the full . your breast 's my sanctuary . it is not worth your thoughts . i prize him to his worth . in thought i am not guilty . let me thrive , as my intents are honest . i have a strong assurance of your vertue ▪ it is unfit , that i should presse it further . such thoughts are farre from my ambition . this is impudence beyond expression . trouble me not with thankes . it merits not your thankes . fortune claimes a share in 't . i doe partake your sufferings . there 's no happinesse in my gift , but you may challange ▪ i 'le plead my interest . i 'le rather doubt an oracle , then question what you deliver . you may teach hermes eloquence . you looke with covetous eyes upon her . i plead for that , which you with joy should offer . leape into mine armes , and then aske pardon . these are strange meanders . i hope you 'le please to thinke upon my sufferings . my want of power to satisfie so great a debt , makes me accuse my fortunes . you may as you please , determine of me . you caper , as you were all aire , or fire . i 'le be as humble , as your spaniel . your bounty ( like a new spring ) hath reviv'd the autumne of my yeares . i will not warre with eloquence . a bed of snakes straggle within mee . faire fortune be your guide . you seeme to out-march time . you are skilfull in patience . you are fortunes mynion , and sleepe in her bosome . i feare you 'l make me guilty of idolatry . such endearements , will too much impoverish my gratitude . take me into your bosome , and hide me there . i esteeme you a friend to vertue . not the mountaine ice , congeal'd to chrystall , is more chast then shee . your marrow 's frozen in your bones . you speake , or puffe , like a cannon . i 'le be obedient to your just commands i 'le celebrate my mris health to you . her breath is like the smoake of spices . i ever held you my best example . shee whispers like the amorous lute . 't is not in me for to resist your pleasure i 'le flye with winged hast . you councell , like an oracle . i 'le like an amorous winde , sport with your hair . let my entreaty have power , to alter your commands . i know your worth , and esteeme your friendship precious . you may challenge all my power on your behalfe . you are the starre , that rules my faculties . gallants are much oblig'd unto the sinnes of ladies . you did mispend that breath . my faith cannot admit of this . to see your harmony , will make me sinne in wishes . trust not the unruly appetite of youth . you are much given to propogation . y 'ave bath'd your silken limbs in lustfull dalliance . you walke in artificall clowds . your guilt doth make you aguish . you tremble , like a frosty russian on a hill ▪ i feare you will convert to stone . you wrong your judgement . my services merit no such regard . my joy exceeds my wonder . you still oblige my gratitude . you walke in cloudy mysts . you barke against the moone . see an object worthy pity . leave with me first some comfort . farewell , faire regent of my soule . you will make happy the man that shall possesse you . i never hop'd from you so large a bounty . your tongue is a perpetuall motion . thought is not more swift . you are a stukely , or a sherley , for your spirit and bounty . shee sends you amorous glances from her eyes . they fight love on both sides . be moderate my joyes . my joyes are at the full . the blessings of your mistrisse fall upon you . you seeme able , without the helpe of muscadine and egges . it shall be in my creed . i 'le mount me on the wings of hast . aske your thoughts , if they can counsell keepe . this sight is physicke to my soule . i love to heare vice anatomized . marriage is my wishes happinesse . would i were secretary to your thoughts . your thoughts and mine , run parallel in that . my best abilities of power are at your service ▪ you are the starre that guides my motion . i 'le bosome what i thinke . it was the end of their creation . a maiden-head , is as a creature got in the eye , conceived in a kisse : some call it a sigh , and some an amorous groane . the very aire is ravisht with her touch . this place is not my spheare . i have no shift of faces , no cleft tongue . you are the soule of goodnesse . let me adore my esculapius . checke your passions , be master of your selfe . he lookes too full of death , for you to deale with . shee shines bright like the moone , among the lesser lights . i must make a rude departure . you must use more then a common speed . i am not oedipus enough to understand you . i must be glad to practise my obedience . as lov'd , as is the aire i breath . you are the friend of season , and doe follow fortune . i 'le sooner trust a sinon . you seeme to tread on aire . let me enjoy my longings . 't is now about the noone of night . runne a lictors pace . i 'le reare a pyramis to your memorie . it is an act most worthy hell , and lasting night . now venus be my speed . can you freeze , and such a heate so nigh you , ready to dissolve you . shee hath an easie melting lippe , a speaking eye . all the dayes good attend you . can your beliefe lay hold no such a miracle . good gall be patient . i 'le feede you with delight . my fortunes thrive beyond imagination . my hopes are prevalent . why are you cloath'd in teares or sorrow ▪ venus compar'd to her , was but a blowze . her eyes are dyamonds , set in purest gold . you are the starre , by whom my fate is led . i love to relish sweete variety . you are clouded all with passion . i hope our loves are twinnes . your wanton blood danceth within your veines . you speake all comfort to me . my blood is almost frozen with despaire . laments are idle , seeke better remedies . i must enrowle you in the catalogue of my dearest friends . you will perswade beliefe . you live like a screech-owle in a secret cave . it is the blessing of my fate . your example steeres mee . our moderators are our swords . i burst , if i containe my passion . i 'le be a just executor , of your will . i 'le raine a showre of gold into your lap . my trust shall quit your faith . her name , like some celestiall fire , quickens my spirits . i never knew vertue , and beauty meere in a sweeter nature . my wish requites you . i am plannet-strucke . your guilt doth binde your secresie . you cannot tempt me , syren . i know what snake would sting you . my love 's like fate , unmoveable . i am blinde to your inticements . i have beene true unto your pleasures . i shall rest gratefull for it . your presence is restorative . let me not perish in your favour . they greet in silence , as the dead are wont . your words are raysers to my wounded heart . i 'le climbe olympus top . the golden sunne salutes the morne . you are above pale envies threatning reach . the sunne hath gilt the ocean with his beames . you thunder with your tongue . better then you , have worne vulcans badge . there 's musicke in her smiles . i will prevent the suns up rising , from his bed . court her with faire entreates . my rage hath plung'd me into a sea of danger . disparage not your worth so . you are full of faire desert . i have been bound to you , by many favours . i shall never merit your least of favours to me . i never bound you to me by desert . you are a man most deare in my regard . the ocean 's not more boundlesse , then your favours . some fury prickes you on , and hurries you to mischiefe . i cannot harbour such a disloyall thought . your purse is my exchequer . build on my faith . with what face of brasse can you speake this . you move me both to passion , and to pitty , it is an act of night . your lipp's she path of pleasure , and the gate of blisse . you will have much adoe , to winne beliefe , i am wrapt in a maze of wonder . wee come with prepared stomackes , to your feast . a generall silence hath surprized all . i 'le lodge you in my bosome , and wear you in my heart . her honour is as spotlesse as the moone . this light in me begets much admiration . i shall turne baby too . a mart of beauties in her visage meete . if once i lov'd you , greater is your debt . wrong not our friend-ship so . let feare goe seeke a dastards nest . i 'le call your tongue to strict account for this . i 'le ope my bosome to you . you thinke you can enchaine me with a smile . you are a white inchantresse , lady . a beauteous body hides a loathsome soule . you are to her a sun-burnt black-a-moore . your tongue is like the sting of scorpions . let my submission my presumption salve . no paines , but pleasure sir . come , forget your courtiers , and talke like honest men . sure you had a satyre to your sire . midnight would blush at this . i ever held your worth in great esteem . your breast is my sanctuary . i heare , or feare a tempest comming . give me leave to plead my innocency . which of my actions hath rendred me suspected . pray use my service in 't . let proofe plead for me . 't is a disgrace would dwell upon me , should you refuse me . i have no faculty , which is not yours . your charity is my heritage . your lookes enforce a freedome out of bondage . you are as jealous as a turkey . may your goodnesse get you a happy husband . i am proud to please you . you are a noble giver . let me seale my vow'd faith on your lips . by you , like your shade , i 'le ever dwell . you out-dare danger . my fanci 's oft a prophet . the justnesse of my cause , and honour guard me . you mke my faith to stagger . let no due be wanting . you are to her a meere dull shadow . 't is pity love should be so tyrannous . i 'de rather see a wren hawle at a flye . my heart is wing'd with hast , that out-flies motion . you have a goodnesse , past equality . i 'le stretch your patience higher yet . i hold your words a rocke to build upon . doubt not my diligence . this kisse seales my repentance . 't is now no time for court-ship . you cannot command , what i 'le not execute . you have hit the object , that i look'd at . you cannot command , with more willingnesse then i 'le obey . i dare not speake my knowledge . as you have vertue , speake it . unlocke this secret . your jealousie doth foole , or slave you . the unblowne rose , the mynes of chrystall , nor the diamond , are not more chaste , or pure then shee . can there be such a lethergy in nature . let not sadnesse thus afflict you . they which dare doe , dare suffer . 't is no more , then what your worth may challenge . you are my nightingale of comfort . i 'le keepe a jubile to your memory . your tongue cannot defame me . nothing can hinder fate . few words , and good deeds , are best pleasing to women . you are rackt in the haven of happinesse . the hand of heaven reward you . you have throwne me on a bed of misery . your love out-strips my merit . the court 's a spring , each lady is a rose . women are angels , clad in flesh . your will commands , and mine obeyes . her maiden cheekes , blush with vermillion . my eyes pay tribute , where my heart payes love . you are the patron of my hopes . your purse is proud , although your garment 's poore . this gallant will command the sunne . the harvest of his life is past . your memory deserves to outlive time . you like a commet doe attract all eyes . i must enjoyn you to an act of secresie . you are the star of my felicity . you apply a balme , worse then the wound it selfe , you seeme devoted unto sorrow . it is a paradice , enjoying you . wrong not her spotlesse chastity . you are the shame of men . you breath'd a p●ssionate sigh . you temporize with sorrow , mine is sincere . swifter then meditation . let my repentance make satisfaction , for my wrongs to you . your chinne , almost appeares a wildernesse . it is a meere imposture . you have made me sicke with passion . my armes shall be your sanctuary . i 'le free you from all danger . the hand of heaven is in 't . o suite your pity with your infinite beauty . you are the only anchor of my hopes . there is no treasure upon earth like her . what breeds distrust in you . i waite the censure of your doome . your heart is not confederate with your tongue . i am proud , my house containes such worthy friends . my sword shall be your guardian . in your losse , my joy ecclipsed is . as white as innocence it selfe . you serve the times . her breath casts sweet perfumes . your goodness is the spring from whence it issues . goodnesse and vertue , are neere of your acquaintance . you understand not the language of my intent . light is not clearer . a charity , like all your other vertues . i am in strait of miseries as covetous as a barren wombe . as rare as vertue at the court . as glorious as a noone-tide sun . my entertainement hath confirm'd my welcome . we love by destiny . i live indeer'd unto your faith . you have blasted the harvest of my hopes . your words have charm'd my soule . let me entreate your silence . i will not trust the aire with it . you wound my heart . you swell like a spring tide . heaven hath been my friend . i am sorry to have been the messenger of that afflicts you . i want no part of welfare , but your wished presence . you have no sence of griefe . make me companion of your cares . play not the tyrant with me . you 'l bed with ice and snow . you are too much an adamant . my thankes requite you . you 'l wast your selfe with sorrow . those eyes were made to shine , not wast with dew . your presence is powerfull . my starres owe me more happinesse . let not passion clowde your vertues . your words and lookes are strangers . it is no pilgrimage to travell to your lips . goe bath your lips in rosie dew of kisses . you are the miracle of friendship . i weare you in my heart . your favours have falne like the dew upon me . you make my vertue bleed . give me leave to waken your memory . it is an age , till night , mischiefe hath scarce a name beyond it . my genius and yours are friends . take heede , my hands will mutiny . my tongue speakes the freedome of my heart . you are a very rat of nylus . mine eyes have feasted on your beautuous face . i am all joy in your conversion . i owe service to your love . in your love i number many blesses . i will unrippe my very bosome to you . i hope you are not marble ▪ i will beg your pity . i 'le cherish your desert . command what you desire . the sunne and i must rise together . i love the braine for the invention . sure winter dwells upon your lipp , the snow is not more cold . the starres whereon i gaze , shall be your face . you with ambrosiacke kisses bathe your lips . you may by vertue beate downe your ambition . our morning cock's turn'd owle . y' are turn'd pernassus , late . you feede my heart with much sweet hope . my patience can digest your injuries . you are rich in meekenesse . you have a flinty heart . your head doth beare the calendar of age . you may usurpe your pleasure . you are full of passion . i 'le centinell your safety . you have power to sway me , as you please . convert your rage to pity . i should question trueth , to doubt it . your goodnesse wants a president . i ne're beheld a beauty more compleate . i 'le chronicle your vertues . your acceptance shall be my recompence . you no way have offended . it was my ignorance , and no pretended boldnesse . your sunne shines in my day . i 'le be an argos o're you . your words to mee are acts , your promises are deeds . the sunne ne're met the summer with more joy . to you , i will disclose my very bosome . no storme could be so tyrannous . you wrap me up in wonder . i am as mute as night . freely relate your sorrows . report strikes with wonder . you are gratefull , beyond merit , or desert . you take truce with sorrow . it would become you ill . innocence is bold . you guild my praises farre above my deserts . my boldnesse wants excuse . i am your servant , still at your commands . dreame on your best desires . my language was not aim'd at you . reward stayes for you . i am barr'd of much content . your service shall not dye unrewarded . this physicke cures not me . i 'le pay the tribute of my love to you . you will out-strip the winde . i gather from your eyes , what your disease is . i 'le safely land you out of all danger . if a storme fall , you shall be my shelter . the wolfe 's in 's owne snare taken . mine eyes have lusted for you . you make me much your debtor . welcome , as light to day , as health to sicke men . the sunne shines on you still . it is the riches of the minde , that i doe aime at . the riches of your minde are infinite . let mee share your thoughts 't is not so sweete as musicke . this is beyond all patience . shee needes not learne her beauties worth of you . give quiet to your thoughts . let men that hope to be belov'd , be bold . you have a face , where all good seemes to dwell . my duty bindes me to obey you ever . you are an usurer of fame . i sacrifice to you the incense of my thankes . you weare a snowy livery . i will repay your love with usury . i have no reason to misdoubt your faith . vertue goe with you . you are the starre i reach at . where shines this starre . give him a court loafe , stop his mouth with a monopoly . i am engag'd to businesse , craves some speed . her eyes are orbes of starres . thankes for your wishes . you speake the courtiers dialect . your tongue walkes from your heart . 't is your owne guilt afflicts you if i can friend you , use me . oh , i shall rob you of too much sweetnesse . sure , you have lost your use of reason . you fret like a gumm'd velvet . all things lie levell to your wishes . your title , farre exceeds my worth . you runne before your horse to market . you are my counsells consistory . inherit your desires . your kindnesse freezeth . hope flies with swallow wings . the cocke already salutes the morne . i , like a child , will goe by your direction . your love hath tast in this . you are the rising sun , which i adore . 't is only your desert , i know no second cause . my crosses meete to vexe me . successe hath made you wanton . it is a confidence that well becomes you . i burne in a sweete flame . this service is for vertues sake , not for reward . may your owne rod whip you . i see your witt 's as nimble as your tongue . your favours i still taste in great abundance . let mee but touch the white pillowes of your naked breasts . may you be ever happy . your pleasure is your own . your words , like musicke , please me . my fancy ryots within me . you have all circumstances of worth in you . you feede on wishes . i prize your love above all the gold in wealthy indi'as armes . your garments are all made of median silke . i 'le play at kisses with you . your chin hang like an udder . here 's beauty set in goodnesse . give me a naked lady in a net of gold . your fingers are made to quaver on a lute . your armes to hang about a ladies necke . your tongue is oyl'd with courtly flatteries . a kisse , is but a minutes joy . detraction dares not taxe you . your beauti 's without limits . i glory in the building i have rais'd . you build upon my ruines . your words are delphian oracles . my care shall not be wanting . your wit hath too much edge . i am a cast-away , in love . you are a flame of beauty . sweete and delicious as the feast of love . the amorous sunne courts the earth with smiles . sweete as the breath of lutes , or loves deliciousnesse . finis . the errata . page . l. . forget , r. forfeit . p. . l. . sollary , r. sallary . p. l. . i desire , r. pierce . p. . l. . undeard , r. unheard p. . l. . inroule , r. involve . p. . l. . iv'd , r. liv'd . p. . l. . care , r. car. p. . l. . us , r. as . p . l. . a , r. to . p. l. . of honour , r. to honour . p. . l. . strue , r. strive . p. . l. . straggle , r. struggle . p. . l. . propogation , r. propagation . p. . l. . raysers , r. raysors . p. . l. . she path , r. the path . p. . l. . your , r. you are . p. . . l. . mke , . r . make . p. . . l. . hawle , r. hawke . p. . l. . blesses , r. blysses . printed according to order . the triumph of peace shirley, james this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription b of text s in the english short title catalog (stc . a). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. martin mueller incompletely or incorrectly transcribed words were reviewed and in many cases fixed by nicole sheriko this text has not been fully proofread earlyprint project evanston il, notre dame in, st.louis, washington mo distributed under a creative commons attribution-noncommercial . unported license b .xml early english books online. the triumph of peace : a masque, presented by the foure honourable houses, or innes of court. before the king and queenes majesties, in the banquetting-house at white hall, february the third, . invented and written, by james shirley, of grayes inne, gent. shirley, james, - . dpi tiff images (displayed as gif) and xml-encoded text (displayed as html). university of michigan library ann arbor, michigan december (tcp phase ) b . a (unm)

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 the triumph of peace : a masque, presented by the foure honourable houses, or innes of court. before the king and queenes majesties, in the banquetting-house at white hall, february the third, . invented and written, by james shirley, of grayes inne, gent. shirley, james, - . [ ], , p. printed by iohn norton, for william cooke, and are to be sold at his shop, neere furnivals-inne-gate, in holborne, london : [i.e. ]. printed by iohn norton, for william cooke, and are to be sold at his shop, neere furnivals-inne-gate, in holborne, [i.e. ] formerly stc a; identified as stc a on umi microfilm. reproduction of the original in the bodleian library. eng masques b shc the triumph of peace shirley, james nicole sheriko play masque shc no b s (stc . a). athis text has no known defects that were recorded as gap elements at the time of transcription. incorporated ~ , textual changes made to the shc corpus by hannah bredar, kate needham, and lydia zoells between april and july during visits, separately or together, to the bodleian, folger and houghton libraries as well as the rare book libraries at northwestern university and the university of chicago

the trivmph of peace a masque , presented by the foure honourable houses , or jnnes of court . before the king and queenes majesties , in the banquetting-house at white hall , february the third , .

invented and written , by james shirley , of grayes inne , gent.

primum hunc arethusa mihi —

london , printed by iohn norton , for william cooke , and are to be sold at his shop , neere furnivals-inne-gate , in holborne . .

to the fovre equall and honourable societies , the jnnes of covrt .

i want words to expresse your cheerefull and active desires , to present your duties to their royall maiesties , in this masque : to celebrate , by this humble tender of your hearts , and services , the happinesse of our kingdome , so blest in the present governement , and never so rich in the possession of so many , and great pledges of their parents vertue , our native princes .

your cleare devotions already offered , ond accepted , let not me want an altar for my oblation to you . this entertaynment which tooke life from your command , and wanted no motion , or growth , it could derive from my weake phansie : i sacrifice againe to you , and vnder your smile to the world , let it not repent you to looke vpon what is the second time made your owne , and with it , the heart of the sacrificer , infinitely bound to acknowledge your free , and noble soules , that have left no way for a poet to satisfie his ambition , how to thanke you , but with thinking , he shall never be able to satisfie it .

i dare not racke my preface to a length , proceede to be your selues ( the ornament of our nation , ) and when you have leisure to converse with imaginations of this kinde , it shall be an addition to your many favours , to read these papers , and obliege beside , the scales of your other encouragement ,

the humblest of your honourers iames shirley .
the masque of the gentlemen of the foure honorable societies , or jnnes of court .

at elie and hatton-houses , the gentlemen and their assistants met , and in this manner prepard for the court . the antimasquers were vsher'd by a hornepipe , and a shalme , riding in coates and caps of yellow taffata , spotted with silver , their feathers red , their horses led by men in coates of blew taffata , their wings red , and part of their sleeves yellow , caps and feathers : all the torch-bearers in the same habite appoynted to attend , and give plentifull light to the whole traine .

phansie , in a sute of severall coloured feathers hooded . a paire of bats-wings on his shoulders , riding alone as sole presenter of the antimasques .

after him rode opinion and confidence together , opinion in an old fashioned doublet of blacke velvet , and truncke hose , a short cloake of the same with an antique cape , a blacke velvet cap pinch'd up , with a white fall , a staffe in his hand .

confidence in a slash'd doublet parti-coloured breeches sutable with poynts at knees , favours upon his breast , and arme : a broad brim'd hat , tied upon one side , banded with a feather , a long locke of haire , trim'd with severall coloured ribbands , wide boots , and great spurres with bels for rowels .

next rode iollity and laughter . iollity in a flame-coloured suite , but trick'd like a morise-dancer , with scarfes and napkins , his hat fashioned like a cone , with a little fall .

laughter in a long side coate of severall colours , laughing visards on his breast and backe , a cap with two grinning faces , and feathers betweene .

then followed variety of anticke musicke after which rode sixe proiectors , one after another , their horses led by torch-bearers .

the first a iocky with a bonnet on his head upon the top of it a whip , he seeming much to obserue and affect a bridle which he had in his hand .

the second a country fellow in a leather doubled and gray trunke hose , a wheele with a perpetuall motion on his head , and in his hand a flayle .

the third , a grimme philosopicall fac'd fellow in his gowne furr'd , and girdled about him , a furnace upon his head , and in his hand a lampe .

the fourth in a case of blacke leather vast to the middle , and round on the top , with glasse eyes , and bellowes under each arme .

the fist a physition , on his head a hat with a bunch of carrots , a capon perched upon his fist .

the sixt like a seaman , a shippe upon his head and holding a line and plummet in his hand .

here variety of other anticke musicke counterfeiting the voyces of birds , and after these rode , a magpy , a crow , a iay , and a kite , in a quadrangular figure , and in the midst an owle , these were followed by three satires , two a breast , and one single , sided with torch-bearers . then three dotterels in the same manner and attendance .

after these a windmill , against which a phantasticke knight with his lance , and his squire arm'd seem'd to make their attempts .

these moving forward in ridiculous shew and postures , a drummer followeth on horsebacke , in a crimson taffata coate , a white hat and feather , tip'd with crimson , beating two kettle drummes .

then . trumpetors , in crimson satten coates , white hats and feathers , and rich banners .

the marshall followed these bravely mounted . attended with forty foote , in cotes and hose of scarlet trim'd with silver-lace , white hats and feathers , their truncheons tip'd with silver : these upon every occasion moving to and fro , to preserue the order of their march , and restraine the rudenesse of people , that in such triumphs , are wont to be insolent , and tumultuary .

after these an hundred gentlemen , gloriously furnished and gallantly mounted , riding two and two a breast , every gentleman having his two pages richly attired , and a groome to attend him .

next after these a chariot drawne by foure horses , two and two together , richly furnished and adorn'd with gold and silver , the charioter in a polonian coate of greene cloth of silver . in this were advanced musicians like priests and sybills , sonnes and daughters of harmony , some with coronets , other with wreathes of lawrell and mirtle , playing upon their lutes , three foote-men on each side in blew satten wrought with silver , and every one a flambeaux in his hand .

in the next chariot of equall glory , were placed on the lowest staires foure in skie-coloured taffata robes seeded with starres , mantles ashe coloured , adorned with fringe , and silver-lace , coronets with starres upon their heads . in a seate a little more elevate sate geniu , and amphiluchs .

on the highest seate of this chariot , sate the three howers , or heavenly sisters , irene , diche , and eunomia . all whose habits shall be described in their proper places : this chariot attended as the former .

after these came the foure triumphals or magnificent chariots , in which were mounted the grand masquers , one of the foure houses in euery chariot , seated within an halfe ovall , with a glorious canopy over their heads , all bordered with silver fringe , and beautified with plumes of feathers on the top .

the first chariot , silver & orenge . the second , silver & watchet . the third , silver & crimson . the fourth , siluer & white .

all after the romane forme , adorned with much embossed and carved workes , and each of them wrought with silver , and his seuerall colour , they were mounted on carriages , the spring trees , pole and axle-trees , the charioters seate , and standers , wheeles , with the fellyes , spokes , and naves all wrought with silver , and their severall colour .

they were all drawne with foure horses a-front after the magnificent romane triumphs , their furniture , harnesse , headstall , bits , raines , and traces , shaferon , cronet , petronell , and barbe of rich cloth of silver , of severall workes , and colours answerable to the linings of the chariots .

the charioters in polony-coates of the same colour of the chariots , their caps feathers , and buskings answerable .

the two out horses of euery chariot led by two men in habits wrought with siluer , and conformable to the colour of the other furniture , foure foot-men on eyther side of euery chariot , in rich habits also wrought with siluer answerable to the rest , euery one carrying a flambeaux in his hand .

betweene every of these chariots foure musitians in their robes and garlands , were mounted ; riding two a breast , attended with torch-bearers .

the habit of the masquers gaue infinite splendor to this solemnity ; which more aptly shall be expressed in his place .

this masque was presented in the banquetting-house . at white hall before the king and queenes maiesties and a great assembly of lords and ladies , and other persons of quality , whose aspect setting on the degrees prepared for that purpose gaue a great grace to this spectacle , especially being all richly attired .

at the lower end of the roome opposite to the state was raysed a stage with a descent of staires in two branches landing into the roome . this basement was painted in rusticke worke .

the border of the front and sides that enclosed all the sceane had first a ground of arber-worke entermixt with loose branches and leaues , and in this was two niches , and in them two great figures standing in easy postures in their naturall colors , and much bigger then the life , the one attired after the grecian manner held in one hand a scepter , and in the other a scrowle , and a picked antique crowne on his head , his curasse was of gold richly enchased , his robe blue and siluer , his armes and thighs bare with buskings enricht with ornaments of gold , his browne locks long and curled , his beard thicke but not long , and his face was of a grave and ioviall aspect , this figure stood on a round pedestall fained of white marble , enricht with severall caruings ; above this in a compartiment of gold was written minos . the figure on the other side was in a romane habit , holding a table in one hand , and a pen in the other , and a white bend or diadem about his head , his robe was crimson and gold , his mantle yellow and siluer , his buskins watchet trim'd with siluer , his haire and beard long and white with a uenerable aspect , standing likewise on a round pedestall answerable to the other . and in the compartiment over him was written nvma . above all this in a proportionate distance hung two great festons of fruites in colors which serued for finishing to these sides . the upper part in manner of a large freeze was adorn'd with severall compartiments with draperies hanging downe , and the ends tied up in knots , with trophies proper to feasts and triumphs , composed of masking vizards and torches . in one of the lesser compartiments was figured a sharpe sited eye , and in the other a golden-yoke , in the midst was a more great and rich compartiment on the sides of which sate naked children in their naturall colors with siluer wings in action of sounding golden trumpets , and in this was figured a caduseus with an oliue-branch all which are hierogliphicks of peace iustice and law .

a curtaine being sodainly drawne up the sceane was discovered representing a large streete with sumptuous pallaces lodges portico's , and other noble peeces of architecture with pleasant trees and grounds , this going farre from the eye opens it selfe into a spacious place adorn'd with publique and private buildings seene a far of , representing the forum or piazza of peace . over all was a cleare sky with transparent clouds which enlightned all the scene .

the spectators having entertained their eyes a while with the beavty and variety of this scene from one of the sides of the streetes enters opinion , &c.

enter opinion , confidence meetes him , they salute . confidence , most grave opinion ! op. confidence most welcome , is phansie come to court ? co. breaking his way thorough the guard . op. so violent ? co. with jeasts which they are lesse able to resist , hee 'l cracke a halberd with his wit , op. a most strong phansie , yet we ha' knowne a little engine breake an ingenious head peece . but your master — co. companion sir . phansie will keepe no servants , and confidence scornes to waite . op. cry mercy sir , but is this gentleman , this signior phansie so rare a thing , so subtile as men speake him . co. he 's a great prince of th' ayre , beleeue it sir , and yet a bird of night . op. a bird ! co. betweene an owle and bat , a queint hermophrodite , begot of mercury and venus wit and love . he 's worth your entertainement . op. i am most ambitious to see him , he is not so nimble as i wish him , where 's my wife , my lady novelty ? enter lady novelty . no. your wife ? you might have fram'd a newer word , they can but call , vs so i' th country . op. no exception deare madam novelty , i must prepare you , to entertaine a gentleman , where 's admiration , our daughter ? enter admiration . ad. here sir , what gay man is this ? op. please you honour us , and bring in your friend sir . co. i le doo 't but he prevents me . enter phansie , iollity , and laughter . op. sir i am ignorant by what titles to salute you , but y' are welcome to court . ph. saue your selfe sir , your name's opinion . op. and yours phansie . ph. right . iol. mine iollity . la. mine laughter , ha , ha , ha . no. here 's a strange shape . an. i never saw the like . ph. i come to doe you honor with my friends here and helpe the masque . op. you 'le doe a speciall favour . ph. how many antimasques ha they ? of what nature ? for these are phansies that take most , your dull and phlegmaticke inuentions are exploded , giue mee a nimble antimasque . op. they haue none sir . la. no antimasque ? i de laugh at that i'faith . iol. what make wee here ? no iollity . ph. no antimasque . bid 'em downe with the sceane , and sell the timber , send iupiter to grasse , and bid apollo keepe cowes againe , take all their gods and goddesses , for these must farse up this nights entertainement , and pray the court may haue some mercy on 'em , they will bee jeerd to death else for their ignorance , the soule of wit moues here , yet there be some if my intelligence faile not , meane to shew themselues jeere maiors , some tall critticks have planted artillery and wit murderers . no antimasque ? let 'em looke too 't . op. i have heard sir ; confidence made them trust , you 'de furnish 'em , i feare they should have made their addresse earlier to your invention , but your braine 's nimble , pray , for the expectation that 's vpon 'em lend them some witty fancies , set some engines in motion , that may conduce to the designe . i am their friend against the croude that enuy 'em and since they come with pure deuotions to sacrifice the in duties to the king and queene , i wish em prosper . ph. you have charmd me , i le be their friend tonight , i have a fancy already . la. let it be ridiculous . co. and confident . iol. and iolly . ph. the first antimasque we will present our selves in our owne persons , what thinke you on 't ? most grave opinion you shall doe well to lead the dance , and give it authority with your face , your lady may admire what she finds new . no. i shall applaud . the novelties . ad. and i admire . ph. they tumble , my skull 's too narrow . la. now his phansies caper . ph. confidence , waite you upon opinion , here admiration , there novelty , this is a place for iollity and laughter phansie will dance himselfe too . the first antimasque , the dance expressing the natures of the presenters . ph. how like you this deuice ? op. t is hansome — but la. opinion will like nothing . no. it seemes new . co. t was bold . iol.

t was iocund .

la.

did not i doe the foole well ?

ad. most admirably . la. nay , and the ladies doe but take my part , and laugh at me , i am made , ha , ha . op. i could wish something sir , of other nature to satisfie the present expectation . ph. i imagine , nay , i 'me not ignorant of proprieties and persons , t is a time of peace , i le fit you . and instantly make you a representation of the effect . op. of peace ? i like that well . ph. and since in nothing , they are more exprest then in good fellowship , i le present you with a taverne . a taverne is discovered in the scene . no. a spicke and span new taverne . ad. wonderfull , heere was none within two minutes . la. no such wonder lady , tauernes are quickly up , it is but hanging out a bush at a noblemans doore , or an aldermans gate , and t is made instantly . co. wil 't please you ladies to except the wine ? iol. well sayd considence . no. it will bee new for ladies to go to th' taverne , but it may be a fashion , follow mee admiration . la. and the foole , i may supply the absence of your fidlers . iol. if wee can , le ts leave opinion behind us , phansie will make him drunke , exeunt to the taverne .

another antimasque of the master of the taverne , his wife , and servants . after these — a maquerelle . two wenches . two wanton gamsters . these hauing danc'd and expressed their natures goe into the taverne . then — a gentleman . beggers . the gentleman first danceth alone : to him the beggers , he bestows his charity , the cripples vpon his going off , throw away their leggs , and dance .

op. i am glad they are off , are these effects of peace ? corruption rather . ph. oh the beggers shew the benefit of peace . op. their uery breath hath stifled all the candles , poysond the perfumes , beggers a fit presentment ? how they cleaue still to my nosthrill , i must tell you , i doe not like such base , and sordide persons , and they become not here . ph. i apprehend , if these distaste you , i can fit you with persons more cleanly , what thinke you of proiectors ? op. how proiectors ! ph. here 's one already . enter a iocky . this is a iocky , he is to advance a rare , and cunning bridle made hollow in the iron part , wherein a vapor subtly conueyd , shall so coole and refresh a horse , he shall nere tire and now he fals to his pace . iocky dances . op. this other ? enter a country fellow . ph. his habit speakes him a country fellow , that has sold his acres to purchase him a flayle , which by the motion of a queint wheele , shall without helpe of hands , thresh corne all day , and now he layes about him . the country fellow dances . enter another proiector . this with a face philosophicall and beard , hath with the study of twenty yeares , found out a lampe , which plac'd beneath a furnace , shall boyle beefe so thoroughly , that the uery steame of the first vessell , shall alone be able to make another pot aboue seeth ouer . op. a most scholasticke proiect ; his feete follow the motions of his braine . the third proiector dances . but what thing 's this ? a chimera out of rablais ? ph. a new proiect , a case to walke you all day vnder water . so vast for the necessity of ayre , which , with an artificiall bellowes coold vnder each arme , is kept still from corruption , with those glasse eyes , he sees , and can fetch up gold , or what ever iewels ha' beene lost , in any river of the world . the fourth proiector dances . op. strange water-rat ! enter another proiector . ph. this grave man , some yeares past was a phisition , a galenist , and parcell paracelsus , thrin'd by diseases , but quite lost his practice , to study a new way to fatten poultry with scrapings of a carrot , a great benefit to th' commonwealth . the fift proiector dances . op. he will deserve a monument . enter the sixt proiector . ph. this is a kind of seagull too , that will compose a ship to saile against the winds . hee 'l vndertake to build a most strong castle on goodwin sands , to melt huge rockes to jelley , and cut 'em out like sweetmeats with his keele , and thus he sayles .

all the proiectors daunce after their antimasque , the maquerelle . wenches . gentlemen . returne , as from the taverne , they dance together , the gallants , are cheated , and left to dance in with a drunken repentance .

op. i know not sir , how this may satisfie , but might we be beholding to your fancy for some more queint variety , some other then humane shapes , would happily delight , and reach the expectation , i ha seene dainty devices in this kind , baboones in quellios , and so forth . ph. i can furnish you . op. phansie will much obliege us . ph. if these objects please not , phansie can present a change , what see you now ?

the scene becomes a woody landschape with low grounds proper for hunting , the furthest part more desert , with bushes and by waies representing a place fit for purse-taking .

in the furthest part of the scene is seene an ivy-bush , out of which comes an owle .

op. a wood , a broad-fac'd owle , an ivy-bush , and other birds about her . ph. these can imagination create , silence , observe .

an owle . a crow . a kite . a iay . a magpy . the birds dance and wonder at the owle . when these are gone , enter a merchant , a horse-backe , with his portmantue . two theeves set vpon him and robbe him : these by a constable , and officers are apprehended and carryed off . then foure nimphes enter dancing with their iavelins . three satires spie them and attempt their persons , one of the nimphes escapeth , a noyse of hunters and their hornes within , as at the fall of a deere , then enter foure huntsmen and one nimph . these drive away the satires , and having rescued the nimphes , dance with them .

op. this all you will present ? ph. you speake as if phansie could be exhaust , invention flowes from an immortall spring , you shall taste other variety , nimble as thought . we change the scene . a landschape the scene . and enter three dotterells . three dotterell-catchers . op. what are these ? ph. dotterells , be patient , and expect .

after the dotterells are caught by severall imitations , enters a windwill . a phantastique knight . and his squire armed . the phantastique aduenturer , with his lance makes attempts vpon the windmill , his squire imitates : to them enter a country gentleman , and his servant . bowlers , . these are assavlted by the knight and his squire , but are sent off lame for their folly .

enter confidence , iollity , laughter , novelty , admiration . op. madam accuse your absence , no. we know all your devices sir . op. ha , what 's the matter , confidence , iollity , laughter , admiration , and madam novelty , and drunke ! these are extreames indeed . ad. admirable opinion . co. be confident . la. and foolish . iol. i am as light now . ph. let 'em enioy their phansies . op. what new change is this ? these straines are heavenly . phansie and the rest goe off fearefully .

the antimasquers being gone there appeares in the highest and formost part of the heaven by little and little to breake forth a whitish cloud bearing a chariot fained of goldsmiths-worke , and in it fate irene , or peace in a flowery vesture like the spring , a garland of olives on her head a branch of palme in her hand , buskins of greene taffata , great puffs about her necke and shoulders .

shee sings .
ir. hence yee profane farre hence away , time hath sicke feathers , while you stay , is this delight for such a glorious night , wherein two skyes are to be seene , one starry , but an aged sphere another here , created new and brighter from the eyes of king and queene ? cho. hence yee profane , farre hence away , time hath sicke feathers while you stay .
song . ir. wherefore doe my sisters stay appeare , appeare eunomia , 't is irene calls to thee , irene calls ; like dew that falls into a streame , i 'me lost with them , that know not how to order me . cho. see there shee shines , oh see in her celestiall gayety cround with a wreath of starres to shew the evenings glory in her brow .

here out of the highest part of the opposite side came softly descending another cloud , of an orient colour , bearing a silver chariot curiously wrought , and differing in all things from the first , in which sate eunomia or law , in a purple sattin robe , adorn'd with golden startes , a mantle of carnation lac'd , and fring'd with gold , a coronet of light upon her head , buskins of purple , drawne out with yellow .

song . eu. thinks not i could absent my selfe this night , but peace is gentle , and doth still invite eunomia , yet shouldst thou silent be the rose and lilly which thou strowest all the cheerefull way thou goest would direct to follow thee . ir. thou dost beautifie increase , and chaine security with peace . eu. irene faire , and first devine , all my blessings spring from thine , ir. i am but wilde without thee , thou abhorrest what is rude , or apt to wound , canst throw proud trees to the ground , and make a temple of a forrest . eu. no more , no more , but ioyne thy voyce , and lute with mine . both . the world shall giue prerogative to neyther we cannot flourish but together . chori . cho. irene enters like a perfum'd spring , eunomia ripens every thing , and in the golden harvest leaves to every sickle his owne sheaves .

at this a third cloud of a various color from the other two , begins to descend toward the middle of the scene with somewhat a more swifter motion , and in it sate a person representing diche or iustice in the midst in a white robe and mantle of sattin , a faire long hame circled with a coronet of siluer pikes , white wings and buskins , a crowne imperiall in her hand .

song . dich. swifly , oh swiftly , i doe move to slow , what holds my wing from making hast when every cloud sailes by so fast ? i heard my sisters voyce , and know they haue forsaken heavens bright gate , to attend another state , of gods below . irene chast evnomia . ir. eu. wee diche , have stayd expecting thee , thou giu'st perfection to our glory , and seale to this nights story . astrea shake the cold dew from thy wing . eu. descend . ir. descend . eu. descend , and helpe vs sing , the triumph of ioves upper court abated and all the deities translated . chor. the triumph of ioves vpper court abated and all the deities translated . eu. now gaze , and when thy wonder will allow , tell what thou hast beheld . dich. never , till now , was poore astrea blind , oh strange surprize , that too much sight should take away my eyes , am i in earth or heaven ? ir. what throne is that , on which so many starres do waite ? dich. my eyes are blest agen , and now i see the parents of vs three . 't is iove and themis forward move , and sing to themis , and to iove .

then the whole traine of musitians move in a comely figure toward the king and queene , and bowing to their state , this following ode is sung .

song . to you great king and queene , whose smile . doth scatter blessings through this i le , to make it best and wonder of the rest , we pay the duty of our birth , proud to waite vpon that earth where on you moue , which shall be nam'd and by your chast embraces fam'd the paradise of loue . irene plant thy oliues here , thus warm'd , at once , thei le bloome and beare , eunomia pay thy light , while diche , covetous to stay , shall throw her silver wings away , to dwell within your sight .

the scene is changed , and the masquers appeare setting on the ascent of an hill , cut out like the degrees of a theater , and ouer them a delicious arbor with termes of young men their armes converted into scrowles , and under their wasts a foliage with other caruings to cover the ioyning of the terme from the naked , all fained of siluer , these bore up an architraue , from which was raised a light covering arched , and interwoven with branches through which the sky beyond was seene .

the masquers were sixteene in number , the sonnes of peace law and iustice , who setting in a gracious but not set forme , every part of the seates made a various composition , but all together tending to a piramidall figure .

their habits was mixt , betweene the ancient and moderne , their bodies carnation , the shoulders trimd with knots of pure silver , and scallops of white and carnation , vnder them the labels of the same , the under-sleeves white , and a puft sleeve full of gathering , falling downe to the elbow , about their waste was a small scallop , and a slender girdle , their vnder bases were carnation and white , with labels as at their shoulders , and all this in every part was richly embroydered with pure silver : their hats carnation low croun'd , the brimme double , and cut into severall quarters lined with white , and all ouer richly embroydered , as the rest , about their hats were wreathes of olive , and plumes of white feathers , with severall falls , the longest toward the backe ; their long stockings were white , with white shooes and roses .

beneath these a genius or angelicall person , with wings of severall coloured fethers , a carnation robe tuck'd vp , yellow long haire bound with a siluer coronet , a small white rod in his hand , white buskins , who descended to the stage , speaketh ,

gen. no forraigne persons i make knowne , but here present you with your owne , the children of your raigne , not blood of age , when they are vnderstood . not seene by faction or owles sight , whose trouble is the clearest light , but treasures to their eye , and eare , that loue good for it selfe , not feare . oh smile on what your selues have made , these haue no forme , no sunne , no shade , but what your vertue doth create , exalted by your glorious fate , thei 'le towre to heaven , next which , they know , and wish no blessednesse but you . the masquers moue . that very looke into each eye hath shot a soule , i saw it flie . descend , move nimbly , and advance , your ioyfull tribute in a dance .

here with loud musicke , the masquers descend and dance their entry to the violins , which ended , they retire to the scene , and then the howers and chori againe move toward the state and sing .

song . they that were never happy howers till now , returne to thanke the powers that made them so the iland doth reioyce , and all her waves are eccho to our voyce , which in on ages past , hath knowne such treasures of her owne . live royall paire , & when your sands are spent with heauens and your consent , though late , from your high bowers , looke downe on what was yours , for till old time his glasse hath hurl'd and lost it , in the ashes of the world , we prophesie , you shall be read , and seene , in every branch , a king or queene .

the song ended , and the musitians returned , the masquers dance their maine dance , after which they againe retire to the scene , at which they no sooner arrive , but there is heard a great noyse , and confusion of voyces within , some crying , they will come in , others knocke 'em downe , call the rest of the guard : then a cracke is heard in the workes , as if there were some danger by some piece of the machines falling , this continued a little time , there rush in a carpenter . a paynter . one of the black-guard . a taylor . the taylors wife . an embroderers wife . a feather-makers wife . a property-mans wife .

car. d' ee thinke to keepe vs out ? gu. knocke her downe . tay.

knocke downe my wife , i 'de see the tallest beefe-eater on you all , but hold vp his halberd in the way of knocking my wife downe , and i le bring him a button-hole lower .

tay. w.

nay , let 'em , let 'em husband , at their perrill .

gu.

complaine to my lord chamberlaine .

pro.

my husband is somewhere in the workes ; i 'me sure i helpt to make him an owle and a hobbihorse , and i see no reason but his wife may bee admitted in forma paperis , to see as good a maske as this .

bla.

i never saw one afore , i am one of the guard , though of another complexion , and i will see 't now i am here , though i be turn'd out of the kitchin to morrow for 't .

pa.

i , come , be resolute , we know the worst , and let us challenge a priviledge , those staires were of my painting .

car.

and that timber i set vp : some body is my witnesse .

fea.

i am sure my husband sold 'em most of the feathers ; some body promis'd me a fall too if i came to court , but let that passe .

emb.

and mine embroyder'd two of the best habits , what though we be no ladies , we are christians in these cloathes , and the kings subiects god blesse us .

tay.

nay , now i am in , i will see a dance , though my shop-windowes be shut vp for 't , tell us ? — hum ? d ee heare ? doo not they laugh at us ? what were wee best to doe , the masquers will doe no feates as long we are here , be rul'd by me , harke euery one , 't is our best course to dance a figary our selues , and then they 'l thinke it a peece of the plot , and we may goe off agen with the more credite , we may else kisse the porters-lodge for 't , let 's put a tricke vpon 'em in reuenge , 't will seeme a new device too .

om.

content .

tay.

and the musitians knew but our mind now . the violins play . harke they are at it , now for a lively friske . they dance . now , let vs goe off cleanely , and some body will thinke , this was meant for an antimasque .

they being gone , the masquers are encouraged by a song , to their revells with the ladies .

song . why doe you dwell so long in clouds and smother your best graces , 't is time to cast away those shrouds and cleere your manly faces . doe not behave your selues like spies , vpon the ladies here , on even termes got meete their eyes , beauty and love shine there . you tread dull measures thus alone , not satisfie delight , goe kisse their hands , and make your owne with every touch more white .

the revels being past , the scene is changed into a plaine champion country which terminates with the horizon , and above a darkish skie , with dusky clouds , through which appeared the new moone , but with a faint light by the approach of the morning ; from the furthest part of this ground , arose by little and little a great vapour which being come a bout the middle of the scene , it slackens its motion , and begins to fall downeward to the earth from whence it came : and out of this rose another cloud of a strange shape , and colour , on which sate a young maide , with a dimme torch in her hand , her face was an olive colour , so was her armes and breast , on her head a curious dressing , and about her necke a string of great pearle , her garment was transparent , the ground darke blue , and sprinkled with siluer spangles , her buskins white , trim'd with gold : by these markes she was knowne to be the forerunner of the morning , called by the ancients amphiluche , and is that glimps of light , which is seene when the night is past , and the day not yet appearing .

song . am. in envy to the night , that keepes such revels here , with my vnwelcome light , thus i invade her spheare . proclaiming marres to cinthia , and all her starres , that like provd spangles dresse her azure tresse . because i cannot be a guest , i rise to shame the moone , and put out all her eyes .

amphiluche ascending , the masquers are called from their reuels by other voyces .

song . come away , away , away see the dawning of the day , risen from the murmuring streames , some starres shew with sickly beames , what stocke of flame they are allow'd , each retiring to a cloud , bid your active sports adiew , the morning else will blush for you . yee featherd-footed howers runne to dresse the chariot of the sunne , harnesse the steeds , it quickly will be time to mount the easterne hill . the lights grow pale with modest feares , least you offend their sacred eares , and eyes , that lent you all this grace , retire , retire to your owne place . and as you move from that blest paire , let each heart kneele , and thinke a prayer , that all , that can make vp the glory , of good , and great , may fill their story .

amphiluche hidden in the heavens , and the masquers retired . the scene closeth .

and thus concluded this masque , which was , for the variety of the shewes , and richnesse of the habits , the most magnificent that hath beene brought to court in our time .

the scene and ornament , was the act of inigo iones esquire , surueyer of his maiesties workes .

the composition of the musicke , was perform'd by mr. william lawes , and mr. simon ives , whose art gaue an harmonious soule to the otherwise languishing numbers .

finis .
machine-generated castlist b -opinion b -philosopher b -novelty b -confidence b -jollity b -irene b -eunomia b -admiration b -chorus b -diche b -tailor b -unassigned b -carpenter b -amphiluche b -ambassador b -projector b -antimasker b -feather-maker b -genius b -painter b -blackguard fb -guard_ fb -guard_ b -both b -omnes
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adom'd seeded with starres , mantles ashe coloured , adorned with fringe , and silver-lace , coronets tthis this masque was presented in the banquetting-house jeafts with jeasts which they are lesse able to resist , hee'l antimasquesha how many antimasques ha they ? of what nature ? for these are ▪ and the musitians knew but our mind now .
the maid's revenge shirley, james this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text s in the english short title catalog (stc ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. martin mueller incompletely or incorrectly transcribed words were reviewed and in many cases fixed by nayoon ahn hannah bredar this text has not been fully proofread earlyprint project evanston il, notre dame in, st.louis, washington mo distributed under a creative commons attribution-noncommercial . unported license a .xml the maides revenge. a tragedy. as it hath beene acted with good applause at the private house in drury lane, by her majesties servants¨ vvritten by iames shirley gent. shirley, james, - . dpi tiff g page images university of michigan, digital library production service ann arbor, michigan october (tcp phase ) stc ( nd ed.) . greg, ii, (). a

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 the maides revenge. a tragedy. as it hath beene acted with good applause at the private house in drury lane, by her majesties servants¨ vvritten by iames shirley gent. shirley, james, - . [ ] p. printed by t[homas] c[otes] for william cooke, and are to be sold at his shop in furnivalls inne gate in holbourne, london : [i.e. ]

in verse.

printer's name from stc. a variant (stc a), probably earlier, lacks cotes' initials in imprint.

probably printed in early ; see "studies in bibliography" ( - , p. - ).

signatures: a b-i .

includes bibliography.

reproduction of the original in the bodleian library.

 a shc the maid's revenge shirley, james nayoon ahn hannah bredar play tragedy shc no a s (stc ). . b the rate of . defects per , words puts this text in the b category of texts with fewer than defects per , words. incorporated ~ , textual changes made to the shc corpus by hannah bredar, kate needham, and lydia zoells between april and july during visits, separately or together, to the bodleian, folger and houghton libraries as well as the rare book libraries at northwestern university and the university of chicago

the maides revenge .

a tragedy .

as it hath beene acted with good applause at the private house in drury lane , her majesties servants .

written by iames shirley gent.

london . printed by t. c. for william cooke , and are to be sold at his shop at furnivalls jnne gate in holbourne . .

the actors names . gasper de vilarezo , an old count , father to sebastiano , catalina and berinthia sebastiano , sonne to vilarezo . antonio a lover of berinthia , and friend to sebastiano . valindras a kinsman antonio . sforza , a blunt souldier . valasco , a lover of berinthia . count de monte nigro , a braggard . diego , servant to antonio . signior sharkino , a shirking doctor . scarabeo , a servant to sharkino . daughters to vilarezo . catalina berinthia castabella , sister to antonio . ansilva , a waiting gentle woman to the two sister . nurse . servants .
to the worthily honoured , henry osborne esquire . sir ,

till j be able to give you a better proofe of my service , let not this oblation be despised . it is a tragedy which received encouragement and grace on the english stage ; and though it come late to the impression , it was the second birth in this kinde , which i dedicated to the scene , as you have art to distinguish ; you have mercy and a smile , if you finde a poem infirme through want of age , and experience the mother of strength . it is many yeares since i see these papers , which make haste to kisse your hand ; if you doe not accuse the boldnesse and pride of them ; i will owne the child , and beleeve tradition so farre , that you will receive no dishonour by the acceptance ; i never affected the wayes of flattery : some say i have lost my preferment , by not practising that court sinne ; but if you dare beleeve , i much honour you , nor is it upon guesse , but the taste and knowledge of your abilitie and merit ; and while the court wherein you live , is fruitfull with testimonies of your mind , my character is seal'd up , when i have said that your vertue hath taken up a faire lodging . read when you have leasure , and let the author be fortunate to be knowne

your servant , iames shirley .
a catalogue of such things as hath beene published by james shirley gent. traytor . witty faire one . bird in a cage . changes , or love in a maze . gratefull servant , wedding . hide parke . young admirall . lady of pleasure . gamster . example . dukes mistresse . ball . chabot admirall of france . royall master . schoole of complements . contention for honour and riches . triumph of peace , a masque . maides revenge ,
the maides reveng .
actus . . scaena . enter sebestiano and antonio . seb. the noble curtesies i have received at lisbone worthy friend , so much engage me that i must dye endebted to your worth , vnlesse you mean to accept what i 've studied . although but partly to discharge the summe . due to your honour'd love . ant. how now sebastiano will you forfeit the name of friend then i did hope our love had outgrowne complement . seb. i speake my thoughts , my tongue and heart are relatives , i thinke i have deserved no base opinion from you ; i wish not onely to perpetuate our friendship , but to exchange that common name of friend , for ant. what ? take heede , do not prophane ; wouldst thou be more then friend ? it is a name , vertue can onely answer to , couldst thou vnite into one , all goodnesse whatsoe're mortality can boast of , thou shalt finde , . the circle narrow bounded to containe this swelling treasure ; every good admits degrees , but this being so good it cannot : for he 's no friend is not superlative , indulgent parents , brethren , kindred , tied by the naturall flow of blood ; alliances , and what you can imagine , is to light , to weigh with name of friend : they execute at best , but what a nature prompts e'm to , are often lesse then friends , when they remaine our kinsmen still , but friend is never lost . seb. nay then antonio you mistake , i meane not to leave of friend , which with another title would not be lost , come them i le tell you sir , i would be friend and brother , thus our friendship shall like a diamond set in gold not loose his sparkling , but shew fairer ; i have a paire of sisters , which i would commend , but that i might seeme partiall their birth and fortunes deserving noble love ; if thou beest free from other faire ingagement , i would be proud to speake them worthy , come shalt go and see them : i would not beg them sutors , fame hath spred through portugall their persons , and drawne to avero . many affectionate gallants . ant. catalina and berinthia seb. the same . ant. report speakes loud their beauties , and no less vertue in either well , i see you strive to leave no merrit where you meane to honour , i cannot otherwise escape the censure of one ingratefull , but by waiting on you home to avero seb. you shall honour me , and glad my noble father , to whom you are no stranger , your owne worth before , hath beene sufficient preparation . ant. ha ? i have not so much choise sebastiane , but if one sister of antonios , may have a commendation to your thoughts , i will not spend much art in praysing her , her vertue speake it selfe , i shall be happy , and be confirmd you brother , though i misse acceptance at avero . seb. still you out doe me , i could never wish my service better plac'd , at opertunity i le visit you at eluas , i' th meane time le ts hast to avero , where with you i le bring my double welcome , and not faile to second any designe . ant. you shall teach me a lesson against we meete at eluas castle sit . exeunt . enter gaspar de vilarezo , and a servant . vil. what gallants sirra are they newly entred ? ser. count de monte nigro my lord , and don valasco , vil. give your observance then , i know their businesse ; catalina and berinthia are the starrs direct them hither , gaspars house shall give respect to all , but they are two such iewels , i must dispose maturely , i should else returne ingratitude upon the heavens for leaving me such pledges , not am i , like other fathers carried with the streame of love toth youngest , as they were in birth they had my tendernesse , catalina then is eldest in my care , berinthia her childs part too , both faire and vertuous ; but daughters are held losses to a family , sonnes onely to maintaine honour and stemme alive in their posterity , and i now thinke on 't , my sonne sebastiano hath beene slow in his returne from lisbone , oh that boy renewes my age with hope , and hath returnd my care in education , weight for weight with noble quality , will belov'd by th best o th dons in spaine and portugall , whose loves do often threten his absence to such length as this hath beene . enter count de monte nigro , and catalina . but here 's my eldest daughter with her amorous count , i le not be seene , exit . cata. you have beene absent long my noble count , beshrew me but i dreamt on you last night . count . ha ha , did you so , i tickle her in her sleep i perceive ; sweete lady i did but like the valiant beast , give a little ground , to returne with a greater force of love , now by my fathers sword and gauntlet th art a pretious peece of vertue , but prethee what didst dreame of me last night ? cata. nay t was an idle dreame , not worth the repitition , count . thou dreamst i warrant thee , that i was fighting for thee up to the knees in blood , why i dare doo 't , such dreames are common with count de monte nigro , my sleepes are nothing else but rehearsals of battels and wounds and ambuscadoes , donzell delphebo was a mountebank of vallour , rosicbeere a puffe ; my dreames deserve to be i th chronicles , cata. why , now my dreame is out , count . what ? cata. i dreamt that you were fighting . count . so . cata. and that in single combate , for my sake you slew a giant , and you no sooner had rescued my honour , but there crept a pigmee out of the earth , and kild you . count . very likely , the valliantst man must dye , cata , what by a pigmee ? count . i , that 's another giant , i remember hercules had a conflict with 'em , oh my dona catalina i well would i were so happy once to maintaine some honourable duell for thy sake , i shall nere be well , till i have kild some body ; fight , t is true i have never yet flesht my selfe in blood , no body would quarell with me , but i finde my spirit prompt if occasion would but winke at me , why not ? wherefore has nature given me these brawny armes , this manly bulke , and these collossian supporters nothing but to sling the sledge , or pitch the bare , and play with axletrees ; if thou lovest me , do but command me some worthy service ; pox a dangers i weigh 'em no more than fleabitings , would some body did hate that face , now i wish it with all my heart . cata. would you have any body hate me ? count . yes , i de hate 'em , i de but thrust my hand into their mouth downe to the bottome of their bellies , plucke out their lungs and shake their insides outward . enter berinthia and valasco , ber. noble sir , you neede not heape more protestations , i do beleeve you love me , val. doe you beleeve i love , and not accept it ? ber. yes i accept it too , but apprehend me as men doe guifts , whose acceptation does not binde to performe what every giver craves ; without a staine to virgin modesty i can accept your love , but pardon me , it is beyond my power to grant your suite . val. oh you too much subject a naturall guift , and make your selfe beholding for your owne : the sunne hath not more right to his owne beames , with which he gildes the day , nor the sea lord of his owne waues . ber. alasse , what i st to owne a passion without power to direct it , for i move , not by a motion i can call my owne , but by a higher rapture , in obedience to a father , and i have yet no freedome to place affection , so you but endeere me without a merit . cata. here my sister . cou. and don valasco , how now , are thy arrowes feathred ? val. well enough for roving . count. roving i thought to . val. but i hope faire . count. shoote home then ; valasco i have presented my miseris with a paper of verses , see she is reading of 'em . val. didst make em thy selfe cou. my money did , what an idle question is that ? as tho we that are great men , are not furnished with stipendary muses , am sure for my owne part i can buy 'em cheaper than i can make 'em a great deale , would you have learning have no reward , she laughs at 'em , i am glad of that . ber. they savour of a true poeticke fury . count do you smell nothing , something hath some savour . cata. but this line my thinks hath more more feete than the rest . cou. it sho'd run the better for that lady , i did it a purpose . cata. but here 's another lame . count . that was my conceit , my owne invention , lame halting verses , there 's the greatest art , besides i thereby give you to understand , that i am valiant , dare cut of legs and armes at all times and make 'em goe halting home that are my enemies , i am an ●ambographier now it is out . cata. for honours sake what 's that ? count . one of the sourest versifiers that ever crept out of pernassus when i set on 't . i can make any body hang himselfe with pure iambicks , i can fetch blood with asclepiads sting , with phalenciums whip , with saphicks bastinado , with hexameter and pentameter , and yet i have a trimeter left for thee my dona catalina ber. conclude a peace sir with your passion . i am sory love hath beene unkind to you . to point at me , who , till the first have knit the sacred knot of marriage am forbid to thinke of love . val. but i cannot desist , i am in love with every thing you say , this your deniall as it comes from you bids me still love you , pardon faire berinthia , valasco hath not power to rule himselfe ; be you lesse faire , or vertuous , perhaps i may abate my service . enter vilarezo , sebestiano , and antonio , vila. old gaspars house is honourd by such guests , now by the tombe of my progenitors , i envied , that your fame should visit me so oft without your person , sebestiano hath beene long happy in your noble friendship , and cannot but improve himselfe in vertues , that lives so neere your love . cata. don antonio de riviero . seb. the same . cata. with whose noble worth you oft have fill'd discourse , thought your selfe happy in his choyce friendship ; if his body cary so many graces , it is heaven within , where his soule is . vila, sebastiano , thou hast largely recompene'd thy tedious absence , you shall dishonour me , vnlesse you thinke your selfe as welcome here , as at your eluas castle , vilarezo was once as you are sprightly , and though i say it maintained my fathers reputation , and honour of our house with actions worthy our name and family , but now , time hath let fall cold snow upon my haires , ploughed on my browes the furrowes of his anger disfurnishd me of active blood , and wrapt me halfe in my seare cloth , yet i have minde that bids me honour vertue , where i see it bud forth and spring so hopefully , anto, you speake all noblenesse , and encourage me to spend the greenenesse of my rising yeares so to th advantage , that at last i may be old like you . vila. daughters speake his welcome , catalina . cata sir , you are most welcome . count. howe 's that ? she sayes he is most welcome , he were not best love her , she never made me such a reverence for all the kisses i have bestowed upon her since i first opened my affection , i do not like this follow , i mus be faire to use doctor sharkins cunning , val. it were not truely noble to affront him ; my blood boyles in me , it shall i coole againe , the place is venerable by her presence , and i may be deceiv'd , valasco then keepe distance with thy feares . anto. how now antonio , where hast thou lost thy selfe ? strucke dead with ladies eyes ? i could star-gaze for ever thus , oh pardon love , gainst whom i often have prophan'd , and mockd thy fires , thy flames now punish me , let me collect : they are both excellent creatures , there is a majestie in catalinas eye , and every part carries ambition or queene upon it , yet berinthia hath something more than all this praise , though she command the world , this hath more power ore me ; here i have lost my freedome , not the queene of love could thus have wounded poore antonio : i le speake to her ; lady i 'm an novice , yet in love . ber. it may be so . anto. she jests at me , yet i should be proud to be your servant . ber. i entertaine no servants that are proud . val. divine berinthia ! anto. she checks my rudenesse that so openly i seeme to court her , and in presence too of some that have engaged themselves perhaps to her already . vila. come let us in , my house spreads to receive you , which you may call your owne , i le leade the way . cata. please you walke sir . ant. it will become me thus to waite on you . exeunt manet count , and valasco . count . does not the foole ride us both ? val. what foole ? both , whom ? count . that foole , both us , we are but horses and may walke one another for ought i see before the doore , when he is alight and entred , i do not relish that same novice , he were not best gull me ; harke you don valasco , what shal s doe ? val. doe , why ? count . this antonio is a sutor to one of 'em . val. i feare him not . coun. i do not feare him neither , i dare fight with him , and he were ten antonios , but the ladies don , the ladies . val. berinthia , to whom i pay my love devotions , in my eare seemd not to welcome him , your lady did . coant . i but for all that he had most mind to your mistris , and i do not see but if he pursue it , there is a possibility to scale the fort , ladies mindes may alter , by your favour , i have lesse cause to feare o' th two ; if he love not catalina my game is free , and i may have a course in her parke the more easily . val. t is true , he preferred service to berinthia , and what is she then to resist the vowes antonio if he love , dare heape upon her ? he 's gracious with her father , and a friend deere as his bosome to sebastiano , and may be is directed by that brother to aime at her , or if he make free choyce , berinthias beauty will draw up his soule . count . and yet now i thinke on 't , he was very sawcey with my love to support her arme , which she accepted too familiarly , and she should but love him , it were as bad for me , for tho he care not for her , i am sure she will never abide me after it , by this hilts i must kill him , there 's no remedy , i cannot helpe it . val. i le know my destiny . count . and i my fate but here he comes . enter antonio . ant. the strangest resolution of a father i ever heard , i was covetous to acquaint him with my wishes , praid his leave i might be servant to berinthia , but thus he briefly answered , untill his eldest daughter were dispos'd in marriage his youngest must not love , and therefore wisht me vnlesse i could place catalina here , leave off soliciting , yet i was welcome , you fed on nothing but berinthia , from whose faire eyes love threw a thousand flames into antonios heart , her cheeks bewraying as many amorous blushings , which brake out like a forc'd lightning from a troubled cloud , discovering a restraint , as if within she were at conflict , which her colour onely tooke liberty to speake , but soone fell backe , and as it were checkt by silence . cou. i le stay no longer , sir a word with you , are you desperat ? ant. desperate , why sit ? count . i aske and you be desperate , are you weary of your life , and you be , say but the word ; some body can tell how to dispatch you without a physitian , at a minuits warning . anto. you are thē noble count de monte nigro . count . i care not a spanish fig what you count me , i must call you to account sir ; in briefe the lady dona catalina is my mistris , i do not meane to be baffled while this toole has any steele in 't , and i have some mettall in my selfe too . ant. the dona catalina ? do you love her ? enter vila . sebast. cata. ber. she is a lady in whom onely lives natures and arts perfection , borne to shame all former beauties , and to be the wonder of all succeeding , which shall fade and wither when she is but remembred . count . i can endure no more , diablo , he is mortally in love with catalina . vala. t is so , he 's tane with catalinaes beautie . count. . sir i am a servant of that lady , therefore eate up your words , or you shall be sensible that i am count de monte nigro , and she 's no dish for don antonio . ant. sir i will do you right . count . or i will right my selfe . cata. he did direct those prayses unto me this doth confirme it . ber. he cannot so soone alter , i shall discover a passion through my eyē . count . thou shewest thy selfe a noble gentleman , the count is now thy friend . ant. does it become me sir , to prosecute where such a noble count is interessed , vpon my soule i wish the lady yours , here my suite fals , with tender of my servicē ; would you were married , nay in bed together my honourable count . cata. your face is cloudy sir , as you suspected your presence were not welcome ; had you naught but title of a brothers friendship , it were enough to oblige us to you , but your worth in catalinaes eies , bids me proclaime you a double acceptation . ant. oh you are bounteous ladie . count . sir — ant. doe not feare me , i am not worthie your opinion , it shall be happinesse for me to kisse this ivory hand , count . the whilst i kisse her lip and be immotall . seb. antonio my father is a rocke , in that he first resolved , and i account it part of my owne unhappinesse , i hope you hold me not suspected , ant. i were unworthy such a friend , his care becomes him nobly ; has not younder count some hope of catalina . seb. my father thinkes that sister worthy of more than a bare nobility . ant. i le backe to eluas noble sir , this entertainement is so much above antonios merit , if i leave you not i shall be out of hope to — vila. nay then you mocke me sir , you must not leave me without discourtesie so soone , we triffle time , this night you are my guest , my honored count , my don valasco . count . yes my lord , wee 'le follow . ant. ha i am resolv'd , like barge-men when they row . i le looke another way then that i goe . exeunt ,
actus . scaena i. enter catalina and ansilva . cata. ansilva you observe with curious eye all gentlemen that come hither , what 's your opinion . of don antonio ? ans. my opinion madam , i want art . to judge of him . cata. then without art your judgement . ans. he is one of the most accomplisht gentlemen ansilva ere beheld , pardon madam . cata. nay , it doth not displease , ' y are not alone , he hath friends to second you , and who dost thinke is cause he tarries here . ans. your noble father will not let him goe . cata. and canst thou see no higher ? then thou art dull . ans. madam , i guesse at something more . cata. what ? ans. love ? cata. of whom ? ans. i know not that . cata. how not that ? thou 'dst bring thy former truth into suspition , why t is more apparant then that he loves . ans. if judging eyes may guide him , i know where he should ' chuse , but i have heard that love is blind . cata. ha ? ans. vertue would direct him madam unto you , i know not his obedience , i shall repent if i offend . cata.

tha' rt honest , be yet more free , hide not a thought that may concerne it .

ans. then madam i thinke he loves my lady berinthia ; i have observ'd his eyes rowle that way , even now i spied him close with her in the arbour , pardon me madam . cata. th' ast done me faithfull service , be yet more vigilant , i know thou speakst all truth , i doe suspect him , exit ans. my sister , ha ? dare shee maintaine contention ? is this the dutie bindes her to obey a fathers precepts , t is dishonour to me . enter ansilva . ans. madam , here 's a pretty hansome stripling new alight , enquires for don antonio . cata. let me see him , 't will give me good occasion to be my owne observer ; enter diego , whom would you sir ? die. i am sent in quest of antonio . cata. he speakes like a knight errant , he comes in quest , die. i have heard it a little vertue in some spanniels to quest now and then lady . cata. but you are none . die. my mr. cannot beate me from him madam , i am one of the oldest appurtenances belonging to him , and yet i have little mosse in my chinne . cata. the more to come , a wittie knave . die.

no more wit then will keep my head warme , i beseech you amiable virgin help my master antonio to some intelligence that a servant of his waits to speake with him from his sister madona castabella .

cata. it shall not neede sir , i le give him notice my selfe , ansilva entertaine time with him . exit . ans. a promising young man . die. doe you waite on this lady ? ans. yes sir . die.

wee are both of a tribe then , though wēe differ in our sexe , i beseech you taxe me not of immodesty , or want of breeding , that i did not salute you upon the first view of your person , this kisse be as good as presse-mony to bind me to your service .

ans. ' y are very welcome , by my virginity . exit . die.

your virginitie a good word to save an oath , for all she made me a cursie , it was not good manners to leave mee so soone ' y are very welcome by my virginity ; was she afraid of breaking , it may be she is crack'd already , but here she is againe .

enter ansilva . ans. may i begge your name sir ? die. no begger sweet , would you have it at length , then my name is signior baltazaro clere mautado , but for brevities sake they call me diego . ans, then signior diego once more you are welcome . die.

bazelez manes signiora , and what my tongue is not able to expresse , my head shall ; it seemes you have liv'd long a virgin .

ans. not above seven or eight and thirty yeares . die. by lady a tried virgin , you have given the world a large testimony of your virginity . enter ant. berin . and catal. ber. i should be thus a disobedient daughter a fathers hests are sacred . ant. but in love they have no power , it is but tyranny , plaine usurpation to command the minde against its owne election ; i am yours , vow'd yours for ever , send me not away shipwrack'd i th' habour , say but you can love me , and i will waite an age , not wish to move but by commission from you , to whom i render the possession of my selfe : ha ? we are betrai'd , i must use cunning , she lives in you , and take not in worse sence ; you are more gracious , in that you are so like your eldest sister , in whom lives the coppy of so much perfection , all other seemē to imitate . cata. does he not praise me now ? ant. but here she is , madam , not finding you i th' garden , i met this lady . cata. i came to tell you a servant of yours attends with letters from your sister madona castabella . ant. diego what newes ? die.

sir , my lady remembers her love , these letters informe you the state of all things .

cata.

what serious conference had you sister with that gentleman .

ber.

would you had heard them sister , they concern'd your commendations .

cata. why should he not deliver them to my selfe . ber. it may be then you would have thought he flattered . cata. i like not this rebound , t is fairest to catch at fall . ber. sister , i hope you have no suspition , i have courted his stay or language on my life no accent fell from me , your owne eare would not have heard with acceptation . cata. it may be so , and yet i dare acquit you , in duty to a father , you would wish me all due respect , i know it . ant. diego . die. sir . ant. you observe the waiting creatures in the blacke , harke , you apprehend me . whisper . die. with as much tenacity as a servant . cat. i hope sir , now we shall enjoy you longer . ant. the gods would sonner be sicke with nectar , than antoni antonio grow weary of such faire societie ; but i am at home expected , a poore sister , my fathers care alive , and dying was his legacy , having out-staid my time is tender of my absence . enter vilarezo , sebastiano , count , and valasco . cata. my lord antonio meanes to take his leave . vila. although last night you were inclin'd to goe , let us prevaile this morning . cat. a servant of his , he saies , brought letters to hasten departure . vila. why sirra , will you rob us of your master . die. not guilty my lord . count . sir , if you 'le needs go , we 'le bring you on your way . ant. i humbly thank your honour , i le not be so trouble some . count .

would you were gone once , i doe not meane to trouble my selfe so much i warrant thee .

ant. i have now a charge upon me , i hope it may excuse me , if i hasten my returne . vila. t is faire , and reasonable , well sir , my sonne shall waite on you o th' way , if any occasion draw you to avero , le ts hope you 'le see us , you know your welcome . ant. my lord the favours done me , would proclaime i were too much unworthy not to visit you , oft as i see avero ; madam i part with some unhappinesse to lose your presence , give me leave i may be absent your admirer , to whose memory i write my selfe a servant , count . poxe on your complemênt , you were not best write in her table-bookes . cata. you doe not know what power you have o're me , that but to please you can frame my selfe to take a leave so soone . vala. what thinke you of that my lord ? count . why , she sayes she has power to take her leave so soone , no hurt ath ' world in 't , i hope she is an innocent lady . to berinth . ant. the shallow rivers glide away with noise , the deepe are silent , fare you well lady . count. i told you he is a shallow fellow . vala. i know not what to thinke on 't berinthia . ant. gentlemen happinesse and successe in your desires . seb. i le see you a league or two . vila. by any meanes , nay sir . ant. diego . die. my lord i have a suite to you before i goe . vila. to me diego , prethee speake it . die.

that while other gentlemen are happy to devide their affections among the ladies , i may have your honours leave to beare some good-will to this virgin : cupid hath throwne a dart at me , like a blinde buzzard as he was , and there 's no recovery without a cooler ; if i be sent into these parts , i desire humbly i may be bould to rub acquaintance with mistresse ansilva .

vila. with all my heart diego . die. madam , i hope you will not be an enemy to a poore flye that is taken in the flame of the blind god . cata. you shall have my consent sir . vila. but what say a ansilva , hast thou a mind to a husband ? ans.

i feare i am too young seven yeares hence were time enough for me .

seb. shee s not full fortie yet sir . die. i honour the antiquitie of her maidenhead , thou mistresse of my heart . ant. come le ts away diego our horses — vila. we 'le bring you to the game . count .

yes , wee 'le bring him out of doores , would wee were shut of him .

exeunt . manet ansilva . ans.

hay ho , who would have thought i should have benne in love with a stripling , have i seene so many maiden-heades suffer before me , and must mine come to the blocke at fortie yeares old , if this diego have the grace to come on , i shall have no power to keepe my selfe chast any longer ; how many maides have beene overrunne with this love ? but here 's my lady .

exit . enter catalina and valosco . cat. sir , you love my sister . val. with an obedient heart . cat. where do you think don antonio hath made choice to place his love ? val. there where i wish it may grow older in desire , and be crown'd with fruitfull happinesse . cat. hath your affection had no deeper roote , that t is rent up already , i had thought it would have stood a winter , but j see a summer storme hath kil'd it , fare you well sir . val. how 's this , a summers storme ! lady by the honour of your birth , put off these cloudes , you maze me , take off the wonder you have put upon valasco , and solve these riddles . cat. you love berinthia . val. with a devoted heart , else may i die contempt of all mankinde , not my owne soule is deerer to me . cat. and yet you wish antonio may be crown'd with happinesse in his love , he loves birinthia . val. how ? cat. beyond expression , to see how a good nature free from dishonour in it selfe , is backward to thinke another guilty , suffers it selfe be poisoned with opinion , did your eyes emptie their beames so much in admiration of your berinthias beauty , you left none to observe your owne abuses , vala. doth not antonio dedicate his thoughts to your acceptance , 't is impossible , i heard him praise you to the heavens , above 'em ; made himselfe hoarse but to repeate your vertues as he had beene in extasie ; love birinthia ? hell is not blacker than his soule , if he love any goodnesse but your selfe . cat. that lesson he with impudence hath reade to my owne eares , but shall i tell you sir ? we are both made but properties to raise him to his partiall ends , flattery is the stalkeing horse of pollicy , saw you not , how many flames he shot into her eyes when they were parting , for which she pay'd backe her subtill teares , he wrung her by the hand , seem'd with the greatnesse of his passion to have beene o're borne , oh cunning treachery ! worthy our justice , true be commended me ; but could you see the fountaine that sent forth so many cozening streames , you would say styx were christ all to it , and wast not to the count , whom he suppos'd was in pursuite of me ; nay , whom he knew did love me , that he might fire him the more to consummate my marriage that i disposed he might have of accesse to his belov'd berinthia , the end of his desires i can confirme it , he praid to be so happy with my fathers leave to be her amorous servant , which he nobly denied , partly expressing your engagements ; if you have least suspition of this truth : but dee' thinke she love you ? val. i cannot challenge her , but she has let fall something to make me hope , how thinke you shee 's affected to antonio ? cat. may be luke warme as yet , but soone as as shee s caught , inevitably his , without prevention . for my owne part i hate him in whom lives a will to wrong a gentleman , for hee was acquainted with your love , 't was my respect to tender so your injury , i could not be silent in it . what you meane to doe i leave to your owne thoughts . val. oh stay sweete lady , leave me not to struggle alone with this universall affliction ; you speake even now berinthia would be his without prevention , oh that antidote , that balsome to my wound . cat. alas i pitty you , and the more , because i see your troubles so amaze your judgement , i le tell you my opinion sir o th' sudden ; for him , he is not worth valasco's anger ; onely thus , you shall discover to my father , she promis'd you her love , be confident to say you did exchange faith to her ; this alone may chance assure her , and if not i hav 't : steale her away , your love i see is honourable , so much i suffer when desert is wounded , you shall have my assistance , you apprehend me , val. i am devoted yours , command me ever . cat. keepe smooth your face , and still maintaine your worship with berinthia , things must be manag'd and strucke in the maturity , noble sir ; j wish you onely fortunate in berinthias love . val. words are too poore to thanke you , i looke on you as my safe guiding starre . exit . cat. but i shall prove a wandering starre , i have a course which i must finish for my selfe . glide on thou subtill mover , thou hast brought this instrument already for thy aymes , sister , i le breake a serpents egge betimes , and teare antonio from thy very bosome , love is above all law of nature , blood , not what men call , but what that bides is good . exit . enter cast abella and villandras . vil. be not so carefull cooze , your brothers well . be confident if he were otherwise you should have notice , whom hath he to share fortunes without you ? all his ills are made lesse by your bearing part , his good is doubled by your communichaing . cast. by this reason all is not well , in that my ignorance what fate hath hapned , barres me off the portion belongs to me sister , but my care is so much greater , in that diego whom j charg'd to put on wings , if all were well , is dull in his returne . enter antonio and diego . vil. his master happily hath commanded him to attend him homewards , this is recompenc'd already , looke they are come ; y' are welcome sir . ant. oh sister , ere you let fall words of welcome , let me unlade a treasure in your eare able to weigh downe man . cast. what treasure brother , you amaze me , ant. never was man so blest , as heavens had studied to enrich me here , so am i fortunate . vil. you make me covetous . ant. i have a friend . vil. you have a thousand sir , is this your treasure ? ant. but i have one more worth then millions , and he doth onely keepe alive that name of friendship in his breast , pardon villandras , t is not to straine your love , whom i have tried , my worthiest cozen . cast. but where is this same friend , why came he not to eluas with you , sure he cannot be deare to you brother , to whom i am not indebted at least for you . die. i have many deare friends too , my taylor is one to whom i am indebted ant. his commission stretch'd not so farre , a fathers tie was on him , but i have his noble promise , er 't be long , we shall enjoy him . cast. brother i hope you know how willingly i can entertaine your blisse , and make it mine , pray speake the man to whom we owe so much . ant. t were not charity to starve you thus with shaddowes , take him and with him in thy bosome locke the mirrour of fidelity , don sebastiano . cast. i oft have heard you name him full of worth , and upon that relation have laid up , one deare to my remembrance . ant. but he must be dearer castabella , harke you sister , i have beene bold upon thy vertue , to invite him to you , if your heart be free . let it be empty ever , if he doe not fill it with noblest love , to make relation , what zeale he gave of a worthy nature , at our last parting ( when betwixt a sonne , and friend he so divided his affections and out did both ) you would admire him : were i able i would build a temple where we tooke our leave , the ground it selfe was hallowed so much with his owne piety , diego saw it . die. yes sir , i saw , heard , and wondred . ant. come i will tell you all , to your chamber sister , diego our plot must on , all time is lost vntill we try the mooving . die. if the plot please you sir , let me alone to play my part i warrant you . ant. come castabella , and prepare to heare a story not of length but worthy your eare . exeunt enter vilarezo , valasco , and catalina . vil. you have not dealt so honourably sir , as did become you , to proceede so farre without my knowledge , give me leave to tell you you are not welcome . val. my lord i am sorry , if i have any way trangrest , i was not respectlesse of your honour , nor my fame , valasco shall be unhappy , if by him you shall derive a staine , my actions faire , i have done nothing with berinthia , to merit such a language , t was not ripe , for me to interrupt the father , when i knew not what grace i hold with her . vil, hell on her grace , is this her duty ? ha , i can forget my nature if she dare make so soone forfeit of her piety ; oh where is that same awfull dread of parent , should live in children ; t is her ambition to out runne her sister , but i le curbe her impudence , cata. retire your selfe , this passion must have way , this workes as i would have it , feare nothing sir , obscure . exit val . vil. i le cloyster her , and starve this spirit makes her deceive my trust ; catalina vpon thy duty i command thee , take her custody on thee , keepe her from the eye of all that come to averro , let her discourse with pictures on the wall , i feare she hath forgot to say her prayers , is she growne sensuall ? cata. but my lord . vil. oh keepe thy accents for a better cause , she hath contemd us both , thou caust not see what blemish she derives unto our name . yet these are sparkes , he hath a fire within , will turne all into flames , where 's valasco ? cata. good sir , a much afflicted worthy gentleman , at your displeasure . vil. thou art too full of pitty , nay th' art cruell to thy owne fame , he must not have accesse to prosecute , it was my doting sinne , of too much confidence in berinthia , gave her such libertie , on my blessing punish it , t will be a vertuous act , the snow i thought was not more innocent , more cold , more chaste why my command bound her in ribs of ice , but shee s dissolv'd , to thee i le leave her now , be the maintainer of thy fathers vow , exit val. why i am undone now , cata. nothing lesse , this conflict prepares your peace , i am her guardian , love smiles upon you , i am not inconstant , having more power to assist you , but away , we must not be discri'd , expect ere long to heere what you desire . val. my blisse i remember . exit cata. berinthia , y' are my prisoner , at my leisure i le studdy on your fate , i cannot be friend to my selfe , when i am kind to thee . exit
actus . . scaena . enter sebastiano , berinthia , ansilva , diego meetes them . seb. vvelcome honest diego , your master antonio is in health i hope . die.

he commanded me , remember his service to you , i have obtaind his leave for a small absence to perfect a suite i lately commenc'd in this court .

seb. you follow it close me thinks berinthia , i see this cloud vanish already , be not dejected , soone i le know the depth on t , should the world forsake thee , thou shalt not want a brother deere berinthia . exit secretly gives her a letter . die. this is my lady berinthia , prethee let me shew some manners , madam my master antonio speakes his service to you in this paper : alas madam , i was but halfe at home , and i am returnd to see if i can recover the tother peece of my selfe , so , was it not a reasonable complement . ber. antonio , he 's constant j perceive . exit die. so , we are alone , sweet mistresse ansilva , j am bold to renue my suite , which least it should either fall or depend too long having past my declaration , i shall desire to come to a judgement . my cause craves nothing but justice , that is , that you would be mine ; and now since you selfe is judge also , i beseech you be not partiall in your owne cause , but give seatence for the plaintiffe , and i will discharge the fees of the court on this fashion . enter berinthia . ber. here is a haven yet to rest my soule on , in midst of all unhappinesse , which i looke on , with the same comfort a distressed sea man a farre off , viewes the coast he would enjoy , when yet the seas doe tosse his reeling barke , twixt hope and danger , thou shalt be conceald . she mistaking as she moved put up the letter , it fals downe . ans. here 's my lady berinthia . die. what care i for my lady berinthia , and she thinkes much , would she had one to stopp her mouth . ans. but i must observe her , upon her fathers displeasure , she is committed to my ladies custody , who hath made me her keeper , she must be lockt up . die. ha lockt up . ans.

madam , it is now time you would retire to your owne chamber .

ber. yes , prethee doe ansilva in this gallery , i breathe but too much aire , oh diego you le have an answer i perceive , ere you returne . die.

my journey were to no purpose else madam , i apprehend her . i le waite an opportunity , alas poore lady , is my sweete heart become a jaylor , there 's hope of an office without money .

enter ansilva hastily . ans.

diego i spy my lady catalina comming this way , pray shrowd your selfe behinde this cloth , i would be loath shee should ice us here together , quickely , i heare her treading ,

enter catalina . cata. ansilva . ans. madam . cata. who 's with you ? ans. no body madam . cata. was not diego with you , antonioes man ? ans. he went from me madam halfe an houre agoe , to visit friends i th' city . caf. he hath not seene berinthia i hope . ans. vnlesse he can pierce stone walls madam , i am sure . cat. direct don valasco hither by the backe staires , i expect him . ans. i shall madam . cat. ha , what 's this ? a letter to berinthia , from whom subscrib'd ? antonio , what devill brought this hither ? furies torment me not , ha , while i am antonio , expect not i can be other then thy servant , all my thoughts are made sacred with thy remembrance , whose hope sustaines my life , oh i drink poyson from these fatall accents , be thy soule blacker then the inke that staines the cursed paper , would each droppe had falne from both your hearts , and every character beene texed with blood , i would have tir'd mine eyes to have read you both dead here , upon my life diego hath beene the cunning mercury in this conveyance , j suspect his love is but a property to advance this suite . but i will crosse um all ; enter valasco . don valasco , you are seasonably arriv'd , i have a letter for you . val. for me ? cata. it does concerne you . val. ha . cata. how doe you like it sir ? val. as i should a punyard sticking here , how came you by it ? cata. i found it here by accident o th' ground , i am sure it did not grow there , i suppose diego , the servant of antonio who colourably pretends affection to ansilva , brought it , hee s the agent for him . now the designe appeares , day is not more conspicuous then this cunning . val. i am resolv'd , cat. for what ? val. antonio or i must change our ayre , this is beyond my patience , sleepe in this and never wake to honour , oh my fates , he takes the freehold of my soule away , berinthia , and it , are but one creature , i have beene a tame foole all this while , swallowed my poyson in a fruitelesse hope , but my revenge , as heavy as ioves wrath , wrapt in a thunderbolt is falling on him , cat. now you appeare all noblenesse , but collect draw up your passions to a narrow point of vengeance , like a burning glasse that fires surest i th smallest beame , he that would kill , spends not his idle fury to make wounds , farre from the heart of him he fights withall , looke where you most can danger , let his head bleed out his braines , or eyes , aime at that part is deerest to him , this once put to hazzard , the rest will bleed to death . val. apply this madam . cat. the time invites to action , i le be briefe , strike him through berinthia . val. ha . cat. mistake me not , i am her sister , shee is his heart , make her your owne , you have a double victory , thus you may kill him with most revenge , and give your owne desires , a most confirm'd possession , fighting with him , can be no conquest to you , if you meane to strike him dead , pursue berinthia , and kill him with the wounds he made at you , it will appeare but justice , all this is within your fathom sir . val. t is some divinity hangs on your tongue . cat. if you consent berinthia shall not see , more sunnes till you enjoy her . val. how deere madam . cat. thus , you shall steale her away . val. oh when ' cat. provide such trusty friends , but let it not be knowne vpon your honour , i assist you in 't . and after midnight when soft sleepe hath charm'd all sences enter the garden gate . which shall to open for you , to know her chamber a candle shall direct you in the window , ansilva shall attend too , and provide to give you entrance , thence take berinthia , and soone convey her to what place you thinke secure and most convenient , in small time you may procure your owne conditions ; but sir you must engage your selfe to use her with honourable respects , she is my sister , did not i thinke you noble , for the world i would not runne that hazzard . val. let heaven forsake me then , was ever mortall so bound to womans care , my mothers was halfe paid her at my birth , but you have made me an everlasting debtor . cat. select your friend , bethinke you of a place you may transpose her . val. i am all wings . cat. cat. so , when gentle physicke will not serve , we must apply more active , but there is yet a receipt behind ; valascoes shallow , and will be planet strucke , to se berinthia dye in his armes : t is so , yet he himselfe shall carry the suspition , if art , or hell can furnish me with such a poyson , sleepe thy last sister , whilst thou livest i have , no quiet in my selfe , my rest thy grave . exi exit diego comes from behinde the hangings . die. goe thy wayes , and the devill wants a breeder thou art for him , one spirit and her selfe are able to furnish hell and it were unprovided ; but i am glad i heard all i shall love hangings the better while i live : i perceive some good may be done behind em , but i le acquaint my lady berinthia , here 's her chamber i observ'd : madam , madam berinthia , berinthia above . ber. whos 's there ? die. t is i diego , i am diego . ber. honest diego , what good newes , die.

ya 're undone , undone lost , undone for ever ; it is time now to be serious .

ber. ha , die. where 's my master antonioes letter . ber. here , where , ha , alas , i feare i have lost it . die.

alas you have undone your selfe , and your sister , my lady catalina hath found it , and is mad with rage , and envy against you ; i overheard your destruction , she hath shewed it to don valasce , and hath plotted that he shall steale you away this night , the doores shall be lest open the houre after twelve .

ber. you amaze me , t is impossible . die.

doe not cast away your selfe , by incredulity , upon my life your fate is cast , nay more , worse then that .

ber. worse ? die.

you must be poysoned too , oh shee s a cunning devill , and she will carry it so , that valasco shall bee suspected for your death , what will you doe ?

ber. i am overcome with amazement ? die.

madam remember with what noble love my master antonio does honour you , and now both save your selfe , and make him happy , how .

ber. i am lost man . die. feare not , i will engage my life for your safety , seeme not to have knowledge or suspicion , be carefull what you receive , least you be poysond , leave the rest to me , i have a crotchet in my pate shall spoyle their musicke , and prevent all danger i warrant you , by any meanes be smooth , and pleasant , the devils a knave , your sisters a traytor , my master is your noble friend , i am your honest servant , and valasco shall shake his eares like an annimall . ber. it is not to be hoped for . die.

then cut of my eares , slit my nose , and make a devill of me , shall i about it say , t is done .

ber. any thing thou art honest , heaven be neare , still to my innocence , i am full of feare . die. spurre cut and away then . exeunt enter signior sharkino in his study , furnished with glasses , viols , pictures of wax characters , wands , conjuring habit , powders paintings , and scarabeo . sh. scarabeo . sca. sir . sh.

is the doore tongue tide , scrue your selfe halfe out at one of the crevices , and give me notice what patient approathes me .

sca. i can runne through the key hole sir . sh. this fucus beares a lively tincture , oh the checke must blush that weares it , their deceiv'd that say art is the ape of nature . sca. sir . sh. who i st ? sca. my ladies apronstrings , mistris ansilva her chamber-maide . sh. admit her . enter ansilva . ans. how now raw head and bloody bones , where 's the doctor sharkino ? oh here he is . sh. how does your vertuous ladie . ans. in good health sir . where 's the fucus , and the powder . sh. all is prepared here . ans.

to see what you can doe , many make legges , and you make faces sir .

sh.

variety of faces is now in fashion , and all little enough for some to set a good face on 't , oh ladies may now and then commit a slip and have some colour for 't , but these are but the outsides of our art , the things we can prescribe to be taken inwardly , are pretty curiosities , we can prolong life .

ans. and kill too can you not ? sh. oh any that will goe to the price . ans.

you have poysons i warrant you , how doe they looke , pray le ts see one .

sh. oh naturall and artificiall , nessas blood was milke to em , an extraction of todes and vipers , looke here 's a parcell of claudius caesars posset , given him by his wife agrippina here is some of hannibals medicine he carried alwaies in the pummell of his sword , for a dead lift , a very active poyson , which passing the orifice , kindles straite a fire inflames the blood , and makes marrow fly , have you occasion to apply one . ans.

introth we are troubled with a rat in my ladies chamber .

sh.

a rat , give him his bane , would you destroy a city , i have probatinus of italian sallets , and our owne country figs shall doe it rarely , a rat , i have scarse a poyson so base , the worst is able to kill a man , i have all sorts , from a minute to seven yeares in operation , and leave no markes behinde em , a rat 's a rat .

ans.

pray let me see a remover at twelve houres , and i would be loath to kill the poore thing presently .

sh.

here , you may cast it away upon 't , but t is a disparagement to the poyson .

ans. this will content you . sh.

because it is for a rat you shall pay no more , my service to my ladie , my poysons howsoever i give them , variety of operations are all but one . knockes within . honest rats bane in severall-shapes , their vertue is common , and will not be long in killing ; you were best looke it be a rat , scarabeo .

sca. sir here 's a gallant enquires for dector sharkino sh. vsher him in , it is some don . enter count de monte nigro . count . is your name signior sharkino the famous doctor . sh. they call me sharkino . count . doe you not know me ? sh. your gracious pardon . count . i am count de monte nigro . sh. your honours sublimity doth illustrate this habitation ; is there any thing wherein sharkino may expresse his humble service ? if ought within the circumference of a medicinall or mathematicall science , may have acceptance with your celsitude , it shall devolve it selfe . coun.

devolve it selfe , that word is not in my table booke ; what are all these trinkets ?

sh.

take heede i beseech your honour , they are dangerous , this is the devils girdle ,

coun. a pox o th devill , what have i doe with him , sh. it is a dreadfull circle of conjuration , fortified with sacred characters against the power of infernall spirits , within whose round i can tread safely , when hell burnes round about me . coun. not unlikely . sh. will you see the devill sir ? coun. ha , the devill ? not at this time , i am in some hast , any thing but the devill i durst fight with all , harke you doctor , letting these things passe , hearing of your skill , i am come in my owne person , for a fragment of your art , harke you , have you any receipts to procure love sir ? sh. all the degrees of it this is ordinary . coun.

nay i would not have it too strong , the lady i intend it for , is pretty well taken already , an easing working thing does it .

sh. here 's a powder whose ingrediences were fetchd from arabia the happy , a sublimation of the phoenix ashes , when she last burned her selfe , it beares the colour of sinamon , two or three souples put into a cup of wine , fetches up her heart , she can scarce keepe it in , for running out of her mouth to you my noble lord . count . that , let me have that , doctor i know t is deare , will that gold buy it ? sh.

your honour is bountifull , there needs no circumstance , minister it by whom you please , your intention binds it to operation .

cout. so , so catalina , i will put your mornings draught in my pocket — knocke at the doore doctor , i would not be seene . sh.

please you my lord obscure your selfe behinde these hangings then , till they be gone , i le dispatch 'em the sooner ; or if your honour thinke fit , t is but clouding your person with a simple cloake of mine , and you may at pleasure passe without discovery , my anotomy shall waite on you .

enter three servingmen .

prethee come backe yet .

oh by any meanes goe laynes .

dost thou thinke it possible that any man can tell where thy things are , but he that stole 'em , hee 's but a jugling imposter , a my conscience , come backe againe .

nay now wee are at furthest , be not rul'd by him , i know he is a cunning man , he told me my fortune once when i was to goe a journey by water , that if i scapt drowning , i should doe well enough , and i have iiv'd ever since .

.

well i will try , i am resolv'd ; stay , here hee is pedro , you are acquainted with him , breake the ice , he is alone .

.

blesse you mr. doctor ; sir presuming on your art , here is a fellow of mine , indeede the butler , for want of a better ; has lost a dozen of dyaper spoones , and halfe a dozen of silver napkins yesterday , they were seene by all three of us in the morning betweene sixe and seven set up , and what spirit of the buttery hath stollen 'em before eight , is invisible to our understanding .

he hath delivered you the case right : i beseech you sir doe what you can for a servant , that is like to be in a lamentable case else , here 's a gratuity .

.

now we shall see what the devill can do , hey , here 's one of his spirits i thinke .

sh.

betweene and . the houre ; the luna , the saturne , the iupiter , the mars , the sol , the venus , the mercury , ha then it was stolne , mercury is a thiefe , your goods are stolne .

. was mercury the thiefe , pray where dwells he ? sh. mercury is above the moone man . . alas sir t is a great way thither . . did not i tell you you would be gull'd . sh.

well y' are a servant , i le doe something for you ; what will you say , if i shew you the man that stole your spoones and napkins presently , will that satisfie you .

i le desire no more , oh good mr. doctor . if he does that , i le beleve he has cunning . sh. goe to , heares a glasse . loe you there now . sh. stand your backes north , and stirre not till i bid you ; what see you there ? here 's nothing . sh. looke agen , and marke , stand yet more north . now i see somebody . and i . the count comes from behind the hangings and muffled in a cloake steales of the stage . sh.

marke this fellow muffled in the cloake , he hath stolne your spoones and napkins , does he not skulke .

'foote t is strange , he lookes like a theefe , this doctor i see is cunning .

. oh rogue how shall 's come by him , oh for an officer , sh. yet stirre not , . oh hee s gone , where is he ? sh.

be not too rash , my art tells me there is danger in 't , you must be blinfold all , if you observe me not , all is to no purpose , you must not see till you be forth a doores , shut your eyes , and leade one another , when you are abroad open them and you shall see agen .

. the thiefe ? sh.

the same , then use your pleasures , so , be sure you see not , conduct them scarabeo .

exeunt , enter a maid with an vrinall . ma.

oh mr. doctor i have got this opportunity to come to you , but i cannot stay , here 's my water , pray sweet mr. doctor , tell me , i am in great feare that i have lost —

sh. what ? ma. my maidenhead sir , you can tell by my water . sh. dost not thou know ? ma.

oh i doe some what doubt my selfe , for this morning when i rose , i found a paire of breeches on my bed , and i have had a great suspition ever since , it is an evill signe they say , and one does not know what may be in those breeches sometimes ; sweets mr. doctor , am i a maid still or no , i would be sorry to loose my maiden head ere i were aware , i feare i shall never be honest after it .

sh.

let me see vrina meretrix ; the colour is a strumpet , but the contents deceive not , your maiden head is gone .

ma. and is there no hope to finde it againe ? sh.

you are not every body , by my art , as in other things that have beene stolne , he that hath stolne your maiden head shall bring it againe .

ma.

thanke you sweet mr. doctor , i am in your debt for this good newes ; oh sweet newes sweet mr. doctor .

exit . enter count beating before him the three servingmen , they runne in . cry your honour mercy , good my lord . count . out you slaves , oh my toes . sh. what ayles your lordship ? count .

doctor , i am out of breath , where be these wormes crept , i was never so abused since i was swadled : harke you ; those . rogues that were here even now , began to lay hold of me , and told me i must give them their spoones and napkins ; they made a theefe of mee , but i thinke i have made their flesh jelly with kickes and bastinadoes ; oh i have no mercy when i set on 't , i have made em all poore iohns , impudent varlets ; talke to me of spoones and napkins .

sh.

alas one of them was mad , and brought to me to cure him .

count .

nay they were all mad , but i thinke i have madded e'm ; i feare j have kickt two or three out of their lives ; alas poore wretches i am sorry for it now , but i have such an humor of beating & kicking when my footes in once : harke you doctor , is it not within the compasse of your physicke to take downe a mans courage a thought lower ; the truth is , i am apt of myselfe to quarrell upon the least affront i th' world , i cannot be kept in , chaines will not hold me : tother day for a lesse matter than this , i kickt halfe a dozen of high germans , from one end of the streete to the other , for but offering to shrinke betweene mee and wall ; not a day goes o're my head but i hurt some body mortally ; poxe a these rogues , i am sorry at my heart i have hurt e'm so , but i can not forbeare .

sh. this is strange . count .

how ? i can scarce forbeare striking you now , for saying it is strange ; you would not thinke it : oh the wounds j have given for a very looke ; well harke you , if it be not too late , i would be taken downe , but i feare t is impossible , and then every one goes in danger of his life by me .

sh.

take downe your spirit , looke you , d ee see this inch and a halfe , how tall a man doe you thinke he was ? he was twelve cubits high , and three yards compasse at the waste when i tooke him in hand first , i le draw him through a ring ere i have done with him : i keepe him now to breake my poysons , to eate spiders and toades , which is the onely dish his heart wishes for ; a capon destroyes him , and the very sight of beefe or mutton makes him sicke ; looke , you shall see him eate his supper , come on your wayes , what say you to this spider ? looke how he leapes .

sca. oh dainty . sh.

here , saw you that ? how many legges now for the hanch of a toade .

sca.

twenty , and thanke you sir , oh sweete toade , oh admirable toade .

count .

this is very strange , i nere saw the like , i never knew spiders and toades were such good meates before ; will he not burst now ?

sh.

it shall nere swell him , by to morrow hee shall be an inch abated , and i can with an other experiment plumpe him and highten him at my pleasure ; i le warrant i le take you downe my lord .

count .

nay but d ee here , doe i looke like a spider-catcher , or toade-eater .

sh.

farre be it from shirkino , i have gentle pellets for your lordship , shall melt in your mouth , ' and take of your valour insensibly ; lozenges that shall comfort your stomacke , and but at a weeke restraine your fury two or three thoughts ; does your honour thinke i would forget my selfe , i shew you by this rat what i can doe by art : your lordship shall have an easie composition , no hurt i th' world in 't ; here take but halfe a dozen of these going to bed , e're morning ; it shall worke gently , and in the vertue appeare every day afterward .

count .

but if i find myselfe braking out into fury , i may take e'm often ; here 's for your pellets of lozenges , what rare physicke is this ? i le put it in practise presently , farewell doctor .

exit sh.

happinesse wait on your egregious lordship , my physicke shall make your body soluble , but for working on your spirit , beleeve it when you finde it ; with any lies we must set forth siour'mples and compositions to utter them : so this is a good dayes worke ; leane chaps lay up , and because you have perform'd hamsomly , there is some silver for you , lay up my properties : t is night already , thus we knaves will thrive , when honest plainnesse know not how to live .

exeunt . enter catalina and ansilva . cat. art sure she has tane it ? ans. as sure as i am alive ? she never eate with such an appetite , for i found none left , i would be loath to have it so sure in my belly , it will worke rarely twelve houres hence . cata. thus we worke sure then , time runnes upon th' appointed houre , valasco should rid me of all my feares at once , upon thy life be carefull to direct him at his first approach , i am sicke till she be delivered ; be secret as the night , i le to my chamber , be very carefull . enter antonio , villandras , diego , vizzardid and arm'd . ant.

art sure thou hast the time right .

die.

doubt not , yonder 's her chamber , the light speakes it ; softly .

ans. whos 's there ? vallasco ? ant. i . ans. that way , make no noise , things are prepared , softly so , so , this is good i hope and weight too , my lady berinthia will be sure enough anon , i shall nere get more higher , i had much adoe to perswade her to the spice , but i swore it was a cordiall my lady vs'd her selfe , and poore foole she has swallowed it sure . enter ant , with berinthia , villan , diego . ant. madam feare not i am your friend . die. who are you ? vill. stop her mouth , away . exeunt . enter ansilva . ans. so , so , they are gone , alas poore valasco i pitty thee , but we creatures of polliticke ladies must hold the same byas with our mistresses , and t is some pollicy to make them respect us the better , for feare our teeth be not strong enough to keepe in our tongues : now must i study out some tale by morning to salute my old lord withall . enter v valasco , a friend or two armed . val. ansilva ? ans. some body calls me , who is it ? val. it is i valasco ans. what comes he backe for ? i hope the poyson does not worke already , where have you dispos'd her . val. dispos'd whom ? ans. my lady berinthia . val. let me alone to dispose her , prethee where 's the light ? shew us the way . ans. what way ? val. the way to her chamber ? come , i know what you are sicke of , here each minute is an age till i possesse berinthia . ans. this is pretty , i hope my lady is well . val. well ? ans. my lady berinthia sir . val. doe you mocke me ? ans. i mocke you ? val. i shall grow angry , lead me to berinthias chamber , or — ans. why sir , were not you here even now , and hurried her away , i have your gold well fare all good tokens ; i have perform'd my duty already sir , and you had my lady . val. i am abus'd you are a cunning devill , i heare and had berinthia , tell me , or with this pistoll , i will soone reward thy treachery , where berinthia ? ans. oh i beseech you doe not fright me so , if you were not here even now , here was another that call'd himselfe valasco , to whom i gave accesse , and he has carried her away . exit . val. am i awake ? or doe i dreame this horrour : where am i ? who does know me , are you friends of don valasco ? . doe you doubt us sir ? val. i doubt my selfe , who am i . our noble friend valasco , val. t is so , i am valasco , all the furies circle me round , oh teach me to be mad , i am abus'd , insufferably tormented , my very soule is whipt , it had beene safer for catalina to have plaid with serpents . enter catalina and ansilva , cat. thou talkest of wonders , where is valasco ? ans. he was here even now . val. who nam'd valasco ? cata. t was i , catalina , here . val. could you picke none out of the stocke of man to mocke but me , so basely ? cata. valasco be your selfe , resume your vertue . my thoughts are cleare from your abuse , it is no time to vent our passions , fruitlesse rages , some hath abus'd us both , but a revenge as swift as lightning shall pursue their flight : oh i could feare my braines , as you respect your honoures safety , or berinthias love ; haste to your lodging , which being nere our house , you shall be sent for ; seeme to be rais'd up , let us alone to make a noise at home , fearefull as thunder ; try the event , this cannot doe any hurt , you ansilva shall with clamors wake the houshold cunningly , while i prepare my selfe . val. i will suspend awhile . exeunt . ans. helpe , helpe , theeves , villaines , murder my lady : helpe oh my lord , my lady , murder theeves helpe . enter sebastiano in his first with a taper . seb. what fearefull cry is this , where are you ? ans. here oh i am almost kil'd . seb. ansilva where art hurt ? ans. all over sir , my lady berinthia is carried away by ruffians , that broke into her chamber , alas sees gone . seb. whether ? which way ? enter vilarezo catalina . my sister berinthia is violently tane out of her chamber , and here 's ansilva hurt , see looke about , berinthia sister . cat. how berin . gone ? call up the servants , ansilva , how wa st ? ans. alas madam , i have not my senses about me , i am so frighted , vizards , and swords , and pistols , but my lady berinthia was quickly seiz'd upon , shee s gone . vil. what villaines durst attempt it ? enter count monte de nigro with a torch . i feare valasco guilty of this rape . cat. runne one to his lodging presently , it will appeare i know he lov'd her , oh my lord , my sister berinthias lost , mont.

how ? foote my physicke begins to worke , i le come to you presently .

exit . cat.

where 's diego ? he is missing , runne one to his chamber , here 's valasco .

enter valasco . seb. it is apparant sir , valascoes noble . cat. berinthias stolne away . val. ha ? seb.

her chamber broken ope , and shee tane thence this night .

val. confusion stay the theese . mount.

so , so , as you were saying , berinthia was stolne away by some body , and —

i. ser. diego is not in his chamber . cat. didst breake ope the doore ? i. ser. i did , and found all empty . mount.

how , diego gone ? that 's strange , oh it workers againe , i le come to you presently .

exit cat. i doe suspect — this some plot of antonio , diego , a subtle villaine , confirmes himselfe an instrument by this absence ; what thinkest ansilva ? ans. indeed i heard some of them name antonio . vil. seb . cat. ha ? vil. t is true upon my soule , oh false antonio . cat. vnworthy gentleman . val. let none have the honour to revenge , but i the wrongd valasco , let me beg it sir . vil. antonio , boy up before the day , vpon my blessing i command thee post to eluas castle , summon that false man enter count . to quit his shamefull action , bid him returne thy sister backe , whose honour will be lost for ever in 't , if he shall dare deny her , double thy fathers spirit , call him to a strickt account , and with thy sword enforce him , oh i could leape out of my age me thinkes , and combat him my selfe : be thine the glory , this staine will never wash off , i feele it settle on all our blood , away , my curse pursue this disobedience . exit val. i had an interrest in berinthia , why have not i commission , i have a sword , thirsteth to be acquainted with his veines ; it is too meane a satisfaction to have her rendred , on his heart i de write a most just vengence . seb. sir she is my sister , i have a sword dares tent a wound as farre as any ; spare your vallour cat. i have a tricke to be rid of this foole , my lord doe you accompany my brother , you i know are valiant . mount. any whither , i le make me ready presently . exit seb. my most unhappy sister . exit cat. oh i could surfet , i am confident antonio hath her , t is revenge beyond my expectation , to close up the eyes of his berinthia , dying in his armes , poyson'd maturely , mischiefe i shall prove thy constant friend , let weakenesse vertue love .
actus . scaena i. enter antonio , berinthia , castabella , villandras , sforza , diego . ant. the welcom'st guest that ever eluas had sister , villandras y are not sensible what treasure you possesse , i have no loves , i would not here divide . cast.

indeed madam , y are as welcome here , as are my mother was .

vil.

and you are here as safe , as if you had an army for your guard .

sfor. safe armies , and guard ; berinthia ya 're a lady , but i meane not to court you : guard ●notha , here 's a toledo , and an old arme , tough bones and sinewes , able to cut off as stout a head as wags upon a shoulder , th art antonios guest , welcome by the old bones of his father , th' ast a wall of brasse about thee my young daffodill . vil.

nor thinke my noble cozen meaneth you any dishonour here .

ant. dishonour , it is a language i never understood , yet throw off your feares berinthia , y are i th' power of him that dares not thinke the least dishonour to you . sfor.

true by this busse jerkin , that hath look'd i th face of an army , and he lies like a termagant , denies it , antonio is lord of the castle , but i le command fire to the gunnes , upon any renegado that confronts us , set thy heart at rest my gilloflower , we are all friends i warrant thee , and hee s a turke that does not honour thee from the haire of thy head , to thy pettitoes .

ant. come be not sad . cast. put on fresh blood , y are not cheerefull , how doe you ? ber. i know not how , nor what to answer you , your loves i cannot be ungratefull to , y are my best friends i thinke , but yet i know not with what consent you brought my body hither . ant. can you be ignorant what plot was laid to take your faire life from you . ber. if all be not a dreame , i doe remember your servant diego told me wenders , and i owe you for my preservation , but — sfor.

shoote not at buts , cupids an archer , here a faire marke , a f fooles bolts soone shot , my names sforza still , my double daisie .

cast

it is your happinesse you have escaped the malice of your sister .

vil. and it is worth a noble gratitude to have been quit , by such an honourer as antonio is of faire berinthia . ber. oh but my father , under whose displeasure i ever sinke , ant. you are secure ber. as the poore deere that being pursuid , for safety gets up a rocke that over hangs the sea , where all that she can see , is her destruction , before the waves , behinde her enemies promise her certaine ruine . ant. faine not your selfe so haplesse my berinthia , raise your dejected thoughts , be merry , come , thinke i am your antonio . cast. it is not wisdome to let our passed fortune , trouble us , since were they bad the memorie is sweete , that we have past them , looke before you lady , the future most concerneth . ber. you have awak'd me , antonio pardon , vpon whose honour i dare trust my selfe , i am resolv'd if you dare keepe me here , t' expect some happier issue . ant. dare keepe thee here ? with thy consent , i dare deny thy father , by this sword i dare , and all the world . sfor.

dare , what giant of vallour dates hinder us , from daring to slit the weasands of them that dare say , wee dare not doe any thing , that is to be dared under the poles , i am old sforza , that in my dayes have scoured rogues faces with hot bals , made em cut crosse capers , and sent them away with a powder , i have a company of roring buls upon the wals , shall spit fire in the faces of any ragamuffian that dares say , we dare not fight pell mell , and still my name is sforza .

enter diego hastily . die. sir your noble friend don sebastionc is at the castle gate ant. your brother lady , and my honoured friend , why doe the gates not spread themselves , to open at his arrivall sforza , t is berinthiaes brother , sebastiano the example of all worth and friendship , is come after his sweete sister , ber. alas i feare . ant. be not such a coward lady , he cannot come without all goodnesse waiting on him , sforza , sforza i say , what pretious time we lose , sebastiano , i almost lose my selfe in joy to meete him , breake the iron barre and give him entrance . sfor. i le breake the wals downe , if the gates be too little . cast. i much desire to see him . ant. sister , now hee s come , he did promise me but a short absence , he of all the world i would call brother , castabella more then for his sisters love , oh hee s a man made up of merit , my berinthia throw off all cloudes , sebastianoes come . ber. sent by my father to — ant. what , to see thee ? he shall see thee hēre . respected like thy selfe , berinthia , attended with antonio , begirt with armies of thy servants enter sebastiano mounte nigro , sforza . oh my friend . seb. t is yet in question sir , and will not be so easily proved . moun. no sir , wee le make you prove your selfe our friend . ant. what face have you put on ? am i awake ? or doe i dreame sebastiano frownes . seb. antonio i come not now to complement , while you were noble , i was not least of them you cald your friends , but you are guilty of an action that destroyes that name . sfor. bones a your father , does he come to swagger , my name is sforza then . ant. no more , i guiltie of an action so dishonourable has made me unworthy of your friendship ; come y' are not in earnest , t is enough i know my se'fe antonio . seb. adde to him ungratefull . ant. t was a foule breath delivered it , and wert any but sebastiano , he should feele the weight of such a falshood . seb. sister you must along with me . ant. now by my fathers soule , he that takes her hence vnlesse she give consent , treads on his grave , sebastiano , y' are unnoble then , t is i that said it . mount. so it seemes . seb. antonio , for here i throw of all the ties of love , i come to fetch a sister , dishonourably taken from her father ; or with my sword to force thee render her : now if thou beest a souldier redeliver , or keepe her with the danger of thy person , thou canst not be my brother , till we first be allied in blood . ant. promise me the hearing , and that have any satisfaction , becomes my fame . mount. so , so , he will submit himselfe , it will be our honor . ant. were in your power , would you not account it a pretious victory , in your sisters cause , to dye your sword with any blood of him , sav'd both her life and honour ? seb. i were ungratefull . ant.

you have told your selfe , and i have argumēnt to prove this .

seb.

why would you have me thinke , my sister owes to you such preservation ?

ant. oh sebastiano , thou dost not thinke what devill lies at home within a sisters bosome , catalina , ( i know not with what worst of envy ) laid force to this goodly building , and through poyson had rob'd the earth of more then all the world , her vertue . seb. you must not beate my resolution off with these inventions sir . ant. be not cozend , with your credulity , for my blood , i value it beneath my honour , and i dare by goodnesse , in such a quarrell kill thee : but heare all , and then you shall have fighting your heart full . valasco was the man , appointed by that goodly sister to steale berinthia , and lord himselfe of this possession , just at that time ; but heare and tremble at it , shee by a cunning poyson should have breath'd her soule into his armes , within two houres , and so valasco should have borne the shame of theft and murther ; how doe you like this sir . seb. you amaze me sir . ant. t is true by honours selfe , heare it confirm'd , and when you will , i am ready . vil. pitty such valour should be imployd , vpon no better cause , they will enforme him . mount. harke you sir , d ee thinke this is true ? vil. i dare maintaine it . mount. that 's another matter , why then the case is altered , what should we doe fighting , and lose our lives to no purpose . sf. it seemes you are his second . mount. i am count de monte nigro . sfor.

and my names sforza sir , you were not best to come here to brave us , unlesse you have more legges and armes at home , i have a saza shall picke holes in your doublet , and firke your shankes , my gallimaufry .

seb. i cannot but beleeve it , oh berinthia , i am wounded ere i fight . ant. holds your resolve yet constant ? if you have better opinion of your sword , then truth , i am bound to answer , but i would i had such an advantage gainst another man , as the justice of my cause , all vallour fights but with a sayle against it . vil. take a time to informe your father sir , my noble cozen is to be found here constant . seb. but will you backe with me then ? ber. excuse me brother , i shall fall too soone vpon my sisters malice , whose foule guilt will make me expect more certaine ruine , ant. now sebestiano puts on his judgement , and assumes his noblenesse , whilst he loves equity . seb. and shall i carry shame to villarezoes house , neglect of father , whose precepts bindes me to returne with her , or leave my life at eluas , i must on , i have heard you to no purpose , shall berinthia backe to avero . ant. sir she must not yet , t is dangerous . seb. choose thee a second then , this count and i meane to leave honor here . vill. honour me sir . ant. t is done , sebastiano shall report antonio just and noble , sforza sweare vpon my sword , oh doe not hinder me if victory crowne sebastianoes arme . i charge thee by thy honesty restore this lady to him , on whose lip i seale my unstain'd faith . mount. vmh , t is a rare physitian , my spirit is abated . cast. brother . ber. brother . seb. and wilt thou be dishonourd ? ber. oh doe not wrong the gentleman , beleeve it dishonour nere dwelt here , and he hath made a most religious vow , not in a thought to staine my innocence , he does not force me remember , what a noble friend , you make a most just enemy , he sav'd my life , be not a murtherer , take yet a time , runne not your selfe in danger for a cause carries so little justice . mount.

faith sir , if you please take a time to thinke on 't , a month or two or three , they shall not say but wee are honorable .

cast. you gave him to my heart a gentleman , seb whisp . compleate with goodnesse , will you rob the world and me at once , alas i love him . ant. never man fought with a lesser heart , the conquest will be but many deathes , he is her brother , my friend , this poore girles joy . mount. with all my heart , i le post to avero presently . seb. let it be so antonio . cast. alas pore castabella , what a conflict seest thou within thee , their fight woundeth thee , and i must die , who ere hath victory : ant. then friend againe , and as sebastiano , i bid him welcome , and who loves antonio must speake that language . sfor. enough , not a masty upon the castle wall , but shall barke too , i congratulate thee , if thou beelest friend to the castle of eluas , and still my name is sforza . ant. well said my brave adelautado , come sebastiano , and my birinthia by to morrow we shall know the truth of our felicity . exeunt . enter vilarezo . vil. what are the nobles more than common men when all their honour cannot free them from shame and abuse ; as greatnesse were a marke stucke by them but to give direction for men to shoote indignities upon them ? are we call'd lords of riches we possesse , and can defend them from the ravishing hand of strangers , when our children are not safe from theeves and robbers , none of us can challenge such right to wealth and fortunes of the world , being things without us ; but our children are essentiall to us , and participate of what we are : part of our very nature , our selves but cast into a younger mold , and can we promise , but so weake assurance of so neere treasures . o villarezo shall thy age be trampled on , no , it shall not , i will be knowne a father , portugall shall not report this infamy unreveng'd , it will be a barre in vilarezoes armes past all posterity ; enter catalina . come catalina , thou wilt stay with me , prepare to welcome home sebastiano , whom i expect with honour , and that baggage ambitious girle berinthia . cat. alas sir ; censure not her too soone , till she appeare are guilty . vil. here 's thy vertue still , to excuse her catalina , no beleeve it , she s naught , past hope , i have an eye can see into her very heart , thou art too innocent . enter valasco . valasco welcome too , berinthia is not come home yet , but we shall seē her brought backe with shame ; and i st not justice ha ? what can be shame enough ? val. your daughter sir ? vil. my daughter ? doe not call her so , she has not true blood of vilarezo in her veines ; she makes her selfe a bastard , and deserves to be cut off like a disordered branch , disgracing the faire tree she springeth from . val. lay not so great a bourthen on berinthia , her nature knowes not to degenerate ; vpon my life she was not yeelding , to the injurious action ; if antonio have plaied the theefe , let your revenge fall there , which were i trusted with , although i doubt not sebastianoes fury ; he should feele it more heavy than his castle , what can be too just for such a sinne ? vil. right , right valasco , i doe love thee for t , t is so , and thou shalt see i have a sence worthy my birth and person . val. 't will become you ; but i marvell we hearē nothing of their successe at eluas . by this time i would have sent antonio to warme his fathers ashes , doe you not thinke sir ? sebastiano will not be remisse , a gentle nature is abus'd with tales , which they know how to colour ; here 's the count . enter monte nigro sweating . cat. how , the count ? i sent him thither to be rid on him ; the foole has better fortune than i wisht him , but now i shall heare that which will more comfort me , my sisters death most certainely . mont. my lord , i have rid hard , read there , your sonne and daughter is well . cat. ha , well ? mount. madam . cat. how does my sister ? mount, in good health , she has commendations to you in that letter . val. and is antonio living ? mount. yes , and remembers his service to you , val. has he then yeelded up berinthia ? mou. he will yeeld up his ghost first , i know not we were going to flesh baste one another , i am sure but the matter of fellony hangs still , who will cut it downe ; i know not , madam there 's notable matter against you . cat. me ? mount. vpon my honor there is , be not angry with me , no lesse than theft and murder , that letter is charg'd withall , but you 'le cleare all i make no question , they talke of poysoning . cat. am i betray'd ? mount. well , i smell , i smell . cat. what do you smell ? mount. it was but a tricke of theirs to save their lives , for we were bent to kill all that came against us . vil. catalina reade here , valasco , both of you , and let me reade your faces , ha ? they wonder . val. howe 's this , i steale berinthia ? cat. i poyson my sister . val. this doth amaze me . cat.

father , this letter sayes i would have poysoned my poore sister , innocence defend me .

vil. it will , it shall , come jacquit you both , they must not thus foole me . mount. madam i thought as much , my minde gave me , it was a lye , yes , you looke like a poysoner , as much as i looke like a hobby-horse . cat. was ever honest love so abused , have i so poore reward for my affection . vil. it shall be so . val. madam i know not how the poyson came in , but i feare some have betraied our plot . cat. and how came you off my noble count . mount. as you see without any wounds , but much against my will i was but one , sebastiano , that was the principall , tooke a demurre upon their allegation : it seemes , and so the matter is rak'd up in the embers . val. to make a greater fire , were you so cold to credit his excuse , antonio , i should not have beene so frozen , as you love honor and revenge , give me some interest now , and if i doe not shew my selfe faithfull , let valasco have no name within your memory , let me begge , to be your proxie sir , pitty such blood , as yours should be ignobly cast away ; maddam speake for me . cat. no , j had rather lost this foole . mont. and you can get their consents . cat. you cannot sir in honour now goe backe . j shall not thinke you love me , if my father point you such noble service to refuse it . mount. you heare what she sayes . vil. count monte nigro . val. i am all fire with rage . vil. valasco , you may accompany the count , there may be imployment of your valour too ; tell me at your returne , whether my sonne may prove a souldier , here 's new warrant for antonioes death , if there be coldnesse urge it , t is my desire , i le study a better service . val. i shall . vil. away then both , no complement , i wish you either had a pegasus , be happy , my old bloud boyles , this must my peace secure , such sores as these must have a desperate cure . exeunt . enter sebast , castab. anton. berinthia . seb. this honor madam of your selfe and brother , make me unhappy , when i remember , what i came for , not to feast thus but to fight . cast. pitty true friendship should thus suffer . ant. ha ? seb. musicke . ant. some conceit of sforza the old captaine , le ts entertaine it , some souldiers device , a maske of souldiers . godamercy sforza . sfor. to your stations now my brave brats of millitary discipline , enough , sforza honours you , looke to your charge bullies , and be ready upon all occasions , my invincible dub a dub knights of the castle , qui vala . enter mounte nigro , valasco . val. we must speake with don sebastiano . sfor. must ? th' art a mushrumpe , must , in the castle of eluas , monte nigro gives a letter . ant. friends ; sforza . val. what , courting ladies , by this time 't was expected you would have courted fame sir , and woed her to you ; you shall know me better . ant. i doubt you 'le never be better , you shall now owe me more than you shall account for . seb. or else my curse , that word cries out for death . cast. my feates perplexe me . anto. & seb , whispers . val. madam i doe wonder you can forget your honour , and reflect on such unworthinesse , wherein hath valasco shewed you lesse merit . ber. sir it becomes not me to weigh your worths , nor would i learne of you how to preserve my honour . seb. sister . ant. villandras . seb. then j must take my leave , for i am sent for , i am sorry for your fate , madam i am exepected by a father your vertue hath made me yours . mount. oh admirable phisitian ! ant. sforza , there is no remedie , but by all honour doe it , sister , i am to waite on him , oh my poore girle berinthia , my soule be with thee , for a little time excuse my absence . sfor. you may walke sir . val. antonio i must but now looke on , you were best take a course not to out live him . exeunt sforza , villandras : and ladies . ant. sebastiano , i know not with what soule i draw my sword against thee seb. antonio i am driven in a storme to split my selfe on thee , if not , any curse — we must on sir . mount. rare man of art sharkino . vil. guard thee count . enter sfor. val. and ladies above . cast.

treacherous sforza , hast thou brought us hither , to be stroke dead ?

mount. hold gentlemen , give me audience . seb. what 's the matter my lord . mount. my fit is on me , t is so , i had forgot my selfe , this is my ague day . seb. how ? mount.

yes a sextile ague , looke you , doe you not see me shake , admirable doctor , it will be as much as my life is worth if i should fight a stroke .

seb. hell on such basenesse , wee le engage no more ; let our swords try it out . val. sebastiano hold , th art not so ill be friended , exchange a person , i le leape the battlement . mount.

with all my heart , i am sorry it happens so vunfortvnately , oh rare phisitian !

vil. good cozen grant it . ant. what saies sebastiano . vil. i conjure you by all honour . seb. it is granted ; ber. he shall nor goe . ant. meete him my lord , you will become his place of a spectator best . enter valasco . ber sebastiano brother . cast. antonio , here me . vil. guard thee valasco then . cast. o brother spare him for my sake . ber. sebastiano every wound thou givest him , drawes blood from me . cast. sebastiano , remember hee s thy friend . ber. antonio t is my brother , with whose blood thou dyest thy sword . ant. when thou liv'st againe shalt be more honorable kils valasco . sebastiano doe you observe the advantage , yet thinke upon 't . seb. it is not in my power . i value not the odds . ber. hold , antonio , is this thy love to me , it is not noble . seb. so thy death makes the scale even . kils villandras . cast. antonio hold , berinthia dyes . ber. sebastiano , castabella sinkes for sorrow , murder , helpe i will leape downe . ant.

where art berinthia , let me breath my last upon thy lip , make haste , least i die else .

seb.

antonio before thou dyest cut off my hand , art wounded mortally ?

ant. to die by thee is more then death , sforza be honest , but love thy sister for me , i me past hope , thou hast undone another in my death . enter berinthia , sforza , mount . ber. antonio stay oh cruell brother . ant. berinthia thy lip farewell , and friend , and all the world . sfor. the gate is open , i am sworne to render . ber. hee s not dead , his lips are warme , have you no balsome , a surgeon ; dead , some charitable hand send my soule after him . seb. away , away . ber. it will be easie to die , all life is but a walke in misery . exeunt .
actus . scaen. . enter sebastiano . seb. my friend , my noble friend , that had deserved most honorably from me , by this hand divorc'd from life , and yet i have the use on t , haplesle sebastiano ; oh berinthia , let me for ever lose the name of brother , wilt thou not curse my memory , give me up to thy just hate a murtherer . enter villarezo . vil. ha , this must not be sebastiano , i shall be angry if you throw not off this mellancholly , it does ill become you , doe you repent your duty , were the action againe presented to be done by thee : and being done , againe should challenge from thee a new performance , thou wouldst shew no blood of vilarezoes , if thou didst not runne to act it , though all horror , death and vengeance dog'd thee at thy heeles ; come i am thy father , value my blessing , and for other peace i le to the king , let me no more see thee cloudy . exit enter diego , castabella like a page . die. that was his father . cast. no more , farewell , be all silence . exit diego cast. sir . seb. hee s newly gone that way , mayst soone ore take him cast. my businesse points at you sir . seb,

at me , what newes ? thou hast a face of horrour , more welcome speake it .

cast. if your name be don sebastiano , sir i have a token from a friend . seb. i have no friend alive boy , carry it backe , t is not to me , i 've not another friend in all the world . cast. he that hath sent you sir this gift , did love you , you le say your selfe he did . seb. ha , name him prethee . cast. the friend i came from was antonio . seb. thou lyest , and th art a villane , who hath sent thee to tempt sebastianoes soule to act on thee another death , for thus afrighting me . cast. indeede i doe not mocke , nor come to afright you heaven knowes my heart , i know antonioes dead , but t was a gift he in his life design'd to you , and i have brought it . seb. thou dost not promise cozenage , what gift is it ? cast. it is my selfe sir , while antonio liv'd , i was his boy , but never did boy loose so kinde a master , in his life he promised he would bestow me , so much was his love to my poore merit , on his dearest friend , and nam'd you sir , if heaven should point out to overlive him , for he knew you would love me the better for his sake , indeed i will be very honest to you , and refuse no service to procure your love and good opinion to me . seb. can it be thou wert his boy , oh thou shouldst hate me then , th' art false , i dare not trust thee , unto him thou shewest thee now unfaithfull to accept of me , i kild him thy master , t was a friend he could commit thee to , i onely was , of all the stocke of men his enemy , his cruellest enemy . cast. indeede i am sure it was , he spoke all truth , and had he liv'd to have made his will , i know he had bequeathed me as a legacy to be your boy ; alas i am willing sir to obey him in it , had he laid on me command , to have mingled with his sacred dust , my unprofitable blood , it should have beene a most glad sacrifice , and ' thad beene honour to have done him such a duty sir , i know you did not kill him with a heart of mallice , but in contention with your very soule to part with him . seb. all is as true as oracle by heaven , dost thou beleeve so ? cast. indeede i doe . seb. yet be not rash ; t is no advantage to belong to me , i have no power nor greatnesse in the court , to raise thee to a fortune , worthy of so much observance as i shall expect when thou art mine . cast. all the ambition of my thoughts shall be to doe my dutie sir . seb. besides , i shall afflict thy tendernesse with sollitude and passion , for i am onely in love with sorrow , never merry , weare out the day in telling of sad tales , delight in sighes and teares ; sometimes i walke to a wood or river purposely to challenge the bouldest eccho , to send backe my groanes i th' height i breake e'm , come i shall undoe thee . cast, sir , i shall be most happy to beare part in any of your sorrowes , i nere had so hard a heart but i could shed a teare to beare my master company . seb. i will not leave thee if thou 'lt dwell with me for wealth of indies , be my loved boy , come in with me , thus i le begin to do some recompence for dead antonio . enter berinthia , ber. so i will dare my fortune to be cruell , and like a mountanous peece of earth that suckes the balls of hot artillery , i will stand and weary all the gunshot ; oh my soule thou hast beene too long icy alpes of snow ; have buried my whole nature , it shall now turne element of fire , and fill the ayre with bearded comets , threatning death and horrour for my wrong'd innocence , contemn'd , disgrac'd , nay murther'd , for with antonio my breath expired , and i but borrow this to court revenge for justice , if there be those furies which doe waite on desperate men , as some have thought , and guide their hands to mischiefe . come from the wombe of night , assist a maide ambitious to be made a monster like you ; i will not dread your shapes , i am dispos'd to be at friendship with you , and want nought but your blacke aide to seale it . enter mounte nigro and ansilva . mount. first i le locke up thy gives her gold , tongue , and tell thee my honorable meaning , so , to tell you the truth , it is a love-powder , j had it of the brave doctor , which i would have thee to suger the ladies cup withall , for my sake wo't do 't : and if i marry her shat find me a noble master , and thou shalt be my chiefe gentlewoman in ordinary ; keepe thy body loose , and thou shalt want no gowne i warrant thee ; wo't do 't . ans. my lord , i thinke my lady is much taken with your worth already , so that this will be superfluous , mount. i nay think she has cause enough , but i have a great mind to make an end on 't , to tell you true , there are halfe a dozen about mee , but i had rather she should have me than an other ; and my blood is growne so boysterous for my body , that 's another thing ; so that if thou wilt doe it ansilva , thou wilt doe thy lady good service , and live in the favour of count de monte nigro ; i will make thy children kinne to me , if thou wo't do 't . ans. i am your honours handmaid , but — mount. here 's a diamond , prethee weare it , be not modest . ans. 't is done my lord , urge it no further . mount. but be secret too for my honors sake , we great men doe not love to have our actions laid open to the broad face of the world , i le get thee with child , and marry thee to a knight , my brave ansilva , take the first opportunity . ans. jf there be any vertue in the powder , prepare to meete your wishes my noble lord . moun. thy count de monte nigro expect to be a lady . exit . ber. ansilva . ans. madam . ber. nay you neede not hide it , i heard the conference , and know the vertue of the powder , let me see it or i le discover all . ans. i am undone . ber. no , here take it againe , i le not prevent my sisters happinesse and the counts desire , i am no tell-tale good ansilva giv 't her , and heavens succeede the operation , i begge on my knee ; feare not ansilva , i am all silence . exit . ans. indeede madam , then shee shall have it presently . exit . enter sebastiano , castabella . cast. sir , if the opportunity i use to comfort you be held a fault , and that i keepe not distance of a servant , lay it vpon my love ; indeede if it be an errour it springs out of my duty . seb. prethee boy be patient ; the more i strive to throw off the remembrance of dead antonio , love still rubbes the wounds to make them bleede afresh . cast. alas they are past , binde up your owne for honours sake , and shew love to your selfe , pray do not lose your reason , to make your griefe so fruitlesse ; i have procur'd some musicke sir to quiet those sad thoughts , that makes such warre within you . seb. alas good boy , it will but adde more weights of dulnesse on me , i am stung with worse than the tarantula , to be cur'd with musicke 't has the exactest unity , but it cannot , accord my thoughts . cast. sir this your couch seemes to invite so small repose ; oh i beseech you taste it , i le begge a little leave to sing ; she sings enter berinthia . sweete sleepe charme his sad sences , and gentle thoughts let fall your flowing numbers , here round about hover caelestiall angels with your wings that none offend his quiet , sleepe begins to cast his nets o're me too , i le obey , and dreame on him , that dreames not what i am . ber. nature doth wrestle with me , but revenge doth arme my love against it , justice is above all tie of blood sebastiano thou art the first shalt tell antonioes ghost how much i lov'd him . she stabbes him upon his couch ; castab. rises and runnes in . seb. oh stay thy hand berinthia ? no th' ast don 't , i wish thee heavens forgivenesse , i cannot tarry to heare thy reasons , at many doores , my life runnes out , and yet berinthia doth in her name give me more wounds then these , antonio , oh antonio , we shall now be friendes againe . dies . ber. hee s dead , and yet i live , but not to fall lesse then a constellation , more flames must make up the fire that berinthia and her revenge , must bathe in . enter catalina poysoned , pulling ansilva by the haire . cast. sebastiano , sister . ans. murder . cat. there 's wild-fire in my bowells , sure i am poysoned ; oh berinthia . ber. ha , ha . cat. helpe me to teare ansilva , i am poysoned by the count and this fury . ber. ha , ha . cat. doe you laugh hereat . ber. yes queene of hell to see thee sinke in the glory of thy hope for blisse : but art sure th' art poysoned , ha ? ans. nay i have my part on 't , i did but sip , and my belly swells too ; call you this love-powder , count monte nigro hath poysoned us both . ber. y' are a paire of witches , and because i le keepe your potion working , know y' are both poyson'd by me , by me berinthia , being thus tormented with my wrongs , i arm'd my selfe with all provision for my revenge , and had in readinesse that faithfull poyson which i th' opportunity i put upon ansilva for the exchange of the amorous powder ; oh fooles , my soule ravish thy selfe with laughter , politsion my eldest divell sister , does the heate offend your stomacke , troth charity , a little charitie th' onely antidote , that 's cold enough : looke here 's sebastiano ; now horrour strike thy soule , to whose fearelesse heart i sent this punyard , for antonioes death ; and if that peece of thy damnation ansilva had not don 't , i meant to have writ revenge with the same point upon thy breast ; but i doe surfeit in this brave prevention : sleepe , sleepe antonioes ashes , and now ope thou marbell chest to take berinthia to mingle with his dust . wounds her selfe . cat. i have not so much heart as to curse , must i die ? enter vilarezo , castabella , mounte nigro . cast. here my lord , alas hee s dead , my sebastiano vil. catalina . cat. i am poyson'd . vil. ha , defend good heaven , by whom . ans. i am poysoned too . vil. racke not my soule amazement , t is a dreame sure . ans. your love-powder hath poysoned us both . mou. what will become of me now , i would i were hang'd to be out of my paine , by this flesh , as i am a count . i bought it of the doctor for good love-powder ; but madam i hope you are not poysoned in earnest . cat. the devill on your fooleship , oh i must walke the darke foggy way that spits fire and brimstone , no physicke to restore me ? send for sharkino , a cooler a cooler , there 's a smiths forge in my belly , and the devill blowes the bellowes , snow-water , berinthia has poysoned me , sinke by mine owne engine ; i must hence , hence , farewell , will you let me die so ? confusion , torment , death , hell . mount. i am glad with all my heart that berinthia has poysoned her , yet — ber. oh it becomes thee bravely , heare me sir . antonioes death and my dishonours now have just revenge ; i stabb'd sebastiano , poysoned my sister , oh but they made too soone a fury of me , and split the patience , from whose dreadfull breach came these consuming fires , your passions fruitless ; my soule is reeling forth i know not whether ; oh father my heart weepes teares , for you i dye , oh see a maides revenge with her owne tragedy . cat. ansilva , oh thou dull wretch , hell on thy cursed weakenesse , thou gavest me the poyson , but i licke earth , hold , a gentleman vsher to support me , oh i am gone , the poyson now hath torne my heart in peeces , moritur . vil. i am planet strucke , a direfull tragedy , and have i no part in 't : how doe you like it , ha ? wa st not done toth ' life ? they are my owne children ; this was my eldest girle , this berinthia the tragedian , whose love by me resisted , was mother of all this horror ; and there 's my boy too , that slew antonio valiantly , and fell under his sisters rage , what art thou boy ? cast. i le tell you now i am no boy , but haplesse castabella , sister to the slaine antonio , i had hop'd to have some recompence by sebastianoes love , for whose sake in disguise i thus adventur'd to purchase it , but death hath ravisht us , and here i bury all my joyes on earth . mount. sweet lady , here 's count de monte nigro alive to be your servant . cast. hence dull greatnesse . vil. were you a friend of sebastiano then ? cast. i le give you testimony . vil. no , i beleeve you , but thou canst not be my daughter ; t is false , he lies that sayes beriathia was author of their deathes , 't was villarezo , a fathers wretched curiosity , dead , dead , dead . cast. and i will leave the world too , for i meane to spend the poore remainder of my dayes in some religious house , married to heaven , and holy prayers for sebastianoes soule , and my lost brother . vil. will you so ? cast. i pray let castabella have the honour to enshrine his bones , and when my breath expires , for sorrow promiseth i shall not live to see more sunnes , let me be buried by him as neere as may be possible , that in death our dust may meete , oh my sebastiano , thy wounds are mine . vil. come i am arm'd , take up their bodies , castabella you are not chiefe mourner here , he was my sonne , remember that , berinthia first , she was the youngest , put her i th' pithole first , then catalina ; strow , strow flowers enough upon em , for they were maides ; now sebastiano , take him vp gently , he was all the sonnes i had ; now march , come you and i are twinnes in this dayes vnhappinesse , wee 'le match together , follow close wee 'le overtake em , softly , and as we go , wee 'le dare our fortune for another woe . fjnis .
machine-generated castlist a -catalina a -antonio a -valasco a -ansilva a -sebastiano a -vilandras a -berinthia a -count a -sharkino a -castabella a -diego a -montenegro a -unassigned a -sforza a -servant_ a -servant_ a -scarabeo a -mantaldo a -servant_ a - _servant a -servant
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k ●nsman valindras a kinsman antonio . ●forza sforza , a blunt souldier . braggar ● count de monte nigro , a braggard . ●ot give you a better proofe of my service , let not this oblation be despised . it is a tragedy de ●icated the second birth in this kinde , which i dedicated to the scene , as you have art to distinguish l ●t lodging . read when you have leasure , and let the author be fortunate to be knowne 〈◊〉 at lisbone worthy friend , so much engage me that i must dye endebted to your worth , ●perlative good it cannot : for he's no friend is not superlative , indulgent parents , brethren , kindred brethre ● is not superlative , indulgent parents , brethren , kindred , tied by the naturall flow of pron●●● they execute at best , but what a nature prompts e'm to , are often lesse then friends ●●●e'm execute at best , but what a nature pron e'm to , are often lesse then friends , when whe ● ●●●e'm to , are often lesse then friends , when they remaine our kinsmen still , but friend ●ur often lesse then friends , when they remaine our kinsmen still , but friend is never lost friendshi ● i would be friend and brother , thus our friendship shall like a diamond set in gold not loose ▪ them worthy , come shalt go and see them : i would not beg them sutors , fame hath ave ●o through portugall their persons , and drawne to avero . many affectionate gallants . cata ●lina catalina and berinthia repo ●t report speakes loud their beauties , and no less 〈◊〉 either well , i see you strive to leave no merrit where you meane to honour , i 〈◊〉 otherwise 〈◊〉 leave no 〈◊〉 where you meane to honour , i cannot otherwise escape the censure of one ingratefull ●ne honour , i 〈◊〉 otherwise escape the censure of one ingratefull , but by waiting on you home ●●ero ingratefull , but by waiting on you home to avero s ●ster not so much choise sebastiane , but if one sister of antonios , may have a commendation to ●irra what gallants sirra are they newly entred ? educa ●ion age with hope , and hath returnd my care in education , weight for weight with noble ●●ai ●ty ●●ai education , weight for weight with noble quality ●ty , will belov'd ●●th best o ●h dons in ●●th weight with noble ●●ai ●ty , will belov'd byth best o ●h dons in spaine and portugall , ●h noble ●●ai ●ty , will belov'd ●●th best o th dons in spaine and portugall , whose loves 〈◊〉 often threten his absence to such length as this hath beene . ente ● enter count de ●onte nigro , and 〈◊〉 ▪ coun ● ente ● count de ●onte nigro , and 〈◊〉 ▪ ●onte ente ● count de monte nigro , and 〈◊〉 ▪ 〈◊〉 ente ● count de ●onte nigro , and catalina ▪ ▪ ente ● count de ●onte nigro , and 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 but heres my eldest daughter with her amorous ●eres 〈◊〉 heres my eldest daughter with her amorous count ●eshrew you have beene absent long my noble count , beshrew me but i dreamt on you last night . 〈…〉 little ground , to returne with a greater force of love , now by my fathers sword and gauntlet thart pretio ●s by my fathers sword and gauntlet thart a pretious peece of vertue , but prethee what didst p ●ethee gauntlet thart a pretious peece of vertue , but prethee what didst dreame of me last night ? knee ● , that i was fighting for thee up to the knees in blood , why i dare doo't , such dreames 〈◊〉 wounds and ambuscadoes , donzell delphebo was a mountebank of vallour , rosicbeere a puffe r ●sicbeere donzell delphebo was a mountebank of vallour , rosicbeere a puffe ; my dreames deserve to be ith chronicles pu ●fe was a mountebank of vallour , rosicbeere a puffe ; my dreames deserve to be ith chronicles ●ighting i dreamt that you were fighting . re ●cued you slew a giant , and you no sooner had rescued my honour , but there crept a pigmee out ●atalina hercules had a conflict with'em , oh my dona catalina i well would i were so happy once to maintaine ▪ i have never yet flesht my selfe in blood , no body would quarell with me , but i finde fi ●de blood ▪ no body would quarell with me , but i finde my spirit prompt if occasion would but winke spiri ● body would quarell with me , but i finde my spirit prompt if occasion would but winke at me 〈◊〉 occasion would but winke at me , why not ? wherefore has nature given me these brawny armes , ●ling these collossian supporters nothing but to sling the sledge , or pitch the bare , and play ax ●etrees sledge , or pitch the bare , and play with axletrees ; if thou lovest me , do but command me 〈◊〉 worthy service ; pox a dangers i weigh 'em no more than fleabitings , would some body per ●orme guifts , whose acceptation does not binde to performe what every giver craves ; without a staine wa ●es gildes the day , nor the sea lord of his owne waues . r ●pture motion i can call my owne , but by a higher rapture , in obedience to a father , and i have c 〈…〉 cou. c 〈…〉 count. 〈◊〉 val. 〈…〉 but i hope faire . 〈◊〉 count. 〈…〉 shoote home then , valasco i have 〈…〉 my miseris , 〈…〉 home then ; valasco i have 〈…〉 my miseris with a paper 〈…〉 〈…〉 home then , valasco i have presented my miseris with a paper of verses , see 〈…〉 miseris with a paper of verses , see she is reading of 'em . 〈◊〉 val. 〈…〉 didst make em thy selfe 〈◊〉 cou. 〈…〉 my money did , what an idle question is that 〈◊〉 great men , are not furnished with stipendary muses, am sure for my owne part i can buy 'em cheape cheaper 〈◊〉 am sure for my owne part i can buy 'em cheaper 〈◊〉 can make 'em a great deale , would you 〈◊〉 sure for my owne part i can buy 'em cheape than i can make 'em a great deale , would you have 〈…〉 have learning have no reward , she laughs at 'em, i am glad of that . 〈◊〉 ber. our they 〈…〉 savour o ● a true poeticke fury . o ● they 〈…〉 our of a true poeticke fury . 〈◊〉 cata. li ●● but this line my think hath more more feete than the think but this li ●● my thinks hath more more feete than the rest . 〈◊〉 cou. 〈◊〉 it sho'd run the better for that lady , i did it ca 〈…〉 cata. ●●●ses conceit , my owne invention , lame halting verses , theres the greatest art , besides i t t 〈…〉hy theres the greatest art , besides i thereby give you to understand , that i am valiant 〈…〉 give you to understand , that i am valiant , dare cut of legs and armes at all times and make 'em i ● my enemies , i am an ●ambographier now it is out . 〈◊〉 sourest versifiers that ever crept out of pernassus when i set on't . i ●●n make any body hang ●●n ever crept out of 〈◊〉 when i set on't . i can make any body hang himselfe with 〈◊〉 iambick 〈◊〉 . i ●●n make any body hang himselfe with pure iambick ● , i can fetch blood with asclepiads iambick ● ●●n make any body hang himselfe with 〈◊〉 iambicks , i can fetch blood with asclepiads 〈…〉 asce ●p with 〈◊〉 iambick ● , i can fetch blood with asclepiads 〈…〉 st ●●ad ● with hexameter and pentameter 〈…〉 iambick ● , i can fetch blood with asclepiads sting, with phalenciums whip, with saphicks st ●●ad ● with hexameter and pentameter ●●ad i can fetch blood with asclepiads 〈…〉 st bastinado ● with hexameter and pentameter , and yet ● can fetch blood with asclepiads 〈…〉 st ●●ad , with hexameter and pentameter , and yet 〈◊〉 and pentameter , and yet i have a trimeter left for thee my dona catalina 〈◊〉 ber. 〈…〉 sory love hath beene unkind to you . to p point at me , who , till the first have knit the gre ●nenesse noblenesse , and encourage me to spend the greenenesse of my rising yeares so to 〈◊〉 , that at 〈◊〉 the greenenesse of my rising yeares so to thadvantage , that at last i may be old like you . 〈◊〉 vila. 〈◊〉 count. 〈…〉 howes that? she sayes he is most welcome , he were not 〈◊〉 val. i ● it we ●e not truely noble to affront him we ●e i ● were not truely noble to affront him ; my 〈◊〉 me , it shall i coole againe , the place is venerable by her presence , and i may be 〈◊〉 and i may be deceiv'd , valasco then keepe distance with thy feares . a●t ●. anto. loft how now antonio , where hast thou lost thy selfe ? strucke dead with ladies eyes catalin ●s excellent creatures , there is a majestie in catalinas eye , and every part carries ambition or b ●rinthi ●s 〈…〉 carries ambition or queene upon it , yet berinthia hath something more than all this praise 〈…〉 ambition or queene upon it , yet berinthiaes hath something more than all this praise , though ▪ command the world , this hath more power ore me ; here i have lost my freedome , not the queene 〈…〉 i have lost my freedome , not the queene of love could thus have wounded poore antonio ' ' 〈…〉 could thus have wounded poore antonio : 〈◊〉 speake to her ; lady i'm an novice , 〈◊〉 〈…〉 could thus have wounded poore antonio ' ile speake to her ; lady i'm an novice , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 speake to her ; lady i'm an novice , yet in love . 〈◊〉 ber. ●ests she jests at me , yet i should be proud to be your 〈◊〉 val. . 〈…〉 seeme to court her , and in presence too of some that have engaged themselves perhaps 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈…〉 that have engaged themselves perhaps to her already . do ● and he were ten antonios , but the ladies don , the ladies . 〈◊〉 but for all that he had most mind to your mistris , and i do not see but if he pursue it , ht i have lesse cause to feare o'th two ; if he love not catalina ● my game is free , and catalin cause to feare o'th two ; if he love not catalina ● my game is free , and i may have a course sawey and yet now i thinke on't , he was very sawcey with my love to support her arme , which ●u leave off soliciting , yet i was welcome , you fed on nothing but berinthia , from whose ●fed off soliciting , yet i was welcome , you fed on nothing but berinthia , from whose faire ●nto whose faire eyes love threw a thousand flames into antonios heart , her cheeks bewraying as antonio ● faire eyes love threw a thousand flames into antonios heart , her cheeks bewraying as many amorous ant●. anto. bass ●ed catalina is my mistris , i do not meane to be baffled while this toole has any steele in't , and count▪ count. ▪ count . coun ● words , or you shall be sensible that i am count de monte nigro , and she's no dish for don ▪ shall discover a passion through my eyē . antonio ● sir , this entertainement is so much above antonios merit , if i leave you not i shall be out trissle leave me without discourtesie so soone , we triffle time , this night you are my guest , my val ●sco are my guest , my honored count , my don valasco . auother like barge-men when they row . ile looke another way then that i goe . ansilvae enter catalina and ansilva . ansilv ● ansilva you observe with curious eye all gentlemen yon ansilva you observe with curious eye all gentlemen that tarrries second you , and who dost thinke is cause he tarries here . curs ●e word to save an oath , for all she made me a cursie , it was not good manners to leave mee so thu ● i should be thus a disobedient daughter a fathers hests are longe ● i hope sir , now we shall enjoy you longer ▪ ▪ hope sir , now we shall enjoy you longer . ● sonner be sicke with nectar , than antoni antonio grow weary of such faire societie ; but crow be sicke with nectar , than antoni antonio grow weary of such faire societie ; but i am soo ●e sayes she has power to take her leave so soone , no hurt ath' world in't , i hope she is co ●nt. count. ●ould into these parts , i desire humbly i may be bould to rub acquaintance with mistresse ansilva y ●u madam , i hope you will not be an enemy to a poore flye that fl ●me enemy to a poore flye that is taken in the flame of the blind god . antiqu ●tie i honour the antiquitie of her maidenhead , thou mistresse of my ga ●e we'le bring you to the game . snffer stripling , have i seene so many maiden-heades suffer before me , and must mine come to the blocke ●eres have beene overrunne with this love ? but heres my lady . aff ●ction hath your affection had no deeper roote , that tis rent up already b ●rinthia you love berinthia . dedicare doth not antonio dedicate his thoughts to your acceptance , 'tis impossible c ●zening see the fountaine that sent forth so many cozening streames , you would say styx were christ ●he knew did love me , that he might fire him the more to consummate my marriage that i disposed ▪ your injury , i could not be silent in it . what you meane to doe i leave to your owne troubies pitty you , and the more , because i see your troubles so amaze your judgement , ile tell you my con ●ident my father , she promis'd you her love , be confident to say you did exchange faith to her ; this de sert see is honourable , so much i suffer when desert is wounded , you shall have my assistance ●wish and strucke in the maturity , noble sir ; j wish you onely fortunate in berinthias love . villand ●a ● enter cast abella and villandras . villandros name of friendship in his breast , pardon villandras , tis not to straine your love , whom i fa ●e sir , as did become you , to proceede so farre without my knowledge , give me leave to for feit forget my nature if she dare make so soone forfeit of her piety ; oh where is that same awfull ▪ exit val . prosecu ●e thy owne fame , he must not have accesse to prosecute , it was my doting sinne , of too much confidence dieg ● enter sebastiano , berinthia , ansilva , diego meetes them ▪ ▪ , berinthia , ansilva , diego meetes them . deject d i see this cloud vanish already , be not dejected , soone ile know the depth ont ▪ should ▪ not dejected , soone ile know the depth ont , should the world forsake thee , thou shalt noching to come to a judgement . my cause craves nothing but justice , that is , that you would be ●arre with the same comfort a distressed sea man a farre off , viewes the coast he would enjoy , ▪ she moved put up the letter , it fals downe . preth ●e yes , prethee doe ansilva in this gallery , i breathe a ●silva yes , prethee doe ansilva in this gallery , i breathe but too much purp ●se my journey were to no purpose else madam ▪ i apprehend her . ile waite ▪ my journey were to no purpose else madam , i apprehend her . ile waite an opportunity ● to no purpose else madam ▪ i apprehend her . ile waite an opportunity , alas poore lady opport ●nity else madam ▪ i apprehend her . ile waite an opportunity , alas poore lady , is my sweete heart become i ady her . ile waite an opportunity , alas poore lady , is my sweete heart become a jaylor , there's j ●ylor poore lady , is my sweete heart become a jaylor , there's hope of an office without money ●s. a ans. ▪ can pierce stone walls madam , i am sure . cat▪ cat. h ● ha , whats this ? a letter to berinthia ▪ from ▪ ha , whats this ? a letter to berinthia , from whom subscrib'd ? antonio , what devill ▪ torment me not , ha , while i am antonio , expect not i can be other then thy servant a ●e other then thy servant , all my thoughts are made sacred with thy remembrance , whose tex ●d both your hearts , and every character beene texed with blood , i would have tir'd mine eyes ▪ change our ayre , this is beyond my patience , sleepe in this and never wake to honour 〈◊〉 thus, you shall steale her away ▪ ▪ 〈◊〉 you shall steale her away . 〈◊〉 val. . ●hen oh when ' 〈…〉 provide such trusty friends , but let it not be knowne vpon 〈◊〉 your honour , i assist you in't . and after midnight when soft sleepe hath charm'd all sences s ●eepe assist you in't . and after 〈◊〉 when soft sleepe hath charm'd all sences 〈◊〉 the garden gate 〈◊〉 when soft sleepe hath charm'd all sences enter the garden gate . which shall to open for chambe ● which shall to open for you , to know her chamber a candle shall direct you in the window 〈◊〉 a candle shall direct you in the window , ansilva shall attend too , and provide to give you 〈◊〉 soone convey her to what place you thinke secure and most convenient , in small time you pr ●cure and most convenient , in small time you may procure your owne conditions ▪ but sir you must ▪ time you may procure your owne conditions ; but sir you must engage your selfe to use s ● heaven forsake me then , was ever mortall so bound to womans care , my mothers was halfe 〈◊〉 cat. cat▪ cat. w ●ll so , when gentle physicke will not serve , we must apply more active , mus ● when gentle physicke will not serve , we must apply more active , but there is yet a receipt ●pply gentle physicke will not serve , we must apply more active , but there is yet a receipt ●eceipt must apply more active , but there is yet a receipt behind ; valascoes shallow , and will be va ●as ●oes active , but there is yet a receipt behind ; valascoes shallow , and will be planet strucke , to ●leepe hell can furnish me with such a poyson , sleepe thy last sister , whilst thou livest i have 〈◊〉 last sister , whilst thou livest i have , no quiet in my , my rest thy grave . ● exi exit diegocomes diego comes from behinde the hangings . ●rom diego comes from behinde the hangings . 〈◊〉 die. brerder goe thy wayes , and the devill wants a breeder thou art for him , one spirit and her selfe pereeive love hangings the better while i live : i perceive some good may be done behind em ▪ but ile ▪ perceive some good may be done behind em , but ile acquaint my lady berinthia , heres ▪ berinthia above . ya ●e ya're undone , undone lost , undone for ever ; deat ● that valasco shall bee suspected for your death , what will you doe ? s ●all rest to me , i have a crotchet in my pate shall spoyle their musicke , and prevent all danger exeu ●t exeunt conju . ringh viols , pictures of wax characters , wands , conjuring habit , powders paintings , and scarabeo ●●t pictures of wax characters , wands , conjuring habit , powders paintings , and scarabeo . a ● tongue tide , scrue your selfe halfe out at one of the crevices , and give me notice ●ucus this fucus beares a lively tincture , oh the checke mnst beares a lively tincture , oh the checke must blush that weares it , their deceiv'd that ansilus enter ansilva . 〈◊〉 on't , oh ladies may now and then commit a slip and have some colour for't , but these are 〈…〉 have some colour for't , but these are but the outsides of our art , the things we can prescribe ▪ poysons i warrant you , how doe they looke , pray lets see one . sharkin ● is your name signior sharkino the famous doctor . doct ●r is your name signior sharkino the famous doctor . 〈…〉 i am count de monte nigro . ▪ sublimity doth illustrate this habitation ; is there any thing wherein sharkino may 〈…〉 there any thing wherein sharkino may expresse his humble service ? if ought within the circumference cel ●itude mathematicall science , may have acceptance with your celsitude , it shall devolve it selfe . ●t may have acceptance with your celsitude , it shall devolve it selfe . 〈◊〉 coun. 〈◊〉 take heede i beseech your honour , they are dangerous hon ●ur take 〈◊〉 i beseech your honour , they are dangerous , this is the devils devis honour , they are dangerous , this is the devils 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 , they are dangerous , this is the devils girdle , wh ●t a pox oth devill , what have i doe with him , inferra ●l with sacred characters against the power of infernall spirits , within whose round i can tread sa ●ely spirits , within whose round i can tread safely , when hell burnes round about me . p ●rson hearing of your skill , i am come in my owne person , for a fragment of your art , harke you 〈◊〉 fragment of your art , harke you , have you any receipts to procure love sir ? here ● here's a powder whose ingrediences were fetchd arab ●● powder whose ingrediences were fetchd from arabia the happy , a sublimation of the phoenix colo ●r she last burned her selfe , it beares the colour of sinamon , two or three souples put into 〈◊〉 into a cup of wine , fetches up her heart , she can scarce keepe it in , for running out scar ●e cup of wine , fetches up her heart 〈◊〉 can scarce keepe it in , for running out of her mouth nob ●e , for running out of her mouth to you my noble lord . ●t. co cout. ven ●s iupiter , the mars , the sol , the venus , the mercury , ha then it was stolne ● . muff ●ed count comes from behind the hangings and muffled in a cloake steales of the stage . mu ●fled marke this fellow muffled in the cloake , he hath stolne your spoones ●foote 'foote tis strange , he lookes like a theefe , ●this 'foote tis strange , he lookes like a theefe , this doctor i see is cunning . ● strange , he lookes like a theefe , this doctor i see is cunning . ● breeches sometimes ; sweets mr. doctor , am i a maid still or no , i would be sorry to loose e have no mercy when i set on't , i have made em all poore iohns , impudent varlets ; talke ●mall no mercy when i set on't , i have made em all poore iohns , impudent varlets ; talke to totherday cannot be kept in , chaines will not hold me : tother day for a lesse matter than this , i kickt cu ●its man doe you thinke he was ? he was twelve cubits high , and three yards compasse at the waste keew very strange , i nere saw the like , i never knew spiders and toades were such good meates ●well it shall nere swell him , by to morrow hee shall be an inch pellers fury , i may take e'm often ; heres for your pellets of lozenges , what rare physicke is this r ●rely have it so sure in my belly , it will worke rarely twelve houres hence . ar ●●'d antonio , villandras , diego , vizzardid and arm'd . poo ●e was a cordiall my lady vs'd her selfe , and poore foole she has swallowed it sure . ●wallowed vs'd her selfe , and poore foole she has swallowed it sure . v●l●sco ●sco enter v valasco , a friend or two armed . infufferably round , oh teach me to be mad , i am abus'd , insufferably tormented , my very soule is whipt , it ● how berin . gone ? call up the servants , ansilva , how wast op ● her chamber broken ope , and shee tane thence this night . thi ● chamber broken ope , and shee tane thence this night . stolene , so , as you were saying , berinthia was stolne ● way by some body , and — ● way as you were saying , berinthia was stolne away by some body , and — ●one let none have the honour to revenge , but i the wrongd val ●sco the honour to revenge , but i the wrongd valasco , let me beg it sir . ●be age me thinkes , and combat him my selfe : be thine the glory , this staine will never thirsleth have not i commission , i have a sword , thirsteth to be acquainted with his veines ; it is va ●lant you accompany my brother , you i know are valiant . prese ●tly any whither , ile make me ready presently . a ●tonio enter antonio , berinthia , castabella , villandras , po ●●esse villandras yare not sensible what treasure you possesse , i have no loves , i would not here divide ●or. s sfor. ya ●e safe armies , and guard ; berinthia ya're a lady , but i meane not to court you : a ●d court you : guard ●notha , here's a toledo , and an old arme , tough bones and sinewes , bra ●●e old bones of his father , th'ast a wall of brasse about thee my young daffodill . d ●ffodill th'ast a wall of brasse about thee my young daffodill . o busse jerkin , that hath look'd ith face of an army , and he lies like a termagant , upo ● castle , but ile command fire to the gunnes , upon ● any renegado that confronts us , set thy b ● come be not sad . cas ●. cast. l ●id can you be ignorant what plot was laid to take your faire life from you . yo ●r if all be not a dreame , i doe remember your servant diego told me wenders , and i owe sh ●ote shoote not at buts , cupids an archer , here a atcher shoote not at buts , cupids an archer , here a faire marke , a f fooles bolts ●oles cupids an archer , here a faire marke , a f fooles bolts soone shot , my names sforza still berinthi ● by such an honourer as antonio is of faire berinthia . berinthi ● faine not your selfe so haplesse my berinthia , raise your dejected thoughts , be merry ralse not your selfe so haplesse my berinthia , raise your dejected thoughts , be merry , come ragamus ●ian wals , shall spit fire in the faces of any ragamuffian that dares say , we dare not fight pell mell diogo enter diego hastily . thēe what , to see thee ? he shall see thee hēre . respected like thy selfe , berinthia sebas ●iano she give consent , treads on his grave , sebastiano , y'are unnoble then , tis i that said it seeme ● so it seemes . perso ● redeliver , or keepe her with the danger of thy person , thou canst not be my brother , till we ca ●st her with the danger of thy person , thou canst not be my brother , till we first be allied ●ot with the danger of thy person , thou canst not be my brother , till we first be allied i ● not be my brother , till we first be allied in blood . ●hat promise me the hearing , and that have any satisfaction , becomes my fame s ●v'd to dye your sword with any blood of him , sav'd both her life and honour ? poyso ● force to this goodly building , and through poyson had rob'd the earth of more then all the h ●d this goodly building , and through poyson had rob'd the earth of more then all the world i ● beneath my honour , and i dare by goodnesse , in such a quarrell kill thee : but heare all thest so valasco should have borne the shame of theft and murther ; how doe you like this sir co ●e my names sforza sir , you were not best to come here to brave us , unlesse you have more ●t , unlesse you have more legges and armes at home , i have a saza shall picke holes in a ●d saza shall picke holes in your doublet , and firke your shankes , my gallimaufry . gallimau ●ry your doublet , and firke your shankes , my gallimaufry . berinthi ● i cannot but beleeve it , oh berinthia , i am wounded ere i fight . ▪ holds your resolve yet constant ? if you have better opinion of your sword ●my take a time to informe your father sir , my noble cozen is to be found here constant berinthi ● , i have heard you to no purpose , shall berinthia backe to avero . ● choose thee a second then , this count and i meane to leave honor here . 〈◊〉 tis done , sebastiano shall report antonio just and noble , sforza sweare vpon my sword ●hou and wilt thou be dishonourd ? faithsir faith sir , if you please take a time to thinke ● enough , not a masty upon the castle wall , but shall barke too , i congratulate thee sebasti ●●● well said my brave adelautado , come sebastiano , and my birinthia by to morrow we shall challe ●ge from theeves and robbers , none of us can challenge such right to wealth and fortuues of the vilarez ●es infamy unreveng'd , it will be a barre in vilarezoes armes past all posterity ; cat ●lina come catalina , thou wilt stay with me , prepare to welcome daugh ●er your daughter sir ? ●ut her selfe a bastard , and deserves to be cut off like a disordered branch , disgracing reven ●e antonio have plaied the theefe , let your revenge fall there , which were i trusted with , f ●●y with , although i doubt not sebastianoes fury ; he should feele it more heavy than his beco ●e 't will become you ; but i marvell we hearē nothing of succes ●e but i marvell we hearē nothing of their successe at eluas . by this time i would have sent elu ●s marvell we hearē nothing of their successe at eluas . by this time i would have sent antonio mo ●. mou. be ●ray'd am i betray'd ? moun ●. mount. howe ● howes this , i steale berinthia ? n ●t shall , come jacquit you both , they must not thus foole me . ●e thought as much , my minde gave me , it was a l lye , yes , you looke like a poysoner , as much ▪ no name within your memory , let me begge , to be your proxie sir , pitty such blood eithe ● away then both , no complement , i wish you either had a pegasus , be happy , my old bloud ▪ some conceit of sforza the old captaine , lets entertaine it , some souldiers device ●odamercy souldiers device , a maske of souldiers . godamercy sforza . sfor ●● device , a maske of souldiers . godamercy sforza . mustin must ? th'art a mushrumpe , must, in the castle of el ●●● , monte nigro gives el ●●● th'art a mushrumpe , mustin the castle of eluas , monte nigro gives a letter . w ●at what , courting ladies , by this time 'twas expected ●ou i doubt you'le never be better , you shall now owe me more than you shall account whisper ● anto. & seb , whispers , anto. & seb , whisper ● . reslect doe wonder you can forget your honour , and reflect on such unworthinesse , wherein hath valasco villandra ● villandras . ● oh admirable phisitian ! sfor ●● sforza , there is no remedie , but by all honour 〈…〉 i am to waite on him , oh my poore girle berinthia, my soule be with thee , for a 〈…〉 my absence . 〈…〉 oh my poore girle 〈…〉 be with thee , for a little time excuse my absence . w ●lke you may walke sir . 〈◊〉 val. a ●●onio antonio i must but now looke on , you were best bes ● antonio i must but now looke on , you were best take 〈…〉 to out live him . 〈…〉 must but now looke on , you were best take a course not to out live him . 〈◊〉 sebastiano , i know not with what soule i draw my sword ● 〈◊〉 , i know not with what soule i draw my sword against thee 〈◊〉 seb. an ●onio antonio i am driven in a storme to 〈◊〉 my selfe 〈◊〉 antonio i am driven in a storme to split my selfe on thee , if not , any curse — sfor ●a treacherous sforza , hast thou brought us hither , to be stroke se●. seb. 〈…〉 my fit is on me, tis so, i had forgot my selfe , this is my ague 〈◊〉 , looke you , doe you not see me shake , admirable doctor , it will be as much as my life is ● it will be as much as my life is worth if i should fight a stroke . v ●cele hell on such basenesse , weele engage no more ; let our swords try it out ●words basenesse , weele engage no more ; let our swords try it out . sebast ●●o sebastiano hold , thart not so ill be friended , exchange withall with all my heart , i am sorry it happens so vunfortvnately ●●for ●nately withall my heart , i am sorry it happens so vunfortvnately , oh rare phisitian ! phis ●tian sorry it happens so vunfortvnately , oh rare phisitian ! 〈◊〉 vil. ●nt. ant. faies what saies 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 what saies sebastiano . v ●●. vil. mee ●e meete him my lord , you will become his place vi ●●andras kils villandras . ●st. c cast. tho ● antonio before thou dyest cut off my hand , art wounded mortally ▪ antonio stay oh cruell brother . surgeo ● lips are warme , have you no balsome , a surgeon ; dead , some charitable hand send my soule ●●d and refuse no service to procure your love and good opinion to me . t ●is yet be not rash ; tis no advantage to belong to me , i have no berinthis enter berinthia , come ●s of fire , and fill the ayre with bearded comets , threatning death and horrour for my wrong'd disgrac ●d horrour for my wrong'd innocence , contemn'd , disgrac'd , nay murther'd , for with antonio my breath nigr enter mounte nigro ● and ansilva . nigr and live in the favour of count de monte nigro ● ; i will make thy children kinne to me s ●emes sir this your couch seemes to invite so small repose ; oh i beseech ●estiall flowing numbers , here round about hover cae caelestiall angels with your wings that none offend conftellation yet i live , but not to fall lesse then a constellation , more flames must make up the fire that swelleto part on't , i did but sip , and my belly swelle to ● ; call you this love-powder , count to ● on't , i did but sip , and my belly swelle too ; call you this love-powder , count monte there ● ? send for sharkino , a cooler a cooler , theres a smiths forge in my belly , and the devill poy ●oned have just revenge ; i stabb'd sebastiano , poysoned my sister , oh but they made too soone a villarez beriathia was author of their deathes , 'twas villarezo ● , a fathers wretched curiosity , dead
the constant maid shirley, james this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text s in the english short title catalog (stc ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. martin mueller incompletely or incorrectly transcribed words were reviewed and in many cases fixed by melina yeh lydia zoells this text has not been fully proofread earlyprint project evanston il, notre dame in, st.louis, washington mo distributed under a creative commons attribution-noncommercial . unported license a .xml the constant maid. a comedy. written by iames shirley. shirley, james, - . dpi tiff g page images university of michigan, digital library production service ann arbor, michigan july (tcp phase ) stc ( nd ed.) . greg, ii, (a). a

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 the constant maid. a comedy. written by iames shirley. shirley, james, - . [ ] p. printed by i. raworth, for r. whitaker, london : .

in verse.

signatures: a-i .

the last leaf is blank.

reproduction of the original in the henry e. huntington library and art gallery.

 a shc the constant maid shirley, james melina yeh lydia zoells play comedy shc no a s (stc ). athis text has no known defects that were recorded as gap elements at the time of transcription. incorporated ~ , textual changes made to the shc corpus by hannah bredar, kate needham, and lydia zoells between april and july during visits, separately or together, to the bodleian, folger and houghton libraries as well as the rare book libraries at northwestern university and the university of chicago

the constant maid

a comedy .

written by iames shirley .

london , printed by i. raworth , for r. whitaker . .

the names of the persons . hornet , a rich vsurer . hartwell , a young gentleman , lover of mistresse frances . playfaire , a gallant . a gentleman , cousen to playfaire . sir clement , a iustice . startup , a foolish gentleman . a countrey-man . close , servant to hartwell . three servants , disguised sometimes as lords , one of them once disguised as a pursevant . a constable . three watchmen . masquers . officers . servants and attendants . bellamy , a widdow . frances , her daughter . nurse , their servant . neece to hornet .

the scene , london .

the constant maid .
act. i. enter hartwell , close , servants . hartwell .

nay , let 's not part so heavily .

clo. for mine owne part it does not trouble me so much , that you have broke up house ; for hospitalitie went out of fashion with crop-doublets and cod-peeces : but i that have worne out so many liveries under the worshipfull old gentleman your father . hart. my father had an office , which brought in a faire revenew ; i inherit but his little land , whose annuall profits wo'not encourage me to live at the same height : yee may meet better fortunes , there 's enough preferment in the world ; my love and best assistance promise to your selves . clo. i do not stand upon wages , sir , i will not leave you . hart.

how woot thou live ?

clo. as other mortals do ; yet i 'll not play the thiefe , that is a course by which a man may soone ascend the ladder of preferment : but i ne're lov'd these climbing trees . i cannot cheat , though i have heard there is an art , a devillish deale of knowledge in the dice ; and if men wonot part with money , some will fetch it out o' th' bones : but the best casting is in a taverne , when the wine and reckoning come up together ; some doe spin a living by 't : and there are many secret wayes for serving-men to live , it is not wages does maintaine all of our tribe , sir ; and especially those that have mistresses . hart.

but i am a bachelour .

clo. i pray let me be one of your buttons still then , i am not halfe worne out ; you know what mould i 'm made off , i did ever honest service ; and though my fellow vermin can forsake your falling house , i doe not feare the rafters ; by this hand , sir , i 'll wait upon you , though like great mens servants , i do live on nothing but looks , and the aire of commendations . hart. well , since you are so resolute , attend me , the rest i here discharge , there 's somewhat more , not worth the name of bountie , i wish all a happier entertainment . serv. and there be no remedy , heaven blesse you , sir . clo. pray give me leave to wet my lips with these my fellowes , sorrow has made but a dry proverb , i must toth ' taverne , and condole a quart . hart.

meet me at mistresse bellamies then . exit .

clo.

i shall , sir . enter playfare .

play.

how now masters .

clo. you speake not to me , sir , i am a servant still indeed ; with them the case is alter'd , they are masters , for they want services . ser.

oh , master playfare .

it is not now as when andrea liv'd ,

this place was made for pleasure , not for death .

there was a time when mortals whetted knives .

in time of yore , when men kill'd brutish beasts .

oh cruell butcher , whosoe're thou wert .

clo.

do not you know what all this signifies ?

play.

not i .

clo.

my master has given over house-keeping .

he has committed burglarie , broke up the cellar , and throwne the kitchin out at the hall window . clo. his house , sir , has a superscription , and is directed to his loving friend will pay the rent , you 'l hardly know me now , i have no fellow . play.

you are verie merrie , sir .

he has some cause , we are discharg'd .

clo: for certaine , my master only belongs to me , if you would speake with him , he 's gone to mistresse bellamies , sir ; in the meane time , please you to understand , i close follow my master , and shall feed still , although my fellowes here are become blanks , and do want filling . play. lads , i have knowne you long : although you be at losse , in confidence of all your future honesties , i 'll employ yee in a device , which if it hit , may reward your paines . clo.

all ?

play. your master only , sir , belongs to you , follow him still , and if there be occasion , i shall enquire for you ; you will be faithfull . ser. omnes .

doubt not , m. playfaire .

play. i have a project , follow me for instructions ; farewell close , commend me to your master .

buoy close , buoy honest close , we are blanks , blanks .

clo. roule up your selves in paper-liveries , and be drawne at the next lotterie ; i wo'not forsake my certaintie for all your projects , if it should faile i shall find some of you sneaking in pauls behind a pillar , with a zealous prayer , some gentleman would read the bed-roll of your commendation , and pitie a verie serviceable fellow , that would faine wait on him , but wants a cloake : go , prosper with your project . exeunt . enter hornet , mistresse bellamy . horn. widdow , be rul'd by me , i know the world , and i have studied it these fiftie yeares : there 's no man to be trusted . bell. without good . securitie , you meane . horn. no young man , widdow , that talks , and sayes he loves you , writes you verses , and sweares he shall goe hang himselfe , unlesse you pitie him ; take me an old man . bell.

so , take you an old man .

horn. season'd with care and thrift , not led away by vicious conversation , nor corrupted with pride and surfet , one that knowes the use of money ; do yee mark the use ? bell. yes , sir : use upon use , you meane . hor. and dares not spend it prodigally , knowing the principall end it was ordain'd to , was to releeve our necessitie , and lay up what is above . bell.

to help the poore .

horn. you may , if you be so dispos'd , but 't is as commendable to give it in your will , to build an hospitall , and so our charitie comes altogether : i would not have your state be eaten up by catterpillers , but preserv'd and made greater , by marrying some discreet old man . bell.

and such an one you shew your selfe .

horn. you happily interpret me . bell. i would not tell you , sir , till our next meeting , how much you have won , by your good counsell , on me . horn. she inclines . 't is your good nature , i am plaine , and have no tricks , i 'll tell you all my fault , i am addicted verie much to gather wealth ; i have no children to devoure my state , nor kinred , only a neece left to my trust , one that is never like to marrie . bell.

why ?

horn.

she never thriv'd since she came to mee .

bell.

i easily beleeve it .

horn. melancholly will kill her , and yet i pursue all wayes that promise her delight : i spare no cost of physick , what her doctor sayes , is done . bell.

't is lovingly perform'd .

enter hartwell and mistresse frances . horn.

what 's he ?

bell. a gentleman that beares my daughter much affection . horn.

sure i have seene him .

bell.

master hartwell .

horn.

oh , he 's a beggar , or must be verie shortly .

bell.

have you his lands in morgage ?

horn.

not yet , not yet ; but he 'll want money , widdow .

bell.

he has had good breeding .

horn. hang breeding , 't is unlucky , they never keep their state that have too much on 't , counsell your daughter , mistresse bellamy , to throw him off betime . bell.

you direct well .

horn.

when we are married , i 'll provide a match for her .

bell.

you have care on 's .

horn.

it will become me .

hart.

is he suitor to your mother , lady ?

fra. he would be such a thing : were not i blest in such a jolly father in law ? hart. he looks like some cast money-bag , that had given up the stuffing , and for want of use growne mouldy : he dares not keep much fire in 's kitchin , lest warming his hands , which rather looke like gloves , so tann'd and thin , he let em scorch , and gather into a heap . i do not think he ever put off his clothes , he would run-mad to see his owne anatomy , that such a wretch should have so vast a wealth . fran. i wod not be his niece for all his fortune . hart. i presume your mother is more noble , than to encourage him in his pretence , and her estate would mix but ill with his ill-gotten wealth , extorted from widdowes and from orphans , nor will all his plentie keep his soule one day from famine : 't is time ill spent to mention him , let 's talk of something else . fran.

of what ?

hart. of love agen , whose flame we equally divide . horn. your table is a devourer , and they shut up doores first , that keep open house and entertainments : this lord is feasted , and that young ladies sweet tooth must have a banquet ; t'other old madam with ne're a tooth must have some marchpane corall to rub her gums withall ; these are ridiculous expences . bell.

far from thrift .

horn. this roome has too rich furniture , and worse hangings would serve the turne ; if i may be worthy to counsell , costly pictures are superfluous , though of this , or t'other masters doing : hang michael angelo and his oyles . if they be given , y' are the more excus'd to let 'em shew ; but have a care you let not appeare , either in arras , or in picture , the storie of the prodigall , 't will fright young gentlemen that come to visit you from spending o' their portions , whose riot may enrich you with their forfeited estates ; i have a thousand precepts more . bell. but do not think all this while of heaven . horn. 't is in my chest , and multiplyed in everie bag . bell.

or hell .

horn. a fable to fright fooles , or children ; but i cannot stay , my scrivener doth expect me , i 'll visit you another time , sweet widdow , and give you more instructions . bell. spare your travell , i sha'not practise these in haste , and must declare these precepts make not for your welcome : my patience was a vertue all this while , if you but think you have a soule ; repent ; your rules i am not covetous to follow , good master hornet . horn. live and be undone then : you 'l tell me another tale hereafter widdow . exit . enter nurse and close . nur.

letters from master startup , the countrey gentleman .

har.

what 's he ?

fran.

a sutor of my nurses commendations .

clo. now heaven deliver me , what have i seen ? this monster once was shewne i' th' faire , or such another furr'd baboone for all the world , do'st know him ? why do i ask such a question ? he 's such a thing the devill would not owne 's acquaintance . nur.

master hornet , the great usurer .

clo. hornet ? nay then , my wonder 's over , and the devill be but such another , they may be sworne brothers ; yes , and divide hell betwixt em . hart.

who is that you talk on , sir ?

clo. the beast , that heaven be thank'd , has left you , hornet ; but i ha newes for you . bell.

frances .

hart.

i 'll heare it in the garden . exit hart. close .

bell. do you love that master hartwell ? do not blush , but answer . fran. i hope you move not this , as if you doubted ; i took him first , upon your character , into my good opinion . bell. but things alter : what then i thought , i deliver'd yee ; nor since hath he deserv'd a lesse esteeme in his owne person , but the circumstance is not the same , his fortune i have examin'd , which rises not to such a value , i did apprehend ; and it becomes my care , being at one gift to depart with thee and my estate , to look for one whose purse may carrie a proportion . fran. make me not imagine you would wed me to a heap of shining dust , a golden bondage . bell. nor to penurie ; his birth , and education are not unworthy , he 's a handsome man too ; but be not govern'd by your eye too much : children and age pursue , and many stormes hover about our fraile conditions : all these must be provided for , they are not kisses will arme you against winter , therefore confident of your obedience , i propound another to your best thoughts , fran.

oh my unhappinesse .

bell. a countrey gentleman of spreading fortunes , young too , and not uncomely ; for his breeding , it was not spun the finest , but his wealth , able to guild deformitie , and make even want of wit a vertue , when your life renders it selfe more sweet by your command ; his name is master startup , whom i expect our guest to morrow , that 's his letter , read it . this may seeme strange at the first coming toward you ; but when discretion comes to examine what a fruitfull consequence attends it , you will thank me for 't . fran. but with your pardon , mother , although i could dispence with my owne thoughts , and frame them to obedience , will this change be for my honour , or my fame ? when such a noble gentleman shall boast he had , with your consent , my love ? or pray admit that which we gaine by riches of the second , seeme to authorize , and may justifie the act with some ; how can it cure the wound , which the poore heart , which loves , shall find too soone , when 't is neglected , and so cruelly , where it did hope for cherishing ? oh think how you did love my father first , and be more gentle to your daughter , your estate is above needy providence , or grafting into a new stock ; it doth grow already faire from his owne root , and doth want no peecing : nor are the meanes of hartwell so contemptible . bell. no more : y'have consider'd well , you 'l shape another answer ; i' th' meane time dispose your countenance to entertaine this new and able lover : leave the satisfaction of hartwell to my care : he 's here , to your chamber . enter hartwell , close . clo. i know not what 's the trick on 't , nor themselves yet ; but he has a project to employ 'em all . hart. i wish it well ; but do you work your selfe into the opinion of her nurse , she is the major domo , and has all the intelligence . clo. let me alone , i 'll work her sir like wax , to print what forme you please upon her , 't is a loving crone already to me , i will speake her faire , and in my drink may marrie her . bell.

master hartwell .

hart.

about your businesse . exit close .

bell. there is a matter , sir , which i must open , and you perhaps will wonder at . hart.

you prepare my attention .

bell. you do love my daughter , at least i think so . hart. if you knew my heart , you might be confident , in her i sum all my desires on earth . bell.

be not so fixt .

hart.

how lady ?

bell. when you have heard me out , you 'l find your consent easie to call back a promise made to your disadvantage . hart. i acknowledge ; this makes me wonder , pray interpret lady , and speake the dialect i understand : i love your daughter . bell. but must never glorie in the reward which you expect should be , her marriage . hart. in the number of my actions there is not one that 's guiltie of so much offence to you , that i should be so soone lost to your favour . bell. have no thought so poore you can deserve lesse , my opinion is richer laden with your merit . hart. now i feare agen , this violent turne of praise makes me suspect my state ; if i be falne , teach me to know my trespasse . bell. i ne're look'd with such cleere eyes into your worth , and 't were a sin to generall goodnesse , to delay the free resigne of that your worth may challenge . hart. if this be meant , pray pardon my mistake of something went before , love made me feare ; you said i never should enjoy your daughter in marriage , which your selfe so late enclined to . bell. and must agen repeat , you cannot call her bride . hart. can you forbid this happinesse , and love me ? bell. yes , so deerly , hartwell , i present my selfe to thy affection . hart.

you fright my understanding .

bell. does the name of widdow sound displeasing , i have learn'd already to obey ; my yeares are not so many , with the thought , to freeze your bloud , i weare no print of time deep in my brow : have my haires the innocence of age , to speake me twice a child ? gentlemen active , and of great birth , have courted my affection , and if they flatter not , commend my person . adde unto this my wealth , no narrow fortune , and without competition , my daughter , depending on my love , whose portion must flow from my bountie , or be nothing ; make a sober apprehension of this tender , and think i was not able to suppresse my silent flame , increast still by your vertues : this minute give all hopes up for my daughter , i can admit no rivall ; 't is within your election to be happie , sir : my love accepted comes with faire attendance , deny'd , you hasten your owne exile , think on 't , i will expect your answer . exit . hart. i am destroy'd : was it her mother that spake all this while ? as pilgrims , by mistake of some small path , having told many wearie steps , at night , when their hopes flatter em , they are not far from some kind entertainment , find themselves lost in a wildernesse ; so am i miserable : thus love delights to wound , and see us bleed , he were a gentle god to kill indeed . exit .
act. ii. enter close and nurse . clo. a word of thy mouth does it , i am wearie of these indentures , like a foole , i was in hope he should have married mistresse frances . nur. a beggar , she his wife ; no , master startup , whom i preferr'd , must carrie her , he 's a man of lands and money ; i must tell you by the way , he is little better than a foole . clo.

the fitter for her husband , and my master .

nur. y' are in the right , he 's innocent to your hands , you may soone come to manage his estate . clo.

which if i do , thou shalt have all .

nur.

all what ?

clo. why all that i can beg , borrow , or steale from him ; what should he do with so much riches ? i 'll prompt my mistresse , after the first yeare , to put him to his pension ; he should pay for 's verie diet , and after a moneth or two , for everie time he comes al oft . nur. nay , i would wish her to begin betimes , if she doe meane to rule the rost , i can give her some documents ; and be you sure to stick close to your mistresse , there is something to be got that way . enter hartwell , playfaire . clo. my most exquisite varges , how i doe love thy documents ; but he 's here , i 'll not be seene with thee , farewell , we 'll talk the rest at night over a sack-posset . exit close . nur.

i will use this advantage to oreheare 'em .

play. you tell me strange things ; is it possible the widdow her selfe loves you ? hart. would i had but reason to suspect . play. possible ! turn'd colt againe ? this love will kill us all : and can she make no choyce , but where her daughter has the same longing ? not her dancing dayes done yet ? why there 's no remedy , you must love her . hart.

and violate my faith made to her daughter .

play. thou wot not be so much an infidell , to think i meane thou shouldst forsake the wench ; tell me the mother a fine tale of love , print kisses on her paper-lip , and hug her reverend body ; any thing but lye with her : write sonnets on the ivorie tooth afore , sweare she does cough distinctly , get a rime to blesse her when she sneezes , and cry up the method of her nose , which sweats and fals so perpendicular upon her face : admire the wart upon her chin , and motion of her blew eyes , that look three wayes at once : praise her above thy reason , or her daughter ; and then she will beleeve thou mayst be mad for her . hart. is this the way to doe me good ? she comes too fast on me already . play. let her flye to thee , thou mayst clip her wings the sooner , this secures thee ; shou'd you hold off , and play the modest creature ; nay , but deny as maids do when they love it , and bending of your hams , cry , no forsooth ; professe with coxcomb-like civilitie , you are not worthy of her carnall favors : she may beleeve it , and in verie spight marrie her daughter to a citizen : or should you be so mad , to think to win her to your first choyse , with howling out your passion for mistresse frances , plaining how don cupid hath scarrified your heart , you may go hang your selfe : go to the barbers , let him firk your haire up , or get a perriwig ; wash your sullen face , and starch your infant upper lip , to look like one that would run desperate on a widdow . nur.

precious conspiracie .

play. this is the way : at leisure you may tell your maiden mistresse , like iove you have put another shape on , to cheat the beldam iuno . nur.

foule mouth'd rascall .

hart. i apprehend : th' ast given me good counsell , i 'll watch the first occasion , to assure i have preferr'd her in my heart already . nur. i 'll conjure up a crosse plot , and that quickly , shall mar your mirth , and pay your fine dissembling as it deserves , my confident love-gamester . exit nurse . play. i 'll take my leave then , y'have no other service to use my stay ? i have a project , hartwell , that must not be neglected . hart.

may not i communicate ?

play. thou art engaged to wait vpon thine owne affaires , or i should trouble thee to be an actor in 't ; thou knowest old hornet ? hart. he is a sutour to the widdow , and after the rate we cast the plot , my rivall . play. i 'll rivall him ; he smothers a poore gentlewoman at home with sea-cole , and allowes her no more light than serves to read in painted cloth the exposition of the harlots storie : hartwell , i love her , and before her father di'd we enterchang'd our hearts ; 't is here , to free her from that slaverie she lives in vnder the iron-hearted iaylor , else i shall repent my aime , he broods upon her portion still ; but i have a trick may spoile his hatching of young bags , thou sha't know all hereafter ; to the widdow , hartwell , i am for state affaires , be faithfull and pray for me ; we must be bold , farewell , if something hit wee 'll laugh in spight of dives and the devill . exit . enter startup , mistresse bellamy , mistresse frances , close , nurse , hartwell . clo. this is the thing , sir , that must carrie away the garland , they have given him a cup or two of sack , and has the prettiest humour , he does so whistle out his complement : he weares his feather like the captaine of a countrey teame , and would become a horse-collar rarely ; i do not think , but were he put to 't , with little switching , he would draw the cart well . star. sweet lady , i 'm your humble servant , 't is well knowne what i am , where i live , my father died since i was of age ; and left me , thank him , a younger brothers portion : bell.

a younger brother .

star. i know , sweet lady , what you 'd say , my father had no more children , but i must speake modestly of my estate , i have land i know enough for two or three wives ; i have a horse in towne , your daughter , if we please , shall ride behind me , sweet lady , did you ever see the countrey ? fran.

what countrey , sir ?

star. why any countrey living , sweet lady , i am your humble servant , if you affect hawking , hunting , or drinking , there be good fellowes will beare you company ; but you have better sack , sweet lady , is there good tobacco in london ? clo.

virginia tobacco growes here , sir .

star. sweet sir , i am your humble servant , you seeme to be a gentleman , will you fetch me a pipe ? there 's halfe a peece , and i be not troublesome : perhaps , sweet lady , 't will offend you , then let it alone . clo.

a verie precious widgin : gramercie sack .

star.

ta la la la lero , &c.

fran.

you dance well , sir .

nur.

he has a strong back , i warrant him .

star.

sweet lady , is this your daughter ?

clo.

ask that now ?

bell.

i was her mother , sir .

star. that may be too : what gentleman is that ? sweet sir , i am your humble servant likewise . hart. you are too humble , sir , to stoop so low , it would become my dutie . star. sweet sir , 't is all one , a leg or an arme is not cast away among friends , i am a countrey gentleman all the world knowes , sweet sir , i ha no businesse in towne . bell.

i thought you came to see my daughter .

star. that may be too , sweet lady , pray uncase me , i honour your faire daughter ; for i know , as well as another , what belongs to a gentlewoman : she 's not the first , sweet lady , i'have lov'd i' th' way of matrimony . hart.

were you ever married ?

star.

sweet sir , no ; all men are not alike .

hart.

for some are fooles .

star. sweet sir , i do confesse it : but wit is neuer goodwill it be bought . they say there are good wits in towne , i ha brought money a purpose wo' mee for it ; if any will sell me a penny-worth , i 'll give him a hundred peeces , 'cause i would carrie a little downe into the countrey . hart. is there a dearth , sir , in your countrey ? star. sweet sir , no ; there 's plentie . clo. of wild oats ; i heard you had much to sow still . star. my servants have , sweet sir ; but 't is all one ; this lady shall be lord o' the soyle : i wo'not give any man six pence for a bushell o' money ; i am a gentleman , my father was a yeoman ; but sweet lady , howsoever i 'm yours , and everie limb is at your service ; my hands shall walk , my feet shall run . fran.

away , away .

star.

by this gold they shall .

clo.

he keeps his oath .

star.

not run ? my grandfather was a nobleman foot-man , and indeed he run his countrey ; my father did out run the constable .

clo.

and he , sweet lady , being his fathers issue , must run naturally .

star.

if i live .

clo.

he 'll run himselfe out of all .

star. not run , sweet lady ? if you have occasion to use me , i wo'not stand upon my feet . fran.

no , sir .

star.

nay , i wo'not stand upon my head , sweet lady , to doe you courtesie .

fran.

that were the cleane contrarie way .

bell.

please you , a sorrie dinner stayes for you .

star.

sweet lady , i am your servant : will this gentleman dine with us ?

bell.

i 'll prevaile with master hartwell .

clo.

do yee know what you ha done ? he 's you rivall , invite him ?

star.

sweet sir , i invite no body , if you love any body here ?

hart.

what then ?

star.

sweet sir , i shannot take it kindly , i do not use to quarrel .

clo.

but when y' are beaten : lay him o're the face , hee sha'not wrong you .

star.

sweet sir , 't is dinner time : faire lady : exeunt .

clo. i had a great mind to have him beaten ; but he 's not valiant , but at meales ; would i were hired to beat him handsomely after dinner , and make him thank me for 't ; i 'll have a plot upon your precious body , my sweet sir . exit . enter hornet , playfaires cosen like a doctor . horn. you tell me wonders , sir . doct. i tell you truth : alas , you know i have no ends of profit , i practise not for wealth . horn. y' are vertuous ; for that you were commended , sir , to me : you have a conscience , and wo'not take fees for a complement , nor make poore your friends , to enrich apothecaries . doct. i have cur'd her melancholly ; but she 's a t'other side now extreme merrie , dance and sing , all aire . horn. 't is strange , methinks , nothing but extremities : good master doctors could you not ha par'd her t'other leaden humor . doct. sir , i could not kill the malignitie of her melancholly another way ; extremities must be cur'd with extreme applications : my next work shall be to abate this levitie of her braine , and quallifie her spleene , sir , by degrees ; so state her body in that modest temper she was possest of . horn. i complain'd before of quietnesse , now she 's all noyse and madnesse , by your description . doct. you must have patience a month or so , she is not mad , but merrie , some few vagaries ; you must understand i have opend , sir , her fancie , wherein lay all her imaginations confused , and on a heap , smother'd for want of vent ; and now the spirits that were imprison'd rush out , which causes all her faculties , before opprest , to exercise so strangely , as the agitation of her tongue will manifest : shee 's here . enter neece . neece . vncle , how does your body ? you appeare as leane as lent , i 've a great mind to dance about a may-pole , shall we ? horn.

she is mad .

neece . this doctor has for tick led me , i cannot chuse but laugh , ha , ha . vnckle , if you 'l procure a dispensation to marrie me your selfe , deduct the charge out of my portion , i could love an old man rarely , an old man with a bed full of bones &c. sings . vnckle , when did you put on a clean shirt ? d' yee heare , i dreamt o' th' devill last night , they say 't is good luck ; doe you know him , vnckle . horn.

i know the devill ?

neece . he 's a fine old gentleman , and something like you , no such bug-beare as the world imagines , you an he 'll keep house together one day ; but you 'll burne sea - cole to save charges , and stink the poore soules so . vnckle , you are not merrie , i pray laugh a little : imagine y 'had undone a widdow , or turn'd an orphan begging ; ha , ha , &c. faith how many churches doe you meane to build before you dye ? six bels in everie steeple , and let 'em all goe to the citie tune , turne agen whittington ; who , they say , grew rich , and let his land out for nine lives , 'cause all came in by a cat : but let me counsell you to dye at all adventures , great men doe 't in policie . horn. why does she talk of dying ? she 's stark mad . could you not put into the next receit something to make her sleep well ? opium in a good quantitie , they say , will do 't . doct. i 'll so proportion it , she shall never wake : i did it for a merchants wife last weeke , which loved a knight : a great man , not long since was wearie of his countesse , and i cur'd him so artificially of his disease . horn.

she heares .

doct.

but collects nothing ; all her senses are scatter'd .

neece . stay , you shall give towards the building of a church nothing , see the money first laid out , that 's given already ; it were sin and pitie to abuse the dead : but 't is no matter , vnckle , you 'll be as famous for pulling downe the parish , the church will fall of it selfe , with ding dong bell . sings . why did they put the poore fellow in prison ? horn.

whom ? what fellow ?

neece . why the corne-cutter : poore gentleman , he meant no hurt to the citie , his feet were verie wearie , and that made him in everie street cry out ; ha yee any cornes in your head or toes ? that head spoyl'd all . enter pursevant . purs.

which is master hornet ?

horn.

ha , with me ?

purs.

a word , sir .

neece . prethee , what 's he ? he comes to borrow money on his wives wedding-ring , or his childs whistle : you may see by his nose he has no laud , he looks as a hawke ; what do you dreame on ? what ladies timpany is your next cure ? or whose stale body must be rectified next with a glister ? purs.

there is no disputing , i must attend you .

horn. i am sent for by a pursevant to his highnesse ; alas , i am undone , i never saw him , how should he know me , a poore wretch ? doct.

is 't not some complaint , think you ?

horn. that 's my feare , there be too many knaves i' th' world , and a man cannot grow rich ; but one state-surgeon or other must practise on his purse ; before this judge a veine is open'd in the other court , so many ounces he must bleed agen : let me see , all the treason i committed is that i shifted houses ; for i took delight to couzen him of his subsidies ; i alwayes live obscurely , to avoyd taxations , i never pay the church her superstitious tithes , nor come to trouble sermons , for feare of homilies before , that beg for burning . neece . why how now , vnckle , is your scrivener broke , you talk such lamentation ? horn. i am sent for the king , neece , & shall be made a beggar as i was borne ; i see my chattell ceas'd , this chest is ransackt , and that bag deflour'd , my doore seal'd up , and with this hungrie messenger , i am already marching to the fleet . neece . nay , and you be at that ward , i must leave you , fare well , pray do not lift my uncle too hard ; and so i leave you both to the mercy of the bear-garden . doct.

best make fast her chamber .

horn.

i , i , cursed dog .

doct.

wo' not some money quallifie your haste ?

purs.

deale in your owne affairs ; will you go sit ?

horn.

go , i must go .

doct. i 'll take my leave ; have comfort , sir , this cloud may soon blow over . exit . horn. yes , when i am blowne up ; i reade imprisonment in his very looks , and all my gold confiscate . exeunt . enter nurse and startup . nurs. i heard her say she would walke up to her chamber , the trick was but to teach him whither he should follow ; who as nimbly apprehended , to acquaint her with his new affections : i do this for your good , that mistris frances , whom i 'll send to you presently , may be convinced in hartwell's falshood , and transplant her love on you . start. this will be excellent ; so we shall strangle him in his owne nooze , and he nere know who hurt him . nurs.

i 'll loose no time , you know my instructions .

start.

i had almost forgot , there is a cast of angels more .

nurs.

they are not cast away .

star. if thou dost fear they 'll drowne , nurse , i can give thee lighter , i have some want weight . nurs. if you have an evill angel about you , your businesse will thrive better when 't is departed . star.

there .

nurs.

now all the good ones wait upon your worship . exit .

start. these things that go to and agen , must have their fees , they 'll never speak in cause else . save you sweet lady . enter frances fran.

kinde mr. startup .

start. yes , i am kinde if you knew all , but you are deceiv'd in some body ; love , and love your heart out , the party does not care a button for you . fran.

what party ?

start. no , i am a foole , a countrey clod , sweet lady , not worth one of your shooe-tyes , no not i ; i do not know who makes an asse of you . fran.

how sir ?

start. a gull , a coxcomb , i am asham'd you have so little wit ; tell me , and tell me truly , who loves this face of yours besides my selfe . fran. although it were immodest to commend it , i must thus far , in gratitude to nature , acknowledge it no monster , i have seen one more deform'd . start. sweet lady i know that ; a worse face would become the countrey , nay , there are but fifteen women in the parish i live in , of which , twelve are counted witches , and wear beards : but it troubles me , sweet lady , you should be such an owle . fran.

this is course language .

start. not to see who abuses you ; oh i could now finde in my heart to baste you , baste you soundly : you think mr. hartwell loves you . fran. i believe he hates me not . start.

you lye .

fran.

good words .

start.

you lye most basely , he affects your mother .

fran.

my mother ? this fool 's mad .

ztart. i would it were the fashion for women to weare swords . fran.

what then ?

start. i 'de breath you into a little understanding , i say agen , and she is the son of darknesse denyes it ; mr. hartwell loves your mother . fran.

i hope he does .

start. oh i could kick your ignorance : he does love her in the way of matrimony , and makes a property of you ; i 'll justifie it . fran.

it is impossible .

start. d' ee know that couple ? enter hartwell and bellamy . step behinde the hangings , and you may both hear and see : i say no more , sweet lady , i am a rustick puppy , and know nothing . hart. i have considered perfectly , and if you will vouchsafe me hearing , dare poure forth my heart , which , full of love , tenders it selfe to your acceptance ; i acknowledge lady , my passions are but young , for could i hope you should with so much favour look upon me ? bell.

but may i credit this ?

hart. but suspect were an injustice to my faith , which lookes upon your vertue with as much religion as love is able to receive ; your age hath strooke a reverence into my eye ; and what you want of youth and spring upon you , your wisedome richly satisfies : those characters which time hath writ upon your carefull forehead , are but his vertue and your ornament , when it shall come to passe by your example , that youth shall be esteemed an infancy , and women never ripe for love or marriage without your age upon 'em ; 't is a fault , that men not guided by the tract of reason , but heat and wantonnesse of blood , run giddy to seale such weighty covenants , better 't were the world should end in our virginities , than spin it selfe more length by inconsiderate and hasty marriages . bell. have you already retriv'd the affection that pursu'd my daughter ? shall i beleeve no seed of love remains , which may grow up and ripen , with repentance for this exchange ; i do allow you , sir , the consideration of my fortune , which might of it selfe , incline you to accept me . hart. that is but an attendant , as you use it , i must confesse a welcome one ; although the minde is the first beauty , which true love aspires to , when 't is waited on with person and estate , it comes with greater priviledge to win upon 's ; i do not wish you , lady , rashly beleeve what i professe , but measure my service by the triall ; i 'll expect and write your smiles a competent reward , till time and your command , demonstrate me ; although not equall to your full deservings , yet one that has ambition to bethought not too unworthy . bell. and i ghuesse ere long , such an occasion will present it selfe . hart. till then , have hartwell in your loving memory , who wishes no more happinesse of life , than to be call'd yours . exit . fran.

what have i understood ?

start. will you beleeve me another time , sweet lady ? if i loved you not , what would become on you ? fran. it is not he , some devill does but cozen us , and mock our sense with these phantastick bodies , hartwell . star. nay 't is the man ; i hope you 'll be converted , and think a countrey gentleman worth favour , that brought you to this knowledge ; i deserve � fran. my curses for this black discovery , when as before 't was not impossible , in time i might be brought to pity thee ; henceforth i 'll look upon thee as my sins , and beg as much forgivenesse that i knew thee . start.

nay d' ee but hear .

fran.

die quickly , and be forgotten .

start.

this is very fine ifaith , sweet lady .

fran. my mother , oh my fate , see me no more , and i le forgive thee . start. thanke you , most sweet lady , is my discovery come to this ? i 'de better ha' been tongue-ty'd ; curse me , and call me her sins , and see her no more ? why this is worse and worse ; i must suck better counsell from the nurse . exeunt .
act. iii . enter nurse and startup . nurs. fye , fie , i am asham'd of you , a gentleman of your high promising , and be put off so slightly ? start.

why nurse , what would you ha' me do ?

nurs. do ? i would have you do something ; a man of your ability , and cannot turne and winde a woman ? star. you wo'd not ha' wish'd me to ha' put her to 't behinde the hangings ? nurs.

you should ha' been round with her .

start. i was round with her , i call'd her asse and coxcombe , and twenty more names , unlesse i should ha' call'd her whore , i could not be more round with her . nurs.

i do not mean that way .

start. and she call'd me , i thank her . nurs.

what ?

start. why no worse than her sins , heaven forgive her , she has the more to answer ; nay she did not stick to bid me die too , in that desparate estate . nurs.

come , you shall take another course .

enter close . clo. what ayles my masters sweet-heart , she frighted ? i met and askt her for my master , and she turn'd tayle lik a hound had lost the scent ; there 's something in the winde , my three pil'd worship are you there with my lady o' th' larder , now in that posture ? do not they two look like a fine brick house and a thatched barne in the countrey , laying their heads together ? they ha' spied me . nurs. come hither close , nay he 's faithfull , and one that has a desire to serve you ; you may trust him . clo. your worship may trust me a bed with � i have had a itch this great while , sir , a kinde of longing to be one of your appurtenances : i have some faults , and i 'll confesse 'em ; i have a humour now and then , when i am ask'd a question , to tell true , though i be chid for 't ; and i do not love blowes ; you may sooner beat my braines out , than a word of flattery : i cannot batten upon commendation , without my wages , nor be valiant upon small beere ; i am not overmuch given to be drunke , but i 've a tricke o' th dutchman , to do your businesse as well drunke as sober : i have not impudence enough to pimpe for you , but i have a gift i can say nothing : i was borne upon shrovetuesday , and shall be now and then given to rebellion : my flesh will once a year rise at a chamber-maid ; if none such take me downe , i shall in malice and deep revenge , fling out upon may-day , among the prentices , without fear or wit . star.

i like this humour .

nurs. nay he has a scence , and shall be of our counsell : look you close , there is a plot to helpe this gentleman ; at night when they 're a bed , and if you went to bed betimes , to avoid suspicion , 't were nere the worse ; i 'll say you are not well : d' ee marke ? this honest , honest gentleman shall be let into mistris francis bed-chamber . clos.

without her knowledge ?

nurs. you shall only attend , to give him notice from me when to come , and watch about the house , he may get off without discovery ; this is all . clos.

so , so , i sha' not keep the doore .

nurs.

i can do that .

clos. let me alone to give you notice who stirs about house . enter hartwell . nurs. away , 't is mr. hartwell ; we 'll not be seen together . clos. go your wayes , a foolish knave and bawd , that do want nothing but carting ; i would sooner see that triumph , than all the pageans , a day after symon and iude , when the fine city goes a feasting . oh sir , i have newes ; yes , they are gone , brave newes ; your gentlewoman can hold out no longer ; this night there will be a stratagem : old madam humpe a pompe , the nurse , has promis'd to admit the countrey gentleman , when all are a bed , into her chamber ; yes , your mistris : i 'm o' th' plot , to lye perdue , and give the word , if any fire-lock approach the rest ; imagine if he have not art to perswade her to the feat with him , yet there be tricks , and he may be surprized in the chamber , and she may be compell'd to marry him in her owne defence ; there have been such devises . hart.

does he consent ?

clos.

she is betraid to 't , sir .

hart.

then thou wo't be so base ?

clos. and i had meant it , i nere had told you this : can you make use of this intelligence ? hart.

thou art my honest servant .

clos.

i promis'd to be his .

hart. i have it ; canst by any meanes procure me but his clothes ? clos. with ease , he 'll go to bed betimes , to avoid suspicion ; that 's a part of our designe . hart. i could not wish a happy opportunity , to try how she affects this gaudy foole , and clear my faith to her , which her mothers watch will not permit ; she has , i feare , perceiv'd my new familiarity with her mother , which i am compell'd too , and must cleer this way : faile me not , close , and propound thy owne reward . clos. tell me your purpose , and let my wit dispose of him . hart.

prosper me love in this .

clos. and you fall to prayers with good love , look about us , i shall suspect you wo'not thrive ; you should go to a wench , as gentlemen to oysters , without ceremony or saying grace ; devotion will spoile all . exeunt . enter playfaire and his cousen . cous.

right as an arrow couze .

play. witty enginere ; but was she taken with the plot ? cous. i was compell'd to frame the outside of a reason , lest our owne mirth should play the traytor with us , her spleene was so dilated , he beleeved i have made her mad , which change makes for us . play.

excellent .

cous. and he that we employed , the pursevant , shewed such a fierie raskall , the poore usurer trembled , as bawds beneath the lash . play.

he comes then ?

cous. with as much joy , as to receive a hanging : he would be whipt , and say his prayers i' th' church in a white sheet . play.

that were no pennance to him .

cous. nay , he would pay as much as he should fine for alderman , though halfe his soule went with it , for his quietnesse ; he doth apprehend nothing but earth-quakes . enter three lords . play. how am i rampant with the imagination ? bid the musick be ready , they know all their flourishes ; but shift you quickly for your other part , my honourable lords ; how they doe look like states-man , where 's your tooth-pick ? excellent ; beare your staffe handsomely , contract the brow , and look more superciliously . .

i warrant you for my part .

. we came now from practise . play.

can ye do 't with confidence ?

. these verie clothes have made me proud already , it was some lords cast sute , i 'll lay my life . enter one with perfume . .

and mine , it smels of honour .

play.

so , so , how now man ?

.

he looks pale : my lord , how d' ee ?

.

well , well , i hope 't is but conceit it .

.

of what ?

. will the pox lye in clothes ? i can not tell , i finde some alteration in my body , sin be i shifted . play. 't is a meere conceit , they were an honest mans , upon my knowledge , a captaine of the traine band in the countrey , they were brought against the generall muster last ; he were 'em that day , and to church the sunday following , and most carefully sene 'em up , to taste our london lavender . .

sir , you have satisfied me .

play. be sprightly ; where 's this prince ? see and attend him in fit state . enter cousen for the king , and lords , sir clement . flourish . .

he 's here .

play. now by that sprig , a pretty majesty ; but wo't thou not be out of thy kings part ? and when the wine is wanting at the banquet , call upon drawers , quarrell with your nobles , or when we shall present our man of morgages , take him aside , and borrow halfe a crowne , to give your whore benevolence , which trifled for you last tilting , or be drunke too soone , and leave our project in the dirt . cous. my lords , this fellowes insolence must be corrected ; dispose him in what prison you think fit . lo.

he 's mad , i thinke .

cous. to bedlam with him then , is this a place for fools or madmen , who admitted him ? take him , see you he be well whipt , and let him thanke our mercy , bandog . play. i quake already , excellent warbucks , coole , coole thy lungs , and whisper with some lord , thou wo't be a key too high else , good sr. clement , master of the house , at whose cost we are entertain'd . sr. cle. my part is rotten in my head , doubt not . enter pursevant . play.

is he come ?

purs.

he waits in the first chamber .

play. let the lutes begin , and their best voice , and then admit him . soft musicke . enter hornet . horn. here 's revelling , my purse must be squeez'd for 't : that 's the king , the rest are bare ; how supple they are i' th hams , that courtier has oyl'd his joynts , he looks this way , they point at me ; a rot o'th at knaves finger . lo.

what fellow 's this ? who waits ?

purs. it was his graces pleasure , he was sent for , my good lord . . mr. hornet ? let me have the honour to present him . war. is this the man whom all so much commend for his ability . horn.

i smell no good from that word , ability .

war. discreet and read i' th' commonwealth , a man fit for employment in the state . .

the very same .

war.

his countenance is promising .

sr. clem. if the king of spaine had but his head , that politick head , i know who might go fish for the low-countreyes . war.

his garments are but course .

sr. cle.

his minde is rich .

hor.

they praise me , i am a thousand pound the worse for 't .

.

wil t please your maiesty ?

war.

kneel downe ; thy name ?

horn.

giles hornet , your poore creature .

war.

rise up , sir giles hornet .

horn.

but am i knighted ?

lords .

we congratulate your honour .

horn. what must i pay for it ? i 'll sell it any friend of yours againe , for halfe the money . war. some have care to give his body more becomming ornaments ; he shall be like himselfe , and then we will confer more honors on him . exit pursevant . lo. do you make haste , his grace will have you new thatch'd ; you must have clothes fitting your state and honorable title . horn.

these will be good enough for me , 'las i am not able .

lo. nay , you must have 'em from his wardrobe , sir , they 'll cost you nothing ; you 'll not looke in those , like a poore knight of windsor . war.

when he is ready , give us knowledge .

lo.

yes , sir . exeunt . flourish .

horn.

what will become of me ?

. you were best prepare , your cloathes will be here presently , the king will send for you before you be ready ; cast your old skin off : do you not to save sheets and trouble , wrap your selves a night i' th blankets ? or are they ashamed to show the linings ? horn. hum ? if this be but preparative to a whipping , what case am i in ? enter servants with clothes . . well said , now they are come ; be nimble now , and helpe to fit sr. gyles . horn. alas , must i weare this doublet ? it would yield heaven knowes how much to burne . lo. you may be disparate when 't is on , and burne your body with it , sir , horn.

i sha'not know my selfe .

lor.

be that time we ha' done wi' ye .

ser.

fit as they were made , sir .

enter playfaire . play.

which is sir gyles ?

horn.

i am the man you please to call sir gyles .

play. then i congratulate your happy fortune ; y' are like to be exalted , his grace talkes much on you , i 'll be proud to be your servant : my lord , a word . horn.

what gentleman is that ?

ser. the bridegroom , sir , in great favour , i can tell you , and new created by his highnesse , baron of landskip ; his living is far off . horn.

my very good lord , my breeches are almost on .

ser.

there be the keyes .

horn. his grace has pleas'd to shine upon a piece of barren earth . play. you are too modest ; the king has been informed , sir gyles , you are one of the ablest men in his dominion : should vertue still be cloath'd in rags ? advance it to honour , and regard you waste your braine at home , in cheap and low engagements , sweat your soule out , for a poore and paltry living ; old houses , let 'em fall to the dull lord o' th' manner ; switch me up a towne together , or meddle not ; this or that straggling acre 's not worth your care ; study some monopoly , may sweep the kingdome at a stake ; despise a project wo'not bring in halfe the city ; finde out a way to forfeit all the charters ; have an exchequer of your owne , and keep the princes round about in pension : these are becomming businesses , and speake an active state-man . horn. you do talk strange things , my lord . play. his keyes are things verie materiall to our businesse . lo.

and i have 'em .

play. so , so : i will account it one of my felicities , to be a witnesse of your honour , sir . horn.

oh , my good lord of landskip .

ser.

how shall we dispose these ?

lo. the hang-man will not have them , and i feare , they will corrupt a well ; 'faith give them stable roome . enter lord . lo. my lord , the king asks for you ; good sir gyles write me i' th' number of your faithfull friends . play.

we must attend .

lo. do not yet say he 's ready , the barber has a dutie to dispatch , he will be houres a rubbing , washing , powdering . then i 'll attend him to his presence . play.

we shall excuse him so long , still your servant .

lo.

the barber , sir , attends in the next roome .

horn.

i wo'not shave .

lo.

he feares his throat .

horn.

i never give above three-pence .

lo. talk not you of charge , you have but yet your welcome : do not you think , good sir gyles , but we can shave you too . exeunt . enter close , startup in his shirt . star.

where is he , close ?

clo. i told him , sir , you lay in a chamber o' th t'other side , the house , whither he is gone with his sword drawne , and curses of themselves able to kill you : you did affront him once , and now his mistresse has quite neglected him , for your love , he thinks : he 'll make you an example to all rivals ; i 'll bring your clothes hereafter , yet your feare and running , sir , will keep you warme enough . star.

honest close , thou hast sav'd my life .

clo.

death , is he not behind you ? this way , good sir . exeunt .

enter nurse , and mistresse frances . nur. ha' you not made a fine choyce , i did ever think he was false ; your mother did but counterfeit the love-sick widdow all this while , to trie him . fran.

trie him , nurse .

nur. she told me so her selfe , assuring him the state was hers , and you at her devotion ; put him to his choyce , to take her with the wealth , or you with nothing : what followed , you have heard , come be wise yet , and love the countrey gentleman that dotes on you ; he 's rich , and halfe a foole , i 'll fetch him to you . fran. my mother counterfeit ? why may not hartwell pretend as well as she , fearing her anger and policie , if he refus'd her love ? i have observ'd some sorrow in his gestures , as he were willing to deliver something , if opportunitie would give him leave : he cannot be so false , now i suspect he does obey some dire necessitie : 't would puzzle a wise lover to be so severely put to 't . nurse brings in hartwell in startups clothes . nur. on like a bold captaine , give her a broad side , she 's within your shot , i 'll leave you . fran.

't is the foole , why nurse ?

hart.

nay , fly not before you heare .

fran.

't is hartwell .

hart. if my voyce betray me not . fran. why in this shape ? some trick in 't , he hides his face , i 'll put him to 't however , although the houre be unseasonable , any time we may expresse our joy : my nurse once told me you were not well , and gone to bed , your health is welcome as my owne ; i dare not , sir , in modestie presume to bid you stay , and to requite your paines , kind mr. startup . hart.

she knowes me not .

fran. forgive me if i blush , i have no other way , but to declare my eyes that late frown'd on your love shall smile . hart.

on me ?

fran. on none but you : i have beene too unkindly dealt withall by hartwell , whom how dearly i affected , good heaven knowes : but i have read discretion to my fancie , and were he here , he should be witnesse of my vowes to you , if you accept my heart , and can with equall truth embrace it , i will chuse my husband here ; you , only you , this faith be registred in heaven , shall challenge from me a wives obedience . hart.

planet-struck . enter nurse .

nur. away , your mother 's up ; i wo'd not for a thousand pound she find you in this chamber . fran.

i have undone my selfe . exit frances .

nur. sweet mr. startup , to your owne lodging , take that close lanthorne with you : passion of me , what makes her rise ? hart.

i will discover yet .

nur. discover ; what ? ha , mr. hartwell . hart.

you ha' midnight plots .

nur.

oh , we are wretched , miserable , what have i done ?

hart. oh , who shall lead me to a world where are no women ? farewell all , i 'll be above your charms , and find out death , a cure for love . exit .
act. iv. enter startup , close . start. where are we now ? 't is verie cold , why do'st not lead me to some house ? clos. what , at this time a night ? all people are a bed , the verie owles are in their dead sleep ; or if we could be admitted , would you venture a this fashion , and publish your disgrace , proclaime your selfe coward , and lay some imputation upon the place you came from , where your hopes may yet be faire for marriage ? this brunt over . to meet some drunkard now were comfortable , whose eyes enflamed might serve for torches , or he might spit flapdragons from his fire of sack , and light us : but no sober man , considering what case you are in , sir , by my consent should see you . start.

ha , what 's that ?

clos.

where , where ? a fire-drake .

start. now 't is gone : 't is bright agen , is 't not a spirit ? oh deliver me . clos.

i have heard some such things use to walke the fields .

start.

what shall i do ?

clos. pray , pray with as much strength as if you had no land , or were confined to my annuity : now i feare no spirits ; this riches makes us cowards ; hide your selfe , i will go neerer . star. dost know the devill if thou seest him , close ? a pox of love , if this be the reward on 't ; some call it fire , but i finde no such matter ; i am frozen to the blanket , and my teeth strike one another , and keep time like hammers that beat a psalme upon the vertuous anvile ; i do beleeve if they were beaten out , they would make false dyce , there 's quicksilver in 'em , i know already by their dancing . clos.

sir , where are you ?

star.

here i am still .

clos.

y' are a dead man .

star.

more terrour ? what 's the matter ?

clos. 't is my master with a darke lanthorne , that pursues us : by this darknesse , 't is his voice , wrap your selfe up , and roule into some ditch , flight will betray us . start.

i had as good be kill'd , but yet i 'll venture . exit .

clos. 't is he indeed , and more than i expected : the matters do not fadge well with his mistris . enter hartwell . hart. what a sweet thing is night ? how calme and harmlesse ? no whispering , but of leaves , on which the breath of heaven playes musick to the birds that slumber ; here are no objects to betray our sence to repentance , nor can women , thus advantag'd by the tapers of the night , spread their temptations to undoe poore man : what a fine book is heaven ? which we may read best now , when every star is a faire letter : how much they wrong thee night , which call thee guilty of rapes and murders : 't is the day , that like a glorious whore , engages men to act 'em , and taking then the darknesse to obscure 'em : we unjustly lay the shame upon thy browes , that art so innocent ; thou never sawest them befriended with this silence ; i begin to wander : there 's no wildernesse abroad , to him that 's lost at home . clos.

sir .

hart.

who 's that ?

clos. one that has taken paines for you to night : i am close . hart.

what mak'st thou here ?

clos. i wait upon my charge ; i led your rivall a procession in 's shirt , perswading him you had resolv'd to cut his throat else ; he 's hard by at 's prayers , and thinkes you ha' pursued him . hart. ha , i 'll do 't ; shew me the foole , by all my hopes i 'll kill him , and send his base heart as a present to her : fate has preserved me with this revenge , and i will not delay his death a minute . clos.

you wo'not kill him basely ?

hart.

no .

clos. why then there is no feare but he 'll live long enough ; i 'll undertake he nere shall go provided to fight w' ee ; and for other satisfaction , name it , and take it ; so i 'll fetch him to ye . hart. stay , i have been too passionate , let him live to be her punishment ; that 's revenge enough , while i pursue my owne wayes . clos.

whither now ?

hart. whither thou must not follow , by thy honesty , i charge thee come not after me . clos.

that bindes my attendance , sir .

hart. but not when i command the contrary , if thou dost move this way , thou drawest my anger ; minde the preservation of the tame thing you undertooke ; farewell , if thou dost love me , follow not , nor question 't is in my power to loose thee or my selfe . exit . clos. i cannot see i' th' darke with spectacles , and mine owne eyes ha' lost him o' the suddaine ; well , i must hope the best ; what shall i do with my hen-hearted lover , that would give halfe his estate his colde fit were well over : i shall make worke for the physitians : candles and cullices will nere restore him ; if he but scape with life , i am not sorry , he may be a souldier , and indure the trenches ; i put him first to the becomming sufferance : but what are these ? an army of hornes and halberds ? upon my conscience , the watch ; i thought the fields had not been haunted with these goblins : i cannot run ; if i should squat , and they finde me , there were no mercy but bride-well , or some such lovely place ; i am resolv'd to cast away a few good words upon 'em , a leg and worshipping ; the constable that leads the rusty regiment will quit me , i passe the gates wo't often , and so may the devill if he pay the porter ; blesse you : enter constable and watch-men . my masters what a clocke is 't ? .

who 's theere ?

const.

i charge you stand .

clos.

your worship may do much .

const.

where have you beene ?

clos.

at islington , and please you , about businesse .

const. some thiefe , i warrant him , no honest man , i know by his basket hilt , some rogue that watches , the fields are pester'd with such sturdy robbers . clo.

he is a rogue that watches , for my part .

con.

he cals my watchmen rogues .

.

how mr. constable ? you are one your selfe .

const.

a way with him .

clo.

good sir .

.

we will provide you a lodging .

clo.

where ?

con.

new prison .

clo. but are you in earnest , gentlemen ? if there be no remedy . .

we 'll humble you .

clo.

i have a companion hereabouts : where are you sir ?

star.

here in the ditch .

const. they seldome go alone : we 'll finde him out ; ha sirra . enter watch-men and startup . star.

i thanke you honest men : where art thou close ?

clo.

here ; these good men will helpe us to a lodging .

star.

blessing on their hearts , i am almost starv'd .

const.

yes , we 'll do you that favour ; come away , sir .

star.

whether shall we go now ?

clos.

to prison .

star.

how , close ?

.

you shal be close enough .

star.

d' ee heare , sweet gentlemen ?

clos. i follow , sir , i cannot leave you in adversity ; all this is for your health , cleane straw is warme , sir ; you have the benefit of being naked : i shall have worke to morrow in the woollen . const.

away , away ; bring them away . exeunt .

mistris bellamy and nurse . bell. i heard some noise ; looke , call up the servants , see if the gentlemen be a bed ; i 'm troubled . nur.

oh mistris ?

bell.

what 's the matter ?

nur. mr. startup is not a bed , and here is all is left of mr. hartwell . bell.

this is verie strange .

nur. i dare not tell her of his shift , they 're gone , the doores i found left open , and no signe which way they are bestowed . bell. this puzzles me : pray heaven there be no mischiefe in this absence : is franck abed ? nur.

yes .

bell. what should move 'em to leave my house so late , and mr. hartwell without his clothes ? some knock there : beshrew me but i trembled . nur. 't is a stranger , and sayes he would speake with you . bell. at this late houre ? what accidents are these ? from whence ? nur.

i know not .

bell.

has he no name ? what should this meane ?

nur.

he sayes he is a countrey-man of mr. startups .

bell.

admit him , he perhaps does bring some newes .

enter countrey-man . count . by your leave mistresse , pardon my importunitie at so unfit an houre . bell.

y' are welcome , sir .

count . i met with fortunate directions , though i came late ; i understand you have a guest , one startup of northampton-shire , that comes a wooing to your daughter . bell. such an one there was that supt with us , and went to bed ; but since , as i have faith , i know not which way he has convey'd himselfe ; another gentleman too is missing , and his rivall . count . pray do not mock me , lady , i ha rid a great way , and the businesse much concernes him . bell. you may beleeve me , he is no such treasure i should conceale him . enter frances . count then i see you dally : know , mistresse , you may slack your preparations , your daughter must look out another husband , he is contracted . bell.

how ?

count . and something more , gotten with child one , that without blushing i cannot call my daughter ; he shall make her credit straight agen , although my fortunes have no equalitie with his , i shall find law to force him . fran. you preferr'd this sutor , this newes returnes my bloud . bell. sir , you shall find all truth i have deliver'd , i am not sorrie , to heare this newes , this is no time to seek him : please you accept the lodging that was his , my servant shall attend you in the morning , to help your search . count . you seeme a noble gentlewoman , i take your courtesie . bell.

nurse , a light ; pray walk , sir .

fran. i was unkind to hartwell , he not wise ; but love still apprehends too much , or nothing . exit countrey-man . bell. frances , a word : do not you know what is become o' these gentlemen . fran. not i , their absence is strange to me . bell.

oh , franck , i am undone .

fran.

good heaven , forbid .

bell. this gentleman , mr. hartwell , whom we shall never see agen , i feare . fran. how , mother ? are you acquainted with any cause to feare thus . bell. 't is in vaine to tell thee how i loved him . fran.

blesse my senses ! you love him ?

bell. 'bove all the world , affectionately plac'd him too neere my heart . fran. i heard you made pretence of love , to trie him for my sake ; and pardon me , if yet i dare not beleeve more . bell.

oh franck �

fran. my heart doth thrill , i feele a coldnesse run through all my veines already . bell. i had no other thought , at first ; but wisely to distinguish whether his heart was fixt on thee , or my estate ; with resolution , if i found him more a courtier of thy fortune than thy person , to punish him with losse of both : but love hath chang'd both scene and title in our comedy , and what i meant should shipwrack all his hopes , hath ruin'd us , his modest and calme answer : to accept my tender , with such force and reason directed to my fancie , turn'd my purpose , and made me his indeed , his perfect lover : but now we ha' both lost him . fran. all the pietie that ever taught children to love their mother , will but suffice to keep my heart obedient . was ever maid so miserable ? was there no other , in my fate , to rivall me i live too long ; oh breake , breake my poore heart ; for she that gave me life , hath took it from me . bell.

why do you weep ?

fran. i do not weep , or if i do , i know not why . bell. now i perceive thy duty was but counterfeit , you love him , upon my life you love him still ; have my commands no more respect ? my care and love so ill rewarded , that my heart desiring one comfort in the world , and shall my childe rise up to take it from me ? fran. alas i knew not you loved him too , indeed i had rather die than you should call me rebell . bell. now i see the cause of his departure in this fashion , pray heaven he have not made away himselfe : did ever childe deceive a mother so ? i have a sad presage , you may to bed , and rise without my blessing , yet you may stay , wherefore should i despaire of his returne ? you say you could not tell that i affected him . fran. indeed not i , and do believe it now against my will ; but i am your daughter . bell. shew it , in confirming your selfe to my desires , and what is past , i can forgive you , if he come againe : will you be rul'd , and shew no favour to him ? for 't is in you , i see , to make me happy ; i will not tye you to affect the other , choose any for your husband but this man , my love and prayers shall go along with you ; answer . fran. indeed i dare not , yet could i put off the knowledge that you are a mother � bell.

what then ?

fran. though in imagination i allow you the greatest woman in the earth , whose frowne could kill , and eyes at pleasure make alive agen ; i could say � bell.

pray let 's heare .

fran. i durst tell you , in confidence of my cause , that you betray two innocents to sorrow ; and though heaven looke on , and seem to smile upon your cruelty , yet there is punishment for divorcing those whose hearts that hath conjoyned : i durst tell you , though all your terrours were prepared to punish my bold defence ; you were a tyrant . bell.

how ?

fran.

a most unjust , a sacrilegious tyrant .

bell.

you would not be so violent .

fran. that thus , not only ruine and deface the altar , but steal away the very sacrifice ; and i durst adde and smile upon your anger . though as you frown'd death stood in every wrinckle , my soul 's above your tyranny , and would from torturing flame , receive new fire of love , and make your eye faint to behold the brightnesse of my poore bodies martyrdome ; and if ever love shewed a miracle , my heart should beare the characters of him you have torne from it , with beames about it like a saint that suffer'd : but as you are my mother , thus i kneele and beg a pardon for my innocence , if that offend you ; live you happy still , and be the mistris of your vowes , live to enjoy whom you affect , may every houre returne new blessings on you both ; renew your spring , and let him thinke you young againe , and let me beg but this for all my duty ; against that day you marry him to provide my coffin , for i feare i shal , not have breath many minutes after , to pray for you . the herbs that shall adorne your bridall chamber , will serve my funerall , and deck my herse ; beneath which you should say , there lies your daughter that dies to shew obedience . bell. why shouldst thou continue thus to him ? fran. i know he loves me , yet hereafter your affections may not . bell. but never procure thee one sad thought ; now i have tried you both ; assure my childe , i loved him but for thee , dispose thy selfe to be his bride : this newes , at his returne , will make all well to rest . fran.

can this be true ?

bell.

't were sin to mocke thee any more : to bed .

fran. i 'll spend all night in prayers for you , mother : oh my hartwell exeunt . enter playfaire and his cousen . play.

i am bound ever to thee .

cous.

does she not become her rich cloathes too ?

play. the morning never look'd so fresh , nor venus with more charmes upon her : adon would melt before her eye , and wooe her her kisses , at expence of his last breath : cupid himselfe , could he but see , would fall in love with her , and throwing away his shafts , offer the empty quiver to her eyes , ambitious to fill it with her beames ; the least of which , would wound more hearts , than ail his stocke of golden arrowes . cous.

no more raptures .

play. didst thou not know before , that love is able , without the helpe of sacke , to make a poet , my nimble mercury , ioves herald in reversion ? cous. i must confesse i had a trick of mercury when i pick'd his pocket for the keyes . play.

he never mist 'em ?

cous. his eyes were drench'd in suds , and i return'd em ere they recover'd light . play. 't was excellent ; he walkes in darknesse still . cous.

d' ee think he 'll know her ?

play. his cloathes already have made him forget himselfe , or if he have but the remembrance of such a woman ; the more he sees her now , the more he 'l thinke the change impossible . cous.

where ha' you left him ?

play. i' th' gallery , where with much patience , he does expect his highnesse will send for him . cous.

then all runs smoothe , his wonder still continues .

play. i fed that humour artificially ; he is halfe perswaded all 's but a dream , to which imagination his clothes are a great help , because he paid not for 'em : sometimes he is very merry , then agen he struts about with such a scurvy pride , as some new crept into nobility ; when men of their first livery come to see 'em ; his honour has so chang 'him , that he now knowes not of what religion he is ; or if he chance to thinke of his first faith , he spits o' th hangings , and excused with , i do not like the story , 't is apocryphall : sometimes he 'll offer at a jest , and talke non-sense with him that has been seaven yeares lorded ; frowne upon any man that will presume to have more knowledge , in worse clothes ; i told him it was his graces pleasure he should be controuler of the masque , and he did sweat , as he were studying for some mighty oathes to cleere the presence : he is here ; away . exit . hornet and sr. clement . horn. and you are master of the house , sir clement , for so i heard you call'd . clem. it is my name , sr. gyles , unworthy of this grace his highnesse is daign'd to shew in honouring of my daughter . horn.

and was she married this morning , say you ?

clem.

this morne she lost her virgin name .

horn. i have not seen her yet , nor any of the ladies , you have but little noise methinkes in the house . clem.

it would offend his grace .

horn. who , as you say , came hither privately , with a small train of lords ; would i might see his face agen ; i am not sent for yet , i have beene ready , sr. clement , these three houres , and i do wonder his grace forgets himselfe so much . clem.

that musick speaks him on entrance .

enter cousen and lords . flourish . cous. i , that garbe becomes him ; how was his person lost within that shape he was first presented to me ? horn. indeed the case is somewhat a altered , by your highnesse bounty to your poore subject , hornet . play. now he lookes as he did scorne the quorum , and were hungry to eat a statesman ; 'las an office in the houshold is too little for a breakfast : a baron , but a mornings draught , he 'll gulpe it , like a round egge in muscadine : me thinkes at every wiping of his mouth , should drop a golden saying of pythagoras ; a piece of machiavell ; i see already hang on his beard ( which wants but stroaking out ) the statutes and the magna charta have taken a lease at his tongues end . cous. i will think on 't ; he shall be � but toth ' banquet , then let the masque be ready , there we shall employ your worthy diligence . horn. heaven blesse your mightie grace . cous. you 'll follow . exit . horn. i attend you presently : i know not what to think of these things yet , 't is verie strange i should be thus exalted without desert ; best knowne unto my self . princes i see are mortall , and may be deceiv'd in placing of their honours , i am little better than a favorite , if this be true : if ? 't is a question , let me consider wisely , it may be i am not i . no , no , i am a knight : are these my clothes ? i did not use to weare such a pocket in my sleeve and velvet hose , six times translated since they were a mid-wives fore-part , were things i wore on holidayes . the price of these would break a cammels back , and yet some men walk under 'em like elephants , and have varietie , as the devill were their taylour , who best knowes where all their land lies . then why this cost on me ? it is a dreame , and i am verie glad on 't , 't is impossible i should be true , it does not hang together , i will have patience till i wake agen , and care not what becomes on 't . enter sr. clement . clem. 't is his highnesse pleasure now the banquet 's done . horn. how , the banquet done ? i was comming to 't , you could hardly say grace by this time . clem. that 's a ceremony growne out of use ; it was a running banquet . horn. a running ? so it seemes , it made great haste : i doe dreame certainly , there 's no sense nor reason in any thing they say . sr. clem. you know your place , the masque will straight begin , and his grace wo'not have any one admitted , he resolves , if the conceit affect him , it shall be perform'd i' th' court hereafter , i' th' meane time he does command all privacie : there are some set to guard the door ; but your care must provide his highnesse be not interrupted . back , they are rude already . exit . knocks . horn. let me alone : what turbulent knave is that ? within . i am a countrey gentlemen , sr. gyles ; and if i may presume upon good clothes , you may before his grace call me your couzen , and not be asham'd ; here is a lady too . horn. a lady too ? is she with child ? what makes she here , and she be with child already ? ' tell thee none such shall be admitted , while i am in place : more rapping ? keep the doores , if i do fall a swearing once , look to 't . within . i beseech you , for my wives sake . horn. thy wives ? what 's he that pleads in forma pauperis ? within . a citizen , and like you . horn. like me ? thou lyest : i am more like a lord . thou shalt fare ne're the better for that word : knock downe the women , and there be a hundred . and make their husbands drunk ; the guard are lazie : these womens insolence will force a statute , i will petition to the king my self , they may have libertie but once a yeere to see the gally foist , then be confined to their chamber , and one prentice � yet agen . within . sir gyles , sr. gyles , you know me well enough . horn.

but while i am in office i 'll know no body .

scri.

i am your scrivenor .

horn. draw thy purse , wherein thou keep'st thy eares , and leave 'em at the doore ; the guard trust none without a pawne ; they 'll serve , if they be ne're redeem'd , to seethe in milke for a sore throat : jewes eares i know they are . scri.

sir gyles , here 's your neece .

horn.

my neece ? the devill she is .

neec.

within . pray uncle let me in .

horn. her very voice : ha ? open the doores there ; where is she ? with.

whom ?

horn.

my neece that call'd to me .

with.

none call'd : nor was there any woman here .

horn. no , nor my scrivener bawling out , sir gyles , not at any hand your worship . horn. then i dreame , and i am a fool to make a question on 't . with.

ha , ha , ha .

horn. the knaves laugh at me , but let 'em , i shall be as merry with this tale to morrow : what fancies men have in their sleep sometimes ? his highnesse . enter cousen , lords . where be the ladies ? clem.

they are all i' th' masque .

horn.

nay , 't is no matter , why do i aske the question ?

clem.

you 'll see 'em , sir , anon .

la. wilt please your grace ? gives papers to the king and sr. gyles . and you sir gyles , the subject of the masque . horn. what 's here , the three goddesses contention for the golden ball ? enter playfaire , dancing , with a golden ball in his hand . this is paris ; so . enter iuno , pallas , venus . these are the three goddesses ; iuno , pallas , venus . the goddesses dance , and court paris for his ball : to iuno enters one like a king ; takes his crowne and scepter , offers it to paris , he refuses . lo.

iuno doth wooe him with her state and kingdomes .

horn.

but he refuses , more foole he .

to pallas , enter one like a souldier arm'd , with a booke in his hand ; she presents them to paris , he neglects . clem. he is not for her service , though she offer to make him schollar and a souldier : a compleat man . horn. no , no , that fairie must win the ball . to venus comes cupid , leading in hornet's neece , richly drest . ha ? that 's my neece . clem.

which , sr. gyles ?

horn. that whom dame venus and her dandiprat are busie withall . lo.

why that 's the bride .

horn.

bride , quotha ?

clem.

married this morning ; 't is my daughter , sir .

horn. nay , if she be my neece , i am sure she was not married this morning . paris receives the neece , and gives venus the ball ; iuno , pallas , with their masquers , exeunt . she 's safe enough at home , and has but halfe her wits , as i remember : the devill cannot juggle her from my custody . ha , ha , i do dreame still . cupid joynes their bands , and sings ; which done , exeunt masquers . cous.

't is time to breake off revels : how like you this , sr. gyles ?

horn.

a very fine dreame , ifaith .

cous. i see you 'd be a bed ; you are not us'd to these late houres . clem.

lights for his highnesse .

horn. i humbly beg your license i may returne to my owne lodging . clos.

well , sir , 't is easily granted .

exit . lo.

lights for sir gyles : one shall attend you home .

horn.

ha , ha , ha .

clem.

why do you laugh ?

horn. at a conceit , at a conceit : what did i eat last night , to make me dream thus ? exeunt .
act. v. enter hartwell apprehended , countrey-man officers , servant . hart.

you have done well ?

countr. would you had done no worse . these are his clothes , and you must give account how you came by 'em , and produce him safe ere you acquit your selfe ; we may suspect you ha' kill'd him . horn. then i obey my destiny ; justice i see pursues the guilty person : dispose me where you please . officer .

he does confesse .

hart. what ere you be , you can but have my life for his ; all your revenge can reach no higher : and to the law i yeeld my selfe . countr. my hopes are colde as his blood whom thou hast slaine : thou hast been cruell in this act , to me and mine ; whose fames in him are miserably wounded : but looke for the reward . hart. i must expect it ; in the meane time i do not beg your mercy : life is a burden , i would faine be rid on 't . does he weary me to carry it ? serv.

i 'll acquaint my mistris .

count .

do so : to the next justice ; come away

exeunt . enter hornet . horn. she 's gone , she 's gone , i shall run mad ; my neece , rob'd of three thousand pound in her escape , i finde too late , i am awake and gull'd , nor know i whom to accuse for my tormentors ; devils or men , but sure they were not men , but very fiends i revell'd with last night . that i could meet the prince of devils that knighted me , the poets call him pluto , god of riches ; i and my learned councell would undo him in law , in very law , which he should finde hotter ere i had done , than hell it selfe , and call his place of torment , in three termes , but a refreshing to 't : yet let me see , i have the portion still , though she be vanish'd , that 's better than my neece , but if she marry , i lose it all there ; there 's the vexation . enter cousen . cous.

save mr. hornet .

horn. 't is too late , away , i do not love unnecessary complement . cous.

this he ?

horn. yes , i am he ; am i not very fine ? what do you thinke this trim will cost me , ha ? three thousand pounds , no more ? cous. the broker wo'not lend halfe the money . horn. will you , sir , be gone , i ha' no money to lend now , it is not , you know , in fashion , with rich clothes . cous. i came for other purpose , and with newes perhaps , you would be willing to receive ; you have a neece ? horn. no ; such a creature was in my possession : do you know where she is ? cous.

faith i imagine .

horn. ha , good sir ? pray forwards : you shall have money upon good security . cous. i thanke you , sir , for nothing ; i do owe you too much already , on these tearmes . horn.

my neece , as you were saying .

cous.

were you knighted lately ?

horn.

is that talk'd abroad ?

cous. no generall rumour ; by a chance i came where such a thing was whisper'd only whisper'd ; just as he was describ'd : in my opinion y' are very handsome , and do looke as like a reverend � horn.

asse .

cous.

why , you shall have it , sir .

horn. but touching my neece , good sir , that most ungracious giglet , that 's run or stolne away , juggled last night out a my doores . cous.

did not she leap the casement ?

horn. do not increase my agony ; you came � cous. with civill meaning to discover how you may be abus'd . horn. what money do you want , sir ? your owne bond shall suffice . cous. i ha sworne never to write my name or marke ; but i can tell � horn.

where i may finde this girle .

cous. more i can do , if need require ; t is in my power to give her back to your possession , and i am willing . horn.

an honest man .

cous. on reasonable conditions , and such as shall not trench on borrowing money . horn.

honester yet .

cous. for you shall give it freely and get by 't ; for you must understand if i do this , i shall betray a friend of mine , that has put me in trust , one that intends to marry her , ( for truth to tell , they are not yet contracted ) to marry her , d' ee marke ? and yet e're morning three thousand pounds upon her , is 't not so much ? one that has lent me sums too without parchmont . or foolish circumstance , to be repaid ; which you were never yet so much a christian , as to be guilt of , in your usurers gallon of conscience melting sacke ; this deserves something , but cause some expedition is required ; you have a bond of mine . horn.

for fifty pound .

cous. i had but forty , and your scrivenor paid , with whom , perhaps , your worship too divided ; if you remember , there were precious dinners , ere i could count my chickens altogether , which was your thrift and my expence ; you shall first cancell that bond , nay this wo'not dot , and give , d' ee marke , give me a hundred pieces , perhaps i 'll drinke your health : this shall retrive your neece , and give her into your hands , though for my treachery , i be sung in ballads , and have the towne curse if ever i marry . horn.

't is too much for no more labour , sir .

cous. if i consider , three hundred will not bring me to 't agen ; thus faire i 'll deale with you ; i 'le not touch your money till i ha' don 't , but then i will be sure : fetch , fetch the businesse . horn.

the bond is ready .

cous. i will have ready money too : you have bags of all sizes and denominations . i , these things promise well ; now i 'll attend you . horn.

do this fear for me , and 't is all thine owne .

exeunt . enter iustice , playfaire and neece . iust. now we may wish you say , the priest has tyed that knot no subtilty nor malice can dissolve ; and repent not i have been an actor in your comedy , though i should not be tempted easily to such another engagement ; for your sake i have dispenc'd with my person and my place . play. you alwayes were my loving uncle . neec. sir , you have , in this , deserv'd our lives and fortunes . play. it was good mirth to heare him confident all our device was but a dreame . iust. he is awake by this time ; should your cousen faile , we 'll have another way to invite him ; and if honesty prevaile not , force him till he consent . enter servant . serv.

some offenders are brought to be examin'd .

iust. nephew , withdraw , and you , faire bride ; these troubles are incident to my place , i 'll soon dispatch 'em . enter countrey-man , hartwell , and officers . how now my masters ? mr. hartwell ? ha ! hart. looke on me ; sir , as a delinquent ; these are able to accuse me . iust.

what offence ?

const.

nothing , but for killing of a man .

iust.

what proofe ?

countr.

he has confest it , sir .

enter mistria bellamy and frances . iust. mistris bellamy , you are come in a sad time : here 's mr. hartwell accus'd for killing . bell. 't is not possible . good sir believe it not . iust.

he does confesse .

horn. i am not worth your prey , gentle lady in vaine i should extenuate my fact , to have the troubles of examinations ; here i confesse agen , my hand is guilty of killing him whose feeble arme durst not lift up a weapon to defend himselfe . iust.

that was not manly .

hart. i but slew a coward startup , and could i call his life agen , as soone i should destroy it ; you perhaps know not my provocation : he has my rivall , sir , pardon me : mistris bellamy , to whom i only seemed a proselyte in love , i had no heart to give from her : and in my study to decline your anger ; i fell upon her scorne , which in few minutes , engaged me to this fate ; not am i troubled that i must dye , when she upon whose faith i durst have laid the hopes of my eternity , hath violated all the trust of woman . count . wil t please you , sir � iust.

forbear a little .

hart. tell me , most unkinde , if thou didst love at all ? how couldst thou thinke i should be such a desperate atheist , that thou so soone , and with a strange apostacy should'st revenge it ? these swelling drops which in thy innocence might ha' prevail'd to ha' restor'd the dead , heaven now doth looke on , and despise : and though thou shed moist tribute on this tombe , 't shall slide , neglected o're the marble , and be lost , as if the stone had sense to punish thy disdaine of me : i can behold that weeping , and not be moved to wish i were not guilty of killing him whose love had been thy triumph ; and i dare boldly , still in the contempt of what i am to suffer , and the justice of my owne truth , challenge thy soule to answer in what i was beneath that gaudy foole , excepting that he had more earth than i to helpe his scale , which yet he may be indebt for to his fathers sins : alive , he could not merit one cold disdaine from thee ; and dead , how comes it he should be worth thy teares ? but let thy eyes chide this unruly sorrow ; dresse thy cheekes with their fresh blood again , and let thy face open a book of smiles , in the assurance i have not long to live ; when i have numbred a few sad minutes , thou shalt be reveng'd , and i shall never trouble thee : if this be not enough , extend thy malice further : and if thou find'st one man that lov'd me living , will honour this cold body with a grave , be cruell , and corrupt his charity . so fare ye well . fran. yet you must stay and heare me : he sha'not suffer , if my friends or state can purchase him a pardon : where 's the body of him that 's slaine ? countr. we know not ; but you heare his free confession of the fact . iust. this may proceed from discontents ; life to some man is but their torment in whose paine they will , as on the wracke , confesse what never was in their thought . hart. speak it agen , and i dare promise thee to live . fran. my heart was ever constant , my mothers love was but thy triall , as mine a seeming change in thy disguise , which was not able to secure thee from me ; the words were , i would choose my husband here : but what will this availe us ? hart.

mr. iustice , i here discharge you .

iust.

how ?

hart. my joyes obeyes no limits ; i accus'd my false unjustly , the fool 's alive . countr.

startup , where ?

hart. i know not that , my servant 's with him , but if he ha' plaid the hang-man , starv'd or smother'd him in a ditch , i ha' made faire worke . omnes .

this were a welcome truth .

enter servant . serv.

sir , the constable .

iust. i had rather it had been my kinsman and the usurer ; but wait and give me knowledge when they come . enter constable , startup , close , officers . const.

where 's mr. justice ?

hart. it is he and close ; then i am secure , your pardon , and thy love . bell. you have it freely , and a mothers prayers for both your happinesse . const. please your worship , these we took last night i' th' fields suspiciously , and by my owne authority i condemn'd 'em . star.

shall we be hang'd , close , we are condemn'd already .

iust.

this is the gentleman was kill'd .

start. sweet sir , no ; not kill'd out right , but i was almost starv'd with cold : these gentlewoman know me , and i should know that hose and doublet too ; those garments which you weare , i have oft seen , sweet sir . clos.

well said ierouinte .

start. i was faine to borrow these of a prisoner that lies in , upon my diamond ring . iust.

you are discharg'd .

start.

and we too ?

iust.

yes , and joy in every bosome .

start.

close , you must know this your mistris : sweet lady .

fran.

how ?

clos. 't is enough for you to know her , sir , and me to acknowledge . countr.

do you know me , sir ?

start.

hum ; yes , who brought you to town ? and your daughter too , sweet sir ?

countr.

and you shall right her .

start. is she growne crooked ? i knew her too well . peace , not a word more , i know your meaning , do not discredite me , sweet sir , and we 'll steale downe and marry her ere any be aware on 't ; i wo'not stay to shift me , take no leave ; the jest will be when i am in the countrey , how like an asse he 'll look in my apparrell . exeunt startup country-man , enter servant . serv.

sir , mr. playfaires cousen and the tother gallant .

iust. i must intreat your patience a little , you 'll meet with friends in the next roome . enter cousen , hornet . cous.

excuse my boldnesse , sir , this gentleman .

iust.

mr. hornet , you are very welcome .

horn. good sir no ceremony ; we are come 'bout businesse : i have lost my neece , and would know where she is . iust.

d' ee take me for a wizzard ?

cous. sir , our desires are modest ; that you would be witnesse to a bargaine , and receive some trifles , sir , in trust to be deliver'd to me , if i restore his kinswoman . horn. not else ; on that condition i deposite these hundred pieces , and a bond , if he deliver me my neece , they are his fraught , if not , they call me owner . cous. pardon , sir , that i presume to bring this trouble to you . iust.

't is none at all .

cous.

you sha'not long expect : so rest you merry .

iust.

how fare you , sir ?

horn. as you see , falne away an inch since morning , but this will physicke me ; if i possesse this harlotry agen , i 'll make her sure : trust not a woman , they have found the herbe to open locks ; not brazen towers can hold 'em . or if they get not loose , they have the vertue of loadstones ; shut up in a box , they 'll draw customers to them ; nay , being dead and buried , there is a suspicion they will breake the grave , which puts so many husbands to the charge of heavy stones to keep their bad wires under . iust.

you are moved ?

horn. oh mr. justice you are honest , i ha' been abus'd , so miserably cheated , i am asham'd to thinke on 't , stay , what , musicke ? enter cousen , leading the neece . ha , 't is my neece ; the very same . cous.

there , sir , you have her , and i must ha' these .

horn.

take 'em : but you shall go with me ; have i found you ?

neec.

how unckle ? a reveller ? you 'll lead mea corranto .

horn.

you shall dance homewards .

enter playfaire . play.

what make you so familiar with my wife ?

horn.

how , wife ? is she married ?

cous. 't is upon record , i 'll bring a parson that shall take his oath on 't horn.

give me my hand and money , mr. justice .

hart.

where ? where ?

cous. here , here , but not to be recovered by law : i have a judgement , sir , against you . horn. you have conspired to rob , cheat , and undo me ; i 'll have you all star-chamber'd . play.

sir , be calme , and hear us .

horn.

i 'll hear nothing .

play. yes , you shall ; it will be necessary , i am bold , presuming on her favour , to demand a parcell of three thousand pound , the sum belongs to me , by vertue of a marriages and i must have it . horn.

tell me of a marriage ?

cous. i saw the priest conjoyne 'em : he will deserve your love . play. perhaps you may continue a thousand , or two thousand , for six moneths , upon security . horn.

persecution .

iust. faith sir consider , it is more safe to see her thus bestowed , than trust a jury ; if the doctor had given her too much opium , or purg'd her soule away , things might so worse ; but i keep counsell . horn.

ha' ye mortified me yet ?

cous.

for your owne sake , and as you are true knight .

enter mistris bellamy , hartwell , frances , and close . horn. now , ha ye done ? the widdow ; not a word more , take her , i 'll pay you sir , three thousand pounds to morrow : noble widdow you were in the first list to be invited ; my neece i told you of , is married to this worthy gentleman . bell.

you looke like a bridegroom .

horn. 't is in your power to make it good ; what say you , shall we have issue ? now the word of comfort . bell.

i will never marry .

horn. you are resolv'd why , so : come hither nephew , shalt be my heire , i love thee for thy wit ; but charme thy friends , they do not laugh at me : i 'll be a knight too , if i live , and build an hospitall for twenty more o' th' order , which i 'll reduce my selfe out of the suburbs ; it is a shame such men should lose their spurs in womens petticoats , and turne squires agen to whores , or parasites to noble men , for want of fit provision . iust. an excellent foundation . but where 's startup ? clos.

sunke , i thinke .

hart. nere conjure for him ; we are ingratefull to our blisse : but wasting of these precious minutes , which are so many ages , till the church hath made us perfect . horn. is there any more worke for the priest ? then give you joy before hand , and let us celebrate the day together . play. i 'me glad of your conversion ; ye are the first jew that in my remembrance has turn'd christian . iust.

walke on to joyes .

hart. 'twixt love and fortune , now the accounts are even : a chaine of hearts , and the first linck in heaven .
finis .
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gentlem�n a gentleman , cousen to playfaire . ��� my master has given over house-keeping . or plans wealth , extorted from widdowes and from orphans , nor will all his plentie keep his � spare your travell , i sha'not practise these in haste , and � heaven be thank'd , has left you , hornet ; but i ha newes for you . � ; but he has a project to employ 'em all . affection� active , and of great birth , have courted my affection, , and if they flatter not , commend my person ��� were you ever married ? � sweet sir , no ; all men are not alike . ��� wits in towne , i ha brought money a purpose wo' mee for it ; if any will sell me a penny-worth ��� indeed he run his countrey ; my father did out run the constable . � not run , sweet lady ? if you have occasion to use me , i wo'not � the agitation of her tongue will manifest : shee's here . �ick this doctor has for tick led me , i cannot chuse but laugh , ha , ��� charge out of my portion , i could love an old man rarely , an old man with a bed full of bones ��� man rarely , an old man with a bed full of bones &c. � 'tis good luck ; doe you know him , vnckle . ��� together one day ; but you'll burne sea - cole to save charges , and stink the poore soules lo�e the minde is the first beauty , which true love aspires to , when 'tis waited on with person gh�sse and i ghuesse ere long , such an occasion will present �ins thee ; henceforth i'll look upon thee as my sins , and beg as much forgivenesse that i knew � i was round with her , i call'd her asse and coxcombe , and twenty sweet-he�rt what ayles my masters sweet-heart , she frighted ? i met and askt her for � a desire to serve you ; you may trust him . ��� well , well , i hope 'tis but conceit it . clothe� will the pox lye in clothes ? i can not tell , i finde some alteration tel� will the pox lye in clothes ? i can not tell , i finde some alteration in my body � sin � tell , i finde some alteration in my body , sin be i shifted . sinbe tell , i finde some alteration in my body � sin be i shifted . knowl�dge conceit , they were an honest mans , upon my knowledge , a captaine of the traine band in the countrey maste� , they were brought against the generall muster last � he were 'em that day , and to church l�st were brought against the generall master last � he were 'em that day , and to church the � brought against the generall master last ; he were 'em that day , and to church the � cousen for the king , and lords , sir clement . flourish . ��� , to give your whore benevolence , which trifled for you last tilting , or be ��� and leave ��� which trifled for you last tilting , or be drunke too soone, and leave our project in the dirt . l�. lo. wa��e�k i quake already , excellent warbucks , coole , coole thy lungs , and whisper �upple that's the king , the rest are bare ; how supple they are i'th hams , that courtier has oyl'd knay�s this way , they point at me ; a rot o'that knaves finger . for'� praise me , i am a thousand pound the worse for't . lo� lo. � exeunt . flourish . ��� ; cast your old skin off : do you not to save sheets and trouble , wrap your selves a night� ��� sheets and trouble , wrap your selves a night i'th blankets ? or are they ashamed to show d�sparate you may be disparate when 'tis on , and burne your body with o� and new created by his highnesse , baron of landskip ; his living is far off . sttragling towne together , or meddle not ; this or that straggling acre's not worth your care ; study some exch�quer way to forfeit all the charters ; have an exchequer of your owne , and keep the princes round �elicities so , so : i will account it one of my felicities , to be a witnesse of your honour , sir fear� the hang-man will not have them , and i feare , they will corrupt a well ; 'faith give ha� ha' you not made a fine choyce , i did ever � something , if opportunitie would give him leave : he cannot be so false , now i suspect he � nurse brings in hartwell in startups clothes . heave� to undoe poore man : what a fine book is heaven ? which we may read best now , when every luddaine spectacles , and mine owne eyes ha' lost him o'the suddaine ; well , i must hope the best ; what shall � run ; if i should squat , and they finde me , there were no mercy but bride-well , or hil� him , no honest man , i know by his basket hilt , some rogue that watches , the fields are gentl�m�n looke , call up the servants , see if the gentlemen be a bed ; i'm troubled . childen all the pietie that ever taught children to love their mother , will but suffice � altar , but steal away the very sacrifice ; and i durst adde and smile upon your anger co��m against that day you marry him to provide my coffin , for i feare i shal , not have ��� after fear� you marry him to provide my coffin , for i feare i shal , not have ��� after , to pray for i�sha marry him to provide my coffin , for i feare i shal , not have ��� after , to pray for ��� my coffin , for i feare i shal , not have breath many minutes after , to pray for you . the herbs that merse chamber , will serve my funerall , and deck my herse ; beneath which you should say , there lies ��� of which , would wound more hearts , than ail his stocke of golden arrowes . io�es sacke , to make a poet , my nimble mercury , ioves herald in reversion ? fuds his eyes were drench'd in suds , and i return'd em ere they recover'd light saf� she's safe enough at home , and has but halfe her wits devi�l but halfe her wits , as i remember : the devill cannot juggle her from my custody . ha , d�eame juggle her from my custody . ha , ha , i do dreame still . highness� lights for his highnesse . confess� he does confesse . i� i must expect it ; in the meane time i do not beg your mercy : m�a�e i must expect it ; in the meane time i do not beg your mercy : life is a tim� i must expect it ; in the meane time i do not beg your mercy : life is a burden acqu�i�t i'll acquaint my mistris . parchmon much ? one that has lent me sums too without parchmont . or foolish circumstance , to be repaid to'� consider , three hundred will not bring me to't agen ; thus faire i'll deale with you ; b�gs i will have ready money too : you have bags of all sizes and denominations . i , these pr��st now we may wish you say , the priest has tyed that knot no subtilty nor malice ��� may wish you say , the priest has tyed that knot no subtilty nor malice can dissolve ; and subtity you say , the priest has tyed that knot no subtilty nor malice can dissolve ; and repent not co�ntrey-man enter countrey-man , hartwell , and officers . ��� , which was not able to secure thee from me; the words were , i would choose my ��� but ��� from ��� the words were , i would choose my husband here: but what will this availe us ? �ir good sir no ceremony ; we are come 'bout businesse ne�ce are come 'bout businesse : i have lost my neece , and would know where she is . c�us. cous. ��� am asham'd to thinke on't , stay , what , musicke � � asham'd to thinke on't , stay , what , ��� ? co��anto how unckle ? a reveller ? you'll lead mea corranto . ��� i'll bring a parson that shall take his oath on't �ustice give me my hand and money , mr. justice . ye� ha've mortified me yet ? co�jure nere conjure for him ; we are ingratefull to our blisse
the humorous courtier shirley, james this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text s in the english short title catalog (stc ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. martin mueller incompletely or incorrectly transcribed words were reviewed and in many cases fixed by hannah bredar lydia zoells this text has not been fully proofread earlyprint project evanston il, notre dame in, st.louis, washington mo distributed under a creative commons attribution-noncommercial . unported license a .xml the humorous courtier. a comedy, as it hath been presented with good applause at the private house in drury-lane. written by iames shirley gent. shirley, james, - . dpi tiff g page images university of michigan, digital library production service ann arbor, michigan october (tcp phase ) stc ( nd ed.) . greg, ii, . a

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 the humorous courtier. a comedy, as it hath been presented with good applause at the private house in drury-lane. written by iames shirley gent. shirley, james, - . [ ] p. printed by t[homas] c[otes] for william cooke, and are to be sold by iames becket, in the inner temple, london : .

in verse.

printer's name from stc.

signatures: a b-i k .

reproduction of the original in the folger shakespeare library.

 a shc the humorous courtier shirley, james hannah bredar lydia zoells play comedy shc no a s (stc ). athis text has no known defects that were recorded as gap elements at the time of transcription. incorporated ~ , textual changes made to the shc corpus by hannah bredar, kate needham, and lydia zoells between april and july during visits, separately or together, to the bodleian, folger and houghton libraries as well as the rare book libraries at northwestern university and the university of chicago

the hvmorovs covrtier .

a comedy , as it hath been presented with good applause at the private house in drury-lane .

written by iames shirley gent.

london . printed by t. c. for william cooke , and are to be sold by james becket , in the inner temple . .

a catalogue of such things as hath beene published by james sherley gent. traytor . witty faire one . bird in a cage . changes , or love in a maze . gratefull servant . wedding . hide parke . young admirall . lady of pleasure . gamster . example . dukes mistresse . ball . chabot admirall of france . royall master . schoole of complements . contention for honour and riches . triumph of peace , a masque . maides revenge . humorous courtier .
the actors names . comachio , an old lord , vnckle to depazzi . orseollo an humorous lord . volterre young lords . contarini
depazzi , a young foolish lord giotto , a cunning court favourite . the dutchesse . laura , a young gentlewoman great in favour . carintha , wife to contarini . dandalo , servant to contarini . crispino , servant to depazzi . sancho servant to orseollo . officer . servants . attendants .
the hvmorovs covrtier .
actus primi . scena prima . enter volterre , orseollo . volterre . remember where you are , ors. that ever man should be so dull of soule to love a woman . vol. what in the name of fury hath made you an enemy to that sexe , upon what lady false beyond cressida , didst thou loose thy patience ? finde it againe for shame , thou wert not borne a woman hater . ors. no , i thanke heaven my mother 's dead , and all my sisters , i had a contention in my nature , when they were alive , but tye of blood prevail'd against my disposition , i confesse i never wish'd them dead . vol. how hadst thou beene alive , but for thy mother ? ors, that 's one reason should make our love the lesse to e'm , they doe but bring 's acquainted with the world , which at our birth we are afraid of , and grow old but to repent we are not embrois still , or things lost in conception . vol. we may as well condemne our fathers , and declaime 'gainst them for our begetting , come orseollo , desist to be a satire , i hope you wod not the dutchesse should heare this ; collect your selfe you are i th presence , put on a smooth face and speake court language , let me counsell you to softnesse ; what a courtier and so rugged ? princes they say have many cares , and t is not lesse then treason , in a womans court to be so violent against e'm , these hangings may evesdrop us . ors. let em , let em , may be 't would move the dutchesse to exempt me from my attendance ; and she knew my minde she would allow me a writ of ease , least i infect her court with railing gainst her sexe : i 'de rather heare a mandrake , then let in the noise of women ; heaven that i might never converse with any . volt. thou wilt never marry . ors. marry ? i le first engender with a viper , were there but one woman alive , and but by knowing her , no hope to stocke the world agen , i de geld my selfe . volt. pitty thou shouldst marry , to get a sonne that should b� like thee ; take heed least women for this bitternesse make thee not first an eunuch , but we ha lost our first discourse , thy passion like a storme hath quite transported us , from the duke foscari , that hath now left us , let 's a cold sute with the dutchesse . ors. if i stay i shall talke treason , a cold sute ? for ever ice dwell within their marrowes can affect em , he was too worthy on her . vol, he deserved , i know not what to thinke out , t is the third prince , that our duties have commended , in hope to be made happy with her issue : nay , nay , have truce a little with thy spleene , and le ts talke wisely , we shall be observed ; i wonder . ors. so doe i . vol. at what ? ors. at nothing , at a woman , how t is possible a man should court and love em so , but now i thinke one , i doe not wonder . vol. how is this ? ors. they are all circes , and do steale away our soules ; they juggle us into shapes and puppets lovers . vol. they ha not juggled you me thinkes . enter contarini , signiour contarini . con. volterre and orseollo , morrow to ye , you heare the newes . foscari is departed . vol. in a mist , is he not ? here 's but we three , the dutchesse is a strange woman . or. contarini hast any other faith , are they not all so volterre ? thou hast beene a travailer , and converst with the antipodes , almost put a girdle about the world , taken dimensions of every nature , tasted all aires , and canst distinguish em to an atome , tell me signiour and be not partiall to the sex , didst ever vpon thy honour meete with such a creature , we here call vertuous woman , are not all the stocke of em inconstant ? vol. nay let 's ha no mor� inv�ctives signiour orseollo traduce not all for some , it must be granted . con. they are an excellent creation , though some few decline from vertue , i 've a wife , i 'm but new married neither , yet i dare boast my opinion . ors. doe not , the moone is yet but i th' first quarter contarini , i would endeere my thoughts to thee , and thou wert not marryed , boast thy opinion . goe sacrifice to sleepe , why these are wom�n will cosen a strong faith , cuckold their husbands , yet taken in the act perswade em into a beleefe they doe but dreame so . con. signiour y' are pleasant . vol. pleasant con. as his gall will suffer him , he has beene casting out up this halfe hour� , yet there is some behind still , if you name a woman , he takes fire like touchwood , but to the duke foscari . ors, i have it , vol. what ? ors. ye talke duke foscari . con. we doe . ors. i ha the cause h� went away so soone . vol. prethee enrich our knowledge , why ? ors. i honour him . con. so we doe all . ors. he is a brave duke , a man , and in that , more then all his titles make him , some easie natures would ha languished for her , and ha beene paler then ye meane , with watching distilled their braine , tyred , yea some to seeme comit idolatry , given her their soules , and changed em to her motion ; in each window bescratching with some diamond her name , and warme it so with kisses till it thaw the very glasse , which weepes it selfe away in pitty of the dotage , beene content to ha worne their youth away in expectation ; this prince was wiser , he left parma to behold a creatur� was cride up , the miracle of nature , a new starre like cassiopeia that drew the eyes of italy , and left em fixt in the admiration , but he needing no iacobs staffe to take the height , and looking with a true eye upon this wounder , found she was a woman , nothing but a woman , his wisdome quickely taught him to returne a sham'd of his credulity . vol. he 's mad , what a wild passion like a torrent , beares him against the women , 't is well your hate points at the g�nerall , one womans anger would checke your forward � else contarini . con. i dare not h�are him talke mor� , w� shall be held cherishers of his railing humour , in , in , prethee le ts leave him . vol. why signiour , are you so transported you have not power enough to seeme calme , what dost at court ? ors. not cringe as you , and adore the nods of painted ladies , weary my hammes to answer madams halfe cursies , i neere come to court but to defend me from it . bo. ha ? ors. the truth is , i would be faine discharged , t is a hell to me , there are so many wormed in 't : would the dutchesse would banish me into some wildernesse , i should indure the beasts though they devour'd m� , i hate no monsters but the harpies . con. why ? ors. harpies have womens faces contarini , yet now i thinke volterre i have heard there 's another feminine murderer cald the hiena , that invites men forth to be devourd ; y 'ave heard how the egyptian crocadile weepes , when death it selfe lies bathing within her teares , thinke but upon women and tell me which i should avoide-first . enter comachio , giotto . com. i se� a merit nigh , and i hope you will deserve the favour , we are not wont to admit of servants neere their person , without more caution . gio. it makes my bond of duty and observance greater . con. my lord comachio . com. let me employ some of your care upon my nephew , something you may adde to improve him , you shall till no barren ground , though he reward you not with fruitefulnesse , i shall have power to make you thinke your studies well plac'd . gio. your compasse i shall saile by . exit com. contarini how 's the day ? vol. not early . com. signior orseollo , i know what cloud muffles your thoughts . con. he is constant to his humour . com. not the dutchesse , come faith yet orseollo , we shall intreate you joyne with us to the dutchesse . ors. yes , hey ! � exit . vol. so , so , he would but trouble us . com. my lords , we must be circumspect , we are not to negotiate a designe that lookes but at the profit of one man : the dutchy calls to owne it , all our cares you know have met , that we might move the dutchesse to exchange her dull virginity for marriage ; foscari whom our ambition pointed at , is lost and he in some disgust gone hence . vol. i feare so . com. his violent departure gives us more then jealousie , we must sollicite her , but so as shall become our duties , and expresse our knowledge of her great soul� and pregnant wit . con. she enters signior comachia , t is refer'd to your delivery . enter dutchesse , laura , attendants . dutch. comachio ! we have no knowledge of thy ag� , but what thy wisdome and experience doth discover , i' st not troublesome , t' attend a young court ? com. your grace so desires my duty , that i delight in service . dutch. contarini i' th mornings ey� , reveales more youth , then he did by hymens tapers ; lookes younger then when we call him bridegroome . censure him laura . she sits . lau. your highnesse knowes he hath a young wife . con. all my use of time , is but to perfect my obedience to your excellence . dutch. we cherish both your loves , and you volterre are great too within our memory . vol. i shall endevour new merits . dutch. the cause of your attendance now , is knowne ere you deliver it . the departure of the young duke ( our lover ) from our court in so obscure a way , without your notice ; our consent publish'd gives you just cause of wonder : yet so much y' are skil'd both in our soule and nature , that no immediate motive of his anger shall be laid to our charge ; but what you thinke , makes our person safe , and great . com. we come with humble modesty t' require so much , as shall concerne our care , both of your gracious selfe , and our good country . foscari , duke of parma is a great prince ; feature ; a lady , like your excellence , his youth and strength may promise issue even to a matron . dutch. we know he merits all his praise . proceede to what you call your businesse . com. his catholicke majesty did lately by his lieger , urge a title to this duchy , and desire your counsell , he might be nam'd your highnesse next , and lawfull heire , unlesse from your owne person , were deriv'd a prince to intercept his hopes , with ease , you may consider , how unkinde our fate will be , beyond his owne naturall soile , doth make obedience bondage . dutch. you have yet hope , t is in my power to prevent what you suspect . com. we have , but time ( the enemy to lie , and to increase ) may scorne , destroy that hope . if not for propitious love to us ; yet for your owne sake , your glory , hasten the cure of these our feares : time is the moth of nature , devouers all beauty , when those bright eyes , that governe now with phoebus-like predominance , shall yeeld no light unto that darkened sky ( your face ) some aged mother pround of her fertill wombe , will shew you then her off-spring . behold ( quoth she ) i neede no marble house for my fame to dwell in , these are my living monuments , but your sullaine chastetie , will not permit your fame t' outlive your breath . dutch. no more comachio ! these are my owne thoughts : shortly you shall see i am art , prevention of all danger . all . you are my gracious mistresse . com. yea you shall much divulge your clemency if to stifle publike noyse you reveale the reason ; why foscari was not made your choyse . dutch. foscari is a forraigner : borne in a climate not so temperate as ours , and i am yet to know , whether his minde be different from such as please me here at home : forraigne alliance is an old disguise for sunices hatred : it charmes the peacefull into a dull security ; vntill the furious finde best advantage to make his anger knowne : then both are more ingag'd t' inflame , what erst th' one did kindle . i should sinne my good lords , if i did thinke my humillity disgrac'd my honour , when i suppos'd my owne court able to breede a man , fit to mingle blood , even with a princesse ; should i say with mine : what amaz'd , why does it want example , i should not thinke my choyce would much accuse my eyes , if i elect a lover here : unlesse some are more desert-lesse then i am guilty of , laura ! exeunt dutchesse , attendance . they first gaze on one another , then walke up and downe . com. ioyne to us oedipus , yet we shall want helpe t' expound this riddle � con. a lover here from her owne court , sure it must be from this number , signiour volterre ! vol. my very good lord . con. you are the man , the starres dance to . the spheares doe practise musicke , only to make you merry , you are he signiour . vol. who , i my lord ? con. doe not conceale your hopes : they 'le be worthy your acknowledgement ; you would be install'd i th' darke , steale titles , without the notice of the heralds , but noyse attends honour . vol. i neede a comment to your words . con. come , you young men are all temptation ; you have the purple veines ( signiour ) that swell with wanton pride , and ladies judgements are much govern'd by their eyes ; what grace , what favour , did the dutchesse lately shew you , the more t' indeere your duty ? hah ? vol. i want a soule ( signiour ) if she ever honour'd me with any phrase ; but what is vsuall in her complement t'other lords . con. i st possible � vol. he has discoverd somewhat that concernes my joy . nature needes no excuse why a dutchesse should affect a travail'd lord ; you are great too , within our memory . these were her words . hum ! � com. signiour contarini . con. my lord . com. you observ'd the dutchesse language ? con. am i not thinking on 't ? heart , why doe ye interupt me ? � com. how 's this my lord volterre ? vol. your pleasure signiour ! com. you have a fortunate skill in translation of misterious language : i pray lend me your censure upon the last words the dutchesse vttered . vol. hah signiour ? they concerne not me , i am forgotten by my starres , i , volterre is lost to all eyesight , but his owne . com. doe our braines melt this hot weather . these men were heretofore discreete , and now they talke a if they had no eyelids , like things that never slept . i finde the cause . exit . con. quoth she , he lookes younger , then when he stood by hymens tapers , good , very good , i have o were i single now ; my wife , my wife ; she ruines all this hope . � vol. since i have travel'd , brought from france , the nice amorous cringe , that so inchants ladies : t is fit i use it often , the tongue is powerfull too , and i inrich in languages , it shall be knowne � con. signiour volterre . vol. to bring revels in the court , that 's the way , i have my selfe an able chine , and i can friske like a goate : which females call a lucky symptome � signiour contarini , con. your lop . must excuse me , i 'm a little serious . vol. o for a sight of iupiters wardrobe that i might immetate the shape , in which he courted diana ! con. signiour volterre . vol. i my lord that 's my name , i le goe write it downe , least this businesse make me forget it . exit . con. rebellious blood ! must i neëds marry ? had i but delaid my lust a month , i might have wasted then my strength and nature , to a nobler purpose : beget princes , now i am in bondage to my marriage vow . exit .
act. . scena . . enter contarini , dandalo . con. my wife must do 't and then i may effect my hope with the great dutchesse as soone as he most proud of demerits . dandalo where 's your lady . dan. your lordship may heare both her voyce and lute , shee s in the garden with reollo your musitian . con. heare , does she so much dispaire of long life , that she need flatter her soule to tarry here with soft ayres , and wanton musicke . danda. my lord . con. conduct her hither . enter carintha . car. i saw your entrance , you bring newes from court , let me share in 't . con. i must worke her to it with art and leisure . car. what does your lop say ? con. sweete lend me thy eare in private � can i demand a thing from her that slumbred in my bosome , and she be so unkind to give my sute a hard repulse . car. my lord i am not guilty of a cause that can warrant your suspect either of my love or duty . con. i beleeve thee ( deere carintha ) but this injunction is so severe and strange , 't will puzle thy consent at first . car. sir make it knowne , i cannot be so slow in any performance of your will , as you are to reveale it . con. thy breath is sweeter then the smoke ascending from the phoenix funerall pile , i could kisse thee , even engender on thy lips . car. you were not wont to be thus pleasd , shew me which way i may requite your passion , speake the sute you talke on . con. now i know the strength of thy affection , i slight my sute the grave will prove to easie . car. what is it . con. i le have thee onely kill thy selfe , cruch , thou shat doe it , hah � car. sir i suspect your health , you were not wont to shew your speech so much estrang'd from reason . con. is this your love , your forward kindnesse ? car. scarse has the moone expir'd a change since you received me in your bed a cold virgin ; are you so soone tyred with sacred marriage , desirous to motive my eternall absence and by a meanes so cruell sir , how have i deserved your hatred , or please but to reveale the profit which by death can bring you . con. i have not leasure to reply to your demands , will you do 't . car. you fright my soule . con. orseollo happy you , whose frozen nature will not permit a closure with a woman . the sex doe quite degenerate from those great patternes which the former age produced . portia swallowed fire to please her husbands ghost , who inticed him to elisium ; lucresse , to purchase life unto her memory , noyse at her funerall such as might cleave her fame , priced her deare heart , and dyed car. we have a certaine faith , a faith that can assure reward , or punishment for deeds , we know our dwelling after death , which roman soules unlawfully did seeke , and found too soone , we are prescrib'd those act that makes us angels . con. she has bin gossipping with the holy sisters , zeale , and purity . car. it were safer for my soule ; if your selfe would be my executioner . con. i thanke you lop . i am exposed to the justice of the law , he whose rich and his prince become his heire cannot live long ; besides my hopes to enjoy the duchesse , are then quite frustrate . car. what said your lop . con. i did not thinke carintha thou hadst beene so sterne of nature , t' hast a stubborne heart ; deny my first request . car. should i kill my selfe . con. why must we not all dye , 't is a thrifty conscience that perswades the soule to hasten her departure hence to avoid future guilt . car. you counsell strangely , i have deserv'd more kindenesse from your tongue . con. if thou suspect'st thou hast not fortitude enough , t' attempt thy death by violence : expire with leasure : refraine from meate , till th' orifice of thy stomacke close , and grow together ; or when thou feedst , eate arsnicke , dye any way , so the law call not me thy murderer . car. heaven secure me , have you the use of all your sences , ye speake thus ? con. but if you le choose an easier way , each morning fetch a tedious sigh or two , t will make your heart to cleave , i le give you cause enough to doe 't . car. you have a bloody mind . con. or as some country virgins doe scratch morter from an aged wall and eate it up in private , so die on the greene disease , but now i thinke upon 't that 's to perplex away , vnto the grave . car. i dare not hate the thought y'have tempted me , beyond mortall patience , oh unkind destiny . exit con. doe , fret , gall thy heart strings till they breake , ive the engine of a babe , any man that had arrived at halfe my yeares , would soone invent a safe way to shift that trifle from him . hum , who shall i get to doe 't . happy fancy , 't is mature i will above it strait . exit . enter depazzi , laura , and crispino . de. i sent you a letter maddam . lau. my lord i received it . de. how did you taste it ? lau. excellently . de. i have twenty as good as that lying by me , have i not cris. oh my good lord . ( crispino de. they shall be all at your service . lau. y are too much a courtier , i must chide you signiour , i never did deserve the epithets your paper throws upon me . de. epithets i beseech you madam to impute that to the fretfullnesse of my braine , if any thing have slipt my pen whereby i may incurre your ladiships indignation i le recant it publickely . lau. i enjoyne no such pennance , but t is an injury easily remitted , t is the glory they say of lovers to hiperbolise . de. hiperbolize , what 's that ? i ha not that word yet in my alphabet , i hope madam you hold a better opinion of me then to imagine i would hiperbolize with your lady-ship ; that were immodest . lau. not so signiour . de. by my faith madam but it is , de thinke i know not what hiperbolizing is , that were simplicity , if any thing within my letter may be drawne within construction of hiperbolizing , condemne not me for 't , by service madam , i had no intention to stretch so farre to your dishonour , it shall teach me wit to write my letters hereafter . cris. a haire in your honours locke is disordered , t is rectified , lau. signiour , you doe me much too much satisfaction , your errour being a small one . de. t is your favour , yet when i commit a peccadillo against your brightnesse , i deserve to be extinguished your presence for 't , i did love you madam , as i remember when i was an infant , lau. how . dep. we are infants you will grant when we cannot speake , and i loved full eight moneths and a halfe ere i had power to tell you on 't i me certaine . lau. i was not worth so much . de. nay for that madam i le shew my selfe deserving , were you worthy t were the lesse act of mine to love you , that were a poore thing , i doe not stand on worth . madam i would not have you thinke so ignobly of me , that i affect you for your worth , i de rather vpon my honour have you in your smocke , than all the ladies in the world starke naked . lau. now your language is course . de. you shall pardon me for that . cris. your lordships fether waves to much toward the t is now in true point . ( east , de. my love is pure and like the sun transparent . lau. now you complement , i know y' are excellent at it . de. troth not i lady , i cannot complement , i doe but refulgent your beauty , whose mellifluous voice peirces the eare � faith madam credit me i nere could complement in my life : most faire , whom young apollo courted for her haire . there are poeticall furies in the city , but i converse not with em . were ever cheekes of roses , locks of amber ordain'd to be imprison'd in a chamber , laura i doe but piddle , a pretender , i know not how to complement . lau. you now doe . de. alas not i , i cannot make verses neither ; thy dainty seale of virgin wax , that nothing but impression lackes . cris. your lordships cloake discovers not sufficiently the riches of the inside . lau. an excellent poet . de. i le tell you madam a strange thing , you see these trifles ; before i was in love , i could not ha made an acrosticke in a day , sometimes two . lau. now you can make chronograms . de. i thinke i can , and anagrams for a need . lau. signiour you are wonderfull improv'd , love has inspir'd you richly . i perceive cupid is a mute too . de. oh now i cannot sleepe for the multitude , of verses that are capring in my skull . lau. i wonder you are not mad . de. you may . cris. a haire in your honours locke is disordered . de. but i 've a gift to helpe it , i allow my selfe set times to vent em , they would blow me up else . lau, as how pray . de. why thus i th' morning when i have said my prayers in verse , which fall from me , and i nere thinke on em , next my heart i scrible out an ode , after my breakefast i fall upon a satire , when i 've rail'd my selfe into a fresh stomacke , i dine , which done , because it is not good to study vpon repletion or full stomacke , you vnderstand me ; for a matter of two houres i dreame as it comports with our italian to sleepe , then i say , i dreame familiarly an heroicke poem . lau. dreame . de. madam while you live , your dreaming poets are the best , and have distilled raptures , spirits that converse with em , and teach em what to write ; this i set downe before i eate againe , after i walke vpon the strength of supper into th' parke , and ruminate an elegy at returne , i doe discourse of epigrams , and an epitaph vpon some one or other of my kindred . enter comachio , and giotto . i ha made a rare one on my vncle , and he would dye shortly to deserve it . com. what 's that ? lau. if you so methodise your study signiour i shall but sinne against your muse , t is now your houre by course , for your heroicke poem : t were best you sleepe my lord , i le take my leave . de. nay madam , t is not every day i study so hard , on some i whet my muse cris. your lordships weapon hangs to much a fore . com. thou hast my bosome , treasure up my secrets faithfully , and deserve i should be thine ; giotto , the first opportunity commends thee to the dutchesse , then 's the time , to shew thy gratitude , if she still looke on me with lucky eyes . gio. my lord y 'ave made your selfe the creditour of what i am ; if i returne you not the interrest of all my service , i should justly forfeit to be unmade againe . de. sweete laura , world confounding beauty . lau. againe hyperbolizing , then you lordship must pardon me . exit . de, what 's the signification of this word ? hum . cris. i have heard some say , to hyperbolize is to lye , and it may be she would not have your lordship lye with her . com. signiour de patri , what part of your discourse concerned my death , i heard with madam laura you name your vncles dying . de. t was with griefe then , i had no cause to name you else my lord . com. apply your selfe nephew to this gentleman , and make him precious to you . exit . gio. i shall study his honours service . de. giotto . gio. my lord . de. you are a scholler . gio. i have lost time in padua . de. i le tell you a jest a gentleman i th court writing a letter to his mistresse could not containe himselfe from hyperbolizing with her . gio. is your lordship serious ? de. true upon my honour , what a gull t was to make himselfe ridiculous , i laugh'd at him , then he asked me what that word meant , giotto what doe you thinke on 't ? gio. i my lord , your honour needes no comment to informe you , much lesse my translation . de. yes i kno wt , but what sayes your dictionarie . gio. your lordship shal pardon me , for that hyperbolizing de. it is some baudy word , he is so modest , wherein did i hyperbolize with her ladyship : my lord volterre . enter volterre . vol. signiour de pazzi comesta . de. i am transported to see your lordship well . vol. io soy il uvestra servadore . de. what 's this ? gio. betweene goth and vaundell , spanish . de. and giotto were not here now , i would aske him what were hyperbolizing by your lordships favour . vol. women are taken with the presence of a man , the garbe , and ornaments of state endeere him to their senses , i would faine appeare in glorious habit can you dance ? de. i were no lord else , i was a french mans scholler , for twenty crownes a moneth , you may guesse by that my abilities . vol. t is the best fooling , and the safest for the body , your french glide away like rivers , without a noise , and turning with meanders , out move ye , your lofty trickes , are tude , and doe to much examine . de. may we not rise , i ha knowne good dancers rise at court , what say you to a cosse caper . vol. ride the cannon , and you ha no care to preserve your bonds , but i forget , adios signiour , i must attend the dutchesse . de. doe not hyperbolize with her my lord . vol. pardonate signior mio . de, t is so , t is baudy , that shrug tells me so , giotto . gio. your honours servant . de. were you never a courtier before . gio. i onely hitherto have spent my eyesight . in observation , now i grow proud to write my selfe dependant . de. signiour comachio my vncle , lends you . gio. but i me not to learne to adore the rising sun , i looke on him as in his west , but i 've ambition to merit your grace . de. i see then thou wot be a courtier . enter dutchesse , comachio , contarini , volterre , laura . dutch. comachio , shew me your nephew ! y' are welcome to court my lord . de pazzi kneeles , kisses her hand , de. it is your highnesse pleasure i should presume so , and i am confident i may . dutch. he has not onely profited in growth of person , but in 's judgement too : talkes well , our court wants such comachio , your nephewes contemplation ends here . padua must loose him , he shall be our servant . com. shee jeeres him , and i gaine no credit by 't . keepe your tongue quiet , cease your abortive language , or i le cut your throate . de. this is the tricke of all courtiers , they would engrosse princes e'n to themselves , i must not speake to her . com. this is the gentleman , your grace was pleas'd t' accept from my commends . leads giotto to her , who kisses her har . dutch. you are a florentine . gio. i am proud to owne my country . dutch. we have heard so much of your demerits , that 't were injustice not to cherish you , be confident , to gaine our best favour . gio. i 've often pray'd for this blessed houre , and thought i did not sinne in my ambition . it is a vertue to covet honour from your excellence : which i shall ever study to deserve . dutch. laura begin your triall . laura whispers with giotto orseollo runnes in and kneeles . dutch. this is a rude kinde of duty , speake your intention . ors. twice have i kneel'd to gaine your kindnesse in my sute , now grant it , or i le turne traitour . dutch. make your sute knowne . ors. i have beene bred in rugged warres , a womans governement is soft and fit for babes to bow to , dismisse streight your court . dutch. orseollo , did not your offence breed mirth , you should perceiv 't more difficult to finde a pardon for t . ors. send me streight to sea , if but t' incounter a fleet of fiends rigg'd by witches , or with a colony to settle a plantation in the desarts of barbary , i le choose any employment rather then to heare a lady utter perfum'd breath , or see her advance in her masculine garbe , in her new mimicke posture . dutch. leave us ! but so , that in an houres space we may command your presence here , to move our laughter , when leisure will permit it , or you shall never live to weare gray haires . ors. i le conspire with a constable , that commits iustice in 's sleepe , ere i le want treachery to revenge this constraint of service . exit : com. your grace will beget charity in other ladies , if you pardon this his bold behaviour , for he offends all women . dutch. how comachio . con. does not your excellence know , he is cald the woman hater . dutch. deserves he that epithite ? vol. i le shew your highnesse the reall cause , why he hates all women ; he was ever bred in the campe , where there are no females , but sutlers wives : fit drudges , to make fiers i th' devils kitchin , whose very lookes disparage the complexion of all their sex ; he nere converst with an italian bona roba , a plumpe lady , that fils her growne , or with a french brvnette , a spanish muser umbrada , or a germane yefrow , the dutch . � de. or with a welsh � com. parrot ! will ye be prating ? de. what should a man doe wit hs tongue , an ye won't let him talke . dutch. my lord volterre , is a copious linguist . vol. i still desire to be enabled for your graces service . dutch. are all the sluces stop'd , that we may see your cormorants dive for their prey ? vol. we onely want your highnesse presence there , and the sport beginnes . dutch. comachio � she whispers . con. signiour ? these are your cormorants , you still provide the dutchesse new game , and pleasure : she did you publicke grace , this morning too before the french leiger ; but you ha travaild sir . vol. my lord , the french conceive things with justice i me but an isorit du monde , and as the spaniard saies , altera , estrabajo del hombre , but ive observ'd her grace names contarini often , lookes on you with a smooth brow . con. on me my lord ? dutch. lead forward to the river . com. my hopes doe still encrease , fate smiles on me . dutch. signiour de patri , be you neere us . exit . volt. dep. contar. com. dutch . lau. y 'ave heard her graces will , this is the first imployment . she knowes you florentines insinuate with great subtlety in humane natures . gio. she shall receive each man in 's just character , lau. sir i congratulate your new fortune , you le finde her excellence a noble mistresse . gio. you are a gentle lady , and adde much credit to her court . laura . we shall lose the sport unlesse we hasten to the river . gio. you have use of my attendance , and i am happy in 't . exeunt omnes .
actus . scaen. . enter giotto , dutchesse , laura , carintha . dutch. you now shall stay at court carintha , see her very lips looke blacke . saturnes issue . were not so dull and sullen . lau. madam sh 'as great motives unto sadnesse which i 've beene earnest with her to reveale , but she conceales em as the vsurer doth his treasure : striving to beguile noyse , and lessen the number of his bagges with his report . gio. lady , too soone you will deprive the world of your deere presence , if thus early you consume your houres in pensive thoughts ! dutch. carintha , have i not power to increase your griefe ; if you conceale the cause of it from me ? car. i am not sad , my faculties preserve their wonted harmony : your excellence will not inforce me to belie my passion . enter volterre . lau. there 's my lord volterre , i st your grac�s pleasure to retire till we have ended our discovery . dutch. is he come ? carintha , follow me ! exeunt dutchesse , carintha . vol. she gave the game high applause , and begg'd two of my cormorants : i must invent new sports to delight her fancy . lau. the day afford your lop much profit . gio. if your lop be in good health , ye owe some thankes unto my prayers . vol. laura , the dutchesse great favourite giotto , is eminent in court too . if these afford me such respect ive cause to thinke my starres faithfull ? madam i would kisse your left hand � lau. i beseech your lip enforce me not to be unmannerly you are now above my conversation . vol. how bright laura . signior giotto . pray cleere this mistery . gio. my lord , be more particular , for my owne part i know my distance , but you greete your fortunes with too much humility , you want state to converse with me . vol. i me all wonder and amazement signiour , pray give your meaning more perspicuous vtterance . gio. will you forget to be reserved , know your station , you make me bold against my owne desire . vol. howe 's this ? gio. i implore your lordship leave i may be cover'd , 't would much assist my health . vol. why , dost keepe thy head bare in reverence to me ? madam , shall i intreate ? � lau. t is in your power to command , in my duty to obey . vol. your duty � gio. it seemes he hath not yet ; how much th� dutchesse favours him � volterre listenes . lau. i conjecture so for e's differs much from that which he must practise when he 's duke vol. i heare ye � lau. how my lord ? vol. laura , faith be publiqu� ! giotto , why dost thou conceale the meanes to make thee happy ? � gio. my lord i know little , onely those that waite neere the dutchesse , heare her often praise your nimble tongue , your skill in languages . vol. phse questo mionto , what would you say , there me interpret the inorticulate voyces of birds , and beasts , that skill deserv'd a fame . gio. your lordship might then ( with great ease ) beene interpreter to the builders of babel . lau. something i 've heard her grace speake too , in praise of your french gesture , your sublime friske , and odde conveyance of your body . gio. t is when your lordship wreathes your hams in thus . vol. ta da rum , ta da rum , te re re , ra da rum . he dances . gio. these are the postures that inchant your sex . lady � lau. i cannot blame the dutchesse to be fond . gio. but does not your lop grow weary with continuance of this motion ? vol. it is my vulgar exercise ta da rum , ta da rum . gio. enough , enough , my good lord , sure your swim within your doublet . vol. giotto , now i am fit for a race , never tyr'd . it has beene thought by some ( skild in th' ability of my person ) that i me mortall . gio. indeed sir t is not fit you should �xpect much in heaven , having such joy on earth . you are more than happy , this lady knowes it . vol. do'st ifaith laura � lau. sir , i hope when you shall sit invested with royall ornaments , you 'le not disdaine laura for your humble servant . gio. and giotto knowes that your religion will not permit you slight industry . vol. i tooke part o' my breeding i th' french court , and there i learnt to be familiar with my nobles . lau. did not i say he would gov�rne gently , now can 't my tongue be quiet , i must tell him all . gio. nay madam � vol. giotto , dost concerne you to hinder this her kindnesse ? speake deare lady . lau. my lord i affect truth and brevity , i am commanded by her grace to make your visits private to her . vol. hah , forward deere laura . gio. why sir , it is her highnesse will that you conceale these visits . lau. and let no encouragement neither from her eyes nor speech imboldne ye to thinke vnlawfull , her favours you must take with silent observation . enter comachio . gio. here comes my lord comachio . away signiour he must not see you . vol. yo soy mug juoderose . exe. volterre , laura gio. my noble patron . � com. i greete thee as my best genius , th' art now mixt i th' number with such as weare my title , thou climb'st apace , yet safely too ; they strive at court , who first shall be the flatterer : what female wa st that left thee now ? i saw part of her gowne . gio. the lady laura . com. thou art most happy , skilfull in thy choyse of conversation : why she governes her highnesse heart . didst question her about my businesse ? gio. i know all , she cannot hide a single thought from me . com. th art strangely powerfull o're ladies , but what said shee ? have i no rivall in the dutches love . gio. sir , she ownes none but you , with a publike confidence , onely there is owne impediment . com. what i st ? prethee give 't relation ? gio. a spirit not tam'd by his religion would hazard much rather then suffer it indanger such a hope . com. make it no mor� a secr�t . gio. could ye thinke she has observ'd your nephew with an amorous eye . com. de pazzi , my neph�w ? gio. that 's the man sir , who is so much oblig'd vnto her memory . com. sdeath this inclines so neere miracle t' would taxe my judgement to beleeve it ; conferre her love upon a foole . gio. pardon me sir ! i doe not positively say she loves him . i make it ( for your sake ) a cautulous suspect your jealous men strive against danger . com. i doe affect thy discipline . gio. this morning she desir'd to speake with him . com. to speake with him - good our braines are nere us , ere thou admitst him to her presence , wee le furnish him with discourse , preposterous vnto sence , and her demands ; so make him more cheape in her conception , here he comes . enter de pazzi . assist my prayers . de. signiour vncle , com. nephew oppertunely signiour giotto hath taken paines to bring us knowledge of new graces , which our dutches stores up for you , i am proud to thinke what honour all our blood receives from you , the toppe bough of our family : i never hop'd there could be starres in heaven so auspitious , as i behold now shining , and pointing all their golden beames on you , the dutchesse loves you � de pazzi , hum . gio. not carelessely , and with that common favour , she does divide among the courtiers , they doe but gleane her scattered graces , for you the harvest 's reserv'd and brought home to your bosome . de pazzi hums . com. other with much labour . clime this high rocke , upon whose swelling top , the dutches smiles are placed , yet obtaine not one to reward their sweate . de pazzi hums . gio. but her owne hand reaches you up , and tempts you to enjoying the perimids height , you may ascend by stayres , and mount with ease unto that happinesse , others adore afarre off . de. does the dutchesse affect me honourably , and for marriage otherwise ? com. that makes the musicke high , it were not else so ravishing , you are the man mark'd out to be the duke depazzi . gio. that 's her desire , she would not like a theife steale joyes , but make the pleasures lawfull , nuptiall holy rites , vshering your felicity , you must be her husband signiour , and all we your subjects , obsequious to your nod , when you have breath to raise t'unlimitted height , and uncreate whom you would frowne upon . de. i see shee is wise , com. how will comachio thinke his age blest , to see princes borne to his nephew , and with breath covetous to expire in prayers for them . gio. kneele there great vncle , i have an ambition if you thinke not the honour over great , to beg tuition of your second sonne , whom i should study to bring up , with such choyce education , as shall become the greatnesse of his soule and birth . de. t is granted , my second sonne is thine , but are you sure i am ordain'd to be the man you talke of ; must i be cran'd up to that altitude . gio. my lord you may be confident , giotto dares not play with your greatnesse , and my dare was never yet so incertaine , when i heare your name so sweetened by your dutchesse breath . de. no more , i have a strong faith , t is so , for my vncle doth practise already his observance , i purpose to visit our loving dutchesse . gio. nay you will be sent for and be courted to that was intimated . com. but my honoured nephew would you admit instructions , for i see with how much envy of the court you rise to this high sphere of soveraignety , be prudent , arme your selfe with some excellent discourses ( thoughts . for your first parly , you shall knit her soule to your owne gio. if my abilities may doe you service . com. giotto , you are furnished to read lectures to us both of courtship , and i know my nephew will gratefully remember , what you adde to raise him to our wishes . gio. i desire to be a banquerout of knowledge , when my portion may enrich you . de. should you lose your braine signiour in my service , you should finde i would requite you . com. at his first entrance to her graces presence something new and sublime , t' insinuate how much she hath consulted with her best wisedome , when she elected one so meriting , to be her husband . gio. so with one argument he magnifies her judgement , and his worth . de. i like that well , if you doe pen that speech commend me pray unreasonable , i shall study it . gio. that must be , to this we may guesse she will reply , my lord , i could misse in such a troope of deservers to choose out the ablest . meaning my nephew . de. i know that , who else ? gio. hence take you fresh occasions to extoll your selfe , and be not nice to let her know your active blood , and spirit to get princes , how much the people will be bound to blesse her race in choosing you , whose promising body is able to incite them to make bonfires for dukes unborne . de. great reason , proceed . gio. it will be necessary you disparage all men that are about her , though your vncle , he will suffer to advance you . com. who my nephew ? de. let me alone to disgrace him . gio. it gives you lustre principally remember to raile against her ladies , call em hags , you cannot be too bitter , this secures your love toth ' dutchesse , beats of jealousie when you appeare to love her onely of all the sex . de. it will be a good occasion to beate off laura , to whom i did pretend my selfe a lover excellent , pray let me have all these directions in manuscripts , i le not see her till they be rotten in my head . com. giotto , bind us both to you , this will do 't , art cannot shape him more ridiculous , these are rare principles . here 's contarini . enter contarini , dandalo . gio. remove your selfes : t is not fit he see ye . exeunt comachio , depazzi . signiour contarini , your minute is expir'd . con. i crave your pardon signiour , have you learnt from laura ought that concernes my knowledge . gio. i have cause to intreate my intelligence . i am your pensioner , you have enriched my stable with a barbary roane . a gift i am ignorant to requite ; i must returne great thankes too , from the lady laura , for the wealthy carbanet you sent her last night . con. i me yet indebted to you both : signiour you are skilled in my affaire : the noyse still continue , our great dutchesse will elect a husband from her owne court , i le onely know the man ; that so i may direct my observance the right way , you will call this an honest pollicy . gio. your contemplations are too humble . con. you signiour ? gio. ere i would thinke another worthier then my selfe , to bear� a soveraigne title ; i would disclaime my judgement and runn� madde . but there 's a crosse barre to your ambition , ( heaven excuse my sorrow for it ? ) you are marryed , you have a wife . con. sir , i beseech you give your meaning more expression gio. has the dutchesse any name within her memory , so much as contarinies ? are not you he whose feature she admires ? nay sir , it is not long since laura heard her wish you were unmarryed : interpret my relation as you please ; but you know princes are reserved . what 's he ? my servant signiour , he has modest eares and a quiet tongue . dandalo , you may stay here , i shall use thy consent in a businesse . dan. i waite your pleasure . con. but did her grace wish i wer� unmarry�d ? gio. by no itteration that breedes noyse . con. well , i allow of her graces wish . gio. how my lord ? con. if my marriage discontent her highn�sse : i wish i had no wife � gio. he has a noble soule ! is there no way to avoid this trifle called a wife . con. yes signiour , there are waies , but � gio. o sir , discharge your minde , it concernes my preferment to be faithfull . con. troth , were all impediments cleared , i thinke we two should rule equally ; i me strangely fond to those i love . gio. signiour you have given me cause to know it . con. if i could sue out a divorse � � gio. i signiour , but the judge grants non� without a lawfull cause . con. sh�e shall commit adultery . gio. with whom ? con. giotto , that i am com� to tell thee . shee s a beautious lady , soft and buxsome ? thou shalt lye with her . gio. i , my lord ? t' were an indeerement too great for my r�quitall . con. t is decreed , come , it must be so . gio. signiour , i shall beg your pardon . con. i keepe my mercy for another use , suspect no danger , you shall come disguis'd when you wooe her too 't , which done , the dutchesse shall helpe my procurement of a divorce : why , i knew before , her highnesse lov'd me ! i have received favours from her lookes and and speech . gio. does not your man listen ? con. no matter , hee s our confederate . dandalo know this gentlemans hands and kisse em often . dan. i me his humble cr�ature . gio. i shall be glad to shew you kinden�sse . con. le ts perfect our designe , good signiour i have no leasure now to ruminate , i affect action . exeunt . enter laura , carintha , sancho . san. madam , i ha signified to my lord what you commanded , but i hope your ladiship hath heard his disposition . lau. he 's not reconciled to our sex , he has proclaim'd that . san. this place breedes no ladies , no not for civill entertainement , we have not a woman in the house , their pictures which adorne other gallaries , you see tempt not the eye here , all his offices discharged by men , he saies where he commands he must not see a woman . car. what not strangers ? san. such is his will . lau. how then ? san. if you desire his presence and discourse , you must be vail'd here madam , his owne eye must not be witnesse to what face he speakes , i me but his servant . lau. tell him i le expect him in that forme h� prescribes . san. the other lady too must be clouded , then i le let his lordship know y' are prepared . lau. pray doe madam , i hope your discontent will give you leave to smile at this , her grace found you but this employment , with me , to beate your melancholly off , apply to the occasion . car. my gratitude will teach me to conforme . enter orseollo , sancho . ors. now ladies what 's your pleasures , that you summon my appearance , i know ye ha supple joynts , what mistery of state sends you to me ? i cannot revell in long stockings , friske to please your wanton eye-sight ; i nere bosted ' my ribs , or largenesse of my thighs , t' invite you ; i make no sonnets of your anticke dressings , cry up your colour of your face , and sweare y' are divine peeces , for i know you are not : i will not draw heavens curse upon me , for flattering into pride ; say that the lillies , are pale , for envy of your white , and the roses blush , to see better in your cheekes , your haire beames , rather drawne up to a net , might catch iove when he plaid the eagle ; that your brests raise up themselves like two faire mountainers i th' pleasant vale of temptation , i hate this i will not dam my selfe to make you proud , doe not , i know your faces ? lau. ours , we are not ashamed to shew em . ors. doe not unvaile . san. good madam . car. will you not see what you condemne ? ors. i me gone , if you attempt to let me se� a peece of any countenance ; while i thus looke on ye , i can helpe my selfe t' imagine ye are some other creatures . lau. troth my lord , for pitty to your selfe end your invectives ; madam i told you of this mirth . car. can he be serious ? ors. wracke me not with your stay , what 's the designe hath brought you hither ? lau. this signiour ; t is the dutchesse pleasure you make suddaine repaire to court . ors. i ? lau. that 's our embassie . ors. i am no court physitian , i but vex� your female constitutions , you know all my receipts are bitter , and her excellenc� hath plenty of those , she gives a pension to can flatter ; why does she send for me am so vnwelcome ? lau. my lord , her grace employes not me to any so unhappy : and though you have not liv'd so neere the favour , i th' eye of the court , which your owne humour too may have beene the cause , i have no honour , if you finde your selfe unwelcome , ors. t is a mistery . lau. i could instruct you further with a secret , your soule would dance to know , but i confesse t is more then my commission : ors. is there in nature any happinesse for m� ? lau. and from a woman : you will come my lord ? ors. stay , from a woman , ha ? the dutchesse � heard a noyse she would chuse a lover from her owne court , can it be that ? death i hav� beene boundlesse in my railing . i begin to curse my selfe for t . san. be all silence , thou hast a knowledge will be dangerous to any hope , perhaps , i could be pleased to see the tip o' your nose lady , or the mole upon your chinne . lau. you will have cause to blesse the occasion of this dayes message . ors. i could see your cheeke , nay halfe your face for tother sillable . lady you can say more , car. i dare not signiour , already we have exceeded . ors. i know such creatures cannot mocke , sweete lady . lau. have you not heard her graces resolution , touching a husband ? ors. you are o're darke still , enrich me , lau. i hope your honour will remember this poore service when t is done . ors. what ? one letter of your meaning . lau. my lord the dutchesse loves you . ors. ha ? lau. come madam , i shall say you will waite . ex. ors. shall i not see the faces , to which i owe my blessednesse . san. no words of those loose creatures in your custody , seale up the doores , still the aire least that creepe out too soone , and kill my growing fate . exeunt .
actus . scaen. . enter dutchesse , laura , carintha . dut. vvas not orseollo's humour , recreation to thee carintha ? car. i spent all my thoughts in wonder madam . dutch. he began to soften � lau. we tam'd his tiger violence , not magicke enter giotto . could force him like the charme you sent . dutch. giotto ? what speakes your hast ? geo. comachio madam , and signiour depazzi . dutch. vsher em in . car. something in such a plenty may delight your dulled fancy . enter depazzi , comachio . de. laura , remoove your selfe , doe not ecclipse the splendor of that sunne . my eagles eye must gaze at . vncle know your distance . dutch. signiour depazzi . de. giotto , my hand agen , be proud , now madam i addresse my selfe to you , wonderfull princesse , not so much for your beauty as your wisdome , your carnall wisdome . dutch wherein signiour . com. good . de. right you answer , right it is my qu : your carnall wisdome madam , you proclaime in choosing out a husband , and that man whose memory your subjects shall have cause to curse , is i . dutch. to curse ? de. perfect still , have cause to curse , you did no sooner choose him , which of all your faire lords , though you looke a squint upon my merit , could your eye picke out more able ? heroicke , compleat , tempting ? i am flesht , nothing shall put me out . gio. observe . de. your grace saies right , i doe acknowledge it . gio. you are too hasty , her grace saies nothing . de. did your grace say nothing ? speake it againe , i know you meant to say something to th' purpose . dutch. what purpose signiour ? de. now she has put me quite out . gio. then raile upon your vncle . de. looke on him madam , there he stands , you may perhaps imagine him for his gray beard and a starched face , that he is wise a statist : i le bring ye a justice , that 's but newly pack'd into commission , o th' peace , shall make an asse on him . com. nephew , this will make you odious . de. a very gull in mistery of state , a most egregious � in comparison of one that i could name , but he may serve to fright the pages , muster the blacke guard , or keepe the doore at maskes , his face will doe more then a hundred others ; yet now i thinke on 't , your grace shall magnifie your favour to me , and let me begge him . dutch. ha , ha . com. i hope your grace will pardon him , these fits are ever at full moone . lau. begge your vncle signiour ? de. yes i would furnish him with an houreglasse and a sithe ; and sell him to the masons for the picture of time , madam , would he not shew well ? dutch. this is witty , what detractour gave out signiour comachio , your nephew had no rich braine , carintha , doe you nold him laura , comachio , ha ? de. giotto , she has put me out agen , gio. then raile upon her ladies , de. hum , when i contemplate on your highnesse face i hate all others . com. can your excellence . dutch. why , is mine so bad ? de. i beseech your grace , speake your part right , oblivion is my qu . i doe remember . com. madam carintha , speake to her grace . de. has madam laura such i lip or eye ? i doe confesse she has a nose , but i passe over it . gio. he makes a bridge of that , de. her cheekes , � com. nephew � madam i humbly pray i may remove this rudenesse , t is a discord must needes grate your soft eare , de. vncle you are out now , her cheekes . lau. well signiour , what of my cheekes . de. why your cheekes are , as they are , death , i ha forgot . this t is when you won't come t'rehearsall . lau. my cheekes are such as creation fram'd em , and the colour is natures gift . de. it had need be gift , i know none so prodigall to be at charge to buy em , yet you thought i was in love w' ye , i confesse i did once cherish an opinion you were something about a gipsie , and might serve in lent when flesh was rare , but you must take into your thoughts , i meant not honestly , you see for whom fate hath reserv'd me , be as patient as such a losse will suffer you , doe not marre your face , cause i condemne it , it may serve some hungry signiour , or some city heire that would be dabled in nobility , and pay for his cornuting . dutch. he is most witty carintha . com. giotto , she is taken with this imprudence , what dulnesse hangs upon her soule ? some fatall appoplexy seise him , that which we plotted to make him hatefull does inchant her . de. madam , you see i have a body , ponderous and full of marrow , i le not get an heire lesse hopefull then my selfe , my first sonne shall be an emperour borne , may i doe things to purpose when i am in once . com. will not this startle her ? lau. sure madam , he will put downe hercules . de. hercules , hercules , what , a pedlar . gio. pedler , my lord you would say pidler . de. he shall be what i please , doe not i know hercules , he got but fifty in a night , but i � madam your eare . com. my duty to your grace , makes me forget he is my kinsman . dutch. signior depazzi , we have leasure to heare you finish your discourse with laura and carintha . com. he 's courted to her privacy , her soule is in a deepe lethargie . gio. ha ? what was intended to destroy his hope , hath raisd him to assurance , she applauds that which to all understanding but her owne , appeares prodigious , did you suspect she would heare this prate ? com. he had committed sinne enough to have had his lips sow'd up eternally , death , i could grow into death with wonder . gio. she check'd you for interrupting . com. a fury revels in my braine , shee 's mad , and so am i , but � gio. what for prevention , if she have such a poverty in her reason , i th' humour she may marry him , and then beside the mighty fortune lost , you grone vnder his tyranny . com. in his blood i le bathe my feares , a ship lanch'd forth with all her wings , be calmed thus . gio. i le digge the remora that hangs upon the barke , this foole wo'd not be mised among the living , rather then � com. th' art my genious sacred directour to my blisse . gio. i ha so much suffering in your ungentle starres , that i would purchase their better influence with my danger . com. how i feele my heart incorporate with thine , what doe i owe to heaven for sending me thy friendship , say , shall this thing be removed , giotto , that so ruines me . gio. shall : there is a most severe necessity , you must not be conscionable now ; and charity vnto your selfe , will drowne the sinne : enter depazzi , laura . retort disgrace t' your hate . de. i shall extend my favour , where i see merit invite , perhaps commend you to some other lord ; vncle , you shall continue your place ; giotto finde out a monopoly , it shall be sign'd . com. i congratulate your high fortune , i knew t' wod take . exit . de. com. enter orseollo , sancho . lau. here 's a pretty front , signiour orseollo , stay till i am valid . � ors. nay , good madam , i can indure to see your face , without danger to my eyes � signiour giotto , i joy in your great fortunes . gio. they shall inable me to doe you service . lau. my lord , you cherish my instructions , y' are come earlier then your houre . ors i 'd faine know my destiny ; madam i me rough . the warres have spoilt my courtship ; i cannot flatter kindnesse from you ; but i affect gratitude . what newes lady , hah ? has there beene no mention of my name or person since i receiv'd your last intelligence ? lau. i know nothing but what i am enjoyn'd to make a secret . ors. how deere lady . lau. giotto , shall i tell him that ? gio. not for both the indies . ors. but she shall giotto , she and wee be kinde , � madam , � we three will share in all atchievements . lau. i cannot hide it from him . gio. are you weary of your life lady ? my hopes are finished . lau. the dutchesse has commanded him to get your picture for her . gio. who 'ld trust a secret in a womans brest ? my lord , as you esteeme our loves usefull let no eare enjoy this but your owne . ors. i will forget i heard it ; i , i me a souldier signiour , and shall deserve your faith . sancho ! san. my lord ! ors. there 's a famous painter sojornes here in mantua , a germane ! san. shadan wierex . ors. the same , you are to seeke him out , i have vse for him . gio. already you begin to make it publike . ors. doe not suspect my servants silence , i trust him with a secret of weightier consequence then this , my creature ! hunk : lau. your hopes increase signiour . ors. give me thy hand , giotto , thine too : wee le governe like the triumveri � lau. but sir , there is one obstacle � ors. what i st ? gio. i le loose a thumbe to have it cleer'd . ors. heart , let me but know 't ? lau. y'have heretofore appeared so boysterous and sullen to that sex , that the dutchesse partly thinkes � ors. what does she thinke ? lau. y' are insufficient . ors. how ? a metophrase upon that word . gio. sir t' would impeach her modesty t' expresse her meaning , i th' blunt dialect , however t will become my tongue ; there 's a noise amongst the ladies , y' are insufficient : that is your genitalls want the perfect helpe in procreation . ors. horror , horror , name the authour of this calumny . gio. be not so loud signiour , were it a truth t would not proclaime nature , or your parents guilty , you are a soldier , perhaps in a skirmish at lepauto , some turke circumcised you with his semiter ; or being at push a pike , you might be drill'd below the navell , nay i ha knowne the breath of a bullet snatch a remnant of loose flesh . ors. sdeath insufficient ! you shall know a secret which i have fear'd , even i th' keeping o' my owne heart . gio. t will trouble me to know a thing , so full of danger . ors. t is onely dangerous to me , but sir , it must out , for i le stifle now this dam'd aspersion . it reveales the cause , why i was still a satire against women . lau. i , that i would faine know . ors. know what lady ? we are in a discourse , meerely , concernes us two , walke aside , she must not heare 't . sancho , i now release off the oath , which did oblige your secresie about my continence , nay good madam , troth we desire to be particuler . lau. hereafter i shall grow reserved too . ors. a personall secret , as i me a souldier . gio. you shall beleeve him lady for my sake . ors. how many whores hast thou in keeping for my use ? san. some ten my lord ! gio. you passe my beleefe . ors. 'las , i me insufficient ! a meere eunuch , i . gio. but what urged your invectives gainst the sex , since you thus cherish them in private ! ors. the dutchesse has a chast court : 't was safty to disguise m' incontinence , least she should punish it . gio. y' are not so ravinous ( my lord ) but when your friend desires a taste , he may be furnished , hah ? ors. you shall visit my seragho , and chose your whore . gio. may i presume � ors. that 's the medicinall pimpe ; who prescribes plaisters for my belly . gio. you maintaine him in a gaudy outside . ors. his sinnes mainetaine him ; those of his function . grow mighty now adayes . gio. lady you shall share in our secret , ors. are you mad signiour ? gio. my lord you are to modest : there 's no errour so readily excused by ladies as this o' th blood . fame has abused our noble friend : not hercules was more inabled for increase ; then he . lau. indeed signiour ? gio. indeed ? why madam , doe you doubt that i bely him , i me sure he keepes tenne whores . ors. slight , you are treacherous . gio. she cries indeed , as if she did suspect you can proffer like a goate , and performe like an elephant . lau. this was you that railed against women . fye my lord . ors. troth madam , my constitution is to blame . but a young sinner deserves mercy . gio. your lustinesse redresse you more hopefull to the state . give me a prince from whose loynes we may expect issue . ors. howsoever i would not have the dutchesse know of this ; till i am more indeere unto her heart . gio. does not her happinesse , and mine depend vpon your fate ? my lord , be confident of my silence . her grace is now in the privy garden . walke you thither , and receive those favours , her lookes administer : without reply of gratitude , she would not have it knowne she loves you . ors. enough i shall be polliticke . exeunt orseollo , sancho , lau. was there ever such a wanton hipocrite ? gio. he neighs like a horse . i am not cosend in him , i still thought he was a lecher . enter contarini . con. signiour giotto . gio. my good lord ? � lau. t is my chiefe blessing to see your lordship in good health � con. i thanke you noble lady . lau. i le goe pray to have it still continued . exit . con. what meanes this great observance , t is beyond my merit . dost not admire her graces favorite should use me thus ? gio. these female courtiers ha the tricke on 't . con. what signiour ? gio. t is safe idolatry to bow unto the rising sonne , shee sees your fortune smile , and therefore flatters ye . heaven knowes , i neare shall gaine by courtship , i though all the heraulds called thee duke , i le not kisse your hand vnlesse 't were cleane . con. thou hast heard some newes . declare , come , declare , and prosper . gio. my lord , i first should chide your tardinesse in action . first now i saw your wife at court , attending on the dutches : onely she defeates your hope ; yet her removall from your bed is not design'd . con. i have sent her to my house , provided you a rare disguise which you shall weare , and wooe her body to the darke deed , my man shall witnesse her adultery ; and i le sue out a divorce ; whilst you remaine safe from law , because not knowne to her . gio. why this i like , it tastes of sublime wit . enter orseollo . ors. i will be active in my reigne , in large my dutchy . genon is proud , it shall grow humble i have a long arme , 't will reach florence . or if i chance to lay my hand on parma i shall gripe it till my fist ake , ere i forsake my tenure . con. orseollo . ors. your greeting 's too familiar ! con. from whence this pride , i le anger him . my lord , though i am growne above the use of poetry , there still remaines in my remembrance a sonnet , made in praise of women ; which if you le please to heare � ors. he had a bold muse , that durst undertake so high an argument , sure a woman was the object , strucke old homer blinde ; and for his eyes left him a muse . i 've lost my businesse . exit . con. he was not wont to speake so well of women . gio. no humorist is constant to dislike , or commendation . nay lead the way my lord : i me part of your attendance . exeunt . omnes . enter volterre , depazzi , crispino . vol. signiour my affaires hither require haste , the dutchesse ( on some sudden cause ) hath sent for me . de. i beleeve t is to take 's advise about a masine for my wedding , hee 's excellent at revels . on my good lord . � vol. you come lately from her , and i would know , how you approve her present lookes . t is the art of forraigne courtiers to visite princes , in lucky minutes ; when their gesture shewes em pleasant . how lookes her grace to day : is , she not physicall , but high and jocond ? de. you may without danger of your fortune choose this minute for conference with her grace . signiour th 'as cause to cleare her lookes ; her thoughts grow easie to her , she had found out the man ; the man , that must : more might be said : but then more must be spoke � vol. slight ; why this to me ; how comes he to know that i am he , her highnesse aimes at ? true the man is knowne : nor is his worth concealed . de. worth signiour ! � none but laura gave him notice , i me the man , i neare spoke of it my selfe . my lord , the man may with safety boast , he is the best deserver in the court . hum . vol. your lordship does him too much right , t is certaine , he has beene told that i am he . de. he hath a glorious feature too . vol. nay good signiour , comely ; but not glorious . de. how not glorious , speake that agen . vol. this is a pretty kinde of flattery , he will not suffer me to abuse my selfe . i le admit he charmes the ladies ? or so � de. that 's i ; for i charme the ladies . he knowes i shall be duke , it cannot be conceal'd . vol. the man has travaild too . de. never i . but it seemes the dutchesse gives it out so : the more to honour her choyse signiour ; i must doe you justice ; the court speakes you most accurate , i th' spanish garbe . vol. the spaniards ( signiour ) reserves all passion , to expresse his feeling in accurences of stat� , when in discourse ; his tooth-picke still reaches out a tooth-picke , is his parinthasis : which he doth manage subtly thus � par les santos sennor � lo conosco portierto � porque es trabaso ( conlicenzia diuvestra alteza ) hablas muchas palabeas � no puedo en veridad � de. but why those things signiour ? vol. this elevation o th' shoulders is a polliticke gesture , declares a meaning hid ; which you may finde out if you can : and is often used in triviall circumstances . i question this your man � � cris. your lordship must speak my mothers tongue then . vol. is don diego within ? de. stay slave , wee le be as politicke as he � which don diego doe you meane ? he that plaide the sloven in the great church . the english have a proverbe on him . vol. why not he of valder , or any other diego ? de. be not inraged ( my lord ) those grave shrugs app�are vnmannerly , and would before ladies , ingender a suspect of vermine . vol. then i le prefer ( sir ) the french to your dislike or praise : whom though a surly don , calls an impertinent people ; giddy trifles ? yet in my esteeme they merit highly . they are active even in discourse let us beginne cheerely , no matter on what slight or triviall subject ; be it on that single melancholly haire upon your chinne . rise and fall by my example . de. i am prepaired . vol. mounsier , sil adirent que ete cheveil la sera brusle ; que farions nous avec vostre menton : poucce que le roy . de. mounsieur be not troubled ! banish your feare , for i le tosse th' antarticke pole with like ease as hercules could a bulrush . make it a secret . vol. o vy da ' , ie slay bien que la volente , doit esere est emet pour facit : mais quond ie vous donneray an cheque naude prenez lamanie , que celus , que tombe gaigneray un pas ; pour reu , que ce veleve � de.

troth , i know not , may be it was a mistake in plato , for those pinnes and feathers which you talke of , are usefull unto ladies . besides t is well knowne , the man i th' moone will not permit excuse in businesse of this kinde : t is dangerous to law , and reason .

vol. ie ne le croy pas , cesee un chanson dumonde . de.

so i was told by one that knowes the kings heart ? he came hither to cheapen ginger bread , for the mogols daughter .

vol.

est i' possibile ? il in a aucun chose ci dificile , mais je le prenderay tant tose .

de.

do'st ifaith , know then all the lyons in barbary shall not contrary me in this way .

vol. how doe you like it signiour ? de. t 'as put me into a heate , and french heates ar� not very wholesome . but i 've heard how nimbly you dispose your person in a french curvet ! vol. i know your minde ; but my body is now prepaired for a high visit . my joynts moves by screwes , i me so starched together ; a dance would loosen me , and make me fall in rumples . your man is well build for such a motion , marke t is onely thus � and thus � cris. i ha seene your lordship doe it ta da rum , ta da rum . vol. good , very good , signiour depazzi you owe heaven much thankes , for lending you this servant ; i ha not seene a gentleman in all france move with so much regard , and vigour . cris. your lordship is my patterne . vol. m' affaires call me to court , serviteur tres humble . ex. de. i st possible ? this lord must rise when i am duke : i le prefer none but such as can speake french and dance ; crispino , prepare my bath , i le distill and grow amorous . exeunt . enter contarini giotto , dandalo , carintha . car. my lord t will become me to receive whom you give up so noble , i should sinne against obedience ; you are most welcome signiour . con. my best carintha . gio. madam you incourage me to serve your goodnesse , my lord you undoe me , with too much honour . con. signiour , if your eye take delight in prospect there 's a roome will feede it richly , shew him carintha , some affaires call me to court . cherish him car. with my best care , please you walke . con. so dandalo , be faithful to your trust , no int�rruption , giotto prosper in thy sinne , thy deed will make me happy , though my honour bleed . exeunt omnes .
act. . scena . . enter contarini , carintha . con. y' are very jocund on the suddaine . car. thanke your love for 't , that provided such a cure for melancholly ; to my selfe i seeme not to goe but dance , when shall we have a maske my lord ? con. you 'd be revelling againe . car. i am all for sport , your honour is much bound to the gentleman your friend , trust me my lord he is a rare physitian . con. he 's well skild in womens pulces . car. there 's no feare my lord , but hee le recover me , i doe like him infinitely for my body , the best in padua . con. good , good he gave you gentle phisicke , but you hope t will worke . car. no esculapius could ha behaved him more judicially did our court ladyes know his skill they would be all his patients , and be sicke a purpose . con. you hold him then sufficient . car. he has a way so easie to doe good upon 's . con. vpon ye i th' name of lust , you see i had a care . car. t was more compassion , and i am bound to acknowledge it , i was all heavinesse ; a thousand plummets hung upon my heart , t is by your meanes i am made light . con. i thinke so , very light , ha , is she not quicke already , she moves so nimbly , giotto has don 't , i have it here , i feele it spread , harke you : y' are a whore . car. does your lordship love bastard next your heart , though some hold wine unholesome , it may thaw your congealed blood ; oh the difference of constitutions . con. hey , she jeeres me , how now ? enter dandalo . dan. my lord , her grace hath sent a strict command you waite to night at court . con. ha ? dan. the messenger seem�d full of hast , he on�ly tooke time to say her highnesse had resolv'd , this night , to cleere all doubts , and from her court make happy one , with title of a duke . con. be dumbe , thou bringst destruction to night , pray you may be mistaken , i am undone else . dan. it is my unhappinesse then my lord , to bring unwelcome truth . con. to night , why t is impossible to sue out a divorce , i me lost , my plots rebound and strike me dead . car. my lord , you seeme troubled , does your head ake , i le into th' garden and gather a few simples . con. madam a word w' e , you magnified but now a courtesie i did you , you were ever gratefull , i know 't , you shall not doe the benefit if you will yet kill your selfe . car. that 's a small matter . con. i know t is , considering th' art stained , lost in thine honour , held but a disease that growes upon thy sex , a tumour ; prethee lance thy selfe t is soone done . car. that 's a poore favour , well , i le thinke on 't to morrow . con: 't must be done to night , and earely to , for else t will doe me no pleasure deare carintha , make thy memory religious . car. i am thinking where the signe is , hah , t is in capricornus , i le goe let my selfe blood i th' knees , and dye praying , that your lordship may recover your wits againe . ex. con, a fury lend me curses , make me all an execration , i ha plotted fairely , and made my selfe a fine rediculus thing to no purpose , i am deepe in shame , i must on giotto , have a nimble braine ; you must sinke too or boy me up againe . exit . enter depazzi , crispino , curling his haire . de. make no words crispino , for the dutchesse would not have it published that she meanes to chuse me . cris. did she promise you ? de. not by word of mouth , but i know her meaning , as well as i were in her , i must be duke man . t is certaine , every body knowes it , but say nothing least it breake out , hast done . cris. a little with this locke , and i le adorne your lordship with a powder ; i hope your honour will not forget crispino's faithfull service when you are duke . de. why i am duke already , but for the ceremony , my raign 's begun , depazzi the first . but that i le not shew my selfe unto my people , because the dutchesse did intreate me , let me see what place th' art fit for : oh i have it , thou shalt be judge . cris. a judge my lord de. a iudge my lord , at least , thou canst discharge it , t is nothing to sit upon life and death , t is not required you should speake much , thy trade has halfe prepared thee , thou canst pole the commons , i me sure , cris. and cut off capitall offenders . de. very good be it so , be a judge . cris. where my good lord ? de. why thou shalt be a iudge in potentia . cris. i humbly thanke your grace . enter comachio , giotto . com. oh my true friend , i have no happinesse but thou dost make me clime too 't , t will be thy owne instructer , and oblige me everlastingly . gio. i le soone remoove your feares , i cannot doubt you will make good your promise sir , to pardon when y' are duke . com. pardon , reward and honour thee as my preserver , be not observed , i am your creature . exit . comachio . gio. my lord , i have assaid which you require privacy , send off crispino , de. i ha made him a iudge . gio. t is very trimly done of you , i cry you mercy my very good lord , i humbly desire your honourable absence . cris. it shall be granted . exit . de. now signiour what bring you . gio. why some tokens for your lordship , looke you . de. th' are no tokens of love as i take it . gio. yes but they are , and you must take em so , but make your choyse , which best affecteth you , for one you must accept . de. o what doe you meane signiour . gio. not too loud , lest i chuse for you , here 's a ball , better then any ere crispino washt your honours face with 't will scoure you . de. hold , are you in earnest . gio. a bullet will quickely sing my errand to you , will you choose . de. i beseech declare your meaning signiour . gio. in short , i me sent to kill you , if you like any death better then another , briefely resolve and have it , nay without long studdy . de. every man should consider his end signiour , alas ! gio. the dutchesse loves you , and there must be order taken to stay your raysing , say your prayers . de. i ha not the heart to say my prayers , ah , if i must needes , i would dye another death , you ha not brought me . gio. what i st ? de. i would choose my gallowes , ah , stay t is very short warning , and i am not halfe prepared : what is this , ratsbane ; alas that 's to kill vermine , i would be loath to be sent out of the world like a rat . gio. what say you to a halter ? de. indeed signiour i never loved swinging in my life , and the halter is a dogges death , i would dye like a man . gio. what say you to a sword ? de. alas i have a sword of my owne , and i had a mind to 't but my stomacke will never disgest it . gio. then this pistoll . de. but that i have a weake constitution , i have alwayes beene given to loosenesse , and i doubt your pellet will put me into such a scowring . gio. why , would you live then ? de. alas every thing would live signiour , but i should be sorry to enjoy a life , that stood not with your liking signior . but if i live to be a duke . � gio. duke that 's the sluce open'd this torrent . de. i am abused deare signiour , i le renounce it , i le be first a dog-killer . gio. this is but aire , your not to be trusted , i ha sworne to send you into another world , you must not more be seene . de. i wo'not ; doe but trust me , and as i am honourable i le goe into the wildernesse , and live with beares ; any whether , hide me in a well , and there be no water in 't , i le feed on gravell ; by this hand , this seaven yeares , none shall know but i am dead . gio. if they should find you living . de. never , i le indure pinching to death ere i le confesse it . gio. were i certaine you would be buryed to all mens sight , but till to morrow . de. see me put into the ground your selfe , so you 'le not smother me , and it be seven nights i le feede on moles sweete signiour . gio. the dutchesse doth purpose this night her election , your vncle envying your hope , must ha security for non appearance ; had i a faith you 'ld creepe into obscurity , but for twelve houres i should have one sinne lesse to answer for . de. noble signiour , i le wrigle my selfe into a wormehole , or creepe into a molehill , and live vpon emmits egges . exit . gio. be sure you do 't then , poore sicke nobility , how thinne he lookes already . enter volterre at one doore , orseollo at tother . vol. signiour giotto . gio. now the tide comes . vol. this is the night signiour , t'inclines a pace . doe i remaine unshaken in her opinion have i any square still . gio. o my good lord . ors. signiour a word , does this night then conclude � gio. your happinesse . ors. be not tempted from me , i have writ pamphlets in praise of women , i have a volume of recantations . gio. they are fruitlesse , you are fixt already in her thoughts , away you make your person cheape , meete , and be happy . exit orseollo . enter contarini . con. giotto . vol. deere signiour . con. what make they flattering here , ha they all hope to enjoy her ; all , onely contarini could gnaw his heartstrings now to be excluded , when he expected his fate ripe , and all his hopes fit for gathering . gio. be high and answer your great hopes ; meete confidence . vol. sha't be my fellow caesar in the empire . gio. noble contarini . con. y 'ave store of clients signiour , i am come to know my fortune too . gio. alas my lord . con. you 'ld say t is plaine writ in my forehead , yes in capitall letters ; you are knowne to th' secretary , that taught my wife this text hand , but you must doe something , sure the marriage is decreed to night to rid me of carintha , or i le ha thee punish'd for adultery . gio. are you mad ? con. as hornes can make a man , it is no time for patience , heare me carefully and have your best braines . gio. adultery ? was it not by your consent , the very sinfull act yours , i but mov'd by your direction , will this published exempt you from the law ? con. i le laugh at thee with my mans helpe , and oath against thee , i le returne thy calumny i th' face , i am a lord , and shall out weigh thee , couldst thou give thy truth a body , that even men might see as well as heare it . gio. this is strange and violent ha , con. doe , harrow thy skull , i am resolved . gio. this is but course reward for my last office , no remedy but killing before supper ; did my starres owe me this ? you will pardon me when y' are duke , that 's but reason . con. and reward thee . gio. i am in , and must wade through , she goes to bed supperlesse . con. oh happinesse , may i trust too 't ? gio. i le put her granam to the charge of wormes to entertaine her , meete , and be duke , i le make your wife immortall . con. wo't thou be speedy , for i le tell thee giotto , i cannot hope this night to have all perfect . the noyse of this her sudden death , must needes marre this nights revelling , and pretract the choyse that is expected ; then a little time presents me capable of the mighty favour : i have incouragement to hope for marriage with our great dutchesse , ha . gio. excellent braines , your wife is already carrying commendations . to your friends i th' tother world . con. oh let me hugge thee . gio. i have your pardon . con. and my heart too , on , be swift in thy great worke beleeve it done . enter dutchesse , carintha , laura . dutch. this pleasantnesse becomes you well carintha , and you shew duty in it , this night we dedicate to our owne delights . car. madam , i ha more wonder to tell your grace , when you are pleased to heare me . dutch. you 'le finde our disposition meete it , but laura , dost thou not smile to thinke upon the event , we shall be censur'd humorous . lau. but your grace shall publish your reasons , you will appeare just . dutch. that ambition should have such feare in humane natures , but court hath beene long sicke ; they are my humours and i must phisicke em . enter depazzi . de. treason , treason , where 's the dutchesse , o madam never was heard of such a horrid treason . dutch. our guard . de. nay i discovered and prevented it already . dutch. you amaze us , what 's the treason , who is the conspirator ? de. my vncle , but i thinke most o' the lords had their hand in 't : dutch. be briefe . de. there was a plot of treason to ha kild . dutch, whom ? defend us heaven . de. nay i ha defended my selfe , they wod a kild . me , that shall be duke , because they saw you were inclin'd to marry me . dutch. is this the treason ? de. and who should be the villaine thinke you , but giotto . all . giotto . de, i giotto , but like an honest rascall vpon my promise , to goe hide my selfe for twelve houres , he sav'd my life , did y'ever heare of such a cunning traitour , but it is your destiny to ha me , you have cause to pray heartily . dutch. and so i have , here was a peece of treason , but be reserv'd you are here safe ; i le take my time to know and punish all ; what bold entruders this ? enter crispino . cris. my lord , i heard your voyce in fearefull manner crying treason , are you in preservation . de. one of my loving subjects ; yes crispino : 't is crispino madam , one that i ha promised to make a judge , he was my barber , and will fit the common wealth to a haire . dutch. he must deserve that place then . de. 't is confirm'd . cris. i humbly thanke your excellence . dutch. signiour depazzi , you shall be neere our person , here 's mirth more then 's expected ; laura , bid some waiter command giotto's presence ; carintha , wee le retire and heare your wonder . my lord , wee le sift the treason . de. and let the traitors be bolted madam i beseech you . enter officer , and servants . offi. quicke , set things in order . the gentlemen that come to see this great preparation , must please to make roome for 't , so , so . what are you sir . cris. i am the terrour of the law . offi. what 's that , a hangman ? cris. when i looke leane , and frowne , thou dy'st , i am a iudge , i say , a iudge in potentia . offi. have we a towne called potentia , in our dutchy . serv. he 's some forraigner , he comes to use his eyes , let him passe . offi. cease your clamors villaines : sure the devils are singing a catch . give order the outward doores be locked . let none approach the presence ; the lords must come hither up the backe staires , and through the privy gallery , beare backe : exeunt . knocking at the other doore . more noyse yet , 't were lesse troublesome living in a drumme then at court , in nights of entertainement . within . open the doore . offi. my lord comachio's voyce . enter comachio , orseollo , they salute with silence at the doore . com. the lords are not yet met . ors. i hate this overgrowne thing , t is high time he should intend 's affaires in heaven , yet still he hath some businesse upon earth , cris. save you my good lord , signiour orseollo , i hope you have an able faith . ors. why do ye hope so ? cris. that ye may be sav'd too . ors. the groome is witty . knocking at the doore . offi. who makes that noyse ? within . signiour contarini and volterre would have entrance . enter contarini , volterre , who salute each other with silence at the doore , then are saluted by comachio , and orseollo . com. why was contarini warn'd , he has a wife , his hope have no incouragement . cris. my lord volterre , i congratulate your safety , and your health signiour contarini ? vol. is not this depazzies barber ? con. i wish he had more manners . cris. there are certaine iudges in the darke vol. and that 's the reason iustice is blinde . cris. and those iudges shall come to light too , when they shall thinke convenience proper � vol. his fingers speake his profession within . make way there , fellowes o th' guard , the passage . offi. beare backe gentlemen , what doe you meane , pray beare backe ? lords , musicke then . enter depazzi , giotto , dutchesse : laura . attendants . dutchesse sits under her canopy . com. my nephew still alive , giotto , you trifle with me , i am dangerous when my wrath is . gio. you mistooke your nephew , i proffered him foure or five severall deaths , and could not get him to accept of one . come signiour there 's great hope , the dutchesse but pretends a care o're him , the more to disguise her love of you . com. this is but a weake comfort . con. i st done ? softly in my eare ? gio. it is not done . con. hell , and damnation ! gio. your wife is invisible : the sunne can hardly finde her out . con. secure thy selfe , my wayes are hidden . vol. diable prend e'te droll la ! parles doucement . de. doe not trust the arch-duke , he cosend me at blow-point . vol. abien , ce'te unchose'ci dificile . iene scay que faire . de. right , why that 's the cause i lent the emperour my combecase . vol. ma foy loblie ! mais nous le voyerous tontastine grandement esbahy . de. with like ease may i � hand saw , and invite the moone to supper . dutch. hah , who is the cause of this fury . vol. t is onely a french heate , an 't like your excellence . dutch. my lord the time is now arriv'd wherein we are to gaine your thankes , and strive to oblige posterity , your care o th' publike weale , incourag'd your continuall sute to heaven , and us , that we would make an earthy choyce of a good husband . even from this number , wee le performe your wishes , envy is the sinne of cowards : therefore no lord of high birth , and temperate breeding will maligne his destiny whom we shall thinke most worthy our esteeme : nay , 't would shew decay of duty i th' greatest of our court , to thinke that we want skill to make a safe election , such a bold thought , in one we call our subject would soone corrupt our nature , and make our iustice cruell ; we doe expect ( my lords ) no verball satisfaction in this point ; but as we single out our choyce , wee le make a private tryall of each heart , contarini : she descends , leads him aside . com. i can perceive no cause of feare from him , hee 's marryed , dutch. how does your wife signiour ? con. she has too much health madam : but had i knowne your excellences purpose , to hasten thus your favour towards your humble subject : shee had ere this arriv'd in heaven : however if your care finde your blood so violent you are not able to delay the use of this my person ; she shall not live long to finde your desire . dutch. o my good lord you still increase my obligation con. 't is great pitty custome should make princes so reserv'd in wooing , had ye told me but two dayes since of this meeting , i had casheer'd my wife ; a nimbler way then by contriving a divorce . dutch. then you have practised a divorce already ? con. 'las , no designe seemes difficult , that makes me capable of your highnesse love . dutch. what an iron impudence rules in thy nature ? thou seemest to boast of crimes the devill would in modesty conceale . con. how madam ? dutch. canst thou expect kindnesse from a lady , that art so cruell to thy owne : a soule so much i th' tongue of fame , as is carintha : you are one o th' religious faction , whose care meerely did reflect upon the generall good ; the safety of your country , i le not publish thy disgrace : kneele old man ? and thanke the priviledge of this great day ; thou hast thy pardon . he kisses her hand . con. horred torture , foyl'd in my hopes , and made an argument for popular scorne , i feare my owne shadow , my hornes are growne so ugly . dutch. orseollo . com. she knowes him a woman hater , his fate cannot hinder me . dutch. how thrives your charity toward our sex , what thinke you of a woman now my lord ? ors. a woman is the pride of nature : her husbands best gaurius , made to credit heaven , to justifie the first creation good : she is the destiny of time , her wombe containes the hope of our succession , the power to adde new life unto the world . dutch. stay signiour , this is a kin to flattery , doe you appeare at this our summons , with hope to gaine by it : you that have professed your selfe a naturall enemy to all our sex ? ors. madam i recanted that heresie , giotto is my witnesse : there are creatures � dutch. hee le tell me all i neede not tempt it from him , bold mounsier , i 've heard of your goattish trickes of your seragho , and your concubines ; dare you be so much a traitor , to thinke i 'ld marry with a publicke stallious , a towne bull . ors. your highnesse � dutch. no more ? for the honour of this day i doe conceale your faults and pardon em . kisses her hand . ors. giotto , i shall pricke your veines . dutch. volterre . com. what meanes these severall parlies ? dutch. i am to give you thankes ( my lord ) for your great care o th' publicke weale . you did implore my haste to marriage , meerely for your countries good , you your selfe not guilty of , any hope to profit by it . vol. your excellence does me too much right . dutch. and can your nature suffer you to doe me wrong : you under value me , my birth and title , for else a little forraigne vanity , shew in corrupted mixture of unknowne tongues ; would not incourage th�� t' attempt our person , and so become our equall . vol. your highnesse will hold me in excuse . dutch. yes y 'ave more deserved our mercy th�n the rest � walke aside . kisses her hand . dutch. comachio ! com. hey , i begin to prosper ! dutch. you are your countries fath�r , chiefe of those whose zealous interrest i th' common wealth , vrg'd to intreate my first indeavours , to helpe posterity with issue ; yet prescribed your selfe no share i th' benefit : fye my lord ! how sinnefull has ambition made you ? t is strange , that he , whom we have held our oracle , should conspire the death of one so harmelesse as your nephew . com. my gracious mistresse : dutch. we know all ; but in hope you 'le not maligne our next election , you taste our mercy . kisses her hand . com. false giotto , thou shalt suffer . dutch. signiour de pazzi . paz. hom ! now i begin my raign� : dutch�sse , we know thy minde : thou wouldst protest thy great love unto our royall person . contarini , thy speech and le ts to bed , wee le have our subjects know our prompt desire to furnish them with a lusty hire . dutch. your lordship will please to hear� me speake . paz. first we would know thy lips . i say it is our will to busse thy highnesse . dutch. the fellowes sawcy , take him away . com. how now nephew ? � paz. t is fine ifaith � giotto and the dutchesse imbrace . dutch. beehold ( lords ) your prince foscari , duke of parma , and of mantua , now our lover , whom lately you supposed dismissed our court . com. indeed we see the golden fleece his order , and a face like his , but yet his chinne wants part of his beard . gio. i left that naked , more to disguise me from your knowledge . and that our fame , ( which must out live our person ) may give reply to those , who shall hereafter question it ; know , we vndertake this shape , to helpe us in discovery of all your soules and hearts ; the better to inable us ; how to dispose of each beneath our governement . dutch. and i made secret promise , to bring you to a court purged , and in cleare health : your lords have all tane physicke from my prescription . here i present em to you , penitent and wise ; for now they know themselves ; which is the best knowledge , and chiefe part of wisdome . you are to grant their pardons for my sake . gio. with great alacrity , and i banish all their crimes from my remembrance . they kneele , kisse his hand by turnes . con. deprived of my revenge too ! cris. then i am no iudge now . paz. t is a new tricke of state , continually to shift great offices . cris. eare i 've made my cushion warme ! paz. no remedy , if i 'me his favourite , thou shalt be my pimpe , then th' art sure to rise . gio. must we not be reconcil'd to my lord depazzi too ? paz. i forgive your highnesse , i . gio. and i you , your love is soone requited : lau. i hope your excellence will pardon my rude intrusion into your acquaintance . her grace conceal'd this part of her designe from me . i never knew till now , that you were more then giotto , the florentine . gio. madam , you are truely noble : you have merited our best assistance . all . long foscari , duke of mantua , and parma . enter carintha . dutch. this noyse brings in carintha . gio. vneasie thoughts perplex her husband . dutch. make not rumour acquainted with your griefe : as yet t is contained i th' knowledg� of us foure , i forgive his excellence his sinne 'gainst me . make me your good example , and forgive your wife her error . con. heaven has punished my ambition , it was my owne seeking . i me content to suffer . gio. then take your wife , and with assurance from the faith of a true knight and prince , she doth retaine that chastity she had , when first i saw her . now each wrinkled brow growes smooth ; and i begin my soveraignty : with hope to give succession cause , still to prefer this day , as chiefe within their kallender . exeunt omnes .
finis .
machine-generated castlist a -giotto a -depazzi a -contarini a -volterre a -orseolo a -laura a -duchess a -comachio a -carintha a -crispino a -sancho a -officer a -dandalo a -pazzi a -xxxx a -all a -lords a -unassigned a -servant
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eveldrop violent against e'm , these hangings may evesdrop us . dar� i dare not h�are him talke mor� , w� shall be car� let me employ some of your care upon my nephew , something you may adde y�t not the dutchesse , come faith yet orseollo , we shall intreate you joyne with revel � to bring revels in the court , that's the way , i have j�st ile tell you a jest a gentleman ith court writing a letter to adtos care to preserve your bonds , but i forget , adios signiour , i must attend the dutchesse . � leave us ! but so , that in an houres space we may koba sex ; he nere converst with an italian bona roba , a plumpe lady , that fils her growne , bruvette , that fils her growne , or with a french brvnette , a spanish muser umbrada , or a germane grac�s there's my lord volterre , ist your grac�s pleasure to retire till we have ended our duk� from that which he must practise when he's duke � tooke part o' my breeding ith' french court , and there i learnt to be familiar with my bindus giotto , bind us both to you , this will do't , art cannot runn� title ; i would disclaime my judgement and runn� madde . but there's a crosse barre to your pr�ferment , discharge your minde , it concernes my preferment to be faithfull . pleasur� this signiour ; tis the dutchesse pleasure you make suddaine repaire to court . vex� i am no court physitian , i but vex� your female constitutions , you know all excell�nc� know all my receipts are bitter , and her excellenc� hath plenty of those , she gives a pension your you are o're darke still , enrich me , besign'd ; giotto finde out a monopoly , it shall be sign'd . semiler lepauto , some turke circumcised you with his semiter ; or being at push a pike , you might be for sake i shall gripe it till my fist ake , ere i forsake my tenure . � choyse signiour ; i must doe you justice ; the court speakes you most accurate , ith' eme� slay bien que la volente , doit esere est emet pour facit : mais quond ie vous donneray duk� possible ? this lord must rise when i am duke : ile prefer none but such as can speake incourag� madam you incourage me to serve your goodnesse , my lord you on�ly the messenger seem�d full of hast , he on�ly tooke time to say her highnesse had resolv'd adone a little with this locke , and ile adorne your lordship with a powder ; i hope your � comachio ! alatrity with great alacrity , and i banish all their crimes from my acqu : intance excellence will pardon my rude intrusion into your acquaintance . her grace conceal'd this part of her designe chaslity knight and prince , she doth retaine that chastity she had , when first i saw her . now each
the royal master shirley, james this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text s in the english short title catalog (stc ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. martin mueller incompletely or incorrectly transcribed words were reviewed and in many cases fixed by hannah bredar lydia zoells keren yi this text has not been fully proofread earlyprint project evanston il, notre dame in, st.louis, washington mo distributed under a creative commons attribution-noncommercial . unported license a .xml the royall master as it vvas acted in the nevv theater in dublin: and before the right honorable the lord deputie of ireland, in the castle. written by iames shirley. shirley, james, - . dpi tiff g page images university of michigan, digital library production service ann arbor, michigan october (tcp phase ) stc ( nd ed.) . greg, ii, (*). a

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 the royall master as it vvas acted in the nevv theater in dublin: and before the right honorable the lord deputie of ireland, in the castle. written by iames shirley. shirley, james, - . [ ] p. printed by t. cotes, and are to be sold by iohn crooke, and richard serger, at the grayhound in pauls church-yard, london : .

in verse.

signatures: a-l .

the last leaf is blank.

a variant (stc a) has thomas allot and edmond crooke as booksellers in the imprint.

reproduction of the original in cambridge university library.

cropped.

 a shc the royal master shirley, james hannah bredar lydia zoells keren yi play comedy shc no a s (stc ). . b the rate of . defects per , words puts this text in the b category of texts with fewer than defects per , words. incorporated ~ , textual changes made to the shc corpus by hannah bredar, kate needham, and lydia zoells between april and july during visits, separately or together, to the bodleian, folger and houghton libraries as well as the rare book libraries at northwestern university and the university of chicago

the royall master ; as it was acted in the new theater in dublin : and before the right honorable the lord deputie of ireland , in the castle .

written by iames shirley .

— fas extera quaerere rigna .

london , 〈…〉

to the right honorable , george earle of kildare , baron of ophalie , and primier earle of the kingdome of ireland . my lord ,

it was my happinesse being a stranger in this kingdome , to kisse your lordships hands , to which your noblenesse , and my owne ambition encourag'd me , nor was it without justice to your name , to tender the first fruits of my observance to your lordship , whom this island acknowledgeth her first native ornament and top branch of honour . be pleased now my most honorable lord , since my affaires in england hasten my departure , and prevent my personall attendance , that something of me may be honourd to waite upon you in my absence , this poeme ; t is new , and never yet personated , but expected with the first , when the english stage shall bee recovered from her long silence , and her now languishing scene changed into a welcome returne of wits and men ; and when by the favour of the winds and sea , i salute my country againe , i shall report a story of the jrish honour , and hold my selfe not meanely fortunate to have beene written and receiv'd

the humblest of your lordships servants . iames shirley .
to my ingenious friend , james shirley , upon his royall master . as a rich gemme enchac'd in gold affords more radiant lustre to the gazers eye inprison'd so , within it selfe it hoords vp all the beamy treasures of the skie , beames loose reflex on bodies diaphane but cast on solids they rebound againe , so would thy lines my friend in paper pent contract the whole applauses of the age , but should they a neglected ornament be soly made the study of the stage , they might like water in the sunshine set retaine his image , not impart his heate . then print thy poem shirley , 't were a fault to dungion this instructive peece of thine , had the sunnes spheare beene made a thicke rib'd vault , we had receiv'd no influence from his shine ; thou shouldst die traitour to succeeding times , and thy best vertues prove but splendid crimes . iames mervyn .
on mr. james shirley's royall master . svch curious eyes as in a poeme looke for the most part , doe finde the printed booke with verses frontispic'd , to shew their wit in praise of the authors which occasions it , and i have seene some peeces , that have stood in neede of witnesses to prove them good . this poets skill is here so clearely showne in offering light to his they dimme their owne , for all that with unsquinted eyes shall see this well limb'd pecce of polish'd poesie , in justice to themselves must needes confesse friends cannot adde , nor envie make it lesse . fra. bvtler .
vpon mr. james shirley his comedy , cal'd the royall master . vvhen spencer reign'd sole prince of poets here , as by his fairy queene doth well appeare there was not one so blind , so bold a bard , so ignorantly proud or foolish-hard to encounter his sweete muse ; for phoebus vow'd a sharp : revenge on him should be so proud ; and when my shirley from the albion shore comes laden with the muses , all their store transferres to dublin , full parnassus brings , and all the riches of castalian springs ; shall we not welcome him with our just votes ? and shall we doo 't with harsh and envious notes ? no no , thalia , envy shall not sit so high above our judgement , and our wit , as not to give just merit his due praise , and crowne thy poet with deserved bayes . shirley stand forth , and put thy lawrell on , phoebus next heire , now ben is dead and gone , truly legitimate , ireland is so just to say , you rise the phenix of his dust , and since thy royall master won so much on each iudicious and hath stood the touch , t is fit he should more then private , when he weares two crownes , their votes , and thy smooth penne . drv. cooper .
on the royall master , to his friend the author . smooth and unsullied lines , keepe on your way , from envies ioss'le free , a cleare ey'd day smiles on your triumph ; onely thus to blame , too lavish is your sacrifice to fame . lesse of such perfume , to succeeding age , the dead would sweeten , and enbalme the stage ; here is a pile of incense , every line heapes on fresh narde , your muse cannot decline to intermissions , some leave hills , by turnes flame , and expire his etna ever burnes . ric. belling .
to my deserving friend mr. james shirley on his royall master . i like some petty brooke scarse worth a name , must yet pay tribute to thy full-stream'd fame , but i le not strive , ( as men sometimes ) to raise an uncouth structure to thy merits praise from others ruines , thy just minde will scorne to owne encomiums so basely borne . therefore i write , what may become my free acknowledgment , and fit thy modestie . thy muse i honor'd , e're i knew by sight thy person ; oft i 've seene with much delight thy sweete composures : but this last ; and new smooth peece ( which here hath grac'd the publicke view ) claimes more regard ; i give to all the rest their faire desert , but ranke this with thy best . t. i.
to his much esteemed friend mr. james shirley , on his royall master . you who the readers are of the choice wit , and have the leading voice in censuring it , whose votes grand jurors are , and onely have the well knowne power either to kill or save , give this a noble greeting and its due , may phoebus else , withdraw his beames from you . my worthy friend , this play 'o th publicke stage hath gain'd such faire applause , as 't did engage a nation to thy muse , where thou shalt raigne vicegerent to apollo , who doth daigne ( his darling ben deceased ) thou should'st be declar'd the heire apparant to his tree . w. markham .
to the honour'd author of the royall master . deare friend i joy my love hath found the meanes to waite upon , and vindicate thy scenes from some few scruples of the weaker sex , whose nicer thoughts their female minds perplex . ( for man he sinkes if he but censure , none dare deprave kings inauguration ) say they , what makes the king in his dispose so icy-temperd , as he frankly throwes freedome on all except himselfe ? contrives . the way for other men to purchase wives ? takes joy to forward propagation , by nuptiall knot , yet to himselfe ties none ? prettie poore fooles , and virgins ! how you 'r kind ( vulgar like ) are in apprehension blind ; come reade , you 'le see when you this peece peruse the royall masters spouse is shirlies muse ; why then to him , and her , an altar raise , tapers are set , flaming with equall praise see , see , his genius gracefully doth bend to the just vote of every loving friend ; the elevated circle is upheld betwixt the binall cherubs palmes , beheld by all judicious eyes ; the heart , the voice of all ingenious doe applaud the choice of your great royall master , say , they 'ue found two monarkes with one glorious laurell crownd . w. smith .
to his worthy friend the author . all these thy friends subscribing to thy praise and faire deservings , have done well , 't will raise opinion in the readers , and engage them to peruse , what wee saw on the stage . if knowing ones , their judgement thus will be the commondation 's short , the comedy speakes better for it selfe , more home ; but yet my vote must goe , i say no purer wit did ever grace the scene , nay ' it hath in 't expressions of so new , and rich a mint , that the old poets well might wish the name of this new play were added to their fame . iohn ogleby oglebye .
to the much honoured , james shirley upon his royall master . let no man thinke , i hither coldly came on purpose to commend , or to seeke fame by this impression , that world may say , what is this iackson that commends the play ? though t is a grace , to stand as courtiers use to usher in the reader to thy muse , yet by the way , i le tell him i have read the lawes of flaccus with a serious head , and that according to those statutes there ( never to be repeal'd ) thy poems are , thy discreete stile is elegantly plaine , in sock and buskin , proper to each veine of time , place , person , and that all thy wit is not by chance but regularly writ ; nor dost thou gall the theater , we may be acted every man , yet see thy play invisible , so curious is thy pen which can at once , would heale , and better men , therefore will i hereafter cease to mourne for those great wits , commended to the vrne , and if 't be true , that transmigrations be they are in shirley all , for ought i see . iohn iacson .
on m. james shirley his royall master . there are some men doe hold , there is a place cal'd limbus patrum if such have the grace to wave that schisme , and poetarum said they of that saith had me a member made , that limbus i could have beleev'd thy braine where beamont , fletcher , shakespeare , & a traine of glorious poets in their active heate move in that orbe , as in their former seate . when thou began'st to give thy master life , me thought i saw them all , with friendly strife each casting in his dose , beamont his weight , shakespeare his mirth , and fletcher his conceit , with many more ingredients , with thy skill so sweetely tempered , that the envious quill and tongue of criticks must both write and say , they never yet beheld a smoother play . iames mervyn .
the first act. enter king of naples , the duke of florence , montalto , octavio , riviero , andrugio , guido , aloigio , alexio . duke y' are great in all that 's good . king you shew the bounty of your opinion ; my extent in all things is but to bid you welcome ; you had a sister , the envy of the angels whilst she lived our queene , now made their blest companion ; should wee exempt those faire deserts dwell in you , so much we owe her memory . duke pray no more . rivi. we must not be too open , truest friend , thy bosome is my sanctuary . andr. when it leaves to be religious for thy safety , may it by an angry flame from heaven , be turnd to ashes . duke your nature is too soft ; let not the mention of her that was my sister , and you queene beget another sigh ; she was long since blest ; cesaria is in heaven ; we are met for joyes ; you were not framed to be her monument ; sleepe let her ashes in the urne , conteines 'em . king. i ha done . enter theodosia , ladies . , your sister . king. is all the treasure is left me sir , but cannot be too rich for your acceptance . duke . all my wealth is summ'd when shee does smile upon me , and her character in the full glory , when shee 's nam'de your sister ; are you not weary of a guest deare madam ? am i still welcome ? theo. sir wee are all honour'd in your presence ; and though not high to your merit , yet your entertainement is , as full of love , as nature can expresse to a twin brother , more i dare presume , you shall accuse your selfe , if you be lesse , a prince in naples by free use of power , then your owne florence . duke . madam you must be lesse faire , and powerfull in tongue , if you expect i should be still a prince ; and yet my ambition will be high , and glorious enough to be receiv'd your graces servant ; for whom i should account my age no travell , to have my pilgrimage rewarded with your faire eyes madam , able to create another life and spirit in old nature . king. how does montalto like the duke ? montal. sir , naples cannot study an addition of fame , beyond what this alliance will deserve in future story ; the excesse of what is good , nay excellent in him would stocke a barren province . king . t is our happinesse . monta. but 't is not mine ; for though i thus disguise my face , and tongue , my heart is my owne friend , and cannot wish my ambition supplanted by any smooth chin'd prince alive ; my lords — andr. look how they flock , and fawne upon his greatnes ; these are his creatures , by his power plac'd so neare about the king , he can heare nothing of his great favorite , but what their flattery and partiall tongues convey into his eare . rivi. pitty so sweete a nature as the kings should be abus'd by parasites ; but i may in time dissolve these court mists , that so long have hung upon 't , and render the kings eyes free to distinguish objects , if there be no witchcraft exerciz'd upon his senses . lady . my lord you are very pleasant . octav. is it not becomming the discretion of a young courtier to observe times and methods ; and when madam are you for this match ? lady . what my lord ? octav. you wod not be sad at heart , to sleepe with such a bedfellow as the duke is ? lady . how my lord ? octav. provided matrimony were not farre of ; yet without it there are some ladies , would excuse their modestie , and meete and thinke their fate at all adventures , if no worse man would make their husband of the honorable order of the night-cap . lady . when will you marry my lord ? octav. i am young ; yet when i am ripe to grapple with a maidenhead , the lord montalto the great court patron will help me to a wife . lady . you are bound to his lordship . octav. and so i am madam , if you knew all ; i have many obligations to his honour , but there is one writ here , whose memory will keepe my soule awake . king. andrugio — guido . i doe not like their conference . mont. 'las he has no imployment in the state ; he waites like a dull cipher and i have my spies upon him ; if i finde him busie , my power with the king shall soone transplant him , or force him like riviero his old friend , but of more braine and faction , to give up his ghost abroad . aloi. 't was just for your owne safety . monta. this is an honest easy nobleman , allowed to weare some court formallity ; walke on the tarres , picke his teeth , and stroake vpon a festivall some golden sentence out of his beard , for which the guard admire him , and cry him up a statesman ; hee 's sent off when he is troublesome to a phlegmaticke clime a dull embassadour ; no , that duke , guido , is all my feare , but i have contrived something may rectifie my fate . duk. how much you honour me ; but you might spare all other entertainements and bravery of court ; they may affect my eyes with wonder , and obliege my just acknowledgement , but all their glorie 's met into one height , hold no proportion to inflame my heart , or more expresse my welcome then this your free grace madam , and those hopes that blesse my imagination from your favour . theo. i am but what my brothers love , and vertue will make me ; but there 's nothing that can move with his consent , i shannot flee to obey . mont. i had rather feede upon his heart ; you promis'd sir the duke to hunt this morning . king. i had forgot ; will you be pleas'd to try the pleasures of a forrest . duke . i le attend . king. theodosia , you are not for that exercise guido . whispers and sends guido off . theo. i wish all pleasures waite upon you ; my heart must covet your returne . duke . and mine , to dwell for ever in so faire a bosome . king. to horse ; the morning wasts . mon. some policie must cure this feare ; my bold resolves are fixt ; i have made some attempts , and courted her , but shee has not understood me ; i must worke by countermine and scatter into aire his swelling hopes : octavio — exit . octav. my good lord . andr. sir i present this gentleman to kisse your hand ; hee 's the dukes secretary , a roman borne , and has a great ambition to be knowne to you for your fathers sake , with whom he did converse in rome , and honour , till death concluded their acquaintance . octav. sir , your love , and knowledge of my father will deserve you should be welcome to his sonne . rivi. he made me his companion many yeares ; no brothers were more chain'd in their affections . he did impart much of his bosome to me . octav. you knew why he left naples ? rivi. he did trust me , with the cause my lord , and every circumstance the kings minoritie , and montaltoes power , gainst which no innocent could plead in naples . andr. not to loud sir ; you may be heard . rivi. your pardon . octav. why should truth faint at the name of greatnesse ? this colossus montalto is but mortall sure ; time has forgot to use his wings , or nature is vnwilling i should grow to write full man , to take revenge upon that polititian , our protean favourite . rivi. it is my wonder the king so strangely should continue this affection to montalto . octav. there 's some magicke in 't . rivi. dare none complaine . andr. his engines are so plac'd none can approach the kings eare , at which hang so many flatterers to infect it with montaltoes praise . rivi. pray give me sir this boldnesse ; hee that doth lift an axe to strike the roote of any family , cannot be without a thought to wound the branches ; you were left . by computation , but an infant when your fathers discontents , and faction of this montalto made him forsake naples , which added to your mothers death , the guard and comforts of your life , were taken from you ; having exprest this malice to your father , a thousand wayes he might have sent you to another world , and taken off all feare of a revenge ; how comes it that you live , and visit sir the pallace with this freedome ? octav. my lord andrugios knowledge of yon sir is my assurance of your faith . andr. i le give you reasons at some opportunity , not to repent your confidence . octav. you have supplied my fathel in your care of me . i live ? why i am this great lords favorite , courted , his creatures are my honours companion to his pleasures . rivi. i observ'd some gestures very loving to your lordship . octav. the king himselfe for his sake gracing me , with title of his bed-chamber . rivi. t is strange ; this newes will coole my resolution . andr. t is truth he doth ingage him to all favours . rivi. t is not impossible he may be honest . octa. and meane so ; but my soule cannot be brib'd so easily to prostrate my owne justice and leave my fathers ashes unreveng'd which in my eare groane from beneath the marble to keepe my thoughts awake . andr. we may suspect this is to catch applause a tricke to winne vpon the people who did love riviero and mourne his fate . octav. how ever i have art to keepe my breast close , and accept his flatteries , can complement , and with officious bend thanke his high favours , weare a face of mirth and prattle with the ladies as if all the businesse i came into the world for , were but to talke and dance , and goe a feasting . rivi. i must presume , you want no counsell from my lord who loved your father , how to manage your selfe to best advantage of your fame and honour ; unto both i am a servant . andr. my lord montalto may expect you sir . rivi. it is not safe we be observ'd too much . octav. my lord you have begun a favour by the acquaintance of this gentleman ; i will hope to salute him often by your meanes ; you shall not meete a heart more prompt to bid you welcome sir . rivi. you too much grace your servant ; i shall present a trouble . octav. come my lord . exit . rivi. montaltoes change hath staggard me already ; these favours may be hearty to octavio , and argument of penitence ; i le observe and sift his close heart ; if it prove unsound , he whets revenge to make the deeper wound exit . enter guido , bombo . guid. i would speake with your lady sir . bom. you may . guid. direct me . bom. with which of my ladies . guid. with both , or one . bom. i serve the daughter . guid. i would speake with her . bom. shee is — i know not where . guid. what coxcombe 's this . enter iacamo . guid. dost heare friend , i would speake with my lady simphorosa . iacam. this way and please your lordship . guid. stay preethe ; what fellowe 's that ? iacam. a servant of my ladies . guid. is he mad ? iaca. a little phantasticke , but very harmelesse , and makes my ladies merry ; my young madam domitilla calls him her secretary for sport ; and wonder of his good parts . guid. what are they ? iaca. he can neither write nor reade . guid. an excellent secretary . iaca. but he has beene much given to 't , to reading , till much poring night and day made him booke blinde ; and defying spectacles , he walkes and thinkes he is wise , and talkes upon his old stocke . guid. preethe acquaint my lady ; 'i th meane time i le have more dialogue with him ; save you sir . bom. save your selfe sir ; you are i tak 't a courtier . guid. and you my ladies secretary . bom. i am so . guid. i heare you are an understanding secretary . bom. t is so , i am ; how came you by that knowledge ? guid. we have your fame at court sir . bom. can you reade ? guid. i heare you cannot . bom. right . guid. nor write . bom. t is true . guid. what make you with a booke ? ha this is euclid . bom. euclid ; it may be so . guid. why these are mathematickes . bom. i have a chest full of them in my custody ; they were my old lords , gray when i tooke charge on 'em but now looke spruce and young ; there 's something in 'em . gu. what in the name of ignorance dost thou doe with 'em . bom. i am excellent at turning over leaves , by which i keepe the wormes away . guid. most learnedly . bom. i learnt it of my ladies chaplaine sir ; men are not alwayes bound to understand their library ; but to omit learning , not now consider'd by wise men , what is your businesse here i pray ? guid. it does concerne your selfe ; the king has heard of your good parts . bom. sir , as you love me say you saw me not ; i knew i should one time or other be found out for state imployments ; heer 's my lady . enter simphorosa , domitilla , i must obscure my selfe . domit. why how now secretary , whether so fast . bom. you little thinke . domit. what preethe . bom. nor ever would beleeve ; but t is not my fault if the king come in person , i le not be seene . domit. the king . bom. few words ; there 's one i know him not is little better then a spy upon me ; if you looke not to me i am gone . exit . domit. so it seemes . simp. how ? dine to day with us . guid. such is his royall pleasure ; he is now hunting with the duke , whom he intends to make your guest too . simp. my lord i am not us'd to entertainements , nor is my house sit for so great a presence ; to avoide a storme they might obey necessity , and take it for some shelter , but in so calme a day . guid. madam although you please to undervalew what 's your owne , the king despaires not you will bid him welcome ; you have no narrow dwelling , and he knowes your heart is spacious like your fortunes madam ; princes doe honour when they come upon their subjects invitation , but they love where they invite themselves . simp. my duty is to meete that interpretation , though the newes come unexpected ; now it will my lord become me to be thrifty of the minute , their persons being so neare ; you will excuse if so short summons doe expect my care to entertaine 'em ; my good lord you have honor'd me . guid. t is service i am bound to . exit simpho . domit. pray my lord . in your opinion , what should moove the king to invite himselfe our guest , and bring the duke along with him ; he us'd not to retire from hunting with this ceremony . guid. princes are like the windes , and not to be examin'd where they will breath their favours . domit. t is confest an honour to us , and i hope you 'le pardon a womans curiositie . guid. shall i deliver my opinion ; while the king in entertainement of the duke is shewing the pleasures and the glories of his kingdome he cannot hide , that which his naples boasteth , her greatest ornament your beauty madam . domit. i thanke your lordship ; i may now beleeve the court 's remooving hither ; yet this language might doe you service to some other lady and i release it willingly ; your complements i know my lord are much worse for wearing guid. you rather will beleeve your selfe worth praise then heare it ; though we call it modesty , it growes from some thing like a womans pride , but it becomes you madam ; i take leave ; my service to your noble lady mother . exit guido . domit. mine shall attend your lordship . enter simphorosa . simp. now domitilla , is my lord gone ? dom. yes madam . simp. i expected not these guests to day , they 'le take us unprepard . domit. not with our hearts to serve 'em , and their goodnes will excuse other want . simp. i know not daughter , but i could wish rather to enjoy our selves , not for the cost , those thoughts are still beneath me . dom. you have cause to feare i hope y' are troubled . simp. for thy sake domitilla . dom. mine deare madam . simp. it was for thee i chose this quiet life vpon thy fathers death , and left the court ; thou art all my care , sole heire to all my fortunes , which i should see unwillingly bestowed . on some gay prodigall . dom. i cannot reach your meaning . simp. by some hastie marriage . dom. you would have me live a virgin ; a lesse fortune would serve me for a nunne . sim. t is not my thought ; thou art young and faire and though i doe not suspect thy minde , thus farre bred up to vertue , i would not have it tempted but reservde for a most noble choise , wherein should meet my care and thy obedience . dom. y' are my mother , and have so farre by your example taught me , i shall not neede the precepts of your vertue , and let no thought of me take from your cheerefulnesse to entertaine the king ; we owe him duty , and that charme wo'not hurt us . sim. this does please me . dom. it shall be still my study . sim. i must see how they prepare , things may want method else . exit simphorosa . enter octavio . octa. i kisse your faire hand madam domitilla ; the king and duke and all the jolly hunters with appetites as fierce as their owne hounds , will be here presently . dom. i hope they will not devoure us my good lord . octa. but i would sit and feast and feed mine eyes with domitillaes beauty . dom. so my lord ; here was a gentleman you could not choose but meete him spake your dialect ; i have forgot his name , but he was some great lord . octa. fye what a ignorance you live in , not to be perfect in a great lords name ; there are few ladies live with us but know the very pages ; leave this darkenesse madam , and shine in your owne sphere , where every starre hath his due adoration . dom. where ? octav. the court confine such beauty to a countrey house , live among hindes , and thicke skind fellowes that make faces , and will hop a furlong backe to finde the tother leg they threw away to shew their reverence ; with things that squat when they should make a curtsey ; to court madam , and live not thus for shame , the second part of a fond anchorite ; we can distinguish of beauty there , and wonder without spectacles , write volumes of your praise , and tell the world how envious diamonds , cause they could not reach to the lusture of your eyes dissolv'd to angry teares ; the roses droope , and gathering their leaves together , seeme to chide their blushes that they must yeeld your cheeke the victory : the lillies when they are censur'd for comparing with your more cleare and native purity want white to doe their pennance in . dom. so , so ; have you done now my young poeticke lord . octav. there will be no end madam of your praises . dom. and to no end you have spent all this breath ; allow all this were wit , that some did thinke us the creatures they commend ( and those whom love hath curst into idolatry and verse may perhaps die so ) wee doe know our selves that we are no such things . octa. i st possible . dom. and laugh at your chimeraes . octa. y' are the wiser . dom. if this be your court practise , let me dwell with truth and plaine simplicity . octa. if i might have my choyse , i would live with you madam , a neighbour to this innocence ; your mother . enter simphorosa . the king is come already . enter king , duke , montalto , guido , aloisio , alexio . king. madam though you are so unkinde as not to see the court sometime , the court is come to visit you . sim. you have humbled your selfe too much to doe us honour . king. the duke of florence . sim. t is a blessing that my roofe can boast so great a guest . king. her daughter worth your salute . duke . shee is worth a world my lord , what is that ladies name ? mont. in this you most appeare a stranger ; shee is the glory of naples , for her person and her vertues that dwells in this obscure place like the shrine of some great saint , to which devotion from severall parts brings daily men like pilgrimes . duke . her name . mont. shee is wit , beauty , chastity , and all that can make woman lovely to mans soule , so farre from the capacitie of ill that vertues in all other of her sex like staines , but fit of her perfection , and when is named all goodnesse in her titles , the ornament , nay glory of them all is domitilla sir . duke . you speake her high , and i may guesse by your description my lord , this lady hath another name , shee is your mistresse . mont. not mine ; she was created for some prince , and can beside her vertues bring a fortune worth his embrace . duke . what charmes are in her lookes . mont. are you there duke ; this meeting was my project ; things may succeede to my ambition , if i doe noose your highnesse . sim. please your majestie . king. all things must please here . duke . i follow sir . sim. this is a grace i ever must be proud of . exeunt .
the second act . bombo , iacamo . bom. have they almost dined ? stay , stay a little : iaca. the last course is o' th table ; why doe not you waite ? bom. that were a way indeede to be discovered , no , the king shall pardon me ; he has not seene me yet for all his cunning . iaca. whom doe you meane . bom. the king ; thou art ignorant i le tell thee after dinner ; 'i th meane time direct a wandring bottle of wine this way and let me alone though i appeare not in 't i may have a humour to make a maske if they stay supper . iac. thou make a maske . bom. i doe not say i le write one , for i ha' not my writing tongue , though i could once have read , but i can give if neede be the designe , make worke among the deale boards , and perhaps can teach 'em as good language as another of competent ignorance ; things goe not now by learning ; i have read 't is but to bring some pretty impossibillities , for antemaskes a little sence and wit dispos'd with thrift , with here and there monsters to make 'em laugh ; for the grand businesse to have mercury or venus dandeprat to usher in some of the gods that are good fellowes dancing , or goddesses , and now and then a song to fill a gap ; a thousand crownes perhaps for him that made it , and there 's all the wit . iaca. in what ? bom. in getting of the money . iaca. you are witty signior bombo to advance the muse , i le fetch a bottle that you talk'd o' , exit . bom. if there be a superfluous phesant t will quell my hunger for a time ; i heare intelligence of an oleo ; if any such things may be recovered from the courtiers that have beene appetites upon hunting dinners ; you shannot neede to enquire much after me . enter iacamo . i shall be here abouts ; why thou hast wings . iaca. a bottle of rich wine . bom. thou wert alwayes honest . iaca. there 's asking for my ladies secretary bom. i knew 't ; i am not here ; doe they inquire already ? come i le pledge thee ; what wilt thou say if some body be sent for to court . iaca. i le drinke some bodies health . bom. th' art a good fellow , and this curtesie shall be remembred . within call iacamo . iaca. i am cald . bom. leave , leave your wicker , frien wee le drinke a cup when thou art gone ; t is very excellent wine ; and now i have a stomacke like an edge toole ; but no good comes of idlenesse — tother cup ; the bottle growes light headed ; how now friend ? no dish of meat appeare ; nothing to shew the kitchin and the wineseller are friends ? i would the cooke were rosted honest iacamo enter iacamo , and pietro . i was thinking of a brace of cocks just as you came . iaca. i have retriv'd a covey of partridge for thee . piet. and a cup of greeke wine ; heere 's to thee . bom. i understand greeke wine ; i le lose no time . iaca. what 's this a booke . bom. no , t is my learned trencher which schollers sometimes eate , euclid they call it ; in my opinion this wing and legge is worth all bodies mathematicall ; now let 's dispute in greek , to the kings health . pie. to me , i le pledge . iaca. it shall goe round . bom. and why doe you thinke my friend the king came hither with the duke . pie. to dine . bom. thy braines are in thy guts ; you shall heare more ; what 's this ? iaca. potato bulley . bom. a cup of wine to cleare the passage ; so , here is as they say latine ; here is greeke , and here is for ought i know an hebrew roote , most learnedly met together . iaca. hee le be drunke presently . bom. bottle in battle ray , present , give fire , so , as you were ; have they good stomacks iacamo ? how feeds the king ? iaca. he was very pleasant with your lady ; but the duke feedes upon her lookes . bom. my ladies health , my lady little domitillaes health . pie. well said ; about , about . bom. i am about another to our reverend lady simphorosa ; so , so ; this wine they say will make us see things double , here is but one leg visible ; well for this favour gentlemen if i be forc'd to live in court i le make you all in time ; who can write or reade among you . both . none , none ; we scorne it . bom. you shall have all preferment trust to me , and marke my steps ; heere to the curteous drinker ; now doe i finde a noble constitution in me , now could i leape ; would thou wert any living lady in my way now . iaca. away ; the lords are risen . bom. the lords doe rise and fall . piet. hee s paid ; the king will come this way . bom. every man goe his owne way ; i wonnot see the king for all this . enter guido , aloisio , aloxio . friend . guid. this is the ladies secretary , pray my lords be acquainted with him . bom. d ee heare no body say he saw me , i wonnot be seene yet . he reeles in . guid. though he be made a spectacle ; but leave him 't was a handsome entertainement o' the sudden . alo. a pretty hunting dinner ; but did you not observe with what intention the duke shot eyes on domitilla . alex. and the king applied all his discourse to her ; i know not ; he has made no vow against a second marriage but if he choose at home and looke at beauty . guid. shee s a very pretty talking lady . ale. very ingenious . aloi. and with your favour , though she be no court lady . shee wants no confidence . alex. what if the duke be taken with her guid. let him be taken a bed with her , t is my opinion my lord montalto wonnot die for greefe on t . alo. they are here . duke montalto . mont. your grace is sad ; excuse my dilligence to waite on you ; i could wish if it made no intrusion on your thoughts , i had opportunity to expresse what might not be unworthy of your patience : duke . to me . enter king , leads domitilla . mont. the king . this way ladies to the garden ; let me have the honour to attend you . exit duke montalto . king. where 's the duke . guid. he tooke that way to the garden sir , with the lord montalto . king. you may remove a little ; exit . you have no feare to trust your selfe with me . dom. i cannot sir forget you are the king , and in a wildernesse could have no thought with the least prejudice upon your vertue . king. you have the greater innocence at home , my intents are faire enough , and you may stand the danger of a question ; pray how old are you ? dom. although it be not held a welcome complement to our sex , my duty bids me not dispute ; i am fifteene my mother saies . king. and are you not in love . domit. i must not charge my selfe with so much ignorance to answer , that i understand not what it meanes ; i know the word , but never could apply the sence , or finde it in a passion more then ordinary . king. cupid hath lost his quiver then ; he could not be armde , and let you scape , whose sole captivite would be more glory then the conquest made as poets faine upon the gods . dom. t is language with which you are pleas'd to mocke your humble handmaid . king. but this assures him blinde . dom. he would deserve to lose his eyes indeede if he should aime a shaft at me . king. madam you have a heart . dom. to which no other flame can approach ; then what shall light it to obedience of your will and my good mothers . king. obedience to my will ; what if it were my will that you should love . dom. sir , i doe love . king. love with the warme affection of a mistresse one i le present a servant , why that blush ; the words are not immodest ; there did want no blood upon your cheeke to make it lovely ; or does it slow in silence to expresse that which your virgin language would not be so soone held guilty of , consent . dom. to what ? king. to love by my direction a man whose worth considered shall deserve thee too , and in the noblest way invite thy freedome vntill the holy priests declare , your hearts are knit into one blessing ; there 's no harme in this . dom. most royall sir i know not , with what words to say , you honour me ; how can one so unworthy as poore domitilla be entertaind within your thoughts and care in this high nature . king. though your mother have made both her person and your selfe a stranger to court , i have had eyes upon your vertues which waited on by a most ample fortune , i have studied to advance , if you 'le accept a husband of a my choise ; what say you madam ? dom. i have a mother sir . king. shee shall thinke it fortunate bove expectation ; you have not vowed your selfe to a cold nunnery . dom. not i sir . king. when i shall declare how pretious he is to my owne bosome . dom. royall sir , this language must needes prepare a welcome ; i should thinke my heart unlike another womans , not to obey a charme so powerfull as your praise ; but when you are considered as my king , duty takes off the merit of my will and humbles every thought beneath obedience . king. his name is . dom. pardon i beseech you sir , conceale it yet ; what gentle spirit walkes vpon my blood ; i dare not looke upon him my hopes my feares ; it is enough great sir , that you leave one within your thought , you would commend to domitilla , one your love , and pretious to your bosome ; sure you blest him with such a character . king. it was too short . dom. my heart is a false prophet ; t is a fate too good and great for domitilla . king. well his name shall be reserv'd ; but when it opens it selfe to your knowledge you will honour it , and thanke me domitilla ; i th meane time let the opinion you have of me live in your trust , and make roome in your heart to meete the husband i shall bring . exit . dom. why may not this be meant by his owne person ? more wonders have beene read in story ; i finde thicke but amorous tremblings in my heart ; hee 's king ; why not ? love has done stranger things , and can lead captive the proud heart of kings . exit . enter duke , montalto . duke . here none can reach our voyce : be free and cleare . mon. first let me kisse your hand , on which i sweare to speake all truth ; t is justice to your person , your merrit and my faith ; next though the secret may both concerne and benefit your knowledge , i shall desire your pardon duke . you prepare me for wonder , if it be an act of friendship to me , it will become me to reward it , not thankes , nor pardon . mon. but all truthes meet not with charitable eares ; there is a descant that pleases not sometimes though the best art present it , if our sense be indispos'd to patience and calme hearing . duke . doe not doubt me . mont. t will not become me so much as in thought to enquire how long , or with what firme devotion , you affect the princesse , theodosia ; but naples is more conscious , then to doubt you bring a welcome treaty in your person , and every voice and heart is busie with the expectation of your marriage ; whilst every eye bright with your flame is able to light a torch to hymen ; virgins have no other care then with what flowers sweet as your owne name to adorne the smiling altars . duke . you promis'd sir a secret . mon. it will come to fast upon your knowledge ; have you never look'd from the prospect of your pallace window , when some faire sky courted your eye to reade the beauties of a day , the glorious sunne enriching so the bosome of the earth that trees and flowers appear'd but like so much enamell upon gold ; the wanton birds and every creature but the drudging ante despising providence , and at play and all that world you measure with your eye , so gay and proud , as winter were no more to shake his icy lockes upon 'em , but the breath of gentle zephire to perfume their growth , and walke eternally upon the springs ; when from a coast you see not , comes a cloud creeping as overladen with a storme : darke as the wombe of night , and with her wings surprising all the glories you beheld ; leaves not your frighted eyes a light to see the ruines of that flattering day . duke . this language carries both mystery and horror ; pray my lord convey your meaning to my knowledge . mon. i shall , i had in vaine prepard you thus else ; pardon againe the story ; theodosia , more beautifull then the day i figur'd by her , is quite orecast and lookes through an ecclipse vpon your love : shee has no heart , but what another is possest of . duke . ha . mont. i know it cannot but afflict your thoughts that all your expectation ripe and courted , to the enjoying such a treasure as shee is , must finish in embracing of a shaddow , invited to a fable , not a bride that should with joy dwell in your princely armes ; for theodosia without sacriledge cannot be yours ; shee is contracted . duke . how ? the king of naples must not sir ingage florence to such a mockery . mon. t is my duty to cleare his honour in 't he has a pure intention to make his sister yours ; her close though honorable love 's designd without his knowledge , and you will but waste your rage vpon her destiny which will bury her in her owne ruines , if your anger make the king her enemie . duke . i doe not finde my heart in any disposition to breake at hearing of this newes , but wish it truth to prepare roomes for another guest ; the fairer domitilla is here sainted . mont. your excellencie . duke . must not be thus affronted montalto , and returne with this dishonour , was there no cheaper person to be made ridiculous in naples . mont. calme your blood , i know you must resent it , but let not your passion make the world beleeve you should dispaire to finde one apter to your bosome ; the richest beauty in the world , your birth and fortune must deserve and i should curse my forward duty to your grace . duke . no more i have considered better and although your love may merit thankes , yet this intelligence wonot concerne my faith ; this cannot be sir . mont. my honour is ingaged then to convince you though with the hazard of my life and fortunes , both which must now depend upon your mercy ; your breath shall make 'em bleed or live . duke . what meanes montalto ? mont. to translate the power of all my starres , and make you lord of my whole fate theodosias heart sir should be mine , by free gift of her selfe , who has beene pleas'd to take my vowes in the exchange , which now may boast some time and growth , which could not be a sinne against your love , with which all that can spring from me deserves no name , nor dare i take boldenesse to call her mine , who am a thing lighter then ayre in ballance with your grace , if you but chide the ambition , and could render , though i commit a rape on my owne life , all that her love hath promis'd me . duke . t is strange . mont. but she let me take freedome to be plaine . duke . is not to be reduc'd you le say . mont. sir , women love not with that safeguard upon their passion duke . shee has a wise art to dissemble then . mont. t is feare it should arive at the king knowledge . in whose displeasure shee is lost and not a will to mocke your grace , for whom there is another wound within her minde , that shee should weare a smiling summer in her brow yet frost within her heart , in which unhappily shee comes to neare the nature of the adamant hard to your grace whom shee attracts ; but love your wisedome knowes is in the volume of our fate decreede , whose periods when they are by time made knowne ; greatnesse on earth , that meanes to play the tyrant with us , may have strength to punish not reverse . duke . i am confirmde and prosper in my thoughts . mont. it takes . duke . my lord , you have expression act of confidence which i must not betray though to my losse , it is some happinesse to know this early ; we may be expected ; you shall finde me sir a prince , but no usurper . mont. i am your creature , the king . enter king , simphorosa , domitilla , guido , aloisio , alexio . we build upon your piety vntill some little time may call our loves out of this silence . king. you understand me madam ? simp. and am honord . duke . her eyes beget new wonder ; i shall be observ'd . king. come , now to horse . duke . i shall attend ; your entertainement has oblig'd us madam . sim. t was not worth such guest ; but prayers and duty must supply . king. now madam you are a great part of my care , depend upon me for a husband . dom. i st not plaine . duke . madam another guest must take his leave , that here would choose his pallace . dom. you are gratious , and but encourage more to honour you mont. i le creepe and kisse thy altar love , allow them flame , and knit more charmes upon her brow . exeunt .
the third act . duke and riviero . duke . t is thy old quarrel gainst montalto makes thee incredulous , i dare beleeve he loves theodosia . rivi. t is not that i question sir , but that part which concernes her love to him sounds like a plot upon your nature , to secure his owne ambition . duke . why the princesse may love ; as great a heart has beene made stoope . rivi. your grace should else in vaine court her your selfe and late your highnesse thought shee meet your person a faire designe of love , with all the soft behaviour of a princesse . duke . but t is not impossible a lady should dissemble . rivi. allow her but the honour she was borne with , and sheel 'e not staine her blood so much . duke . but love must be obeyed , and prepossession of hearts is a lewd thing to wrastle with , i make it my owne case , and if i lov'd another lady better then the princesse , as every man 's not proofe against all beauty , i thinke i should be constant too , it would be something to remove me . rivi. then the king . duke . he knowes not ; & i have bound my selfe in honour not to betray , if they be decreed to make a marriage ; a soft destiny attend their loves . rivi. there is some mystery ; but will you rest and take for granted shee does love montalto ; if it be a truth y' are in the same condition when shee confirmes it . duke . t is not good to be busie in search of these unwelcome certainties ; there 's hope while things are clouded in suspition . rivi. but so your jealousie may wound her honour , which you may cure by knowledge . duke . i will thinke on 't ; meane time let this dwell in that honest silence you have possest ; there is another secret may follow . rivi. you must challenge my whole bosome , and i am confident your highnesse will stere all your resolutions by honour , which in a prince is sacred . enter servant . ser. sir , the lord montalto is comming up . duke . then try your art upon him , and informe your selfe , i le take my time to appeare . exit duke . enter montalto . rivi. i obey my honour'd lord . mon. most noble phillberto , where is the duke ? rivi. if you le but excuse a few minuts mont. t is my duty to attend . rivi. how is it with the princesse my good lord ? mont. the princesse ? shee is in health ; why this to me , hee is of inward counsell with the duke , i must be resolute . rivi. i aske , because , his grace intends a present visit to her , and was but now in mention of your lordship to beare him company . mont. i like not that ; he knowes he may command my services . rivi. he will deserve your love ; pray my lord tell me , and let us be plaine breasted ; you injoy the king , as i , but with lesse stocke of merit , the favour of his excellence ; how affect you the present state of things ; wil t be a match ? there is loud expectation in the world , and after all , my master 's fond to have it proceede ; to these , i am of opinion there 's no retreating now without dishonour ; yet as i am philiberto i much pittie he should through any wound to your affection perfect his love . mont. he has told you then the secret , and not to waste more language , i collect from what you have exprest , he does resolve to destroy me ; montalto must be trod on . rivi. not so my lord . mont. yes , and my heart the ascent , to his hymeneall altar , which must be made crimson with the blood of a true lover , his will be obey'd , theodosia shall see to advance her , montalto will goe smiling to his sacrifice , and after many prayers , that shee may live the darling of his heart , i le change my acquaintance of this world to be at peace in my owne ashes . rivi. you will not commit a violence upon your selfe ? mont. i sha' not neede ; the thought of her will kill me with as much silence as i goe to sleepe ; i onely shall bleed inward , and my life remove it selfe like a faire apparition that vanishes to th' eye , and with lesse noise then a calme summers evening ; but when i am dead , t is not impossible , some may report theodosia was but ravish'd from me ; feare of a brothers anger , and the tricke of polliticke states , that marry to knit power not hearts , did force her to herares armes , whilst i , torne from the branch where i once grew , travell i know not whether in the aire . rivi. i begin to thinke him worth some pitty . mont. into what vaine thing would the severe apprehension of greefe transforme us ? coward , let the duke move with all amorous haste to his delight , and glory in the hope of his faire bride , mine by the gift of heaven , and hearts ; but all my flowers grow dully on their stalkes , and wither ; let her gay paranimphs with rosie chaplets , which will take all their colour from her blush , attend on theodosia to the temple , while as they goe , no rude winde shall be heard , but so much breath of heaven as gently may lifting their loose haire up , whisper my wrong to every virgins care ; let them be married , knit hands , and plight a ceremonious faith ; let all the triumphs waste ; let them be wasted , and night it selfe brib'd with a thousand formes of mirth and revells , till the night grow faint and pale with watching , invite to bed ; yet there he shall enjoy but theodosiaes body , and not that as his faire thoughts expect , perhaps the conquest of one whom he loved better . exit montal. enter duke . rivi. how was that . duke . now shall i trust him ? if my sense mistake not theodosia may not be a virgin . rivi. t was his bold conclusion . duke . where is now the honour you talke of ; durst montalto charge her with this staine , without his conscience to assure it . rivi. yes , and to me this tenders him the more to be suspected and i am so farre from thinking shee affects montalto , that i am convinc'd he loves her not ; can he have any noble thought of theodosia , that dares traduce her honour ; thinke o' that ; and can revenge in any lover be a reason to wound a ladies fame ; it tasts of ranke injustice , and some other end time will discover ; and yet your grace is bound to have his accusation confirm'd , or hant this spotted panther to his ruine , whose breath is onely sweete to poyson vertue . duke . what i resolve inquire not . exit duke . rivi. i see through montaltoes soule , and have beene so long tame in my owne sufferings ; but this will make him ripe for punishment ; andrugio and my sonne . enter andrugio , octavio . octav. i cannot with the wings of duty fly swift enough to prostrate my obedience and welcome from a long supposed death , my honourd father . rivi. then i must appeare so . andr. and let me give a sonne up to your blessing worthy your best prayers , and embrace ; t was time to bring you acquainted ; he had else this night contriv'd montaltoes tragedie at a banquet , for your revenge his active thoughts i could not counsell no longer patience . rivi. thou hast but prevented me octavio ; i was weary of my concealement . octav. but my joyes are wilde , and will i feare , transport me . rivi. my best friend , and my owne spirited boy , feare not montalto ; hee 's now upon a precipice ; his fate stoopes with the glorious burden of his pride . things may be worth our counsell ; we shall see this prodigie that would be held a starre , and did so fright us with his streaming haire , drop like a comet , and be lost i' th aire . exeunt . montalto , theodosia . mont. i st possible the day should be so old , and not a visite from the duke . theo. while he injoyes health , i shall easily forgive a little ceremony . mont. and a lover ; your grace must chide him ; other men may have excuse for their neglect of time , but he that loves deserves no pardon . theod. iudge with charity my lord ; the case may be your owne ; you would thinke her a cruell mistresse , that should doome your life to exile , for not payment of one ceremonious visite . mont. not where such perfection were to ingage my service madam ; pardon the bold comparison ; death were not enough to punish that rude thought that could start from your bright idea ; or converse with praters that did not first concerne your excellence . i would not be ambitious of a blessing but from reflex of yours . theo. you would expresse a most officious servant to that lady were honourd in your thought ; but the duke of florence and i shall make no such severe conditions . mon. if he doe love you madam , that will teach him above what ceremony prescribes to honour you . theo. if he doe love . mont. your graces pardon ; i speake from an honest freedome taken from the assurance of your goodnesse , that know better how to distinguish truth ; i am not judge of his breast madam . theo. i suppose you are not . mont. and yet being a man another way conclude his passions are but such as have beene read in humane nature . theo. what inferre you from hence my lord ? mont. nothing but that a prince may be no saint in love . theo. howe 's that ? mont. t was in my feare i should displease . theo. your will . mont. not for the empire of the world ; i shall repent i live with your suspition vpon my humbl'd soule . theo. pray sir be free touching the duke ; i must know all ; what i st makes him no saint . mont. madam he is not dead , and in his life i see no miracles . theo. you talk'd of love . mont. no miracles of love ; he loves as other men that have profest devotion to a mistresse — but theo. what ? speake i charge thee by the memory of what thou dost affect most . mont. though it wound my selfe be arm'd and heare it ; how i blush within me , to tell your highnesse florence has transplanted his heart , and all his active thoughts are plac'd . theo. on whom ? mont. on domitilla . theo. ha . mont. i did observe 'em madam , at her mothers house , where we were lately feasted after hunting , how strangely he was taken , how his eyes did wanton with her face , and on her haire tie many golden knots , to keepe love chainde ; but these are but suspitions ; he since confest to me in hope to winne me to negotiate his affaire , how at first sight he tooke in desperate flames , and that shee rules the intelligence of his soule ; i heare the king hath sent for her to court , which must give madam a dangerous opportunity to actuate his ends with your dishonour ; i was unwilling to speake this knowledge of his hasty change , but all my bonds of piety and faith would have beene forfeit into a long silence . theo. shall i be thus affronted . mont. we see princes , whom we call gods on earth , in the affaires of love turne men agen . theo. for domitilla . mont. that 's the dishonour madam , and infects my braine to thinke on 't , and as much beneath your grace in all the ornaments of soule and person as shee is in blood , if my impartiall thoughts may take so bold commission to judge betweene your beauties . theo. is it possible ; mont. t is too certaine madam ; i should be a villaine to accuse the duke unjustly , or bring but shaddowes of a truth ; for though he be unworthy of your love that dares thus valew your perfections , below that phantome domitilla , let not passion make you to rash in managing a cause , on which depends your fame , compared to which ten thousand lives added to mine were nothing ; observe him at next visit . theod. i le study thankes sir . mont. you pay me with a blessing , if my name but live within your memory . theo. this troubles me . exit montalto . enter king and guido . king. are they both come to court ? guid. and in those lodgings were prepar'd . king. t is well , and came they cheerefully ? guid. yes sir , but something i nigh discerne like trouble , and by starts in domitilla ; but they are pleas'd with their remove , and waite all your commands . king. so leave us ; exit guido . theodosia , what 's the matter ? art not well . theo. where 's the duke . king. i thought to have met him here . theod. is domitilla come to court ? king. she is by my command to waite on thee . theo. to rivall me . exit . king. howe 's that ? i meant her a wife for good montalto , as the reward of his just services ; he knowes it not , as he is ignorant for whom i have prepar'd her ; rivall ? strange i must know more of this ; shee is in nature too apprehensive ; for although in love suspition to men a torment be , there is no fiend to womens jealousie . exit . domitilla , bombo . bom. you may doe what you will madam ; put me into fine clothes , and make an asse of me ; but should you wrap me in a lyons skinne . dom. you have eares that will betray what beast you are . bom. pray madam tell me in six words of sence , what shall i doe here ; i le not see the king , though he have cunningly devis'd this tricke onely to bring me hither and betray me to offices , make me at least an idoll . dom. what 's that ? bom. an idoll in the countrey i have read a thing we call a worshipfull , a right worshipfull , descended from the house of the fac totums , lord of the soile , and cocke of his owne dunghill . dom. you may be out of feare ; you cannot reade now , nor set your name to a warrant . bom. all that nothing ; ignorance every day comes into fashion , and no meane statesmen now when they doe write their names , doe for their honours so contrive it , you can hardly know a nobleman from a marke . dom. if you be an enemy to all preferment , your best way is to leave the world and turne a lay fryer . bom. no i finde no such thing in my constitution ; every man is not bound to be religious ; men of my bulke and bearing should not fast so ; i am not given by nature to drinke water , or lye without a shirt ; i have cornes madam , and i would make lesse conscience to undoe my shoomaker , then walke on wodden pantables i will indure to serve you still and dwell here , so you conceale me from the king ; t is not that i doe owe his majestie ill will ; i could indure him too upon condition , he would make nothing on me . dom. why he shall make nothing on thee take my word , or if thou hast a minde i le pray him make thee lesse . bom. no , i would be a midling christian ; but what will you doe here your selfe ; you le be in . dom. with whom dost thinke . bom. and cast away your selfe vpon some pageant , one whose wit must be beholding to anothers wooll to keepe it warme ; one that can dance and sing and wag his feather , an artificiall calfe carrier ; a youth that 's sowed together by his taylour , and taken a peeces by his surgeon . dom. why how now secretary . bom. i could say more . dom. is this wit naturall ? bom. you were best say i got it here at court ; pray heaven i doe not loose what i brought ; i had a holsome wit i' th countrey ; aske the parish and the parson for i kept company with those that reade and learne wit now by the eare ; if any slip from me , as where there is a plenty some will out , here are so many wit catchers , a lost maidenhead is sooner found and set upon the shoulders of the right owner . dom. i preethe tell me bombo , and tell me truth , doe not you thinke your selfe after all this a foole ? bom. a foole ; your servant madam . dom. i le speake thou maist be the kings foole . bom. i thanke you , i tell you i le not see the king , or if i did , yes i looke like a foole , i could be angry , but then you 'd say i were a foole indeed . dom. be not so passionate . bom. wod i had beene a foole , i would i had , for my owne sake i wish it , i should not have beene tempted hither then , by which i have indangered my good parts , to state imployment ; but i le be wise enough , he has not seene me yet nor shanot if there be a witch in naples , or a mist that will be bought for money to walk the court in , but take your course , and i were at home agen . dom. what then ? bom. i would live in the sellar , the wine sellar . dom. t is your humility . bom. there were some fortification to be made against the court invasions , countermines of sand and sacke , a man might thrust himselfe among the bottles , and defie the world , be drunke , and not be cal'd out of his sleepe to goe embassadour . enter simphorosa . dom. so , so , feare not , have a strong faith , and thou maist dye i' th countrey for all this ; here 's my mother ; let your care be now that none may interrupt us . bom. i will doe any thing but see the king . exit dom. with pardon madam you seeme full of thought . sim. i am studying domitilla why the king should send for us to court . dom. mother you cannot mention the king in any act of his that is not glorious and like himselfe ; he is the great example of a king , but richer in his soule then state . sim. but why to us this favour ; to call us from those cold and obscure shades of a retirement to plant us here neare his owne beames ? dom. he has some meaning in 't . sim. it t is yet darke to me . dom. we sha' not staine his court ; his sister 's but a lady of more distinction of birth ; yet all that have beene princes , came not to their state by a descant ; the heralds know some were not borne to purple and to scepters that have beene queenes ; vertue has rais'd some , and beauty has had many charmes to rule the heart of kings . simp. what 's all this domitilla ? i hope you are not dreaming of a queene ; such wilde interpretation of the kings favour to us cannot be made without the forfeits of wits and duties which should teach us to containe our thoughts in their owne spheare and not to point them upon objects above our levell . dom. i betray my selfe , when i sayd beauty had a power to charme a king ; it might acquit me from suspition of any hope to apply them so ambitiously ; you le grant it just to love the king . sim. our duties . dom. and he may where he please place his affection , sim. leave that to her ; it may concerne . dom. and shee that 's mark'd for so great honour should be mad to quarrell with her kinde fate . sim. what 's all this to thee ? dom. to me ; why mother i st not possible a lady not much fairer then my selfe may be a queene ; great princes have eyes like other men , and i should sinne against what heaven and nature have bestowed on me , should my fate smile to thinke my face would be the barre to such preferment . sim. leaving this which is but mirth i know since we are falne into discourse of love , what would you answer to lord montalto if he came a wooing and recommended by the king ? dom. i would eene recommend him to the king agen . sim. is not his favorite worth your love , if he descend to be your servant . dom. as a servant he may be entertain'd , and were i queene , perhaps he should be favorite to both ; and i would smile upon his services in imitation of the king while he preserv'd his modest duty and his distance : sim. my daughter is transported , sure you are no queene sweet domitilla . dom. t is a truth , nor is montalto yet my favorite . sim. i hope shee 's not so miserable to affect the king , by whose directions i prepare her for montalto . enter bombo . bom. a sprig of the nobility cal'd octavio desires accesse . dom. admit him . sim. i must let this passion coole and leave her . enter octavio . octav. welcome to court ; why so ; this sphere becomes you , or rather it takes ornament from you ; now domitilla shines indeede ; your presence doth throw new beames about the pallace madam ; before we look'd as we had lost our genius . dom. you came not from the king with any message , octav. i made this hast to tender my owne service . dom. you have no other suite to me ? octav. yes madam . dom. speake it . octav. and i le not wander much about ; shall i be admitted a young lover ? dom. men must not love till they be one & twenty , they will be mad before they come to age else . octav. this law was ne're decreed i' th parliament of cupid ; such a statute would undoe many sweet virgins like your selfe ; yet if you 'le promise to stay for me , i shall thinke it a happy expectation ; we are both young ; we may choose each other valentine and couple , as we grow more ripe hereafter . dom. i le aske you but one question my lord , what would you give to be the king of naples ? octav. i dare not thinke so ambitiously . dom. t is modest : what if i cannot love under a prince . octav. can he be lesse , whom you will make happy to boast in the possession of your faire person , a thousand provinces ; those eyes are able to create another indies ; all the delights that dwell in blessed tempe divinely bud and blossome in your cheeke ; the treasure of arabia's in your breath ; nor thebes alone , as to amphions lute stoopes to the heavenly magicke of your voyce , but all the world . dom. no more of this ; these praises are made for children , and will make truth blush ; they may fill up where nature is defective ; and were i queene of naples i should punish such flattery ; but you are young and may outgrow this vanity . octav. you are mercifull . dom. i shall be ever so to you octavio , let this incourage you to thinke i love you in the first place , of those which are borne subjects ; if you will answer my respects forbeare to question further . octa. i shall waite sometime , and kisse your hand . dom. and if my power may prevaile to doe you favour with the king , make your addresse . octa. has not the court transform'd her . exit . dom. me thinkes i move upon a state already and yet t is not the glory of his title affects my hope so much ; his person 's lovely , and both together make the charme ; i doe expect his royall presence ; how shall i behave my lookes when he declares himselfe , enter iacamo . iaca. madam . dom. admit not every lord to trouble me ; i will take physicke ; but i le be observ'd ; you may frame some excuse to ladies too that presse their visite . iaca. t is the duke . dom. the duke . iaca. of florence . dom. princes must not be neglected ; that name gives him accesse ; say i attend . enter duke . duke . the acknowledgments i owe your favours madam , late your rude guest brings me to kisse your hand . dom. your excellence is pleas'd to interpret fairely of our intents . duke . and till occasion ripen my whole discharge for your faire entertainement , madam , be pleas'd to weare these diamonds , which of themselves betray their want of lusture , and come with an ambition to recover flame from your smile . dom. it can be no dishonour to take these from a prince . enter iacamo , whispers to domitilla . the king with wings , i le haste to meet him , exit . duke . gone , and so abruptly her businesse might allow her breath to thanke me for my rich present ; but i le follow her ; i wo'd not meet the king here ; if shee prove gentle , my heart i consecrate to love . exit .
the fourth act . enter king , and domitilla . king. my pretty domitilla , now you are my guest , t is fit whom i have made my charge should live within my eyes , welcome once more to court . dom. you are bounty sir it selfe , and binde a virgins prayers . king. what art thou yet prepar'd to heare his name , i would declare thy husband . enter duke . duke . the king . king. the duke ; this confirmes it . duke . vnlucky fate he has spied me . king. thou shalt have a little patience , while the duke and i change some discourse in private . dom. i obey exit . duke . he is sent off ; i hope the king is not in love with her himselfe . king. now my lord , what alone , i see you can addresse your selfe to a handsome lady . duke . he has prevented mē . where i receive favour i shall never want heart to acknowledge . king. that rule binds to all . duke . it does but with distinction , to pay . king. but with distinction to pay , first love to those that best deserves it from us . duke . t is justice sir . king. this granted , there 's another whom though you can forget , my sister sir deserves to be remembred . duke . you are jealous that i visite this lady . king. that were onely to doubt ; i must be plaine ; florence has not beene kind to naples to reward us with affront for love , and theodosia must not be any princes mockery . duke . i can take boldnesse too , and tell you sir it were more for hēr honour , shee would mock no prince i am not lost to florence yet , though i be naples guest , and i must tell him here i came to meet with faire and princely treaties of love , not to be made the tale of italy , the ground of scurrile pasquills , or the mirth of any lady , who shall preingage her heart to anothers bosome , and then sneake off like a tame despised property , when her ends are advanc'd . king. i understand not this passion ; yet it points upon something that may be dangerous to conclude ; theodosia is naples sister , and i must not see her lost to honour , though my kingdome bleed to rescue her . duke . now you are passionate ; t is i must be repair'd ; my name is wounded , and my affection betrayed ; your sister that lookes like a faire starre , within loves skie is falne , and by the scattering of her fires declares shee has alliance with the earth , not heavenly nature . king. are my senses perfect ; be clearer sir ; teach me to understand this prodigie ; you doe not scorne our sister ? duke . not i ; as she has title to your blood shee merits all ambition , shee is a princesse , yet no staine to her invention , we are paralells equall , but never made to meet . king. how 's this ? duke . truth is my witnesse i did meane no ceremonious love , untill i found her heart was given from me , though your power contract our bodies . king. stay and be advis'd , and if your doubts by some malitious tongue framed to abuse my sister , and your selfe , have rais'd this muteny in your thoughts , i have a power to cure all . duke . sir you cannot . king. not to court thee for her husband , wert possest of all , ore which our eagle shakes his wings , but to set right her honour ; and ere i challenge thee by thy birth , by all thy hopes and right to fame , to tell me what seditious breath has poyson'd her ; heare what my sister sends by me so late , time is not old in minuts , the word 's yet warme with her owne breath ; pray tell the duke saies she , although i know not from what roote his discontents grow , to devote him to domitilla . duke . how does shee know that ? king. whose beauty has more spell upon his fancy , i did contract my heart , when i thought his had beene no stronger to his tongue , and can not finde within it since , what should divert his princely thoughts from my first innocence ; yet such is my sterne fate i must still love him ; and though he frame his heart to unkinde distance , it hath imbracing vertue upon mine , and with his owne remove , drawes my soule after him ; if he forget i am a princesse , pray let naples doe so too ; for my revenge shall be in prayers , that he may finde my wrong but teach him soft repentance , and more faith . duke . all this must not betray my freedome sir . king. you le not accuse our sister of dishonour . duke . i would not grieve you sir to heare what i could say ; and presse me not for your owne peace ; fames must be gently toucht . king. as thou art florence speake . duke . i shall displease ; yet i but tell her brother that doth presse me ; lucrece was chast after the rape ; but where the blood consents , there needs no ravisher . exit . king. i doe grow faint with wonder ; here 's enough to blast an apprehension , and shoote a quaking through the valiant soule of man ; my sisters blood accus'd , and her faire name late chast as trembling snow , whose fleeces clothe our alpine hills , sweet as the roses spirit or violets cheeke , on which the morning leaves a teare at parting , now begins to wither , as it would haste to death , and be forgotten ; this florence is a prince that does accuse her ; and such men give not faith to every murmur or slight intelligence that wounds a lady in her deare honour ; but shee is my sister ; thinke of that too ; credit not all , but aske of thy owne veines what guilty flowings there may tempt thee to beleeve this accusation . enter theodosia . t is shee ; th' art come theodosia to my wishes . theo. what does distract you sir . king. i have done your message to the duke , and finde he does love domitilla . theo. her he shall meete and marry in elisium . king. what meane you ? theo. i have shooke off my tamenesse ; doe not hinder my just revenge ; i le turne their triumphs into death . king. there is a question of more consequence thou must resolve ; it does concerne thee more then thy owne life . theo. you fright me . king. are you honest ? theo. honest . king. i could have us'd the name of chaste , or virgin ; but they carry the same sence ; put off thy wonder theodosia , and answer me by both our parents ashes , which now are frighted in the urne , and scarse contain'd beneath their marble , while their fame bleeds in my wounded honour art thou still my sister without staine ; upon thy chastity tell me and answer truth , for both our lives . nay , nay , there is no time for thy amaze ; hast thou not lost thy selfe and beene injoyed ; i blush to name the way . theo. never . king. agen . theo. by all the good we hope for i an innocent as your owne wishes . king. th' art my vertuous sister . theo. but by your love and all that bound to be just , now let me know my strange accuser . king. thou shalt know that hereafter ; let thy thoughts live in their owne peace , and dispute not mine . exit . enter domitilla . dom. not speake to me ; he fround too ; sure i have not displeasd him ; wherefore stayes the princesse ? theo. shew spirit now or never . domitilla the greatest part of my affliction ; let my revenge begin here . dom. your grace does honour your unworthy servants ; and if i might beseech one favour more , t is but to know what has displeas'd the king . theo. must you be of counsell with his passions ; what hath advanc'd you to this boldnesse ? dom. pardons why does your grace put on those angry lookes ; i never did offend you in a thought . theo. cunning dissembler , yes , and t is thy death must satisfie ; yet ere i give thee punishment tell me what impudence advanc'd thy thoughts so high in our dishonour was there none in your owne for me of blood fit for your love , but you must flatter your prou ? hopes with one so much above thy birth , though he in frailty consent to make thee great , dar'st thou accept it , and with my shame aspite to be his equall ; disclaime these hopes , and sweare never to love him . dom. madam . theo. doe , or with this i will secure my feares , and stand the malice of all other fate . dom. heare me . theo. be briefe . dom. i know not by what genius prompted madam , to live or die , more happily , i have no feare of your rage , which is so farre from making me sinne against my love , it has inlarg'd my heart , which trembles not to be loves martyr ; i can forgive your hand too , if you promise to tell the king how willing i die for him . theo. the king ; thou lov'st the duke . dom. hee 's not concern'd in my affection ; i have no thought of any prince alive , but your owne brother ; such an example of loves folly have my starres decreed me ; yet if pride and duty may in one action meete and be good friends , both shall assist my last breath which shall offer humbly the king , and his affaires to heaven this he will pardon , shall he know it done by me more sit to die then live for him . theo. alas poore domitilla ; shee is wounded as deepe as i ; rise and forgive my jealousie ; i cannot promise thee to be my sister , but i will love thee like one ; let us call a counsell of our thoughts , and mingle sorrowes ; yet when we have done all , and tyr'd our breath , there is no cure for love , but love or death . exeunt . enter king and montalto . king. how will montalto counsell me ; i am wilde with the repetition . mont. the duke lay such a blacke aspersion on your sister ; t is blasphemy to honour ; but as soone he may pollute the sunne beames , or defile the dew of heaven ere it approach the earth make us beleeve the rockes of ice doe flame , and may indanger the north starre ; my wonder will make me reason leste it throwes a poyson on your whole family , a staine so deepe and so prodigious , all the blood within his dukedome wo'not purge it ; could he finde no excuse for his revolt to domitilla , but blasting the sweet princesse . king. domitilla whom i must tell you i already have prepar'd to be thy bride , as an addition to the reward i owe thy services . mont. prepard for me ? you are too bountifull in you i kneele both to my king and father ; but my aspiring will be satisfied to be your servant still : in your grace i injoy the brinde my heart affects ; let me grow old with duties here , and not translate my affection till my weary soule throw off the burden of my dust . king. no more : in this one act , i le build a monument of my love to thee , and my revenge upon the duke ; thou instantly shalt marry domitilla ; her beauty , blood and fortune will deserve thee . mont. i am your creature , but how this may inflame the duke . king. t is meant so . mont. but your sisters fame were worth your first care ; this may be done with more accesse of joy when shee is righted : you have beene pleasd to heare my counsell sir and not repented . king. what would'st thou advise me ? mont. the duke is young and apt to erre ; you cannot preserve your hospitable lawes to affront him openly , nor will it be thought prudence to let loose these suspitions to the descant of peoples tongues ; th' aire is dangerous ; let me search the dukes bosome , for the spring of this dishonour . king. how ? mont. mistake me not ; philoberto is his secret consellour , and the receiver of his thoughts ; leave me to manage this great worke ; i have a way to every angle of his heart ; meane time be pleas'd to keepe your person but retired ; a silent discontent will fright him more , and arme us with full knowledge . king. wise montalto , i like thy honest counsell , and obey it ; but lose no time . exit . mont. it never was more pretious ; my essence is concern'd and every minute brings a fresh seige against montaltoes life ; there 's none but philoberto conscious to my last accusation of the princesse ; then hee must be remov'd ; delayes are fatall ; i le poyson him to night ; i have the way ; this done , the duke may follow , or be brib'd with domitillaes person to quit naples . enter guido , aloisio , alexio . guid. my honour'd lord . mont. guido , aloisio ; why make i this distinction y' are but one , to your montalto , have one heart and faith ; your love and dilligence must now be active . guid. you have deserv'd us . alex. lord of our fortunes . guid. wee are your creatures , bound by all law and conscience of the court to serve your ends . mont. t is but to waite close and contrive excuses , if the duke desire accesse to the king . gui. this all . mont. be carefull none of his traine nor faction be admitted , in speciall philoberto ; if he appeare , present my service , and desire to speake with him ; this is no mighty province gentlemen to waste you much ; yet this neglected will destroy my tall fate , in whote fall you must stoope and be strucken dead with the large ruines . gui. kill us not first by your suspition ; we looke upon you as our destiny ; prosper as we are faithfull . mont. you divide me . alex. there is much trouble in his face , how ere let us be firme ; is not this philoberto . enter riviero . riv. my honor'd lords . gui. we are proud to be your servants . i am yours ; where is the lord montalto . alo. new gone from us , and desires to speake with you , and is gone either to your lodging or the dukes . rivi. i have some affaires with the king , and that dispatch'd i le waite upon him . gui. we are confident you will excuse us ; we receiv'd command that none should interrupt him . rivi. i come from the duke . alo. his excellent will conster it our duties . riv. this was not wone . alo. we dare not sit dispute our masters pleasure . gui. perhaps his confessor is with him . rivi. perhaps there is some cunning ; nay preferre the businesse of the soule , i may presume he has no long catalogue to account for . gui. you have not beene of counsell with his conscience ; we doe not use to limit his devotions . rivi. t is picus , and you three by computation montaltoes knaves here plac'd , to keepe away discoveries : in spight of all your subtilties , the king shall know my minde , and understand the history of your patrons and your service ; let time speak your reward in your owne chronicles . alo. you not forget my lord montalto has desire to speake with him . rivi. t is all my businesse ; be carefull of your watch and looke about you , some wee sell may get in else . gui. does he jeere us ? alex. let him ; his embassy is not perform'd . enter duke , montalto . mont, you doe amaze my understanding sir to require i should justifie a tale made to the blemish of so chaste a lady . duke . did not your lordship tell such a story to philoberto in my lodgings . mont. i dare his malice , to affront ; and t is not done like your selfe to sully with one breath two sames . duke . shall i not credit my owne eares ? mont. deare sir , collect your selfe , and let not passion to domitilla whom you may possesse , here after make you so unjust . duke . deare machiavill this will not doe ; the king shall know your stratagems . mont. goe threaten babes ; this would exalt my rage , but i remember y' are a guest to naples , nor would i grieve the genius of my country , to place my owne revenge above her honour . duke . poore shaddow . mont. now . drawes a dagger at the dukes backe . t will not be safe ; you know your change . exit . guid. we are proud to see your excellence in health . duke . where is the king ? alo. a little busle sir . alex. not yet i thinke , he is at his prayers . duke . i le adde to his letanie . guid. it wo'not neede ; i thinke his ghostly father can direct him , with whom he is in private . duke . i know not how to interpret this ; i want philoberto . exit . enter octavio . octav. your graces servant ; he lookes displeas'd . guid. my lord octavio . octav. your servant lords . guid. you meet the duke . octav. his face shewed discontent . aloi. we summe our fortunes in montaltoes smile , by whose commands we have denyed the duke accesse to 'th king . octav. you have done well , it much concernes my lord ; his and all our fate depends upon 't ; continue still your care and circumspection , and while i am within let none be admitted . exit . guid, let us alone ; a spirit may have the device to enter , but if he have so much body as a gnat i le know his errand ; whoe 's this ; oh it t is my lady domitillaes secretary . enter bombo . bom. here are so many trickes , and turnes , and dores i'these court lodgings , i have lost my selfe . guid. mr. secretary . bom. t was you betrayd me to the king , and caus'd my ladies to be sent for , with more cunning to bring me hither ; but all 's one , he has not seene me yet not sha'not ; which is my way out of this labyrinth . alo. why are you so unwilling the king should see you ? guid. or to live in court ; me thinkes this habite becomes you now ; does it not my lord . alex. he lookes like a true hero . bom. you are beside the story sir ; i did reade once that hero had no upper lip ; shee was a lady of leanders lake . guid. a wit ? there 's a new word ; now for the hellespont , hee le make a subtile courtier . bom. it has undone me . alo. vndone thee how ? bom. i know not whether it be my wit or clothes , or disposition of the place , or all together , but i am sure i am in love , i finde it by the losing of my stomacke ; i am most strangely in love . guid with whom ? bom. i know not . aloi. can you not guesse . bom. i hope t is with my selfe , for i did vow when my first mistresse dyed which was , guid. what ? bom. a dairy maide that we had i' th countrey , to love no living woman bove an houre ; shee was the very creame of all her sex ; oft have we churn'd together . guid. and drunke healths in butter-milke . aloi. but doe you hope you are in love with your selfe sir . bom. marry doe i sir ; is that so wonderfull at court . guid. you are pleasant . aloi. le ts be rid on him . guid. come you shall now speake with the king , and he shall knight thee ; more honours may follow . bom. you shall excuse me ; put your honours vpon some body else . guid. doe you know what t is . bom. i have not read of late . aloi. but you are much given to hearing , what is honour . bom. honour a buble is that is soone broke , a gloworme seeming fire , but has no smoake . aloi. there 's fire and water . bom. and smoake for ayre ; a painted sun-beame , peece of gilded chaffe , and he that trusts leanes to a broken staffe . gui. you should have reconcil'd the foure elements to the conceit ; there was fire , aire , water ; where 's the earth . bom. oh he that leanes to a broken staffe shall finde that presently . enter king reading a paper , octavio . guid. the king . bom. king bee your leave ; i vanish . exit bombo . king. this paper containes wonder ; t is not possible . octa. vpon my life sir , philoberto can demonstate these . king. the divell has not art to abuse us so ; this will require some counsell ; enter montalto . hee 's here , montalto ; leave us . exeunt lords . mont. sir your pleasure . king. is all in thee ; hast met with philoberto ? mont. not yet . king. no matter ; i have thought upon 't , and doe conclude it best to let things passe yet in a dreame ; choise and enquiry may awake suspition upon innocence . mont. you cannot thinke her guilty sir . king. i am not without some feares ; i have collected things since we conferr'd , that stagger my good thoughts . mont. of her you cannot ; sir unthinke agen , what ever would betray her to your jealousy ; a virgins monument cannot be more chaste i th temple . king. yes , yes ; we may be all cozend ; and therefore let her passe among things desperate ; yet were i certaine shee were spotted thus , as t is but a young leprosie upon her , i could wish heartily my sister timely married , not to the duke that would betray us , but to some one i know not , who could love vs both , so well as be that rare friend and save our honours . mont. doe you then suspect her . king. oh the dukes character had a powerfull sence ; and who knowes but shee may be lost by one not fit to make her reparation ; could any nobleman be found in naples to binde her wound up by so great an act of secrecy and marriage ; but some winde may listen and convey , i know not whether , what my sad breath has scatter'd in the aire ; thy master has no servant that dares take one sorrow from him . mont. you are sir provided of more then that can rise to in my service . king. canst thou be so compassionate to lose thy hopes of richer beauty , for my sake ? darst thou with all this knowledge hide her staine , and marry her ? mont. my duty to your majestie shall marry me to death ; let not this trouble the quiet of your heart ; i le take theodosia , and thinke upon her as shee had the whitenesse of my good angell . king. th' art a miracle ; teach me but which way i may reward this love ; till now i had no poverty ; thy worth will make me everlastingly in debt ; what shall i say ? mont. great sir , no more ; your favours flow from a bounty , which hath onely heaven above it . king. they are all trifles ; let me see , is nothing in thy power to make thee finde my gratitude ? how barren are we , wealth , honour . mont. ther 's nothing good or great you have not freely possest me with ; your favours would , so mighty have they falne upon me , rather expresse a storme , and i had sunke beneath the welcome violence , had not your love from whence they flowed , inabled me to strength and manly bearing . king. i was inprovident to reserve nothing , or it was a fault in thee to be so prodigall of merit in thy past services ; canst thou thinke of nothing worth my addition . mont. nothing sir . king. i have it , and thanke my better genius i have it , such a reward montalto that i dare be modest yet pronounce , never did prince exceede it to his friend . mont. sir you amaze me , and shame my want of merit . king. in the title , let kings peruse the benefit and study an imitation to their best loved creatures ; th' are great as fortune can invent ; i le teach thee a way montalto , to know all thy friends . and enemies . mont. that were a pretious knowledge , were it in nature ; with your highnesse pardon the hearts of men are not to be measured with what we reach the starres , or fadome seas ; oh he that 's active in a state has more . chainde to him by the power and strength of office , then genuine respect ; and t is not worth or person , but the fortunes of a statesman that sometimes men adore . king. t is true ; and therefore i am proud in this that i can teach thee looke into mens soules , to know 'em fit for scorne , or thy embraces . mon. how may this sir be done ? king. almost 'i th twinckling of an eye too . mont. strange . king. i seeme to frowne upon thee . mont. how sir ? king. doest apprehend me ; i will counterfeit that i am displeas'd with thee ; doe not mistake me , and have it voic'd about the court , thou art consin'd , doest marke ; at this will all thy enemies whose hearts thou canst not see , their tongues before by thy great power silenc'd , joyne in faction complaine , discover their whole stocke of malice , tickling their spleenes , that thou art out of favour , whom i shall heare and smile at ; then all those whose honest soules deserve thee , will rise up , the champions of thy same o' th other side and be so many oratours to make thy faith and honour shine ; when this done , the scene is chang'd , i send for thee ; thou commest with a most glorious traine ; and then i le smile , take thee agen i' th sight of all , discover t was but a tricke , thy friends keepe still thy bosome , and thou in triumph shoot'st a scorne with mine to strike all envie dumbe ; i st not a rate one ? i cannot doe enough for thee montalto . mont. you have found out a way i must confesse ; but with your pardon , i shall be more able to do : you service in the other ignorance , then ruine a desperate hazard in this knowledge ; some hold it sinne , and capitall enough to have the princess favour , which once lost though but in suspition ; they may rage , and like a torrent rise to o'rewhelme nature . king. these sha'not wound thee . mont. and how other indges may wrest the actions of a man imployed though ne're so faithfull to his king and state . king. i am confident of thy justice and decree , thy triumph in 't ; thy goodnesse thus conspicuous renders thee loved , and fit for theodosia when she is brightest ; the sunne never smiled more cherefull upon teeming earth , then i to finde thee perfect ; for i doe but seeme displeas'd ; come , i will have it so ; if thou dost love me , no dispute , but let me pursue my fancie meant to doe thee honour . who waites ? enter lords . now it begins ; attend my lord montalto to his chamber , where our will is , he be confin'de untill our pleasure further knowne . guid. how 's this ? alex. aloi . consin'd ! king. no ceremony sir ; when that 's done , we ease you of the trouble too of waiting ; you know the way my lords to your owne lodgings , from whence on perill of our anger stirre not vntill wee send for you — octavio . guid. doe we not dreame . mont. something wo'd creepe like a dead sleepe upon me ; i am in a labirinth ; but hence with coward feare ; i know the worst ; grim death can but translate me hence , and there 's an end of death and fate .
the fift act . simphorosa , theodosia , domitilla . theo. he conforted and counsel'd domitilla ; i have my part in loves affliction . sim. this i fear'd enter iacamo . i must acquaint the king ; where is your fellow bombo ? his mirth might now be seasonable . iaca. hee 's gone madam . sim. gone , whither ? iaca. backe to the country house ; he heard of my lord montaltoes disgrace , and the feare of his supp'ying the place of a favorite , sent him away this morning with all his moveables ; the countrey he saies is wholesome , where he will dye without feare or wit when his time comes ; he durst not stay to see the king . exit iaca. sim. would we had still beene strangers to the court ; leave us ; my daughter is much bound to your grace . dom. it is the king you speake of ; pray be carefull you speake all goodnesse of him , he deserves it , and will when i am dead . sim. i le lose no time . exit . theo. i wish it prosper . dom. i dare not say the king dissembles with me ; that were a fault beyond my love ; but sure something he said that made my heart beleeve he did not meane me for another ; and montalto , whose reward i must be thought , is now consin'd , and under his displeasure . theo. he will have more care of his honour then to place thee so unworthily ; montalto has plaid the cunning traytour with our loves , if i may trust thee noble philoberto that told me the whole story of his falsehood , which i before suspected . dom. and if he should dispise me as t is justice , will heaven be angry if i love him still ; or will the king call it a treason in me ? if hee doe , i can willingly dye for 't , and with may last words pray he may live happy ; but why am i this trouble to your grace ? my story is not worth one of your minuts ; deare madam pardon me , and teach me how to make my time more happy , spent in something that may concerne your highnesse ; you doe love too . enter iacamo . iaca. madam , the duke of florence . theo. how the duke ? dom. why does he visite me ? madam indeed you may beleeve i love him not . theo. admit him i preethe , and conceale me domitilla ; i know he comes a wooing to thy beauty ; i preethe let me heare the second part : exit . dom. i shall against my owne desires obey you . enter duke . duke . the ambition of my eyes can not be thought immodest , if they ever wish to dwell here ; they have found their light agen ; let no misfortune be a second cause to bury me in darkenesse . dom. your graces pardon , if my haste to attend the king and his commands made me appeare rude when i left your excellence . duke . this does more then satisfie . dom. i know not how i may stand guilty in your thoughts by keeping a rich caskanet . duke . you honor'd me to accept it . dom. but with a blush i must remember too i did not thanke you ; there was want of time or manners ; i must leave it to your mercy , and would by any duty to your grace expiate my errour . duke . madam it is not worth the mention of this gratitude ; your breath makes the oblation rich , and me who am encourag'd by your vertue , to present you with something of more valew , then a world of these poore empty glories ; i dare give you my heart madam . dom. blesse your grace from such a meaning . duke . can you be cruell to it ? dom. i ne're had the confidence to looke upon a wound ; and such a bleeding object as your heart would fright my senses . duke . you are more ingenious then not to understand that i meane love ; i love you madam , best of all your sex . dom. you cannot sir , you dare not . duke . how ? dom. you dare not be so wicked i am am sure when you remember , what you are , a prince . duke . is it a sinne for princes to love madam ? dom. or if you could dispence with so much passion to love me , and durst give me , what i tremble to thinke you promise , that , that very act in which you most advance affection to me , would make me thinke you love me not . duke . be clearer . dom. how should i thinke his courtship worth my trust , and meete him with a reall change of hearts , who in his very first attempt of love , would blast my honour , and betray me to a shame , blacke as the tongue of infamy . duke . would i ? dom. and more ; for you in this would tempt me to an act , by which i should not onely wound my selfe to death of honour , but make me guilty of anothers blood , and kill an innocent lady , whose least teare is worth a thousand lives of perjurd men that make a scorne of vertue . duke . what lady ? dom. have you forgot the princesse sir ? duke . the princesse ! dom. in that name you le finde your selfe agen lost in a mist of passions ; oh thinke the fames and hopes of two rich countries are engag'd upon your faith ; your highnesse pardon , i finde some blushes chide my too much boldnesse , and by a nearer view now of your goodnesse , i see my errour to beleeve you meant other then triall of me , or could fall to any thought beneath your birth and honour . duke . but if theodosia be made anothers by her owne gift , and i at large , with what justice may i be thought then to addresse my passions hither . dom. if the princesse , which i must not thinke , give your heart backe agen , and that you could quit all your tyes with honour , my thoughts are all resign'd to the kings will ; he must dispose of me , by my owne vow , without his free consent never to marry . exit . duke . the king ; there t is ; i thought shee was his mistresse ; t is not possible the princesse now can pardon my neglect ; montaltoes practise vpon me , and his poysoning of her vertue wo'not excuse my shame ; i dare not see whom i have injur'd , theodosia ; in am resolv'd , this night i le steale from naples . enter theodosia . theo. nay doe not hide your face my lord ; it will appeare as fresh and lovely to my eyes , as when it first presented me your smiles ; i am theodosia still . duke . but i have beene ? theo. abus'd ; time will discover to the ruine of his owne name , and glory of our loves , montaltoes practise to divide our soules . duke . you cannot be so mercifull ; or else this sweetnesse is put on to enlarge my guilt , when we are both compar'd ; dare you beleeve i can repent and be' revenged . theo. vpon whom ? duke . vpon my selfe , for suffering my eyes to wander from this sweetnesse . theo. you outdoe the satisfaction ; if your grace can finde me grow agen within your heart , where first my love desired to plant . duke . oh let me drowne my blushes in this over slow of charity ; but there 's an act that justice calls me to , before i can be worthy of this peace . montalto has plaid the villaine ; now i finde it , and from his treacherous heart my sword must force a bloody satisfaction for thy honour , poyson'd by him . theo. stay that revenge ; shame has already sunke him . enter a courtier . court. sir the king desires some conference with your grace , and with you madam . theo. i shall attend you sir ; we shall present together , thus no object to displese him . duke . though i shall blush to see him , i le waite on you . exeunt . enter king , riviero , andrugio ; petitioners . king. good heaven , upon what humane bosome shall we that are made your substitutes on earth place secure confidence ? and yet there may be malice in complaints ; the flourishing oake for his extent of branches , stature , growth , the darling and the idoll of the wood , whose awefull nod the under trees adore , shooke by a tempest , and throwne downe must need submit his curled head and full growne limbes , to every common axe , be patient , while the tortures put to every joynt the sawes and engines , making with their very noyse the forrests groane and tremble ; but not one when it was in his strength and state revil'd it , whom poverty of soule , and envy sends to gather stickes from the trees wish'd for rume , the great mans embleme ; i did love montalto , and wed not have him lost if justice would consent , and be a little of his side ; but here are the two plummets weigh him downe ; his impious practice on the duke , and base aspertions on our sister that defame our whole blood , is a loud , loud accusation . rivi. his conscience dares not sir deny 't . king. and you speake here the tragicke story of riviero , whose honest soule for not complying with his power and ends , chose in a discontent to make himselfe an exile , yee pursude , and by the practise of montalto poyson'd at rome . andr. this letter sent to alvarez , whose treacherous physicke purg'd his soule away , is too much testimony . king. t is his character . enter octavio . octavio you come for justice too . octav. it were a vaine breath to desire it sir ; your thoughts are still so conscious of vertue , they will prevent petition . king. come nearer . rivi. the king is troubled . andr. where he loved , to finde so much ingratitude . king. andrugio . rivi. things are not yet mature for my discovery . king. you observe — away — exit andr. octav . we may be just philoberto , yet not destroy another attribute , which shewes whose representative we are ; mercy becomes a king ; too much can be but thought a sinne on the right hand ; we are resolv'd . enter simphorosa . madam you are welcome . rivi. i begin to feare there is some spell upon the king ; if after this montalto shall prevaile , let innocence be stronger to the world , and heaven be afraid to punish vice . king. remove for a few minuts . rivi. i obey . king. you tell me wonders madam ; las poore lady , i shall then have enough to reconcile ; shee was too hasty to interpret me her lover . sim. if you sir apply no cure , the fond impression may i feare indanger her sence and life ; i urg'd montalto sir by your command , before his change of fortune , but shee tooke no delight to heare him namde . king. no , no , nor i ; good heaven how i am troubled how to repaire this pretty peece of innocence , whom i have brought into a waking dreame of passion ; something i must doe ; pray tell me , but tell me truth ; i charge thee by thy duty to me , to naples , and to heaven , or if there be in womans faith , or thy religion any thing else to make it up a full and perfect conjuration . sim. you fright me ; without these not a thought within my heart but you have power to summon . king. tell me then , is domitilla vertuous ? sim. how sir ? king. is shee exceeding vertuous ; is shee most divinely chast ; can shee doe more then blush at wanton sounds ; will shee be very angry at an immodest offer , and be frighted to heare it nam'd ; tell me ; does shee pray and weepe , and wod be torne upon the racke ere shee consent to staine one virgin thought : or dares shee more then lucrece kill her selfe to save her honour , or doe something more miraculously then all this to preserve her white name to posterity . sim. i know not how to reply to these particulars ; but if your meaning be to have me speake truth of her modest and pare thoughts , shee is all that her mother can beseech of heaven to blesse a childe with of so chast a soule , and vertuous simplicity . king. no more ; i doe beleeve , and will finde out a way to make her satisfaction ; t is just ; say i desire her presence . sim. now you blesse us ; a widdowes prayers and teares for this great bounty . exit . enter riviero . rivi. your sister and the duke sit . king. there 's new trouble . rivi. never so lovingly united ; the pleasant language of their eyes and gestures doth speake their hearts at peace . king. that would rejoyce me . enter duke , theodosia . theo. take us to your love ; all jealousies are banish'd , and we both breath from one soule . king. my wonder and my joy . duke . your pardon . king. take my bosome . theo. the misfortune kept us at distance , was your creatures act . king. the clouds are now remov'd . rivi. lord montalto , sir . king. let musicke speake his deare approach ; we sent for him . rivi. how 's this : king. let me intreate you to obscure your persons a while . exit duke , theodosia . loud musicke — enter guido , aloisio , alexio , andrugio , octavio , montalto . king. my lord y' are welcome to us , very welcome we have kept our word , and finde you have not lost your confidence ; what a brave armour is an innocent soule ? how like a cocke it bids defiance to a storme , against whose ribbes the insolent waves , but dash themselves in peeces , and fall and hide their heads in passionate foame , how would a guilty person tremble now , looke pale , and with his eyes chain'd to the ground betray his feare of justice . mont. where should honour shine with his pure and native lustre but where there is such a king , so good , so great , the example and reward ; he must be a rebell twice to vertue that can live to be convinc'd of a dishonour neare such an instructive goodnesse . king. where be all his fierce accusers ? call 'em to his presence , whom all their envies would destroy . rivi. so , so ; the king is charm'd . octav. they are gone upon the first newes of my lords returne they vanish'd sir . mont. so may all reason fly the brow of innocence : king. t is well said ; but they sha not fly their names ; reade there just to our thoughts , they apprehended thee lost in our displeasure ( where 's our sister ) and now they came to be reveng'd montalto , vpon our favours . guid. right , and please your grace . king. there 's something may concerne your want of grace andrugio , philoberto . gives them papers . mont. we are undone guido , and i see more engines are leveld at my fate . rivi. the king would have your lordship peruse this . andr. and these . rivi. that you may know your friends and enemies . mont. lost , lost for ever . rivi. sir you know you have obliged the princesse theodosia and the duke to you , and you may presume to use their favours , they are here . enter duke , theodosia . mont. t were better for me they had no beeing . i did never expect this ; to accuse me for the death of riviero ; but i must obey this fatall revolution . king. why does montalto kneele . mont. i dare not aske your pardon , onely i beg you would put on a brow rough as the cause you have to make it frowne , and that may strike me dead without more torment . king. ingratefull man ? am i rewarded thus , not onely with my faith abus'd and subjects , but wounding all our honours . theo. let him finde your mercy sir for his offence to me . enter simphorosa , domitilla . king. i must not , dare not pardon ; t were a sinne in me of violence to heaven and justice . mont. you have beene a royall master . king. take him hence ; his life will draw a scorne upon the kingdome ; expect the censure of our lawes you gentlemen ; we onely banish from the court . gui. aloi. alex. you are mercifull . king. pray and be honest . rivi. that last will be the greatest pennancē to 'em . king. my passion would be strong but here is one come to divert the streame ; how is it with my pretty domitilla ; you and i may change some words in private . octav. the king is just , and t is within your silence to make montalto nothing . rivi. hee will sinke apace without that weight upon him ; malice shall have no share in my revenge . king. and since montalto is become incapable , i wo'not marry thee ; that 's a thing too common ? but thou shalt be my mistresse , a preferment above my first intention ; be wise and entertaine it ; oh the dayes and nights wee le spend together . octav. the king 's very pleasant with domitilla . king. come kisse me domitilla ; kisse me now before all these ; what needs this modesty ; come let us take in one anothers soule . dom. are you the king of naples . king. so they call me , and if there be a power within that name it shall be thine to make thee glorious , and great above our queene ; there is no title like unto that our heate and blood creates a mistresse domitilla . dom. are you sir in earnest ? king. doe but thou consent , and i will give thee such a proofe in my embraces of the delight ; they will not follow us ; i le tell thee more i' th bed-chamber . dom. i dare not understand this language , can the king be impious ; how was my opinion cozen'd sinne hath deform'd his very shape ; his voyce hath now no harmony . king. this is but to draw more courtship from me . dom. pardon i beseech you ; i have found my errour . king. will shee yeeld ? dom. i did consent too soone to my captivity , though modesty would not allow me strength to tell you so ; but you have sir , by what my fond thoughts never did expect , reliev'd me , to make me know my selfe ; and now preserving that duty which i owe you as my king , i call love backe agen , and can looke on your lusts with a becomming scorne . king. you can . dom. yes , and were naples , rome , and all the wealth of italy laid downe , the great temptation , thus i would spurne their glories . king. come this is but the tricke of all your sex ; we know you can dissemble appetite , as if you were not flesh and blood . dom. sir give me leave to goe while i have power to pray for you , where was i lost ? is there no friend to goodnesse ; have i contracted such a leprous forme that i have lost all mens defence and charity . octav. madam your innocence doth raise in me , though young , a willing champion , and with my safe obedience to the king , i dare , armde with the witnesse of her cause , defie the greatest souldier in the world . king. how 's this ? octav. sir , in a noble cause , if you to whom in the first place truth flies as to an altar , wave her religious defence i dare dye for her . king. you so brave ? to prison with him ; we will correct your saucinesse . octav. you will grace my first act sir , and get me same by suffering for so much sweetnesse . dom. let not your displeasure great sir fall upon him ; revenge what you call disobedience here . king. you owe much to his confidence ; nor is there any punishment beyond your love and liking of his boldnesse ; you two should make a marriage with your follies . octav. let domitilla make octavio so blest . dom. my lord you now deserve i should be yours whom with the hazard of the kings anger , and your owne life you have defended ; there is a spring of honour here , and too it i th presence of the king , his court and heaven , i dare now give my heart ; nor is 't without my duty to a promise . octav. now you make octavio happy . king. t is to my desires , and i dare wish you joyes ; forgive this practise ; nay preety domitilla i did this but to divert more happily thy thoughts of me , who have not paide yet the full tribute to my cesarias dust ; agen let me congratulate thy choise in young octavio , whose birth and forward vertue will deserve thee ; brother and sister love , and wish them happinesse . theo . may all joyes spring within their hearts . duke . i must present this gentleman to be more knowne to you octav i hope you are no enemy to this blessing . sim . i adde what doth become a most glad mother , blessing to your loves . king. noble riviero . rivi. i live agen by your acknowledgment . duke . sir you may trust my testimony ; alvarez letter is now an argument of his safety , who is yet living to increase the guilt of false montalto . king. welcome ; t is thy life that hath revers'd montaltoes doome , whose sentence now shall bee onely banishment ; our hearts are full and sprightly ; nothing wants but to perfect with holy ceremony , what your hearts have seal'd ; mirth in each bosome flowes , distraction never had so sweet a close . finis .
the epilogve . ovr poet doth forget his play ; there is something he would pay due to your greatnesse , and the day which by a revolution of the spheare is proud to open the new yeare . and having look'd on you , hath hid his face , and chang'd his robe with starres to grace and light you going to bed , so waite with trembling lustre on your state . shine brighter yet , y' are not the same cleare lampes you were shine like the name of him i bow too , while aflame active , and burning here with pure desires shall equall the best borrowed fires . may health , the bosomes friend , streame through your blood , and know no ebbe of the chast flood , and though time shift , and yeares renew , may yet the spring be still in you . may she , whom heaven hath sweetly grac'd and in your noble bosome plac'd , whose heart by onely yours embrac'd , hath made one true , and holy gordian , prove fruitfull in children , as in love . and may this faire top-branch , whose early bloome doth promise all the fruit can come to vertue , and your name be blest , and live a story to the rest . all honour with your fame in crease , in your bosome dwell soft peace , and iustice , the true roote of these ; wealth be the worst , and out side of your fate ; and may not heaven your life translate , till for your royall master , and this i le , your deeds have fild a chronicle , in all that 's great , and good , be bold , and every yeare be coppie of the old . finis .
machine-generated castlist a -king a -domitilla a -montalto a -duke a -bombo a -guido a -riviero a -theodosia a -octavio a -simphorosa a -jacamo a -aloisio a -andrugio a -alexio a -unassigned a -pietro a - _lady a - _lady a -both a -servant a -courtier a -multiple
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▪ written by iames shirley . opbalie honorable , george earle of kildare , baron of ophalie , and primier earle of the kingdome of ireland isl●nd my observance to your lordship , whom this island acknowledgeth her first native ornament shirle● humblest of your lordships servants . iames shirley . rich●gemme _as a rich gemme enchac'd in gold affords more radiant e●chac'd _as a rich gemme enchac'd in gold affords more radiant lustre to the neg●ected applauses of the age , but should they a neglected ornament be soly made the study of the stage splend●d succeeding times , and thy best vertues prove but splendid crimes . m●rvyn iames mervyn . judg●ment thalia , envy shall not sit so high above our judgement , and our wit , as not to give just merit ▪ , and crowne thy poet with deserved bayes . shirley stand forth , and put thy lawrell cl●imes which here hath grac'd the publicke view ) claimes more regard ; i give to all the rest their grand● leading voice in censuring it , whose votes grand jurors are , and onely have the well knowne inaug●ration he but censure , none dare deprave kings inauguration ) say they , what makes the king in his ▪ freedome on all except himselfe ? contrives . the way for other men to purchase wives men● himselfe ? contrives ▪ the way for other men to purchase wives ? takes joy to forward a himselfe ? contrives ▪ the way for other men to purchase wives ? takes joy to forward propagation ●twill praise and faire deservings , have done well , 'twill raise opinion in the readers , and engage sc●ne goe , i say no purer wit did ever grace the scene , nay ' it hath in't expressions of so new n●y say no purer wit did ever grace the scene , nay ' it hath in't expressions of so new , and ogle●y iohn ogleby ● . ● iohn ogleby oglebye . ●ay fame by this impression , that world may say , what is this iackson that commends the i● there are some men doe hold , there is a place cal'd limbus patrum if such have ●eleev'd a member made , that limbus i could have beleev'd thy braine where beamont , fletcher , shakespeare tho● that orbe , as in their former seate . when thou began'st to give thy master life , me thought critricks tempered , that the envious quill and tongue of criticks must both write and say , they never yet fisrt the first act. andrugi● florence , montalto , octavio , riviero , andrugio , guido , aloigio , alexio . aloigi● , octavio , riviero , andrugio , guido , aloigio , alexio . 〈◊〉 sigh ; she was long since blest ; cesaria is in heaven ; we are met for joyes ; you were heav●n she was long since blest ; cesaria is in heaven ; we are met for joyes ; you were not framed ▪ d●●● , b● madam you must be lesse faire , and powerfull in tongue , ▪ king . disg●uise but 'tis not mine ; for though i thus disguise my face , and tongue , my heart is my owne ●●ee have hung upon't , and render the kings eyes free to distinguish objects , if there be no ex●rciz'd distinguish objects , if there be no witchcraft exerciz'd upon his senses . ●ourtier it not becomming the discretion of a young courtier to observe times and methods ; and when ma●ch methods ; and when madam are you for this match ? y●t provided matrimony were not farre of ; yet without it there are some ladies , would wh●t i am but what my brothers love , and vertue will make shanno● nothing that can move with his consent , i shannot flee to obey . fl●e that can move with his consent , i shannot flee to obey . plea●'d i had forgot ; will you be pleas'd to try the pleasures of a forrest . bosom● and mine , to dwell for ever in so faire a bosome . h●s some attempts , and courted her , but shee has not understood me ; i must worke by countermine gentl●man sir i present this gentleman to kisse your hand ; hee's the dukes secretary aff●ctions ; no brothers were more chain'd in their affections . he did impart much of his bosome to me rev●nge i should grow to write full man , to take revenge upon that polititian , our protean favourite vis●it revenge ; how comes it that you live , and visit sir the pallace with this freedome ? you my lord andrugios knowledge of yon sir ▪ is my assurance of your faith . ●ame manage your selfe to best advantage of your fame and honour ; unto both i am a servant . ▪ domitilla calls him her secretary for sport ; and wonder of his good parts . ▪ so , i am ; how came you by that knowledge ? same we have your fame at court sir . faul● nor ever would beleeve ; but tis not my fault if the king come in person , ile not be i● few words ; there's one i know him not is little better then a spy upon me ; if you r●yall such is his royall pleasure ; he is now hunting with the duke newe● to meete that interpretation , though the newes come unexpected ; now it will my lord become minut● will my lord become me to be thrifty of the minute , their persons being so neare ; you will ▪ growes from some thing like a womans pride , but it becomes you madam ; i take leave ●each i cannot reach your meaning . th● the court confine such beauty to a countrey ▪ court confine such beauty to a countrey house , live among hindes , and thicke skind fellowes lust●re diamonds , cause they could not reach to the lusture of your eyes dissolv'd to angry teares ; ▪ have my choyse , i would live with you madam , a neighbour to this innocence ; your mother th● unkinde as not to see the court sometime , the court is come to visit you . do● you have humbled your selfe too much to doe us honour . lad●es shee is worth a world my lord , what is that ladies name ? ▪ like staines , but fit of her perfection , and when is named all goodnesse in her titles ▪ description my lord , this lady hath another name , shee is your mistresse . 〈◊〉 created for some prince , and can beside her vertues bring a fortune worth his embrace . embrac● beside her vertues bring a fortune worth his embrace . iacam● bombo , iacamo . th●y have they almost dined ? stay , stay a little : ▪ that were a way indeede to be discovered , no , the king shall pardon me ; he has not ▪ has not seene me yet for all his cunning . board● the designe , make worke among the deale boards , and perhaps can teach 'em as good language da●deprat grand businesse to have mercury or venus dandeprat to usher in some of the gods that are good ●eene be recovered from the courtiers that have beene appetites upon hunting dinners ; you shannot ●ellow th'art a good fellow , and this curtesie shall be remembred . wicket ▪ leave , leave your wicker, friend weele drinke a cup when thou art ▪ fren● leave , leave your wicket , frien weele drinke a cup when thou art toth●r toole ; but no good comes of idlenesse — tother cup ; the bottle growes light headed ; how ●osted wineseller are friends ? i would the cooke were rosted honest iacamo 〈◊〉 enter iacamo , and pietro . co●k● i was thinking of a brace of cocks just as you came . cov●y i have retriv'd a covey of partridge for thee . ●eeres and a cup of greeke wine ; heeres to thee . ea●e learned trencher which schollers sometimes eate , euclid they call it ; in my opinion this ▪ a cup of wine to cleare the passage ; so , here is as they say latine ; here is greeke domitilla●s my ladies health , my lady little domitillaes health . ▪ well said ; about , about . forc●d ; well for this favour gentlemen if i be forc'd to live in court ile make you all in time d●mitilla enter king , leads domitilla . wh●●●s wheres the duke . remov● you may remove a little ; ▪ you have the greater innocence at home , my intents are faire enough , and you may senc● know the word , but never could apply the sence , or finde it in a passion more then ordinary pl●●s'd tis language with which you are pleas'd to mocke your humble handmaid . as●ures but this assures him blinde . ▪ of a mistresse one ile present a servant , why that blush ; the words are not immodest expe●ation shee shall thinke it fortunate bove expectation ; you have not vowed your selfe to a cold humble● , duty takes off the merit of my will and humbles every thought beneath obedience . obedienc● my will and humbles every thought beneath obedience . b●seech pardon i beseech you sir , conceale it yet ; what gentle you● thought , you would commend to domitilla , one your love , and pretious to your bosome ; sure op●ns his name shall be reserv'd ; but when it opens it selfe to your knowledge you will honour ▪ you prepare me for wonder , if it be an act of friendship to me , it voi●e welcome treaty in your person , and every voice and heart is busie with the expectation stame marriage ; whilst every eye bright with your flame is able to light a torch to hymen ; virgins ▪ from the prospect of your pallace window , when some faire sky courted your eye to ▪ cloud creeping as overladen with a storme : darke as the wombe of night , and with her r●ines not your frighted eyes a light to see the ruines of that flattering day . ▪ i shall , i had in vaine prepard you thus else ; pardon ▪ montalto , and returne with this dishonour , was there no cheaper person to be made ridiculous ap●er beleeve you should dispaire to finde one apter to your bosome ; the richest beauty in the 〈◊〉 , your birth and fortune must deserve and i should curse my forward duty to your grace the●dosias starres , and make you lord of my whole fate theodosias heart sir should be mine , by free gift ▪ lighter then ayre in ballance with your grace , if you but chide the ambition , and could ▪ but she let me take freedome to be plaine . ●ay is not to be reduc'd youle say . ▪ which i must not betray though to my losse , it is some happinesse to know this early ▪ i am your creature , the king . d●mitilla enter king , simphorosa , domitilla , guido , aloisio , alexio . guid● enter king , simphorosa , domitilla , guido , aloisio , alexio . hor●● come , now to horse . 〈…〉 i shall attend ; your entertainement has oblig'd us madam . ▪ now madam you are a great part of my care , depend upon me for a husband . plaaine ist not plaine ▪ ▪ ist not plaine . leav● madam another guest must take his leave , that here would choose his pallace . ●ere another guest must take his leave , that here would choose his pallace . stoop● may love ; as great a heart has beene made stoope . me●t your selfe and late your highnesse thought shee meet your person a faire designe of love , with ▪ of hearts is a lewd thing to wrastle with , i make it my owne case , and if i lov'd c●s● thing to wrastle with ▪ i make it my owne case , and if i lov'd another lady better then too●● all beauty , i thinke i should be constant too, it would be something to remove me . 〈◊〉 constant too●● would be something to remove me . on●t i will thinke on't ; meane time let this dwell in that honest ●hilberto most noble phillberto , where is the duke ? m● princesse ? shee is in health ; why this to me ▪ hee is of inward counsell with the duke ▪ princesse ? shee is in health ; why this to me , hee is of inward counsell with the duke m● will deserve your love ; pray my lord tell me , and let us be plaine breasted ; you injoy ▪ made crimson with the blood of a true lover , his will be obey'd , theodosia shall see m● not neede ; the thought of her will kill me with as much silence as i goe to sleepe appa●ition and my life remove it selfe like a faire apparition that vanishes to th'eye , and with lesse revish'd impossible , some may report theodosia was but ravish'd from me ; feare of a brothers anger , and pa●animphs their stalkes , and wither ; let her gay paranimphs with rosie chaplets , which will take all ●osie and wither ; let her gay paranimphs with rosie chaplets , which will take all their colour theodosia●s invite to bed ; yet there he shall enjoy but theodosiaes body , and not that as his faire thoughts the●dosia shall i trust him ? if my sense mistake not theodosia may not be a virgin . r●vi. rivi. d●ke exit duke . thro●gh i see through montaltoes soule , and have beene so long mont altoes i see through montaltoes soule , and have beene so long tame in my ▪ that did not first concerne your excellence . i would not be ambitious of a blessing but duk● lady were honourd in your thought ; but the duke of florence and i shall make no such severe florenc●● honourd in your thought ; but the duke of florence and i shall make no such severe conditions ●e though it wound my selfe be arm'd and heare it ; how i blush within ar●'d though it wound my selfe be arm'd and heare it ; how i blush within me , to fl●rence blush within me , to tell your highnesse florence has transplanted his heart , and all his ▪ , and all his active thoughts are plac'd . do●itilla on domitilla . chalnde haire tie many golden knots , to keepe love chainde ; but these are but suspitions ; he since b●ood ornaments of soule and person as shee is in blood , if my impartiall thoughts may take so b● tis too certaine madam ; i should be a villaine to accuse the duke unjustly , perfectio●s unworthy of your love that dares thus valew your perfections , below that phantome domicille lo● not phanto me thus valew your perfections , below that phantome domicille lo● not passion make you to rash 〈◊〉 valew your perfections , below that phantome domitilla lo● not passion make you to rash in managing lo● perfections , below that phantome domicille let not passion make you to rash in managing c●use not passion make you to rash in managing a cause , on which depends your fame , compared ▪ ile study thankes sir . montaito exit montalto . domit●lla discerne like trouble , and by starts in domitilla ; but they are pleas'd with their remove where●s where's the duke . ●●mbo domitilla , bombo . 〈◊〉 you may doe what you will madam ; put me into fine clothes , and make an asse fac totums worshipfull , descended from the house of the fac totums , lord of the soile , and cocke of ▪ may be out of feare ; you cannot reade now , nor set your name to a warrant . writ● and no meane statesmen now when they doe write their names , doe for their honours so contrive con●●ive write their names , doe for their honours so contrive it , you can hardly know a nobleman from preserment if you be an enemy to all preferment , your best way is to leave the world and c●nceale to serve you still and dwell here , so you conceale me from the king ; tis not that i doe owe ▪ be bought for money to walk the court in , but take your course , and i were at home fortifi●ation there were some fortification to be made against the court invasions , coun●●●mines to be made against the court invasions , countermines of sand and sacke , a man might thrust himselfe dy● not , have a strong faith , and thou maist dye i'th countrey for all this ; here's my mother sh● ' we sha' not staine his court ; his sister's but de●●●nt beene princes , came not to their state by a descant ; the heralds know some were not borne to ●f dreaming of a queene ; such wilde interpretation of the kings favour to us cannot be made without spheare● us to containe our thoughts in their owne spheare and not to point them upon objects above charm● my selfe , when i sayd beauty had a power to charme a king ; it might acquit me from suspition qu●ene servant he may be entertain'd , and were i queene , perhaps he should be favorite to both ar● my daughter is transported , sure you are no queene sweet domitilla . montolto tis a truth , nor is montalto yet my favorite . becom●s welcome to court ; why so ; this sphere becomes you , or rather it takes ornament from you m● admit not every lord to trouble me ; i will take physicke ; but ile be observ'd kis●e madam , late your rude guest brings me to kisse your hand . princ● more for hēr honour , shee would mock no prince i am not lost to florence yet , though i lov●s that lookes like a faire starre , within loves skie is falne , and by the scattering of decla●es falne , and by the scattering of her fires declares shee has alliance with the earth , not heavenly m●ane truth is my witnesse i did meane no ceremonious love , untill i found her ● i doe grow faint with wonder ; here's enough to blast an apprehension , app●ehension faint with wonder ; here's enough to blast an apprehension , and shoote a quaking through the valiant s●ight such men give not faith to every murmur or slight intelligence that wounds a lady in her deare h●nour intelligence that wounds a lady in her deare honour ; but shee is my sister ; thinke of that same contain'd beneath their marble , while their fame bleeds in my wounded honour art thou still sta●ne wounded honour art thou still my sister without staine ; upon thy chastity tell me and answer truth servan●● your grace does honour your unworthy servants ; and if i might beseech one favour more pardo●● pardons why does your grace put on those angry lookes dishonour● impudence advanc'd thy thoughts so high in our dishonour was there none in your owne for me of blood ●here thy thoughts so high in our dishonour was there none in your owne for me of blood fit for ●it was there none in your owne for me of blood fit for your love , but you must flatter your ● ? hopes with one so much above thy birth , though he in frailty consent to make thee dar●● he in frailty consent to make thee great , dar'st thou accept it , and with my shame aspite secu●e doe , or with this i will secure my feares , and stand the malice of all prompt●d i know not by what genius prompted madam , to live or die , more happily , de●ile soone he may pollute the sunne beames , or defile ▪ the dew of heaven ere it approach the reasonlesse●it the north starre ; my wonder will make me reason leste it throwes a poyson on your whole bri●de servant still : in your grace i injoy the brinde my heart affects ; let me grow old with ▪ i am your creature , but how this may inflame ▪ the duke . out by your suspition ; we looke upon you as our destiny ; prosper as we are faithfull . destimy your suspition ; we looke upon you as out destiny ; prosper as we are faithfull . excellenct his excellent will conster it our duties . dar● we dare not sit dispute our masters pleasure . preserre perhaps there is some cunning ; nay preferre the businesse of the soule , i may presume toun●eu you have not beene of counsell with his conscience ; we doe not use to 〈◊〉 tis picus , and you three by computation montaltoes knaves here plac'd , to keepe ha● you not forget my lord montalto has desire to speake with him . si● you doe amaze my understanding sir to require i should justifie a tale made lodging● lordship tell such a story to philoberto in my lodgings . date i dare his malice , to affront ; and tis not done molice i dare his malice , to affront ; and tis not done like your selfe aff●●●t i dare his malice , to affront ; and tis not done like your selfe to sully passesse let not passion to domitilla whom you may possesse , here after make you so unjust . 〈…〉 this would exalt my rage , but i remember y'are a guest to naples , nor would i grieve the genius of my country drames drawes a dagger at the dukeanbarke . dukeanbarke drawes a dagger at the dukes backe . sc● we are proud to see your excellence in health . eace 〈◊〉 we are proud to see your excellence in health . i● where is the king ? 〈◊〉 a little busle sir . duk● duke . discont●nt his face shewed discontent . ▪ you have done well , it much concernes my lord ; his and all circumsp●ction depends upon't ; continue still your care and circumspection , and while i am within let none be admitted ●ay not seene me yet not sha'not ; which is my way out of this labyrinth . doe● me thinkes this habite becomes you now ; does it not my lord . b●m. bom. su●e of the place , or all together , but i am sure i am in love , i finde it by the losing bombe exit bombo . c●rtaine passe among things desperate ; yet were i certaine shee were spotted thus , as tis but a young stain● darst thou with all this knowledge hide her staine , and marry her ? su●ke me , rather expresse a storme , and i had sunke beneath the welcome violence , had not your genim i have it , and thanke my better genius i have it , such a reward montalto that 〈◊〉 measured with what we reach the starres , or fadome seas ; oh he thats active in a state pr●ud tis true ; and therefore i am proud in this that i can teach thee looke into silen●d , their tongues before by thy great power silenc'd , joyne in faction complaine , discover ru●● you service in the other ignorance , then ruine a desperate hazard in this knowledge ; some princes● it sinne , and capitall enough to have the princess favour , which once lost though but in suspition con●●●cuous decree , thy triumph in't ; thy goodnesse thus conspicuous renders thee loved , and fit for theodosia consin'de to his chamber , where our will is , he be confin'de untill our pleasure further knowne . dake how the duke ? 〈◊〉 oblation rich , and me who am encourag'd by your vertue , to present you with something of more tri●ll my errour to beleeve you meant other then triall of me , or could fall to any thought beneath conlent of me , by my owne vow , without his free consent never to marry . ●ight injur'd , theodosia ; in am resolv'd , this night ile steale from naples . ●ea●e theodosia ; in am resolv'd , this night ile steale from naples . hi●de nay doe not hide your face my lord ; it will appeare as fresh sonles loves , montaltoes practise to divide our soules . sweetnefle you cannot be so mercifull ; or else this sweetnesse is put on to enlarge my guilt , when we be'reveng'd compar'd ; dare you beleeve i can repent and be' revenged . ●ye● vpon my selfe , for suffering my eyes to wander from this sweetnesse . stat●●e flourishing oake for his extent of branches , stature , growth , the darling and the idoll of ●hooke whose awefull nod the under trees adore , shooke by a tempest , and throwne downe must need need● shooke by a tempest , and throwne downe must need submit his curled head and full growne limbes ●ubmit by a tempest , and throwne downe must need submit his curled head and full growne limbes , ●o his curled head and full growne limbes , to every common axe , be patient , while the ●he to every common axe , be patient , while the tortures put to every joynt the sawes and ●nd the tortures put to every joynt the sawes and engines , making with their very noyse the ●he and engines , making with their very noyse the forrests groane and tremble ; but not one rivi●ro and you speake here the tragicke story of riviero , whose honest soule for not complying with 〈◊〉 this letter sent to alvarez , whose treacherous physicke purg'd his soule away , is too andrugi● andrugio . rivi▪ rivi. octa● exit andr. octav ▪ ▪ exit andr. octav . repre sentative destroy another attribute , which shewes whose representative we are ; mercy becomes a king ; too much simphor●sa enter simphorosa . fortun● sir by your command , before his change of fortune , but shee tooke no delight to heare him d mitilla tell me then , is domitilla vertuous ? sh●e is shee exceeding vertuous ; is shee most divinely chast ; can shee doe more be'very more then blush at wanton sounds ; will shee be very angry at an immodest offer , and be gestutes ; the pleasant language of their eyes and gestures doth speake their hearts at peace . cr●atures misfortune kept us at distance , was your creatures act . obscute let me intreate you to obscure your persons a while . lond loud musicke — enter guido , aloisio , alexio ●ocke armour is an innocent soule ? how like a cocke it bids defiance to a storme , against whose passion 〈…〉 peeces , and fall and hide their heads in passionate how would a guilty person tremble now 〈…〉 and fall and hide their heads in passion foame, how would a guilty person tremble now , 〈◊〉 tremble now , looke pale , and with his eyes chain'd to the ground betray his feare of justice 〈…〉 where should honour shine with his pure and native lustre but where there is such a king , so good , so 〈◊〉 and reward ; he must be a rebell twice to vertue that can live to be convinc'd of a dishonour accusets where be all his fierce accusers ? call 'em to his presence , whom all their 〈◊〉 are gone upon the first newes of my lords returne they vanish'd sir . ▪ may all reason fly the brow of innocence : mont▪ mont. d●ke enter duke , theodosia . ! ingratefull man ? am i rewarded thus ▪ not onely with my faith ▪ ingratefull man ! am i rewarded thus , not onely with my faith abus'd and subjects simphor●sa enter simphorosa , domitilla . o●r upon the kingdome ; expect the censure of our lawes you gentlemen ▪ we onely banish from ▪ expect the censure of our lawes you gentlemen ; we onely banish from the court . w●ll that last will be the greatest 〈…〉 〈…〉 that last will be the greatest pennancē to 'em. that● become incapable , i wo'not marry thee ; thats a thing too common ? but thou shalt be my ●ike great above our queene ; there is no title like unto that our heate and blood creates a 〈◊〉 of the delight ; they will not follow us ; ile tell thee more i'th bed-chamber . ▪ i dare not understand this language , can the king be impious ; how was my opinion 〈◊〉 my lord you now deserve i should be yours whom with the hazard of the kings anger ●th there is a spring of honour here , and too it ith presence of the king , his court and heaven 〈◊〉 presence of the king , his court and heaven , i dare now give my heart ; nor is't without ●nd tis to my desires , and i dare wish you joyes ; forgive this practise ●ay wish you joyes ; forgive this practise ; nay preety domitilla i did this ●ut to divert ●ut practise ; ●ay preety domitilla i did this but to divert more happily thy thoughts of me ●f this ●ut to divert more happily thy thoughts of me , who have not paide yet the full tribute 〈◊〉 , who have not paide yet the full tribute to my cesarias dust ; agen let me congratulate ●ongratulate tribute to my cesarias dust ; agen let me congratulate thy choise in young octavio , whose birth ●hose congratulate thy choise in young octavio , whose birth and forward vertue will deserve thee ●other birth and forward vertue will deserve thee ; brother and sister love , and wish them happinesse ▪ finis .
saint patrick for ireland shirley, james this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text s in the english short title catalog (stc ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. martin mueller incompletely or incorrectly transcribed words were reviewed and in many cases fixed by hannah bredar lydia zoells this text has not been fully proofread earlyprint project evanston il, notre dame in, st.louis, washington mo distributed under a creative commons attribution-noncommercial . unported license a .xml st. patrick for ireland. the first part. written by iames shirley. shirley, james, - . dpi tiff g page images university of michigan, digital library production service ann arbor, michigan october (tcp phase ) stc ( nd ed.) . greg, ii, . a

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 st. patrick for ireland. the first part. written by iames shirley. shirley, james, - . [ ] p. printed by i. raworth, for r. whitaker, london : .

partly in verse.

signatures: a-i .

no more published.

reproduction of the original in the central library (bristol, eng.).

 patrick, -- saint, -- ?- ? -- drama -- early works to . a shc saint patrick for ireland shirley, james hannah bredar lydia zoells play comedy shc no a s (stc ). . b the rate of . defects per , words puts this text in the b category of texts with fewer than defects per , words. incorporated ~ , textual changes made to the shc corpus by hannah bredar, kate needham, and lydia zoells between april and july during visits, separately or together, to the bodleian, folger and houghton libraries as well as the rare book libraries at northwestern university and the university of chicago

st. patrick for ireland . the first part .

written by james shirley .

london , printed by j. raworth , for r. whitaker . .

the prologue . we know not what will take , your pallats are various , and many of them sick i feare : we can but serve up what our poets dresse , and not considering cost , or paines to please ; we should be very happy , if at last , we could find out the humour of your taste , that we might fit , and feast it , so that you were constant to your selves , and kept that true ; for some have their opinions so displeas'd , they come not with a purpose to be pleas'd : or like some birds that leave the flowry fields , they only stoop at that corruption yeilds . it were a custome would lesse staine the times , to praise the vertues , when you chide the crimes . this is but cold encouragement , but we hope here are few of those , or if there be , we wish 'em not infectious , nor confine we censures ; woo'd each soule were masculine : for your owne sakes we wish all here to day , knew but the art and labour of a play ; then you would value the true muses paine , the throwes and travell of a teeming braine . but we have no despaire , that all here may be friends , and come with candor to this play . st. patrick whose large story cannot be bound in the limits of one play , if ye first welcome this , you 'll grace our poets art , and give him courage for a second part .
the names of the actors . leogarius , monarch of ireland . . his sons . corybreus , conallus dichu , a noble-man . his sons . ferochus , endarius , milcho , a great officer . archimagus , the chife priest , a magitian . two other priests . st. patrick . victor , his angell-guardian . bards . rodamant , archimagus servant . souldiers . angels . religious men . servants . queene . her daughters . ethne , fedella , emeria , milcho's daughter .
act. i. enter archimagus , and two other magitians , at severall doores . .

we are undone .

.

we are lost .

ar. not so , your feares become you not , great priests of jove and saturn ; shall we that awe we the furies , at whose charme hell itselfe quakes , be frighted with a shadow , a tame , a naked church-man and his tribe of austere starved faces ? no , this kingdome shall still be ours , and flourish , every altar breathe incense to our gods , and shine with flames , to strike this christian blinde . . this is but ayre , he is now landing , every tread he prints upon this earth , will make it grone . ar. are not the havens strengthned by the kings command with souldiers , to watch that none arrive with this suspition . but we that can command armies from hell for our designe , and blast him , now stand idle , and benumm'd , and shall grow here ridiculous statues , i 'le muster my friends . . and if i ha'not lost my power , the spirits shall obey to drowne this stragler , and secure this threatned island . ar. stay , which of you can boast more power than i ? for every spirit you command , my spells can raise a legion ; you know i can untennant hell , dispeople the wide ayre , where like innumerous atomes the blacke genij hover , and nistle one another , all that haunt the woods and waters , all i' th darke and solitary chambers of the earth , breake through their adamantine chaines , and fly like lightning to my will , and shall your factious and petty correspondence with the fiends , attempt this worke without my voice and counsell ? who brought you first acquainted with the divell ? did not my art ? we are disciples to the great archimagus . . we acknowledge all our art deriv'd from you . . but in this justice to our gods , we hope our gods chiefe priest will give us leave � ar. yes , and confirme it , and applaud your zeales , my fellowes both in sacred arts and priesthood . go on , i praise your resolution : my spirit gave intelligence before of his approach , and by all circumstance , our prophesie doth point this christian priest the blacke subversion of our isle , but we like masters of all destiny , will breake his fate , and bruise him in his infancy of danger to this kingdome , fly and be ' arm'd to your wishes ; spirits shall attend you , and the whole power of hell . exeunt magitians . this newes affrights me , how e're i seem to swell with confidence , this is the man , and this the revolution , fixt for the change of sacrifice foretold , and threatned in this fatall prophesie . a man shall come into this land , with shaven crowne , and in his hand a crooked staffe , he shall command , and in the east his table stand ; from his warme lips a streame shall flow , to make rockes melt , and churches grow , where while be sings , our gods shall bow , and all our kings his law allow . he reades

this , this is the vexation .

enter endarius . end.

sir , the king .

ar.

what of the king ?

end.

is troubled , sicke , distracted .

ar.

how ?

end. with a dreame ; he has no peace within him ; you must with all haste visit him , we shall suspect his death else . enter ferochus . fer. mighty priest , as you respect the safety of the king , you must make haste , the court is up in armes , and he calls for his sword . ar. you fright me gentlemen : rebellion in the court , who are the traytors ? fer. his owne wilde thoughts , and apprehension of what , he sayes , was in his sleepe presented , he calls upon his guard , and railes upon 'em , when they appeare with no more armes , and sweares that every man shall weare a tun of iron . end.

the prince .

enter conallus . con. the king impatient of your absence , sir , hath left the court , and by some few attended is coming hither , laden with feare and weapons ; he talks of strange things in his dreame , and frights our eares with an invasion , that his crowne sits trembling on his head , unlesse your wisdome cleare his dark feares , we are undone . arc.

he 's here .

enter king leogarius , corybreus dichu .

how fares the king ?

leo. deare archimagus , we want thy skill to interpret a black dreame i had last night , my fancie is still sick on 't , and with the very apprehension i feele much of my soule dissolve , and through my frighted pores , creep from me in a sweat : i shall have nothing in me but a bath , vnlesse thou do repaire my languishing essence with thy great art and counsell . arc. give me , sir , the particular of your dreame . leo. they must not heare it , yet stay ; the ecclipse , if it be any thing , is universall , aad doth darken all . me thought , archimagus , as i was praying i' th' temple neere the sea , my queene , my sons , daughters , and traine of my nobilitie prostrate before the altar , on the sudden the roofe did open , and from heaven a flame descending on the images of our gods , began to burne the sacred browes , from which many deformed worms , and hideous serpents come crawling forth , and leap'd unto our throats , where , with their horrid circles and embrace , we were almost strangled : in this fright , me thought we fled out of the temple , and as soone we saw a pale man coming from the sea , attended by a tribe of reverend men , at whose approach the serpents all unchain'd themselves , and leaving our imprison'd necks , crept into the earth , straight all that were with me , as i had been the prodigie , forsooke me , my wife , my children , lords , my servants all , and fled to this pale man , who told me , i must submit too , humble my selfe to him , this wither'd peece of man : at which , my-thought , i felt a trembling shoot through every part , and with the horror , thus to be depos'd , i waken'd . now , archimagus , thy art to cure thy soule-sick king . arc.

't is done already .

leo.

how , my deare priest ?

arc. this pale thing shall not trouble you , he that so long was threatned to destroy vs and our gods , is come . leo.

ha , where ?

arc. now landing : but were the coasts unguarded , he wants power to fight with those aetheriall troops , that wait vpon the gods we serve . he is now dying , this minute they have blasted him : and they , above the speed of wings , are flying hither with the glad newes , be calme agen , and let not these airy dreames distract your peace . leo. they are vanish'd already at thy voyce , thou ( next our gods the hope of this great island ) hast disperst all clouds , and made it a faire skie againe , my learned archimagus . enter spirits . .

he is come .

.

he 's come .

.

and we must flye .

leo. what voyces make the aire so sad ? cor.

they strike a horror .

con.

they are spirits .

arc.

i command once more to oppose him .

.

in vaine , great priest .

.

we must away .

.

away .

omnes .

we cannot , dare not stay .

exeunt . enter , angell victor , bearing a banner with a crosse , st. patrick and other priests in procession singing . leo. what harmony is this ? i have no power to do them harme , observe their ceremonie . ode . post maris savi fremitus iernae ( navitas coelo tremulos beante ) uidimus gratum jubar enatantes littus inaurans montium quin vos juga , vosque sylvo nunc salutamus , chorus advenarum jubilum retrò modulantur , ecce carbasa ventis dulce supremo melòs occinanus carminum flagrans domino litamen cujus erranti dabitur popello numine sacrum . leo. i 'll speake to him . stay , you that have presum'd without our leave , to print your desperate foot vpon our countrey ; say , what bold designe hath arm'd you with this insolent noyse , to dare and fright the holy peace of this faire i le ; nay , in contempt of all our gods , advance your songs in honour of an unknowne power ? the king commands you speake . patr. vnto that title thus we all bow ; it speakes you are alli'd to heaven , great sir , we come not to distract your peace , looke on your number , we bring no signes of sterne war , no invasive force to draw feare , or suspition , or your frownes upon us : a handfull of poore naked men we are , throwne on your coast , whose armes are only prayer , that you would not be more unmercifull than the rough seas , since they have let us live to finde your charitie . leo.

whence are you ?

patr.

we are of britaine , sir .

leo.

your name , that answer for the rest so boldly ?

patr. my name is patrick , who with these poore men beseech you would permit . leo. no dwelling here , and therefore quit this kingdome speedily , or you shall curse you saw the land . dic.

are they not spies ?

arc. a whirlewind snatch 'em hence , and on the back of his black wings transport these fugitives , and drop their cursed-heads into the sea , or land 'em in some cold remotest wildernesse of all the world , they must not here inhabit . dic.

hence , or we 'll force you with these goads .

cor. vnlesse you have a mind to try how well your hoods can swim , go trudge back to your rotten bark , and steere another course . fer. you will finde ilands peopled with squirrils , rate , and crowes , and coneyes , where you may better plant , my reverend moles . end.

faces about .

pat. you are inhospitable , and have more flintie bosomes than the rocks that bind your shores , and circle your faire iland : but i must not returne . leo.

how ?

arc.

how ?

pat. till i haue perform'd my dutie : know great king , i have commission for my stay , i came not hither without command , legat from him , before whose angry breath the rocks doe breake and thaw ; to whose nod the mountaines humble their proud heads , the earth , the water , aire and heaven is his , and all the stars that shine with evening flames , shew but their trembling when they wait on him : this supreme kings command i have obey'd , who sent me hither to bring you to him , and this still wandring nation , to those springs where soules are everlastingly refresh'd ; vnto those gardens , whose immortall flowers staine your imagin'd shades , and blest abodes . leo.

what place is this ?

pat. heaven ; now a great way off . but not accessible to those permit their pretious soules be strangled thus with mists , and false opinion of their gods . arc.

no more .

pat. i must say more in my great masters cause , and tell you in my dreames , he hath made me heare from the dark wombs of mothers , prison'd infants confessing how their parents are mis-led , and calling me thus far to be their freedome . have pitie on your selves , be men , and let not a blind devotion to your painted gods . � dic. he does blaspheme . accept me , jove , thy priest , and this my sacrifice . ha , mine armes grow stiffe , i feele an ice creeping through all my bloud , there 's winter in my heart , i change o' th' sudden am growne a statue , every limb is marble ; yee gods take pitie on me , in your cause i wither thus ; jove , if thou hast a lightning , bestow some here , and warme me . cor.

strange !

end.

father ! brother , if he should dye now ?

fer. i am his eldest son , he shall find me reasonable , he may doe worse , considering how long i have been of age . dic. no power let fall compassion . i have offended . whom ? i know not , this good man forgive , and if the deitie thou serv'st can put a life into this frozen pile , pray for me . leo. villaine , wouldst thou owe thy life to the mercie of the power he serves , arc. wish rather to rot for ever thus . leo. and if thou diest , i 'll build a temple here , and in this posture kings shall kneele to thee , and on solemne dayes present their crownes ; queenes shall compose thee garlands , virgins shall sing thy name , and 'bout thy neck and armes disperse the riches of their art , next to our gods we honour thee : keep from the impostor . cor.

i have no meaning to come neere him .

pat. give me thy hand : now move , and may thy heart find softnesse too , this mercie is the least of my great masters treasures . dic. i feele my heat return'd , and all my rockie parts grow supple , let the first use i make of their restore , be to bend my knees to you . pat. bow them to him that gave me power to helpe thee . fer.

he is well agen .

dic. i finde a beame let into my darke soule , oh take me to your faith , here i give backe my selfe to serve your god . leo. traitrous to heaven ! come from him . dic.

bid my haste forsake a blessing .

end.

father .

dic.

call this good man your father , boyes .

arc. h 's mad , and i am frantick at this base apostasie . my lord think how you may provoke our gods , and the king anger . pat. feare his wrath that made , and can let fall the world . fer. he may yet do me as great a curtesie as dying comes too , if his error hold , and the kings anger . leo. dotard , returne ; and prostrate to the gods we worship , or though his witchcraft now protect thy selfe , thy sonnes shall bleed . fer.

how 's that ?

leo. to satisfie the gods and us , with the next mornings sunne , unlesse thou rise , and sacrifice to our altars , downe from that rocke which over lookes the sea , they shall be throwne ; my vow is fixt . fer.

deare father .

leo.

take them away , their fate depends on him .

dic.

oh , i am lost .

pat.

thou art found .

dic.

forsake me not , poore boyes ! my prayers and blessing .

pat. set forward now in heavens name , and finish our procession . exeunt . leo. death pursue 'em , will nothing make them feele our wrath . co. the charme will not last alwayes . arc. i heir fate is not yet ripe , be not dejected , sir , the gods cannot be patient long . meane time let me advise , not by your lawes , or other open force , to persecute 'em ; but disguise your anger . leo.

ha ?

arc. what matter is 't , so we destroy these wretches what wayes we take ? invite him to your court , pretend , i know not what desires , to heare more of his faith , that you find turnes within your heart , and tremble at the miracle wrought upon dichu ; when he 's in your possession a thousand stratagems may be thought upon to send his giddy soule most quaintly off to that fine phantasticall reward he dreames on i' th' t'other world . leo.

thou hast pleas'd us , archimagus .

cor. great ceancrachius has inspir'd the priest ! this is the only way . con.

i doe not like it .

leo. it shall be so , he shall be thus invited , and we will meet him with our queene and daughters , who shall compose themselves to entertaine him . arc.

leave me to instruct my princely charge , your daughters ,

leo. be still their blest director , to thy charge we gave them up long since , but do not tell 'em what happen'd to the apostate dichu ; women have soluble and easie hearts , that accident may startle their religion , keep 'em firme in the devotion to our gods , whose virgins we hope to call them shortly , if their zeale maintaine that holy flame that yet hath fill'd their bosomes . arc.

they are the darlings of the temple .

leo. conallus , you shall be the messenger , and beare our invitation . arc. trouble not the prince , impose that businesse on my care . leo.

be it so .

con.

i am glad i am off the employment .

leo. all wayes to serve our gods are free , and good , when shed for them , they take delight in blood . exeunt .
act. ii. enter ethne and fedella , dancing . eth. i am weary , and yet i would have more , my heart was never more dispos'd to mirth , fedella . fed. mine is as light as yours , sister , i am all aire , me thinks . eth.

and i all mounting fire .

fed.

't is well we are alone .

eth. 't is ill we are ; this heat our servants should have given us : fed. i wonder we cannot see 'em , they were not since we first tooke them to our favor , guiltie of such neglect . eth. you wrong our birth and bloud , to thinke they dare neglect us , for if they forget what we deserve in loving them , they owe more dutie , as we are the kings daughters , than to displease us so . fed. that binds : but forme and heartlesse ceremony , sister , by your favor , i had rather hold my servant by his owne love , that chaines his heart to mine , than all the bands of state . eth. i am of thy mind too , wo'd they were here , i shall be sad againe ; fie , what a thing 't is for two ladies to be in love , and alone without a man so long . enter rodamant . fed.

here 's one .

eth. a foolish one , our governors servant , how now rodamant ? rod.

keep off .

fed.

what , is the fellow conjuring ?

rod.

i wo'd , but i cannot read these devillish names .

eth.

how long hast thou serv'd archimagus ?

rod.

long enough to have had a devill of mine owne , if hee had pleas'd , i have drudg'd under him almost these seven yeeres , in hope to learne the trade of magick , and none of his spirits will obey me ; would i were a witch , then i should have a familiar , a sucking devill , upon occasion to doe me service .

fed.

a devill ?

rod.

oh , i lov'd him of a child .

eth.

what wouldst thou do with the devill ?

rod.

only exercise my body , take the aire now and then over steeples , and saile once a month to scotland in a sieve , to see my freinds . i have a granam there , if i had been rul'd , would not have seen me wanted a divell at these yeers , pray madam speak to my master for me , that my freinds may not laugh at me , when i come out of my time , he has spirits enough , i desire none of his grandos , a little don diego diabolo would serve my turne , if he have but skill in love or physicke .

fed.

physick for what ? art sick ?

rod.

i am not sick , but i am troubled with a desperate consumption .

eth.

how ?

fed.

why that 's nothing .

rod. to you that are great ladies , and fed high but to a man that is kept lean and hungry a little falling of the flesh is seen . eth.

i heard thee name love , prethee art thou in love ?

rod.

in love ? look on my sore eyes .

eth.

they are well enough , and thou canst see .

rod.

yes , i can see a little with em , would they were out .

eth.

how ? out ?

rod.

out of their paine . i have but seaven teeth and a halfe , and foure on em are rotten , here 's a stump , a pickax cannot dig out of my gummes .

fed.

are these signes of love ?

rod. oh infallible . beside , i cannot sleep for dreaming a my mistresse . eth.

so , and what 's her name ?

rod.

you shall pardon me , she is �

eth.

a man or a woman .

rod.

nay she is a woman , as sure , as sure as you are the queens daughters . i name no body ; do not you say 't is the queen , i am what i am , and she is what she is .

eth.

well said .

rod.

and if i live , i will dy for her , but i forget my self , i had a message to tell you ; first my master commends him to your graces and will be here presently : secondly i have news , do you know what i meane ?

fed.

not we .

rod. why then , my lord ferochus , and his brother endarius , you know em ? eth.

what of them ?

rod.

and they know you .

fed.

to the purpose .

rod.

i know not that , but they are

eth.

what ?

rod.

not made for wormes meat .

fed.

what meanes the fellow ?

rod.

the king has commanded , they shall be throwne from a rock into the sea , that 's all , but here 's my master can tell you the whole story .

exit . eth.

what said the scritchowle

enter archimagus fed. we hope archimagus brings better newes . and yet his face is cast into a forme of sorrow . what are these ? arc. read , and collect your noble forces up , you will be lost else , alas poore ladies , how soon their blood is frighted ? eth. every character gives my poor heart a wound . fed. alas , how much of mischief is contain'd in this poore narrow paper . eth.

can this be ?

arc. madam too true , the anger of the king is heavy and inevitable , you may beleeve what their sad pens have bled to you ; they have no hope , not once before they die to see your blessed eyes , and take their leave , and weep into your bosome , their last farewell . fed.

they must not , sha' not die so .

arc.

they must madam .

eth. i will die with 'em too then : sister shall they leave the world without our company ? fed. could not you bend the king our cruell father ? you should have said , we lov'd them ; you have most power to prevaile with him ; you should have told him , the gods would be offended , and revenge their death with some strange curse upon this iland . eth. you knew our loves , and all our meetings sir , they were not without you , nor will we live without them , tell our father . did our hearts flatter themselves with mirth , to be struck dead with this , this murdering newes . i 'll to the king . arc. stay , and containe your selves , your loves are brave , nor shall your flame die thus ; as i was first of counsell with your thoughts , i will preserve 'em : they sha'not die , if my braine leave me not . fed.

oh , i could dwell upon his lips to thank him .

arc.

but they must then be banish'd .

eth. that 's death . unlesse we go along to exile with 'em . ar. i have the way , they shall deceive the sentence of the enraged king , and live ; nor shall this be reward of your affections ; you shall converse more often , and more freely than ever , if you dare be wise and secret . fc.

you make us happy .

arc. here 's your elder brother , away and trust to me . enter coribreus . cor.

health to our priest .

arc. and to your highnesse . enter emeria and conallus . do you see that couple ? cor. my brother and the faire emeria , milcho's daughter , out of their way ; but so , to reach their voice , this place o' th' garden 's apt . arc.

observe 'em .

em. but will you not , my lord , repent to have plac'd your love so much unworthily . con. oh never . my best emeria , thou hast a wealth in thy owne vertue , above all the world ; be constant , and i 'm blest . em. this hand and heaven be witnesse where my heart goes . cor. if my fate cannot enjoy thy love , i shall grieve both your destinies . arc. be confident you shall enjoy her , if you 'll follow my directions . cor. thou art my genius , but she 's very holy , and , i feare , too religious to her vowes , she is devoted much to ceancrachius , head of the gods . arc. sir her piety prepares your conquest , as i 'le manage things , i wonot trust the ayre too much . con.

this kisse and all 's confirm'd .

em. pray my lord use my poore heart kindly , for you take it with you . con.

i leave mine in exchange .

exit . arc. he is gone , advance to your mistris , and if you want art to move her , i shannot sir , to make you prosper , t is firmely design'd , when we meet next , you shall know more . exit . cori.

how now my fair emeria .

em. i do beseech your highnesse pardon , i did think i was alone . cori. alone you are in beauty sweet emeria , and all the graces of your sex . em. you are too great to flatter me , and yet this language comes so neer the wickednesse of court praise , i dare not with modesty imagine your heart means so . cori. yet in this garden , when you seem'd most solitary , madam , you had many fair , and sweet companions . em.

not i sir .

cori. yes , and my rivalls too emeria , and now they court thy beauty in my presence proud erring things of nature , dost not see as thou dost move , how every amorous plant doth how his leavy head , and becken thee ; the winde doth practise dalliance with thy hairs and weave a thousand pretty netts within to catch it self . that violet droop'd but now , how t is exalted at thy smile , and spreads a virgin bosome to thee . there 's a rose would have slept still within his bud , but at thy presence , it doth open his thin curtains and with warm apprehension looking forth betrayes her love in blushes . and that woodbine as it would be divorc'd from the sweet-bryer , courts thee to an embrace . it is not dew that like so many pearls embroider all the flowers , but teares of their complaint , with feare to loose thee , from whose eye they take in all that makes them beautifull , and with humble necks pay duty unto thee their onely spring . em.

your grace is courtly .

cor. when these dull vegetalls shew their ambition to be thine emeria , how much should we , that have an actiue soule to know and value thee , be taken with this beauty ? yet if you dare trust me madam , there 's none , within the throng of thy admirers , more willing , more devote to be thy servant then coribreus . em. i must agen beseech your pardon , and declare my self most ignorant : pray speak your meaning in a dialect i vnderstand . cor.

why , i do love you madam .

em. if this be it , i dare not sir beleeve you condescend so low to love emeria , a worthlesse thing . cor. why not ? i love you madam . if there be difference of our birth or state , when we are compar'd , it should make me the first in your fair thoughts : come , you must love agen , and meet me with an equall active flame . em.

i am more skil'd in dutie sir , then love .

cor.

you would be coy , your heart is not bestow'd .

em.

indeed it is .

cor.

on whom ?

em.

i must not name .

cor. were he my brother did twist heart with thine , that act should make him strange to my blood , and i would cut him from his bold embraces . em.

alas , i feare .

cor. i know you will be wise and just to my desires emeria , when you shall see my love bid fairest for you , and that presented from a prince , who knowes no equall here . come , i already promise my self possest of those faire eyes , in which i gazing thus , at every search discover new crystall heavens , those tempting cheekes are mine , a garden with fresh flowers all the winter ; those lips invite to print my soul upon 'em or loose it in thy breath , which i 'le convey downe to my heart , and wish no other spirit , as loth to change it for my owne agen . how in thy bosome will i dwell emeria , and tell the azure winding of thy veins that flow , yet climbe those soft , and ivory hills whose smooth descent leads to a blisse , that may be known , but puzzle art and tongue to speak it . i prethee do not use this froward motion , i must and will be thine . em. be your own sir , and do not thus afflict my innocence , had you the power of all the world , and man , you could not force my will , which you have frighted more from you then my duty , although powerfull , can call agen ; you are not modest sir , indeed i feare you are not , i must leave you , better desires attend your grace and me . exit cor. this wo'not gain her , her heart 's fixt upon my brother , all my hope is in archimagus , she is a frozen thing , yet she may melt . if their disdain should make a man despaire , nature mistook in making woman faire . exit an altar discovered , two idolls upon it , archimagus and priests , lights and incense prepar'd by rodomant . ro. these be new dieties , made since yesterday , we shift our gods , as fast as some shift trenchers ; pray sir what do you call their names , they are but halfe gods , demi-gods as they say , there 's nothing beneath the navell . ar.

this with the thunderbolt is jupiter .

rod. jupiter ? 't is time he were cut off by the middle , he has been a notable thunderer in his dayes . prie.

this is mars .

ro. mars from the middle upward . was it by my lady venus direction that he is dismembred too . he that overcame all in a full careere , looks now like a demilaunce . arc.

are they not lively form'd , but sirra away , tell the young ladies the king is upon entrance .

enter king , queen , conallus . at the other door , ethne , fedella , they all kneel . ar. to jove and mars the king doth pay his duty , and thus humbly lay upon his altar , his bright crowne , which is not his , if they but frowne . in token you are pleas'd , let some coelestiall flame make pure this roome . a flame behinde the altar . the gods are pleas'd , great king , and we return thy golden wreath to thee , more sacred by our holy fume ; none to the altar yet presume . now shoot your voices up to jove , to mars and all the powers above . after the song the queen offers , and her daughters , garlands , which are placed upon the beads of the idols . song at the altar . come away , oh come away and trembling trembling pay your pious vowes to mars and jove . while we do sing , gummes of precious odours bring , and light them with your love . as your holy fires do rise , make jove to wonder what new flame thither came to wait upon his thunder . the song being ended , the idol that presented jupiter moveth . kin. archimagus , conallus ; see my children , the statue moves . arc.

approach it not too neere .

eth.

it is prodigious .

arc. with devotion , expect what followes , and keep reverent distance ; i am all wonder . jupe. king leogarius , jove doth accept thy vowes , and pious offerings , and will showre blessings on thee ; and this kingdome , if thou preserve this holy flame burnes in thee . but take heed , thou decline not thy obedience , which thou shalt best declare by thy just anger against that christian stragler patricke , whose bloud must be sacrific'd to us , or you must fall in your remisse and cold religion . when you are mercifull to our despisers , you pull our wrath upon you , and this iland . my duty is perform'd , and i return to my first stone , a cold and silent statue . arc. what cannot all commanding jove ? 't is now that artificiall tonguelesse thing it was , how are you bound to honour jupiter ? that with this strange and publike testimony accepts your zeale . pursue what you intended , and meet this enemy to the gods , that now expects your entertainment . king . i obey . come my queene , and daughters . queen .

i attend you sir .

rod.

is not the queene a lovely creature sir ?

prin.

why how now rodamant , what passion 's this ?

rod.

oh that i durst unbutton my minde to her .

arc. your princely daughters pray they may have leave to offer in their gratitude to the gods one other prayer , and they will follow sir . ki.

they are my pious daughters , come conallus .

exeunt king , queen , conallus , &c. arc.

they are gone , uncloud .

fero.

oh my deere mistresse , is not the king mock'd rarely ?

eth.

my most lov'd endarius !

arc.

have i not don 't my charge ?

fed, most quaintly . welcome to thy fedella . rod.

hum , how 's this ? more scapes of jupiter ? they have sound their neither parts ; the gods are become fine mortal gentlemen , here 's precious jugling , if i durst talke on 't .

arc.

not a sillable , as you desire not to be torne in pieces sir .

rod.

gods quoth'a , i held a candle before the devill .

arc.

to the doore and watch .

rod.

so i must keep the doore too , here 's like to be holy doings .

fer. we owe archimagus for more then life for your loves , without which , life is a curse . arc.

the musicke prompts you to a dance .

en.

i' th temple .

arc.

't is most secure , none dare betray you here .

eth.

we must away .

fer.

my life is going from me .

fed.

farewell .

arc.

the king expects , now kisse and part .

eth.

when next we meet , pray give me back my heart .

rod.

i am an esquire by my office .

exeunt .
act. iii . enter rodamant . rod.

oh my royall love ! why should not i love the queene ? i have knowne as simple a fellow as i hath been in love with her horse , nay they ha been bedfellowes in the same litter , and in that humour he would have been leap'd , if the beast could have been provok'd to incontinencie ; but what if the king should know out , and very lovingly circumcise me for it , or hang me up a gracious spectacle with my tongue out a pearch for sparrowes ? why , i should become the gallowes o' my conscience : oh i would stretch in so gentle posture , that the spectators all should edifie , and hang by my example .

enter bard.

the kings merry bard , if he have overheard , hee 'le save the hangman a labour , and rime me to death .

bar.

rodamant , my halfe man , halfe gobling , all foole , how i st ? when didst thou see the devill .

rod.

alas , i never had the happinesse .

bar.

why then , thou art not acquainted with thy best friend .

sings . have you never seene in the aire , one ride with a burning speare , upon an old witch with a pad , for the devill a sore breech had . with lightning , and thunder and many more wonder . his eyes indeed-law sir , as wide as a sawcer . oh this would have made my boy mad . rod.

an honest merry trout .

bar.

thou say'st right gudgin , gape , and i 'll throw in a bushell , why does thy rose hang over thy mouth ; as it would peep in , to tell how many teeth thou hast ?

rod.

excellent bard oh brave bard ha bard .

bar.

excellent toole ! oh fine foole , ha foole .

rod

prithee with what newes , and whither is thy head traveling ?

bar.

my head , and my feet goe one way , and both now at their journeyes end . the newes is , that one patricke a stranger , is invited to court : this way he must come , and i like one of the kings wanton whelpes , have broke loose from the kennell , and come thus afore to bark , and bid him welcome , the king and queene will meete him .

rod.

has the king invited him ?

bar.

what else man .

sings oh the queene and the king , and the royall off spring , with the lords , and ladies so gay , i tell you not a tricke , to meete the man patricke : are all now trouping this way . this man report sings , does many strange things : our priests , and our bards must give place . he cares not a straw , for our sword or club-law . oh i long to behold his gay face . rod.

prethee a word , thou didst name the queene , does she come too ?

bar.

by any meanes .

rod.

well t is a good soule .

bar.

who ?

rod.

the queene .

bar.

the queene i st ? dost make but a soule o'her ? treason , i haue heard some foolish philosophers affirme , that women have no soules : 't were well for some they had no ; but to make no body of the queene , is treason , if it be not fellony .

rod.

oh my royall love !

bar

love , art thou in love rodamant ? nay then thou may'st talke treason or any thing . folly and madnesse are lash free , and may ride cheeke by joll with a judge . but dost thou know what love is , thou one of cupids overgrowne monkies ? come , crack me this nut of love , and take the maggot for thy labour .

rod.

preethee do thou say what 't is .

bar.

no , i will sing a piece of my minde , and love to thee .

sings love is a bog , a deep bog , a wide bog . love is a clog , a great clog , a close clog . 't is a wildernesse to loose our selves , a halter 't is to nooze our selves . then draw dun out o' th mire : and throw the clog into the fire . keepe in the kings high way , and sober you cannot stray . if thou admire no female else , the balter may go bang it selfe . drink wine and be merry , for love is a folly : and dwells in the house of mellancholly . rod.

't is such a merry baboone , and shootes quills like a porcupine , but who 's this ?

enter st. patrick , and his traine at one doore . at the other , the king , queene , his sonnes and daughters , milcho , archimagus , and priests . bar.

't is he , i know him by instinct .

sings . patricke welcome to this i le , see how every thing doth smile : to thy staffe and thy miter , and lawne that is whiter . and every shaven crowne a welcome welcome to towne . looke where the king , and queene doe greete thee : his princely sonnes are come to meete thee . and see where a paire is , of very fine faries . prepar'd too , that thou may'st report , thy welcome to court , and the bard too ,

and so pray father give me your blessing .

pat. i thank thee courteous bard , thy heart is honest . but to the king my dutie . kin. welcome patrick , for so thou cal'st thy self ; we have throwne off our anger : and with calme , and melting eyes looke on thee . thou hast piety , to forgive our former threats and language , and to satisfie . for our deniall of some humble cottages , against the hospitable lawes of nature . we give thee now our palace , use it freely . my selfe , our queene and children , will be all thy guests : and owe our dwellings to thy favour . there are some things of venerable mark upon thy brow , thou art some holy man , design'd by providence to make us happy : agen , most welcome to us . quee. his aspect doth promise goodnes : welcome . co.

to us all .

pat. if this be heartie , heaven will not permit your charitie 's unrewarded . cor. i am weary of these dull complements , archimagus . arc. i am prepar'd , i know your bloud 's a longing , to change embraces with emeria . receive this , which worne upon your arme , is so by power of magicke fortified , you shall goe where you please invisible , untill you take it off : goe to your mistres . cor. softly my deere archimagus ; the rest speake in a whisper ; i shall be jealous of the intelligencing aire . kin. you may be confident our favour spreads to all . but where is dichu your convert ? wee 'l receive him to our grace too . pat. he durst not sir , approach your royall presence . and griefe for the sad fate of his two sonnes , hath made him weary of society : not farre off in a wood , he meanes to weare out his life in prayer and pennance . arc

how do you tast it ?

cor.

't is rare , and must succeede to my ambition .

arc.

loose no time time then .

cor.

i fly , command me ever .

exit cori. kin.

i am not well o' th' suddaine .

quee. how ? what i st that doth offend the king ? kin.

an evill conscience : alas my children .

con.

father .

arc.

sir .

eth.

pray speake to us .

kin. how shall i win credit with this good man , that i have repented , for the bloud of dichues sonnes ? pat. if you dissemble not with heaven , i can be easily gain'd sir , to beleeve and pray for you . kin. some wine , it is the greatest ceremony of love with us , the seale of reconcilement . let some one bring us wine , i wo'not move , untill i drink to this blest man . arc.

away .

kin. this place shall be remembred to posterity , where leogarius first , shew'd himself friend to holy patrick . 't is religious thirst , that will not let me expect , till more returne . there is a streame of peace within my heart . arc.

t is rarely counterfeited .

con he is my father , i should else tell him ; t is not like a king , thus to conspire a poore mans death . what thinks our royall mother ? is it just to take by stratagemme , this innocent mans life . que.

what meanes my sonne ?

con. shall i betray the plot yet ? and preserve him : see the wine . arc. the wine attends you sir . kin. t is well , fill us a cheerefull cup : here patrick , we drink thy welcome to the irish coasts . eth. what does my father meane to doe with this dull thing ? hee 'le never make a courtier . fed.

his very lookes have turn'd my blood already .

arc.

i 'll spice his cup .

kin.

doo 't strongly .

que. there 's something within prompts me to pitty this stranger . con.

do you love wine sir ?

pat. if i did not , i should presume against my nature once to please the king that hath thus honoured us . con.

do not , i say do not .

arc.

please you sir ?

kin.

come , to our queene .

rod.

my royall love , would i had the grace to drink to her or kisse the cup .

pat.

my dutie .

arc.

now observe sir the change , he has it home .

rod.

i cannot live , my heart wonot hold out .

kin.

forbeare , as you affect your life .

qu.

how 's this ? now i suspect conallus .

pat. i have one boone to ask your majestie ; since you look on us with this gracious smile : that you would give my poore companions leave , to build a little chappell in this place , it shall be the first monument of your love ; to use our owne religion , the ground offers plenty of stone , the cost and paine be ours . kin.

not yet ?

pat.

't will bind us ever to pray for you .

kin. if it were violent , as thou say'st , it had by this time gnawne to his bowels . pat. sir , you mind not the humble suit i make . arc.

not yet ?

pat.

great sir .

kin. it does not alter him , he rather lookes with fresher bloud upon him . arc. 't is my wonder , i did not trust another to prepare his cup . kin.

come , 't is not poyson , we are abus'd .

arc.

upon my life .

pat.

the king is troubled .

kin.

prepare another .

arc.

it shall be done .

kin.

come hither sirra , you brought this wine .

rod.

i did , sir .

kin.

and you shall taste it .

rod.

would i were but worthy .

kin.

i will have it so . come , drink our health .

rod.

may i remember your good queenes .

arc. and he had the constitution of an elephant 't would pay him . qu.

how cheere you , sir .

pat. well , madam ; but i observe distractions in the king . kin.

nay , drink it off .

rod.

and it were as deep as the root of penmenmaure , my royall love should have it .

kin. now we shall try the ingredients , it stirr'd not him , has he done 't ? rod.

so .

arc.

yes , and the change begins to shew already .

rod.

hoy ho � what 's that ?

bar.

where ?

rod.

here , here abouts , was the wine burnt ? oh there 's wildefire in the wine .

arc.

it workes on him .

rod.

there 's squibs and crackers in my stomacke ; am not i poyson'd ?

bar.

poyson'd ? we shall want a foole then .

rod.

a way , i 'll never drink agen .

bar.

not often , and thou beest poyson'd .

rod.

it increases , my royall love has poison'd me , her health has blowne my bowells up . oh a cooler , would i were a while in the frozen sea , charity is not cold enough to releeive me : the devill is making fireworkes in my belly . ha the queene , let me but speake to the queene ; oh madam , little do you think , that i have poyson'd my self , oh for your sweete sake . but howsoever ; oh think upon me when i am dead . i bequeath my heart , oh there 't is already : my royall love farewell .

arc.

what thinke you now ? it hath dispatch'd him raving .

pat. madam , you shew a pious heart , i finde my death was meant ; but 't is heavens goodnesse i should not fall by poyson : do not loose your charity . bar.

hee 's dead .

pat.

pray let me see the fellow .

kin. it affrights me , this was some treason meant to us ; and thee good man : how i am innocent . pat.

how soone death would devoure him .

arc.

past your cure .

pat. that power we serve can call back life , and see , he has a little motion . bar.

he breathes too , nay then he may live to have th' other cup : madam , this patrick is a rare physition , if he stay with us , wee 'l make us all immortall .

kin.

alive agen ? oh let me honour thee .

quee. we cannot sir enough ; receive me patrick , a weake disciple to thee : my soule bids me embrace thy faith : make me a christian . kin. how ? did didst thou heare archimagus , let some convey our queene hence , her weak conscience melts ; shee 'l be a christian she sayes : i hate her , and do confine her to the house of milcho our zealous provost . pat. t is the kings pleasure madam , i should attend you hence . quee.

where the king please .

pat. in any prison madam , i dare visit you ; be comforted , they do but fight with heaven . con.

i 'll waite upon my mother .

exeunt . kin. looke to my daughters , least this change worke on them . arc.

they are my charge .

kin. be not dejected patrick , we do meane all good to thee : set forward , have a care of that poore fellow . pat. i 'll attend you sir , and trust to providence we shall be safe . exeunt . bar.

how i st now rodamant ? dost thou remember thou wert dead ? thou wert poyson'd .

rod.

there is a kinde of grumbling in my guts still .

bar. sings . come , we will drink a cup boy , but of better brewing , and we will drink it up joy , without any feare of � wine is injust that is taken on trust , if it tarry with us it fatts , a cup boy , drink up joy , and let e'm go poyson ratts . exeunt . enter emeria . em. what is it that doth sit so heavy on me ? since coribreus talk'd with me , i finde a dulnes in my braine ; and my eyes look as through a mist : which hangs upon my lids , and weighes e'm downe . he frighted me to heare him , he has a rugged and revengefull nature ; not the sweet temper that his brother . my deere conallus , mine ? alas did i say mine ? indeed he is master of my heart , but something makes me feare i shall not be so happy as i wish in his possession : yet we have vowes on both sides , holy ones , and marriage promis'd . but i am too loude ; yet not , my lodgings are remote and priva'st of all the court : and i have dismist the servants , none neere to reach my voice , then till this give accesse , i need not feare the silent chambers . more cloudes doe gather 'bout my eyes , 't is strange , i am not us'd to be inclin'd to sleepe , while the day shines ; then take what nature offers emeria , and comply , it may discharge thy waking melancholly , so i feele it gently slide upon my sences . enter spirits before coribreus habited gloriously , and representing ceancrochi . cor. so , so , this ammelet i finde secures me from all observers , and i now am in her chamber , by a feate my spirit did me : ha ? she sleepes too , what a fine bawd the devill is , what opportunities he can frame to bring these things to passe ; i were best loose no time ; madam , madam , faire emeria . eme. ha ? who 's that ? was it a voice that cal'd me ? or do i dreame ? here 's no body , this key made all without sast ; yet i 'd see . exit . cor. i had forgot , shee 'le never see me if i do not take off my charme , perhaps i may agen be visible if i ha not lost my selfe . enter emeria . eme. the doores are fast . ha ! blesse me you powers , this musick is not frequent in my chambers ; 't is here , i know not where , i can see nothing . cor.

emeria .

eme.

who i st that calls emeria ? goodnes ayde me !

cor. put off thy fright emeria , yet i blame not thy feeble sence to tremble at my presence : not us'd to mortall eyes , and unprepar'd . but gather strength , and call thy blood agen whose seate a palenesse doth usurp : i am thy freind . eme.

but no acquaintance sure , what are you ?

cor. not what i seeme , i have assum'd this for me , to tell thee what a happinesse is now coming from heaven upon thee . eme.

vpon me ?

cor. and when the sweete emeria is collected , shee will loose her life agen in joy and wonder . eme. my strength returnes , this is a gentle language , and spirit , if thou beest one ; speake thy will . cor. then know emeria , i am no mortall but ceancrochi , chiefe of all the gods that now appeare . eme. i know not what to answer but with my humble knee . cor. thy pure devotion richer then cloudes of incense , myrrhe , and cassia , and all the gummes whose piles make sweete our altar , hath been delightfull to the gods , and me , and i have left the palace of the blest , where many glorious virgins waite : and want thee , a fellow singer in their heavenly quire , to visit in this forme the faire emeria , and thank thee for thy pious sacrifices : rise then and be confirm'd , we meane to honour thy person and thy vertues . em. can this roofe be so much blest ? and can so great a deity consider my imperfect dutie thus ? cor. to assure thy thoughts , ask fairest virgin , what thou most desirest , and it shall firmer , than the destinies , be made thine owne : hast thou a wish to this worlds glorie , to be greater ? would'st thou enlarge thy knowledge , or thy pleasure ? do'st thou affect to have thy life extended , double the course of nature ; or thy beautie above the malice of disease , or time to wither ? would'st thou see thy booke of fate , and read the various lines that fall into thy life , as to their center : speake , and be possest ; if thou refuse what here is nam'd , thy wish will come too late , emeria ? em. none of all these ; let me be still accepted an humble servant to the gods . cor. then i will find some other way to thy reward : first , we release that dutie of thy knee ; reach thy faire hand . em.

i dare not .

cor. doe not tremble , it shall but meet another like thine owne ; for i had care not to affright my virgin : what do'st thou see in me , that to thy sense appeares not man ? divinitie is too bright for thy weake eye , and therefore i have clad in this no threatning shape , all that is divine : that i with safetie of thy sence , emeria , might visit thee : come , i will see thee often , if thou be wise to understand how much it is my will to honour thee ; and i will thus descend , and leave my beames behind , whose brightnesse were enough to burne thee , to converse with thee in a loving way of smiling thus , and thus embracing thee � of mixing palmes , nay i will kisse thee too . em.

doe our gods practise this ?

cor.

not , but with those

they meane especiall grace to , such as they know must hereafter shine above with them , though meerly mortals , are ador'd ; and seldome visit the world , hid thus in flesh and bloud , which wee at pleasure can assume , and have desires like you , and have our passions too , can love , i , and enjoy where wee will place the happinesse , else we had lesse than men .

em.

i thought the powers above had beene all honest .

cor. 't is in them chastitie , nor is it sin in those we love to meet wit active flames , and be glad mothers to immortall issues : how oft hath jove , who justly is ador'd , left heaven , to practise love with such a faire one ? the sun , for one embrace of daphne , would have pawn'd his beames : not one , but hath sometimes descended , to make fruitfull weake mortalitie . oh , if thou could'st but reach , emeria , with thy imagination , what delight , what flowing extasies of joy we bring your sex , made nice and cold by winter lawes of man , that freeze the bloud , thou wood'st be fond to my embraces , and petition me to blesse thee with a rape , yet i woe thy consent . em. away : thou art no god sure , but some vicious impostor : can a deitie breath so much impious language , and reward vertue with shame ? cor. take heed , and doe not value thy selfe by rash and froward opposition ; know , i can make thee nothing , at a breath . em.

better be so , than made so foule a being .

cor.

nay then , what should have beene with thy consent a blessing , shall now only serve my pleasure , and i will take the forfeit of thy coldnesse .

em.

oh help , some man , i dare not call upon the gods ; for they are wicked growne , oh help .

cor.

i shall need none , thou thing of disobedience , thou art now within my power of love , or furie : yeeld , or i ll force thee into postures shall make pleasure weep , and hurle thee into wantonnesse .

he carries her in . the devils rejoycing in a dance conclude the act.
act. iv. enter milcho and servant : mil.

who 's with the queene , my prisoner ?

ser.

the prince conallus came to visit her .

exit ser . mil. so : bid my daughter emeria come hither , she 's come verie melancholy from the court , under pretence to wait upon the queene here . enter emeria . still sad ; come , i must have your face looke otherwise , dresse it in smiles : i hope you put not on this sorrow for the queene , she is a traytor to the king , and to the gods . em. a traytor , sir ! oh doe not say so ; 't is , i heare , for nothing , but looking on the stranger patrick with some pitie . mil. it will not run out of my thought ; but this is the same patrick that was my slave once , he was a brittan too : i know not how , he found some treasure then to buy his libertie : were he agen my slave , no gold should buy him from my swine , whose once companion he was : emeria , d' yee heare ? conallus , the young prince is come to see his mother ; use him gently , girle : come , i have heard he does affect thee , ha ? he may be king . em. his brother coribreus is neerer to that title , and he sayes he loves me . mil.

does he so ? then love him best ,

eme. imagine i had promisd , sir , my heart to his younger brother . mil. break a thousand promises , and hazard breaking of thy heart too wench , to be but one degree neerer a queene ; it does exalt my heart , spread all thy charmes of wit and language , when he courts thee girle : smile , kisse , or any thing , that may endeere him and so great a fortune : i must leave thee , but wonot be long absent . ser.

sir , the bard does presse to see the queene .

mil. he must not see her , his insolence i 'll punish ; yet admit him hither , his pleasant nature may raise mirth in my sad daughter . enter bard. welcome , merry bard . bar. i care not whither i be or no : the queene i come to see . mil. shee 's private with the prince : come hither , do'st thou see that piece of sullennesse , that phlegmatick foolish thing . bar.

and like the father .

mil. make her merry , and i 'll give thee gold joy to purchase a new harp , here 's some in earnest ; thou hast wanton pretty songs to stirre the merry thoughts of maids : i 'me gone to give thee opportunity , my presence may spoile the working of thy mirth , that done sha't speak with the queene too . exit . bar. fare you well sir , and take a knave along we 'e . here 's a rose sprung out of a thistle now : you are sad , madam . em.

i have no cause of mirth , bard .

ba.

what d' yee think of me ?

em.

think of thee , bard ; i think th' art honest , and canst shew a pleasant face sometimes , without an over joy within , but 't is thy office .

ba.

i know why you are so melancholy .

em.

prethee why do'st think , bard ?

ba.

you want a man .

em.

why , thou art one ?

ba.

that 's more than you know .

sings . 't is long of men that maids are sad ; come then , and sweetly kisse them , their lips invite , you will be mad to come too late and misse them . in their cheeks , are full-blowne roses to make garlands , to make posies : he that desires to be a father , let him make haste before they fall , and gather : you stay too long , and do them wrong : if men would virgins strive to please , no maid this yeere should dye o' th greene disease .

what , are you merrie yet ?

em. i am so far from being rais'd to mirth , that i encline to anger . ba. come , i 'll sit you with a song , a lamentable ballad , of one lost her maiden-head , and would needs have it cri'd , with all the marks , in hope to ha 't agen . em

you were not sent to abuse me ?

ba.

a daintie aire too , i 'll but tune my instrument .

em.

no more , or i 'll complaine : sure hee knowes nothing of my dishonour . how mine owne thoughts fright me ?

ba.

now you shall heare the dittie .

em.

hence , foolish bard .

sings . ba. a poore wench was sighing , and weeping amaine , and faine would she have her virginitie againe , lost she knew not how ; in her sleep ( as she said ) she went to bed pure , but she rise not a maid : she made fast the doore , she was certaine before , she laid her selfe downe in the bed : but when she awaked , the truth is stark-naked , oh she mist her maiden-head . enter conallus . ha , the young prince , i 'll tarrie no longer w' ee . now to the queene . exit . con. emeria , prethee doe not hide thy face from me , 't is more than common sorrow makes thee look thus : if the queenes mis-fortunes have darken'd thy face , i suffer too in that . if for thy selfe thou weep'st , my almost ebbing griefe thou wilt enforce back , and beget new seas , in which , made high by one strong sigh of thine , i meet a watry sepulcher . my mothers fate commands my griefe , but thine a greater suffering , since our hearts are one , and there wants nothing , but a ceremony to justifie it to the world . em. call back your promises , my lord , they were ill plac'd on me , for i have nothing to deserve 'em . con. if thou be'st constant to thy selfe , and art emeria still � em.

that word hath wounded me .

con.

why , art not thou thy selfe ?

em. i have the shape still , but not the inward part . con. am i so miserable , to have my faith suspected , for i dare not think thou canst sin by any change : what act have i done my emeria ? or who hath poyson'd thy pure soule with suggestion of my revolt ? apostasie i 'll call it , for next our gods , thou art my happinesse . em. now , my deere lord , and let mee adde thus much in my owne part , i never lov'd you better ; never with more religious thoughts and honour look'd on you ; my heart never made a vow so blessed in my hopes , as that i gave you , and i suspect not yours . con. what then can make thee , my emeria , lesse ; or me ? thou do'st affright � em. yes , i am lesse , and have that taken from me hath almost left me nothing , or if any , so much unworthy you , that you would curse me , should i betray you to receive emeria . con.

doe not destroy me so , be plaine .

em. then thus � but if i drop a teare or two , pray pardon me : did not the story touch my selfe , i should weep for it in another ; you did promise to marrie me , my lord . con.

i did , and will .

em.

alas , i have lost .

con.

what ?

em.

the portion that i promis'd to bring with me .

con.

do i value thy wealth ?

em. oh , but the treasure i lost , you wil expect , and scorne me ever , because you have it not ; yet heaven is witnesse 't is not my fault , a thiefe did force it from me , oh my deere lord . con. i know not what to feare , speake plainer yet . em. you 'l say i am too loud , when i but whisper , sir . i am no virgin . con.

ha!

em. i knew 't would fright you ; but by all those teares , the poore lamb , made a prey to the fierce wolfe , had not more innocence , or lesse consent to be devoured , than i to lose mine honour . con.

why , wert thou ravished ?

em.

you have named it , sir .

con. the villaine , name the villaine , sweet emeria , that i may send his leprous soule to hell for 't , and when he hath confest the monstrous sin , i 'll think thee still a virgin , and thou art so : confirme thy pietie by naming him . em. it will enlarge but your vexation , sir , that he 's above your anger and revenge ; for he did call himselfe a god that did it . con. the devill he was ; oh do not wrack , emeria , the heart that honours thee ; mock me not , i prethee , with calling him a god , it was a furie , the master fiend of darknesse , and as hot as hell could make him , that would ravish thee . em. if you do think i ever lov'd you , sir , or have a soule after my bodies rape , he nam'd himselfe a god , great ceancrochius , to whom i owe my shame and transformation . con.

oh , i am lost in miserie and amazement

exit . em. so ; i did see before it would afflict him : but having given these reasons to conallus , for our divorce , i have provided how to finish all disgraces by my death . enter archimagus . come , cure of my dishonour , and with bloud wash off my staine . ha , archimagus ! arc.

madam .

em.

what newes with our great priest .

arc. i come to tell you , heavenly ceancrochius , of whom i had this day a happie vision , is pleas'd agen to visit you , and commanded i should prepare you . eme. i begin to finde some magicall imposture . does he know it ? arc. i leave to say , how much you are his favorite , be wise , and humble for so great a blessing . eme. this does increase my feares , i 've been betraid , i 'll live a little longer then ; great priest my words are poore to make acknowledgement for so divine a a favour : but i shall humbly expect , and hold my selfe agen blest in his presence . enter corybreus as before habited . arc. hee 's here emeria ; never was virgin so much honoured . exit . cor.

how is it with my sweet emeria ?

eme. that question would become an ignorant mortall , whose sense would be inform'd ; not ceancrochius whose eye at once can see the soule of all things . cor. i do not ask , to make thee think i doubt , but to maintain that forme , which men familiar to such faire ones use when they converse : for i would have my language soft as a lovers . eme.

you are still gracious .

cor. this temper is becoming , and thou dost now appeare worthy of our loves and presence . i knew when thy wise soule examin'd what it was to be the darling to a god , thou would'st compose thy gestures , and resigne thy selfe to our great will : which we accept and pardon thy first frailty ; 't is in us emeria to translate thee hence to heaven , without thy bodies separation , i' th twinckling of an eye , but thou sha't live here to convince erring mortality , that gods do visit such religious votaries in humane for me ; and thus salute 'em . em.

and thus be answered , with a resolute heart .

stabs him . cor.

oh thou hast murder'd me , strumpet , hold .

eme. sure if you be a god , you are above these wounds : if man thou hast deserv'd to bleed for thy impiety . cor. my blood is punish'd , a curse upon thy hand , i am no god ; i am the prince , see corybreus . em. ha ? the prince ? were you my ravisher my lord ? i have done a justice to the gods in this and my owne honour . thou lost thing to goodnesse ; it was a glorious wound , and i am proude to be the gods revenger . cor.

help , oh i am lost .

he dies . em. call on the furies they did help thy sinne , and will transport thy soule on their black wings to hell , prince ; and the gods can do no lesse , than in reward to draw thy purple streame up , shed in their cause , and place it a portent in heaven , to affright such foule lascivious princes . i will live now , this story shall not fall so , and yet i must not stay here , now conallus i have done some revenge for thee in this , yet all this wonot help me to my owne agen ; my honour of a virgin never will returne , i live and move , but wanting thee , at best i 'me but a walking miserie . exit . enter rodament reading . rod. my royall love , my lady , and faire misteries , such love as mine , was never read in histories . there 's love , and love , good . the poyson to my heart was not so cruell . as that i cannot hang thee , how 's that , hang the queene ? the poyson to my heart was not so cruell , as that i canot hang thee , my rich jewell . within my heart . oh there 's hang and jewell , and heart , and heart , good agen . i am thy constant elfe , and dare for thy sweet sake , go hang my selfe . what though i am no lord , yet i am loyall , there 's a gingle upon the letter , to shew if she will

give me but an inch , i 'll take an ell ; lord and loyall , and though no prince i am thy servant royall . there 's no figure in that , yes impossibility , servant and royall .

then grant him love for love , that doth present these , with noverint universi per prefentes .

there 's to shew i am a linguist , with a rumme in the rime consisting of two severall languages , beside love and love , thy jeat and alablaster face . i eat because it drawes the straw of my heart , and alablaster , because there is some white in her face ,

thy jeat and alablaster face now calls , my love and hunger up to eat stone walls .

but so i may bite of her nose , if her face be alablaster ; but she is in prison , there it holds , and i may do her service to break prison for her any way . well , here 's enough at a time , if she like this , i have an ambling muse that shall be at her service : but what stumbling block is cast in my way ? this is no place to sleepe in , i take it in a story under a trundlebed : i have seene these clothes afore now , the tailor tooke measure for one of our gods that made 'em ; de' e heare freind , hal 't is the prince corybreus , dead , kild , ha ? my lord hee 's speechlesse . what were i best to doe ? in stead of searching the wound i 'll first search his pockets : what 's here ? a bracelet , a pretty toy , i 'll give it the queene , but if i be found here alone i may be found necessary to his death . ha , what shall i do ?

hides himselfe . enter milcho and servant . mil.

my daughter gone abroad without a servant ?

ser.

i offer'd my attendance .

mil. ha! what 's here , one murder'd ? 't is the prince , slaine in my house , confusion ; look about , search for the traitour i am undone for ever . ser. the prince ! i 'll take my oath i see him not enter . why thus disguis'd ? mil.

i tremble to look on him , seek everie where .

ser.

i gave accesse to none but rodamant , and he is gone .

mil. what shall we doe ? remove the murder'd body , and on thy life be silent , we are lost else . attend without , and give accesse to none , till i have thought some way through this affliction . did my stars owe me this ? oh , i could curse 'em , and from my vex'd heart exhale a vapour of execrations , that should blast the day , and darken all the world . the prince murder'd in my house , and the traytor not discovered . enter servant . ser.

one , sir , with a letter .

mil.

let him carrie it back , where 's the young prince , conallus ?

ser.

gone long since , sir .

mil. i 'll lay the murder upon him , it will be thought ambition , or upon the queene . ser. sir , one waits with a letter from the king . mil. the king ? that name shoots horrour through me now , who is the messenger ? ser. a stranger both in habit and in person : this is he , sir . enter patrick . mil.

ha .

pat. the king salutes you , my lord , this paper speaks his royall pleasure . you have forgot me , sir ; but i have beene more familiar to your knowledge : is there nothing within my face , that doth resemble once a slave you had ? mil.

ha , is your name patrick ?

pat. it is , my lord : i made my humble suit toth ' king , that by his favour i might visit you ; and though i have not now that servile tye , it will not shame me to professe i owe you dutie still , and shall to my best power obey your just commands . mil. he writ to me , that i should try my art , and by some stratagem discharge his life ; i 'll do 't , but all this wonot quit the suspition of the princes death : what if i lay the murder to his charge ? i can sweare any thing . but if he come off , my head must answer ; no trick in my braine ? y' are welcome ; the king writes you have desires to see the queene , you shall entreat her presence . pat.

the king has honour'd me .

mil. you have deserv'd it . and i doe count it happinesse to receive whom he hath grac'd ; but the remembrance of what you were , addes to the entertainment : my old acquaintance , patrick . pat.

you are noble .

enter queene and bard. mil.

the queene ? welcome agen , come hither , sirra .

pat. madam ; i joy to see you , and present my humble dutie : heaven hath heard my prayers , i hope , and if you still preserve that goodnesse , that did so late , and sweetly shine upon you , i may not be unwelcome , since there is something behind , which i am trusted with , to make you happier . qu.

holy patricik , welcome .

mil. obey in everie circumstance : my despaire exit serv� . shall have revenge wait on it . this is , madam , a good man , he was once my slave ; let not that title take thy present freedome of my house ; my fortunes and my fate , i wish , may have one period with thee , i shall attend you agen , i hope we all may live and dye together yet . my dutie , madam . exit . ba.

i doe not like their whispering , there 's some mischiefe , hee did so over-act his courtesie , i 'll looke about us .

pat. doe , honest bard . oh madam , if you knew the difference betwixt my faith , and your religion , the grounds and progresse of what we professe , the sweetnesse , certaintie , and full rewards of vertue , you would hazard , nay , lose the glorie of ten thousand worlds , like this to be a christian , and be blest to lay your life downe ( but a moment , on which our eternitie depends ) and through torture and seas of bloud contend , to reach that blessed vision at last , in which is all that can be happie , and perfection . enter bard. qu.

i have a soule most willing to be taught .

ba. oh madam , fire , help , we are all lost , the house is round about on fire , the doores are barr'd and lock'd , there is no going forth , we shall be burnt , and that will spoyle my singing : my voyce hath been recover'd from a cold ; but fire will spoyle it utterly . enter victor . ang. vict. have no dread , holy patrick , all their malice shall never hurt thy person , heaven doth look with scorne upon their treacherie , thou art reserv'd to make this nation glorious , by their conversion to the christian faith , which shall by bloud of many martyrs grow , till it be call'd the iland of the saints ; look up , and see what thou observ'st . milcho throwing his treasures into the flames . mil. patrick , thou art caught , inevitable flames must now devoure thee , th' art my slave againe , there is no hope to scape : how i doe glorie , that by my policie thou shalt consume , though i be made a sacrifice with thee to our great gods ; ha , ha , the queene : bard , you will be exlent rost meat for the devill . pat.

heare me .

mil. i choose to leap into these fires , rather than heare thee preach thy cursed faith . y' are sure to follow me , the king will praise my last act yet ; thus i give up my breath , he burnes himselfe . and sacrifice you all for his sons death . pat. oh tyrant , cruell to thy selfe , but we must follow our blest guide and holy guardian : lead on , good angell , feare not , vertuous queene ; a black night may beget a smiling morne , at worst to dye , 't is easier than be borne . exeunt . recorders . the altar prepar'd with ferochus and endarius , as before . king , conallus , archimagus , priest , ethne , fedella , a sacrifice of christian bloud . arc. great jove and mars appeased bee with bloud , which we now offer thee , drain'd from a christians heart , our first oblation of that sect accurst ; and may we to the altar bring patrick , our second offering . the father of this tribe , whose blood thus shed , will doe this iland good . the gods allow what we present ; for see , the holy flame is sent to mightie jove and mars , now bring your vocall sacrifice , and sing . song at the altar . looke downe , great jove and god of war , a new sacrifice is layd on your altars , richer far , than what in arromatick heaps we paid : no curled smoake we send , with perfumes to befriend the drooping aire , the cloud we offer is exhal'd from bloud , more shining than your tapers are , and everie drop is worth a star . were there no red in heaven , from the torne heart of christians , we that colour could impart , and with their bloud , supply those crimson streakes that dress : the skie , when the faire morning breakes . enter rodamant , and whispers the king , who falleth upon the ground . con.

father .

arc.

the king .

leo. away . let not my daughters stir from hence : is this reward , you gods , for my devotion : exit with conallus . arc. no more : i could not by my art foresee this danger . eth.

our father seem'd much troubled .

arc. i must appeare a stranger to all passages , be not disturb'd , my princely charge , use you the free delights of life , while they are presented in these your lovers : sirra , make fast the doore , and wait aloofe ; i 'll follow the sad king . exit . fed. no miserie can happen , while i thus embrace ferochus . eth. and i safe in the armes of my deare servant . end.

you make it heaven by gracing me .

fer. but why have we so long delay'd our blest enjoyings , thus content with words , the shaddowes of our happinesse . rod. so , so , here 's fine devotion in the temple : but where 's my bracelet , let me see ? fer.

where 's rodamant ?

rod.

am i invisible agen ? is this the trick on 't .

fer. the doore is safe ; come , my deare princely mistresse , and with the crowne of love reward your servant . fed.

what 's that ?

fer.

fruition of our joyes .

fed. is not this delight enough , that we converse , and smile and kisse , ferochus . rodamant kisses fedella .

who 's that ?

fer.

where , madam ?

fed.

i felt another lip .

fer. than mine ? here 's none , try it agen : why should her constitution be so cold ? i would not lose more opportunities , love , shoot a flame like mine into her bosome . eth.

who 's that , endarius , that kist me now ?

end. none , since you blest my lip with a touch , madam , my brother is at play with your faire sister . eth.

i felt a beard .

end.

a beard ? that 's strange .

rod.

you shall feele : some else too .

he strikes endarius . end.

why that unkind blow , madam ?

eth.

what meanes my servant ?

rod.

now to my other gamester .

fer. oh , i could dwell for ever in this bosome , rod . puls fer. by the nose . but is there nothing else for us to taste ? hold . fed.

what 's the matter ?

fer.

something has almost torne away my nose . endarius ?

end.

what sayes my brother ?

fer.

did you pull me by the nose ?

end. i mov'd not hence . did you kick me , brother ? fed. we have troubled fooles sure , here 's no body but our selves ; the doores , you say , are safe . fer.

wonot that prompt you to something else ?

fed. i dare not understand you . what bloud is that upon your face ? rod.

you want a beard , young gentleman .

fer. mine ? bloud ; i felt something that like a flie glanc'd o' my cheeke : brother , your nose bled you that fine beard . end.

you need not blush a' one side , brother , ha , ha .

eth. is not this strange , sister ; how came our servants so bloudy ? fer. agen . i prethee leave this fooling with my face , i shall be angrie . end.

i touch'd you not .

rod.

another wipe for for you .

eth. some spirit sure : i cannot containe laughter : what a raw head my servant has ? fed.

mine has the same complexion .

rod.

put me to keep the doore another time . i ha kept 'em honest , and now i will be visible agen .

knock . fer.

rodamant .

rod. here : i was a sleep , but this noyse wak'd me . ha you done with the ladies ? open the doores . within . enter priest . pr. we are undone , my lords , the king is coming in furie back againe , with full resolve to break these images , his son is slaine , and burnt to ashes since , in milcho's house , and he will be reveng'd upon the gods , he sayes , that would not save his dearest son : i feare he will turne christian : archimagus is under guard , and brought along to see this execution done , no art can save you . eth.

we are lost too for ever , in our honours .

leo.

break downe the temple doores .

within . pr.

he 's come already , we are all lost , madam .

fer. teare off these antick habits quickly , brother , doe you the same . more bloud upon our faces . oh , my fedella , something may preserve us to meet agen : endarius , so , so : open . enter king , archimagus , guard . ferochius , endarius confidently meet the king . leo. ha! keep off , more horrours to affright me , i must confesse i did command your deaths unjustly , now my son is murder'd for it . fer. oh do not pull more wrath from heaven upon you . love innocence , the gods have thus reveng'd in your sonnes tragedy : draw not a greater vp on your self and this faire iland , by threatning the temples , and the gods themselves , looke on them still with humble reverence , or greater punishments remaine for you to suffer ; and our ghosts shall never leave to fright thy conscience , and with thousand stings afflict thy soule to madnesse and despaire : be patient yet and prosper , and let fall thy anger on the christians , that else will poyson thy faire kingdome . kin. ha , archimagus , canst thou forgive me , and send those spirits hence ? arc. i can , great sir , you troubled spirits , i command you leave the much distracted king ; returne and speedily , to sleepe within the bosome of the sea , which the kings wrath , and your sad fates assign'd yee ; and as you move to your expecting monument the waves agen , no frowne appeare upon you , but glide away in peace . end. fer. we do obey great priest , and vanish . exeunt . eth. are they gone fedella ? they talk of womans wit at a dead lift , this was above our braines i love him for 't and wish my self in 's armes now to reward him , i should finde him no ghost a' my conscience : but where shall we meete next . fed.

let us away .

exeunt . kin. art sure they are gone archimagus ? my feares so leave me , and religion once agen enter my stubborne heart , which dar'd to mutinie and quarrell with the gods ; archimagus , be neere agen , we will redeeme our rashnesse , by grubbing up these christians , that begin to infect us , and our kingdome . arc. this becomes you , and if you please to heare me , i dare promise the speedy ruine of them all . kin. th' art borne to make us happy , how my deere archimagus ? arc. this iland sir is full of dangerous serpents , of toads , and other venomous destroyers : i will from every province of this kingdome summon these killing creatures to devoure him , my prayer and power of the gods , feare not , will doo 't , by whom inspir'd i prophesie patricks destruction . kin. i embrace my priest , do this , and i 'll forget my sonne , and die , and smile to see this christians tragedie . exeunt .
act. v. enter two souldiers . sould.

so , so , we are like to have a fine time on 't , we may get more by every christian we have the grace to catch , than by three moneths pay against our naturall enemies .

sould.

and their noddles be so precious , would all my kindred were christians ; i would not leave a head to wag upon a shoulder of our generation , from my mothers sucking pig at her nipple , to my great grandfathers coshering in the pease straw . how did that fellow looke whose throat we cut last ?

sould.

basely , and like a christian , would the fellow they call patrick had been in his place , we had been made for ever .

now are we of the condition of some great men in office , that desire execution of the lawes , not so much to correct offences and reforme the common wealth , as to thrive by their punishment and grow rich and fat with a leane conscience . but i have walk'd , and talk'd my selfe a hungry , prethee open the secrets of thy knapsacke , before we build any more projects ; le ts see what store of belly timber we have . good , very good pagan food : sit downe and let our stomackes conferre a while .

enter rodamant . rod.

royal my love is rosted , she died of a burning feaver , & since poison wonot work upon me , i am resolv'd to looke out the most convenient tree in this wood to hang my self : and because i will be sure to hang without molestation or cutting downe , which is a disparagement to an able and willing body , i will hang invisible , that no body may see me , and interrupt my hempen meditations . but who are these ? a brace of mankillers a mounching ; now i think what a long journey i am going , as far as to another world , it were not a misse to take provision along with me , when i come to the tricke of hanging , i may weigh the better , and sooner be out of my paine : bracelet sticke to me , by your leave gentlemen , what 's your ordinary ?

. soul.

who 's that ?

rod.

a friend , my brace of hungarians , one that is no souldier ; but will justifie he has a stomacke in a just cause , and can fight toth and naile , with any flesh that opposes me .

. sould.

i can see no body .

rod.

i will knock your pate , fellow in armes , and to helpe you to see , open the eyes of your understanding , with a wooden instrument that i have .

sould.

i see nothing but a voice , shall i strike it ?

sould.

no , 't is some spirit take heed and offend it not , i never knew any man strike the devill , but he put out his necke bone or his shoulder blade , let him alone , it may be the ghost of some usurer that kick'd up his heeles in a deare yeere ; and died upon a surfet of shamroks and cheese parings .

enter emeria . sould.

who 's this , a woman alone ?

sould.

and handsome , what makes shee in this wood ? wee 'll divide .

sould.

what the woman ?

sould.

no , i 'll have her body , and thou shalt have her clothes .

eme. i know not where i am , this wood has lost me , but i shall never more be worth the finding : i was not wise to leave my fathers house , for here i may be made a prey to rapine , or food to cruell beasts . sould.

no , you shall finde that we are men ; what think you ? which of us two have you most minde to laugh and lye downe withall .

eme.

protect me some good power , more ravishers .

sould.

we are souldiers , and not us'd to complement , be not coy but answer .

sould.

we are but two , you may soone make a choice .

rod.

you shall finde that we be three , are you so hot ?

sould.

come humble your self behinde that tree , or �

eme.

are you a man ?

sould.

never doubt it , i have pass'd for a man in my dayes .

sould.

oh my skull .

sould.

what 's the matter ?

eme.

where shall i hide my self ?

hides her self . rod.

your comrade will expect your company in the next ditch .

souldier .

are you good at that ?

the second souldier strikes the first and rodamant both . souldier .

what dost thou meane ?

souldier

what do i meane ? what dost thou meane to beate my braines out ?

souldier .

i : hold , it is some spirit , and we fight with the aire .

rod.

cannot a mare come into the ground , but you must be leaping you stone horses .

souldier .

my skull is as tender as a mullipuffe .

sould.

he has made a cullice of my sconce , hold deere friend .

so.

has the devil no more wit then to take part against the flesh ?

the devill may have a minde to her himselfe , let him ha her .

if i come back , let me be glib'd .

exeunt reeling . rod.

now lady � what , is shee invisible too ? ha . well , let her shift for her selfe , i have tam'd their concupiscence . now to my businesse of hanging agen .

enter spirit .

i doe like none of these trees ; the devill is at my elbow now , i doe heare him whisper in mine eare , that any tree would serve , if i would but give my mind to 't . let me consider , what shall i get by hanging of my selfe , how it will be to no purpose , a halter will be but cast away , by your leave � i would not have you much out of the way , because here are trees that other men may hold convenient . � oh , my wrist : 't is a spirit . sweet devill , you shall have it , the bracelet is at your service . have i all my fingers ? a pox on his fangs , now o' o' my conscience i am visible agen , if the souldiers should meet with me now , whom i have pounded , what case were i in ? i feele a destillation , and would be heartily beaten to save my life .

enter conallus and emeria .

here 's one , for ought i know , may be as dangerous : a pox of despaire that brought me hither to choose my gallowes ; would i were at home in an embroydered clout . � i 'll sneake this way .

exit . em. i am no ghost , but the same lost emeria , my lord , you left me . con.

did not the flames devoure thee .

em. i felt no flame , but that which my revenge did light me to , for my abused honour . con. oh say that word agen : art thou reveng'd upon thy ravisher ? it was a god , thou told'st me . em. but he found the way to death : and when i name him , you will either not beleeve me , or compassion of his wounds will make you print as many in my brest : he was � con. say , feare not , wrong'd emeria , can any heart find compassion for his death , that murder'd the sweet peace of thy chaste bosome ? oh never , i shall blesse that resolute hand , that was so just , so pious ; and when thou hast assur'd , that he which playd the satyre with thee , is out o' th' world , and kill'd sufficiently , ( for he that robb'd thee hath deserv'd to dye , to the extent of his wide sin ) i 'll kisse , and take thee in mine armes , emeria , and lay thee up as precious to my love , as when our vowes met , and our yeelding bosomes were witnesse to the contract of our hearts . em. it was your brother coribreus , sir : that name unties your promise . con. ha! my brother ? sweet , let me pause a little , i am lost else . em. i did not well to enlarge his sorrow thus : though i can hope no comfort in this world , he might live happie , if i did not kill him , with heaping griefe on griefe thus . con.

he is slaine then .

em. if you will , sir , revenge his death , you must point your wrath here , and i will thank you for 't ; though you should be a day in killing me , i should live so much longer to forgive you . this weake hand did not tremble when it kill'd him , and it came timely to prevent , i feare , the second part of horrour he had meant to act upon me . con. wo'd he had tooke my life , when he assail'd thy chastitie , so thou hadst been preserv'd : i cannot help all this . did it not grieve thee he deserv'd to dye , hu ? em.

i took no joy , sir , in his tragedie .

con.

that done , thou fledst .

em. i left my fathers house , and found no weight hung on my feet for giving his lust the bloudy recompence . con. thou art happie : the gods directed thee to fly , emeria , thou hadst beene lost else with my brothers ashes , and my deare mother , whom the hungry flames devour'd , soone after thy departure . em.

how ?

con. i know not by what malice , or mis-fortune , thy fathers house was burn'd and in it he did meet his funerall sire too , ha ? emeria . enter s. patrick , queene , and bard. ba.

your companie 's faire , but i 'll leave you in a wood , i could like your religion well ; but those rules of fasting , prayer , and so much penance , will hardly sit my constitution .

pat.

't is nothing to win heaven .

ba.

but you doe not consider , that i shall loose my pension , my pension from the king , there 's a businesse .

qu.

do not i leave more ?

ba.

i confesse it ; and you will get losse by the bargaine ; but you that have been used to hunger , and nothing to live upon , may make the better shift . the lesse you eat , you say , will make the soule fat ; but i have a body wonot be used so : i must drinke , and goe warme , and make much of my voyce , i cannot doe good upon water and sallads , keep your diet - drinke to your selves , i am a kind of foolish courtier , patrick , with us , wine and women are provocatives , long tables and short graces are physicall , and in fashion . i 'll take my leave , madam , no christian yet , as the world goes ; perhaps hereafter , when my voyce is a wearie of mee , i may grow wearie of the world , and stoop to your ordinarie say my prayers , and think how to dye , when my living is taken from me , in the meane time

sings . i neither will lend , nor borrow , old age will be here to morrow , ' this pleasure we are made for , when death comes all is paid for : no matter what 's the bill of fare , i 'll take my cup , i 'll take no care . be wise , and say you bad warning , to laugh is better than learning , to weare no cloathes , not neat is . but hunger is good where meat ù : gìve me wine , give me a wench , and let her parrot talke in french . it is a match worth the making , to keepe the merrie thought waking ; a song is better than fasting , and sorrow 's not worth the tasting , then keepe your braine light as you can , an ounce of care will kill a man .

and so i take my leave .

exit . con.

ha! doe i see the queene , emeria ?

pat. alas , poore bard , the flatteries of this world hath chain'd his sense : thus many selfe-loving natures , prison'd in mists and errours , cannot see the way abroad that leads to happinesse , or truth , whose beamie hand should guide us in it . what a poore value do men set of heaven ? heaven , the perfection of all that can be said , or thought , riches , delight , or harmony , health , beautie , and all these not subject to the waste of time ; but in their height eternall , lost for a pension , or poore spot of earth , favour of greatnesse , or an houres faint pleasure : as men , in scorne of a true flame that 's neere , should run to light their taper at a glo-worne . con.

't is she , and the good bishop patrick with her .

pat.

madam , the prince conallus .

con. oh let me kneele to you , and then to heaven , that hath preserv'd you still to be my mother ; for i beleeve you are alive , the fire hath not defac'd this monument of sweetnesse . qu. my blessing and my prayers be still my childs , it was the goodnesse , son , of holy patrick that rescu'd me from those impris'ning flames you speake of , his good angell was our conduct . con. to him that can dispense such blessings , mother , i must owe dutie , and thus kneeling , pay it : may angels still be neere you . pat. rise , conallus : my benediction on thee ; be but what thy mother is , a christian , and a guard of angels shall attend thee too ; the fire we walk'd upon secure , and which is greater , scap'd the immortall flames , in which black soules , after their ill-spent lives , are bound to suffer . con. sir , you shall steere me , and my mothers blest example will become my imitation . but there 's a peece of silent miserie is worth your comfort , mother , and his counsell ; she is , i dare not name how much dishonour'd , and should have beene the partner of my bosome , had not a cruell man forbid my happinesse , and on that faire and innocent table powr'd poyson , above the dragons bloud , or vipers . em.

my humblest dutie , madam

pat. dichu's cell is not far off , please you attend the queene , we are bent thither . con. yes : and as we walk , i 'll tell you a sad storie of my brother and this poore virgin . pat.

come , i 'll lead the way .

qu.

with such a guide we cannot feare to stray .

exeunt . enter ferochus and endarius . fer.

where are we yet endarius ?

en. i cannot informe you more , then that we are in the wood still . fer. and we are lost , our feare to die i' th sight of men , hath brought us hither with our blood to quench the thirst of wolves : or worse , to starve . en. we are in no feare to be apprehended where none inhabite . fer. now that lust is punish'd , which fed our hope , if we had staid i' th temple to have polluted it , with foule embraces : how wearinesse , with travell , and some fasting will tame the flesh . en.

stay here 's a cave .

fer. take heede , it may be a lion , or a fierce wolves den ; how nature trembles at the thought of death : though it be prest downe , with the weight of life . en.

i dare not enter , a new feare invades me .

fer. the worst is welcome , with our clamor , rouse what ever doth inhabite here , or man or beast appeare , if any such dwell in this cave ? we can meet charity or death . enter dichu . dich. what voice with so much passion calls me forth , ha ? be my protection good heaven : my sonnes , my murder'd sonnes with gastly lookes , and bruised limbes ; why do you come to me thus to fright my wither'd eyes ? 'las i was innocent , it was the king , not i commanded your vntimely death , i have wept for ye boyes , and constantly before the sun a wak'd , when the cold dew drops full upon the ground , as if the morne were discontented too . my naked feet o're many a rugged stone hath walk'd , to drop my teares into the seas , for your sad memories . fer. we are no spirits , but your living sons , preserv'd without the knowledge of the king , by archimagus , till a new mis-fortune compell'd us hither to meet death , we feare , in want of food . dic. are yee alive ? come in , it is no time to be inquisitive ; my blessing , i have something to refresh you , course fare , but such as will keep out sad famine : humble your selves and enter , my poore boyes , you 'll wonder at the change ; but we to heaven do climb with loads upon our shoulders borne , nor must we tread on roses , but on thorne . exeunt . enter s. patrick , queene , conallus , emeria . pat. now we approach the hermit dichu's cell : are you not wearie , madam ? qu. not yet , father , in such religious company . pat. you were not us'd to this travell ; how does my new son , and sweet emeria ? con.

i am blest on all sides .

em. you have quieted the tempest in my soule , and in this holy peace i must be happie . pat. you will be spouse to an eternall bridegroome , and lay the sweet foundation of a rule , that after ages , with devotion , shall praise and follow . you are , sir , reserv'd to blesse this kingdome with your pious government , your crowne shall flourish , and your bloud possesse the throne you shall leave glorious : this nation shall in a faire succession thrive , and grow up the worlds academie , and disperse , as the rich spring of humane and divine knowledge , cleare streames to water forraine kingdomes , which shall be proud to owe what they possesse in learning , to this great all-nursing iland . con.

may we be worthy of this prophesie .

pat. discourse hath made the way lesse tedious , we have reach'd the cell already , which is much too narrow to containe us ; but beneath these trees , upon their coole and pleasing shades , you may sit downe ; i 'll call upon my convert : dichu , my penitent , come forth , i pray , and entertaine some guests i have brought hither , that deserve welcome . enter dichu . dic.

i obey that voyce .

pat. the queene , and prince , and milcho's vertuous daughter gain'd to our holy faith . dic. let my knee speake my dutie , though i want words for my joy , ten thousand welcomes ; i have guests within too , you 'l wonder to salute my sons , not dead , as we suppose , by heavenly providence , i hope , reserv'd to be made blest by you , they are here . enter ferochus and endarius . your duties to the queene and prince , then to this man , next to our great preserver . the patron of us all . pat. a happie meeting : i must rejoyce to see you safe , and here : but tell us by what strange meanes , all this while , you have been preserv'd ? sit downe . soft musick . con.

what musick 's this ?

qu.

't is heavenly .

pat. and a preface to some message , or will of heaven , be silent , and attend it : such harmony as this did wait upon my angell victor , when he first appear'd , and did reveale a treasure under ground , with which i bought my freedome , when i kept unhappie milcho's swine ; heavens will be done . what , all asleep already ? holy dreames possesse your fancie , i can wait no longer . enter victor , and other angels . song , vict. downe from the skies , commanded by the power that lies the world and nature in a chaine , we come , we come , a glorious traine , to wait on thee , and make thy person danger-free : hearke whilst we sing , and keep time with our golden wing , to shew how earth and heaven agree , what eccho rises to our harmonie . vict. holy patrick , sleep in peace , whilst i thy guardian , with these my fellow angels , wait on thee , for thy defence : a troop , i see , of serpents , vipers , and what ere doth carrie killing poyson , here summon'd by art , and power of hell ; but thou shalt soone their furie quell , and by the strength of thy command , these creatures shall forsake the land , and creep into the sea ; no more to live upon the irish shore .

once more then .

song . patrick , sleep ; oh sleep a while , and wake the patron of this i le . enter king , archimagus , and other priests . arc. your person shall be safe ; feare not , great sir , i have directed all their stings and poyson : see where he sleeps , if he escape this danger , let my life , with some horrid circumstance , end in this place , and carrie all your curses . enter serpents , &c. creeping . what think you of these creeping executioners ? doe they not move , as if they knew their errand ? kin. my queene ! my son conallus ! dichu ! ha ! and the still wandring ghosts of his two sons ! arc.

they are alive , sir .

kin.

ha , who durst abuse us ?

pr. will you not have compassion of the queene , and the prince , sir ? kin.

how met they to converse ?

arc.

they are all christian .

kin. let the serpent then feed upon all , my powerfull archimagus . pat. in vaine is all your malice , art , and power against their lives , whom the great hand of heaven daines to protect ; like wolves you undertake a quarrell with the moone , and waste your anger : nay , all the shafts your wrath directeth hither , are shot against a brazen arch , whose vault impenetrable , sends the arrowes back , to print just wounds on your owne guiltie heads . these serpents , ( tame at first and innocent , untill mans great revolt from grace releas'd their dutie of creation ) you have brought , and arm'd against my life ; all these can i approach , and without trembling , walk upon ; play with their stings , which though to me not dangerous , i could , to your destruction , turne upon your selves , and punish with too late repentance . but you shall live , and what your malice meant , my ruine , i will turne to all your safeties , and you shall witnesse : hence , you frightfull monsters , go hide , and burie your deformed heads for ever in the sea ; from this time be this iland free from beasts of venomous natures : the shepherd shall not be afraid hereafter , to trust his eyes with-sleep upon the hils ; the travellers shall haue no suspition , or feare , to measure with his wearied limbs the silent shades ; but walk through everie brake , without more guard than his owne innocence . the verie earth and wood shall have this blessing ( above what other christian nations boast ) although transported where these serpents live and multiply , one touch shall soone destroy 'em . leo.

see how they all obey him , archimagus .

arc. confusion : all my art is trampled on . can neither man , nor beast , nor devill hurt him ? support me , fellow-priests ; i sink , i feele the ground bend with my weight upon it , ha ! the earth is loose in the foundation , and something heavie as the world doth hang upon my feet , and weigh me to the center . a sire , a dreadfull fire is underneath me , and all those fiends that were my servants here , look like tormentors , and all seeme to strive , who first shall catch my falling flesh upon their burning pikes : there is a power above our gods , i see too late . i fall , i fall , and in my last despaire , i curse you all . sinks . kin.

patrick , the king will kneele to thee .

pat. oh rise , and pay to heaven that dutie . kin. canst forgive ? let me embrace you all , and freely give what i desire from this good man , a pardon . thou shalt no more suspect me but possesse all thy desires . the ground is shut agen : where now is archimagus ? how i shake , and court this christian out of feare , not love ? once more visit our palace , holy father . the storie of your sons , and what concernes your escape , madam , we will know hereafter ; i' th' mean time be secure . end. fer.

we are your creatures .

omnes .

our prayers and duty .

pat. i suspect him stil ; but feare not , our good angels still are neer us : death at the last can but untie our frailty ; 't were happy for our holy faith to bleed , the blood of martyrs is the churches seed . exeunt omnes .
the epilogue . how e're the dyce run gentlemen , i am the last man borne , still at the irish game : what say you to the epilogue ? may not i stay , and boldly aske your verdict of the play ? i would report the sun-shine on your brow , and the soft language of the dye t' allow our labour and your story , native knowne ; it is but justice to affect your owne ; yet this is but a part of what our muse intends , if the first birth you nobly use : then give us your free votes , and let us stile you patrons of the play , him of the i le . finis .
machine-generated castlist a -archimagus a -emeria a -leogarius a -rodamant a -patrick a -conallus a -corybreus a -ethne a -bard a -ferochus a -fedella a -milcho a -endarius a -queen a -dichu a - _soldier a - _soldier a -servant a -xxxx_ a -xxxx_ a -coribreus a -priest a -unassigned a -multiple a -xxxx_ a -omnes a -victor a -prince
textual notes

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� not considering cost , or paines to please ; we should be very happy , if at last , we � constant to your selves , and kept that true ; for some have their opinions so displeas'd �eogarius leogarius , monarch of ireland . � � leogarius , monarch of ireland . . �orybreus corybreus , �onallus conallus �erochus ferochus , �ndarius endarius , s aturn become you not , great priests of jove and saturn ; shall we that awe we the furies , at whose a we priests of jove and saturn ; shall we that awe the furies , at whose charme hell itselfe � this is but ayre , he is now landing , every tread he prints � from his warme lips a streame shall flow , to make rockes melt , and churches grow swearos when they appeare with no more armes , and sweares that every man shall weare a tun of iron � the prince . se� , as i was praying i'th' temple neere the sea , my queene , my sons , daughters , and ��� circles and embrace , we were almost strangled : in this fright , me thought � we fled out � ha , where ? � troops , that wait vpon the gods we serve . he is now dying , this minute they have h� troops , that wait vpon the gods we serve � he is now dying , this minute they have blasted slying and they , above the speed of wings , are flying hither with the glad newes , be calme agen � they strike a horror . sylv� montium quin vos juga , vosque sylvo nunc salutamus , chorus advenarum jubilum sacr�m litamen cujus erranti dabitur popello numine sacrum . � no dwelling here , and therefore quit this kingdome speedily go�ds hence , or we'll force you with these goads . ��� with squirrils , rate , and crowes , and coneyes , where you may better plant , my reverend � your shores , and circle your faire iland : but i must not returne . � heaven ; now a great way off . but not accessible to those permit their � calling me thus far to be their freedome . have pitie on your selves , be men , and � feele an ice creeping through all my bloud , there's winter in my heart , i change o'th' throwlie which over lookes the sea , they shall be throwne ; my vow is fixt . ceanerachius great ceancrachius has inspir'd the priest ! this is the only � exeunt . � they forget what we deserve in loving them , they owe more dutie , as we are the kings � but forme and heartlesse ceremony , sister , by your favor , i had rather hold my servant ferocbus why then , my lord ferochus , and his brother endarius , you know em conallu� enter emeria and conallus . ceanerachius religious to her vowes , she is devoted much to ceancrachius , head of the gods . woodbin� forth betrayes her love in blushes . and that woodbine as it would be divorc'd from the sweet-bryer compa�'d difference of our birth or state , when we are compar'd , it should make me the first in your fair h� venus direction that he is dismembred too . he that overcame all in a full careere , looks � holy fume ; none to the altar yet presume . now shoot your voices up to jove , to mars �ow that artificiall tonguelesse thing it was , how are you bound to honour jupiter ? that with �hat was , how are you bound to honour jupiter ? that with this strange and publike testimony � doore too , here's like to be holy doings . e�. en. saw�er . his eyes indeed-law sir , as wide as a sawcer . oh this would have made my boy mad . � an honest merry trout . ��� thou say'st right gudgin , gape , and i'll throw in a bushell , why ��� and i'll throw in a bushell , why does thy rose hang over thy mouth ; as it would peep in h�w thy mouth ; as it would peep in , to tell how many teeth thou hast ? ��� excellent toole ! oh fine foole , ha foole . o� excellent toole ! oh fine foole , ha foole . fi� excellent toole ! oh fine foole , ha foole . ��� prithee with what newes , and whither is thy head trave ��� with what newes , and whither is thy head traveling ? � my head , and my feet goe one way , and both now at bo�h my head � and my feet goe one way , and both now at their journeyes end . the newes is ��� feet goe one way , and both now at their journeyes end . the newes is , that one patricke a �nd one way , and both now at their journeyes end . the newes is , that one patricke a stranger h� stranger , is invited to court : this way he must come , and i like one of the kings ��� come , and i like one of the kings wanton whelpes , have broke loose from the kennell , and a�y by any meanes . w�ll well tis a good soule . � oh my royall love ! la�h treason or any thing . folly and madnesse are lash free , and may ride cheeke by joll with an� thing . folly and madnesse are lash free , and may ride cheeke by joll with a judge . but h� where the king , and queene doe greete thee : his princely sonnes are come to meete thee . princoly the king , and queene doe greete thee : his princely sonnes are come to meete thee . and see ear�es . and see where a paire is , of very fine faries . prepar'd too , that thou may'st report ��� and so pray father give me your blessing . a�c. arc. � archimagus ; the rest speake in a whisper ; i shall be jealous of the intelligencing � may be confident our favour spreads to all . but where is dichu your convert ? wee'l � loose no time time then . wi�l holy patrick . 'tis religious thirst , that will not let me expect � till more returne . l�t patrick . 'tis religious thirst , that will not let me expect � till more returne . there is � religious thirst , that will not let me expect , till more returne . there is a streame of ��� he is my father , i should else tell him ; tis not like a king , thus to t�us should else tell him ; tis not like a king , thus to conspire a poore mans death . what thinks con�pire tell him ; tis not like a king , thus to conspire a poore mans death . what thinks our royall fr�sher does not alter him , he rather lookes with fresher bloud upon him . wilde� abouts , was the wine burnt ? oh there's wildefire in the wine . l�t pray let me see the fellow . n�y he breathes too , nay then he may live to have th'other cup : st�y this patrick is a rare physition , if he stay with us , wee'l make us all immortall . �ee'l is a rare physition , if he stay with us , wee'l make us all immortall . ��� rare physition , if he stay with us , wee'l make us all immortall . drinkup if it tarry with us it fatts , a cup boy , drink up joy , and let e'm go poyson ratts . p�yson a cup boy , drink up joy , and let e'm go poyson ratts . coribrous is it that doth sit so heavy on me ? since coribreus talk'd with me , i finde a dulnes in my con�llus sweet temper that his brother . my deere conallus , mine ? alas did i say mine ? indeed he ��� but something makes me feare i shall not be so happy as i wish in his possession : yet sid�s his possession : yet we have vowes on both sides , holy ones , and marriage promis'd . but ��� ammelet i finde secures me from all observers , and i now am in her chamber , by a feate my h�r secures me from all observers , and i now am in her chamber , by a feate my spirit did me : ha� the doores are fast . ha! ! blesse me you powers , this musick is p�rson and be confirm'd , we meane to honour thy person and thy vertues . va��e take heed , and doe not value thy selfe by rash and froward opposition want�nnesse make pleasure weep , and hurle thee into wantonnesse . s�r exit ser . l�ng 'tis long of men that maids are sad ; come then , �e doe not destroy me so , be plaine . � you have named it , sir . � wise , and humble for so great a blessing . h�lp help , oh i am lost . princ� thy soule on their black wings to hell , prince ; and the gods can do no lesse , than in ��� measure for one of our gods that made 'em ; de'e heare freind , hal 'tis the prince corybreus vex�d this ? oh , i could curse 'em , and from my vex'd heart exhale a vapour of execrations , that ��� it will be thought ambition , or upon the queene . � lord , this paper speaks his royall pleasure . you have forgot me , sir ; but i have beene h� ha , is your name patrick ? iowe servile tye , it will not shame me to professe i owe you dutie still , and shall to my best � exit serv . ba� ba. bet wixt bard . oh madam , if you knew the difference betwixt my faith , and your religion , the grounds lock'� about on fire , the doores are barr'd and lock'd � there is no going forth , we shall be � on fire , the doores are barr'd and lock'd , there is no going forth , we shall be burnt r�cover'd will spoyle my singing : my voyce hath been recover'd from a cold ; but fire will spoyle it utterly os martyrs grow , till it be call'd the iland of the saints ; look up , and see what thou facrifice and sacrifice you all for his sons death . � ferochus and endarius , as before . king , conallus , archimagus , priest , ethne , si�ra they are presented in these your lovers : sirra , make fast the doore , and wait aloofe endurius who's that , endarius , that kist me now ? bl�d glanc'd o'my cheeke : brother , your nose bled you that fine beard . ��� cheeke : brother , your nose bled you that fine beard . ne�d you need not blush�d one side , brother � ha , ha blush�d you need not blush a' one side , brother � ha , ha . � you need not blush�d one side , brother , ha , ha . murdor'd command your deaths unjustly , now my son is murder'd for it . i�'s braines i love him for't and wish my self in's armes now to reward him , i should finde � exeunt . embracemy i embrace my priest , do this , and i'll forget my th�ir and their noddles be so precious , would all my kindred � now i think what a long journey i am going , as far as to another world , it were not � not a misse to take provision along with me , when i come to the tricke of hanging , i sight has a stomacke in a just cause , and can fight toth and naile , with any flesh that opposes �oth stomacke in a just cause , and can fight toth and naile , with any flesh that opposes slesh , and can fight toth and naile , with any flesh that opposes me . no� 'tis some spirit take heed and offend it not , i never knew any man strike the devill a�d and handsome , what makes shee in this wood sight i : hold , it is some spirit , and we fight with the aire . himselse the devill may have a minde to her himselfe , let him ha her . o� all my fingers ? a pox on his fangs , now o' � my conscience i am visible agen , if the � all my fingers ? a pox on his fangs , now o o' my conscience i am visible agen , if the mehither dangerous : a pox of despaire that brought me hither to choose my gallowes ; would i were sledst that done , thou fledst . ar� thou art happie : the gods directed thee to fly , burn'd� , or mis-fortune , thy fathers house was burn'd and in it he did meet his funerall sire ha� in it he did meet his funerall sire too , ha ? emeria . sasting like your religion well ; but those rules of fasting , prayer , and so much penance , will hardly � loose my pension , my pension from the king , there's a businesse . �at may make the better shift . the lesse you eat , you say , will make the soule fat ; but ��� doe good upon water and sallads , keep your diet - drinke to your selves , i am a kind of ��� drinke to your selves , i am a kind of foolish courtier , patrick , with us , wine and women are � physicall , and in fashion . i'll take my leave , madam , no christian yet , as the world ord � na�ie grow wearie of the world , and stoop to your ordinarie say my prayers , and think how to dye , conall us rise , conallus : my benediction on thee ; be but what � thee too ; the fire we walk'd upon secure , and which is greater , scap'd the immortall b�ene name how much dishonour'd , and should have beene the partner of my bosome , had not a cruell dicbu's dichu's cell is not sar off , please you attend thicher please you attend the queene , we are bent thither . � come , i'll lead the way . � when the cold dew drops full upon the ground , as if the morne were discontented too . compell d , by archimagus , till a new mis-fortune compell'd us hither to meet death , we feare , in endacius enter ferochus and endarius . o� and a preface to some message , or will of heaven , be silent , and attend mil�ho's bought my freedome , when i kept unhappie milcho's swine ; heavens will be done . what , all faucie asleep already ? holy dreames possesse your fancie , i can wait no longer . danger�free traine , to wait on thee , and make thy person danger-free : hearke whilst we sing , and keep time desence my fellow angels , wait on thee , for thy defence : a troop , i see , of serpents , vipers dicbu my queene ! my son conallus ! dichu ! ha ! and the still wandring ghosts of ruiue shall live , and what your malice meant , my ruine , i will turne to all your safeties , and venomons this time be this iland free from beasts of venomous natures : the shepherd shall not be afraid
the young admiral shirley, james this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text s in the english short title catalog (stc ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. martin mueller incompletely or incorrectly transcribed words were reviewed and in many cases fixed by madeline burg keren yi proofread against the page images by katherine elizabeth poland this text has not been fully proofread earlyprint project evanston il, notre dame in, st.louis, washington mo distributed under a creative commons attribution-noncommercial . unported license a .xml the young admirall. as it vvas presented by her majesties servants, at the private house in drury lane. written by james shirly. shirley, james, - . dpi tiff g page images university of michigan, digital library production service ann arbor, michigan october (tcp phase ) stc ( nd ed.) . greg, ii, . a

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 the young admirall. as it vvas presented by her majesties servants, at the private house in drury lane. written by james shirly. don lope de cardona. shirley, james, - . vega, lope de, - . [ ] p. printed by tho. cotes, for andrew crooke, and william cooke, london : .

based on: vega, lope de. don lope de cardona.

partly in verse.

signatures: a b-k .

the last leaf is blank.

reproduction of the original in the university of michigan. library.

 a shc the young admiral shirley, james madeline burg keren yi katherine elizabeth poland play tragicomedy shc no a s (stc ). athis text has no known defects that were recorded as gap elements at the time of transcription. incorporated ~ , textual changes made to the shc corpus by hannah bredar, kate needham, and lydia zoells between april and july during visits, separately or together, to the bodleian, folger and houghton libraries as well as the rare book libraries at northwestern university and the university of chicago

the yovng admirall . as it was presented by her majesties servants , at the private house in drury lane .

written by james shirly .

london , printed by tho. cotes , for andrew crooke , and william cooke . .

names of the persons . the king of naples . the king of sicily . the prince of naples . vittori the young admirall . alphonso his father . noblemen of naples . julio . alberto . fabio . noblemen of sicily . horatio trivulsi captaines . fabrichio mauritio . didimo a page to rosinda . pazzorello a servant to rosinda . soldiers . rosinda the daughter of sicily . cassandra vittories mistresse . flavia , lady attendant on rosinda .
to the right honorable george lord barkley , of barkely castle .

my lord ,

the many testimonies of your excellent nature , with so much furniture , and ornament of learning ; have in the hearts of the knowing world erected monuments to your living fame , and long since prepard my particular ambition to be knowne to you , that i , among other , whose more happy wits have gaind by being onely read under so noble a patron , might by some timely application derive upon me your lordships influence . be pleas'd my most honourable lord to accept this poeme , till something of more high endeavour may present my service , yet let me not barre it the truth of this character , it hath beene grateful to the stage , and graciously entertain'd at court by their majesties , now if your lordship smile upon it in this addresse , and bid it welcome , it shall dwell with honour and security under your name , and the author glory to professe himselfe

my lord

your most humble honourer ,

iames shirly .

the yovng admirall .
the first act . enter prince , and alberto . alberto .

my lord y 're sad .

pr. i am thinking , alberto , of many things , have i not cause ? al. you may thinke on em with lesse trouble . pr. but of all what dost imagine most afflicts me ? i le prevent thy answere , i am not troubled with the present threatnings of the enemy , with all his preparations to invade us . al. you have more confidence in vittori , sent to meete the insulting king , he has beene fortunate in many warres . pr. the warres consume vittori , he has beene too fortunate . al. your wishes ere against the common peace , if he prove not a happie admirall we are lost . pr. be thou and all thy name lost , and may no age find it agen : how dare you interrupt us ? when we do want your councell , wel 'e call for you . al.

i am gone sir .

enter iulio . pr. my iulio welcome , what speakes cassandra yet ? iu. nothing to encourage you , the same obstinate thing victory has her heart , she much condemnes the roughnesse which you mix'd with your last courtship , she saies your father may command her life , but you must be a stranger to her bosome . pr.

i was too rude at my last visit .

iu.

rather sir too tame .

pr. have i for this drawne warre vpon my countrey , neglected sicilies daughter , left a staine vpon his court , and paid his entertainment with wounding one he lou'd ? iu. his favourite you had beene lesse sir , then your selfe to have suffered his insolence , nor was 't an act becomming his master , to send hither to negotiate a marriage for his daughter , and when you so farre engag'd your selfe upon a visite , to permit any of his gaudy upstarts affront your person . pr. i acquit the king , t was no state quarrell , high with wine he did throw some disgrace on our italian ladies , whilst he would magnifie some beauties there , this he did second with a pride , and rudenesse , my patience was not tame enough to suffer , and carelesse of all danger i did punish him . iu.

t was home and hansome .

pr.

i must owe to fortune .

iu. for your returne , she did but do her duty , to make it swift and happy . pr. i confesse the princesse usd me nobly , though my fancy was not surpris'd , for here i kept the image of faire cassandra , whose divine beauty doth scorne all competition . iu.

did you love cassandra before you went to sicily ?

pr. yes but with too much silence , and that love did make me apprehend more fiercely the occasion to breake off all forraine treaty , horatio's fall , and my quitting the country , vpon 't the king interprets a disgrace to his daughter and himselfe , and in revenge hath added this new tempest to the sea , mean't to our ruine iulio . iu. all their fury may soone be interrupted , if vittory mannage his businesse well . pr.

that 's all my trouble .

iu.

what ?

pr. vittory ther 's the devill on 't , he may be fortunate and overcome . iu. can there be ill in that ? pr. ill ? thou art shallow , i made him not admirall , but to engage his youth and spirit , apt to fly on dangers , to perish in his hot pursuit of honour , if he come home with victory , my father and his wise state must give him thankes , the people giddily runne , to meete the conquerour , and owe their lives , and safety to his triumph . but where am i ? what peace brings it to me ? what blessing i' st to heare the generall voyce shoot their wild joyes to heaven , and i in torment certaine to lose my hopes in faire cassandra ? iu. there may be waies at home to remove him , and plant you in your wishes . pr. it would be most happinesse to heare his death . ju. that may ruine a kingdome . pr. ruine twenty more , so i enioy her first , nothing can be too precious to forfeit , i am mad , and my desires by opposition grow more violent . iu. i thought your masculine soule lesse capable of vexation , shall a subject whom with your breath you may blow out o' th' world raise such a storme within you ? pr. no he sha'not , i ha found my selfe againe , come i le be merry , but i will have cassandra spight of fate ? iu.

resolve and have her .

pr. stay , it were convenient we did know how to doe this iulio . iu. y' are in the right sir , it were first indeed convenient to know how . pr.

thou knowst his father .

iu.

sighnior alphonso .

pr. a bold and daring gentleman , all flame when he is mov'd , and carelesse of a danger to vindicate his honour . iu.

what of this ?

pr. he shall beare the foundation of a plot , to make me lord of my desires . iu. hee le rather meet torture then consent , his arme is not yet withered , and while he can lift a sword , he will employ it to revenge vittori . pr. thou art no polititian iulio . enter fabio . how now ? what newes with you ? fa. and please your grace an humble creature of yours , proud of the least occasion to expresse how faithfully my heart is fixt to serve you . pr.

what 's your businesse ?

in. i have businesse of some consequence , i had not beene so bold else to disturbe your princely conference , for i durst never assume that impudent garbe , that other courtiers are knowne by , my devotion has beene still to appeare in modest services . pr.

to 'th point .

fa. it were a point of deepe neglect to keepe your grace in expectation , yet delaies make ioyes the sweeter , arrowes that fly compasse , arrive with as much happinesse to the marke , as those are shot pointblanke ? pr. this courtier loves to heare himselfe talke , be not so impertinent , we know your care . fa. and cost my lord sometimes , for they that hold intelligence abroad to benefit their countrey , must not make idolls of their estates , and t is a happinesse to sell their fortunes for their princes smile , which i am confident you will vouchsafe , when you have heard my newes . pr. woud you would vouchsafe to let us heare ? fa. vouchsafe my lord , alas ! you may command my tongue , my hands , my feete , my head , i should account that limbe superfluous that would not be cut off to do you service . pr.

i do command thee silence , dost heare , silence ,

fa. it is a verture my good lord i know , but where the tongue has something to deliver , that may delight a princes care , and so forth . iu.

now there 's some hope , he 's come to his , and so forth .

fa.

the newes concernes the admirall vittori .

pr.

what of him , is he slaine ?

fa. the starres forbid , he is return'd my lord , triumphant , brave , and glorious � pr. be dumbe . another syllable , i le ha thy tongue out , and leave no roote , lest there grow out another , was all your circumstance for this ? ju. my lord ! you are too open brested , let this fellow see into your heart , wisemen disguise their counsels till things are ripe . pr. begon , pox o' your legges and the curse ha'not beene before , yet stay , give order that no man goe forth to meete him vntill our pleasure further knowne , command the governour o th city place a guard about the gates , let no mans face appeare without the walls , the king our father meanes to salute him first in person , d ee stand . fa. give order that no man goe forth to meete him , i shall my lord . pr. he shall be entertain'd , i feele new armies in my brest , his father enter alphonso . thine care iulio . iu. i shall attend you straight my honorable lord . al. your servant iulio where is the prince ? i beg your graces pardon . pr. oh my good lord , your sonne i heare's return'd with honour , has defeated the sicilian bravely . al. he has and please your highnesse , heaven has smild upon his undertaking , it renewes my youth to heare it . pr. he had good souldiers , but all their valour still conspires to make the generall a garland , he must weare the conquering bayes , whose blood soever pay's for 't . al.

my lord .

pr.

nay , nay i envie not his victory .

al. you envie him , it was your cause he fought , and for his country . pr. right , and t is the cause that often prospers , that without his valour would ha defenc'd it selfe . al. if all vertue were left to her owne protection , my lord , vnarm'd with strength and policie , best states would finde shrew'd innovations . pr. you had best tell me i lie . al.

i dare not thinke so foulely .

pr. y' are a traitor , enter iulio with a guard . lay hands on him . al. he that shall dare to say alphonso is a traytor , let his veines partake no blood of yours , and he shall curse he had a tongue . pr.

disarme the rebell , and to prison with him .

al.

ingratefull prince .

exit . pr. i le tame your ruffian spirit . so , so , i le now acquaint my father iulio , who must allow my act , diseases that are desperate require a rugged handling , this is for thee cassandra ! exit . enter vittori , mauricion , captaine and souldiers . vi.

stand .

. stand . stand . stand .

vi.

the king received intelligence !

ma. our ships must needes report that loud enough . vi. t is strange , is it not possible we have mistooke the shore , transported with our navall victory , speake gentlemen ! or doe we dreame ? ma. those walls are certainely the same , and that the city peopled when we launch'd forth , and full of prayers for our successe . ca. it may be they reserve their welcome till we march into the city . ma.

they may have some conceit .

vi. a generall silence like night dwels round about us , and no signe that men inhabite , have we wonne at sea to lose our selves upon the land ? or in our absence hath some monster landed here and made it desolate , devour'd the natives , and made em creepe into the earth agen ? ma.

they might salute us with one peece of ordnance .

vi. they cannot take us for their enemies , captaine enquire the cause , let none else move ; yet stay , unlesse it be some strange mortality , and yet that cannot be , have we brought home their safety purchas'd through so many horrours , and is this all the payment for our conquest ? to shut the gates upon us . cap. force them open with the canon , shake their walls about their eares , they are asleepe . vi. for such another rashnesse thy head shall be the bullet of that canon , and shot into the towne ; go to ! be temperate , as i grudge none the merit of their valour , i must heare none so bold . cap.

i ha done sir .

vi. subjects are bound to fight for princes , they not bound to the reward of every service , i looke upon thee now fighting at sea , and have forgot this error , give no breath to such a thought hereafter . honour payes double where kings neglect , and he is valiant truely that dares forget to be rewarded . . so.

this is but cold comfort for a knapsacke man .

vi. and yet t is strange the king should thus neglect us , this is cheape entertainement for a conquerour i st not mauritio ? misery of souldiers when they have sweat blood for their countries honour , they stand at others mercy . ma. they have slept since and dream't not of our sufferings . vi. is the prince alive , to whom we owe our countries quarrell the difference of both kingdomes ? our warre and fortunes justifie his act can he be guilty of this shame ? no more , there 's something would faine mutinie within me , strangle the snakes betime vittori � so this was a way to forfeit all our fames ; fold up your ensignes throw off all the pride that may expresse a triumph , well march on as we had over bought our victory . ma. the gates are opend now , and we discover a woman by her veile , in mourning habit , comming this way vi. alone ? more strange and fatall , it may be t is my genius come to give a melancholy warning of my death , as brutus had from his , i le stand my destiny , yet bearing the resemblance of a woman it will lesse terrifie , who should this be ? enter cassandra veild in mourning . lady your garment speakes you a sad woman , greefes should salute no neerer , if it were in poore vittories power to dispossesse you of any sorrow . cass. oh my deare vittori ! my wishes ayme at none beside . vi. cassandra ? we are rewarded , had vittori taken into his body a thousand wounds , this kisse had made me well againe , or but one droppe of this rich balsome , for i know thy teares are joy to see vittori safe , the king with all the glories of his province cannot doe halfe this honour to his admirall , i have a place above all happinesse , and meete a greater empire in thy love then fame or victorie hath ever boasted , my owne my best cassandra ! cas. call agen that temper , which hath made vittori honour'd and if my teares which carry something more then joy to welcome home , my best lov'd lord affect you with no sadnesse , which i wish not , yet looke upon this mourning not put on to counterfeit a griefe , and that will tell you there is necessity for you to know somewhat to checke the current of your triumph . ma.

what prodigies are these ?

vi. i was too carelesse of this sad habit , joy to see thy face made me distinguish nothing else , proceed and punish my too prodigall embraces , it is not fit i be in one thought blest and thou in such a livery . ca. when you say you have strength enough to entertaine the knowledge of such an injury . vi. if it onely point at me , speake it at once , i am collected , shat see i will be conqueror at home , if it concerne thy selfe , let it not flow too fast , but rather let my eare receive it by such degrees as may not kill too soone , but leave me some life onely to revenge it . ca. the prince whose cause engag'd your warre abroad , hath ill rewarded you at home . vi.

he cannot !

ca. sir in your absence i have suffered for you , hourely sollicited to my dishonour . vi.

ha!

ca. for though he cald it love ; i might suspect it , his personall visits , messengers , rich presents left me not quiet to enjoy my selfe . i told him i had given my faith already , contracted yours , impatient of my answers , he urg'd his greatnesse , sweare he would enjoy me , or be no prince in naples , i am yet preserv'd , and welcome home my deerest safety . vi.

the prince doe this !

ca. this is but halfe the story , by his command none dare salute your victory , or powre their glad hearts forth at your returne , to these he hath newly added the dishonour of your father , whom he hath commanded close prisoner i th castle , upon some pretence of treason , in my eyes you may behold how people shed their sorrow , as the guard led him to prison , none so bold to aske the cause that made him suffer in his miserie . vi.

will the king suffer this ?

ca. alas his age hath made him tame , a too indulgent father to such a sonne , whose will is all the law , controlling what he pleases in this fall of justice ; which way will vittori take ? vi. mauricio didst heare this ? we must aske forgivenesse that we have beene valiant , repent our duties , and that victory we bought so deere , we shud have dyed at sea , and then perhaps beene talk'd on in the croud of honest men , for giving up our lives , which for our service they may now take from us , we are not yet i' th snare , and we have power to stifle their designes , and prevent our dishonourable fall . ma. the souldiers hearts are yours . vi. no mauricio let em be the kings , if such as they forget their office , we must keepe our thoughts unstain'd , i le to the king , but without any traine . ma. in this you do not consult your safety . vi. safety is a lecture to be read to children , i doe alwayes carry my owne security within , mauricio , yet doe not thinke i am desperate , i le take no knowledge of the princes action but give account of my engagement , that 's not much amisse , the king i know is gracious and the prince too , how ever passion play this rebell in our soule . ma. you shannot neede sir , the king is comming hither . vi. and the prince , le ts all looke smooth , the king is come himselfe to gratulate our successe . enter king of naples , prince , iulio , fabio , alberto . you too much honour the poore vittori , who at your feete layes his heart and victory , and that which gave him power to doe you service . king . we receive it , and here discharge your souldiers , who shall tast of our particular bounty . omnes sol.

heaven preserve the king .

exit . sol. pr. sirra did not i give strict charge that none should passe the gates , how came she hither ? fab. no man and like your grace , i did remember and durst not prevaricate in one syllable of my commission , she is a lady sir . pr. you wood be an officious hangman i perceive , i le finde you understanding . vi. let me prostrate my duty to your highnesse , and be honour'd to kisse your hand . pr. vittori i le not flatter i have no grace for him , whose father durst attempt an insolence upon my person , which the sonne may be guilty of in his blood . vi. my father insolent , and i guilty sir , because i share his blood ? oh that i knew in what part of my veines to finde those drops , that i might sacrifice to your anger , and expiate my fathers sinne ! pr.

i came not to expostulate .

vi.

is this all my reward ?

pr. your valour has beene payd in the successe , what you have done was duty , if you have not mixed our cause with private and particular revenge . vi.

you speake not this to me sir .

pr. yes to you , we doe not feare the bugbeares in your forehead , you will heare more . exeunt prince , iulio . vi.

sir you have mercy in you .

kin.

you have displeas'd our sonne vittori .

vi.

i ? witnesse the angels .

ki. i must tell you too , your father has transgrest beyond example . vi. good heaven forgive him , is this all , all my reward ? ki.

what would you aske .

vi.

aske � why � i aske my father .

ki.

your father ?

exit king , alb. fab. vi. goodnesse leave me not the wonder of all mankind ; gentlemen all gone . ca.

alas vittori .

vi. i that commanded thousands this morning am not owner of one servant . dost thou stay with me ? ca. my prophetick soule knew this before . enter king , alberto , fabio . vi.

the king returnes , cassandra .

ki. we ha thought upon 't vittori , and without the councell of our sonne , will condiscend to your fathers liberty , he is yours upon condition , you and he , and this your mistresse go into present banishment . vi.

how ! banishment ?

ki. i runne my sonnes distast there is no time for study , he affects that lady , if you stay something may follow , to th generall repentance , troth i pitty thee , here take our signet , time and absence may correct all . exit king cum caeteris suis . ca. oh embrace it deere vittori , we shall meete safely every where but here , enlarge your father , and we cannot misse a happier fate . vi. can my cassandra thinke so ? that word shall make me live a little longer , but these are strange turnes madam , naples hath no dwellings for us , when we are quit of these , wee 'le with our griefe make tame some wildernesse . exit .
the second act . enter king , prince , alberto , fabio . king .

what 's to be done ?

pr. done , y' are undone all , betraid the crowne you weare , i see it tremble vpon your head , give such a licence to a rebell , trust him abroad to gather strength to the kingdomes ruine . king . what can such a naked man attempt to make us feare ? pr. he carries with him a whole army sir the peoples love , who want no giddinesse had they but opportunity , and such a master rebell as vittori , to make spoyle of all , who counceld him to this . al. not i and please your grace , i wish it heartily vndone . pr. you wish it sir , are wishes now the remedy for such a mischiefe , you when the state bleeds , will wish it well agen ; y' are fine court surgeons , had you staide his father it might have check'd his treason , or cassandra . al.

that 's his torment .

pr. we had beene secure , exasperated now with his affront , as never traitor wanted impudence to blanch ore his rebellion , he may inflame the neighbour princes , to conspire some warre for his revenge . fa. his grace sayes right , there may be a consequence of much danger , and vittori has fame abroad . ki. i did it for the best , by his absence thinking to remoue his anger , i could have beene content , to have honoured him , for to say truth , his services did challenge more friendly paiment . fa. to say truth , he was a noble valiant gentleman , and deseru'd pr.

what deseru'd he ?

fa. a halter , and shall please your highnesse , i did wonder at your patience he was not put to death . pr. i must acknowledge , vittori has deseru'd for many services , the love and honour of his country , fought their battels , and brought conquest home , made tame the seas that threatned us , secur'd the land , and rome allowd some consuls for lesse victories , triumphs , and statues . fa. most excellent prince how just he is . pr. but when opinion of their owne merit swels em into pride , which sets a price of that , which modesty should count an act of their obedience , they forfeit the reward of thankes and honour , and betray poore and most vaine-glorious soules , scipio , and antony , and other romanes , deseru'd well of the senate , and were honoured , but when they ran to faction , and pursued ambitious endes to undo their countries peace , they were no longer patriots , but declared romes poyson , and like gangrenes on the state to bee cut off , lest they corrupt the body . fa.

was ever prince so wise !

ki. but sonne , sonne , how can these staines reach vittori ? he hath given no argument to suspect his fall from loyalty . pr. i do not sir accuse him , nor did i more then became the spirit of a prince , show i was sensible of his fathers impudence , if you remember , when i urg'd what trespasse his father had committed , he urg'd aloude , was this all his reward , as if his service were obligation to make us suffer , and justifie their affronts , but i waste breath since you are so well pleas'd , my duty sir shall speake me still your sonne , but let me take boldnesse to prophesie their insolence strucke at my person first , but you will find their pride reach higher , i am but a branch superfluous , and may be prund away , you have you say , no argument to suspect his fall from loyalty , if what 's done to me be dead within you , yet remember now you have disingag'd by exile his relation and tie of subject , he owes now no faith to you , what that , and his disgrace and opportunity abroad may frame him to , i leave , to imagine . ki. nay prethee come backe , thou hast awak'd me , i finde my rashnesse , i did never thinke there had beene so much danger , we will study timely prevention , let em be cald backe , fly after em , and in our name command . pr.

you shanot need .

ki.

how shanot need ?

pr. your pardon , in hope your wisedome would allow it , after i have made that my act , iulio is gone with strict commission for that purpose . ki iulio ? i thanke thy care . fa. i was most divinely thought on , most maturely . now all your jealousies are laid . pr. i shall compose my selfe at his returne , to weare what countenance you will direct . ki. cassandra y 'ave sent for too . pr. by any meanes , she is so precious to vittori , had she sinn'd alone to merit banishment , hee would follow her through all the world . ki. women are strangly attractive , fame speaks her vertuous too . fr. some vertue she has � enter julio , alphonso , guarded . julio has prospered , tha 'st done good service , alphonso though your late affront to us be foule in its owne nature , and may encourage others by your impunitie , yet we have with the remembrance of your former actions lost your offence , vittori too shall find the honour he deserves . al.

how 's this ?

pr. where is he ? he does not scorne our mercy ; iulio , where is cassandra ? iulio . shipt with vittori , thanke alphonso for t whom you have pardoned , they are both at sea . pr.

whirle winds pursue em .

ki.

where 's your sonne alphonso ?

al. embark'd with his faire mistresse , i observe my lord which way your anger moves , in vaine you vex your soule for them , the sea 's no part of your command , the winds are masters there , which cannot raise a storme so blacke and ominous , as their owne countrey . pr.

by what meanes escaped they ?

alp. take it from me , and after cut my head off , i charg'd him as his heart wish'd to enjoy a fathers blessing , as he lov'd the honour of his cassandra , fearing some new plot to hire a barke , and quickly put to sea , whilst i made some stay to dispose affaires , that might befriend us in another countrey , he did obey and had my prayers , the winds convey'd him swiftly from the shore , and had your creature iulio not made such haste , i had dispatch'd , and in another vessell followed his ship , but heaven determined i should be agen your prisoner , use your power but looke to give account for every haire of this old head , now withered in your service . pr.

to the castle with him .

al. i , there 's the king , let me use one word more royall sir , to you . pr.

you 'le heare him .

al. feare not prince , my soule 's not falne so low to beg compassion . ki.

speake alphonso ?

al. my duty still preserv'd , i would advise your age to quit the trouble of your kingdome , and aske the princes leave to turne a capuchin , why should you stoups with burthen of such a state , and have a sonne so active , turne fryer , my lord , and make the youngman king . pr.

i must endure .

ki.

away with him .

fab.

i le see him safe my lord .

enter a messenger . pr.

what hasty newes with you .

mess. to armes great sir for your defence , there are new dangers from the sea . kin.

another fleet ?

mes. and sailing this way , we suspect they are sicilians . ki.

vittori gave a blow to their designe .

pr.

d ee but suspect it vilaine ?

iu. it may bee some scattered ships . pr. has not vittori mock'd us , and plaide the vilaine with your trust . ki.

they could not be reinforcd so soone , what number ?

mes.

they cover sir the seas .

pr. gather up forces to prevent the landing . mes t is impossible ? they touch our shore by this time . ki. then make safe the city . al. it may be another fleet , meant to releeve the first , and came not forth so soone . ki.

now we want vittori .

exit . pr. all the diseases naples ever gron'd with ore take vittori , but alphonso shall pay deerely for this mischiefe . iu. be not sir dejected , t is more easie to defend at home , then thrive in forraine warre , these men will find as proud resistance . pr. canst thou thinke i do looke pale for this ? no iulio , although the suddaine newes might move me somewhat i have a heart above all feare , and can know no distraction but cassandra's absence , that makes me looke so wild , and teares my braine with the imagination . iu. but the state we are in requires you should be active sir . pr. ah iulio , the armies which i feare are not abroad , they have made entrenchment here . exit . a shout within , enter the king of sicily , horatio , trivulsi , fabrichio . hor. though naples do not bid you welcome sir a shore , the joyes and duties of your subjects cannot be silent . ki. we do thanke you all , the seas were kinde , and the winds kissd our sailes . all things conspir'd to our revenge . tr. your iustice our very enemies acknowledge it , and conscious of their injurie , are afraid to looke upon us . ki. marshall of the field give present order for entrenchments . wee le quarter here , you shall make good that part with your horse troupes , and plant canons on that hill , to play upon the towne , naples shall find we did not venter all upon one stake , that petty losse at sea which made them triumph , and perhaps carelesse of more opposition shall dearely be accounted for , beside dishonouring our daughter , and our court by such a rude departure . hor. as they had scorn'd your alliance . ki. thy particular suffrings horatio , and wounds are put into the scale . hor. they are not worthy sir , had his sword reach'd my heart , my death had beene no sinne compar'd to that affront he threw , vpon your selfe and daughter , i was bound to engage that blood was given me to serve you , and i doe love those drops that in a cause so just made haste to shew their duty to you better than those that dwell within my heart . ki.

we are confident of thy loyalty .

tr.

the princesse .

enter rosinda and flavia . ki. alas rosinda thou wert not bred to these tumults and noyse of warre , has not the sea impair'd thy health , i was too rash to allow thy travaile , and expose thy tendernesse to this rude voyage . ro. it appeares to me a pleasant change of ayre , i have heard men talke of many horrours that attend the seas of tempests , and of dangers , i have seene nothing to fright me , if the waves put on no other shape , i could exchange me thinkes my dwelling on the land . ho. we owe this happinesse to you faire princesse , for whose safer passagê the breath of heaven did gently swell our sailes , the waves were proud to beare so rich a lading , and danc'd toth ' musicke of the windes . ro. you shew your complement my lord , call you this naples ? ki.

the kingdome of our enemy which shall groane for the inhabitants . are all our forces landed ?

tr. safe to your wishes , and expect what they shall be commanded . king . we must first secure the ground we have , being defenc'd with workes , we may prevent their sallies , and assault to our best advantage , still preserve thy courage my rosinda , t is for thee we have adventurd hither . ros. and you have beene kinde to the petition of your daughter , who can in duty waite upon your fortune at home , i should have withered in your absence , i shall grow valiant here . ki. my deerest child , whose very eyes doe kindle flames of courage in every souldier , be still safe , and promise thy selfe a brave revenge . fla.

what will become of us madam ?

ro. we must take our fortunes , i am sorry for thee . fla.

you have some reason for your selfe , if any danger follow i know where to place the cause , but i dare suffer with your grace ,

enter paz. and page .

passerello madam , and the page

ro.

hee 's come in good time to releeve our thoughts .

paz.

madam .

pag.

come plucke up a good heart .

paz.

t is comming out as fast as it can , sweete didimo hold my head .

pag.

come , t is but a little sea sicknesse .

paz. seasicke quotha � a vengeance of all drunken voyages , i can doe nothing but � ros.

how now pazzorello ?

paz.

oh madam , never did man cast up so much , and had so little skill in arithmeticke , nothing grieves me , but i have not drunke for 't . i have a perpetuall motion in my belly , the foure winds are together by the eares in my small guts , would i had never knowne the sea , little did i thinke � oh �

fla.

thou art a fresh water souldier .

paz. fresh water ? i know not , be judge by the whole ship , if i was not in a sweete pickle . ro.

the worst is past ; this is but physicke .

paz.

if i had thought the sea would have given me so many vomits , i would have seene it burn'd , ere i would ha ventured so farre , i ha purg'd both wayes , and the enemie had met us before we landed , i should have scour'd some on em .

pa.

how doe you now ?

paz.

the fit is not so violent altogether , a shipboard i runne a tilt , howsoever i beseech your grace , that i may goe home agen .

ro.

there is no way by land .

pag.

and a little more jogging at sea �

paz.

the very word sea , boyles in my stomacke , and will make my mouth runne over presently � ho it comes , it comes .

exit . pag. madam i have a great desire to attend him , i have cast a plot to make your , highnesse merry . ros.

you le play the wag with him , wee 'le trust you to pursue it

pa.

i humbly thanke your grace .

exit . ros.

flavia does not the day looke blacke o' th suddaine ,

fla. it has not the same complexion , i heare a noyse too . ro.

from the sea it growes loud .

fla. t is well we are a shore , oh me i tremble to thinke what would be come on 's , and we had not beene afore this tempest , i thanke providence i was upon the sea once in a storme , but they use to clap the women under hatches , i never prayd so in my life ; the king ! enter king horatio , trivulsi , fabrichio . ki. i know not what to thinke , no sooner landed , but such a storme pursue us , does not this affright rosinda into palenesse ? dost not feele an ague ? ro. i have rather cause sir to rejoyce , it overtooke us not vpon the sea , the furie of it there might have beene fatall . hor. be not troubled sir , my soule doth from this omen prophesie the victorie you wish upon this kingdome , nor is it superstition to beleeve , that heaven doth point us out the scourge to naples , by seconding our comming with a tempest ; the waves were proud to entertaine our navie : the fish in amorous courtship danc'd about our ship , and no rude gale from any coast was sent to hang upon our linnen wings , to interrupt our wishes , not a starre muffled his brightnesse in a sullen cloud , till we arriv'd , and t en observe how heaven threatens the fall of this proud enemie , by this prodigious tempest , which but gives them warning of a greater . ki. we are confident thou hast happily expounded , what lightning darts from those angry exhalations . ho. .

it speakes the flame of our revenge .

ki.

what thunder ?

ho. the loudnesse of our canon , let their feares apply it , and runne mad with apprehension . tri. our ships must needes fall foule on one another , riding i th haven . ho. let em cracke their ribs , we have the more necessity to tug for 't . ki.

yet would thou wert at home .

ros. feare not for me sir , your absence would present my imagination with more affliction , i suffer lesse in knowledge , and shall rise by brave examples , valiant above my sex , these horrors fright not me . ki. this fire will quicken the whole army . souldiours pursued by vittori , cassandra halfe dead under his arme . what mutinie is here ? vi. base vilaines , to take part with all the malice of the world against me . ki.

what are you ?

vi. i am a gentleman , and dare rather than suffer a rude hand divorce this burden from my armes , defie you all . alas she will be gone , oh my cassandra thy soule shannot forsake thee thus , i le take it in with a kisse . tr. some whom the wracke has cast vpon the shore . ro.

pitty the gentlewoman .

vi. come not too neere , the man that first attempts this lady , had better rip his mothers wombe . ki.

whence are you ?

vi. you are strangers i perceive , then i presume to tell you , i have more justice , to tread upon this earth , then you , or any the proudest , it once gave us birth , and fate vngentle fate , hath sent us backe to dye here , but i will not outlive my deere cassandra . ki.

doe you delight in wounds , resigne that lady .

vi. not while my hand can manage this , the blood you take , will make us walke on even pace to death , and when my soule can stay no longer , i le leave a curse to blast you , but if you beare hearts of flesh about you , and will promise a pitty to this poore departing spirit i will not use a sword , but give my life to be commanded from me at your pleasure , your care will come too late . ki. i promise by the word and honour of a king , she shall be carefully attended . vi. though that name breed wonder in me , it secures all thoughts that may concerne her safety . ki. see rosinda with as much diligence to this ladies health , as you 'd preserve your owne . hor.

an excellent creature !

ki. my faith is past , now if you please you may acquaint us with your name and quality , vi. something on the sudden weighes my hart lower , i ha not power to thanke him . ki. already you have exprest your selfe this country man , be more particular . vi.

my name 's vittori .

ki. hor.

the admirall of naples ?

vi. it was a title ! i had too late , and lost it for my service ; i cannot conjure up the dead to witnesse , there be some living that remember me , it was my chance to have the best at sea , against the bold sicilian . ki.

a chance sayst ?

vi. few victories can boast more , all is but the dye of warre , which valour must obey , my lot was to bring peace , and triumph home , and my reward was banishment , the sea held me a sinfull burden to the waves , or else the blood i shed to mixe with em , in anger and revenge conspir'd to throw our barke , with the distressed lading backe vpon this flinty bosome of your country , you have at full my misery , be just to that poore lady , whatsoe're i suffer . ki. your fame was with us earlier , entertaine him , they disarme vittori . you are welcome man , there 's cause we should be kinde to you . vi.

will a king staine his honour ?

ki. know miserable man , thy destinies have made thee his , that will exact severe account for many lives , most happy storme , thy master too shall finde a punishment great as his pride , how fortunate we are ! vi. i aske no mercy for my selfe , be kind to that poore lady , as y' are a prince , and i will kisse my fate . ki. we violate no promise made to her , though torment make thee curse thy selfe , blest heavens ? you shall pay deere for all . vi. oh my cassandra , when at the expence of all my blood , i have bought thy precious life from these hard hearted men , shed one teare on me ; and i am pay'd agen . exeunt .
the third act . pag.

you should have thought of this afore .

paz.

i did thinke , and thinke on 't agen , but there was necesity of going with the princesse , or losing my place at court , when she came backe , prethee sweete didimo councell me , i shall nere endure these bounsing of gunnes , happy are they that can destroy gunpowder , without offence in their musterings , souldiers may talke , but there 's neither wit nor honesty in making so many cripples , yet i would give one of my legs to have the tother secur'd , i care not which , cowards are commonly creatures of understanding , would i had purg'd away my soule at sea , there had beene peace among the haddocks .

pag.

come , i have a tricke to save thee harmelesse , thou shat entreate to be gentleman of a company .

paz.

shall i ? what 's that ?

pag.

a singular priviledge i can tell you , oh the right hand file , doe not you know 't .

paz.

a right handed file .

pag.

there 's no honour like it , i le not give a rush to be an officer , your gentleman of a company marches in the vanne .

paz.

vanne what 's that ?

pag.

the bullets first salute him , he goes up to the mouth of a canon , he lies perdue .

paz.

perdue ?

pag.

more glorie than to command an army , to lye two houres upon his belly in the field , and digge a hole for his chin , when the bullets whisper in both his eares , whize ; to be trod upon by horses , and scorne to reveale himselfe , sometimes to be snatch'd up by a party of firelockes , or if he fight to bee cut into honourable collups , or his limbes strewed about the field , which found by a subtlers wife , is sod for the knapsacke men , and goes currant for campe mutton , my father was a captaine , and i have heard him tell brave stories of these gentlemen of companies .

paz.

and thou wodst ha me one of these gentlemen .

pa.

by any meanes .

paz.

have the bullets first salute me lye perdue as you call it , and be cut into honorable collups , or have my haunches sod by a subtlers wife , and passe for campe mutton , this is the preferment you wish me to m. didimo .

pag.

you shall be in no danger , i have but told you what fortunes other men have met withall , you shall be secure and march in the vanne .

paz.

and come up to the mouth of a canon .

pag.

t is my meaning .

paz.

which if i doe , i le give the canon leave to eate me .

pag.

dost thou thinke i would advise thee any thing for thy hurt .

paz.

hurt , no no , these are but fleabitings , to have my limbes strew'd about the field , or so .

pag.

come , i love thee , and will give thee proofe , thou hast got money in thy service , put thy body in equipage , and beg of the princesse to be one of these brave fellowes , i will put thee into a way , to get everlasting fame , and not a haire of thy head shall be the worse for t , thou shat come off .

paz.

my head shall come off .

pag.

thy whole body triumphant , my rosiecleere , and live to make nations stand a tiptoe to heare thy brave adventures , thy head shall be inchanted and have a proofe beyond the musty murrian , didst never heare of men that have beene sicke and shot free , with bodies no bullets could peirce .

paz.

that 's by witchcraft .

pag.

tha 'st hit the naile boy , i will procure this feate done for thee , feare nothing , but be very secret , thy head shall be an anvile , and breake all the swords that light upon 't , and for the shot , thy breath shall dampe a canon , it shall fall off like one of thy buttons .

paz.

if this could be compas'd , i should love witches the better while i live .

pag.

here 's my hand , something shall be done , but put on a brave outside of resolution for the credit on 't , that the world may beleeve t is thy valour puts thee upon desperate actions from which a charme shall bring thee off , or the devill shall nay to some body , here 's the princesse .

enter rosinda , cassandra , flavia .

looke high and let me heare how you le deserve the benefit .

cas. madam i know not in what language to expresse those humble thankes my soule is full of , it shall be justice , you command this life you have preserv'd ros. we should have forfeited humanity , not to have releev'd you in such distresse . enter horatio . ho. shall i not trespasse madam beyond your mercy , by this bold intrusion ? ro.

my lord y' are welcome .

ho. your grace honours me , but to you lady i am directed . cas.

to me noble sir .

paz. we shall be rusty here for want of use , oh for an action of battery , i long to fight pell mell with some body . ro.

pazzorello .

pag.

he 's growne most strangely valiant .

fla.

how he lookes ?

paz

madam i have an humble sute to your highnesse .

ro.

to me ? y are like to prosper in 't .

paz.

i beseech you i may not bee a common souldier , i would crosse the seas for something , let me be gentleman of a company , and let the bullets flye as fast as they can .

ros.

i must confesse you aske a place of honour , but of danger .

paz. danger 's an asse , oh that i were to fight with the generall now for two crownes ! fla.

a mighty wager !

pag.

he meanes both the kingdomes .

paz.

i would desire no more then my finger against his musket . if we make no assault presently against the walles , i shall goe neere to mutinie , and kill two or three of our owne captaines .

ro.

this he that was sea-sicke ?

paz.

oh there is no honour , like to marching in the vanne ! i le not give a rush for a man that wonot ly perdue halfe a yeere together , and come up to the teeth of a canon .

pag.

to the canons mouth , i speake by a figure .

paz.

now you talke of the mouth ; t will eate every day this leaguer foure and twenty canon bullets butterd , and as many spanish pikes for sparagrasse : their steele points will fortifie my stomacke ; i will kill my hundred men an houre for a twelve-moneth together .

fla.

you le not have men enough to conquer .

pag.

when the men are all dead i' th towne , hee le ly with all the women , and get as many more , rather then want enemies .

paz.

oh how i could demolish man woman and child now !

ro.

i see your spirit , and must cherish it ; i le speake to my lord ; you may have your desire , but be not seene in 't for your honour .

paz.

hee 's here indeed , didimo when shall i be bewitch'd , and the devill do not put me in good security ?

pag.

trust me for that , le ts leave em about it .

hor. can you be cruell lady to that man , that offers you his heart ? cas. alas my lord you aske mine in exchange , and i have made it a gift already to vittori , while he lives he must possesse it , as y' are noble prosecute this no further . hor. i have done , vittori then must dy . enter king of sicily trivulsi , fabrichio kin. horatio , command your prisoner be brought to us presently . hor.

i shall sir .

exit cas. as you are a king , i beg your mercy to poore vittori . ro. i petition too for her desires . ki. vnlesse he will be cruell to himselfe , his fate smiles on him , does he love you lady . cas. great sir , we are one soule , life cannot be so precious as our loves . ki.

you shall preserve him , rosinda .

ro.

i obey .

exit . ki. leave , as thy health is but a prologue to his blessing , that paper speakes our intention , you shall present it , if he be wise his judgement will meet our purpose , what we lost at sea , we enable him to satisfie by a second proofe of his courage , and propound not only life , and his liberty , but so great an honour as next our title , there is left no glory to equall it . cas.

y' are all bounty .

ki. there are some conditions , if you find him coole , you may apply what argument you find to warme his resolutions , here he is , i leave you . enter vittori . horatio . vi.

i waite sir your command .

ki.

she will instruct you

horatio . exeunt . king and hor. vi. enjoyes my best cassandra perfect health , the king is just , and i have not enough with this poore life to satisfie . ca. vittori wee now begin our happinesse , the king has beene so gracious . vi. all that 's good reward him , to see thee safe and smile , i writ my ambition . ca. when you peruse that paper , you will find how much we owe to providence , it was the kings command i should deliver it , the words were of such comfort that came with it , i must be confident you 'le thanke him for it . vi what should this be ? reads . noble vittori , we know you are a souldier , and present you not with naked pitty of your fortune , what some prince would take away we have purpose to cherish , your life enjoy your selfe , and with it the command of all our forces . naples ingratitude , if you have put no false shape upon your injuries , may bee argument enough to your revenge and justice . be our souldier , fight against your country , so with one valour , you punish them , and make us satisfaction , we will have pledge for this trust in cassandra , whose head shall be the price of your disobedience . sure i have lost my understanding ha ? does it not bid me to fight against my country ? i prethee reade cassandra , and repent , thou hast thought him mercifull . cas.

wee have pledge for this trust in cassandra , whose head shall be the price of your disobedience .

the language is too cleere .

vi. it carries more darkenes then ever the night was guilty of , and i looke blacke already to have read it , does he call treason justice , such a treason as heathens blush at , nature , and religion tremble to heare , to fight against my country , t is a lesse sinne to kill my father , there , or stab my owne heart , these are private mischeefes , and may in time be wept for , but the least wound i can fasten on my country makes a nation bleed , and my selfe too , blasts all the memory of former actions , and kils the name we live by , oh cassandra thou didst not well to praise the king for this . cas.

his words did sound more comfort .

vi. prethee tell me ? how canst thou hope i should preserve my faith vnstain'd to thee , and breake to all the world ? cas. naples has beene injurious , and we made no solemne vow to love what hath betrai'd us . vi. take heed , and do not greeve the saints to heare thee , if naples have forgot vittories service , i must not make a desperate shipwracke of my piety , what greater vow ? it was articled in the creation of my soule i should obey , and serve my country with it above my selfe , death is a brave excuse for 't , no he shall see , i am a souldier and dare be just , say he should torture me , shall wickednesse be strong in punishment , and we not be as valiant in our suffering ? ca. can then vittori be content to leave his cassandra to the misery of life alone ? for in the number of mankinde i nere shall finde , another in whose love i can place any comfort . vi. do not say so ? princes will court thee then , and at thy feete humble their crownes , and purchase smiles with provinces , when i am dead the world shall dote on thee and pay thy beauty tribute , i am thy affliction , and when thou art discharg'd from loving me , thy eyes shall be at peace , a sunne more glorious shall draw up thy teares which gracing heaven in some new forme , shall make the constellations blush , and envy em ; or if thy love of me be so great , that when i am sacrific'd thou wot thinke of me , let this comfort thee , i die my countries martyr , and ascend rich in my scarlet robe of bloud , my name shall staine no chronicle , and my tombe be blest with such a garland time shall never wither : thou with a troupe of wives as chaste as thee , shall visite my cold sepulcher , and glory to say , this doth enclose vittories dust , that died true to his honour , and his country , methinkes i am taking of my leave already , and kissing the wet sorrowes from thy cheeke , bid thee rejoyce , vittori is a conqueror , and death his way to triumph . cas. this is all , a new disguise for griefe , to make it shew well . vi. to make it shew indeed , i have talk'd idly , and miserably forgot my selfe , i am check'd , this tels me another tale , if i refuse to obey the kings directions , he is not so kinde to take the forfeit of my life , but he will make the price of my neglect , cassandra's innocent bloud , if i obey not to do an act injurious to vertue , thy soule must be divorc'd . cas. sir i have read it , and were not worthy of vittories love to value this poore life above his honour , keepe your high thoughts , preserve all peace within you , you shall not buy my breath with your owne shame , i le die with that devotion , i ha praid for you , which trust me was most heartily , and i le shed no teares for my owne funerall , if any vnruly drop breake forth , when we are parting , t is more to leave vittori then the world , yet if thou wot give me leave , i le confesse to thee before my head fall from this other peece , i would deceive the hangman , for ere thou go from me , with a sigh into thy bosome , i would convey my spirit , and leave him but a pale ghost , to mocke his execution . vi. i cannot hold , this conflict is more fierce then many thousand battells , canst thou dy ? cas. if you will have it so , you have taught me to be in love with noble thoughts , i shall have some weepe ore my hearse , and when i m'e gone seald by my bloud , a martyr for thy love , the world shall praise me for it , and the virgins and wives , if i obtaine no other monument , build me a toombe within their hearts , and pay their yeerely songs and garlands , to my memory , that died , to save vittories life and honour . vi.

how should cassandra die to save vittori ?

cas. allow it so you be happie , and although my wishes are rather for the punishment of naples , more cruell then our enemies , yet if you thinke it dishonour to oppose that country , i have a heart most willing to preserve by any death your fame , lose not a scruple of your selfe for me , i carry thy love with me , and prophesie my story shall throw more disgrace on naples , then all thy revolt can bring upon thy name . vi. i am in a tempest and know not how to steere , destruction dwels on both sides . ca.

come , resolve .

vi. i must � to let thee live , i will take armes , forgive me then great genius of my country , that to save her life , i bring my honour to the grave . exeunt . enter fabio and mauritio at severall doores . fa.

i know not what to say to these garboiles , there 's a hot naples toward , and the prince is so humerous a thother side , i dare not come neere him , captaine mauricio .

ma.

signior fabio you dishonour your body , by straining so much complement .

fa.

your humble servant captaine .

ma.

a court instrument , and so deepe a base , you forget your selfe , have the warres made this alteration ? keepe your garbe and be staunch signior , a captaine is a thing too course for your acquantance , you wonot know souldiers in peace .

fa.

alas sir , the necessity of my affaires at court , and place so devoures my attendance , that i cannot give that respect which is due to a gentleman of your quality , no neglect i beseech you sir .

ma.

i am glad t is come about , what do you thinke now of a musket bullet next your heart , t is very provocative , come be not sad , thou maist live a day or two longer .

fa.

i hope captaine the state of the city is not so desperate .

ma.

we expect a battell every houre , & the wals to fly about our eares , if they should be patient , we ha not provision to endure a siege , what will become of your pumps signior , your wrought shirts , and rich nightcaps , i say nothing of your wardrobe , jewells and other trinkets .

fa.

i stand not upon them , my life is more precious to me then all these .

ma.

what pitty it is so profound a gentleman should dye by gunpowder , what would you give to be sav'd now ?

fa.

how d ee meane captaine ?

ma.

for your soule let it shift , i thinke thou hast little care on 't thy selfe , there be many would give all their estate to out-live these combustions .

fa.

i would i were sure on 't , condition i lost halfe my land .

ma.

a match ! my life against halfe your land to secure you , and make an indifferent bargaine presently .

fa.

your life ? how are you sure to live ?

ma.

if i dye , you have halfe your land by 't , if you live , t is worthy dividing transitory fortunes , i shall ha the worst match on 't .

fa.

but how will you assure me captaine ?

ma.

thou art not sencelesse , why your venter is but land against my life , which is more precious i hope than thousand acres , is this to be considered clap hands , and we will have articles drawne for mutuall assurances , i doe not this to every man , but i hope to have good on thee hereafter ; the king !

enter king of n. prince , julio , alberto . fab.

and prince .

ma.

le ts withdraw then , and conclude t is a safe bargaine for you sir , if you faile , what would all your estate doe you good , and then i forfeit my life , if you scape , i have but halfe your land .

fab.

i understand , and thanke you noble captaine .

exit . ki. alphonso must be sent for out of prison , he 's an experienc'd souldier . pr.

to betray us .

ki.

now we are punished for vittories banishment .

pr.

your feare will make us cowards .

iul.

shall we make a sally forth ?

king .

alberto .

pr. wee le expect more advantage first , they have finisht their redoubt , is our river guarded with a sconce ? iul. on that part no enemy can endanger us . ki. what if you tasted alphonso , he has beene ever faithfull , and we too rash . pr. keepe prudent watches iulio , something i th evening may be attempted , death is the worst , and better fall with honour then owe our life to feares , i would cassandra were in their campe , oh iulio . iu. t were better she were at home in your possession . a herald sir . pr.

admit him .

ki.

alberto , iulio .

exiunt . enter againe , with vittori like a herald . pr.

what 's the complement now .

vi. thus naples is saluted from my master , provok't by injuries above the patience of kings to suffer , without thirst of blood or pride of conquest , he is come in armes to aske a satisfaction , if you would not know the fury of a warre , which acts , such horrid ruines gainst men and nature , that repentance cannot easily absolve the guilt in them that caus'd it , meet conditions , and deserve timely my great masters friendship , with mercy on your selves . pr.

mercy !

ki.

be temperate .

vi. remember wounds are made more easily then curd , and now arriv'd within your countrey , revenge may spread a wild destruction , let mothers still enjoy their sleepe , and dwell within their husbands bosome , let their children live to requite the parents grone , and prosper , let old men pay their debt onely to nature , and virgins dedicate their yet chast wombe to hymens holy use , or at their quires with freedome of their soules , sing holy prayers for the sweete peace you lend em , to serve heaven . pr. this fellow 's sent to mocke us , in my heart i repent all the tye of armes and nations . that gives such saucy freedome to a herald . vi.

i claime my priviledge , and dare say more .

pr.

what more ?

vi.

vittori is our generall .

ki. pr.

vittori ? dares that traitour .

vi. when kings leave their justice , and throw shame upon deservers , patience so wounded turnes a fury . pr.

how dares scicily trust him ?

vi. yes he has good pledge ; too great a pawne . pr. this , this vexation i did expect , but we must not be frighted , tell your insulting master , he shall finde men that both dare , and can resist this fury ; conditions we despise , nor let him magnifie his purchase in that rebell , every souldier with us hath equall courage to vittori , but a soule far more honest . vi.

honest ?

pr. so sir , this , warre shall justifie upon his heart . vi. i dare not stay to heare more ; least my passions betray me , what a fire this language has shot through my blood , the poore old king sayes nothing , but fils a place like a state cipher . pr. herald . returne this to that giant of your warre , vittori , in his absence , we shall find a punishment for his treason , and to coole his hot veines , say the first attempt he makes against us , shall as valiantly be answer'd with his fathers head . vi.

ha ?

pr. by thy masters soule it shall , and this is all our answere , see him safe without the walls . exeunt . vi. thunder has strucke me , i feele new stings about my heart , my father ? was ever man so miserably throwne vpon despaire , if i refuse their warre i lose my wife cassandra , if i fight my father bleeds , some divine arme sustaine my feeble soule , instruct it how i should distinguish sorrow , and which blessing rather i should now part with , a deere wife , or father .
the fourth act . enter rosinda cassandra . ros.

but did the prince affect thee so cassandra ?

cas. i have told you madam every circumstance , i should but flatter my owne misery to speake it lesse , misfortune had not made me your prisoner now , if he had beene more temperate . ros. but did thy heart allow him no affection ? thou wert much unkind . cas. he had my duty madam , which still i owe him , as my prince , but i had but one faith , and that was given vittori , i feare i have displeas'd you . ro. no thou hast not , dost thinke he loves thee still ? cas.

i know not madam , but i hope not .

ros. would i could hope so too ; thou hast deserv'd my confidence , and although thou canst not helpe me , i must tell thee all , i love that prince , lov'd when i first saw him , and when he courted me , i thought t was necessary to shew i had a soft heart , but he flatter'd and tooke too soone occasion of his absence , the wounds he left upon horatio were not so deepe as mine , which howsoere i have disguis'd yet from my fathers eye , can find no cure without his surgerie that left them in my bosome , to this end i urg'd my father to this warre , and beg'd with many prayers to witnesse his revenge . cas. that was a desperate remedy , how if your father be orecome , and you made prisoners . ros. we shall find death or ransome , the first would conclude my sufferings , th' other not much harme us , perhaps advance my ends , but if the victorie should crowne our army , i should interpose to make conditions for the prince , fate must decide one of these wayes . cas. madam i pitty you , sure if the prince knew with what constancie your love breathes after him , he would finde a passion to meete your noble flame . ros. i know not whether to pray for victorie , or to be conquer'd , for till the warres conclude , i must despaire to see whom my desires pursue . cas. t is possible that you may see him madam . ros.

when ?

cas. this night , and speake with him , without exposing your person to any danger . ros. prethee doe not mocke me sweete friend . cas. you were compassionate of me , and t is but duty i should answere it with my desires to serve you , not to hold your thoughts in expectation , is there any gentleman neere , whom you dare trust ? ros.

with what ?

cas. with carriage of a paper , i shall runne some hazzard , but there 's nothing can weigh downe that goodnesse you have shewed me , being a stranger , i le frame a letter madam in my name , and by some charme of love invite him to your tent , if he retaine part of that flame which did so command in him , be assur'd the prince will come . ros. thou wert create to make me blest , but with what safety can he reach thus far and not be knowne . cas. he to whose trust you give this secret , shall remove that feare . ros.

there is a captaine .

cas.

best of all .

ros.

fabrichio .

cas. send for him straite , if you allow this device i le presently dispatch the amorous summons . ros.

i le call thee sister .

cas. call me servant madam , in that i am honour'd exit . enter flavia disguis'd . fla.

are you ready madam ?

ro.

for what ?

fla.

to laugh , i am turn'd inchantresse , and now t is upon the minute , pazzorella by the boyes directions comes for his magicall armour .

ros. i have something of more consequence to finish , but i may be at the end of your mirth . exit . ros. fla.

prosper in all your wishes .

enter page . pag. flavia that 's excellent , herald never look'd so dreadfully , where 's the princesse ? fla.

she commanded not to expect her , but shee le not be long absent , where 's the gamester ?

pag.

almost within reach of your voyce , you 'le remember the circumstance , that he may be capable of the charme , hee 's mad to be inchanted .

fla.

i warrant you , i have some furies to assist me too . conduct him hither , if the foole after this conceiving himselfe bewitch'd , should grow valiant , and doe wonders , who can helpe it ? if he have but the wit to keepe his owne counsell , let him take his course , but he approaches .

enter pazzorello and page . pag.

that is she .

paz.

that old hag .

pag.

good words , she has come two hundred mile to day upon a distaffe , salute her , she expects it .

paz.

would you have me kisse the devill ?

pag. doe i say � this is the gentleman my loving aunt , for whom i doe beseech your powerfull spells . fla.

to make him slicke , and shot free .

pag. right deere aunt , he is a precious friend of mine , and one that will be ready servant to your pleasures at midnight , or what houre you please to call him . paz.

thou wodst not ha me lye with the old witch , what a generation of hobgoblins should we have together .

pag. nor for this benefit , shall you finde him onely obedient to your selfe , but very dutifull to any devill you have . fla.

he is welcome child .

paz.

what a salt peeter breath she has .

fla.

where is mephestophiles .

paz.

no more devils if you love me .

fla.

i must have some to search him .

paz.

search me ? where ? for what ?

pag. how much was i overseene not to give you warning , be not afraide what have you about you ? paz. about me where in my breeches , what doe you meane i shall be cut for the stone . pag.

have you any money about you !

paz.

yes i have money of all complexions in my pocket .

pag.

away with it , as you love your selfe , not for your right hand , have one peece of gold or silver about you , no charmes can fasten on you then , her spells can have no power , if you doe not throw it away instantly � give mee 't , i le keepe it from her knowledge , this were a tricke indeed � have you no goldfinches in your fob ?

paz.

i defie him that has any thing in the likenesse of coyne .

pag.

this is all money in your pocket ; and come to be made shot free .

paz.

what must i doe now ?

pag.

kneele downe , and expect with obedience and admiration what will become on you � great aunt the gentleman is cleere and ready , you are sure you have no more impediment of this nature , if you dissemble , and be kild afterward , thanke your selfe .

fla.

where be my spirits ?

pag.

he humbly desires you would finish him as privately as might be , he does not know the constitution of every devill , and to make too many acquainted , if he could be finished otherwise , your art may dispence .

fla.

he must cut off his little finger then .

paz.

how cut off my finger !

pag.

what did you meane ? here 's a ring , a diamond .

paz.

i had forgot it .

pag.

no more , off wee 't , if you love your hand , here 's a jest to foole away your life quickely , not for the world , present it to her , great lady of the laplanders , this gentleman implores his mercie to his joynts , and offering this trifle , humbly prayes , you would honour him to weare it for his sake .

fla.

comes it freely off .

paz.

it came off very hard , but i beseech your learned beldamship , to accept it as a token of my duty .

fla. i doe and thus prepar'd , delay my charmes no longer , come away you spirits that attend upon , this powerfull incantation , have you brought that sacred juyce , which at such a time we use ; distill it gently i command , holding his eares with other hand . paz.

oh my eares .

pag.

the more paine she puts you to now , the lesse you le feele hereafter sir .

fla. now rub his temples , forehead eke , give his nose a gentle tweake . strike of palenesse , and bestow on either cheeke a lusty blow ; take him by the haire and pull it , now his heads free from sword and bullet . paz.

what will they doe with the rest of my body ?

fla.

graspe his necke till he groane twice ,

paz.

oh , oh .

fla. enough , now let the young man rise ; thus on his shoulders i dispence my wand to keepe all bullets thence ; and other weapons that would harme , pinch him now on either arme , fairy-like . paz.

oh , pox othe devill oh ,

fla. on his breast give him a thumpe , and two kickes upon the rumpe . no circumstance must be forgot , to make him free from sticke and shot ; and now my potent charmes are done , this man is free from sword and gunne . pag.

bounce , y' are made for ever .

fla. farewell to both , for now must i on my winged gennet flye . suckle and hoppo fetch long strides , by your mistresse as she rides . exit flavia , &c. paz.

whether is she gone now ?

fla. home to a witches upsitting , she 's there by this time . paz.

where ?

pag.

in lapland , she will crosse the sea in an eggeshell , and upon land hath a thousand wayes to convey her selfe in a minute , i did but whistle and she came to me .

paz.

she knowes your whistle belike , well art thou sure i am inchanted now ?

pag.

it concernes you to be sure on 't , and i must tell you one thing , if you make the least doubt on 't , you le endanger all , charmes in this kind are nothing without the imagination , beleeve it , and if any sword or bullet have power to hurt you , nere trust your granam agen .

paz

nay nay , i doe beleeve it , and will bee valiant accordingly , they pinch'd and kick'd me devillishly for all that .

pag.

y' are the better proofe for t , you cannot be pinch'd or kickd too much in such a cause , what to be made slicke and shot-free ? now doe i foresee you le be captaine within these three dayes , you cannot avoyde it sir , who will not honour that man whom the bullets are afraid of ? the princesse .

enter rosinda , cassandra , fabrichio . fab. repent your grace thought me a gentleman , if i faile in this duty . ros. not a syllable of me . fab.

i am charm'd .

cas.

happy successe attend you .

fab. your highnesse has much honourd me , and lady i kisse your faire hand . paz.

captaine , captaine , a word .

fab.

i am in haste now .

exit . paz. sure the captain 's afraid of me , he knowes by instinct what i am . pag.

your grace mist excellent mirth .

ros.

t is done then , bid him follow us .

exit . pag.

the princesse desires to speak with you

paz.

desires to speake with me ! � you have not told her ?

pag.

d ee thinke i would betray you .

paz.

would somebody would challenge mee to fight before her , if the ladies knew i were sticke free they would teare me in peeces for my company .

pag.

you do not know , what you may get by your body that way , i attend you .

paz knives , daggers , swords , pikes , gunnes both great & small now pazzarello doth defie you all . exeunt . enter alphonso , alberto . alp. you tell me wonders , my sonne generall of all the enemies forces , can vittori lay such a staine upon our family , speake it my lord no more , no private injury can so corrupt his nature ; come , i know he dares not fight their cause ! alb. i thinke so too ; the prince hath coold his resolution by this time . alp.

ha ? you are misticall .

alb. he has sent him word , the first attempt he makes against the towne your head must answere it , and i cannot beleeve how ere particular wrongs inflame him to a revenge , but he retaines that piety which nature printed in him toward a father . alp. is obligation to a parent more then that we owe our country , oh vittori , my life were profitably spent to save thy honour , which is great in the worlds eye , time shall be grieved to have preserv'd thy name so long , and when this blot shall be observ'd vpon the last leafe of thy chronicle , it shall unsettle quite the readers faith to all the former story . enter iulio . alb.

iulio .

alph.

my lord ?

iulio .

it was the kings command i should deliver .

alp.

what ?

jul. what must displease you , you must prepare for death . alp. has my sonne put rebellion into act already ? that will save my executioner a labour , he has , i read it , looke into the tombes of all our ancestours , and see their ashes looke paler then before , the marble sweates , the eboine pillars that so many yeares sustain'd our titles shake , and sinke beneath em , the genius of our house grones at this treason , i will not live for any man to tell me i am vittories father . enter prince . alb.

here the prince !

alp. forgive me sir my passions , i have guilt enough without em to deserve your anger , he was my sonne , and that must needes condemne me ; but i will loose him from my bloud , and cut his name from that faire list , that numbers up our family , but i forget my selfe , i have no minutes at command , my life is at the last sand , and i cannot stay , be just , and purge vittories sinne with his old fathers bloud , i do obey your doome . pr. what doome ? you talke as you were destin'd to some blacke execution , i have beene too unkinde already , and must aske your gentle pardon for t , by goodnesse selfe i mocke not , i bring life alphonso to thee , and but prepar'd by iulio , thy heart with sorrow , to meete honour with more tast . alp. good my lord distract me not , let me dy in my right wits . iul. alphonso you may trust the prince , my message was but counterfeit . pr. th' art a brave man , and can'st not be provok'd i see to wound thy honest fame , so just to vertue , that thou darst preferre her cause to thy owne life , and rather violate the lawes of nature to thy sonne , then leave exit iulio . the priviledge of honour undefenc'd , thus we embrace thee , do not kneele alphonso vnlesse you 'le bring us lower , thus as a friend we circle thee , and next as a souldier able in spight of age , and active still we give these armes , this sword , the best in all , my fathers armory , and us'd to conquest , take from thy prince , and fight , fight for thy country , and purchase new wreathes to thy honoured browes , before the old be wither'd , i do see thee already mounted as a challenger , the proud steed taking fire and mettall from the rider , all bedewd with his white foame , flying to meete thy sonne , whose ( once faire ) plume is staind with bloud of his owne countrimen . alp. i reach your sense in part my lord , but cannot gather your words into a summe , beside the honour is so great i dare not with the safety of my understanding , thinke one so unworthy as alphonso . pr. what ? dares fight against a traitor , for his country ? alp.

gainst all the world i dare .

pr. be valiant ; and breath defiance against one . alp. a glory ! my soule 's ambitious of . pri. vittori is that traitor whose offence , whom dost become more nobly to chastise then his owne father , which title if you should forget to encourage you , thinke whose defence you undertake , for whom you punish , and what consequence of fame waites on this pious action . enter julio . iul. my lord a captaine of the other side hath boldly offer'd himselfe a prisoner , and desirees accesse to your highnesse , to whom only he must impart something he sayes , that will be acceptable , we have search'd him , and find nothing but a letter directed to your selfe . pr. to me ? admit him , meane time you may consider , is it with us , captaine . enter fabrichio : fab.

please you peruse this paper .

pr.

ha ? from cassandra ?

alp. oh alberto i could wish vittori dead , but two not satisfie vnlesse we murder one another too , and i must challenge him , he is my sonne although he be a rebell . pr. iulio , thy bosome is my owne ? captaine a word . iu.

i am astonishd , ha ? i like not this � my lord .

alb. the prince is troubled , something like excesse of joy transports him . pr.

th' art a foole .

iu.

this may be a plot , how dare you trust yourselfe upon this invitation .

pr.

not on this , be coward then for ever .

iu.

are you sure , this is her character .

pr. perfectly , beside she has confirm'd me by this ring , vittori gave it her , i know 't and woed her once to exchange . iu.

yet thinke upon the danger .

pr. i would run through flames to meet her , use no argumets , i can be at the worst a prisoner , and shall be ransom'd , keepe you councell sir , captaine � the word ? � enough , kisse her white hand , and say , i come this night , waite on him to the gates , let his returne be safe , alphonso how stands your resolve ? dare you be naples champion against the enemy proposd ? alp. my sonne � will both the kings trust to our swords their cause ? pr.

i cannot promise that ?

alp. what profit brings my valour then if i orecome . pr. addition to your owne fame , to have cut off a rebell . alp. so i must kill my sonne , or he must be a parricide . pr. nay if you be so scrupulous , i look'd you have thank'd me , and have runne too 't . alp. except vittori sir , and i dare challenge the proudest in their army . pri. you are afraid of him belike , t is such a kill-cowe gentleman , but i court you to nothing , you may thinke on 't , y' are , now no more a prisoner � iulio . exit . alp. i am worse ? i had some roome before , now i 'me confin'd to such a straite , my heart must of necessity contract it selfe , my owne thoughts stifle mee , vittori is lost already , i must goe another way to find out my owne ruine . exit . horatio , cassandra . hor. lady you thinke not what i am , how neere the bosome of a king . cas. you cannot be so neere as i am to vittori sir , and you increase my wonder , that you can nourish the least' hope , that i should forget my owne tie , by remembring what relation you have to any other , if the king did know this , he would chide you . hor. come i see you must be courted otherwise , with action . cas.

how sir ?

hor. and if you will not be so civile . to change one kindnesse for another , i have skill to prompt you thus . cas.

you are not noble .

hor. tush this is nothing , i have beene too tame , and howsoere you wittily compose your countenance , you cannot choose but laugh at me , that i have beene so modest all this while ; come , i have another inside , and do know you are a woman , and should know your selfe and to what end we love you , what are you the worse by private favours to a gentleman , that have at home beene sued too , with petitions and great ones of both sexes , to accept wives , daughters , any thing , and thinke themselves honoured to take the first fruites , i could have the virgins of whole families entaild vpon me , and be brought as duly to my bed , as they growe ripe , and fit for coupling , as men whose'lands are morgag'd would observe their covenants and the day . cas.

i le heare no more .

hor. so peremptory lady ? take your course , the time may come you will repent this forgivenes . exit . enter fabrichio . whither in haste fabrichio ? fa. my good lord i have brought newes , where the princesse sir ? hor.

thou art almost out of breath , what newes i prethee ?

fa.

newes , that will please my lord .

hor.

you aske for the princesse , will they please my lady .

fab.

yes , and the tother lady too , cassandra .

hor.

will it spread joy no farther ?

fab. yes it will please you , and please the king , and the whole army . hor.

strange , you may impart it then .

fab. my duety sir , did aime it first to you , i was engag'd to deliver a letter in cassandra's name to the prince of naples , to invite his person privately this night . hor.

whither ?

fab.

to the princesses tent .

hor.

and hast thou don 't ?

fab.

don't , and bring backe his word to visite 'em .

hor.

art sure the prince ?

fab. as sure as i am your creature , this will bee welcome to the ladies , what use you are to make of this , becomes not my instruction , if it be of any consequence , to make his person sure , when he arrives . hor. this service will be gratefull , i le acquaint the king , returne the ladies to expect him . fa.

i have directed him how he shall passe .

hor. and make it good , away , this makes thee happy , the king shall know it instantly , thei 'r here , i le give you scope . exit . enter rosinda , cassandra , flavia , and page . ros.

he is return'd .

cas.

what answer ?

fa.

to your desires .

fla.

where 's pazzorello now .

pag. he 's quarrelling with some body , he is so confident and domineers , ha ? t is he , he bleeds too . enter pazzorello bloody . paz.

a pox a your inchantments , i had like to have my braines beaten out , what will become of me ?

pag.

why this is nothing sir .

paz.

nothing sir , would thou hadst it .

pag.

let me aske you a question , what weapon did it ?

paz.

i gave but the lye to an old souldier , as we were drinking together , and he presently claps me ore the pate with the rest of his musket .

pag.

that may be , but no sword or gunne shall endanger you , as for truncheon , batoone , and such woodden batteries , you must fortifie your selfe as well as you can against em , beside sir , there is no breach of conditions in losing a little blood , you may have you head broken in twenty places , nay you may bee beaten , and bruis'd in every part of your body , but all this while you are slicke and shot free , your life is your owne , and then what need you care sir ?

paz.

this is some satisfaction .

pag.

should you challenge him at rapier , you should quickly finde who will have the worst on 't .

ros. this service shall be otherwise rewarded , i le trust your secrecie , he will be a fit man to engage , beside t is his desire . fa.

you may command me .

ros. waite upon this gentleman pazzorello , he will use you nobly for my sake . paz. must i be a perdue now ? madam i humbly thanke you . exit fab. and pazzorello . cas.

the night comes fast upon us .

ros. it cannot come too swiftly , that brings so much happinesse . but t is an argument of much love to thee , that can at such a time invite him hither . cas. i hope you feed no jealousie of me , i did all for your service , and shall then thinke i am happy , when he knowes your love and values it . ro.

i have no feares of thee ?

ca.

have none at all .

ro.

flavia ?

fla.

madam .

ro.

you must keepe watch to night .

fla.

my duty madam .

ros. come let us tell some stories , to passe over the tedious houres . cas.

i waite your pleasure .

fla.

come didino , we shall have your tale too ?

pag.

mines short and sweet , still at a ladies service .

exit . enter sergeant , pazzorello . ser.

follow me close , i hope you have made your will .

paz.

my will ? why sergeant i am not sicke .

ser.

for all that you may be a dead man ere morning , whize .

paz.

what 's that ?

ser.

these bullets will keepe you waking , here lie downe close , within two houres you shall be releeved .

paz. dost heare sergeant , whize � do the enemies shoot any sugar plummes ? ser.

be not too loude in your mirth , i see another give fire , farewell signior perdue .

paz.

so , now i am a perdue , this will bee newes when i come home agen , the poore fellowes will fall downe and worshippe mee , i alwaies wonder'd , why wee had so many brave souldiers , and quarrelling spirits , if they be shot free , i cannot blame em to rore so much in tavernes � whize � agen , i woud faine have one of these bullets hit me , that i might know certainely the toughnesse of my new constitution , and yet i shall hardly bee sensible of it , ah my conscience if i were cramm'd into a canon , and shot into the towne , like a cat i should light upon my legges , and runne home agen .

enter prince . pri. love be propitious still , and guide my steps , thou hast engag'd me thus farre . paz. coughes . paz.

vh , uh .

pr.

whos 's that ?

paz.

there 's somebody , now i begin for all this to be afraid , flesh will be flesh , and tremble in spight of the devill , what were i best to doe ?

pr.

t is some perdue .

paz.

though i be sticke and shotfree , i may be beaten , and bruis'd as i remember , more , i may be taken prisoner by the enemy , and be hang'd afterward , and then what am i the better for my inchantment , what a dull rogue was i not to except the gallowes in my conditions , but it may be there is but one , qui vala � the word .

pr.

rosinda .

paz.

oh are you there , t is my lady the princesses name .

pr.

thy lady , prethee shew me the way to her tent .

paz.

i had almost forgot , such a gentleman is expected ,

pr.

here 's gold prethee make haste .

paz.

now by your favour you shall first goe to my captaine

pr.

his name .

paz.

fabrichio .

pr.

the same , with all my heart , here 's more gold .

paz.

i will make the more haste .

exit . enter king of sicily , horatio , and a guard . king . thy newes does take me infinitely , if he keepe touch we may propound what articles we please . hor.

fabrichio is confident hee le come .

ki. he will deserve our favour , keepe at distance , sent for in cassandras name ? belike he loves that lady , let him , t is a strange adventure , sure my daughter is of counsell with her , she had some bend that way , till he became ingratefull to us . hor. when you have him in possession , you may throw off vittori , one whose honesty i feare , vnder your princely favour , you have built too much , but heaven has sent the young prince hither to disengage your trust , he that dares prove a rebell to his country , dares be guilty of any other treason . king what shall we doe with cassandra ? hor. keepe her still to waite vpon the princesse , and expect the first opportunity for your kingdome , naples will attend your leisure then , and court your mercie . enter prince , cassandra , rosinda , flavia . pazzorello aloofe . ki.

be silent .

hor.

lose no time .

pr.

for this embrace , i dare agen neglect my life � villaines

ro.

we are betrayd , my father .

cas.

oh misfortune .

paz.

what will become of me ?

ki.

y' are welcome prince of naples .

pr.

am i betrayd ? false woman .

paz.

and please your majesty i am innocent , i brought him hither i confesse .

ki.

reward him .

hor.

come hither sirra .

paz.

howe 's this ? are you in earnest ? my lord a word � but is this the prince of naples ?

hor.

the very same sir .

paz. take your gold agen , i will have more for taking a prince , i crave the law of armes , i will have his ransome . ki.

away with the foole .

paz.

give me my prisoner agen then .

exit . ros.

sir heare me .

ki.

another time rosinda � by thy duty �

exit ros. & flavia . cas.

heare me great sir .

ki.

wee le heare and thanke thee at more leisure too , attend our daughter .

cas. oh my lord , be you but master of so much charity . pr. away , never was such a blacke and fatall houre , as that when i first saw thy cozening face . enter vittori . vi. the prince ? i dare not trust my senses , ha ? how came he hither ? wonder circles me , cassandra busie with him too ? she courts him , the basiliske is not more killing than this object . pr.

strumpet hence .

vi.

ha ?

cas.

my lord vittori ?

vi. what name was that the prince bestow'd upon you , yet doe not answere me , away , new tortures . exit . cas. . pr.

vittori , ha , ha , ha !

vi. your grace is mighty merry , i could wish you had more cause . pr. vittori i see trouble in thy face , perhaps t is wonder , upon what invitation i am a guest here . vi.

are you not a prisoner ?

pr. you are no stranger to the plot , it seem�es , base villaine to betray thy prince . vi. my lord you are too rash in censure , i betray you ? i am so farre from the conspiracy that yet i cannot reach it in my thought , much lesse with guilty knowledge , i dare tell you the devill shannot tempt me too 't , nor more wrongs then your hate can throw upon me . pr. iuggling ! can he that dares take armes against his countrey , make conscience to betray a part of it , his prince , degenerate rebell ! vi. heaven and this king know upon what severe necessity i am engag'd to warre . ki. as things fall out your valour may be uselesse , we acknowledge this happinesse , from cassandra , though she meant other successe . vi.

cassandra ?

pr. yes that peece of frailety , rather impudence , by the witchcraft of her letter tempted me thus farre , a curse vpon her lust . vi. indeed you cald her strumpet , she may deserve it by this story , t is her character , my eyes , take in new horrour . ( he reades ) my lord , if it be not too late , to be sensible of your princely affection to me , i implore your mercie , and will deserve it by my repentance . i am by misfortune a captive to your enemy , but blest with the freedome to remember you , i have a designe for my enlargement , and if i durst cherish an ambition of your presence this night , dare confidently pronounce our mutuall happinesse , this ring be witnesse of my true invitation , and doubt not her faith to your safety , who will sooner forfeit her owne life , than betray you to the least dishonour . this gentleman shall instruct you with more particulars , pardon great prince this infinite boldnesse of your servant , and if all the seedes of love be not destroyd , visite and preserve your otherwise miserable cassandra . and all this while i live , and have my senses , o woman woman ! sir if you remember t was your conclusion , if i refus'd to be your generall against my country , cassandras head should off , be constant king , i wonot . ki.

what ?

vi. not fight , nor for your kingdome , she cannot bleed too much , as for you sir . pr.

what of me ?

vi. y' are still my prince , thanke heaven for that , did you else graspe an empire , and your person guarded with thunder , i would reach and kill you , by my just rage i would , stay i will fight . hor.

with whom ?

vi. with you or all the world , that dare maintaine there is a woman vertuous . hor.

neglect him .

pr. how he breakes out at forehead , this is some revenge yet . ki. come my lord , you must with us , here your command determines , we shall have no further use of your great valour sir . vi. you may with as much ease , discharge me of a life too , your breath does it , for i dare not kill my selfe , in that i am a coward . oh my hearts griefe , preserve my right wits heaven ; the wickednesse of other women could but shame themselves , which like wild branches , being cut off , the tree is beautifull agen , but this spreads an infection , and all the sexe is wounded in cassandr'as fall : exit .
the fift act . enter rosinda , flavia , page . ros.

away , your mirth displeases .

fla. madam i hope i have not offended . ros.

let the boy begon .

pag. good madam laugh a little , t is my duty to drive away your sadnesse , t is all the vse , ladies have for pages , now and then to purge their melancholy . ros.

doe not tempt my anger .

pag. then i le goe seeke out pazzorello hee 's better company , and will make me laugh , if his fit of immortality hold , my duty madam . exit . ros.

oh flavia i am undone .

fla.

not so deere madam .

ros. though i be innocent , i want the courage to tell the prince cesario , i love , were i allow'd accesse , he must imagine me guilty of his dishonour , nor can i be happy while he thinkes himselfe so miserable , art thou so wise to counsell me ? vittori . enter vittori . vi.

madam i have an humble suite to you .

ro. to me vittori , for cassandra's sake i must deny you nothing . vi.

for her sake i begge it .

ro.

pray be plaine .

vi.

that you would speake toth ' king .

ros.

for what ?

vi.

to cut my head off .

ros.

how ?

vi. with sword or axe , or by what other engine he please , i know you le easily obtaine it , t is for cassandra's sake , i would be faine despatch'd , shee le thanke you too , and then the prince and she may revell . ros. i doe finde his jealousie , alas poore gentleman ! but i hope you doe not meane so desperately . vi. as you love vertue doe this favour � if you make scruple , there is a king a little further will take my life away at the first word , for i am resolv'd to die . ros. shall i obtaine a small request from you . vi.

these are delayes .

ro. if you be weary of your life , you 'le meet it , for there is danger in 't . vi. and thanke you too , i le doo 't by your faire selfe , now , now , you blesse me ? without exception , i le obey you madam . ros.

t is this .

whispers . vi.

doe you not mocke me .

ros.

no suspition .

vi.

instantly .

ros. this minute wee le begin it , and i le promise something beside that you will thanke me for , but things are not yet ripe , will you doe me this honour . vi. come i waite you , but t is strange why you should thus engage your selfe ? ros. when you know , you will allow my reasons . vi.

i attend you , now farewell false cassandra .

exeunt enter julio , and mauritio . ma.

the prince not to be found .

iul. i did suspect that letter might betray him , now alberto , how is the king ? enter alberto . alb. imagine how a father can apprehend the absence of a sonne he lov'd so deerely , but hee 's justly punish'd for his indulgence , though we dare not say so . ma.

t is very strange .

iu.

he was merry the last night .

al. what letter wa st iulio , the captaine brought ? i could distinguish it did strangely move him . iu.

letter ?

alb.

can you forget it .

jul. pox upon the witch that sent , now shall i be examin'd , and if he returne not , lose my head , that letter was a discovery of some plot , the enemie purpos'd that very night . ma. perhaps this mischiefe , why was it not prevented ? iu. i shall make fine worke , i know not how to shadow it , would he had laine with my sister , rather than ingag'd himselfe so farre for venison . alb.

peace , the king .

enter king and alphonso . ma. and old alphonso ! i am glad to see his change of fortune . alb.

the king ever lov'd him .

alp. sir have comfort , your sorrow will discourage all . king . dost thinke he is not taken by the enemie , and put to death ? alp. they dare not , t is against the rules of warre . ki. what dare not men that hate us , and yet conceale the murder ? enter fabio . fab.

where 's the king .

ki.

here , what portends thy haste , and busie countenance ?

fab.

oh great sir .

ki.

has thy intelligence brought us knowledge of our sonne ?

fa. the newes i bring my gracious lord concernes the prince , and how my heart flowes over , that i am pointed out by heauen the first and happy messenger . ki.

proceede , and wee le reward thee .

fab. all my ambition aimes but at your favour , my soule was never mercenary , t is my duty to weare out my life in services for you , and the whole state , whereof although i am no able member , yet � alp.

hee 's mad .

fab. it is with joy then , my good lord alphonso , and by the way i must congratulate your present favour with the king , i knew the noble faculties of your soule , at last would finde their merit . ki. villaine , what dost racke my expectation ? speake , what of my sonne ? answere me without circumstance , where is the prince ? be briefe or � fab.

i know not my good lord .

ki. traytor , didst not prepare me to expect newes of my sonne , pronouncing thy selfe happy in being the messenger ? is he in health ? answere to that . fa.

i know not my good lord .

ki. cut off his head , i shall become the scorne of my owne subject . fa. mercy royall sir , and i le discharge my knowledge . ki. tell me then , and i le have patience for the rest , but be not tedious , is my sonne alive or dead ? fab.

alas i know not my good lord .

ki.

confusion !

fab. but with your royall licence , i am able to produce those can satisfie you in every particular . ki.

where ? whom ? and quickly save thy life .

fab.

they waite sir .

ma. this fellow was made for court dispatch , an elephant will sooner be delivered than his head when t is stuft with any businesse . enter fabio , vittori disguis'd , rosinda . ki.

a lady .

alp.

and a faire one , what 's the mystery .

iul.

shee 's not of naples sure .

alb.

fabio what is she ?

ros. sir , you may justly wonder that a woman , a stranger , and an enemie , although my sexe present you with no feares , should thus adventure to your presence , had i doubted my selfe first , since suspition of anothers defect , doth rise from our owne want of goodnesse , i had not us'd this boldnesse , but safe here and arm'd with innocence , i gave up my freedome , and dare not feede one jealousie , my honour can suffer with a king . ki.

an excellent presence .

alp.

her bearing is above the common spirit .

ki. faire lady , make me more acquainted with your purpose , nothing can proceede from you , that will not charme us to attention . ros.

your sonne great sir .

ki. where ? speake , you do not looke as you delighted to report a tragedy , lives my cesario ? ros.

he does live my lord .

ki. support me good alphonso , i shall faint vnder my joy . ros. but lives a prisoner to his enemie , the king of cicily , who wish'd no greater triumph , then to boast his person captive , how he meanes to deale with him , may admit some feare , kings that prescribe to others in peace , have great prerogatives , but in warre allow no lawes , above what anger dictates to their revenge , which bloud doth often satisfie . alp.

he dares not be so cruell .

ros. i conclude not , but yet t is worth some feare , when he that was the roote of all this warre , stands at their mercy that could not wish his safety , and their owne together , i have told you sir the worst . ki.

alas , thou hast undone me .

alp. sir , my lord ? lady you were t oo-blame � my lord . ros. your sonne shall live , and blesse your age , to see him live , if you will be so kinde to allow your selfe but eyes to witnesse it . kin. flatter not my soule , that is already weary of her burden , and would begon to rest . ros.

gather your spirits .

ki

what hopes ?

ros. assurance sir , if you but please to entertaine it , i came hither on no empty motive , but to offer you a pledge for young cesario . kin.

where ? what pledge ?

ros. a pledge of as full value to the owner , as your sonnes life to you . alp.

such security were welcome .

ki.

make me blest .

ros. receive me then your prisoner , and you make your ballance even , lose not your thought in wonder , when you know the price of what i have presented you ; your reason shanot thinke him undervalued , i am rosinda , daughter to that king , whose souldiers threaten naples , equally as pretious to my father , and a kingdome and to your power , thus i expose my selfe , if young cesario meet unkinde conditions , 'i th same proportion let rosinda suffer , erect a scaffold quickly ore the walles , and fright their jealous eyes , when they behold who is prepard for death , to equall their revenge upon cesario , whom thei 'le threaten to make you stoope , but lose no part of honour , as you are a king , their trembling hangman shall thinke himselfe mock'd , and let fall his sword , or both our heads take their farewell together . ki.

alphonso i st a woman ?

alp.

and a brave one !

ma.

i admire her noblenesse .

ros. you are slow to aske the cause that hath engag'd me to all this , and yet you cannot chuse but reade it plainely , in my guilty blushes , i do love the prince perhaps t is more then he imagines , and since i first saw him in my fathers court , without dishonour , i dare justifie my heart was his , and to this love you owe the sorrow of his absence , for cassandra that noble lady , to whose breast i gave my secret'st thought , for my sake by a letter in her owne name , by tie of former love to her , ingag'd his meeting at my tent , whither no sooner privately arriv'd , but by a vilaine that deceive our trust , my father was brought in , and he made prisoner , you have the story , and my resolution to be companion of his fate . vi. agen . those words deere lady , that concern'd cassandra . ki.

alp. vittori !

vi.

all your pardon i must heare this first .

ros. cassandra is innocent , and but fram'd that letter to bring us two acquainted , the earth has not a purer chastity . vi. you have kept your word , & heaven reward your soule for 't , my duty sir to you , and to my father . ros.

he hath deserv'd his welcome for my sake .

ki.

we thus confirme it .

alp.

my poore sonne vittori !

ki. but teares of joy salute thee , best of ladies ! alphonso she is faire , well shap'd , my sonne gave her deform'd , with what eyes could he looke vpon this beauty , and not love it . vi. this beauty is her least perfection , it speakes her woman , but her soule an angell , but i forget cassandra all this while . ki. welcome agen faire princesse , my cesario is here supplied � � alphonso . fab.

this may bring the peace about .

ma. may it so ? what thinke you of halfe your land ? do not your acres melt apace ? ki. away � never did lady such an act of noblenesse , and what we cannot reach in honouring thee , ages to come shall pay thy memory . exeunt . enter king of sicily , and cassandra . ki. s. may i beleeve rosinda loves the prince , and yet so cunningly disguyse it from me ? cas. it was my plot i must confesse , but her affection bid me too 't , i did expect another consequence . ki.

i le to my daughter .

cas. the prince now in your power , i hope great sir . you 'le looke more gently on vittori . ki.

we shall thinke on him . the prince , excuse my absence .

enter prince . pr. can those deceiving eyes looke still upon me ? is not thy soule asham'd , have i for thee neglected my owne fortune and my father , all the delights that waite upon a kingdome , for thy sake drawne this warre upon my country , and done such things , i did forget i was a prince i' th acting , and is all my love rewarded thus , no devill to betray me but she to whom i durst have given my soule , degenerate woman . cas. sir throw of your passion , and when you have heard me speake but a few minutes , you 'le change opinion , and if you do not accuse your selfe , you will at least acquit me from the guilt of your dishonour . pr. did not the magicke of your letter bring me hither ? cas. i must not sir deny , i usd what motive i could to gaine your presence , but no magicke . pr. t was worse , and shewes more blacke for thy intention , hast thou a conscience ? and canst deny thou didst not meane this treachery . cas. may heaven then shoot his anger at me , i sent for you , but as i have a life not to betray you . pr.

what could induce thee then ?

cas.

love , love my lord .

pr. ha ? pardon my rashnesse and my errour , do i heare thee pronounce , t was love sent for me , what streames of joy runne through me , i am free , have suffred nothing , nothing worthy of so rich a satisfaction , i forget naples with as much ease as i can kisse thee , have you no more vexation ? oh my starres ! your influence is too mercifull . cas. mistake not , t was love i must confesse , but not that love your wild imagination prompts you too , and yet it was my love to wish you happie . pr.

you are in paradoxes lady , t was love , & it was not .

cas. love with another lady in birth ; and all that 's good above cassandra , had toward your person , did command my service in that rude letter , my ambition reach'd at no greater honour , then to bring her passions to your knowledge , thinke my lord ypon rosinda . pr.

ha ?

cas. and prison all your wanton thoughts , rosinda was by heaven design'd for you , as i was for vittori . enter king of sicily . kin. t is treason to be ignorant , search every where , i le hang yee all , unlesse you find my daughter , prince where 's rosinda ? i will have her , or your head shall off . pr.

my head ?

ki. i cannot take too great revenge , no punishment can fall severe enough upon his head was guilty of all these tumults . cas.

is the princesse lost ?

ki. not without some conspiracy , ya 're all traytors , if i recover not my child , i will sacrifice the lives of my whole army . pr.

how ill this violence sits upon a king � alphonso .

enter alphonso , horatio , trivulsi , fabrichio , pazzorela , page . kin.

what are you sir ?

hor.

one from the king of naples .

ki.

i le heare nothing unles rosinda be concernd i th message ,

alp.

she is .

ki.

ha , where ?

alp.

safe in the city sir .

ki.

a prisoner .

alp. guarded with love and honour , which he hopes is not here wanting to cesario . ki.

how came she thither ?

alp.

with vittori sir .

cas.

ha vittori ?

ki. that double renegade , where is cassandra ? off with her head , and his . � alp. my humblest duty . � take councell to your action � rosinda is in the same condition , my lord vouchsafe mee hearing . hor. sir , if i were worthy to advise you , let your passions coole , you but provoke their furie to your daughter , by threatning the prince . tri. y' are now on even termes , what if you met and parlied ? pr. every praise thou givst her makes me see my owne deformity , madam you first awakd me . fab. please you sir , the king would have some further conference . cas.

direct their councells heaven .

pr. thy pardon deere cassandra , when i have leave , i le aske vittori's too , and all the worlds . ki. for further pledge on both sides , horatio wee le exchange to invite naples to give us meeting . alp

t is desired already .

ki.

we follow , come my lord old men have passions .

pr.

they were not men else .

alp.

my sonnes life cassandra .

exit paz.

but this is strange newes didimo , is my lady and mistresse a prisoner ? i tooke the prince .

pag.

t was valiantly done .

paz.

why may not i with my armour of magicke bustle among the enemies , and get honour now ?

pag.

it were your onely time , get but a brave horse �

paz.

that would carry double , and i might bring home the princesse behind me to the campe ; say no more ; stay , thou art sure i am sufficiently inchanted .

pag.

no infidelity , as sure as you had no money in your pockets .

paz.

well remembred , if it be so sure my little didimo you shall now give me account of all that gold and silver .

pag.

such another word , and my aunt shall take off her curse agen .

paz.

there 's it , this urchin has me oth hip , beside in my conscience , my granam has given thee a spell too , so that wee might fight our hearts out , afore we kill one another .

pag.

you my be sure of that .

paz.

prethee let me try , for my owne satisfaction , whether my sword will runne thee through or no .

pag.

it has beene attempted a hundred times , you may as soone pricke me with the pummell ; but if thou hast any doubt thy owne body is not steele proofe , my rapier shall demonstate .

paz.

wo't ? now tha' rt honest .

pag.

t is to no purpose .

paz.

for my satisfaction , if thou lov'st me .

pag.

come on your wayes .

he drawes . paz.

stay , t is pointed � i have a great mind , but if � but if � i should � i am inchanted ; do ot , stay , i wonot see 't : now �

pag.

never feare .

he sheathes and with the scabberd thrusts him behind , and drawes it agen presently . paz. oh! he has runne me through body and soule , hum ! i see no point , nor blood , nor paine , ha ? t is so , god a mercy didimo , i am right , i see 't . i will dispatch these warres presently . pa.

your charme will last no longer .

paz. tell not me , i will then go seeke adventures , wee 'le wander to releeve distressed damzels , through woods with monsters , and with giants haunted , and kill the devill like a knight enchanted . exeunt .

enter king of scicily , prince , alphonso , trivulsi , fabrichio , cassandra ; at one doore .

king of naples , rosinda , horatio , vittori , iulio , alberto at the other .

alphonso , goes to the king of naples , and horatio returnes to the king of sicily : they whisper .

k. of sci.

le ts heare our daughter speake .

ros. first with an humblenesse thus low , i beg your pardon , and beseech you would interpret no defect of dutie , that i forsooke my tent , and your protection there is another , stronger tie than natures love , whose impulsion you have felt , or i had never beene your daughter , mov'd my flight love of that excellent prince , whom in your power i had no way to gaine but by this losse . and if you had beene cruell to cesario , i should have gloried under these to suffer . pr. no more , there 's vertue in that excellent princesse to stocke two kingdomes , pardon faire rosinda , thou hast made me fit to know thee , taught by thy obedience , i returne a sonne to naples thus , but desire no life without possession of that religious treasure , as y' are kings � both kings .

a chaine of hands and hearts .

vit.

oh my cassandra .

nap.

ioy in all bosomes .

sicil.

thus our kingdomes knit .

pr.

horatio we are friends too .

hor.

owne me your servant sir , i begge your pardon .

pr. i cannot aske forgivenesse oft enough for injuries to thee noble vittori , alphonso and cassandra . vit. alp. cas.

all your creatures .

enter mauritio , fabio . ma.

iustice my lord .

fab.

mercy my lord .

nap.

what 's this ?

ma. a deed of halfe his land , if he surviv'd these warres , which are now happily determin'd , my life was his security , which will be merrier with the moity of his acres . na.

how if he had dyed ?

ma. his land had gone to the next heire , that 's all his ghost would hardly call upon my forfeit ; if i had dyed , his land had beene discharg'd , but we both living must part stakes , he has enough for two on 's fab.

cheated by a soldade .

pr.

he must confirme his act .

fab.

but in such cases sir where mens estates �

pr. are too much sir , and like their talke ��� impertinent , goe to , y are well . fab.

but halfe well , and like your grace .

ma.

t is very well .

nap.

our citty spreads to entertaine such guests .

pr. never was musicke of so many parts , as friends to naples now , we all joine hearts . exeunt .
finis .
notes, typically marginal, from the original text
notes for div a -e loud musicke .
machine-generated castlist a -prisoner a -king a -vittori a -pazzarello a -rosinda a -page a -fabio a -cassandra a -julio a -horatio a -alphonso a -flavia a -alberto a -mauritio a -caesario a -trivulsi a -sergeant a -messenger a -naples a -captain a -unassigned a -pazarello a - _soldier a -omnes a -multiple a -king_sci a -sicily a -both
textual notes

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� particular ambition to be knowne to you , that i , among other , whose more happy wits have g�ind among other , whose more happy wits have gaind by being onely read under so noble a patron heene sent to meete the insulting king , he has beene fortunate in many warres . ��� were a point of deepe neglect to keepe your grace in expectation , yet delaies make ioyes �le be dumbe . another syllable , ile ha thy tongue out , and leave no roote , �u.. ju. defen�'d prospers , that without his valour would ha defenc'd it selfe . � give no breath to such a thought hereafter . honour payes double where kings neglect vittori� oh my deare vittori my wishes ayme at none beside . i � th they may now take from us , we are not yet i'th snare , and we have power to stifle , shannot neede sir , the king is comming hither . � drops , that i might sacrifice to your anger , and expiate my fathers sinne ! how how! banishment ? remo� for the best , by his absence thinking to remoue his anger , i could have beene content , say superfluous , and may be prund away , you have you say, no argument to suspect his fall from loyalty ablow vittori gave a blow to their designe . defigne vittori gave a blow to their designe . �leet it may be another fleet , meant to releeve the first , and came dee�ely ore take vittori , but alphonso shall pay deerely for this mischiefe . � canst thou thinke i do looke pale for this ? no iulio , although the suddaine newes might � exit . been� his sword reach'd my heart , my death had beene no sinne compar'd to that affront he threw � must take our fortunes , i am sorry for thee . � exit . � kingdome , nor is it superstition to beleeve , that heaven doth point us out the scourge courtship-dane'd entertaine our navie : the fish in amorous courtship danc'd about our ship , and no rude gale from any � affliction , i suffer lesse in knowledge , and shall rise by brave examples , valiant �oule alas she will be gone , oh my cassandra thy soule shannot forsake thee thus , ile take it mo�e few victories can boast more , all is but the dye of warre , which valour back� throw our barke , with the distressed lading backe vpon this flinty bosome of your country � exeunt . �leabitings hurt , no no , these are but fleabitings , to have my limbes strew'd about the field �az. paz. � and breake all the swords that light upon't , and for the shot , thy breath shall dampe cano� and for the shot , thy breath shall dampe a canon , it shall fall off like one of thy buttons witch�s if this could be compas'd , i should love witches the better while i live . preserv � d. justice , you command this life you have preserv'd releev � d should have forfeited humanity , not to have releev'd you in such distresse . pazzor�llo pazzorello . he � s he's growne most strangely valiant . bul�ets me be gentleman of a company , and let the bullets flye as fast as they can . th� he meanes both the kingdomes . � will now you talke of the mouth ; twill eate every day this leaguer foure and twenty mën youle not have men enough to conquer . �an can you be cruell lady to that man , that offers cassand�a actions , and kils the name we live by , oh cassandra thou didst not well to praise the king for sorrrowes of my leave already , and kissing the wet sorrowes from thy cheeke , bid thee rejoyce , vittori ch�ck'd idly , and miserably forgot my selfe , i am check'd , this tels me another tale , if i refuse p�eserve above his honour , keepe your high thoughts , preserve all peace within you , you shall not buy de�otion with your owne shame , ile die with that devotion , i ha praid for you , which trust me was the� thou wot give me leave , ile confesse to thee before my head fall from this other peece � exeunt . there � s know not what to say to these garboiles , there's a hot naples toward , and the prince the�e thinke thou hast little care on't thy selfe , there be many would give all their estate to out-live � a match ! my life against halfe your land to secure �inisht weele expect more advantage first , they have finisht their redoubt , is our river guarded with us this fellow's sent to mocke us, in my heart i repent all the tye of armes v�xation this , this vexation i did expect , but we must not be frighted �o about my heart , my father ? was ever man so miserably throwne vpon despaire , if i refuse sustain� fight my father bleeds , some divine arme sustaine my feeble soule , instruct it how i should rath�r should distinguish sorrow , and which blessing rather i should now part with , a deere wife , �as.. cas. t�e but shee le not be long absent , where's the gamester ? gamest�r shee le not be long absent , where's the gamester ? �ut finde him onely obedient to your selfe , but very dutifull to any devill you have . � t not throw it away instantly � give mee 't , ile keepe it from her knowledge , this here � s more , off wee't , if you love your hand , here's a jest to foole away your life quickely gra�pe graspe his necke till he groane twice , � t it concernes you to be sure on 't , and i must tell you one thing , if you y � are y'are the better proofe fort , you cannot �and honourd me , and lady i kisse your faire hand . paz� paz. i a glory ! my soule's ambitious of . th � art th'art a foole . � t you have thank'd me , and have runne too 't � t court you to nothing , you may thinke on 't , yare , now no more a prisoner iulio . yare court you to nothing , you may thinke on 't , y'are , now no more a prisoner iulio . prisoner you may thinke on 't , yare , now no more a prisoner� iulio . least'hope increase my wonder , that you can nourish the least' hope , that i should forget my owne tie remenbring least'hope , that i should forget my owne tie , by remembring what relation you have to any other , if forcivenes , the time may come you will repent this forgivenes . �os. ros. � braines beaten out , what will become of me ? batteries for truncheon , batoone , and such woodden batteries, you must fortifie your selfe as well as ti� , he will be a fit man to engage , beside tis his desire . jealonsie i hope you feed no jealousie of me , i did all for your service , and ros� ros. pre�hee thy lady , prethee shew me the way to her tent . withall the same , with all my heart , heres more gold . exeunt exit . �ome come hither sirra . aword howe's this ? are you in earnest ? my lord a word � but is this the prince of naples � at more leisure too , attend our daughter . c�s exit . cas. . d�stroyd servant , and if all the seedes of love be not destroyd , visite and preserve your otherwise miserable woma� this while i live , and have my senses , o woman woman ! sir if you remember twas your conclusion �ul. jul. � villaine , what dost racke my expectation ? speake �oth first , since suspition of anothers defect , doth rise from our owne want of goodnesse , i sp�rit her bearing is above the common spirit . cssaandra love you owe the sorrow of his absence , for cassandra that noble lady , to whose breast i gave � and shewes more blacke for thy intention , hast thou a conscience ? and canst deny i have you no more vexation ? oh my starres ! your influence is too mercifull . � paradoxes lady , twas love , & it was not . � nothing unles rosinda be concernd ith message , �urse another word , and my aunt shall take off her curse agen . �earts a spell too , so that wee might fight our hearts out , afore we kill one another . waye� come on your wayes . � has runne me through body and soule , hum ! i see no point , nor blood , nor paine , albert� naples , rosinda , horatio , vittori , iulio , alberto at the other . � and horatio returnes to the king of sicily : they whisper . warre� of halfe his land , if he surviv'd these warres , which are now happily determin'd , my �ext his land had gone to the next heire , thats all his ghost would hardly on . must part stakes , he has enough for two on's s. ��� but in such cases sir where ��� ��� estates � ��� but in such cases sir ��� mens ��� estates � ��� are too much sir , and ��� ��� ��� ��� impertinent , goe to , yare ��� are too much sir , ��� like ��� ��� ��� impertinent , goe to , yare ��� are too much sir , ��� ��� their ��� ��� impertinent , goe to , yare well ��� are too much sir , ��� ��� ��� talke ��� impertinent , goe to , yare well . ��� but halfe well , and like your grace � � but halfe well , and like your grace . jovne parts , as friends to naples now , we all joine hearts .
honoria and mammon scene metropolis or new-troy : whereunto is added the contention of ajax and ulysses for the armour of achilles / written by james shirley, gent. ; as it was represented by young gentlemen of quality at a private entertainment of some persons of honour. shirley, james, - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing s estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) honoria and mammon scene metropolis or new-troy : whereunto is added the contention of ajax and ulysses for the armour of achilles / written by james shirley, gent. ; as it was represented by young gentlemen of quality at a private entertainment of some persons of honour. shirley, james, - . [ ], p. printed for john crook and are to be sold at his shop ..., london : . "the contention of ajax and ulysses for the armor of achilles" has special t.p. contains portrait frontispiece of shirley. reproduction of original in the harvard university library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - rina kor sampled and proofread - rina kor text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion iacobus shirlaeus : g phenik pinx : r gaywood secit 〈…〉 honoria and mammon . written by iames shirly gent. scene metropolis , or new-troy . whereunto is added the contention of ajax and ulisses , for the armour of achilles . as it was represented by young gentlemen of quality at a private entertainment of some persons of honour . london , printed for iohn crook , and are to be sold at his shop at the signe of the ship in s. pauls church yard , . to the candid reader . a small part of this subject , many years since had drop'd from my pen : but looking at some opportunities upon the argument , i thought some things more considerable might be deduced ; and applying my self further , at times of recess , i felt it grow and multiply under my imagination : nor left i it then ( the matter being so pregnant in it self ) till i form'd it into such limbs and proportions as you now see it . modesty after this , invited me to cover it , and to cut off many impertinences , and purge some humour , that sa●e , i confess , unhandsomely upon it . what is now presented , i hope will appear a genuine and unforc'd moral , which though drest in drammatique ornament , may not displease , in the reading , persons of ingenuity , such whose nature is not to create prejudice , where they intend a recreation . and in the confidence of that , i do not repent the superstructures i have made , my pains , nor expences that have attended to bring it to this . it is now publique to satisfie the importunity of friends , i will onely adde , it is like to be the last , for in my resolve , nothing of this nature shall after this , engage either my pen or invention . the reason why i make no particular dedication to any friend , is , because i aim my general respect to all , whose favours and civilities have oblig'd me . at this none will be offended , where none hath the precedence : and to conclude with the most serious truth , i know not any , that love me so little , whom the payment of my so mean addresses would satisfie , as to clear me upon the account of his friendship . let this suffice at present from him , that is your servant , james shirley ▪ persons . conquest a colonel , lovers of lady honoria . alworth a scholar , alamode a courtier , fulbank a citizen , sutors to lady mammon . maslin a countreyman , travers a lawyer , servant to mammon and honoria . squanderbag . phantasm , gentleman-usher to la. mam. dash the lawyers clark. a captain . a serjeant . souldiers . countreymen . honoria . mammon . scene metropolis : honoria and mammon act. i. enter alworth and phantasm . alw. t is not far off , ' i le aske this gentleman . can you instruct me , sir , where the great lady aurelia mammon lives ? pha. yes sir , i can . alw. pray do me the civility . pha. have you affaires with her , my friend in black . alw. have you relation to the lady , sir ? pha. she ownes me a gentleman-usher , with your pardon sir , are not you inclining to a scholar ? alw. i have spent time i' th academy . pha. the academy ? another beggar , i did think so by your serious face , your habit had almost cosened me , and your hair , they are of the more court edition , this is a beggar of the upper forme of learning , your business with my lady , alw. if you please to prepare my access — pha. 't is to no purpose , my lady keeps no library , no food for booke-worms , i can assure you that , learning is dangerous in our family , she wo'not keep a secretary for fear of the infection . alw. does she keep no foole ? pha. yes , yes , and knaves ; alw. i thought so , in which classe is your name , i beseech you ? pha. we enjoy equal priviledges , indeed the knave makes somewhat more on 's office , but my lady is not so nice , so we can bring certificates that we are sound , and free from the infection of book 's , or can lay down our understandings , and part with that unnecessary stuffing i' th head , ( you know my meaning ) or renounce the impious use of humane art and knowledge , we are in a capacity of imployment ; perhaps you may , on these terms be admitted with your philosophy , and things about you , to keep her horse , de' e observe ? alw. a faire preferment ! pha. the fittest here for men of art , or if you can keep counsell and negotiate handsomely the amorous affair of flesh and blood ; ( there you may exercise your parts of rhetorique . ) how lies your learning that way ? 't is an office many grave persons have submitted to , and found it a smooth path to court preferment , but she is here , i 'le leave you to your fortune . enter aurelia mammon . mam. with me , your business ? alw. the lady honoria , madam , by me humbly presents her service , and this paper to your ladyship . mam. the lady honour ? 't is some borrowing letter . alw. this is not civill . mam. i am so haunted with this mendicant nobility at every ebbe of fortune . i must be troubled with epistles from e'm . what 's here ? — you are , a scholar . alw. i have studied the artes , mam. your lady writes as much , and would commend you to my inployment , but i want no chaplain . alw. if you did , i cannot flatte● , madam . mam. i have known wiser men converted by preferment . alw. they were things that had no soules , or use of that bright entelecheia which separates them from beasts . mam. i did expect hard words , and do commend the pure discretion of your most learned tribe , that think themselves brave fellowes , when they talk greeke to a lady ; next to the goth and vandall , you shall carry the bable from mankind , pray tell your lady , learning is out of fashion in my family , alw. why should you be an enemy to arts ? the lamps we wast , and watches , that consume our strength in noble studies , are ill paid with this disdain , your smile would make us happy , and with your golden beame strike new day through learnings universe . mam. you but loose your time , i know you are writing some prodigious volume in praise of hunger , and immortall beggery . this may in time advance you to a pedant , to whip the town-top's , or gelded vicaridge , some forty markes per annum , and a chamber-naid commended by your patron . alw. y' are not worth my anger , i should else — mam. what my sweet satyre ? alw. present your ladyship with a glasse , a true one . should turne you wild to see your owne deformity . mam. i pretheeraile , now for a storme — alw. i wo'not loose my temper on such a trifle . exit . enter fulbanke and maslin . mam. but here are two come timely , to disperse all clowdy thoughts , my diligent daily waiters . ful. now poetry be my speed ! my noblest mistriss . mam. what have you there , dear mr. fulbanke ? ful. lines , that are prou'd to express your beauty , madam . mam. bless me ! turn'd poet ? i must tell you servant , nothing in nature is more killing to me . ful. umh ! i see my lady mammon is no wit. do' e think i made e'm ? i have an estate , madam . mam. i know you have fin'd for alderman . ful. they were a foolish scholars o' the town , and i made my address to be confirm'd in your opinion , they were wretched things , and like the starv'd composer . the nine muses i have read , madam , in a learned author , were but a knot of travailing , tawny gipsies that liv'd by country canting , and old songs , and picking wormes out of fooles fingers , which was palmistry forsooth , and for apollo whom they call'd father , a poor silly piper , that kep't a thatch'd house upon cuckolds hill , not far from helicon , or old bride●well , where he sold switches , till his hut was burn'd one night by a tinkers nose , that lay in straw there ; and he , for losse of this poor tenement , ran mad , from whence came all the mighty stir , of that , which we now call poetick fury . mam. 't is very likely . mas. madam , be your leave , i am a country-man , what should a man lye for ? i ken no colledge learning , but i have been whip'd for latin in my dayes , that have i ; and have heard talke of the philosophers stone ; although i weare not velvet like his worship , my heart 's imbroyder'd with love and i defie the man that thinkes me insufficient to do , what 's fitting to be done between you and i madam , as the best what lack you finical-fartical-citt within the walls . ful. take heed how you provoke me . mas. i 'le provoke any man living , in the way of love. enter phantasme . mam. did all the ladies sleep well ? pha. yes and their monkeys madam , and have all their severall thanks , and services remembred to your ladiship — but madam — exit mam. and phant. ful. she has left us . i 'le find a time to make , you sensible — mas. me sensible ? i defy thee . ful. be no● rampant , and thank heaven we are not arm'd . mas. i scorne it . ful. dar'st thou meet me ? mas. yes , the next day after simon and iude i dare , when all your liveries go a feasting by water with your gally foist and pot-guns , and canvas whales to westmin●ster ▪ i am not affear'd of your green robin-hoods , that fright with fiery club your pitifull spectators that take pains to be stifled , and adore the wolves and camels of your company . next whom the children ride , who innocent things , what with the gyants , and the squibs and eating too many sugar-plumms , take occasion to perfume their pageants , which your senators ride after in full scent . ful. thou horrid lumpe of leather , course wooll , ignorance and husbandry , most pitifully compounded , thou that hast liv'd so long a dunghill , till the weeds had over-grown thee , and but ten yards off , cosen'd a horse that come to graze upon thee , thou miserable thing , that wert begot by the whole town , thou dar'st call no man father , found in a hedge , but bred up in a stable , wherewith the horse thou did'st divide the bean's , dung like the beast , and wert as often curried . thus bred , at one and twenty thou wer't able to write a legible sheeps mark in t●rre , and read thy own capitall letter , like a gallows in a cows buttock . mas. suffer this ? ful. and more : fortune conspiring with thy own ill nature , that durst be damn'd for money , made thee rich , and then the countreys curses fatten'd thee , time , and thy sordid sins made thee at last high-constable , and now thou hast the impudence — mas. thou liest . mastin strikes fulbank enter phantasme with two swords . pha. fear not me gentlemen , i am your friend , a friend to both your honours ; here , be noble you have a just cause , and a gallant mistriss persons of your quality , to fight thus for bloody noses , too 't like gentlemen , and draw blood handsomely , he that gets the victory shall ha my lady , and a pardon , though it cost her half a million , so i leave you . here will i stay , and observe both their valours . ful. we are betraid . obscures mas. i do not like these tooles . ful. it is not for my credit to be kill'd , if he have but the courage to advance , i am no merchant-taylor of this world , and yet he lookes less rampant . sirrah maslin — mas. i were best deliver up my cold iron , here . ful. he does approach . mas. and yet i wo'not . fulbanke . i am of thy opinion , we are both betraid ; for my owne part , although i carry no flesh that feares a sword ; yet i do not affect to have devices put upon me . ful. t is something thou hast said ; this may be ● plot ; some third man has projected by our ruines to make his path smooth to my lady mammon ; and thus her squire promotes it . mas. a consp●racy ! i read it in the rascals face , too 't quotha like gentlemen● no , they sha'not laugh at me . and my lady had a mind to ha my throat cut , she shall excuse me . ful. to my wishes ! but i am not satisfied , we can without some blood come off with honour , you know th' affront was mine , and though i wod not have my revenge writ in too deep a crimson , yet something must be done , it will be publick , and we may still be laugh'd at . mas. thou saist right , things cannot well be clear'd without some blood . i have consider'd , and you shall be satisfied , ful. so , i have made fine worke , the bore will fight now . mas. the credit of a wound will serve , thus then — ful. stay , i have a device will bring us both off . why may not we consent to give each other a careless wound in the leg , or arme , and so march off with honour ? mas. this knack was in my very thoughts , 't is ex'lent . ful. but since i nam'd it first , 't is my invention , and i will strike the first blow , mas. hang 't , i pass not , but gently then , a scratch i th arme , or hands enough , a small thing does it , gently , oh ! thou hast cut of my sword hand , this is fowle play , i cannot hold my toole now . ful. but stoope to reach it , i 'l cut thy head off , i th field we must use all advantages . this weapon's mine too . farewell , and say i have used thee honourably . enter phantasme . pha. ha. ha . ha . are you hurt sir ? i see the alderman has outwitted you . let me see , ha ? a scratch , a very scratch ; beare up , there may be wayes to your revenge , leave not your applications to my lady . he counsells this , that will assist you — but i ever thought your habit much beneath the person that should court so great a lady . it smells too much ot'h ●eame , i know y' are rich . aire , aire your gold , and make your body clinkant , the rest commit to fate , and me , consult your taylor . mas. and my chirurgeon ; sir i thanke you . pha. you do not know , how i am contriving for you . mas. that very word has cur'd me . i 'le about it . exit . pha. so , when ther 's no other mischief to be done , let them go on , and love my lady mammon ; i 'le assist one , in hope the t'other may go hang himself , and then it will be hard to judge , which of the two has the better fortune . exit . enter honoria between alamode and collonell . ala. bless me but with one smile , if you did know with what devotion my soul lookes on you , how next to my religion i have plac'd , ( if not above it , ) your diviner beauty — hon. your name is alamode , a courtier . aba . 't is sweetned by honoria's breath , col. i have no stock of pefum'd words to court you , madam , can you affect a man ? a souldier ? when i have march'd upto a breach , which look'd like hell with all his sulphurous flames about it ; my heart was fixt on honour , and i tooke from gaping wounds the fleeting soules about me into my owne , and fought with all their spiritis ; the mangled bodies that i trod upon , ( for now the dead had buried all the earth ) gave me addition to heaven where , in , my strong imagination i saw thee from thy chariot dropping down a garland . hon. you are a colonel . col. i profess a souldier madam . hon. it appears a bold one ; art thou come alworth . enter alworth . what said the lady mammon ? ala. one that has some relation to her person . they call him alworth , and i have observ'd she lookes on him with favour above a servant , he has not the impudence to court his lady hon. so peremp●ory ? what a strange monster wealth is ? i have but made a tryall of her friendship , and had no meaning thou should'st leave me alworth , depend upon my care , i know your parts ; and shall not be forgetfull of their merit . but thou art come most seasonable to relieve me . ala. i do not like their whispering . alw. if you please , madam , to absent your self , leave me to the excuse . hon. do so , dear alworth . alw. i am happy when you command me service . hon. be confident , i keep a silent register of all , and shall reward them . alw , your own vertues guide you . exit hon. col. my lady 's gone . alw. but has commanded me to let you know her resolution , she hath found you both ambitious of honour , both deserving , and such an equall furniture of merit , she has no art to reconcile her thoughts into one fortunate choice . ala. 't is very strange . alw. the gordian , which great alexander could not by subtilty dissolve , his sword untwisted ; i use her own words , gentlemen , you may inferre , that you must either quit your courtship , or by your selves agree , who best deserves her , and dare do most to merit such a mistriss . ala. how , best deserves her ? col. and dare do most , alw. i should interpret this to fight for honour . but you can best expound , and so i leave you . exit . col. col. what sayes my perfum'd alamode to this ? will not a sword quite spoile your sattin doublet , and let in too much aire ? your lips and language bath'd in the oyle of gessamine will not carry her , you have worne a sword thus long , to shew the hi●t , now let the blade appear . ala. it shall . i have yet no ague , i can looke upon your buffe , and punto beard , yet call for no strong-water , i am no tavern gull , that want protection , whom you with oathes do mortifie and sweare into the payment of your ten pound surfeits ; upon whose credit you weare belt and feather , top and top-gallant . go to your landab — it 'h new brothell , she 's a handsome leverett , if she deny free quarter , tear her trinkets , make cu●●ice of the matron , yet be friends before the constable come in , and runne ot'h ticket for the dear disease . col. go on sir. i will have patience three minutes longer , to hear thy scurrile wit , and then correct it . ala. answer but one coole question , if honoria should possibly descend to think well of thee , and by some philtre should be brought to love thee . what jointure could we make , what 's the per annum ? col. have you done yet ? ala. 't is not impossible , you may have a catalogue of town 's and leaguers the names of bridges broken down , your nose in time may keep them company in landschape : you will tell of bulworke● , barricado , fort 's . of outworkes , half moones , spurres , and parrapets of turnepikes , flankers , cats and counter-scarfs , these things will hardly pawn with jew or christian ; but i 'le come closer to you , you may have in ready wounds some twenty , i 'le admit , and in diseases can assure her forty ; this wo'not do , she cannot eate a knapsack , or carry baggage , lye in your foule hutt , and rost the pullen , for whose pretious theft , you and the gibbet fear to be acquainted . if you return into your wholsome countrey , upon your honourable wooden legges , the houses of correction have but thinn accommodations , nor the hospitalls . col. it does appear by all this impudence , and little wit pi●fer'd , and put together , you do not know me . ala. cry your mercie , sir. you are a great field-officer , are past these petty things , but if these times preserve their smooth complexion , it wo'not be ten hundred thousand pistols to a ●●iver , but you may run this gantlope once agen . col. you imagine you have stung me now , and that i think my self concern'd in this keen character ? i tell thee ( wretched thing , ) thou doest not reach a souldier , 't is a name , three heavens above thy soule to understand , and 't were a sin would lessen our own worth , to make thee know it . you are a courtier . ala. very good . col. nay rather . a very impious one , you shall confess it , or i will cut your throat , this is no canting . ala. very fine . col. nay we know you are a fine gentleman , a taffata-sattin-plush-embroydered - lac'd-scarlet-tissue-cloath-a-bodkin devill ; pride is thy meat and drink , thy library , and thy religion , thy new clothes only bring thee to church , where thou dost muster , all the fashions , and the trinkets , to the last new button , upon which thy conscience sits , and as the devill guides it , dost condemne , or save the people , that done , not the window's scape thee , for thou woot quarrell with the pictures , and find fault with the apostles , for not having a better taylor , these sir are your vertues , your high , and holiday devotions . what moral vices follow in the weeke , is best known to the devill , your close friend , that keeps the catalogue , yet one touch of them ; thy lust has no bounds , when thy blood 's a fire , thou leap'st all like a satyre , without difference of kindred , or acquaintance ; and were those but summon'd , whom thy body hath infected , they would stuffe an hospital , and out-stinke the pest-house . ala. and yet i walke upon these poor supporters . col. how long the chirurgeon knowes . ala. these all my faults ? col. no , those are but thy peccadi●●ioes , thy ma●ice is behind , thou woot not take a bribe to undo a nation , sell thy countrey men to as many persecutions , as the devill or dutch men had invented at amboyna ; with all this stock of villany , thou hast an impudence — ala. i 'le heare no more , col. a little i 'le intreat you , all is but a preface to your bearing , which must follow , your tribe will beare it . ala. then have at you sir. they make a pass . col. y' are very nimble courtier . ala. as you see . col. good mounsieur quicksilver , you may be fixt . ala. and your arrear's be paid . another pass , alamode down and disarm'd . col. what think you now ? ala. it is your fortune sir. col. y' are at my mercie , aske your life ? ala. i scorne it . col. i 'le kill you then . ala. a boy may do as much at this advantage . col. will you not aske your life ? ala. no 't is not worth it . col. and 't be not worth your asking , 't is not worth my taking at this posture , there 's your weapon , rise , use it agen . ala. it shall be thus to render it . though i was not so base to beg my life , yet since you have given it me , i scorne to imploy it against one that was the master on 't , col. this is gallantry . ala. you taught it first . col. in spight of all the widdowes in the world we will be friends . ala. i meet it colonel . col. and for the lady mammon — ala. wee 'l take our chance . col. a match , now let us to th' tavern . exeunt . act. ii. enter fulbanke and phantasme . pha. i think i have brought your business we about , sir. ful. thou hast oblieg'd me everlastingly : nay nay , be covered , thou art my best friend . pha. it was but justice to advance your merit with all the retorick i had , for where in prudence , could my lady mammon place her self with more advantage to her fame ? a widdow of a thousand pound per annum jointu● with some few present bagges of musty gold , old plate , and hungry houshold-stuff would serve the countrey well enough . ful. excellent phantasme pha. where the report of building a free-school and now and then an alme-house for old women , with five teeth and a half among sixteen , would make a mighty noise , and the poor hinds wonder , there 's so much money left in nature . the city is her only sphere of glory . ful. right , very right . pha. here my lady mammon . ( yours now as things are ordered ) ful. good. pha. may have high and noble waies to employ her treasures . do things above the vulgar admiration , surround the city with a wall of silver , transmute dull leaden-hall to gold , rebuild the great cathedrall of st. pauls with porphyrie and clap so bright a spire upon 't , shall make the sea-man afar off wonder what new and never setting starre , heaven hath created to make the day eternall in this island . ful. my own phantasme . pha. there is no end , sir , of herwealth , if you have but the patience to spend , you may out-do the roman luxuries . ful. i 'l give thee my gold-chain . pha. o'h no , it may do you better service , sir , 'bout your own neck hereafter ; for all this infinite treasure that she brings you , sir , what joynture do you make her ? you are mortall . ful. i ha thought of that , i will secure my whole estate upon her ? beside her own , i have no kindred , that i care for , they are poor , and as my pride , while i am living , will not look upon e'm , at death , it will be wisdom to forget them . pha. it would endeare my lady much , if you surprize her with this act , before she think on'● . i would have you do things gallantly — ful. you shall give the direction to my counsell ; pha. his name . ful. a very honest able eminent person , one mr. traverse , see it done your self . phan. my lady will take it well , without all do bt , sir. ful. but shall i engage your trouble — pha. 't is an honour ; i 'l give him order to dispatch all presently . he is a very honest man you say . ful. he 's right , i know him intus & in cute . pha. my lady , sir , leave things to me . enter mammon . ful. my most divine aurelea ! mam. dear mr. fulbanke , i have no happiness but in your presence , when shall the worke be perfect ? ful. i was considering , it would become the glory of my bride , to have some state , and triumph at our marriage , i know the city will expect we should accept some entertainment , perhaps pageants , and speeches to congratulate our nuptial . mam. 't will please me much . pha. there may be prejudice in these delay 's , ful. oh sir , the state is all ; what thinks your ladyship ? we will have tilting too , and feats of chivalry at court where i 'l defend my aurelia princess , in the guilt armour that i mu●tered in , and the rich saddle of my owne perfuming , i 'l have my squires , my plumes , and my devices , and with my lance encounter the whole mirrour of knight-hood , and compell the forreign princes to hang up all the tables of their mistrisses as trophee's to my most victorious mammon . pha. without some cure he will be mad immediately . enter alamode , reading a letter , a servant waits . ala. present my humblest service to honoria , say i am all obedience to her commands , were i in heaven , this invitation would have the power to draw me thence , i kiss her fairest hand , this for your favour , gives him money . mr. fulbanke , ful. please you to know my lady sir ? ala. if i mistake not the lady aurelia ; widdow to the late high treasurer , sir omnipotent mammon . salutes her ? but are you master of this rich peru ? ful. she will please to owne me , ha ? mam. it is but justice . ala. a thousand streams of joy flow in your bosoms , i 'l take some fortunate hour to visit you , and with an humble lip print my devotions on your white hand . mam. you 'l do me an honour sir. ala. some high affairs compell this rude departure , but you have mercy to excuse your servant . exit . ful. vvhat heaps of words some men have got together to signifie nothing ? pha. how do you like this gentleman ? ful. these courtiers are another sort of flesh-flies , that haunt our city dames , but we must winke , or loose our chatter ? pha. bless the body politick . enter maslin in rich cloths , but antick . mas. by your leave gentlemen . ful. vvhat pageant 's this ? mas. vvhere de' e think i have been , madam ? mas. at the brokers . mas. at the exchange by these silke-stockings , mr. usher — a word to the wise , if they will fit your rowling pin , they 'r paid for ; perhaps the wages you receive in your relation to my lady , wo'not find you convenient vanities . now i 'me for you madam . mam. in good time . mas. i wanted but your hand , i could ha fitted you with gloves , but here are some trifles for the finger , you must weare this diamond , and this ruby , mam. de' e understand vvhat you do sir ? mas. and here 's a casting net of pearl . mam. a carkane● ? these will deserve — mas. tell not me of desert , i hate it perfectly , hang toyes and yellow rubbish that paid for e'm , how de' e like my clothes ? ful. sir i am concern'd to thank you for these favours . mas. you ? prethee away , i ha nothing to say to thee ? ful. we have no other gratitude sweet-heart , but to invite him to our wedding . mas. wedding ? phantasme . pha. and you had come but half an hour sooner , this very shape had don 't . mas. do not , do not make me mad too soone . ful. you have been very bountifull , and we pray your noble presence at our festivall , which we have deferr'd to be attended with some triumph , such as may become the city , and my dear ladies honour , is 't not so , my america ? look how the oyster gapes . leave him to chew his countrey cud , come madam . exeunt . pha. sir i confess . — mas. and be hang'd , i am undone , and i could cry now . pha. sir , you have been at a great charge to go without her , such rings , and carknet , beside the cost of this fine habit ? for your bounty , sir , bestowed on me , the unworthiest of your servants , i have a gratitude , if you please to accept it . mas. what is 't ? a halter or a knife to cute me , or a comfortable poison ? pha. 't is the first you nam'd , a most convenient , neatly twisted halter , for i do see your inclinations , and shall commend your fortidude , beside 't will shew a brave contempt upon their scorns . and who know's , how the example , sir , may spread to cure some o●her mad men that love widdows . you have my judgement and the cord for nothing , lose not the nick of the next beam you come at , no way like this to be high-constable . mas. here , take my clothes ; i will be mad , and hang my self immediately ; — and yet i will consider , till the ayre be a little warmer ; when i have cut fulbanks throat , 't is but a hanging afterwards . 't is good to be ma●icious , and wise ; some notable revenge would be worth all my cost , and then a sico for the devill . exit . enter alworth and alamode , alw. please you to have a little patience i shall acquaint my lady that y' are come , sir. ala. before you go , dear sir , i know your prudence and neere imployment with my lady , has endeer'd you to part ake some of her counsells ; you shall obliege a very humble servant , to let me know how she affects , you reach my meaning , by what motive am i sent for ? alw. my lady keeps the key of her own cabinet , but if you 'l have my judgement on the scheme , i think my lady will this day determine her choice , i encline the rather to this judgement , because the colonell is sent for too . my attendance is expected , sir , your pardon . ala. ha musick . a song within praise of a courtier . i like this well enter colonell and alworth . alw. my lady will appear presently , i 'l give her knowledge , if you please . col. your favour , sir , you are learned beyond books , what 's your opinion of my lady , in relation to things at present ? what do you think of me ? alw. my thoughts are much too narrow to conclude your worth , which left an object for divine honoria's wisdom , must only take from her , a worthy character and just reward . a song in praise of a sold●er . col. i like this preface . ala. my noble colonell , thy servant . enter honoria attended , a table set forth , with a cabinet upon it . hon. excuse the trouble that i give you gentlemen , y' are welcome , and thus knit into a freindship , your persons have more grace , and shine upon e'm . some chairs , pray sit . i see you both preserve your fair respects to honour , and i have after some pause , and serious dispute within my self , collected now at last , upon whose person to repose my self , my fortune , and my same , and since but one ( where many may deserve ) can weare the garland the loser must content himself with his fate , and wait a kinder providence . col. 't is but justice . she takes a wreath of bayes from the cabinet . hon. this wreath of bayes , embleme of victory , must crowne his head to whom i fall a conquest , forgive the ceremony . col. oh 't is very pleasing , ala. i like it well , madam , and commend your fancy . hon. you , sir , were bred up in the schoole of honour , the court , this may not unbecome your temples , wise courtiers are the jewels of a crown , the columnes and the ornaments of state , fitted with parts ; and piety to act : they serve the power for justice , not themselves ; their faith the cabinet , in which is laid the princes safety , and the nations peace , the oracles , and the mysteries of empire ; men borne above the fordid guilt of avarice , free as the mountain aire , and calme as mercy . borne without eyes , when the poor man complains against the great oppressor , without hands , to take the bloudy price of mans undoing , but keeping at each sense a court of guard , draws fear from love , and teaches good by example . she puts the wreath upon the colonell . ala. divine honoria . hon. you must give me leave , to try , how it becomes his brow ; me thinks vvith the same grace , in dwells upon his head , does he not look like mighty iulius now , when he returned triumphant from the gaules , or bringing home the wealthy spoiles of egypt , pontus , and africa ▪ allow him but the same commands , and men to fight , why may not his valour equall what is fam'd in story , archiev'd by the great souls of rome , and carthage ? a soldier merits first to be called man , by whom not only courts but kingdoms flourish , unto whose severall offices , the vvorld owes all the great and glorious names of honour . how would the age grow ru●ly , and the soule of common-wealths corrupt with ease , and surfeits , should not the sword call e'm to exercise , and sweat out their unmanly luxuries , by acting things worth envy , even of princes . the honour of the gowne without his sword , vvill run it self into contempt , and laws are not good made , but while the sword secures e'm . the court must weare no silke , nor the prowd city make the sea groane with burden of her wealth , did not the active soldier , with expence of his dear blood , expose himself abroad , their convoy , and security at home . col. i am transported . hon. give me the same favour to let me looke a little on this chaplet , to which i have annexed my self a labell . me thinks the trifle looks , as it had lost some verdure since i took it from your heads , the courtier , and the soldier both inviting in such a high degree of merit , hinders the progress i should make , but pardon me , i shall soone quit the labarynth . col. what 's the meaning ? hon. i would you were not two , or that one had less of desert , when you are both in ballance , have you no art , gentlemen , to contract your selves into one person ? ala. 't is not possible . hon. think you so ? it is worth the experiment , come hither alworth . alw. madam . hon. nay come nearer , this is a scholar , gentlemen , and the cloud he weares , remov'd , for he 's no more a servant , may bring him into a civill competition : me thinks it fits him , your opinion ? col. we are in a fair way to be ridiculous , what think you ? chiaus'd by a scholar ? ala. are you in earnest madam ? hon. i repent not the placing of it there , in him do meet the courtier and the soldier , at least he 's not without the best capacity of both your worths , when they have brightest lustre . ala. there is no remedy . would i had mammon . hon. gentlemen stay , & hear the scholars character . col. no thank you madam , we have heard too much , fortune has given you lawrell , and us willow . may your wreath flourish , sir ? exeunt . ala. soule of my muse ! what active unknown fire already doth thy delphick wreath inspire ? o' th suddain how my faculties swell high , and i am all a powerfull prophecie . sleep ye dull caesars , rome will boast in vain your glorious triumphs , one is in my brain great , as all theirs , and circled with thy bayes , my thoughts take empire ore all land , and seas . proof against all the planets , and the stroke of thunder , i rise up augustus oake , within my guard of lawrell , and made free from age , look fresh still , as my daphnean tree : my fancy 's narrow yet , till i create for thee another world , and in a state as free as innocence , shame all poets wit , to climb no higher than elizium yet ; where the pale lovers meet , and teach the groves to sigh , and sing bold legends of their loves . we will have other flights , and tast such things are only fit for sainted queens and kings . all that was earth falls of , my spirits free , i have nothing left now , but my soule and thee . honoria takes off the wreath . hon. vvhat means this extasie ? this was not meant , unless you use my favours with less insolence , i can repent , and frowne e'm back to nothing . have you forgot your distance ? can a smile and this green trifle forfeit your discretion , or make me less , than when you were my servant i look you should be humble still , alw. good heaven ! what unexpected , most prodigious cloud , with his black wings , hath in a minute veild the brightest day , that ever smil'd upon me ? did not you place it here ? hon. it is confest , as an encouragement to your vertue , sir , no conquest of honoria , yet you triumph , and make me blush as i had courted you . al. o do not charge my thoughts with such a stain , this might deserve your anger , and vouchsafe me the boldness to say madam , if you punish my hasty application of your favours , you gave me the encouragement to be guilty . it is a tyrany to cherish servants , and punish their obedience . hon. but when ●lattered by pride , which darkes the soule , you challenge and measure the reward by your own fancy , you loose the noblest recompence of service , and merit but the hire of common duties ; 't is possible , that gold may satisfie my debt to your imployment . alw. till this minute i was not lost , but having heard this , madam , you must do something like a miracle to save me now ; — i dare contemne your gold , and am compell'd to aske your justice , what action since i had reference to honour , look'd with a mercenary staine upon it ? gold is a pay for soules of darke complexion . i served you for your self , and since i 'm thought beneath the merit of your smile , i 'l make my self above the price of sordid contracts , for i can with as much ease despise your wealth , as i can shift the ayre , i take my leave , and can pray for you in a wilderness . ho. come back , this minute every cloud is vanish'd that did present displeasing formes : i find thy soule is pure , forgive this triall , thou hast deserved me best . alw. i dare not understand you now . hon. the language is not hard . alw. i want a name , to call this blessing by , then i may kiss your hand , and may i not , madam approach your lip , and be forgiven ? now i begin to doubt . hon. my faith ? alw. that i am not awake , or if i be that i am short-liv'd , and must soone dissolve under this storme of happiness ; ha ? 't is come and i have lost my courage o' the suddain . faints . your pardon madam , something gathers here that wo'd surprize my heart . i am asham'd on 't . enter ser. hon. who waits , contribute your best help to his support , convey him gently to his chamber , run for phisitians , thy good genius guard thee . alw. i am not worth your fears . hon. and worth my love ? alw. that very word should cure me , hon. i have been too much , i fear unkind , to both our dangers . exeunt . act iii. enter traverse and his clarke . tra. vvait at the door , my clients are so numerous and pressing with their suites , they almost stifle me . let me enjoy the aire of my owne chamber ; i think i have lost some lungs in the last cause . let me indulge a little to repair e'm , a glass of the greeke wine , th' italian merchant presented me , and let the terme go on , i 'l drive the law at leisure , and o're take it . clarke fills wine into the glass . so so , this looks sprightly , be carefull of this treasure , 't is my blood , vvast not one drop , upon thy life i charge thee . dash drinks from the bottle . das. vvast quothe ? you shall not prove a wast , i 'l warrant you . tra. so , so , remove . das. sir your idolaters , the writs are come . enter writs . tra. the weather's ho● , let no more spirits enter , now like the soveraigne bee , methinks i sit ●n my prodigious hive , surveying all ●y wing'd , industrious people , bringing honey , ●nd making wax more pretious than ▪ a trade ●o both the indies . my good emissaries , ●nd faithfull spirits of the law , descend ●o your infernall shades , untill i call you , exeunt writs . enter dash. das. a gentleman desires to speak with you sir , ●rom the lady mammon . tra. admit him . enter phantasme . das. vvhat a fine thing this terme is ? ●nd what an ungodly time , the long vacation ? pha. sir , i 'l not hold you long , i know you have business , ●here have past some overtures of love and marriage , ●etween your city client , mr. fulbank , ●nd the mistriss that i serve , the lady mammon . ●nd you should draw a deed to settle on her ●is whole estate , if she survive , as joynture — tra. i understand you sir. pha. i am glad you do , this sir is his desire , ●nd to have all dispatch'd with expedition . tra. very well . pha. but the reason of my coming is to desire you sir , to let all this alone , there is another thing , that will concern you more materially . tra. your meaning ? pha. you are not married . tra. i enjoy a freedom . pha. my lady mammon has a vast estate , and is a widdow , you do understand ? tra. her name is precicus to the vvorld . pha. the vvorld's an asse , you look like wiseman , you have a good face , and a handsome person under a gowne , you have a good estate too ; i am a servant , that have credit with her , by my relation ; and i have no mind , the city mule , your client , should breake his back with burden of his gold ; in short , i wish you well , and if you have the confidence to make a motion for your self , this high and mighty widdow , may be yours ; i 'm plain . tra. say you so ? pha. i 'l bring her to you , and prepare her too , have i been tedious sir , tra. my better angell ! pha. legions attend my lady , trouble not your head why all this kindness from a stranger . i had a revelation to do thus ; have a strong faith , and think upon 't , your servant . if within half an hour she visit you , think it no dreame , and thank me afterwards , now leave your wonder , and be wise . tra. can this be true ? 't is not impossible . this is a pretty vision would i had her . if she appear i may believe , and prosper . enter maslin . das. the tide is coming in , mr. maslin the high-constable , a good man and full of causes . tra. what intrusion 's this ? mas. i have given a sop to cerberus your door-keeper . tra. o' mr. maslin you are become a stranger . mas , 't is not for want of love to be at law. your worship knows , i am apt to trouble you , and the whole county where i live . tra. your business ? mas. sir , it is extraordinary , and i desire beside your learned worships fees , to pay for expedition . tra. you speak reason . mas. i do abound in reason , look you sir shews gold 't is all of this complexion ; here 's a piece for every day till the next terme begin , and two for every day it lasts . tra. have a care of your health , good sir ; mas , and you of your spectacles . tar. what must i do for this ? mas. do ? you must undoe a friend of mine . tra. a friend ? mas. we are all friends in law , sir , never did man suffer so fast an injury , and therefore take him to your legall malice ▪ tra. has he kill'd your father ? mas. vvorse , worse : tra. made a whore of your sister ? mas. vvorse than that : tra. ravish'd your wife ? mas. vvorse than all that , and yet this comes the neerest , h●s cheated me of my wench ; a widdow sir that has more money than all your profession has got , since the dissolution of the abbeys . in short , this is the case , fulbanke , the city gulfe has swallowed my lady aurelia mammon . tra. o caniball ! mas. devour'd my widdow , wife that should ha been , this man i hate , this man must be undone , and there 's part of the money . tra. the lady aurelia mammon ? mas. that very polcat ; but i must tell you sir , they are not married yet , if you have now a dainty devill to forbid the banes — tra. although this be a case , more pertinent to the court ecclesiasticall , yet , let me consult my law-giver . turns his books . mas. sir , so i may be reveng'd , i stand not much upon 't , vvho has this mammon , let the devill take her , or your worship take her , 't is all one to me . tra. hum ! i shall stretch a point of law for you . you shall have your desire , i do expect her presence instantly , mas. is that a conjuring book , expect her instantly ? now i 'le pronounce you master of your wishes , for you shall have — mas. the widdow ? tra. vvhat is sweeter than the widdow , you sir , shall have revenge , and mr. maslin to vex him more , de' e observe i will have the widow , my self . mas. you will , and what shall i have ? tra. sir , you shall have revenge , revenge , the joy of flesh and blood , life and delight of nature , the poor mans luxury , and the rich mans bath , above all wealth or widdows sir. mr. maslin , i 'l tame his blood , and his estate by law , vvhile you shall crack your spleen with mirth and laughter , and wonder at my subtill arts to vex him . mas. all this is reason . tra. this shall be done by law for the high-constable . enter mammon and phantasme . mas. the lady 's come ; this gentleman has studied the black art . tra. do you withdraw , and leave me opportunity to wind the widdow up . mas. behind the hangings ; he obscures . phantasme exit . tra. vouchsafe your servant touch your hand , your lip is an ambition more becoming princes : mam. i am not proud , where fair salutes invite me . i come to give you a little trouble , sir. tra. madam command me , to the extent of all my faculties . mas. his faculties ? that will carry her , she is a glittering fairye , but he 'le conjure her . stay if he takes this prize , what shall have for all my expences ! that 's considerable ; oh , i shall have revenge he says ; the widdow were much the better ▪ but we must be rul'd by our learned counsell . mam. you have order from a gentleman of the city , mr. fulba●ke , to draw up writings , sir — tra. a joynture madam . but i receiv'd a countermand . mam. from whom ? tra. from p●ovidence that would not suffer such an excellent lady to be lost , and thrown among the city rubbish . mam , do you know mr. fulbanke sir ? tra. as much , as i do wonder at his impudence , and sawcy ambition with his mean deserts to look at such a blessing ; your fortunes are worth you● preservation , and a man whose art , and serious knowledge in the vvorld may fence it in from a rapine , and that greater enemy to an estate , pro●usion . excuse my plainess madam . mam. 't is a truth . tra. can you vouchsafe your smile upon a servant , to whose faith and care you safely may commit a treasure of more value than the world , your self ; in me behold him madam , one that would devote his soule a sacrifice to be for ever burning in those beams , there is no law , but in your breast , your lips , preserve the nations oracle . mam. this language doth tast too much of poetry , take heed , sir. tra. if this dislike you madam , i can court you in a more legall way , and in the name of love and law arrest you , thus embraces her . mam. arrest me ? tra. and hold you fast imprisoned in my arms , without or baile or maineprize . mam. this does well . tra. i can do better yet , and put in such a declaration , madam , as shall startle your merriest blood mam. i may put in my answer . tra. then comes my replication , to which you may rejoyne , currat lex . shall we ? joyne issue presently ? mam. he 'l have her se defendend● . enter phantasme and fulbanke . pha. what do you think of this , sir ? ful ▪ they are very familiar . mas. 't is he , the very he , come as my heart could wish to his vexation . pha. is this the honest gentleman you trusted , sir ; tra. who attends ? enter the writs . ful. my passion stifles me . mas. are you come my delicate● devills cut in way ? let him not approach too near , he can take measure of his forehead at this distance . pha. these were my fears , marriage had made sure worke , i was against your stay for tilts , and triumphs . mam. 't is mr. fulbanke . ful. would any strumpet vex an honest man thus ? mam. strumpet ; you shall have suell to this jealousie . mas. excellent pidgeons ! admirable spiders ! ha , ha , ha . ful. i 'l be revenged . tra. cu●●at lex . pha. excuse me , sir , i must follow the law , exeunt . the writs enclose fulbanke . mas. joy mr. fulbanke , and a whole bundle of ba●bies ▪ ha , ha , ha . your wedding day was notably deferr'd to be attended with more ceremony , and such an antimasq●e of sucking devills . he looks like the py'd pipe● in germ●ny , that undertook to cure the town of rats , and now the fry of vermin dance about him . i am left to chew my countrey cud , an asse , a ridden-empty-pated-sordid coxcomb : you do command in chief o're cuckolds sconce or haven , to which all the tups strike saile , and bow in homage to your soveraigne antlers . most high and mighty halfe moon , prince of becos . and so i kiss your hoof . exeunt maslin and writs . ful. well ; if there be money and malice in the city , expect a black revenge upon ye all . exit . enter phantasme . pha. my nimble lawyer thinks he has got my lady , and hugges his happiness , my next worke shall be to spoile his practice , mischief is my office . enter alamode . most noble alamode , ala , my old acquaintance ? pha. i am proud that you will owne me , sir , your creature . ala. when is this day of triumph in the city . for high and mighty fulba●ke , and your ladies so much expected marriage ? pha. at the greeke calends ; my lady's has left the alderman allready . he may now change his heraldry , and give in 's coat an armed beast at the new bull-ring in a field dirt . ala. whether is she gone prethee ? pha. to travers sir , who has yet no terme for life . your hopes thrive i guess in the fair honoria . ala. she 's a haggard too . pha. possible ? ala. she has gull'd us learnedly , and took the scholar , in few months you 'le heare her brought to bed of philosophy , she 's gone , and i may as soone hope to re●rive thy lady , pha. my lady ? with your pardon , gentle sir , can you find in your self any warme thought , or meaning to my lady ? ala. could i wish to live , and look at happiness ? pha. you have been a noble patron to me . ala. what canst thou do ? pha. do , i can do the office of a gentleman , and you shall go your part , and perhaps owner . ala. make me so happy . pha. i 'l conduct you , you come i' th opportunity . exeunt . enter travers . tra. my starres conspire to make me a full happiness , since , fame spread my intended marriage with lady mammon , methinks the people look on me with another face of feare , and admiration , in my thoughts i see my self allready in the throne of law , in which the petty purples waite , dispersing as i incline to frowne , or smile , the fate of trembling mortalls , enter phantasme . pha. he is return'd . tra. where is thy lady , thou art ( i observe ) her favourite . and must be mine ; pha. she 's in her chamber sir. tra. come i will have it so , thou art too humble , pha. 't is a becoming duty , my ambition will be to observe the wonder of your happiness , and how you 'l rise to greatness , and to glory , by matching with my lady , tra. you are not a stranger to her closset , it will be an engagement to acquaint me with her temper . pha. she is a woman , sir , but you are wise . tra. nay , nay , i must know her nature . pha. 't is very gentle , she is angell gold , and you may bend her as you please , she is a teeming lady too . tra. what children ? pha. all provided for , they 'l not trouble you , she has a thousand friends . tra. thou art kind , proceed — pha. you are a gentleman , whose wisdome i may trust , i should not use this freedom else . tra. thou maist tell me any thing . pha. she loves to be abroad , and to disperse her shine upon some persons that adore her , that 's all her fault , she wo'not be confind , sir ; and how the softness of your nature will consent , to keep her under lock and key — tra. umh ! if she be so volatile , i must hang weight upon her , 't will be necessary . enter a doctor . retain thy wisdom and observe my lady , pha. it is my duty , sir. tra. my noble client . doc. i ha not leisure to aske how go causes . tra. yours will be heard , the first day of the term. doc. i build upon your care . tra. you may be confident , neglect my doctor , to whose care , and art i owe my lungs , and life ? doc. oh you are pleasant , but i am now engag'd , and shall desire i may be excus'd , you know my lady honoria ▪ tra. she is not sick . doc. no , but a gentleman whom she declares most precious to her , is , ( i' th height of expectation , and fair hopes to have been her husband , ) desperately falne sick , and now i think on 't , 't is my wonder , you made no addresses timely to that lady . men that are eminent in law , are wont to be ambitious of honour . tra. oh sir it is a maxime in our politicks , a judge destroyes a mighty practiser . when they grow rich , and lazie , they are ripe for honour . doc. you have sir a swelling fortune . tra. i have mammon , i think , and for my owne part can easily consent to accept of lordship . doc. if this man take the toy , and dye , she 's worth your thoughts , my learned in the laws , i wish sir i could serve you . tra. nay , nay prethee doctor . doc. the gentleman may suffer , tra. if he dye , you and i shall be friends , i 'le not engage you to poison him . doc. you have more justice . tra. yet i should not breake my heart , if he were dead , and the faire lady mine , i know not , but this very mention of her , at this nick of time , when her deligh● is taking leave , hath a strange operation in my fancye : you know my constitution , i may want your ay'd , but honourably . doc. you shall command it . tra. then i 'l to her instantly , and beare you company . doc. you can pretend no visit , being a stranger . tra. no , i will go under the notion of your friend , and fellow doctor , one o' th colledge . doc , you may do so . tra. i need not shift my habit . doc. and what then ? tra. observe , and see the motions of my lady , who knows but i may feel her'pulse ? i prophecie something will follow fortunate . if i thrive thou shalt be king of cos , my learn'd hyppocrates and i will be thy servant . doc. 't is too early to court her . tra. 't is a fault of modesty in men to think so . women are no fools , and howsoe're they bridle it , 't is p●ovidence 't entertain new comforts , i have heard a modest gentleman say , that made his love known to a lady e're her husbands flesh vvas cold i' th crust , i meane new cofind up , but he had a repulse , the answer was he came too late , the widdow had been promis'd the day before . doc. if you be so resolv'd , i 'le waite upon you , sir : tra. the rest to my kind starres , come wee 'l take coach. exit . enter mammon alamode and phantasme . mam. presume to lock me up ? thou ha'st my jewells . i 'l leave him instantly . ala. he fears his tenure , and would secure your ladyship from starting , but this doth very well become your prudence , to quit the house e're he improve his interest , by some new quirk in law. pha. a noble gentleman ! and one that honours you religiously . mam. you much obliege me sir , and i look on , you design'd by providence my preserver ; wee 'le into t'h countrey instantly . ala. any whether , excellent phantasme ! i am your servant madam , to wait on you through the vvorld . pha. i was borne to make you — a foole , or i am mistaken . enter dash. this is his clarke , and spie upon your person . ala. how the rascall squints upon us ? mam. tell mr. travers , the bird is flowne , commend me to his night-cap , i shanot see him till the next vacation , so farewell penny a sheet . ala. and dost heare ? bid him provide new locks and keys , and barres and bolts , and cap the chimney , least my lady fly o●t at the lover hole , so commend us to the precious owle your master . they kick dash. pha. one token from me . exeunt . das. you have trusted me with tokens of remembrance , i would my master had received them in his propria persona , to have thank'd you . their toes are somewhat harder than my haunches ; but this is nothing to the generall damage , if our great lady mammon be run from us ; vvhich i believe , as sure , as i am waking , and have been kick'd , the most convincing argument . all our hopes come to this ? our mighty hopes huge as a mountain , shrunke into a wart ? vve are undone , and may go hang our selves . exit . enter honoria . hon. i was too blame , my curiosity now suffers for the triall of his vertue ; and he too apprehensive , when i chid the ambition of his love , made himself past the cure of my affection . enter doctor and travers . sir , you are welcome : doc. madam , i presum'd to bring another able doctor with me for his consult , in case there may be danger . hon. you have very much oblieged me . tra. she is a very gallant lady ! ●nspight of all the clouds that dwell upon her . hon. vvho waits there ? shew these doctors mr. alworths chamber , there is another gentleman within of your profession ; your cares shall find 〈◊〉 gratitude becoming both my self , ●nd your owne worth , and i may tell you doctor , ●f it may give the least addition to your cheerfulness , in his you will preserve my life . doct. madam , retain but your own vertue● , and be confident . hon. poor alworth , there is left no other way to pay my satisfaction to thy merits , but with my sorrow for thy sufferings , a●d what will be thought pious to thy memory , ●f fate translate thee hence : ha , he is returned . enter traverse . what think you sir ? tra. i wish he could sleep madam , i am for his sleep , ●t would be a benefit , truth is , i much fear him ▪ but 't is not prudence ( give me boldness madam ) to let this sorrow play too much a tyrant on your fair cheek : this shews him precious t● you , if the srars envying his converse on earth , court him to their bright dwellings , you must be arm'd with a noble fortitude , and consent to let him rise a constellation there , and not impair your self , who were not meant to be snatch'd hence , by over-hasty sorrow , but live the worlds best ornament . hon. did you say that sleep would much advantage him ? what think● you of some soft murmures of the lute , or voyce ? i have heard the purlings of a spring will make our senses glide into a dream i have a page did use to please him much . ex. hon. enter doctor . doct. what think you on her ? tra. i think ? i cannot think too much upon her . but i 'll not leave her thus , her very presence is able to recover him . doct. let me tell you sir , i finde no danger in him , be then counsel'd not to betray your self , you finde his temper not apt for your design , expect a time — tra. i love her infinitely . mammon is a blouze , a deformed gypsie , didst ere see her doctor ? she paints abominably , ey'd like a tumbler , her nose has all the colours of the rainbow , her lips are blue , and her teeth straddle , you may pick'em with a bed-staff . doct. you describe an elegant person . tra. but honoria has all perfections . stay , what fees de' e think i have had of you since our acquaintance , there 's a purse of gold — no ceremony , i am still in thy arrears for bringing me to see this wonder of her sex . doct. you are not wilde . tra. your cause shall cost you nothing too , that ended , quarrel with all the countrey , your law 's paid for . serve me but now , i 'll be thy slave for ever . exit . doct. i now suspect the lawyer is short liv'd , men of his robe are seldom guilty of these restitutions , but who can help it ? if i knew any handsome way to serve him , he has oblig'd me . exit . musick , a song . enter doctor . doct. he 'l shame us all , he 's zealously perswading the poor gentleman to dye with all speed , and tells him stories of heaven , what a fine place it is , and what excellent company the angels are ; what a base prison to a noble soul the world is , nothing right under the moon , or worth a manly thought ; and presently he courts my lady , and falls into such raptures in her commendation . the gentleman ( whose crisis is not desperate , if i have any judgement ) smiles at his folly . they 'r both here . enter traverse and honoria . tra. he 's a gentleman , whose condition , and as he has relation to your favours , may invite some passion : but you are wiset then to condemn your self to solitude , and for his absence to despise mankinde ; be just for your own sake , and madam , look beyond his hearse , with pitty on the living , 'mongst which , you cannot want , as just admirers , and some that may be worth your second thoughts . hon. what mean you sir ? tra. i mean your second choice . hon. this language makes your charity suspected . doct. you are too violent , leave us a while . ex. tr. hon. your friend is full of counsel . doct. you have goodnes , to place an innocent sense upon his language , i know he has much honour to your person , and 't is sometimes as necessary , to advise the living to preserve their health , which their immoderate sorrows would consume , as cure the languishing patient . enter travers hastily . tra. now madam , your grief is useless to him , he is dead . hon. dead ? doct. she faints . tra. a blessed opportunity ! there is a coach at door will hold us all , my dearest esculapian , help , and finde a bounty will deserve it . they carry in honoria . act iv. enter traverse . tra. i have secur'd the person of honoria , at my mannor in the countrey , who believes her alworth dead , and must be allowed some time for that digestion . i have made known my self , and the affection which engag'd me . but though my lady mammon have a place beneath her in my thoughts ; on better counsel , i think it wisdom to preserve my interest in her , already mine by her consent , and the great plea of law , possession . if i can make the lady honoria sure , she shall be my wife , and that my concubine , rare , excellent ! enter dash. dash. oh sir , y' are welcome home . tra. thou look'st with a warp'd face . dash. you can resolve me , is there no case , wherein a man , without impeachment to his credit or his conscience , may be allowed to hang himself ? tra. what 's the matter ? thou art not desperate ? dash. i know not , but i finde some inclinations to hemp. you are my master , i may be concern'd to follow a good example . tra. leave your fooling , how does my lady mammon ? da. there 's the business . my lady mammon is sir — tra. what , what is she ? das. she is my lady mammon , yet i lye , she is not mine , i would she were your worships , i know you will be mad , but it must out , my ladies gone . tra. ha ? das. run quite away sir , with a glib gentleman came to visit her , and the young spirit that did wait upon her . without much ceremony , she would have your worship provide more locks , and keys , and bars , and bolts . i tell you sir , verbatim , for a need i have it all in pedescript . tra. mammon gone ? das. what think you sir , of a ne exeat regnum ? tra. gone ? my vexation ? no pursuit will reach her , give her the start , and she 'll out-strip the devil . these things will turn me wild , but that 's no cure , i must be a man agen , and tame this passion , her loss may have recompence , if honoria can yet be gain'd , my hopes are full of blossom , i 'll return instantly , come you along sir ▪ enter men carrying burthens of money . what are these ? ha ? 't is money , whence i pray comes all this treasure ? . from the city sir. tra. but whether goes it ? . do you not observe us march in rank and file , this money goes to maintain many honest gentlemen that want it , that will fight , and do fine things for all our goods ; you are a fool i see , and do not know the law. t●a. what law ? . club law. tra. how 's that ? . the cannon law , do i speak loud enough ? the gentlemen behinde will tell you more . enter fulbank and citizens , other men waiting with bags of money . tra. i like not this : let us to horse immediately . exit . ful. 't is high time , that we tame the insolence , of this long robe , these princes of the law will invade all our liberties and fortunes . . cit. presume to take our lady mammon from us ? ful. and as i hear , she 's closely hurried to a castle in the countrey , made a prisoner . . cit. i should consent the city be still great , and our names spread , like our ambitions , but we not prudently consider , whom we trust with our revenge — ful. our mercenaries , who findes 'em buff , and iron , and when they come lame and halting home , who shall provide 'em good hospitals , and old shirts to make lint on ? when we please , we can scatter all the regiments ▪ if we but rein our purses . . cit. i am clear there is no other way to carry on the work , the sword strikes terrour , and who knows , the body of the law being vast , and powerful , might ( if not timely thus prevented ) raise considerable strength and opposition . but thus we stifle all , and having once recovered mammon , we are princes . omnes , princes ! enter colonel , and captain squa●derbag : squ. where shall we dine colonel ? i ha lost my credit at the ordinary , this town i think is onely scituate to starve in . what are these ? col. they have city faces . squa. and are a thought too handsome to be serjeants , they have serious eyes upon us , and move to us . col. would you with me gentlemen ? ful. yes sir , with you . cit. may i take boldness sir , to ask your name ? squa. my name ? cit. for no harm sir , you are a souldier , and i presume have had commands . squa. what then sir , keep off . cit. i come in friendship , and mean all civilities to your person : de' e want money ? squ. would you have your pate broke ? for such a foolish question to a gentleman ? i do want money sir , you wo'not furnish me . cit. do not mistake your self , come hither sirrah , vvill this do you much harm ? squ , harm ! pray be covered . miracles ! de' e know vvhat you have done ? cit. an act of justice , to call it charity , would stain your honour , i look for no security . squa. not a note under my hand never to pay you , vvhat must i do for all this sir ? whose throat vvould you have cut now ? these fine devils must do something . cit. buy you new cloathes , a better sword ▪ the leather of your boots are of two families , you may want linnen too , get fresh , and part vvith bosom friends . squa. i have more stowage . cit. and i 'll employ it , at your service sir , he gives him another bag . squa. vvhat will become of me ? cit. nay sir , i must tell you , y' are like to have more of this . squa. has he no cloven foot ? this is the rarest citizen ! enter colonel , fulbank . cit. de' e hear sir ? vve are making of our vvill , and in the humour that now predominates , that gentleman may be the cities heir . squa. vvere it not pity this should be a dream now ? ful. you have commission , and full instructions , be sure you do not pinch to spare our purses , our money grows , we are fain to weed the silver , our men are rank , and rot upon the stalk for want of cutting , every drum-stick is a lime-twig , they are mad for innovations , pray know my brother sir. salute col. i am his faithful servant . cit. one of the birds , that keep the capitol , our feathers are all at your service gentlemen , vvhen you have pluck'd and pick'd us well , you may give order for our roasting , we are tame sir. squa. beshrew me an understanding fellow . ful. vve have no more to say , 't is the publique cause , bring mammon home , and we will rout the laws . cit. and so we 'll pray for you . col. for your selves gentlemen , i do conceive vve shall do well enough . exeunt f. & ci. captain squanderbag , vvhat think you of this change ? silver comes in upon us like a sea. squa. an ebb must be expected , i hate naturally this mettal of the moon , ●●is a pale flood , vvould i were in pactolus streams , or tagus , there were a lasting element . col. vvhat do you think of these golden images ? squa. i honour the bright sons of sol. col. pity these gentlemen should want civil vvar , they take such pains , and pay so heartily , vve have much to do o' th sudden . squa. this long peace hath made us tame i' th world , let e'm now pay ' fort . col. vve are emergent from our shades , let 's rise . vvith subtil motion , treasure makes men wise . exeunt . enter phantasm , masl●n , contrey-men . phan. she has gull'd the lawyer too . mas. most excellent , i do adore her wit , and will she visit the cou●trey , ha ? come neerer , phan. i have repented sir , my past neglect ? and made this satisfaction by my counsel , vvhich has prevail'd , and now she comes to you sir , vvith pure affection to your self , the lady mammon is onely yours . mas. did you hear that ? the empress of the world is coming hither to me , with pure affection to my person , we are her vassals . phan. 'cause the times are dangerous sir , she comes private , but one gentleman that knows not her design , i ever thought you were born to be a great man. mas. we 'll go forth to meet her . phan. by no means sir , 't was her desire , you should be onely thus prepar'd , i 'll tell her . exit . phan. mas. 't is my happiness , shall i be at last a dominus fac totum ? there 's latin for you neighbours , i am inspir'd with languages , with all things , and you shall , the poorest copiholder of my tenants be allow'd a concubine . . whaw ! then we shall be turks sir. mas. turks ? the turks a civil gentleman . . but no christiam . mas. ye'e are a fool , we must all come to 't if the times hold , and my deer mammon stay with us . . bless me a turk ! . is that such a matter ; why you , and i , and the best on us , are but turks , if you take us one way . . i grant , as we are brethren , and turks , another way , and worse — mas. let me see , how shall i consume my wealth ? . vvhat think you of building sir a church ? mas. a church ? and give it my own name to save a consecration , no , no , i must do something to shame the chronicles — silence , i 'll build another town in every county , in midst of that , a most magnificent colledge , to entertain men of most eminent wit , to invent new religions . . that were excellent , we want religion extreamly . mas. can none of you invent ? i think i must keep men in pension to project me ways to spend my gold . . pave all the high-way with 't , 't would be excellent for travellers . mas. i 'll pave a street , that shall run cross the island , from sea to sea , with pearl build a bridge from dover cliff to callis . . a draw-bridge ? . this may be done , but i am of opinion vve shan'ot live to see 't . mas. ' twon'ot be want of money , but of time , meer time , to finish it ; my lady mammon , believe it , can do all things ; for your parts , but think what you would have , i say no more : if she smile but upon you , you are made , and may go sleep , and when you wake , run mad vvith telling of your money — ha ? 't is she . enter mammon , alamode and phantasm . i charge you kneel , and kiss her hand , my lady mammon ! ala. how 's this ? mas. vvelcome to my heart , madam . al. is my lady in earnest ? mam. you have done me sir a favour , i 'm at home , and disingage your further service ; i vvish you a fair retreat . ala. do you hear madam ? you will not thus reward me , after all my travel and attendance ? mam. 't is my meaning , nor will it sir , be safe to lose much time , these have a natural antipathy to men of your fine making . phan. 't is alamode the courtier , vvhom my lady has onely made her property , to be part of her convoy . ala. you wo'not marry him ? mam. i think i sha'll not , i must not be confin'd , while there is ayr , and men to change . mas. how master courtier ? phan. they 'l toss him in a blanket . mas. as long as you please madam , he 's welcome , and he shall eat , if you frown , he must vanish , or i have canibals that will devour him ; vvith his sword , boots treble tann'd and spurs upon ' em . ala. sure i dream , but madam you wo'not play the cockatrice thus wo 'me . mam. if you will stay , upon your good behaviour ; i may dispense some private favour — ala. good , excellent vvhore , i 'll stay to observe her humor . mas. i 'll be your guide madam , on , go before , and bid'm ring the bells , for bonefires , 't will be time enough at night to burn up all the villages about us . ala. indeed it shall be yours : sir , you are too civil . exeunt . enter travers● and dash the clark. tra. intreat my lady hither , and attend her , i did embrace too much , mammon is lost , if my stars prosper my ambition to honoria , i forgive their future influence . a discovery of treasures and iewels . here is a blaze to melt a frozen soul. enter honoria . hon. vvhat is my jaylors pleasure with his prisoner ? tra. that character doth wound your servant , madam , ● am your prisoner , by the fate of love , condemnd to everlasting chains , my heart consumes at every frown , and i beg now not to be happy owner of that beauty , ●ince you decree my exile , but to dye , collect up so much terrour in a look , ●nd from that throne of majestie , your eyes , ●art forth a flame of wrath so high , it may ●urn me to ashes , i 'll submit your sacrifice . hon. i have no thoughts so impious , to destroy 〈◊〉 life that may be happy , if you be not your own tormenter . tra. those words have a sound of mercy , madam . hon. cruelty and honour ●re inconsistent . tra. i taste heaven , already , a warm stream descends upon my timorous heart ; oh pause , let me consider how much i am behinde in worth , to know vvhat change hath blest it . hon. change ? tra. let me but touch ●our white hand , were my breath the treasure ●f all the east , no other altar should have incense , i am lost to finde the sweetness . salutes her . for every smile i drop a pearl , these diamonds are pale , and beg a lustre from your eyes , vvear them , and be their ornament : i 'll rifle my indies for more wealth , and when i have , with giving up my soul , purchas'd a kiss of bright honoria , from my dust at one , one pittying look upon me , i ascend a new creation from your eye . hon. what means this rapture ? what would all this passionate noise ? expound , i am still honoria . tra. oh say but mine . hon. sir , shut up your shop , your gay temptations wo'not take . tra. is 't possible ? not all this treasure buy one kiss ? hon. a ●housand , from those that have a subtil art to sell them : why do you trifle with your soul ? intents that carry honour , need not bribe with wealth to purchase nothing . tra. i can love you vertuously . hon. by that love be commanded then , to tell me how have you dispos'd of alworths dust , why was i surpris'd dishonourably , and transported against my own thoughts and consent , to this unhappy place ? and immut'd up like some guilty person , not allow'd the freedom of ayr , nor to see heaven at all , but from the narrow limits of a cazement ? can you interpret this affection ? 't is tyrannie , that must without a penitence , draw from heaven a justice , and from me ( by you made miserable ) a just contempt of all your flatteries . tra. there are some men i' th world , that would not think you handsom in that look , and make you tremble . hon. you dare not be so impious . tra. when my love , that courts you honourably is scorn'd , i can be angry , had i wanton thoughts about me , as some may mix with flesh and blood , you are within my power . hon. that power is circumscrib'd , you have confin'd already this poor weight of dust i carry , but if blacker thoughts tempt you to force my honour , i can call rescue from heaven . tra. what needs this bravery ? you see i use no violence , i court you to a bride . hon. my vows once gave me up a pledge to alworth , and my heart cut out for his epitaph , will not contain one character beside . tra. i play my self to death in flames unpittied , resolve , nor look for tedious considerings ; if i may honourably succeed your alworth , his soul had not a purer faith to serve you , if this be slighted — enter dash the clark. das. help , help , we are all undone , o sir , where is your two handed sword ? tra. thou messenger of horror , what 's the matter ? das. the castle is besieg'd , and the beacons burns blue sir. the devil 's up in arms , and comes against us with the whole posse comitatus ! they will pull the house down they have broke into the base court , heaven protect my pia mater . i did but p●ep out of the garrat , and one souldier swore a huge granado at me . they cry down with the laws , and if they have not honoria sound of wind and limb , they 'll cut us , sir , into labels . would i had compounded for any leg ▪ or my left arm ; but now , now farewel comely court-hand , and long dashes , do you not hear the mandrakes ? what do you do sir ? i 'll into the cellar straight , and bar the door , and if there be no remedy , e're they reach m● , i 'll drink , and dye a martyr . tra. i am blasted ! stay , there is a close contrivement in this chamber , madam , will you retreat , and save your person ? this way sirrah . exeunt . dash. de' e think they will not smell us out ? i fear my constitution wo'not hold . souldiers within . down with the laws & custos rotulorum , fico for writs and mous-traps . enter officers , general , and fulbank . off. make a guard souldiers . ful. i am come sir , to see fashions . col. you finde us drudging sir , in your affairs , captain , i leave him to your entertainment , that face deserves a reverence . hon. 't is the colonel , but he looks more compos'd , and carries state . col. madam . ful. and how go things , my military friends ? my gallant men 〈◊〉 action ? you are now in sprightly postures , and become your selves , what pitty 't is , men of your noble soul should want employment . squa. we must all acknowledge your care of us . ful. i honour'd your profession , since i first handled arms. squa. what service , with your favour ▪ have you seen ? ful. hot service , i was knock'd down thrice , and lost my beard at taking of a fort in finsbury , and when i had my marshal trinkets on , i thought my self as brave a macedonian as the best on e'm . but where 's the lady mammon ? col. surprized ? and ever since a prisoner ? he is not worth my passion , this room has in your presence a protection . i take your word , you wo'not quit the place wi●hout your servants knowledge , madam , but if the slie enemy of your honour , think by obscuring his base head , to fly our justice , when you are safe , i 'll fire the house upon him . das. here , her● we are , fire , fire . tra. be silent villain . das. yes , and be burnt alive , i cannot finde the door . col. from whence that voice ? das. 't is here , 't is here , i hate burning , as i do the devil , and a dry proverb , help . squa. the lawyers here . tra. gentlemen use no violence , i 'll come forth and meet your fury . cap. what are you sirrah ? das. a poor court-hand practiser . cap. the choice is given , whether thou wilt be hang'd at the next tree , or have your ears cut off ? das. my ears , my ears by any means gentlemen ▪ hanging will make a villainous long dash. once crop'd , and twice a traytor , sweet gentlemen , delicate commanders . tra. time has brought your turn about , by your respects to●honour , i see your soul is noble ; though i cannot dye at my own choice , i can make a will , and dispose some legacies , rich jewels , sir , plate , gold , and silver . ful. all this i lay claim to , they were the lady mammons , in whose right i challenge all , i take those to my custodie . col. how ? how ? marshal take him to yours . ful. me to the marshal ? that were pretty , me ? mar. come sir — ful. how ? i beseech one word , have you forgot me sir ? col. your name is fulbank . ful. plain fulbank ? it was i , did in those days bring in the good advance . col. you did , your duty marshall — ful. i ha done sir , col. so have not i , secure his person too , safe , as your life will answer it . enter one with a letter . letters , whence ? ha ? from alamode ? he reads . alworth discovers himself to honoria , squanderbag observes them . he writes where a party of horse may handsomely secure the lady mammon , give him a reward , make it your province captain , you will finde directions in that paper . whispers . squa. sir , i have observ'd that gentleman with the black-patch uncase his eye once to my lady , there 's some mysterie , i do not like it . col. some spie : when i walk off , command him to the guard till further order . madam , i call it my first happiness , that i am in a capacity to serve you , and you shall order your own justice . hon. what will they do with that young gentleman ? col. she mindes not me . hon. your pardon . col. give me favour to attend you , with whom my soul desires to be renew'd , your faithful honourer , march on . ex. co. &c. alw. i obey you . squa. you will know the cause hereafter , and us better , when both your eyes are open . pulls of the patch . cap. thou hast cur'd him : de' e know us sir ? alw. i know ye all . squa. what are we ? alw. you 're all close fires , in want of aire kept tame , but know no bounds , let loose into a flame . squa. we 'll teach you better morals sir , come on . exeunt omnes . act. v. enter squanderbag and a captain . cap. his thoughts are all now taken up with courtship to honoria . squa. you may see captain , a handsome piece of flesh and blood may do much , vvhen there 's no other enemy i' th the field . cap. vvhat will be done with the gentleman was carried to the guard ? squa. the stranger with a black eye ? he 's fast enough , and will have opportunity of place and time , to cool his hot devotions , if our commander in chief march on thus . enter serjeant and souldiers . ser. are not these pretty hand granado's , gentlemen ? sol. fire to the fuze , and toss some health about . so. come away , tomy colonel , honest squanderbag . squa. ha ? these are my scythians , mark those fellows captain , cut 'em in pieces like so many adders , they 'l joyn agen , i' ch compass of an acre , their limbs will creep together , and march on to the next rendevouz without a halt . ser. this is spanish . ler. draw home your arrow to the head , my centaure . . so. mine is french wine . so. you must take your chance , the yeoman of the wine-seller did not provide'em for our palate . so. supernaculum ! see , there lies spain already , now would i fight — ser. drink thou mean'st . sol. vvith any king in europe . do not spill your amunition ; ah serjeant , this was excellent drink . so. vvho wants my colonel ? . so. i want it , tope , give me 't . ser. he 'l ha 't agen ? so. the to'ther charge , and then we 'll over-run christendom , sa , sa : when y 'ave done with christendome , what shall become o' th heathen princes ? so. we 'll put the heathen princes in a bag . ser. a bottle thou meanest , he 's all for drink . so ▪ and after , roast the great turk with his bashaws , like a pudding in 's belly . squa. thou boy ! ser. there he is for eating . ser. dost know what thou hast said now ? but what shall be done with the jews ? sol. they are included , and go upon the score of modern christians , there sha'not a nation scape us . squa. these are the men , the tools , that cut our triumph out o' th quarry . cap. they will deserve their pay . squa. oh pay is necessary , use it now and then , like phisick , it keeps the souldier in health and expectation , they must fight for honour some-times . so. tobacco , hey ? ser. here boys , a magazine , with pipes attending , vvhite as my ladies tooth , and shining more then forehead of dulcinea de toboso . so. a souldier's a brave life . so. 't is cheap , all these things come to us by nature . ser. our colonel . squa. i 'll cashier him that rises , keep your postures , we are all souldiers , and can sit and drink we 'e , to your arms gentlemen agen , ha ? this is wine . ser , we have the modest gift of drinking , sir , without inquiry of the grape or vintage , or from what merchant . squa. is not this better than a tedious prentiship , bound by indentures to a shop and drudgerie , watching the rats , and customers by owl light ? ti'd to perpetual language of , what lack ye ? which you pronounce , as ye had been taught like sterlings . if any gudgin bite to damn your souls for less than sixpence in the pound . oh base ! your glittering shoes , long graces , and short meals , expecting but the comfortable hour of eight a clock , and the hot pippin-pies , to make your mouth up ? all the day not suffered to aire your selves , unless your minikin mistress command you to attend her to a christning , to bring home plums , for which they may relieve your teeth that water , with her next suppositorie . you have some festivals , i confess , but when they happen , you run wilde to the next village , conspire a knot , and club your groats apiece for cream and prunes , not daring to be drunk , nothing of honour done , now y' are gentlemen , and in a capacitie to be all commanders , if you dare fight , s. fight ? you know we dare , sir , and with the devil . squa. in hope you wo'not give him quarter , there 's money , do not purchase earth , nor heaven with it . i must away , remember the two things . so. the two dees . squa. drink , and your duty , so , now as you were — so. noble colonel , ex●t . let me kiss thy hand , i am thine body and soul. so. but will you fight with the devil ? so. why not ? so. so will not i. so. wo'not you fight with the devil , and one of our regimen● ? so. not i ? so. perhaps the devil is his friend . so. and yet in a good cause — so. he wo'not fight with you then , base , i say , to take advantage of the cause , or person : fight upon any cause with any person . heark you serjeant , you do know our duties better than we our selves , what do we fight for ! silence the first word of command , let us be serious , what , what do we fight for ? ser. for pay , for pay , my bull-rooks . so. la'ye now , can any christian officer say more ? ser. hang these intergatories , and give us to'her charge to 'th man i' th moon . so. all , all give fire together , oh for a noise of trumpets . drums beat . so. here are drums . ser. the general is coming this way , to your arms skud ye metropolites . enter colonel , squanderbag , captain and alamode . ala. sir , i congratulate your honourable employment . col. and i your noble presence here . ala. i could not with my rhetorick invite my ladie hither ? col. i sent you a party — ala. yes sir , your men of rank and file do carry still the strong perswasions , they prevail'd with her . i left her to the guard. a shout ▪ col. the reason of that clamor ? cap. the souldiers , sir , express their joy thus loud , that ladie mammon is brought in , the guard hardly secure her person . col. give her fair access , on pain of death , be none uncivil to her , this service will deserve a memory , and publique thanks , all our design did reach but to gain her . ala. the work will be to keep her , the gipsie has more windings than a serpent ▪ the moon is not more changing . enter mammon , phantasm , guard. col. is this she ? phan. madam , i 'll take my leave . mam. forsake me in this condition ? phan. if i could expect a worse would fall upon you , madam , i 'd not part yet . mam. how ? phan. for i can tell you , what will follow instantly , and it does please my wickedness extreamly , the next pay-day you will be torn in pieces , oh'twill be excellent sport , ha , ha , ha . mam. and canst thou laugh villain ? secure him souldiers . phan. they will have work enough about your ladiship . i am going as nimbly as a spirit , madam , and to your greater comfort , know i am one . mam. the devil thou art . phan. call'd by another name , your evil genius , to assure you that you have been all this while cozened , my dear mistress , and that these colours are phantastick , see , i vansh into aire . guard. presto , was this your devil , madam ? mam. oh my misfortune ! col. madam , your person is most welcome hither . mam. i fear your souldiers , sir , col. you may be confident of safety from them , madam , that fight for you , we are your guard , all wait upon my ladie , and let your applications be with reverence , and see her entertainmen●s high , and such as may become my honour , and her person . exit . what is there left addition to my happiness ? mammon and honoria both within my power ? ambition write non ultra , fix , fix here , the two great darlings of mankinde are mine , both excellent , and yet but one divine . wealth is the nerves of vvar and vvi● , without which vve are dull , and useless engines , mammon leads to conquest , and rewards ou● blood and watches ▪ but honour is the lustre of all triumph , the glories that we wear are dim without her , till she come in , the lamp , our glorious flame , vve grope our way i' th dark , and walk on crutches . riches may shine , and star-like grace the night , but honour is the radiant soul of light . exit . alworth in prison . alw. i almost could be angry with my fate , and call that care of my phisitian ●nkinde , that did remove my first distempers ; i should have drop'd into the shades , and lost her memory , that flatters me to ruine ▪ vvhat 's all this murmure ? are these thoughts my own ? or is there some black spirit crept into my melancholy blood , that would corrupt that spring , by which my innocence should live ? hence , i command thee hence , thou dire inchantment , and let the vertues of honoria resume their throne within my soul , and strike religious tremblings through every thought , lest i repine at providence ? she is here . enter honoria , and marshal . mar. this warrant must admit you . hon. there 's for your office , you may withdraw your self . mar. your servant . exit . hon. oh my alworth ? alw. this humility transcends my hope and merit , i am now no more a prisoner , since my better part ( enlarg'd by this your charitable visit ) hath freedom to behold my greatest happiness , your self . hon. i am so full of joy to see thee alive , i cannot ask thee , how thou wert preserv'd . alw. heaven was not willing 〈◊〉 should die , till i had given you better proof how much i would deserve your smile upon me . enter colonel and marshal . mar. here you may , undiscovered , sir , observe ' em . col. you may be gone , and wait at some fit distance . alw. my cure was hastned by your thoughts upon me , and my desires had wings to reach your person , ( for i was soon acquainted how you were convey'd ) and next my thoughts to kiss your hands , i brought my resolutions of revenge upon that traitors head , that ravish'd ye so rudelie from my eies . hon. prethee no more , but let our hearts renew , and seal a contract in spight of present storms ; and i am not vvithout some hopes to change thy sad condition , for he , to whose commands thou owest this misery ▪ is pleas'd to say he loves me , and i can employ his kindeness to no better use then thy enlargement ; if this prove unfortunate , it shall at least diminish thy affliction , that i can bear a part , and suffer with thee . alw. better i sink by many deaths , then you engage your self to any unkinde fate for me ; i have crept newly from my dust , and can alone walk cheerfully to silence and the dark grave : but do you believe , madam , this man looks on you with a noble flame ? he 's now a great man. hon. his affection has all the shews of honour , and such high civilities flow from him . alw. pause a little , and give me leave to tell you , as these seeds of vvar grow up , i cannot think a person ( though many may be honourable ) can better deserve — hon. vvhat ? alw. to be made lord of this fair empire . hon. did this language come from alworth ? that said he lov'd me ? alw. yes , with noblest fervor , my love commands it madam , and i can in my true service to honoria , advise her to call home her noble beams , thar shine to the discredit of her light on me , that wo●ld upon a worthier object draw up more admiration to her brightness , and at the same time , by their influence shew the beauties of her better choice . hon. this language i understand not yet ; can alworth then finde in his heart any consent , to give up his interest in honoria to another ? alw. yes , when honoria is concern'd to meet a greater happiness than alworth , i can make my self an exile , which is but the justice of my love to her great merit . i am a trifle madam , a thing meant beneath your smile , a very walking shadow , and time will come , when you have shew'd me all the bounties of your grace , nay seal'd them mine , by the most holy character of marriage , yet then i must forsake you , when my nerves shrink up , when the weak flowings of my blood cool in their channel , and tame nature leaves me a spoil to death — hon. vvhy do you talk of death , so far off ? alw. though we do not hear him tread , yet every minute he approaches , madam ; and give me leave to tell you , without flattering my self , i am in danger ; first a prisoner , a spie they may pretend , but this will vanish . it is the title of your servant , madam , is both my hononr , and my crime , nor can i vvave my relation to your favours : this known to the man , under whose power we stand , his angrie breath may doom me to the scaffold , and i must then resign , nor will the act be mine , but a constraint , and i then lose the glorie that may now be mine , to engage him in your smiles , you in his love . hon. vvhen will this dream be over ? alw. as for me , it shall be enough at distance to look on you vvith thoughts as innocent as your own , and if for the convenience of both our persons , one earth must not contain us , do not think that i can wander , where i shall forget to tell the stranger world your storie , madam ; and when i have made all mankinde , where i come , bow to your name , and taught 'em to repeat it in all their dangers , and their frights , to cure them , i will seek out some aire , that is infectious , vvhere no birds dare inhabit , or man build . a cottage to repose his wearied head , and there i prophesie , by the vertuous charm . of your blest name , to purge it , and as soon as the great miracle is spread , to invite the best of every nation to live there , and own you tutelar angel. hon. fie , no more , alworth now dreams indeed , but he more vainlie perswades me to forget my vows to him : is this a fear to die , or something like it ? for i would give it fain some other name . alw. a fear to die , that arrow strikes too deep , if you but think so , and wounds more ▪ than all the horror my des●ruction can appear in . if i can entertain the thoughts of life without you , how much easier must it be to die for your concernment ? i ha' not liv'd after the rate to fear another world . vve come from nothing into life , a time vve measure with a short breath , and that often made tedious too , with our own cares that fill it , vvhich like so many atomes in a sun-beam , b●t crowd and justle one another . all , from the adored purple to the hair-cloth , must center in a shade , and they that have their vertues to wait on'm , bravely mock the rugged storms , that so much fright 'em here , vvhen their souls lanch by death into a sea that 's ever calm . hon. this deserves my attention , and you in this small lecture alworth , have made me in love with death , who for thy sake can with my innocence about me , take more satisfaction to bleed away my life , than keep it , with the smallest stain upon my honour . this i speak , not to court up your drooping thoughts to me , if i be faln , or have lost my first esteem — alw. oh pardon , t'other syllable of this destroys me ; vvhat is there , can but make me worthy of your faith ? i am all , ever thine ? the colonel . enter colonel . col. expect a cloud to darken all your triumphs ▪ exit . hon. his threats move me as little , as his love , yet for thy sake i can be sad . alw. and i but onely mourn for you . enter colonel with a pistol , and travers . he is return'd , and with him the first poisoner of our peace ; vvhat horrour next ? col. your happiness is now vvithin your reach , kill but that fellow , and possess her by my gift , the act once done by my command secures thee . hon. he shall make his passage to thee through my heart . tra. i thank you for your great promise and employment , sir , but take your tool agen , col. did you not love her ? tra. yes infinitely , but scorn your hangmans office : i have done too much al●eadie ; but if madam , the memorie of my base surprize have not vveig'd me down past all fathom of your mercy , i can ask you forgiveness in my heart , and suffer all his tyrannie , to expiate my black offence to you , and to that gentleman . col. are you so resolute ? tra. vvere i assur'd there were no punishment to attend this murde● here , nor hereafter , could she pardon this bloodie assassination , and alworth forgive me , when his soul is gliding through the purple stream , and mounting up to fill some happie star , would she herself consent to be the great reward of the black deed , i should abhor the pa●ricide . col. is 't so ? expect my next return . exit : ●lw . sir , you have shewn a penitence would strike a marble through , and this return to pietie , hath chang'd our anger into admiration . hon. sir , we have now no thoughts , but what are fil'd , with a desire you call us to your friendship ; live happie , and adorn by your example of justice , the most honoured robe you wear . enter colonel , alamode , fulbank , squanderbag and mammo●● col. nay ye shall witness all my resolution ; your hand , deer madam , alworth take from me thy own honoria , it were impious to keep you a minute longer in your fears , your loves deserve my admiration , not my anger , and i cheerfully resign all my ambitions , live you happie both ▪ as i am in this conquest of my self : i lov'd honoria well , but justice better . but madam , though you must be alworths bride , yet give me leave to call you mistress , i can be your servant still , and by your influence upon me , steer my actions , and keep my passions in as much obedience , as any souldier i command , and alworth be you so just , to ●ell the world that takes delight to snarl , and catch at every errour in our profession : i am no enemy to arts , but can take pleasure to reward learning , with all due honour , be your self the example . alw. you are perfect in all that 's noble , and it were a sin not to proclaim it . tra. sir , this act will crown your name for ever . col. make your peace with honoria , t is done , and we owe all we can call happy to your justice , sir. to mammon . col. madam , you look upon us through some cloud , none should be worn this day , and here are some did wear the title of your servant . fulbank — ●ul . oh you are trulie noble , i ever honoured my ladie . col. travers , alamode , squa. please you to name me in the list , i can be as much a servant to this ladie , as the best of these . col. stand forth , and plead your merits . mam. i excuse them , your pardon sir , i think the best in all the file unworthie of me . col. plain truth , gentlemen . mam. i could give reasons , but i have no humor to spoil some reputations in publique . ala. i told you what a gypsie ' t was . mam. some may traduce my fame , and charge me with a levity and frequent change , but i have been less constant , because i found no man had wit enough to manage me , or worth enough to invite the stay of my affections . i acknowledge the citizen doth promise fair , but breaks : lawyers are cunning , but i love not snares : the courtier has no care of his own body ; the countrey-man had no wit but in his acres : and for you , sir , your name is squanderbag , what would you do with ma●mon , cannot keep her ? beside , these men had the bad luck to court me when i was swaid by an evil genius , which now has left me . i see alreadie a nobler path , and till i finde a man knows how to love , and govern me with temperance , i lay my self an humble servant at honoria's feet ; your pardon to my past neglects , will make me cheerfull to attend you . col. nay , since y' are come to be my fellow-servant , if you please , madam , we may approach neerer ; what think you of me , shall i present my self a servant to your favour ? mam. sir , you are pleasant . col. i shall be so , if you accept my service ; though i am a souldier , i can love , and do all duties may become your worth and honour . mam. i blush to say how much i am unworthie , but i shall meet you honourably . col. a match , seal it . salute . ful. he has don 't it compendiously ; but sir , you know — col. yes , i know very well what you would say , but this fair lady's mine , and i 'll deserve her : wealth has alreadie made you mad , we have been out of the sun a great while , i invite you all my guests to day , and ladie mammons , do me that honour . ful. there is no remedie . enter maslin strip'd . ala. 't is well you scap'd with loss of mammon . col. what anti-masquers this ? mam. 't is mr. maslin . cap. this fellow wod not bend , and so they broke him . mas. you look like the commander in chief of this militia . col. what then ? mas. i have a suit to you . col. a suit ? methinks y' are naked . mas. i know not , but on my knees i beg their pardon that made me so , they plunder'd me so quaintly , they are the nimblest hocus pocus's that e're threw dice for hemp . col. i am glad they fitted you . mas. no sir , it was the tailor fitted me . col. so , and they unfitted you . mas. but with what art , how most compendiously they made me an adamite , sir — col. let 's hear your wonder . mas. one ill look'd fellow did but swear an oath , and my hat flew up with the very wind of it , and fell upon a head , that stood bare for it full three yards off : another did but squint upon my legs , and my boots vanish'd with the spurs upon 'em ; cloak , doublet , jerkin , all convenient broad cloth , three pile of wool , went from me at one motion ; no bars nor buttons could prevail a minute , they broke into my bodie with that nimble burglarie ; i was undone e're i could wink : but when my narrow shirt came o're my shoulders , i thought't had been my skin , at every twitch i roar'd , and gave my self gone for a rabbet for the next officers supper . col. in good time . mas. but truth appear'd when i was strip'd , their charitie left me my breeches , but the good old gold could not have leave to bear 'em companie , that was defaulk'd miraculously by a mirmidon that had lo● both his hands — ala. lost both his hands , how could he take your money ? mas. with his stumps , sir , he routed both my pockets with his stumps ; oh the knack some men have to fetch out money . col. he is pleasant , see his wardrobe be restord . mas. shall i be warm agen , oh madam — squa. be not too sawcie , she is now exalted above your sphere . ful. oh mr. maslin , we are all undone . mas. so am i , they have not left me a shirt . col. all faults , where we have power this day , are pardon'd . ala. happiness crown your loves ! col. now to the priest , whose work is onely wanting to confirm us : alworth , lead on your fairest bride , remember we are both servants to honoria . alw. to shew i can obey you sir , come madam . the birth of heaven , and the earths morning-star , col. our life of peace , and the true soul of war. exeunt . finis . the contention of ajax and ulysses , for the armor of achilles . as it was nobly represented by young gentlemen of quality , at a private entertainment of some persons of honour . written by iames shirley . london , printed for iohn crook , at the sign of the ship in s. pauls church-yard . the speakers . ajax telamon . ulysses . agamemnon . diomedes . menelaus . nestor . calchas . thersander . polybrontes , a small souldier . lysippus pages . didimus souldiers . attendants . the contention of ajax and ulysses for the armour of achilles . didimus , ulysses his page , lysippus , ajax his page . di. why how now insolence ? lysippus justles didimus . ly. you know me sir ? di. for one that wants good manners ; yes , i know your name , and best relation , you attend a page on ajax telamon . ly. and you in such an office wait upon ulysses , but with this 〈◊〉 , that i am your better , in reference to my lord , as he exceeds your master both in fortitude and honour : therefore i take this boldness to instruct your diminutive worship in convenient duties , and that hereafter when you see me pass , you may descend , and vail , and know fit distance . dy. to you descend , and vail ? to you ? poor rat ! is he not poison'd , that he swells so strangely : i would bestow this admonition , that you talk within your limits , i may finde a pity for your folly , while you make comparisons with me , but let your ●ongue preserve a modestie , and not dare to name my lord , without a reverence , and not in the same week your master is in mention , least i chas●ise you . ly. ha , ha , prodigie ! the monkey grin● , the pigmie would be rampant : sirrah , 't is i pronounce , if you have a minde to lose one of your lug● , or quit some teeth that stick impertinent in your gums , orrun the hazard of an eye , or have your han hes ki kt into a gentle ●ullice , or tell your master in whose cause you have deserv'd a ●●dgell●ng , and m●rited a ●rutch to carry home your broken bodie ; talk on , and when it is too late , you may r●pen● your impudence . di. mightie man of 〈◊〉 ! is not your n●me lysippus ? what mad dog has bi● thee ; thou art wilde , hast lost thy s●nses ? ly. you 'l finde , i have not . di. is all this in earnest ? and hast thou so much ignorance , to think that lump of flesh , thy master ( a thing meant by nature for a flail , and bang the sheafs ) is fit to be in competition with the wise prince of ithaca ? whose name shines like a constellation throughout greece , and is lookt at with admiration by friends and enemies ? for shame retract thy gross opinion , it is possible thou maist retrive thy lost wits , ly. verie well then , you do think my little spawn of policie , that your slie master , the oyl-tongu'd ulysses , will win the prize to day , achilles armour ; and that the kinglie judges , and grave counsel will give it against ajax . di. in true wisdom , as to the best deserver . they fight . ly. dandiprat . enter calchas . cal. remove your selves , and pettie differences , this place is meant the scene for a contention between the valiant ajax telamon , and the far fam'd ulysses , who shall best me it to wear the great achilles arms : methinks i see heavens mightie windows open , and those great souls , whom noble actions here translated to take plac● among the stars : look down , and listen with much expectation of this daies glorie . the rough winds ( least they should interrupt the plea of these competitors ) s●and close committed in thei● horrid caves , and habus drest in all his brightest beams , cu●bs in his steeds to stay , to wait upon the g●eat decision . silence , no noise prophane this place , and may the soul of wisdom be at this great council . enter officers one after another , bearing the pieces of achilles a●mour , after them in state , agamemnon , nestor , menelaus , diomedes , thersander , &c. aga. i need not , grecian princes , spend much time or language , in discousing the occasion why this great council hath been call'd ; achilles , whose very name will be enough to fill the breath of fame , is here agen concern'd , nor can his honour'd ashes b● without contention in his sacred urn , until the difference between these great competitors be reconciled . cap. they both , great agamemnon , are prepar'd , and cheerful , as when honour call'd them forth to fight , impati●nt of delay , or danger . ag. attend them hither , dio. let the officers take care the souldiers press not past their limit . enter before ajax , his page , bearing his target . ajax . appears , with lightning in his eyes , his big heart seems to boil with rage . m● . he was ever passionate : here comes ulysses . enter ulysses , with his page , as before , he makes obeysance , and sets down in a chair . a man of other temper , and as far from being transported with unhandsome anger , he seems to smile . ag. they have both deserv'd for their great service in this expedition , we should with calm , and most impartial souls hear and determine ; therefore , if you please , because the hours are precious , i shall desire them lose no time . dio. we all submit , and shall obey your prudence . ag. you honour much : your agamemnon — princes then to you , i hope you have brought hither , with your persons , nothing but what your honours may consent too ; speak your selves freely then , these are your judges ▪ who are not onely great in birth and titles , and therefore bring no thoughts to stain their honour , but bound by obligation of one countrey , will love , and do your name and valours justice . there lies your great reward , achilles arms , forg'd by the subtile art of him , that fram'd i●ves thunderbolts , pride of cyclopian labours , he that is meant by his kinde stars , to have the happy wearing of them next , may write himself a champion ●or the gods , and heaven , against a race of gyants that wo●ld scale it : i have said , and we wi●h silence now as deep as that doth wait on midnight , and as fixt as marble images , expect your pleasure . ajax rises and looks about him . ajax . great iove , immure my heart , or gi●t it with some ribs of steel , lest it break through this flesh , and with a flame contracted from just fury , set fire on all the world : how am i fal● ? how shrunk to nothing ? my fame ravish'd from me ? that this sly talking prince is made my rival in great achilles armour : is it day ? and can a cloud darker than night , so muffle your eyes , they cannot reach the promontory , beneath which now the grecian fleet rides safe , which i so late ref●ued from trojan flames , when hector f●ightful , like a globe of fire , by his example taught the enrag●d youth to brandish lightning ; but i cannot talk , nor knows he how to fight , unless 'i th dark wi●h shadows . i confess , his eloquence and tongue are mighty , but pelides sword and armour were not made things to be talk'd on , but worn and us'd , and when you shall determine my juster claim , it will be fame enough for him , to boast , he strove with ajax telamon . and lost the prize , due onely to my merit . ly. now didimus , how goes ulysses pulse ? run to his tent , and fetch him some strong waters . did. this storm shakes not a leafe , it had been more honour for ajax telamon to have hir'd a tru●peter , than make this noise himself . ag. silence . the duke proceeds . aja . i am asham'd and blush , that i can plead so vast a marit : why am i not less honour●ble ? a cheaper portion of wo●●h , weigh'd in the ballance , with this rival , would so croud , and fill my scale , his vertues , like a thin and trembling vapour , would lose themselves i' th ayr , or stick a comet upon heavens face , from whence the matter spent , it would fall down , the sport ▪ and scorn of children , allow me then less valiant , pinch all the laurels from my brow , that else would grow there , the honour of my birth and blood must lift me above the competition with ulysses ; my father was duke telamon , a name fatal to troy , companion to alcides , whom in the expedition to colchos , argo was proud to bear : his father aeacus , who for his exemplary justice here , was by eternal patent from the gods , made judge of souls ; him iupiter begot on f●ir egina , from whose womb , i write my self a third from iove : but let not this entitle me to great achilles arms , without my interest in his blood : our fathers grew from one royal stem , i am his kinsman , and i demand in this , but just inheritance . in what relation of blood can then ulysses . of a strange and forfeit race , equal in fraud to his progenitor , condemn'd to labour at the restless stone , lay claim to achilles arms ? cal. what , asleep thersander ? ther. no , no , i observe every word , ulysses has said very well , he was ever a good orator . cal. you are mistaken , sir , 't is ajax pleads , ulysses has not spoke one word . th. wast ajax ? i cry you mercy , it was very handsome , and to the purpose in my opinion , who ever said it . ag. i intreat your silence . the. with all my heart . aja . it is vvonder princes , that this dulichyan king dare bring his face before a sun-beam , and expose that brand of infamie , the name of coward , writ in leprous characters upon his brow , to the worlds eye . ul. how telamon ? aja . ulysses , 't is i , that said it , and these kings may all remember , when most wretchedly , to save those tender limbs of yours , and that warp'd face , when greece rise up , one man to punish troy , thou cowardly didst counterfeit a madness , till palamedes pull'd that vizor off . was ajax telamon at that sordid posture ? nay , was not i the first in field , and eager to engage my person in these wars of troy ? ( witness thou sacred genius of our countrey ) as a curl'd youth could fly to meet a mistris , and print his fervour on her amorous lip : but for his valour since , let nestor speak ; that good old man made not his age excuse , nor his white hairs , that like a grove of snow , shew'd what a winter dwelt ●pon his head , but flung himself on war , when in the heat of bat●el , over-charg'd with multitudes , and his horse wounded , he espi'd ulysses , to whom in this distress , he call'd for succour , when he ( unworthy of his name and honours ) left the old man to struggle with his dangers , to whom the gods sent ayd . but here 's the justice , he that dishonourably forsook his friend , met with an enemy , that made him call as loud for his relief ; i heard that clamour , and with my sword cut out my passage to thee , when thou wert quaking at the enemies feet , and ready to exhale thy panting soul , i interposed , bestrid thy coward body , and took thy many deaths upon my target : i ajax brought thee off ( my least of honours ) and saved thy wretched life . dio. this ajax did , but being done , the honour 's over paid , when he that did the act is commentator . aja . if thou couldst call again that time ●●●sses , the wounds upon thee , and thy fears of death , when thou didst skulk behinde my shield , and tremble at every lightning of a sword , thy soul would have a less ambition to contest for great pelides arms. me. ajax will carry it . aga. it will become our prudence to expect , what may be said in answer to this accusation ; i have heard an orator , with that subtile method of art and language , state his clients cause , and with such captivating arguments prevail'd on every ear , it was concluded , all law must be in favour of that interest , but when the adverse part was heard , that which appear'd so sacred in the first relation , vanish'd , and 't was the wonder of all men , by what strange magick they were so deceiv'd : i speak not this in prejudice of him that pleads , whom we all know a man made up of every masculine vertue , but to stay ( where two of so much honor are concern'd ) precipitate , and partial votes of merit : a●ax has more to say . aja . i know not how , with safety of mine own , i should direct your judgements to consider , that after all this story of my self , i do not seek these arms , nor court the glory to wear em , for 't is justice to pronounce they seek me , ajax , and should prompt you to b●lieve , i onely worthily can wear ' em . what hath ulysses done , he should be nam'd with telamon ; we have his chronicle , he surpriz'd r●esus in his tent , a great and goodly act , nay , had the heart to kill him ; he snatch'd a spy up , dolon , and dispatcht him to the other world , a most heroick service ! and had the confidence to filch from troy , the dead palladium , memorable actions : fought he with hector ? did he stand immov'd as i , when i receiv'd upon my cask , a mighty javelin that he darted at me ? when you , pale with the wonder of my strength , forsook your prayers , and gave me from the gods into my own protection , and at last i was not overcome , but in the face of both the armies , sent this mighty champion staggering home to troy. nes. 't was a fierce battel , and aax lost no honour . aja . had i done but this alone , it might be argument to prefer ajax lelamon before ulysses to that armour ; which i'●n thinking how he 'l become , or how he dare sustain 'em , their very weight will crack his chine , that burgonet will bring his neck in danger of a cramp , in pitty of his fears , discharge his hope of so much steel , he has ●he art of running , 't will much reta d his motion : are you yet considering as doub●ful to distinguish us ? some god convey ●hose arms up ●n the wings of a swift win●i●●● he enemies camp , guard 'em with ●ll the strength and soul of troy , let every sword mount death upon the point , and leave us●o our single fate , who soonest should fetch 'em off : then you should tell your selves , how much this carpet prince came short of ajax , i had rather fight than talk : now here him tattle . soul. an ajax , an ajax ulys. if my prayers , with your own , renovvned kings , could have prevail'd with heaven , there had been no contention for these arms , he might have liv'd to have enjoy'd them still , and we achilles . but since by the unkindeness of our fate , we are decreed to want him ( pardon me if at that word , unmanly tears break forth ) who can vvith greater merit claim the armour , than he whose piety to greece and you , engag'd alone his valour to these wars , and made him yours . nor let it be a sin ere i proceed , to pray this justice from you , that since my adversary hath been pleas'd to make a vertue my reproach , and stain the name of eloquence , vvhich in me , is not vvorth your envy , or his rage ( since he declares his incapacity for more than fighting ) you will not judge his dulness an advantage , or that which he calls eloquence in me , a blemish to my cause , vvho have employ'd all that the gods made mine , to serve my countrey . dio. thersander , are you not asham'd to sleep ? ther. ha ? no , i sleep ? i have not scap'd a syllable by my honour , i thought not ajax half so good an orator . dio. ajax ? it was ulysses that spoke last . ther. ulysses ? i , i meant ulysses ; did i say ajax ? between you and i be it spoken diomedes , ajax is a blockhead . dio. yet he spoke to purpose . ther. i grant you that ; nay , nay , let him alone . aga. silence . ulys. the lu●●re of our birth by ajax boasted , which we derive not from our act or vertue , we vainly call o●r own , nature contributes a common gloss to all our blood , the honours and swelling titles , pinn'd upon our name , chance often ●amps upon a fool or coward : but if provok'd by ajax , i must yield him magnified by blood ; that title which he takes from iove , makes me his grandchilde too , lacrtes was my father ; his arcesius , whom iupiter begot , no difference here , but that our family contain'd no uncle banish'd for murther , as in telamons . besides , my mother but remembred , makes my derivation on both sides divine , which lifts me above ajax , if i were no king of ithaca : but he hath pleaded a neerer priviledge by being kinsman , and calls these arms his just inheritance , your vvisdom could not chuse but smile to he●● him , 〈◊〉 his son is yet alive , and peleus , achilles father , teucer his next cosin ; ● and ajax to be heir , is worth your wonder ; but you know how to vvave impertinence 〈…〉 i need to pray your justice , that vve both may onely charge the ballance vvith our merits . dio. this is not ranting , he is master of a vvorthy temper . ag. give him your permissions . ulys. ajax hath read , not vvithout mighty lungs , his own bold historie , when i shall tell but my first act for troy , if it be less than all that ajax yet hath done , or boasted , and with his own consent too , i quit all : i have rais'd your expectations up to wonder , and there i 'll fix it , when i name achilles , whose actions for your service , scorning all equality , are owing to ulysses ; and i may call them mine , that made him yours , by his sword fell the great priamides hoctor , whose single arm carried the strength and fate of ilium : the death alone of hector , is an act , if well consider'd , doth easily exceed , what hath been done in all your grecian commentaries : i arm'd achilles first to do these mighty things , and for those may deserve achilles armour , dio. vve must acknowledge all the benefits of great achilles valour are a debt vve owe to ulysses , who discovered him under a female habit , 't was ulysses that made him man again , and our great champion . me. all this is granted , yet i think ulysses lost little blood in any of these services ; vvhat do you think thersander ? ther. i think as the general thinks , he 's wise enough . ulys , but give me leave to offer to your memory another service , and reduce your thoughts to aulis , when our army ship'd , and big vvith our desires for troy , for want of wind vvere lock'd in the eubean bay at anchor . vvhen the oracle consulted , gave no hope of the least breath of heaven , or gentle gale to be expected , till diana's anger vvere first appeas'd by iphigenias blood ; i melt with the remembrance , and i could accuse my faith , but that the publique interest and all your honours , arm'd me to perswade nature , against the stream of her own happiness , there stands the tear — drown'd father agamemnon , ask his vex'd soul ( and let me beg his pardon ) how i did work upon his murmuring heart , divided 'twixt a father and his countrey , to give his childe up to the bleeding altar ? vvhose drops ( too precious to enrich the earth , the goddess hid within a cloud ) drank up , and snatcht her soul ; whose brighter substance made one of the fairest stars that deck yon canopie . had ajax been employed to have wrought atrides vvhen he vvas angry vvith the gods , to have given his onely pledge , his loved iphigenia up to the fatal knife , our grecian fleet , had by this time been rotten in the bay , and vve by a dishonourable return , been vvounded in our fames to after ages . ag. this truth is urg'd too home . ul. the deity appeas'd with virgin sacrifice , the winds put on fresh wings , and we arriv'd swi●● 〈◊〉 vvishes to affrighted troy ; 〈◊〉 after their first battel , they no more drevv forth their army , vvhich engag'd us to nine horrid vvinters expectation : it vvould be tedious to relate , hovv active my counsels vvere , during this nine years siege , vvhen ajax ( onely good at knocks and vvrestling ) vvas of no use , the bold designs i carried , my care of our defences and approaches , encouraging the souldier , vvearied and vvorn avvay vvith empty expectations , hovv i did apt provisions , arms , and hearts to fight vvithal , i shall not here inforce , vvhen you vvhose just commands i still obey'd , are conscious of my pious undertakings . aja . he 'l talk eternally . ul. these actions have deserv'd no brand of covvard , hovv it may stain his forehead that accus'd me , judge you , by the short follovving story , princes there vvas a time , vvhen agamemnon vvas deluded by a dream , and bid to leave the siege , vvhich coming to the souldiers ear , ( vvhose fears vvere helpt by superstition ) hovv did they run to 'th ships from every quarter : vvhere vvas the torrent of great ajax valour so talk'd of , that did bear all things before it ? vvhy , it vvas here , that torrent carried him too : i savv and blush'd at ajax preparation to be aboard , ( i will not call it running ) hovv 〈◊〉 i , careless of all danger , throvv my self among the mutineers , and court the fugitives to face about agen , and build themselves a name , and wealth in troy , given over by the gods to be their captive ? what acted telamon , but unworthy fears , and rather coward them by his retreat , than teach them honour by his own example . aja . can iove hear this ? ha ! ag. look to ajax . nes. contain yourself . aja . let me fight him here , or you are all confederates in my infamy . nes. for my sake . aja . i am patient — ul. nor am i without wounds , and crimson characters , which as her ornament , my bosom carries , greater than telamon can boast , although he fought with hector , which was but his fortune , and might have been the lot of agam●mnon , of menelaus , diomed , my self , and others , who had equally engag'd , and onely chance preferr'd him to the combate : but let me not be thought to take from ajax his just reward of fortitude , i grant he did repress the fury of the trojans , when they came arm'd in fires against our navy , but 't was nor single valour , that repulst the numerous enemy . patroclus had the armour of achilles on that day , vvhich struck a terrour in the phrygian courages , and many princes swords contributed , mine was not idle , and i merit some proportion of fame for that days victory ; but if it come with murmuring , defer it , and make it up in your accounts of honour due , for the great palladium , which i fetch'd ( assisted by the valiant diomedes ) out of the heart of troy , spight of the groves of spears , that grew a bright defence about it , and swords , whose every motion darted lightning to guard the fatal image ; in this act i gave you troy , till this was ravish'd from 'em , it was not in your fate to make a conquest , ajax and all the army might have fought against the moon , with as much hope of victory . dio. this must be granted him a signal service , i can attest the danger of this action . ul. i blush , i am compell'd to mention these , but where my honour is traduc'd , 't is just to make my fairest vindication : the wealth of greece should not have brib'd me to this contestation ; but achilles armour vvould strike ambitious thoughts into a hermite , nor will my limbes much tremble to sustain● 'em i had the honour at his death , to carry his body with all that weight of arms upon it , and plac'd him in his tent , although i want some bulk of ajax , i can walk , and fight , and tell him where he fails , and mark him out a truer path to glory , than his strength is able to persue , with no more brains to guide him , than his empty pannier carries : wisemen joyn policy with force , the lyon thus with the fox , makes up the souldiers emblem . and now i look on ajax telamon , i may compare him to some specious building , his body holds vast rooms of entertainment , and lower parts maintain the offices , onely the garret , his exalted head , useless for wise receipt , is fill'd with lumber , a mastiff dares attempt to combate lyons , and i 'll finde men among your mercenaries shall fly on hydra's , if you name that valour : but he , that we call valiant indeed , knows how , and when to fight , as well as bleed . a great shout within . sol. ulysses , ulysses . ag. please you withdraw your persons for some minutes , aja . is 't come to this . ul. i obey . aja . i scorn to court such staggering opinions , and repent that i once thought you fit to be my judges . ex. ther. for my part , with pardon of the generall , my voyce shall be to please them both . ag. impossible . ther. divide the armour , and compose the difference ; or give ulysses , 'cause he has the better head-piece , achilles helmet ; and to ajax , those parts that guard the body . dio. i am for ulysses . ne. he shall have my vote . me. and mine . ag. your judgements meet with agamem●nons , intreat the prince of ithaca return . enter ulysses . aga. sir i congratulate your fa●e , you have with the concurrence of our votes , deserv'd to be the second owner of these arms ; which as the first reward of all your service , i in their names present : nor are these trophies more than an earnest , and a glimpse , of those eternal monuments shall crown your vvisdom ; vvhere 's ajax telomon ? off. transported hence with fury . ulyss. you have honour'd your ulysses , and i now must call these things my blessing , and your bounty . aga. bear them in triumph to his tent , and say , vvisdom , not down-right valour wins the day ; better is wise ulysses in the field , than the great master of the seven-sold shield . exeunt . didimus , lysippus . did. i think lysippus , we may now be friends , for though you had a minde to quarrel when the victory was doubtful , i am not the more exalted for my masters triumph , his wit is none of mine ; i honour ajax in his own arms ; for i have seen him do brave things . ly. thy hand , i love thee didimus , and i will love ulysses for thy sake too . did. but how does thy lord ajax take the business ? ly. he 's mad , and rails at heaven and earth , i dare not come neer him — whos 's this , poiybrontes ? enter polybrontes . let us forget all differences , and make some sport with him — polybrontes , i am proud to see your military face . did. my magazine of valour , i do honour you , from that exalted trust upon your skonce , to the cold iron star upon your heel , how is 't ? ly. how is 't my low , and mighty polybrontes ? pol. tir'd out with killing of the creature , wilde beasts , and men , will come in●● my way ; some , i look dead , others i take the pains to cut or quarter , as they move my fury , the hate of iuno is entail'd upon our generation i think . did. how , iuno ? i pray what kin are you to hercules ? pol. i am his son , son to the theban hercules that did the mighty labours ; we number twelve , i have been told too , i am very like him ; there were fifty of us in one night begotten . did. you are not , sir , so big bon'd as hercules altogether . pol. hang bones , and flesh , and blood , it is the soul that 's tall , a gyants spirit . ly. not in that body , a soul can hardly stand upright in 't . pol. 't is the more dangerous , being confin'd , and must break out like lightning . did. what 's that upon your hat ? pol. my case of tooth-picks . ly. how , 't is a lyons paw . pol. a legacy my father left me , part of that nemean lyon , that he kill'd , vvhose skin he us'd to wear , which since these wars i turn'd into a knapsack , and it carries a charm against all venemous b●asts , come near it , did. vermine he means : vvhat kinde of belt is this ? pol. this was a serpent , which at aulis was obse●●d to climbe up to the sparrows nest , vvhere having swallowed nine , calchas presag'd , vve should be nine years at the siege of troy , and in the tenth be conqueros , this i kill'd vvith a flint stone , as it came hissing toward me , it had ten row of iron teeth . did. vvhere are they ? pol. all beaten out with that stone i threw at her . did. nothing scapes you then : but good sir favour us , to let us know how many men have fallen by your sword during our siege , i knovv you keep a catalogue . pol. not of all , i onely register within my diary , the men of honour that i kill , the rest i leave to the common bills of mortality . ly. the men of honour , i pray , sir. pol. they rise to — ●oo in my roll . did. vvith your own hand ? pol. ten princes , beside two of priams sons , paris and hector , ly. paris is alive . pol. not that paris i kill'd upon my honour . did. and all the army knowes , achille● with his mirmidons ●lew hector . pol. from me tell achilles 't is false . ly. he 's dead too . pol. 't is well he is so , he that steals my fame , must not be long i' th number of the living . did. you are the little wonder of the world , you had done your self right , to have put in with ulysses and ajax , for the armour . ly. had he stood , there had been no competitor , ulysses had this day mist his triumph . pol. had ulysses the armour then ? enter ajax . ly. given by all judges . pol. i believe the man is so modest , ●at mention of me , would have recanted his ambition ; do not i know ulysses ? yes , and ajax . a●a . ha! pol. and all the swelling flies that blow the army , i 'll tell that ajax , when i see him next , that i dare fight ? aja . vvith whom sir , dare you fight ? pol. with any man that shall affront you , sir , renowned ajax , my soul falls to crums that day , i do not honour your remembrance . ulysses is a juggler , i do wonder at 's impudence , to stand in competition vvith him , that is the man of men , brave telamon : shall i carry him a challenge ; prethee let me , i long to thunder him . aja . stay wesel ! pol. or to agamemnon , or the best of them , vvould i were in my knapsack nibbling cheese now . aja . i say the word , be dead . ajax strikes him . pol. my brains , my brains ! ah my own sweet brains ; who wants any brains ? aja , art thou not dead ? pol. oh yes sir , i am dead , give my ghost leave to walk a little . aja . come back , your name ? pol. ah , when i was alive , the souldiers call'd me — aja . agamemnon . pol. i shall be brain'd in earnest ! aja . vvhen thou hast past the stygian lake , commend me to eacus , one of the infernal judges . pol. i will sir , i am acquainted with his clark. aja . and when i have made my revenge perfect , i 'll visit him my self . pol. i 'll bring you an answer too . aja . do so . pol. i were best to make haste , sir , charon stays for me , and i shall lose my tide . aja . then vanish . pol. presto . exit . aja . there 's one dispatch'd , he 's company for ghosts , i know whose fate is next , and then i leap to immortality : what cloud is that descends so big with prodigy , my steel shall give the monster birth , ha' 't is ulysses , come to affront me in achilles armour : enter calchas . a thousand serpents creep within my skull : i 'll finde the cowards soul through all this darkness , have at thee polititian , dost thou bleed ? now i have met we 'e , thanks to my good sword , i kiss thy cold lips , for this brave revenge , thou art my own , without competitor , and must be my last refuge and companion . cal. alas poor telamon ! aja . vvho calls telamon ? cal. one you have known and lov'd ; can you forget calchas so soon ? aja . our grecian prophet , you are very welcome , vvhat news from the upper vvorld ? do they agree in heaven ? we are all to pieces . cal. i am trusted vvith a direction to you , the sacred powers you serve — aja , speak on , but let me tell you as a friend , they have not us'd me kindely , but no matter , i 'll be my own revenger . cal. sir , take heed . how you provoke their anger , or contemn their precepts , for the partial acts of men , they know , and pitty that a man so valiant , should for a trifle lose his manly temper : you are not , sir , forgotten by the gods and i am sent , their prophet to acquaint you , that what you lost alive by humane judges , their divine justice shall restore with honour to your calm dust ; for know , those very arms in which ulysses triumphs now , shall be snatcht from him by a tempest , and shall land a floating treasure upon ajax tomb , and by their stay convince the future age , vvho best deserv'd e'm ; be not then unman'd , and thus deface the beauties of your reason . aja . i thank 'em , they are pleas'd , when i am dead to make a restitution to my fame , and send me home the armour , this is something , i 'll make my self in a capacity by death to be an object of their justice , i 'll dye immediately , i can do 't my self . cal. your piety avert so black a deed ! this is a way to make the world suspect the worth of all your former actions , and that they were not births legitimate , born from true honour , but the spurious issue of an ung ided heat , or chance : how shall vve think , that man is truly valiant , and fit to be engag'd in things of fright and danger , that wants courage to sustain an injury ? it shews a fear of others , to be reveng'd upon our selves , and he is not so much a coward that flies death , as he that suffers , and doth fear to live : besides , this will enlarge your enemies triumph , an● in the world opinions , be granted a tame concession to his worth ; nay men , and with much face of reason , may affirm , ulysses did not onely win the arms , 〈…〉 ajax . 〈◊〉 therefore i will dye vvith 〈◊〉 own hand , and save that infamy ; i am resolved , all fate shall not prevent it : leave me : c●l . i must not . a●a . i am not confin'd to place , thy office yet is thy protection , do not presume to follow , left my rage make me forget your person , and by sad mistake , i turn the priest into a sacrifice : go tell the world i am dead , and make it known , that ajax fell by no hand but his own . cal. this will turn all our triumph into mourning , exeunt . calchas before the body of ajax , supported by six princes , agamemnon , diomedes , men●laus , thersander , nestor , ulysses , following the hearse , as going to the temple . ca , the glories of our blood and state , are shadows , not substantial things , there is no armour against fate , death lays his icy hand on kings , scepter and crown , must tumble down , and in the dust be equal made , with the poor crooked sithe and spade , some men with swords may reap the field , and plant fresh laurels where they kill , but their strong nerves at last must yield , they tame but one another still ; early or late , they stoop to fate , and must give up their murmuring hreath , when they pale captives creep to death . the garlands wither on your brow , then boast no more your mighty deeds , upon deaths purple altar now , see where the victor-victim bleeds , your beads must come , to the cold tomb , onely the actions of the just smell sweet , and blossom in their dust . [ this was afterwards sung in parts , the musick excellently composed by mr. ed. coleman . ] ag. set forward to the temple , this was once a day of triumph , but the death of ajax vvill make it dark within our calendar ; joys are obortive , or not born to last , and our bright days are quickly overcast . exeunt . finis . the triumph of beautie· as it was personated by some young gentlemen, for whom it was intended, at a private recreation. / by james shirley. shirley, james, - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing s thomason e _ estc r estc r this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (thomason tracts ; :e [ ]) the triumph of beautie· as it was personated by some young gentlemen, for whom it was intended, at a private recreation. / by james shirley. shirley, james, - . [ ], [i.e. ], [ ] p. printed for humphrey moseley, and are to be sold at his shop, at the signe of the princes armes in st pauls churchyard, london : mdcxlvi. [ ] also issued as part of his: poems, &c. p. misnumbered . the last leaf is blank. reproduction of the original in the british library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - judith siefring sampled and proofread - judith siefring text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion the trivmph of beavtie . as it was personated by some young gentlemen , for whom it was intended , at a private recreation . by james shirley . london , printed for humphrey moseley , and are to be sold at his shop , at the signe of the princes armes in st pauls churchyard . mdcxlvi . the triumph of beauty . enter bottle , crab , clout , toad-stoole , shrub , scrip , hobbinoll , shepheards : they overtake , and hang upon bottle , and cry : omnes . abottle , a bottle ! bo. i am out of winde . so , so , are we all here ? good men and true stand together , and heare your charge . hum , hum . hob. bottle has something in him . i knew him of a little one . scr. a very sucking bottle . bot. peace scrip and hobbinoll , toad-stoole draw a little nearer , — you all know — crab. what doe you know ? bot. silence neighbour crab , — which of you all is so wise , as to know what i would say now ? why there 's it , & yet you will be prating ignorant puppies and a man should knock your braines out — you all know , i say — cra. i say agen , we know not . bottle you forget your selfe , you call'd us all ignorant puppies . but now , and now agen you say we all know . — bot. — the prince excuse me , you all know paris the prince of troy . cr. we know him now , but it was a mysterie for many yeares . ho. our young lord and master ? bo. why very good then , and yet i must bee corrupted ? no , no , bottle is a drie coxcombe , an emptie foole . bo'y te' e ; make the prince merrie your selves . scr. nay bottle , sweet bottle , sweet bottle ; you will never leave this peevish humour crabbe ; come , he is sorrie . cra. well , i am sorrie ; but will you not give a man leave to speake ? bo. speake ? yes , but then you must not talke and bolt such peremptorie questions , when i mis-call you for your owne good . what is 't to me , and the prince shall take a convenient twig , or drowne himselfe in one of his melancholy fits : i can live , when you have all betaken your selves to hempe , i can . only i preferre the publick good before all the world , and and the prince before that , and my selfe before the prince , and my wife before my selfe , and your wife neighbour before her : i know what 's what . but what 's all this ? unlesse we be reconciled and perfectly divided among our selves . i know you all love me . scr. i love bottle with my heart . bo. but the prince is another manner of man , though i say 't , and every day falls away with a humour of melancholy ; if we shall joyne our panniers , to make him merry with some rare and pleasant device — why ; your old friend and bottle , and so forth . now let every man speake his opinion freely , as his owne want of discretion shall direct him . ho. some new device ? there be a thousand new devices , and a man could but remember one on 'em . sc. stay some strange shapes bottle . — silence , what doe you thinke and wee should all be fishes ? bo. he sayes well for silence , this must consist of mutes . scr. i can play a mute rarely . crab. you the mute ? as if no-body could speake but you : you the mute ? ho. and the river hard by , will serve us rarely to act in . scr. and when we dance under water , no bodie can see our footing . and you love me , let me be a whale : oh i can foot it curiously ; and i can drinke like a fish . bo. no . i doe not like these water-works . i was in a faire election to be drown'd at the last sheep-shearing ; and the cramp is a thing to be considered . no water-works . hob. what doe you say to birds : a device of birds ? bo. birds ? you 'll be an owle too . hob. i have been taken for one in a tree a hundred times . he counterfeits the voice of an owle . bot. no , i have thought of a conceit — dee hear ? we scorne fishes , they are dull , phlegmatick things , and your birds at best are melancholly matters . what doe you think of — hob. beasts then : let us all be beasts bottle . bot. be all asses will you not ? bou'y tee agen . play the fooles your selves , doe , and see how the prince will like it , if bottle be out . i am a puppy , i ? no , no . scr. nay , nay , honest bottle : did you not bid every man speak according to his discretion ? bot. i grant you ; but is there discretion in a beast ? let us all play the beasts quotha ? oh , i could bee as musty as the prince now ; but i am of too sweet a nature to flie out : which makes you presume . well , now or never , will you be rul'd yet ? hob. now , and never too , bottle ? omnes . a bottle , a bottle . silence , breake silence . bot. why then , i 'le make you all princes or lords , or something else that shall bee little better : and because we are all shepheards , wee 'll doe a thing proper to our callings . omn. that , that bottle . bot. what doe you say ? if we act the tragedie of the golden fleece ? cra. how ? a tragedy to make the prince merry ? bot. there 's the conceit : if he doe not laugh at every man of us , i le lose my part of the next possit , neighbour . scr. he cannot choose . bot. you all remember the story of jason , that sail'd to colchos , with hercules , and a company of blades , where he kill'd the brazen-footed bulls , and the fierie dragons . bot. let me see , how many actors are wee ? — the number will serve , well let me see , first , who shall doe hercules in the lions belly ? hob. belly ? bot. why in the lions skinne , 't is all one . shr. i le doe hercules . hob. let shrub doe hercules , he has plaid afore . shr. i have a club already , and i know where a terrible lion is , if any man will but flea off his skin for me : let me alone . hee struts and speaks small . omn. a shrub a hercules . bot. who shall do lady medea the kings daughter , that fell in love with jason , and bewitched the dragon ? toad . i 'le doe the lady , and the kings daughter , and for a witch i am right by the mothers side . [ he speaks big . ] cra. his very voice will conjure . toad . who playes jason my sweet-heart ? hob. is jason a man or a woman ? bot. jason is a kings sonne , and captaine of a ship call'd argo . crab. for a prince or an emperour , i know where a choice might be made . but i have no heart to the captaine . bot. your reason neighbour crab . crab. i know not which limbe i can best spare , and carpenters makes but scurvie legges . at foot-ball , or fifty-cuffes , i feare no prince under the moon . bot. you fight against no bodie but bulls , and fiery dragons . cra. doe i not ? bot. and they must bee all fast asleep when you kill 'em ; nay , hercules himselfe must take your part too . crab. nay then let me alone . bot. now my masters , who shall doe the dragon ? scr. is it a he , or a she dragon ? bot. no matter which . scrip. what doe you think of my wife ? she 'll do 't . she does the dragon at home , 'twod do a mans heart good to be out of the house ; no body is able to endure her ; shee is a flying dragon , and will fit you rarely — bot. we wo'not be troubled with women ; and you 'll do 't your self ; well and good . scr. rather then the play shall not goe forward my wife shall teach me my part . hob. doe you meane i shall have no part ? shall hobbinoll play nothing ? clout has no part neither . bot. you shall be medeas brother , absirtus , a little childe . hob. i shall bee too tall . bot. you must be cut a peeces , and have your limbs throwne about the waves . crab. and when your legges , and your head are cut off , you will be no bigger then a childe : wee 'll take a course to make you little enough . and clout , doe you see ? you shall be the ship , hung all round about with flags , and fine things , we cannot come to colchos without you . clout . shall i play the ship ? let me alone to carrie my body swimming . crab. have a care you doe not leake before the prince ; and bee sure to carry a good winde in your poop-clout . but stay , all this while , who shall doe the golden fleece ? bottle , you forget that ? bot. the chiefe part in the play , and one that must weare the best cloathes too . crab. why let some body else doe jason , and i le doe the golden fleece . scr. or i. hob. or i. to . or any body — or what if we left out the golden fleece ? bot. what if you left out the play ? the golden fleece out ? why 't is the name , and the onely rich thing in the play . scr. why then leave out the ship . cl. yes , and goe by land to colchos . may not somebody doe two parts . let scrip doe the dragon and the kings daughter . cr. or leave out the little boy ; he has but a small part . hob. i le be cut in pieces a hundred times first , leave out hercules and you will , or jason : if i doe not fit you crab . shr. why hercules , left out , good-man hobbinoll ? toad . no mutiny shrub , neighbour crab . shrub strikes hob : they all fight . bot. so so , we shall have a tragedy indeed ; have a care of the kings daughter among you . hold , they 'll teare clout all to peeces , have a care of the ship . cr. sinke or swim , i care not . clout . oh my ribs ! bot. he that gives the next blow shall lose his share , if he be not turn'd out of the company . what my masters , you shal not fall out about this golden fleece : i kept that part for my selfe i warrant you ; you shall not fall out about sharing : i am resolved the golden fleece is mine , as i am the best actor , and master of the company . clout . bottle indeed had no part before : so , so , then we are all friends , and fitted . hob. when shall we have out parts ? oh bottle how i thirst ! when our parts ? bot. part ? why you must doe it instantly , the prince stayes for 't . shr. how ? the lion is to be kill'd , whose skin i must weare when i play hercules . clout . doe you thinke , i can doe the ship , and have not halfe my ●acklings about me ? scrip. and i have not practised to spit fire yet . bot. i knew what a company of sots you would be . you 'll be hercules , and you 'll be a whale , and you 'll be a ship , and you 'll be a dragon , and you will be a lady . you actors ? you animals , to undertake a play , and aske when you shall have your parts ; oh i am asham'd ! but there is no remedy , with such dull capacities : do you remember the antick dance , i taught you last ? that shall serve for this time . the prince keeps his old walke : be sure to be within reach of my voice , when i call you . get behinde the trees ; i spy him . exit . enter paris . par. what is it to be sprung of kingly race , or have the bloud of priam in my veines , yet dare not call him father ? he was cruell , thus for a dreame to banish me his sight , and my deare mothers armes . bot. within . so ho , ho , ho . par. this busie shepheard will afflict me stil with his unseasonable mirth ; i am onely in love with melancholy ; pleasures are tedious to my soule ; must i be ever confin'd to woods ? are beasts or men more wilde than they , companions for a prince ? are these fit ornaments of state ? is this a pallace ? bot. within . so ho , ho , ho . par. again ? would i could hide me from the world ; i will goe seek my dwelling in some rock where never day shall be acquainted with me ; the sun whose beams cheare all the world beside , shines like a comet o're my head . enter bottle . bot. so ho , ho , ho . i thought we had lost you : why how now ? still in this humour ? will your highnesse never be a changeling ? de'e heare sir ; i met your your nurse at the bottome of the hill . par. what nurse ? bot. the charitable beare that gave you suck ; for though you be a prince borne , your parents would not be at the charge to bring you up at court ; mistris ursula , and i , have have been the best friends to your bloud roiall . par. i prethee leave me . bot. leave my young prince in a wood ? a word to the wise — are not you in love ? par. in love ? with what ? bot. nay , i doe not know what wilde beast hath entangled you : but i have a shrewd suspition ; for thus simply did i look by all report , when i was in love too , it had almost undone me , for it infected me with poetrie ; and i grew witty to the admiration of all the owles in ida. you shall heare my verses . heigh-ho , what shall a shepheard doe , that is love , and cannot woe ? by sad experience now i finde , that love is dumbe as well as blinde . her haire is bright , her forehead high , then am i taken with her eye : her cheeks i must commend for gay , but then her nose hangs in my way . her lips i like , but then steps in her white and prettie dimpled chin . but then her neck i doe behold , fit to be hang'd in chaines of gold . her breast is soft as any downe , beneath which lies her maiden-towne , so strong and fortifi'd within , there is no hope to take it in . and so forth . but i thank my dutifull father , hee cur'd me with a flaile , and most learnedly thresh'd blinde cupid out of my sides . i had been no bottle of this world else . par. if thou dost love mee , doe not interrupt me , i would be private . bot. i would be loath to be unmannerly , and hinder a princely recreation : but i see no temptations , nothing in the likenesse of a petticote . what would you be private for ? par. i have some serious thoughts to examine , if thou wilt use thy diligence to keep off those that rudely would disturbe my present retirement : trust me , i le reward thy care with my best weather . bottle . weather ? you are wise ; doe you think , sir , i have so little honesty , to be sir pandarus to your melancholy . illo , ho . — par. what , art thou mad ? bot. you are little better : if you can get their consent . par. whose consent ? bot. hobinoll , crab , toad-stoole , — illo ho , boyes . some friends of yours , that sent me to hunt out your highnesse , your humble subjects and play-fellowes , that have a minde to be merrie . — to tell you true , we have taken notice of your sullen disposition ; and therefore halfe a dozen , have penn'd a dance to revile your spirits . simple as i appeare , my head had a hand in it . if you doe heare an oration over and above , by way of a preparative to the physick we intend , so . i name no body : all the shepheards wit is not a wool-gathering . therefore stir not my deare prince , as you will answer the contempt of our authority at your perill . exit . par. what a strange rudenesse am i forc'd to obey ? unhappy paris ! thy ungentle starres , not onely have decreed thy cruell exile , from those delights thy bloud and birth should challenge , but by their fatall doome vouchsafe thee not to enjoy a quiet miserie . bag pipes are heard . enter bottle . bot. hold thou unlearned bag-pipe : for now i am to act a speech unto the sonne of priam . hum , hum . most noble prince ! you must not lie down yet . most noble prince ! behold thy bottle here , thy well-beloved bottle does appeare , with many more that shall be seen hereafter , to tickle thy kinde spleen into a laughter : with feare and wit , or without feare and wit , we come , as it becomes , to friske a bit , in a ridiculous round : and therefore lye thee downe and laugh , now you may lye down , so . thee downe and laugh , for we doe meane , whereby it may be said in a well-written dance to shew thee sport , our heeles for to advance . which is an excellent thing . banish thy feares , oh lovely prince , bred up amongst the beares , and beare with us . the shepheards enter , and dance . on the suddain other musicke is heard ; and mercury descending ; the shepheards run in . par. what mist doth dwell about my eyes ? i feele their heavy curtaines fall ; welcome soft sleep , the cure of all unrest . helpe to repaire the broken silence of my braine , distill thy balme into my wounded thoughts ; oh see i doe obey , and throw my cares on thee . dormit . a song . cease warring thoughts , and let his braine no more discord entertaine , but be smooth and calme againe . yee crystall rivers that are nigh , as your streames are passing by , teach your murmurs harmony . yee windes that wait upon the spring , and perfumes to flowers do bring : let your amorous whispers here breath soft musick to his eare . yee warbling nightingales repaire from every wood , to charme this aire , and with the wonders of your breast , each striving to excell the rest . when it is time to wake him , close your parts , and drop downe from the trees with broken hearts mer. young priam's son , and darling of the gods , i mercurie , winged messenger of jove , by his command have lest his spangled court , and through the silver orbes descend to tell thee , that he hath chosen thee to be the judge between three deities , which shall best deserve this golden ball : juno his queen of heaven , pallas the goddesse of faire arts , and armes , and citherea , queen of love and beautie . shake off thy clouds of sleep , and freed from all distractions , prepare to heare them plead their glories here . imperiall juno drawne be her proud birds , is stooping from her coach . the jove-borne maid already hath dismounted the paphian queen with her young archer drawne by swans more white than rodopcian snow , is now descending from her chariot , and on the green plush of this ida hill they all move to thee with celestiall pace . paris awake , jove doth his herald call , to the most worthy give this golden ball . ascendit . par. what have i seene ? what strange but heavenly dreame hath paris had : he spies the ball . yet this presents more then an emptie shadow , i 'me sure it grew not here ; there are no trees that beare such fruit in ida ; such as these grew in the orchard of hesperides , and ever guarded by a watchfull dragon . then jove hath gather'd it and sent it me . what 's here inscrib'd ? this to the best deserver ! i am not then deluded ; it is fit i should observe with all obedience great joves command . soft musick . what sacred change is this ? such harmony must needs speak the approach of the celestiall powers . song of juno within . jove sent thee paris ; what is mine , be safely bold ; and for that trifle i resigne a wreath of gold . obey then and command , thou canst not be just to thy selfe , if not to me . pallas . twice happy in thy choise : be wise , ere thou dispence this treasure , give thy reason eyes , and blinde thy sence , thus armes and arts thy humble name shall raise , alike to wreathes of oakes and bayes . venus . she , whom all suppliants else implore is here made thine , and will for this a gift restore , no lesse divine . the best of pleasures thus enjoy , and trie , where beantie courts who can denie . chorus . examine princely shepheard here the offerings which we send thee , how for that narrow golden sphere , wealth , fame and love attend thee . and judge by this , how large these honours be , none to each other yeeld , yet all to thee . juno , pallas , and venus at severall places appea juno attended by a king and a senator . pallas by a souldier , and a philosopher . venus by hymen and cupid . they dance : at the close , all remove , but the three goddesses . paris kneeles . juno . put off thy wonder paris , and collect thy scattered sences in our temples , we expect those hummble adorations and sacrifice from mortalls , that doe bring petitions to our altars . we are come juno , minerva , and the sea-borne queen , from our bright pallaces , to sue to thee : ( thinke it no staine to our celestiall nature ) that golden ball , sent thee by jove , to be her prize , whose merits can obtaine it from thy equall sentence of us three , hath brought our competition hither ; be just paris , and live for ever happy . par. how shall paris , whose yeares are green , & too unripe for judgment , decide the worth of three such deities . which not a counsell of the gods themselves , hath wisedome to determine ? juno . we will plead our owne deserts before thee , to which give thy fixt attention , and heare juno first court thy election . par. humbly i attend . juno . i le not insist , that i am with the vote of all the gods first both in place and title : th' olimpian empresse , joves wife and sister , these are but names and shadowes of my greatnesse , and which doe rather fright , than win from mortalls , whose sense must let in objects to the soule : know paris , with that scepter i controule , not skies alone , but all this under world : kingdoms and crowns are mine , all wealth contain'd in neptunes watry circle , or the veines of earth as subject to my gift and largesse . min. with favour of great junoes empire , she that disposeth golden mines at pleasure , ( 't is strange ) should hold contention for a ball . juno . i doe , and will reward it with more treasure then his ambition knowes how to aske : not that i prize that poore and narrow globe , but that i hate , pallas should be competitour , or any with saturnia ; give it me , and i will furnish thee with the same mettall , to build thy self a pallace , about which , the yellow tagus , and iberus streames , asian pactolus , and the indian ganges , shall flow with golden sands : let thy birth paris , put thee in minde what 't is to be a monarch . i will adorne thy temples with a wreath , whose flame shall dimme bright ariadnes crowne , embellish'd with the glorious lamps of heaven : name but the bounds and limits of thy empire ; asia shall bow , and all her stubborne princes , like petty homagers shall kneele before thee , and lay their shining scepters at thy feet ; europe shall prostrate all her provinces , and glorie in her servitude , incline to me , and india shall send thee pearles , as tribute to bestow upon thy queens ; the precious ermynes shall without pursuit present thee with her skins : and the cold climes bring home rich furres , and sables to adorne thee . the servile roomes within thy pallace , shall have babilonian hangings , and rich shapes , wrought by the needle of semyramis . the fish shal bring thee purple to the shore . panchaia send thee spice , and wealthy gummes , such as the assyrian bird doth fill her nest with , when she prepares for sacrifice . the spoiles of silk-worms shal make proud thy meanest grooms . what shall i say , present that ball to me , and in exchange i le give the world to thee . pa. juno hath said ; and were not pallas here , might tempt thee paris to forget thy selfe : her promises are vast , and full of state , but weigh'd with what minerva can bestow , they shrinke to aire , and thou ixion-like , embracing juno dost but graspe a cloud . nay , if thou dost examine well her gifts , how ' ere their flattering sound affect thy eare , or their possession court thy eye with shew , and specious glories , thou shalt finde within , they have disguis'd a poison , that doth lurke to infect thy minde , and kill with their corruption thy intellectuall beauties , by soft ease a sordid avarice , coward thoughts , and all the traine of lust and lethargies that hang upon a masculine soule ; where thy acceptance of what is in my power , shall make thee scorne these things of care and golden slaverie , that foole and flinty consciences adore , and grasp'd , like theeving sands steal through our fingers . i le give thee wisedome paris , in which name i comprehend all harmony of earth , and heaven , and make thee kinse-man to the gods . nature shall open her darke bosome to thee , and give thee leave to rifle all her wonders : the virgin arts shall court thee to be call'd their oracle , and whatsoe're the extent of that wide orbe containes , whose bounds shut up the universall creature , shall unveile their beauties , and be proud to enrich thy knowledge . ven. juno and pallas promise gallantly . pa. yet this concludes not , what minerva can bestow upon her paris ; if the arts inflame thee not , or doe appeare lesse active , and glorious to meet thy fierce ambition . fame shall want breath to tell the world what triumphs shall crowne thy name in warre , if pallas arme thy breast with courage , which my bounty throwes to thy acceptance ; if that ball be mine , i le give thee a spirit trojan , and such conquests by thy owne valour , as at once shall fright , and please the hearers faith : nations shall tremble to mention thy great acts , whose memory shall out-live all egyptian pyramids , and bloome when winters have defac'd the world , and feeble time shall droop and halt with age : trophies shall fall in dutie to thy sword , and captive princes wait upon thy chariot . some shall build statues , others invent games , some temples to thy name , while holy priests and virgin quires shall make it their religion , to pay thee songs , and crowne thy images with ever-springing garlands . be wife , paris , resolve to make that golden circle mine , both arts and armes shall make their glories thine . ven. what words ? what argument to move thee paris is left for cytherea ? mighty juno woes thy ambition with state and kingdomes , courting thy genius in a shower of gold : pallas not onely will inspire thy soule , with valour , on which victory shall waite , and crowne thy head with her immortall laurells , but make thee rich in science , and uncloud the sacred beauties of all art and nature . these bounties seem to have left venus nothing ; but when my power and gifts come to the ballance , paris shall see their glories , thinne and light , fly into aire : i am the queen of love : thinke but how poore are pallas victories , when i have made her greatest souldiers tame , forc'd 'em look pale , and tremble , sigh and weep , ready to give their ghost up at a frowne , and thinke my smile or kisse their onely heaven . her oracles of wisedome and philosophy have been my fooles , & all their strength of learning , but able to expresse great loves supremacie , and my dominions boundlesse . what doe i boast the extent of my command on earth ? when under my diviner ensignes march etheriall troops ? my power confest by jove to sway in heaven : and what are all the treasures and gifts of juno , kingdomes pil'd on kingdomes ? which at the best but multiply thy cares to keep , if love be not propitious to thee ? who can discharge a thousand stings upon thy heart , and make it prisoner when i please . juno . the goddesse of vexation we allow thee . ven. but these are not the motives to incline thy thoughts young prince to me ; thus fear , not love should plead for me , although the torments are high and consuming , where i fixe displeasure , the joyes i poure upon my favourites shall be my orators , whose endlesse charmes are above counter-magick , and shall tie thy soule in everlasting chains of love . poets have feign'd elysium after death , which thou shalt here possesse ; and all the pleasure of those blest shades , they talke of in their songs , shall spread themselves before thee , which thou shalt possesse as lord , not tenant to the groves . it shall be ever spring , and ever summer , where paris shall inhabit , all rude aires , the killing dewes , tempest , and lightning , shall be strangers to thy walkes , which the west winde shall with their soft and gentle gales perfume . the laurell and the mirtle shall compose thy arbours , inter-woven with the rose , and honey-dropping wood-bine ; on the ground the flowres ambitiously shall croud themselves into love-knots , and coronets , to entangle thy feet , that they may kisse them , as they tread , and keep them prisoners in their amorous stalkes . the violet shall weep when thou remov'st , and the pale lilly deck her innocent cheek with pearles to court thy stay ; the hyacinth , when thou art passing by her , shall disclose her purple bosome to thee , proud to be saluted by thy eye , and being left , blush , droop , and wither , like a love-sick virgin . doth paris thirst ? rivers of nectar flow in every chrystall channell : wouldst thou feed , the trees shall bow under their heavenly fruit , and offer their ambrosia to thy gathering . nor shalt thou be alone , a thousand nymphes , fairer then ever thy eyes gaz'd upon , shall wait upon my darling , and with sport make thy delight immortall : these at last to crowne thy joyes shall lead thee to a mistris , compar'd to whom , their beauties have no name ; in whose least part more wonders shall invite thy amaz'd eye ▪ than all the queens of earth can boast together ▪ and this beauties heaven will i bestow on paris , in whose love he shall possesse more raptures , than are sands in all the glasse of time . juno fine aery blessings ; a small art will distinguish 'twixt us three who can deserve thee best . par. i am transported , and first my humble gratitude presented for this , an honour above all , that has a name in story , lent to grace a mortall , and give me patience you deviner natures , if it distract , and fright my weaker counsells . it is not safe to thinke , what language then shall have the confidence to expresse those thoughts that merit to be stifl'd ? i must tremble to be my selfe , and speak : yet if i dream not , i am commanded to resigne this ball , not mine , but hers , of you three best deserving : is 't not a sinne to name one best ? oh pardon ! that i had leave to whisper in the eare of jove two minutes . pal. it was meant by him , you should declare your selfe to us . ven. be confident , and wisedome guide the sentence . juno . 't is expected , be therefore bold and wise . par. i feele new courage infus'd ; there 's something spreads through every part , and chides my timerous youth into resolve of something that must be . omn. it must be welcome , we are prepar'd . par. great juno , i not dare to question your vast power , the world and you shut all up with one circle , wealth and kingdomes are able to strike blinde with their temptation ; the eyes of young ambition , and my birth had sure those seeds of glorie ; but my fate has stifled 'em , and made them so familiar with shades and humble thoughts , i cannot finde , my soule now fit for those desires . jun. despise my gifts ? perish in wants unpittied . pal. nay stay , and heare one more concluded juno . the ball is not bestow'd . par. 't is some unhappinesse , i look not with that admiration upon m●nerva's gifts . philosophy that teacheth to contemplate heaven and nature , carries some trouble with it : and for armes , there are enow will bleed to be triumphant , a limbe to me is better than a lawrel purchas'd with wounds ; your pardon , if i think the queen of love to be preferr'd , accept the ball bright citherea , and with it the humble heart of paris . jun. am i thus neglected by a boy ? how i despise him . pal. i pitie the fond youth . exit . par. they are both gone . ven. displeased . par. their anger frights not me , so i be welcome here . ven. be confidentt enter cupid . love shall confirme it : see my son appeares . cupid , i thought thou hadst been lost . cup. though blinde , i never lose my way to beautie : mother , i all this while but hover'd in the aire , to heare how paris would determine , and rejoyce in beauties triumph , and thy justice par. let juno fret , and pallas frowne , nature to all succeeding times shall prove , wealth , arts , & arms must yeeld to conquering love . cup. that name belongs to me . par. venus and cupid will no doubt agree . love dwels with beautie , they together move ; there is no beautie where there is not love . cup. for this choise , young paris know , while powerfull cupid hath a bow , a golden shaft , or skilfull hand , all shall move at thy command . par. you both make paris happy . ven. but where are our traine of graces , and the pleasant houres , to entertaine our darling ? where is hymen ? where is delight ? cup. mother they both appeare . enter hymen and delight song . hym. come yee graces come away . del. yee pleasant houres why doe you stay ? both . vpon your mistris wait . hym. see where in state the queen of love and beautie is . del. on such a solemne night as this , sacred to kissing : what bold nymph dare be missing ? hym. they come , they come , behold the modest graces . the graces and houres enter . del. for loves sake mend your paces , and blush not to be bold . hym. the houres have lost their wings , i feare , del. no , they appeare . chorus . and ida green is now the court of paphos queen : where every one doth welcome sing to venus , and their new made king . they all bow to venus . ven. all these wait on me , and i command them to attend on lovely paris . par. let me dwell ever with citherea , ida is turn'd heaven . ven. now let us dance , these pleasures are not active . they dance ; after which a song . the houres steale off . how dully all your joyes doe move , delight is crippled here . your motion should be like to that above , this is too thick a sphere . the feather-footed houres are fled away , asham'd to stay : then follow , flie , oh come , you must make haste , if you will taste loves new elysium . ven. we want some of our nymphes eunomia , faire diche , and irene , are they gone ? . grace . although we did entreat them stay , the pleasant houres are stolne away . ven. which way . grac. that way , to the elysian bowers . pa. wee 'll flye , and overtake the happy houres . exeunt . finis . notes, typically marginal, from the original text known defects for a .xml defect summary missing or defective tokens known defects on page a - -a incomplete or missing word on page -a, word : ●acklings known defects on page a - -a incomplete or missing word on page -a, word : m●nerva's love's cruelty shirley, james this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text s in the english short title catalog (stc ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. martin mueller incompletely or incorrectly transcribed words were reviewed and in many cases fixed by melina yeh lydia zoells this text has not been fully proofread earlyprint project evanston il, notre dame in, st.louis, washington mo distributed under a creative commons attribution-noncommercial . unported license a .xml loves crueltie. a tragedy, as it vvas presented by her majesties servants, at the private house in drury lane. written by james shirley gent. shirley, james, - . dpi tiff g page images university of michigan, digital library production service ann arbor, michigan october (tcp phase ) stc ( nd ed.) . greg, ii, . a

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 loves crueltie. a tragedy, as it vvas presented by her majesties servants, at the private house in drury lane. written by james shirley gent. loves cruelty. shirley, james, - . [ ] p. printed by tho. cotes, for andrew crooke, london : .

partly in verse.

signatures: [a] b-i .

running title reads: loves cruelty.

the last leaf is blank.

reproduction of the original in the folger shakespeare library.

 a shc love's cruelty shirley, james melina yeh lydia zoells play tragedy shc no a s (stc ). . b the rate of . defects per , words puts this text in the b category of texts with fewer than defects per , words. incorporated ~ , textual changes made to the shc corpus by hannah bredar, kate needham, and lydia zoells between april and july during visits, separately or together, to the bodleian, folger and houghton libraries as well as the rare book libraries at northwestern university and the university of chicago

loves crveltie . a tragedy , as it was presented by her majesties servants , at the private house in drury lane .

written by james shirley gent.

london , printed by tho. cotes , for andrew crooke . .

to the hopefull paire of noble brothers , cornet george porter , and mr. charles porter .

the knowledge of your growing virtues , have begot in all men love , in me admiration , and a desire to serve the manifold obligations i have to the true example of worth captaine endemion porter , instructed me to this presentation of my devoted respects to your noble selves , the true ideas of his virtues . you are so equall in all the attributes of goodnesse , that it were a difficult indeavor for mee to distinguish betweene your perfections : onely noble captaine that prioraty which your birth has allowed you , ingages me in the first place to tender my service to your selfe , which i imagin'd could not have beene really accomplish'd , had i not joynd your brother in this act of my gratitude to you . accept therefore heroicke paire of brothers , this tender of his best devotions , to you who has no greater ambition then to be esteemed ,

the true servant of both your virtues w. a.
loves crvelty .
actus primus . enter bellamente , clariana . cla. you shanot goe , indeed you shanot bel. lady . cla. vnlesse the fault of your poore entertainment bel. nay now you trespasse , and dishonour me with a suspition that i can be so vnjust , as not to acknowledge , you haue made a free , and liberall welcome � but excuse cla. love shall supply , what else hath beene defective , to expresse my thankes for your kind visit bel. t is businesse that now ravish me away by this white hand , which but to kisse , would tempt me to dwell an age here , i must waite vpon the duke cla.

why so you may

bel. t is now my time . cla. you are not tied to such a strict obseruance that halfe an houre can preiudice you , come i know you may dispence with dutie so much . bel. you may command ; cla , not any thing that shall reflect iniurious to your selfe , bel. i know you haue more charity . cla if there be other cause , that concernes your honor , or your fortune , trust me , i would not by a minites stay be guilty of your wrong , and yet me thinkes if there were any thing you might tell me ; ther 's not a thought , that i dare keepe from you , no sigh you may know from whence it breakes , i haue not had a teare , but you haue searchd the very spring , come i st some other friend ? bel. o doe not so farre wound your servant madam to thinke my heart can allow any time for the imagination of another woman , did all the goodnesse of the sexe conspire in one without you , i should loue my first election , and be blest to write all my devotion here ; if by the title of friend , you vnderstand a man , there is but one in the whole world i dare call friend , and i am confident it would trouble me as much to find a cause that would offend him as to be guilty of the sinne . cla. hippolito . bel. if he expected me a day , the crime were easily purg'd , i can presume on him cla. this is but little of that character i haue heard your tongue deliuer , if his loue be what you often haue proclaimd , trust me he is a treasure bel. such as both the indies sha'not buy , from me , cla. whatthing's rare in him 'bove other friends ? bel. his love his love clariana ; cla. that may be found in many bel. but not so rich of so exact a nature all other is but drossie ; cla. he will venture his life to aduance your cause bel. he has don 't often but that is not the thing for which i bosome hippolite , i can returne full weight of blood for his , engage my selfe to dangers as high and horrid as he can for me , but every daring fellow in the street can draw a sword , and will for his gay honour which swaies him more then his religion , i' th field maintaine a good or impious quarrell : but he is such a one to me , the name of friend 's too narrow for him , and i want a word that carries more divinitly to expresse his love . cla. you are not nice to extoll him , what has he done ? bel. an act above all friendship that yet had story , bov'e all recompence i am not capable of a cause , to quit his vnexampled vertue ; cla. this is strange bel. you will acknowledge when you heare it , and it does concerne you somewhat . cla. me , pray let not my ignorance make me so vnhappy , not to give my thankes if he hath aym'd apat of curtesie to me , what i st ? bel. he dares not see thee cla. dares not see me why am i so terrible ? does he feare i shall transforme him ? sure minerva never drest my haires , he should imagine i present medusa to him , dares not see me ? i shoot no infection , nor breath any mist that shall corrupt him , what 's his reason pray ? bel. because i love thee , i ha courted him as some would do their mistresse , but to be companion of one visit , and his love would not permit him cla. not to see your friend . bel. he loves me so well , that he dares not trust his frailty with thy sight , whom i have so commended , least before our marriage some thing should share in his affection which he hath studied to preserue intire for me , he will not trust his eyes with any beauty i loue , least they should stray with too much licence , and by degrees corrupt his faith he knowes not what may theiue upon his senses or what temptation may rise from him . to undoe us all cla. a rare and noble friendship . bel. i st not clariana ? cla. he need not feare i shall commit a rape upon his friendship , and a love so just and perfect as his , cannot with one sight of a woman , armd with more beauty then mine , be violated ; he dares not trust his frailty , he has faults belike though he be such a miracle in friendship , pray enioy him , and by no meanes tempt his soft nature to a crime so great as seeing me , it shall suffice my love 's to thee inviolable , and what opinion for your sake , i may modestly allow the man i never saw , because your friend be confident he has it . bel. thar' t all sweetnesse but i forget my attendance on the duke now you allow my absence , vertuous thoughts streame in your bosome . cla. not one kisse at parting ? bel. let one speake the devotion of your servant that would but dares not stay , to print a thousand , cla. milena . exit . mil madam , cla. is bellamente gone ? mil.

yes madam

cla. i must see this strange friend , bid make ready the caroch , and do attend � mil. i shall cla. dares not trust his frailty with a woman , a fine fellow enter hippolito . courtier . hip.

eubella come to court

cour. this morning sir and much grac'd by the duke , sebastian her father made a knight hip.

a knight ? wy much good do ot him , hee 's a gentleman may deserve it for his daughters sake . the duke has the advantage , he is able to make great men , there is no bande to a round pension per annum , or the severe brow of authority , promotion will turne the stomack , we under-sinners o' the common-wealth , ha nothing but our good parts to procure for us , she is like to become game royall then .

cour.

the duke pretends she shall be in some place neere the duchesse ,

hip.

in some neere place with the duke , when the duchesse is in another bed and never dreames on 't ; she may in time be a gamster , in the meane time the duke will play at cards with her , and if he chance turne up a coate , the honor shall be hers , and a stock perhaps to set up the precious sinne withall , is she not yet ladified ?

cour.

she is in the way to rise

hip.

thou art mistaken , she is in the way to fall , a hansome gentle woman and new come to court , in the high way to fall too , if any thing will do ot , the duke has taken a course to take in her maiden towns .

cour.

did not you love her ?

hip.

no faith , i cannot properly say i did ever love her , she was too honest , if she have praid since , she has beene sorry for loving me so well , � she was too wise to be a whoore , and i was not so much a foole to marry , till my time were come ,

cour.

what time ?

hip.

why the fall of the leafe , when my summer is over , the dog-days may do much wo me , marry before one and thirty ? a solescisme , t is more honorable to be a peepe out , then stand at a single game , t is neither courtly nor fashionable , and what 's become of her wise brother ?

cour.

he cannot do amisse in the generall aduancement , if his father and sister rise �

hip.

he must needs shew a high forehead , t is such a dog in a wheele , hee 'le never become a doublet in fashion , he talkes as if he had read poetry out of almanacks , and makes a leg like a farmer , i wonder who begot him ?

cour.

his father .

hip.

what father ? it had beene a question , had his mother beene a courtier , and not liv'd and died honest in the country , they that looke upon him , and his sister , would never think two , pollux and helena , twinnes , i' th same egge , yet she may be a good hen hereafter and lay , but and he be not addled , he is wiser then his nurse tooke him for

cour.

will you not see 'em in ?

hip.

where are they ?

co.

i' th garden where the duke hath beene this halfe houre in private discourse with her

hip.

no i le backe agen , i ha not eaten to day , and i dare not looke upon an honest woman fasting , t is ominous , and we have too many fishdayes already , if the duke aske for me make some excuse ,

co.

i owe my preferment to you , and you may challenge my services ,

enter bellamente . bel.

friend whither in such hast

hip.

if thou lov'st me interrupt me not , i dare not stay , there are new things at court , and i ha not provided a complement yet i le see thee anon .

bel. farewell . wild as the wind some crochet has possest him and he is fixt to follow 't he but wants a litle pruning , and no courtier could grow up more accomplisht , i could wish him an ounce or two of snow to qualifie some fury in his blood , were there no women he would be a brave man , but why do i trouble my selfe , that am secure ? the duke . enter duke leading eubella , sebastian , bovalda , court . du. you are too modest eu that was not wont to be a vice my lord or if it be too homely for the court and out of fashion , with your highnes pardon i shall be welcome with it , to the place i came from . seb. hold that constant my eubella . du. will you still be ignorant ? bo. is not that your daughter ? seb she was bo. has she found another father ? seb. she has found a miserie bo. let them tell the markes that lost it and take it agen by my consent du. bellamente bel. my lord du. is she not an excellent creature , wer 't not pitty that so much beautie should be cast away vpon a thanklesse woman ? be. how sir du. that wonot use it to her best advantage ? i have beene courting this houre for a smile . bel. i like not this seb. nor i . bel.

i cannot but congratulate your good fortune

seb. do not , do not you ever have beene held an honest man . pray , do not mock me , it has pleas'd his grace to give , me a new name ; a riban in my forehead bo. sebastian's a forehorse-but would i were to be the dukes taster , seb. but there 's a price too great set for the honor , that is my daughter sir , and though i say 't she is yet a virgin , would you part with such a child to buy a knighthood ? bribe at such expence for a poore title ? bel. t is darke language i dare not understand you , but you may mistake the duke seb. i wod i did , the way to be assurd is to aske the question sir du. sebastian you put us well in mind , we have forgot you have too litle testemonie of our favour you shall be captaine of our guard bo.

howe 's that ? the duke does love her , i hope not honestly , she was not borne to he a dutchesse , i have it heaven forgive us , the duke meanes to make her owne father the pander , t is so , he does not use to give such offices for nothing , well go thy wayes for a princely ferret , she cannot hold out upon these termes

seb. i know not what to say , but do you thinke she shall be safe here , is the court a sanctuary for virgins ? bo. t w'ere better you were both pickeld , seb. it depends upon the princes chastity whose example builds up vertue or makes iniquity a trade du. why should you be such an enemy to your selfe , come faire one thinke who it is that courts you , he that may command . eu. my life but not my honor . du. your honor ? why i offer in exchange a thousand . eu. but not all of value , to repurchase mine , when i have sold it to your wantonnesse , remember sir how much , you may by one black deed , make forfeit of , your precious eternity du. no doctrines eu. warrant not so much ill by your example to those that live beneath you , if you suffer , that sordid vice raigne in your blood , who shano't be afraid to live with vertue du. let a kisse correct this vnkind language bo. i want patience to see any man kisse a hansome gentlewoman , and when my owne lips cannot use their owne priviledge , i prophesie what will become on her , for all her modesty , but dare stay no longer the sight of so much temptation . seb. why should any promotion charme my honest tongue ? i de rather plough my owne acres with my innocence then have my name advanc'd by poisoned honor , he must not whoore my daughter be. i commend . your noble soule , but be advis'd how you expresse your trouble , griefe while it is dumb doth fret within , but when we give our thoughts articulate sound we must distinguish hearers , princes are dangerous and carry death vpon their tongue , i wish you well and speake my friendly counsell � 'las poore gentleman ! du. come you must weare this iewell , i ha don , but you must live at court eu. you will be just to your owne honor , and not give me cause to curse your entertainement du. y' are too scrupulous . seb. great sir du. give order for his patent to be drawne we will create him lord , no honor can reward your merit , and the title will become the father of this excellent maide co. his mouth 's stopd agen . . lord ? what does the duke meane ? . . no harme to the gentlewoman . co.

if these wonot purchase the old mans consent to leave his daughter to his highnesse mercie , for he rises that she may be humbled , there are other courses to be thought on , sebastian has beene a souldier , there are quarrells now in the world and christian warres he were a fit man for a generall when hee 's abroad , the siege at home wonot be so desperate .

. co. she must be the court starre : . co. do not you blaze it abroad neither , i do not thinke his grace will acquaint his counsell with such a cause .

the old man for ought i see has no stomack to it :

du. where 's hippolito ? . co. i see him this morning . du. he is an active courtier , practis'd in these amorous paths , wee le try his skill to winne her to our close embrace , command him presently waite on vs bellamenti . seb. we heare you are to be married . eu. ill tell you more hereafter i do not like the court , and yet i have his royall word no force shall touch my chastity . seb. be resolute for thy honor , i weigh not the titles he would heape , remember girle thy mothers vertue , since thy birth , though noble cannot expect his courtship for thy selfe , scorne to be cald a lady for his pleasure enter bovaldo du. signior boualdo , where 's your sonne ? bo. so please your highnesse hee 's not i th court vnlesse he be in some o' the lobbyes , i could not examine all : ha ? t is come about , and the father i le lay my life is laying the law to her ,

why was not i a duke , i have as many titillations , though i be the elder huntsman .

du. you would not thanke us for a law , that none about our court should marry ere we choose a wife our selfe . be. your grace is pleasant du. tell me what hast heard of that eubella ? bel. a very noble character . du. what doe you call noble ? bel. shee 's chast and vertuous du. a vertuous folly but we let her coole too much ; eubella seb. i know not , still i feare her innocence is not enough to guard her , if the duke pursue her vitiously , what is a virgin against so many flattering temptations ? du. come fairest . seb. i would you would be pleasd my lord du. i am infinitely pleasd my lord , with that rare modesty sets on this cheeke , and with thy selfe whom we have not yet grac'd sufficiently , our state doth want such able honest men , and we admit you to our high and secret counsels ; i prophesie the dukedome shall owe much to your care , and grave directions . exeunt all but sebastian and bovaldo . bo. hayda a privy counselor too . we are like to have fine smock-age on t , virgins will be virgins if the duke hold this humour and at such price forestall the market ; a widow will be excellent meat againe ; hee 's melancholy , seb. shall i be choakd with honors and not speake ? where is my courage , shall a few gay titles corrupt a father ? bovaldo thou art reported a good fellow . bo. would you were as right for your owne sake : seb. is there no tricke to give a man a spirit ? i would be valiant ; i dare not talke ; bo. if you have a mind to quarrell drinke . seb. well thought on , that shall arme me against all his flattery shall 's to a tauerne ? bo. i le beare you company seb. it shall be so ; the courts too open , you shall command sebastian bo. my lord � seb.

no titles , i le thither to forget em and drinke my selfe into a heate above his conjuration , if there be a spirit in wine i le swallow it : how is man falne ; that to preserue his name and defend innocence must fly to shame .

bo.

i le lead you sir .

actus secundus . enter hippolito fencer . hip. come on sir . fen. pretty well i protest la , keepe your guard , now sir hip. what de' e thinke on t , i shall never hit your subtle body fen. a very dextrous profer , bring it home , everwhile you live bring your weapon home , hip. agen sir fe. but you do not hit me the neat schoole-way , i wont give a rush to be kild out of the schoole-way , you must falsifie thus . hip. how now man ? fe. pretty well , let us breath enter page and whispers to his master . hi. a gentlewoman ? pag. that has woed me sir , if it were possible , to see you first at some distance hi. is she hansome ? pa. i am no competent judge of beauty , but if you will have my verdit , she is guilty of a good face . hi. i le trouble you no more , i thanke you for this exercise fe. the tother bout pa. faces about good , master fencer , my master has some businesse you and i will trie a veine below fe. i would have another thrust i protest pa. not downe staires , what if my master desire to try his skill with some body else . exit . enter clariana . hi. what means the gentlewoman ? i am not to be bought lady . cla. if you were i have not wealth enough to purchase you . hi. do not over value me neither . cla. i would i had not seene him hi. have you businesse with me lady ? expect me in the next roome . cla. i came sir but to see you hi. to see how i doe , why i thanke you , you are pretty , and i am'well , what and they were both put together cla. you may accuse my modesty that thus rudely , � hi, nay lady , you cannot offend me that way , i can be as rude as you � cla. what shall i say ? d' ee know me sir ? hi. no good faith not i , but i shall desire to know you any way you please cla. did you never see me ? hi. see you ? you have a beauty would challenge a remembrance but sure i was not so happy till this minute cla. you are a courtier and can flatter . hi. and such beauty was made to be flattered cla. t is a signe it carries not merit enough along to justifie it but t is as it is , i cannot help it , yet i could paint if i list hi. the more excellent , i do not love your artificiall faces , give me one that dates blush , and have but her owne colour for 't her'e 's a cheeke hath both creame and strawberie in 't a lip with cheeries that say come eate me . cla. you are very bold hi. not so bold as you are welcome , you say you came to see me and i would satisfie more then one of your sences . i do not know your name , cla. what would you do with it , if i told you ? hi. lay it up precious to memory , and open it as a relick for men to do it reverence , at my crowned table drinke a health to the excellent owner , and call it my everlasting valentine . cla. you would not hi. by this kisse but i would ; cla. no swearing hip. i cannot take too deepe an oath in such briske claret , say shall i know it lady ? cla.

excuse me sir

i would not have my name be the tost for every cup of sack you drinke , you wild gallants have no mercy upon gentlewomen , when you are warme i the canaries

hi.

why conceale it , i am not in love with a name , and yet i have a grudging , a suspition , that you ha paund or lost it

cla. what ? hi.

your good name , but let it go , i can tarry 'till you recover it , i have a bed with in lady , and a couch .

cla. what to do ? hi. nothing but to laugh and ly downe : cla.

you are very merry sir . i do like him infinitly , i came for no such purpose , i am not so weary but i can walke

hi. there is a gallery to walke after . cla. i find it true , what you are reported ; hi. leave this impertinency , and resolue me agen what you came hither for cla. if you will have the truth , i heard you had a wit , and a tall one , and i came hither hi. to take it downe , cla.

to try the keenesse , i confesse it has a pretty edge on t , not altogether so sharpe as a rasor

hi. very good , i shall love this periwinke . cla. they say you love women too hi. so they , say , but dare not ly with e'm cla.

i do not beleeve you can love any woman truly , that love so many

hi. be like you hold some intelligence in my affaires , and have a catalogue of all my gennets , i thinke there be some women in the world that wish me well , and shan't i love 'em againe ? the misery on 't is , i have never a mistresse cla. do you not confesse many ? hi.

women i grant , some moveables , trimmings for a chamber things that serve the turne , but never a mistresse one that i would love and honor above all , my lady paramount , and super-intendent lindabrides and such an empresse would thou wert .

enter page . pa. sir one from the duke hi. the duke ; lady i le waite upon you presently . cla. i dare not name his friend nor who i am all is not well within me . hi.

say i attend his grace immediately , lady pardon my former rude trespasses , how vnwelcome the cause is that must divorce me from your sweet company i can onely imagine , but if you dare be so gracious , having already so much honord me to entertaine the time of my absence in that gallery , where some pictures may helpe away the time , you will oblige in the highest degree your servant , as i am a gentleman i will returne instantly , and acknowledge the infinite favors :

cla. the worst is past already , and i am desperately engag'd i have not yet exprest the businesse sir that brought me hither , confident of your noblenesse i will expect a while , pray send my servant to me good fortunes w' ee hi. i must not loose her yet , lady with your pardon , you shall keepe possession a while , this key will secure you till my returne .

i hope it will be a fashion shortly for gentlewomen to come home and take their tribute , it will be some reliefe to our landresses .

venus grant me a speedy returne , and she scapes me very hard if she have not her come againe . exe. enter duke , bellamente , eubella , courtiers . du. yet lady have you changd your resolution may i now hope to be admitted ? eu. whether ? du. to your embraces eu. sir i dare not tell you what i would say , i would some other man might pleade your argument , i should be plaine and bolder in my answer , in your person there 's something makes me fearefull to expresse what is behind , another in your name would more encourage me to speake . du. i 'me glad , i have provided for your modestie i wonder hee 's so tedious � eu. whither will these libidnous flames of men . pursue poore virgins ? does a generall feaver possesse their blood ? who shall protect the chast ? enter hip. hi. when would you have me do ot ? du. now she is in presence . hi. i am not so well fortified as i may be an houre hence du. it must not be delaid , i will prepare her . hi.

i am undone , the poore gentlewoman will be in purgatory when she finds i ha lock'd her up , and how to release her i know not , no tricke , no device ? bellamento prethee friend go to my lodging , and with this key release a gentlewoman , that expects my returne , the duke has put a scuruy businesse upon me , kisse her hand for me , and excuse my stay , wot ? tell her hereafter i hope we shall meet and not be distracted , my honor is in pawne ,

bel. you dare trust me with your tame foule belike , for once because there is necessity , i le take some compassion a your pigions , yet you refusd to see my mistresse , d' ee remember ? hi. no quittance now . du. this is the man lady , d' ee start already ? winne her to the game � hi. i le do what i canne ; i may have better luck for you then for my selfe , give us opportunity . eu. has the duke pointed him to be his oratour hi. lady i bring you newes , which you must welcome , and give me thanks for , eu. if they be worthy . hi. the duke loves you . eu. d' ee know sir what you say ? hi. i am not drunke , the duke , i say does love you eu. oh do not use that modest name of love to apparrell sinne , i know you meant to tell me the duke pursues me with hot lust . hip.

you are a foole ,

you understand his meaning , will you be wise , and meet it ? such favours are not offred to every body , i ha knowne as hansome a lady as you , would ha given all the world , and her selfe too for a bribe to any man that would ha procured her but a kisse , nay as honest women no dispraise ha longd for 't , and it was mercie in his highnesse to save the childs nose , you have the whole treasure presented to you , jupiter in a golden shower falling into your lap intreats to be accepted , come you must receive him

eu. whom ? hip. the duke eu. withall the duty of a servant , hi. that 's well said eu. if he bring vertuous thoughts along with him hi.

bring a fiddlestick , come you do not know what it is to be a dukes mistresse , to enjoy the pleasures o' the court to have all heads bare , the knees bow to you , every doore fly open as you tread , with your breath to raise this gentleman , pull downe that lord , and new mold the tother lady , weare upon a tire the wealth of a province , have all the fashions brought first to you , all courtiers sue to you , tilts and turnaments for you ; to have the aire you live in , nay your very breath perfumd , the pavement you tread upon kisst , nay your dog , or munkey , not saluted without an officious leg , and some title of reverence . are you melancholy ? a maske is prepared , and musicke to charme orpheus himselfe into a stone , numbers presented to your eare that shall speake the soule of the immortall english ionson , a scene to take your eye with wonder , now to see a forrest move , and the pride of summer brought into a walking wood , in the instant as if the sea had swallowed up the earth , to see waves capering about tall ships , arion upon a rocke playing to the dolphins , the tritons calling up the sea-nimphes to dance before you : in the height of this rapture a tempest so artificiall and suddaine in the clouds , with a generall darkenes and thunder so seeming made to threaten , that you would cry out with the marriners in the worke , you cannot scape drowning , in the turning of an eye , these waters ravish into a heaven , glorious and angelicall shapes presented , the starres distinctly with their motion and musick so inchanting you , that you would wish to be drowned indeed , to dwell in such a happinesse

eu. fine painted blessings ! hip.

will you feast , the water shall be summond to bring in her finny and shell inhabitants , the aire shall be unpeopled , and the birds come singing to their sacrifice , banquets shall spread like wildernesses , and present more variety then men can possibly take in surfets . are you sicke ? all the court shall take phisick for you , if but your finger ake , the lords shall put on night-caps , and happiest that courtier that can first betray how much he suffers with you . doth not this pallace please , the court remoues to morrow : doth the scituation distast , new places are built , and piramids to put downe the egyptians : will you hunt to day ? the game is provided and taught newes to delight you : will you take the pleasure of the river ? the barge attends , musicke and the marmaides go along , swannes dy a long the shores and sing their owne dirges : will you spend ? the exchequer is yours all honor and offices yours , and which is the crowne of all , the duke himselfe is yours , whose ambition shall be to make those pleasures lasting , and every day create new ones to delight his mistresse .

eu. and yet i thinke you would not give away your right hand for all these , much lesse present a poniard to your heart and stab your selfe . hi. i thinke i should not . eu. and would you tempt me to do worse ? hi. worse ? eu. to sell my honor basely for these vanities hi. vanities ? eu. meere trifles . hi. and you go to that lady , that which you part withall for all these pleasures , is but a trifle eu. what ? hi.

your maidenhead ? where is it ? who ever saw it ? is it a thing in nature ? what markes has it ? many have beene lost you 'ld say , who ever found em ' ? and could say and iustifie , this is such or such a womans maidenhead ? a mere fiction , and yet you thinke you have such a iewell on 't

eu. you cannot be so ignorant as you seeme hi. i tell you what i thinke . eu. is chastity and innocence no treasure ? are holy thoughts and virgin puritie of so small value ? where is your religion ? were we created men and women to have a command and empire ore the creatures and shall we loose our priviledge our charter and wilfully degrad our selves of reason and piety , to live like beasts , nay be such ? for what name else can we allow our selves ? hath it been held in every age a vertue rather to suffer death then staine our honor ? does every sinne stricke at the soule and wound it and shall not this , so foule as modesty allowes no name , affright us ? can the duke whose wicked cause you plead , with justice punish those by his lawes that in this kind offend , and can he thinke me innocent , or himselfe when he has plaid the foule adulterer ? princes are gods on earth and as their virtues doe shine more exemplary to the world so they stricke more immediately at heaven when they offend . hi. i did not trouble you with this divinity , eu. i see you are a gentleman he favours be worthy of his trust , and counsell him to better wayes , his shame is your dishonor ; for every good man suffers with his prince : put him in the memory of the holy vow , when he received his septer he promis'd then protection to the innocent ; tell him the punishment in store for lust this were an angels office . hi. but i le not doo 't for a hundred angells , thanke you as much as though i did , that were the tricke of a wise courtier , tell the prince of his faults eu. if he have but the seeds of goodnesse in him hee 'll take it well hi. he shall doe when i take it upon me , i am not weary o' my place , thou wodst make a very fine court surgeon � well d ee heare , you wo'not doe this feate for the duke then ? eu. i dare not . hi.

you wonot y' are resolv'd for his sake , why then prethee doo 't for mine , you told me once you lov'd me , i le take it as a courtesie ;

eu. i never lov'd your vicious wayes ; hi. my wayes , they shanot trouble you , i le take my owne course , meet him but to night for my sake and twine with him . eu. i le sooner meete with a disease , with death ; you are ignoble , do you urge it as an argument of my respect to you to sinne against my love ? hi. i shall do no good upon her � were i the duke , you should find another usage . eu. a tirant might do any thing enter duke du. how now is she moist and supple ? will she stoope to the impression ? hi.

i told you sir , i was not arm'd toth ' purpose , you tooke me un provided , at the next bou't i may do somewhat , i th meane time let me counsell you , to let her feed high , shee 'le never fall low enough else , she must be dieted , if you let her pick her sallets , you may fast another lent , and all our paines be not worth an egge at easter .

du. come cruell faire one ; we may take the aire together . hi. so so i m'e discharged , now to my guest . exeunt . enter clariana and her maide . cla. not yet returnd ? i shall expect too long he is a hansome gentleman and witty i must not alwayes walke in clouds , his friend must bring us more acquainted , i do love him . not yet ? his businesse has much force upon him mil. madam the doores are lock'd cla. what should this meane ? he knowes me not i cannot feare betraying enter bellamente . bel. now for this ladybird ha mil. madam t is bellamente cla. cupid defend wench , ha . bel. sure t is a dreame cla. all is at stake , i must be confident , how does my servant ? bel. i am wondring cla. to see me here i warrant bel. is not your name clariana ? cla. yes . bel. t is not sure you are some other lady without a name whom our friend made a prisoner to his chamber , and cause his businesse with the duke detaines him sent me to kisse your hand and disingage you cla. will you not know me then ? bel. yes now i looke better on you , y' are claria a to whom bellamente hath devoted all his loving honest service , she that gave me vowes in exchange of mine , if my eyes be not vnfaithfull and delude me . cla. come i le take your wonder off bel. take it all off together , i ha not done my admiration , have i not mistooke my way and falne upon some other lodging ? is this your dwelling madam ? cla. no ? bel. his name , i pray you call the owner cla. t is bel. t is so and i am miserable , false clariana o whither is the faith of women fled ! cla. you le heare me sir ? bel. was 't not hippolito , whom i so often did entreate to see her my friend hippolito , he wod not go with me to her , that were too publicke , he had plots and private meetings , lady he has seene you now and knowes you too , and how d ee like him lady , does he not careere handsomely in the divells sadle ? my soules upon a torture cla. you le heare me sir ? bel. i must be mad come tell me , why do not i kill thee now , cla. t is in your power to be a murderer , but if you knew , bel. i know too much but i le begin with him . cla. what d ee meane ? bel. to write upon his hart he has abus'd me , i like a tame foole must extoll his friendship but never for his sake will i trust man nor woman , you have forfeited your soules there 's not a graine of faith nor honesty in all your sexe , you have tongues like the hyena and onely speake us faire to ruine us you carry springs within your eies and can out weepe the crocadile , till our too much pitty betray us to your mercilesse devouring . cla. when you are temperate enough to heare the cause that brought me hither happily you will repent this passion , in which i must be bold to tell you sir , my honor suffers unkindly � and your friends bel. grow not from fraile to impudent , cla. you are resolved to be impatient ? when you are collected bel. stay i will heare , indeed i will , say any thing cla. first then you have no cause to accuse hippolito for breach of friendship , had he purpos'd any dishonor to your selfe through me , he could not be such a foole to send you to his chamber whoe 's knowledge , it should last of all the world arrive at , if you soberly consider . he knowes not so much of me , as my name ; thinke then but with what justice , you have all this while inveighed against him � for my selfe i confesse freely sir i made a visit but innocently and pure from any thought to iniure you ; i had a curiosity to see the man you had so much commended that was my fault , and i before you came accusd my selfe , and could without your furie . have chid my modesty enough . yet sir you tooke me in no action of dishonour my maide was all my company . bel. but you look'd for one to returne , misfortune kept him from you tell me but this , if thou hast any truth could any woman clariana , that would ha the world but thinke her virtuous suffer her selfe to be' lock'd up suspitiously within a strangers lodging , cla. by all goodnesse it was without my knowledge , i was weary expecting him , and meaning to depart ; some minutes ere you came my servant told me i was a prisoner , you have all the story which cannot , if but weighd with reason carry a crime like yours bel. like mine ? cla. i ha said it t is you have made a greater fault then i , with so much violence to condemne before you know the offence , and i must tell you sir but that my love is grounded upon virtue , this were enough to stagger my affection raile at your mistresse but for going abroad to see your friend ? so just a one ? i see you will be jealous when we are married . bel. never , you have awakd my honour lady i dare beleeve and aske thy pardon , trust me i will command my passions hereafter and if thou but consent , give proofe , all jealousie is flowne away , wee 'le marry instantly should he retaine a thought not square of her this will correct all , he is here , no word of discontent , put all off merrily . le ts kisse enter hip. hip. how now , he wo'not serve me so ? bel. we are acquainted and now you have seene my mistresse , i shall hope , we may enioy your company hereafter , hi. ha , your mistresse ? bel. mine . clariana clar. t is my name bel. come sh 'as told me all i le take her word nothing has past offensive , salute her now as mine , the character i gave her , and thy resolution not to see her , engaged her to this travell hi. may i be confident , you have forgiven my wilde discourse , my studies shall hereafter bend all to serve you nobly cla there is cause that i should beg your pardon . bel. wee le not part . now till the priest hath made all perfect hi. i le assist the clarke cla. you have power to steere me bel. hymen light up thy torches , woods of pine should be cut up to make thy altars shine . exeunt .
actus tertius . enter sebastian . boualdo . seb. we might with more discretion sent for wine to my owne lodgings . bo. ever while you live drinke wine at the fountaine seb. here i am not knowne , let no body interrupt us bo. let it be rich and sparckling , my precious varlet , and how and how go things at court ? seb. after a cup or two i le tell thee . bo. i would hippolito were here , hee 's a good fellow , and takes after his father , the duke makes much on him seb. her'e 's a good health to him bo. let it come , i am glad to see you sociable , come to the city and leave purchasing , dusty acres seb. the same justice that mine had . bo. and it were as deepe as an vsurers conscience , my boy should ha 't enter fidler . fi. wil t please you gentlemen to heare any musicke . bo. shall have any ? seb. by no meanes , it takes from our owne mirth bo. be gon then . fi. a very good song , and please you bo. yet agen , will you have your occupation broke about your head ? fi. i le make you laugh gentlemen . bo. i le make you cry and tune your voyce to the lamentation of oh my fiddle , if you remove not presently . seb. this is the tricke of tavernes , when men desire to be private . bo. come whom shal we now remember ? here 's to your mistresse seb. a mistresse at my yeeres ? bo.

till threescore y' are allowd , i never wore more favours at one and twenty , this riband came from a countesse , this locke i weare for a young ladies sake , this touch was the fall of a gentlewomans fanne that is new come to court

seb.

new come to court ? i le pray for her , is she vertuous ?

bo. and she be , there is hope the courtiers may convert her , here 's to her first enter iugler . iu. gentlemen will you see a iackanapes ? bo. how many is there of you ? seb. yet more o'these raskalls ? iu. i can shew you very fine tricks bo. prethee hocus pocus , keepe thy grannams huckle bone . and leave us . seb. presto be gon , or i le teach you a tricke for your iackanapes learning , they will be deceiued that choose a tauerne for privacie bo. come our blood cooles ; here 's to your faire daughter seb. poore girle , i thanke you sir . bo. i do not flatter you , but you may be proud , i say no more seb. of what ? bo. your daughter , shee 's a hansome gentlewoman , the're be worse faces at court ; seb. her complexion is naturall , she has no tricke of art a litle breeding she has had ; and some precepts to guard her honesty bo. honesty where is it ? seb. it should be every where bo. take heed what you say , least you be made to justifie it honesty every where ? here 's to you , come . seb. i speake bonaldo what i thinke , and it would be no dishonour to the greatest to be the first examples . bo. if all were of your mind who should thrive in this world ? pledge me how shall christians behave themselves in great offices ?

or under-clarkes purchase honesty ? but one terme were enough to undoe the city , the court were but in ill case if great men should stand upon 't , for the countrey , t is bought and sold every market day .

come begin to me seb. name it bo. to the duke . seb. the duke , he does not love me bo. how ? seb. no bovaldo he does not , bo. he loves your daughter � seb. t is not princely , nay i shall dare to tell him so , but to his health . bo. let it come , me thinkes he is a very fine gentleman , seb. i begin to be warme already . bo. and one that loves a wench as well � seb. as ill thou wodst say ? bo. as ill as i , let it be so , i were no good subiect to deny it to his highnesse . seb. thou knewest me a gentleman bo. are you not so still ? seb. no i 'me a knight , a lord i know not what , i 'me lost within a wildernesse of names but i will be my selfe agen � the tother cup . bo. t is welcome , shall we double our files ? seb. this skirmish will doe well bo. charge me home then . seb. now i could talke me thinkes . i will not prostitute eubella for the wealth of his whole dukedome , ther'e 's no honor to a noble conscience , he is the greatest coward . dares not be honest . bo. right , if a man dares not be honest he is a coward but he that dares be dishonest , seb. dares cut his fathers throat bo.

a pretty fellow here 's to you agen ; shall s have a wench ? now am i addicted to embrace any thing in the likenesse of a woman , oh for a chamber-maide to wrestle withall ; send for a brace of basaliskes , thou hast no spirit no masculine vertue , now could i o're runne the whole countrey of the amazons . here 's to a penthesilia beare up my valiant mirmidon and we will do such feates shall make the troians wonder at our backes and bring dame hellen to us .

seb. i prethee leave this humor , t is not generous , bo. how not generous take heed what you say seb. i shanot eate my words bo. then drinke your drinke , now troy burnes blew , wheras hecuba ? seb. thou art all for wenching , bo.

vpon a condition i will drinke to thee

no , no , thou wot not doe so much , and a man should die for a lift a' the leg : the duke has a great minde to thy daughter , he is but mortall flesh and bloud , there be subjects that have as sound bodies no dispraise to his excelency .

seb. d ee not feare to talke thus ? bo. feare ? would any durst send to me such a virgin pinnace , rigd and gay with all flags . seb. this is uncivill , and i shall tell bonaldo bo.

nay nay , thou art so waspish , if a friend desired a curtesie , that is in fashion ; because the duke �

seb. y' are too bold , and forget your selfe , i am ashamd of this converse ; because the duke ? did his hand graspe the scepters of the world and would propound e'm all to buy the honor of my eubella , i would scorne his salarie and tell him he were poorer in his soule then he that feedes i th hospitall , i 'me armd and shall grow very angry with your humor which ere it nam'd my daughter carried wickednesse enough , but in her cause i am easily provok'd to teach that tongue repentance dares traduce her whitnesse , i allow a mirth but do not love this madnesse , and if i might counsell you , there is a way to quench these wild licencious flames , earnest of those our soules shall feele hereafter , we are both in yeeres , and should looke out our winding sheet not women , bo. boy i le pay the reckoning ; be honest and see what will come on 't i le seeke out my sonne hippolito . hee 'e be ruld by me , here 's a coile about a tassell gentle seb. hee 's drunke already that which has raisd me but to noble anger is his distraction , there 's for your wine now to the wanton duke , heaven let him see his shame and know , great men that practise lust both kill their body and corrupt their dust , let him fret do what he can , the world shall call , sebastian honest man . exit . enter hippolito . hi. had i but one thing that did touch on honor my friendship , and is that diseasd already and languishing ? was it for this i would not see her that i might trespasse with more guilt when she was married ? are not other women as faire and tempting ? or am i hurried by violence of my fate to love her best that should be most a stranger ? and does she meet my modest flame ? nay must the tapers sacred to hymen light us to our sinnes ? lust was too early up in both , oh man oh woman ! that our fires had kissd like lightning which doth no sooner blaze but is extinct , shee 's here . enter clariana and page . cla. where 's your master ? pag. there he is madam cla. why do you walke so melancholy sir ? hi. i was collecting my selfe about some businesse must be dispach'd this morning , sirra pray the groome make ready my horse cla. not yet you do not meane to leave me o' the suddaine ? i am alone , my husband is at court , pray rob me not of all my company , i shall not thinke upon his absence , with so much sorrow if you make me happy with your society . hi. there 's the divell already , i cannot leave her my boy may go howsoever . exit . page cla. oh hippolito if you have usd no charmes but simple courtship , perhaps you may condemne me in your thoughts that i so soone ( not studying the wayes of cunning to disguise my love , which other women have practis'd , and would well become the modesty of a wife ) declare my selfe at your dispose , but i suspect you have some command more then naturall , i have heard there have beene too much witchcraft exercis'd to make poore women dote hi. you are not serious in what you say ? i hope you do not take me for such a juggler ? if you thinke i practise cla. that looke acquits you , then at my nativity some powerfull starre raignd , i have heard astrologers talke much of venus hi. and of mars when they are in coniunction , they encline us mortalls strangly to love and ly with one another cla. i am ignorant what influence we have from them , but i am sure , something has strangely wrought on me hi. as how madam ? cla. why to love , i know not home , you know my meaning , but truth witnesse with me when first i saw your person i gave up my liberty , me thought i lov'd you strangely . hi. i had desires too i could not justifie but knowledge that you were my friends , for that time all loose fires , but love that swaid you , then quenchd and kept your thoughts longing , met with my heart and scald it up for you , yet when i thinke on bellemente . there 's wrestlings in my blood . cla. iust when i thinke on him t is so with mine , that love should be so equall , do'st not stirre you sometimes to thinke of former vowes ? nay i do dreame sometimes of being surprizd in thy deere armes and then methinkes i weepe , and sigh and wake . with my owne grones . hi. i never dreame of that cla. it is my foolish fancie , yet such feares should waking never trouble me , those lovers that have not art to hide , and to secure their amorous thefts , deserve to be reveald : hi. sure there 's no woman in the world but this could have such power against my friend , each sillable renewes her force upon me , cla. i beseech you although a storme hath throwne me on your shore have not so litle charity to thinke i should accept of safety on another , it is not possible any but your selfe with all the magicke of his tongue or fortunes could bribe me from bellemente , if i fall for too much loving you , your mercy may interpret fairely , by these teares enter page and groome . gro.

sir your horse is ready

hi. i shanot go yet , lady if you please wee 'l walke a turne i th garden . eeunt . gro - harke you my small friend , without offence is not your master a � pag.

what

gro.

i would have another word for a whooremaster

pa.

how my durty rubber of horse heeles

gro.

nay i do not say he is , i do but aske , whether he be or no , be not angry demilance , there be as good gentlemen as he , that love a wench .

pa.

why is your mistresse a wench ?

gro.

my mistresse you didapper

pa.

i do not say she is , i do but aske whether she be or no , there be as hansome creatures none dispraisd , that take mony for their warren , have i answerd you my bold marchant of dung in a wheele barrow ?

gro.

how now iackalent is shreeds of satten , i shall swing you with a horse-rod , you whippet

pa.

go meddle with your masters gelding , and cheate him in the provender to keepe you in perpetuall pots of ale , when you entertaine the kitchinmaide in the hayloft , talke of my master ?

gro.

meddle with my mistresse ?

pa.

yes i le speake to her to allow you a lesse proportion of cleane straw to rubb bootes and ly in sirra , you thinke you are at rack and manger , when you devide beanes with the horses and helpe to foule the stable

gro.

sirra whelpe that has eaten knot-grasse , do not provoke me least i fetch a smith and curry your thin sids

pa.

mine you beane-shifter , would you durst no better ride booty at the horse match or cosen your master i th next parcell of oates , i feare you not my canvas serving-man with halfe a livery , groome o the stable once removd from the farrier .

enter hip. clar. clar. what at difference ? both no not we madam . hi. sirra come hither . entreat my father meet me at court , pa. i shall sir hi. there 's no hast for my nag yet . exit . cla. about your businesse sira . gro.

my businesse is below staires , and with a gelding , what he may prove i know not well , what i thinke i will keepe to my selfe , my lady may be honest enough , but he that is borne to be a cuckold shall never dy a bachelor . exit .

enter duke . eubella . a song which done . enter sebastian and courtiers . duke my lord you are welcome seb. give me leave to tell your highnesse i suspect it . why should a prince dissemble ? du. this dialect becomes you not seb. sir sir i must be honest eu. father seb. eubella expresse thy duty to him thou calst a father , for thy owne sake leave this place , the court 's a fire du. how sir seb. canst thou not see the flames that threaten thee ? du. sebastian's wild seb. but you would make her tame , looke looke eubella the duke himselfe burnes , do not his eyes sparcke with lust , his very breath will blast thee eu. i feare this will be dangerous , good sir , seb. if yet thou hast not lost thy innocence i charge thee , by thy mothers memory and colder ashes , keepe thy selfe unstaind let no temptation corrupt a thought th' art richer in thy chastity , then all the kings of earth can make thee , if thou fall thou kilst my heart du. all this for thy sake we forbeare to punish , but you should know my lord seb. lord me no lords i grone under the burden of your honors and here resigne all , give me but my daughter du. let not your passion strangle thus your reason seb. let not a sinne so blacke as lust degrade a prince and register thy dishonord name with foule adulteries du. y are very bold seb. i would preserve the name of our yet honest family i feare she is ore come already , i do not like her silence . du. to take off your feares although we neede not give you satisfaction , by this white brow , she is as pure as when she came to court . seb. oh let sebstian fall lower sir , i beseech you tread upon me so you will still be honest to my child , she is all my comfort du. rise . seb. but will you not hereafter study to betray her innocence ? or give her licence to returne with me ? i le aske no more assurance , grant but this and when we are at home , it shall oblige us beside the duties we already owe in heart to pray for you du. we are not pleasd , she should depart . seb. then i le vnthanke your goodnesse and dare thus boldy tell your highnesse , lawes are most unjust that punish petty theeves and let the great ones scape , du. we are yet patient . eu. deere sir seb. princes may take our children from us , not to aduance but kill their names , corrupt their vertues ; when needy men , that steale to feed their lives are doo'md to the gallouse . du. take the frantick hence . seb. take hence the ravisher cour. sebastian . seb. although he ravish not eubella from her selfe , yet he does ravish a daughter from her father , and i le voice it through every streete , i am not bound to whisper when griefes so loud within me . du. place him where his noise may make his owne headake not others , this liberty of tongue shall be corrected seb. it will but spread thy infamy , when men shall speake my cause , and thy lasciviousnes which i will tell so often to the stones the vault shall be ashamd to eccho thee eubella du. away with him seb. do bury me alive , be strong eubella and let not death by my example shake thee . du. this may incline her , do not weepe eubella they are not worth a teare , yet t is within thy power to ransome their bold heads , were they humbled toth block , this pitty shewes a child but princes loose their awe that are too mild . bellamente and servant exeunt . bel. where 's your lady ? ser. in her chamber . bel. whoe 's with her ? ser. none but the gentleman you left here bel. hippolito ? i wonot have so base a thought � ilt to e'm , yet , you may go and say i am returnd and wish her presence . ha ? there is something busie with my braine exit . ser. and in the shape of jealousie presents a thousand feares , they have beene very loving since we were married ; thou soules corrupter who sent thee to me ? to distract my peace , be gon , be gon , and scatter thy foule seedes vpon a ground that will be fruitfull to thee . the innocence i carry in my breast armes me against the thoughts of others treason , my friend , my wife ? the very names are sacred and like the heads of saints , and holy martyrs invested with such glorious beames they strike conspiracy blind , how now , what 's in thy face ? enter servant . ser. oh sir ? bel. what 's the matter ? ser. would you could understand without my tongue bel. how does thy lady ser. my lady is � bel. ha . why dost pause vilaine ? answer me ser. alas i know not with what words to tell you would i had never seene her , or you never married her . bel. ha ? stay there , shall i trust thee now fury ? but speake , and be not tedious , what is my lady doing upon thy life ? ser. alas sir it will make you madde . bel. speake or never speake agen , i am prepard ser. pardon my unhappinesse to deliver then a truth that will distract you , you have now nor friend nor wife bel. are they both dead ? ser. yes dead to honor , finding her chamber lockt i know not what did prompt me to make use of a small cranny , where i beheld em both , i want modest language to tell how they are falne , and yet too soone i know you cannot choose but understand me . bel. how long hast thou beene a raven ? ser. good sir collect your selfe , t is my misfortune and no fault to be the sad reporter bel. do i live still ? ser. and shall i hope long bel. th' art most uncharitable , if thou hadst lou'd thy master thou wouldst wish him happinesse which all life denies , is my composition so hard , a sorrow great and high like this cannot disolve it ? wonot my heart breake with this ? then melt it some celestiall fire , in pitty of my sufferings some cloud of raine , since my owne eyes refuse to drowne me , fall and orewhelme this miserable iland ser. sir , bel. can this be possible ? be sure they are divells or i shall find such a new hell for thee � ser. i would it were not true ser. i would it were not true bel. some mercifull whirlewind snatch this burden up and carry it into some wildernesse : leave not if it were possible the mention of what i was behind , the wolues are honester then mankind is to man , i prethee kill me i kneele to be destroyd , it is thy duty ; when thou shalt tell the world my wretched story and what soule killing and devouring griefes thy good hand rid me of , it shall acquit thee and call thy murder charity ser. good sir bel. o whither shall i runne to find a friend will do the gentle office to despatch me without my owne hand ? ser. rather live to take iustice upon their periuries . bel. good man . my better angel how had i forgot my selfe ? coward to thinke of dying yet . who would put confidence in heaven hereafter . if it should suffer me depart the world without revenge , and that my owne upon em . come draw , take my sword , i will be double arm'd . i charge thee by thy duty , or thy life if that be more , stay you at bottome of the staires , while i ascend their sinfull chamber and if my pistoll misse his treacherous heart he has no way to passe but on thy sword , the place gives such advantage that with safety thou maist command his life . kill him with losse compunction then a witch fleas a dead infant for his skin to perfect a hellish incantation , thou wo't do 't ? ser. i le do my best he shano't scape bel. wife , friend , you hang like vlcers on me , i am bound to cut you from my heart to cure my wound . exeunt .
actus quartus . enter hippolito and clariana upon a bed . hip. what pitty t is these pleasures are not lawfull . cla. lawfull ? that would take much from the delight and value , i have heard some gentlemen , that want no venison of their owne , sweare they had rather strike their neighbors deere then hunt in their owne parke , what we possesse we keepe for our necessity , not game , or wearied with enjoying give 't a way to purchase thanks abroad . hi.

for all that madam , there is danger in some purlies , and when the keeper is none of the wisest , their bolts are sooner shot , i like the sport , but would not be taken at the deere stealing , yet for such a doe as thou art , i would venter �

cla.

t is no glory to take a towne without some hazard , that victorie is sweetest which is got in the face of danger , when the very cannons are hoarse with clamor , then the bold souldier goes on and thinkes the noise loude musicke to him , give me the man that feares no colours , was there ever any thing worth the enioying that came easily and without trouble to us ? what makes a maidenhead the richer purchase thinke you ? but i am married and my husband is your friend

hip.

prethee no more o'th at

cla.

no more oth at , in my conscience you are fearefull this is the ballad right . courtier hey courtier ho , wilt thou be my true love , no no no , fy upon 't . i should name my husband often to arme and fortifie our selves , i confesse , i do not wish him here , perhaps he would do some mischiefe , and hinder another meeting , but if he were present now , and should see us kisse , for and he ' were ten husbands , i would trust his eyes no further , what could he say ? for he did but kisse her , for he did but kisse her , and so let her go : come for shame be more sprightly , i have as much reason to looke about , and play my game wisely , if my cards were considerd .

hi.

yet you are very confident .

cl.

he does use to keep his word , i know hee le not returne this two houres , come we are secure , prethee le ts talke o something els .

enter bellam. bel. of death . are ye vntwind ? cla. are we betraid . bel.

you did not looke for me � your sword is of no use , d ee see pitty your owne damnations ; and obey me , get into that closet no considering , it must be done : so you are fast , now lady lechery dresse you the bed a litle , and lay the pillowes hansomely bestirre you

cla.

vpon my knees �

bel.

no petitioning , you can sing , quickly or � so so , you sirra at the bottome of the staires , come up . be wise and do not kneele nor whimper . enter servant .

now sirra speake and tell me truly or i le search every corner of thy soule why didst thou play the vilaine , thus to mocke me with expectation to find my wife playing the adulteresse with hippolito ? tell me ? ser. hold sir i beseech you bël. what divell did instruct thee to disquiet my heart , secure and confident of their honors as conscious of my owne , no head but mine to bruise with jealosie , where is he ? shew me or take into thy bosome what my vowes had fixt for him and her ser. if these be eyes i saw em ' bel. if these be eyes , is that your proofe , lay such a cause upon the strength of a weake sence that is a thousand wayes deceiv'd , your eyes ! o clariana , this impudent slave with such a cunning face , told me thou wert naught , lock'd in the lustfull armes of base hippolito , my friend , my honest friend . one that commands not his owne life so much as i , that wo'd not for a monarchy do me the least disgrace , hast found him vilaine ? ser. i le looke under the bed sir . bel. and i beleevd him too , and had i found but the least point of such a sinne , within thy chamber , furies should appeare more tame then bellamente , hell should not have malice . enough to adde to my revenge , but pardon . my easie credulous nature , i confesse a fault , for had i lov'd thee nobly as became our holy vowes , our vowes clariana to which we cald the angells , i should never have entertained one thought against thy chastity but this slave shall repent it . ser. hold , i beseech you sir ? by my life i thought i saw em . bel. thought ? is that excuse ser. good sir , i le never trust my owne eyes after this there was deceptio visus . oh be mercifull bel. none but her honor , and my friends to poison ? had this report not first arrived at me how had we all beene shamd � dost thou kneele too nay then i must forgive him , rise my honest my deerest clariana � but i shall heare you will be prating of it , if one sillable come to my eare let fall by thee , that touches but thy suspition , i le ha thy tongue and heart . ser. cut me into a thousand peeces . madam your pardon how was i cosend bel. be gon and thanke her goodnesse thou dost live but do not dare to be so desperate to come within my eye reach till i call thee ser. i le not come neere you , i le bury my selfe in the cellar . exit . bel. so so . now sir you may come forth agen nor do you my most excellent whoore , thinke there is no storme to follow � keepe your distance you have had a feast , a merry one , the shot is now to be discharg'd , what do you expect ? hip. death , from that hand , i apprehend no mercie not have i so much innocence to hope you will delay your justice , were i arm'd with power to resist , i should adde more offences by defending of this life that has so basely iniured you . bel. treacherous serpent hip. with this i have sometime releeud your valour and had no pitty of my blood , but then i was a friend , in such a cause as this i have no arme no weapon , not , if i were sure the bullet would decline my heart . it does beget a cowardise to thinke how i am falne . cla. o pardon bel. pardon with what conscience canst thou aske it ? hip. you shewed a charity above my hope by giving a few minutes for my prayer , which shewes you had no meaning to destroy the soule , t was rare compassion , but if you could possibly forgive ? bel. how forgive hip. i say if it were possible you could remitt so foule ( in me the blakst ) offence not for the love i have to number dayes but by some noble service , to wash off this shame , this leprosie upon my name bel. ha you found it now . hip. i have but vainely interrupt your fury you cannot must not pardon it , such mercie becomes not an italian . bel. miserable woman . cla. o sir , it was my first offence , what woman is without some staine ? if all that in this kind have sinn'd , had met with present death you would not find some names , that now shine gloriously within the catalogue of saints , my soule is full of shame and teares . bel. tel me clariana , still i shall hit upon thy name , how couldst thou vse me so cruelly ? did i want youth and spring about me were my embraces cold frost in my blood ? or in thy bed was i conueyd a snowball , rould up the children do to play with winter , did i not affect thee beyond all the comfort of the world ? cla. i know it . bel. and thou whom best of all mankind i lov'd whose friendship tooke up my whole heart till she came in a wife , yet then thou hadst a seate one small degree below her , when this shall be the talke of ferrara who shall trust his friend for thy sake , or at the mention of thy name for sweare ever to marry cla. noble sir . it is within your power bel. to kill you both hip. i am prepared so well as this short time will give me leave . cla. t is yet within your power to silence all , what is already done should we turne fountaines we heartily may grieve for , not repaire , the world can have no knowledge of our trespasse nor your dishonor , if you call it so vnlesse you tell it , you have nobly sir secur'd all shame at home , which has won more repentance from me then my teares , go on increase that piety , and be not you the trumpet of their infamy abroad whose lives hereafter may be spent with such religious sorrow for offending you that you may not repent to have forgiven . bel. shall i be wonne with foolish pitty ? cla. our death will gaine you nothing , but the feare you shannot keepe your owne life hi. or if bloud must onely satisfie , let your sword here bath in revenge , the greatest sinner kill if men were not , what woman could be ill . bel. your feares thus vanish , i delight not in the bloody sacrifie , live both . hip. a miracle cla. but i le do more then kill you � tak my love off . i do desire never to see you more , nor will i be a courtier to occasion meeting hereafter , what is done is circled within our knowledge , pray , farwell , for you i do desire never to bed thee more i le force some smiles to keepe suspition off but feare i never shall love heartily agen , thou hast undone me here , clariana and yet i wonot wish thee dead for this repent and when i die aske for a kisse . exeunt . enter bonaldo and a courtier . bon.

not at the court ? why he desired i should meet him here

cour.

the duke hath often asked for him

bon.

he waites well in the meane time , who in the name of wantonnesse keepes him away , i know t is a wench , t is a parlous boy , my owne sonne to a haire , and he should not love a woman i would disinherit him , for i am of opinion an athist sometime is better then an eunuch , and yet cannot the court find him game enough , but he must leape the pale and straggle so farre for venison , that the duke must hunt after him ; and he were not my owne flesh and bloud , i would counsell him to marry , but they are dangerous , and a disease is more curable then a wife , for she indeed is a hectick feauer although i buried mine seven yeere agoe , yet i feele a grudging of her still , and for a need could guesse at the change of weather by the knowledge her noise has infusd into my bones .

enter duke , courtiers . cour.

the duke .

du.

some one looke out hippolito

bo.

if please your grace let it be my imployment

du.

signior bonaldo ?

bo.

your highnesse humble servant , i am sorry my sonne should be absent , when your grace has service for him , but i le find him out , i am acquainted with two or three of his haunts i know a taverne is next doore to a �

du.

to a what ?

bo.

it has a course name

du.

no matter :

bo.

to a baudyhouse

du.

that 's not impossible

bo.

to find him there , i cannot helpe it ?

co.

he loves him the better for 't

bo.

t is a tricke he learnd in france sir , where your nobility practise , he will leave it , when capring and kissing are out of fashion with gentlemen

du.

oh he is young , i have heard you were as wild at his yeeres ,

bo.

and wilder too i should be sorry else

du.

how ?

bo.

i had ne're broke my wives heart else , with supping abroad and midnight revells , i should ha beene troubled with her till this time

du.

she was a shrew it seemes ? but you promise actively still ?

bo. not much for the crosse point , but with your highnesse licence , i le find out hippolito to attend your pleasure . du. good signior exit . a blunt honest gentleman . co.

he does not boast much honesty , with your pardon sir .

du.

i like the freedome of his discourse , but see hippolito

enter hippolito . hip. i must not appeare melancholy co. signior the duke expects you hip. his graces humble creature co. now is he come from some vaulting schoole i le lay my life , he is a pretty gentleman t is pitty that nothing can perswade him from the flesh . . c. the duke imployes him . co. i leiger at home hip. both in prison du. both . we all know eubella , her father is committed to prison for being to free on 's tongue . hi. be confident i will prevaile , i have a new spell for her du. be speedy and be fortunate , she is in that chamber returne with her consent to love and be what the dukes power can make thee . hip. you too much honor me du. come gentleman . hippo. seemes to open a chamber doore and brings forth eubel . hip.

lady , i am sent to know your full and finall resolution touching the businesse the duke propounded , though your father be shut up yet change of aire is fitter for your complexion , the duke is a gentleman that may command in these parts t is not for want of provision , the duke has a mind to cut up your virginity .

eu. if this be your affaire sir , tell the duke eubella is a rocke . hip. that 's very hard eu. his mermaids cannot winne me with their songs nor all his tempests shake me hip. stay a litle there 's something more in my commission eu. hippolito i now have argument to thinke you were not borne a gentleman , something , here is witnesse i pittie thee , this is no noble office hip. you meane a pander it ha's been a thriving way for some , but i am imployed by his grace . eu. shall feare or flattery corrupt a generous soule ? i am a woman the weakest of a thousand yet i dare give man example , rather to be sacrificed . then betray vertues cause , we give our life to grow agen , from our owne funerall pile like the assyrian brid . hip thou hast so rich a stocke of goodnesse , were all other women vitious , thou mightst impart enough to make the whole sexe white agen , and leave thy selfe one degree lesse then angell : canst thou pardon that i have tempted thee so farre ? thy hand to give it a relligious kisse , when next my tongue is orator in so foule a cause the argument it selfe turne a disease and eate it to the roote . i am chang'd eubella and more to trie thy strength then to orecome i speake nowe for the duke , keepe still thy thoughts deuout to honor , after i have studied a yeares repentance for my wrongs to thee , i will presume to say i love eubella eu. but hath hippolito no other meaning ? i understand , and take some ioy to heare this language hip. the first proofe of my conversion shall be to tell the duke he has done ill to court thee sinfully enter duke . du. howe 's this ? b eu. pray do not mocke , if you knew how much , delight heaven takes to heare you speake so well to the distressed eubella . hi. by this lip if my profane touch make thee not offended there is no good i will not act , nor ill i will not suffer to deserue thy love but i am miserable and cannot merit i have not beene at home these many yeeres yet i will call my conscience to account for all , and throw my selfe upon heavens charity , why dost thou weepe ? eu. my ioy can weare no other livery then teares , and confident all this is truth i cannot keepe it in , you shall dispose eubellas heart . hi. then here i take it in to my possession du. vilaine strumpet hi. sir , here are none such i can assure your highnesse du. is this your faith to me ? hi. i never did you . true service till this minute , and i dare now tell you , though you cut my head off , t is not justice to pursue the ruine of a harmelesse maid du. traytor hi. call me some name , i understand my lord this virgin now is mine . du. your whoore hi. this cannot make me yet forget your person eu. sir i beseech you . du. by my dukedome hi. the more you vex the more we grow together in honor and chast love du. you speake as if you were to be her husband , hi. t is a title a prince should be ambitious of . du. very fine do you consent too , to be cald his wife ? eu. if he dare make me such there is no second my heart affects . du. i st come to this ? then heare what i determine eu. sir consider du. i have considered do not interrupt me too morrow if i live i le see you both married , thou excellent maide forgive my passion , accept him freely , thou hast overcome with chastity , and taught me to be a prince which character , my lust had neere defac'd release sebastian . eu. what dutie can poore eubella pay ? du. no more , good deeds reward themselves , how have we slept . hi. this exceeds all your favours du.

cherish my gift hippolito , she is a wife for the best prince , no honor can be enough to satisfie thy vertue . exit ,

co.

here 's a strange whirle , i do not like it , if the duke continue this mind , we must all be honest .

. co. who can helpe it ? enter bellamente and bonaldo at severall doores . bo. save you signior is my sonne here ? bel. he wa's here very lately , too late bo. you do not answer as you were wont , i aske for hippolito , your friend , bel. and did not i answer you ? cry you mercie signior , indeed he is not here bo. how is it with your beauteous clariana ? bel. shee 's well bo. pray commend my service to her bel. what said yee ? bo. nothing but my service to your lady bel. oh i thanke you , pray stay , and tell me how i looke . bo. looke ? bel. they will perswade me within i am not well i must confesse there is some cause of melancholy within me . bo. i guest so at first sight , may i presume to aske it ? bel. and yet does not concerne me in a higher nature then my friend , a scuruy chance late hapn'ed to him one that he lov'd most deerely , you will scarce beleeve , made him a cuckold bo. that all ? bel. that all . d ee understand what i have said ? bo. yes a friend was made a cuckold by a friend he did his wife and him a curtesie . bel. go home and pray , y' are in a desperate state this is enough to weigh thee downe to hell bo. i am not of your mind , and i had don 't my selfe , i should never had so much despaire as to hang my selfe , why t is as common as shifting a trencher bel.

but harke you sir , how ere you talke you cannot in your judgement thinke so , are you married ?

bo. what d ee see in my forehead you should thinke me so miserable ? bel. i le tell you then , what a wife is , or should be bo. i can tell you , what they should be , bel. what ? bo.

they should be honest and love their husbands , and for their sakes their bastards , which if they understand they are bound , to keepe , because their ill conditions drive us a broad to get 'em .

bel. no , heare me . a wife is mans best peece , who till he marries wants making up , she is the shrine to which nature doth send us forth on pilgrimage , she was a syens taken from that tree into which if she have no second grafting the world can have no fruit , she is mans arithemeticke which teaches him to number and multiply himselfe in his owne children , she is the good mans paradise , and the bads first step to heaven , a treasure which who wants cannot be trusted to posterity nor pay his owne debts , she is a golden sentence writ by our maker , which the angells may discourse of , only men know how to use and none but devills violate bo. all this you le justifie a wife bel. now tell me signior what punishment that man deserves , that should deface or steale this wealth away . bo. how meane you in the way of lying with her ? i am of my first opinion , there is not much treason in 't , if she be hansome bel. but is there no respect of friendship to be observ'd ? bo. nor kindred much in such a case bel. would you not chide your sonne that should abuse his deere friends wife or mistresse ? bo.

yes if he should abuse her , but if he did but ly with her i should commend him , make the case your owne would you deny a friend that wanted linnen the curtesie of your cleane shirt ? a woman is a more necessary wearing , and yet never the worse for 't

bel. away thou wot infect my dwelling else , to what a monster , is man growne bo. fare you well sir , i ha but answered to your questions bel. cynick i le hold thy lanthorne now , and goe with thee through athens and the world to find one man that 's honest . enter page . pa. my master remembers his humble service bel. to me ? i de rather thanke him to forget it why does he trouble me with letters ? yet i le read em . ha ? to be married to morrow � this is an honest sentence , my heart bleeds still for wronging you . enter clariana . clariana t is no secret cla.

ha to eubella , i shanot conceale my passion , he must not marry

bel. give me the paper cla. inspire me love i le crosse it exit . bel. why does thy master boy , send me this letter ? pa. i know not sir ; unlesse it be to certifie you of his marriage ? bel. he will marry now and live honest , heaven give him joy . but it s not so faire to disturbe my braine that is not fully setled with his triumphes , what i st to me ? he cannot satisfie . my jniurie if he should court his wife and prevaile with her to imbrace me too . the duke he writes , will honor his solemnity his conscience dares not suffer him to invite me as his guest , why then must i be troubled cannot he laugh and heme and kisse his bride but he must send me word , whose soule he has put miserably out of tune . enter clariana . cla. conceale that letter from all eyes but your masters . bel. sirra you shall returne , and say i will dy shortly . pag. heaven forbid sir bel. that is a kind of prayer , who bad thee thee sayo ? then if i must live , i le find out a hermit that dwells within the earth or hollow tree . a great way hence there i shall be secure and learne to pray for i want charity � be gon boy cla. good sir talke not so strangely bel. fare you well too , i le come agen to morrow , or i know not when , i have much businesse abroad cla , will you ride forth ? bel. yes , cla. shall none attend you ? bel. no i shall be best alone , you know your chamber there 's none so bold to rob me of my griefe yet he that 's sad as i ; beares his owne thiefe .
actus quintus . enter hippolito and his page . hi.

i know not what to resolue , this letter has distracted me it is not wisedome to acquaint eubella , let me perus 't agen . sir , though i have repented my love , which drew my dishonor , i have not lost my charitie , and therefore can take no pleasure in your ruine , meet me to morrow earely in the groue behind the pallace , i will discover a plot against your life , i pitty your danger , and will secure more ioyes to your bride , be secret yet and trust her , that is no otherwise then nobly yours , clariana .

t is some thing bellamente has designd . for his revenge , did he speake strangely saist ? pag.

very strangely sir , he said he would dy shortly

hi.

thou didst mistake him , he meant i should dy , he wonot kill me at the altar ? perhaps i shall be poisoned at dinner , a thousand wayes there are to let out life i must be certaine . eubella and her father enter eubella and sebastian . some truce with my affliction .

seb. more welcome then my liberty , eubella has made my heart glad with your new character and now my sonne hippolito . hip. that title will be aboue all honors the duke can let fall upon me , that i have beene wild i must with shame remember , but my study of after life to her and all the world i hope shall purchase thee a better name . seb. you will not leave us this morning ? hip. i shall returne , excuse me a few minutes . eu. do what you please � but if it be a businesse you may dispence with hip. it concernes my honor , but nothing shall detaine me long ; all places are but darkenesse without thy eies , i le visit em ' agen eu. how soone ? hip. you shall scarce thinke me absent seb. we must expect you then . hi. may the day shine bright upon thee eu. and all the blessings of it waite on you enter bonaldo . seb. signior you are most welcome , i entreat you to call my girle your daughter bo. my sonne has made this choise i heare , i le call her any thing eu. i shall expresse my duty sir , in all things bo. but where 's hippolito � a buxome thing . seb. sir please you retire , he is new departed bo. whither ? a musical lip . seb. nay we did not examine his affaire but we expect his quicke returne eu. wil t please you sir . bo. i should be pleasd with such another , � a light wench and a yare , i le attend you lady . exit . enter clariana milena . cal. be just milena to me , and endeere my love for ever mi. madam you know my faith cla. i promist to meet hippolito this morning in the groue behind the pallace , to conferre about some businesse that concernes , thou shat presently excuse my travell and intreate him hither , he and my husband lately had some difference i know not why , in this convenient absence of bellamente he securely may speake with me here , yet i le not willingly have him come hither by the publick way , the garden doore shall be left open for him and a cleare passage to this chamber mi. madam i understand , cla. prevaile with him to come , tell him all 's safe mi. i le sweare it madam to do you service cla. but use all hast . which way shall i beginne , i shall want art i feare to winne upon him , oh for some high , and prevailing oratory to expresse what my heart labours with i could accuse my unkind desteny , declame against the power of love , raile at the charmes of language and proportion , that betray us to hasty sorrow , and too late repentance , but breath is this way lost , wounds that are made require a balsome , and not empty curses to state our body , should the marriner when a storme meetes him , throw away his card neglect himselfe and vessell ; and ly downe cursing the winds and tempest ? if he come as but to doubt doth make me miserable the genius of love assist my passion , i must deliver something that doth make my poore heart swell , and will if i conceale it like fire lockd up in a thick cloud destroy the prison that containes : shee 's returnd already . enter milena . what sayes hippolito ? mi. like an honest gentleman , hee 's at the garden gate . i told him how things were at home , i met him hard by , as if he meant without inviting having expected you so long , to come neerer , and waite some opportunitie to speake with you . cla. th' art fortunate admit him , t is nor safe to expect there , but while we conferre vse thy best diligence round about to bring if there be such misfortune , the first newes of bellamente mi. i le be carefull madam . exit . cla. i m'e glad hee s come with what looke shall i first salute him ? milena hippolito . mi. pray excuse me sir ! hi. t will purchase but a paire of gloves mi. i have him at my fingers ends , well i can but thinke what serviceable creatures we chambermaids are sometimes we are the best cabinets for ladies , and they trust their iewells of honor with us , but i must looke about me , i know my office . exit , cla. y 'aue seene this face before , does it seeme strange ? hi. i have seene it , when it was lesse sad , but t is the richer iewell set in blacke , you never wore garments did so well become you lady cla. i shall not love em' worse because they please your eye , they fit the habit of my mind . hip. your voice has better musicke too , it sounds as some religious melancholy strooke . vpon your heart y 'aue praid lately i distinguish a teare upon your cheeke still t is well done cla. if there be any signe of sorrow here t is for your sake hip. i cannot blame thy eyes , if every time , i ame presented to 'em th' unhappy obiect thou dost weepe clariana , i have deserved to find the lowest place within thy charity , yet such is thy compassion , when my fate is cast and my unworthy life markd for the sacrifice thou art willing to preserve hippolito and to that purpose sentst to speake with me cla. you read my letter ? hi. clariana , i shall not have time enough to thanke thee , when thou hast discovered what conspiracy threatens my head , unlesse you use some brevity there is a worke this morning to be finished requires my personall attendance . cla. i am . not ignorant what busnesse is designd it was the reason of my zealous wishes to change some words before hi. i waite your purpose cla. you are this morning to receive a wife hi. and such blessing as the earth were poore without her , cla. t is eubella i understand . hi. that most vertuous faire one cla. i le not take from her i have heard her much commended , but she is no miracle hi. how clariana . cla. our sex were poore if she alone had all the grace of woman . though she be faire , the dukedome is not so barren but it may shew some parralell . and let it not be thought a pride , if i affirme there have beene those , have said as much of me , all beavty is not circumscribd in one . hi. you point at that which takes the eye and is but halfe a hansomnesse at best vnlesse the mind be furnished with those vertues which write a woman faire , but clariana there is no time for this dispute , and i am somewhat sorry you have falne upon t when i but praisd eubella modestly , she is to me the best and fairest now of all the world , but turne to the occasion that brought me hither , i would heare what practise is meant against my life , which i would now preserue for that deere virgin , more then love to keepe it for my use , i did imagine how ever bellamente shewed a formall and calme release , yet he would meditate revenge at such a time he most should wound me and had not i a perfect confidence your thoughts meant simple pitty to my danger i should not thus farre have engaged my self , then i beseech you tell me cla. any thing . hi. why d ee delay me thus clariana ? cla. pardon o pardon me hippolito indeed i will discover all the plot hi. i am prepard , cla. but there is no misfortune leveld at you , the danger is all mine and i but use this policy , to take my last farewell , for i must never see you married hi. you amaze me , what unhappinesse ? will bellamente be so cruell to thee having forgiven cla. a hand more severe . is armd against me hi. is there no prevention cla. it is within your mercy to do much hi.

pronounce then as much safety as my strength can give thee against any enemy be

but bellamente , i have wounded him too much already , may i credit then there is treachery ayming at my blood declare what man i must oppose in thy protection cla. no man hi. y' are misticall cla. a woman is my enemy hi. there will be no use of valour then cla. but much of love if you resolve to save bleeding clariana thou must oppose eubella . hi. what was that ? kill my eubella ? cla. it stretches not so farre , onely i beg you would not marry her , and i shall live . hi. not marry her , why there 's no steele can bring so certaine and so violent a death , forsake eubella now , now when shee 's drest my glorious bride , the nuptiall ceremonie and priest expecting us , i know you speake not in hope i should beleeve , you may as well bid me'commit a murder on my life for this will kill her and we both are one . who hath instructed you to this ? cla. my love my love that will not suffer me to know thou must be given thus away for ever i could endure thy absence for whole yeeres and not complaine , repent my equall sorrow we have so farre offended , while you keepe your present freedome , there were then some hope a possibility , at last to meet in new affections to redeeme the old but thus my expectation is destroyd , you understand ? hi. too much , be not deceived , there is no love that is not vertuous and thy consenting thus farre but in thought is sacriledge , and thou dost rob the church twice , first in violation of thy vowes which there were registred , and then mine expected i dare not heare you talke thus cla. is this all ? all the reward for loosing of my selfe for thy sake ? hip. y' are not yet quite lost cla. what curse made blacke the houre of my conception farewell hippolito , when you heare me dead come to my grave , and drop one teare upon me hip. what meanes clariana ? enter milena . mi. oh madam looke behind me i see my master comming in , and he suspecting my hast this way , followes me with his sword drawne enter bellamente . bel. are you so nimble ? ha . hi. woman thou hast undone me . cla. oh my fortune againe betraid bel. nay then , i le make sure worke exit . mi. alas what shall become of me , the doores are lockt . hip. cruell dessembler . cla. hippolito the sequell shall acquit my thoughts , i me circled with more certaine danger and cannot hope life hi. t is not that i feare to dy , thou knowst i am not guilty of any second shame , but my eubella that every minute lookes to be my bride how the thought rends me . cla. i can prevent his furie against thee hi. there is no way cla. yes this . hi. . ha divell what hast done ? mi. alas what ha you both done ? cla. i thanke thee thou hast spar'd my execution on my selfe i le tell thee now hippolito , by this this crimson in whose ebbe my life hasts from me i did not looke for bellamente , but surprisd i thought it honor to beg in the tragedy , i know my fate was not to be resisted , t was impossible . to find a second mercy from him , and i would secure no woman after me should boast the conquest of hippolito thy sword was gentle to me , search't againe and thou shalt see . how my embracing blood will keepe it warme and kisse the kind destroyer enter bellamente and servants , milena runns in . bel. what are you humbled ? must not serve your turne . cla. we have deceivd your triumph . hi. bellamente . cla. heare me first , and know this bold hand sav'd thy fury to hippolito , whom with my last breath i pronounce not in a thought guilty of new dishonor bel. as soone perswade it is not day hi. this letter summond me cla. i had no other meanes to speake with him and my unruly love did prompt me to it hi. i tremble not in my innocence to thinke of death but my eubella , poore eubella cla. if she but lovd thee as i did , sheel 'le follow furies will lend a torch to light her to the shades we go to bel. is the wickednesse all thine ? hi. except the wound my hasty sword gave as reward for this too neere my heart i feare cla. dost feare ? hi. for poore eubellas sake bel. now thou hast met a justice in thy blood for thy first sinne , but i will have a surgeon hi. send for eubella rather oh let me breath my last upon her lips it will concerne thee bellamente somewhat the world will think this murder was thine else bel. make hast : o woman thou didst weepe once , when thy teares won my forgivenesse , where are all the drops , the penitent showers , in which thy stained soule should bath it selfe , this minute lanching forth to thy eternity . cla. th' are of another colour , oh forgive me good heaven , i have wrongd thee bellamente oh wives hereafter , meane your hearts to them you give your holy vowes , what mist weighs downe my eyes already , oh t is death i see in a long robe of darkenesse is preparing to seale them up for ever , t were no death , if we could loose our sinnes as we do breath bel. shee s gone to a long silence , place her body there and then gently raise hippolito to the other chaire hi. hast , hast my deare eubella . enter bonaldo bo. how came this tragedy ? hi. give me your last blessing i me going a long pilgrimage , you gave too great a licence to my youth bo. howe 's this ? hi. my wanton bloud now payes for t , clariana and i have changd a wound , where is eubella ? bo. she is too neere this griefe , this punishment should ha beene mine long since , i was his father in sinne as well as yeeres , she is dead already thy glasse had many sands till it was broken then those few minutes that are left of mine , i le number with my prayers . enter duke . eub. seb. court . eu. hippolito . hip. my wound hath had a happy patience . farewell . seb. eubella bo. he is departed du. bellamente who hath done all this ? bel. i le do my best to tell you here 's all that 's left of them whom how i lov'd , heaven and my poore heart knowes , eu. and is he slaine ? but once more let me kisse him . bel. i did not kill em sir , they were too willing to leave the world together , but their wrongs all all the paiment for my honest love awakd me to revenge , and had they beene the very strings that tye my life together it should ha falne to peeces , but their hands prevented mine . du. the cause ? you rather leade me to thinke you were their murderer , we must be better satisfied or your blood must answer for this effusion . bel. the cause my lord � t is growne since it came hither pray give me leave , because you shanot suffer i th expectation , you shall have it all together , this hippolito and that clariana harke there t is . enter milena . seb. his griefe has overchargd him du. none to decipher these sad characters ? mi. with your pardon i can seb. be comforted eubella , all thy teares will not recall his life eu. pray give me leave since he is dead to embalme him , had i di'ed before him , hee 'd ha wept as much for me . du. we have heard too much but moderate eubella , thy sorrows , he surviues that will supply a bridegroome , and thy vertue bids me tender my selfe a recompence for thy sufferings eu. i know you wod not lead me to forget hippolito so soone , i dare not thinke of being a bride agen . seb. does your grace meane this honor ? du. by my dukedome . seb. after this shower is over , she will shine doubt not my lord , and blesse her happy starres du. lead from this charvell house they shall be interrd with all solemnity becomes there birth and when their funerall rites and teares are done new joyes shall rise with the next mornings sunne . exit omnes .
finis .
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��� i know you haue more charity . ��� if there be other ��� that concernes your honor ��� if there be other cause, that concernes your honor , or your fortune ��� concernes your honor , or your fortune , trust me , i would not by a minites stay be guilty be , ��� me , i would not by a minites stay be guilty of your wrong , and yet me thinkes ��� there were any thing you might tell me ; ther's not a thought , that i dare keepe from you , nough�� nough�� ��� thought , that i dare keepe from you , no sigh you may know from whence it breakes , i seness faith he knowes not what may theiue upon his senses or what temptation may rise from him . to � hold that constant my eubella . chas� shee's chast and vertuous v�rtuous shee's chast and vertuous comeptent i am no competent judge of beauty , but if you will have my s��'t a cheeke hath both creame and strawberie in't a lip with cheeries that say come eate me asuspition with a name , and yet i have a grudging , a suspition , that you ha paund or lost it opportuniy luck for you then for my selfe , give us opportunity . a long barge attends , musicke and the marmaides go along , swannes dy a long the shores and empireore created men and women to have a command and empire ore the creatures and shall we loose our be'lock'd but thinke her virtuous suffer her selfe to be' lock'd up suspitiously within a strangers du�ty , come to the city and leave purchasing , dusty acres burnesblew then drinke your drinke , now troy burnes blew , wheras hecuba ? uncivilll this is uncivill , and i shall tell bonaldo withall another , it is not possible any but your selfe with all the magicke of his tongue or fortunes could turneith go yet , lady if you please wee'l walke a turne ith garden . famil� would preserve the name of our yet honest family i feare she is ore come already , i do not � ha . why dost pause vilaine ? answer me � , take my sword , i will be double arm'd . i charge thee by ��� duty , or thy life ��� i will be double arm'd � i charge thee by thy duty , or thy life if that be more , stay ��� ile do my best he shano't scape � husband often to arme and fortifie our selves , i confesse , i do not wish him here , perhaps � so so . now sir you may come forth agen nor do you innocenee i apprehend no mercie not have i so much innocence to hope you will delay your justice , , dceline weapon , not , if i were sure the bullet would decline my heart . it does beget a cowardise to � tel me clariana , still i shall hit upon thy name , how couldst he�tick curable then a wife , for she indeed is a hectick feauer although i buried mine seven yeere infu�d of weather by the knowledge her noise has infusd into my bones . � your highnesse humble servant , i am sorry my sonne should be absent , when � with supping abroad and midnight revells , i should ha beene troubled with her till talkeou but harke you sir , how ere you talke you cannot in your judgement thinke so , h�m� then must i be troubled cannot he laugh and heme and kisse his bride but he must send me �ill mistake him , he meant i should dy , he wonot kill me at the altar ? perhaps i shall be poisoned musical� whither ? a musical lip . �i oratory to expresse what my heart labours with i could accuse my unkind desteny , declame graden like an honest gentleman , hee's at the garden gate . i told him how things were at home em'worse i shall not love em' worse because they please your eye , they unhadpy if every time , i ame presented to 'em th' unhappy obiect thou dost weepe clariana , i have possiblility present freedome , there were then some hope a possibility , at last to meet in new affections to redeeme church� thought is sacriledge , and thou dost rob the church twice , first in violation of thy vowes � enter bellamente . sa�'d heare me first , and know this bold hand sav'd thy fury to hippolito , whom with my last duke dome by my dukedome .
the gamester shirley, james this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text s in the english short title catalog (stc ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. martin mueller incompletely or incorrectly transcribed words were reviewed and in many cases fixed by madeline burg lydia zoells this text has not been fully proofread earlyprint project evanston il, notre dame in, st.louis, washington mo distributed under a creative commons attribution-noncommercial . unported license a .xml the gamester. as it vvas presented by her majesties servants at the private house in drury-lane. written by iames shirly. shirley, james, - . dpi tiff g page images university of michigan, digital library production service ann arbor, michigan september (tcp phase ) stc ( nd ed.) . greg, ii, . a

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 the gamester. as it vvas presented by her majesties servants at the private house in drury-lane. written by iames shirly. shirley, james, - . [ ] p. printed by iohn norton, for andrew crooke, and william cooke, london : .

signatures: a-i k .

k v begins "as when she ..". early variant: k v omits this line and begins "wi. i am ..".

the title page is mostly in the same setting as stc .

 a shc the gamester shirley, james madeline burg lydia zoells play comedy shc no a s (stc ). athis text has no known defects that were recorded as gap elements at the time of transcription. incorporated ~ , textual changes made to the shc corpus by hannah bredar, kate needham, and lydia zoells between april and july during visits, separately or together, to the bodleian, folger and houghton libraries as well as the rare book libraries at northwestern university and the university of chicago

the gamester .

as it vvas presented by her majesties servants at the private house in drury-lane .

written by iames shirly .

london . printed by iohn norton , for andrew crooke , and william cooke . .

the gamester .
actus . i. enter master wilding ; and mistris penelope . _wild. what neede you be so coy now ? pen. pray collect your selfe , remember what you are , and whose you have a vertuous gentlewoman , thinke upon your faith to her . wi. thinke of a fiddle-sticke . while you put me in minde of what i am , you quite forget your selfe : my wife i allow your kinswoman farre off , to whom a widdow your father left you , with a handsome fortune , which by her marriage , i have in possession , and you too ; therefore as you hope to be in due time worth a husband , thinke upon 't : i can deserve respect , then wisely use me , as you would keepe me . pene. this is but a triall of my strength , for i know you have more charity , ( should i consent ) then ship-wracke your owne honor . but take heede sir , how you proceede to jest with frailty , least too much disordering your good thoughts , you forget and by degrees , loose your owne innocence . wi.

i jest ? you 'ld have me sweare , and yet you should not thinke it such a wonder : to love : come , shake off this frost , it spoiles thee ; your nature should be soft , and flexible ; perhaps thou thinkst , i doe not love thee hartily , i know not how to give thee better testimony , then by offering my selfe to thee if my wife-die , as tenn to one shee 's not immortall , we may couple tother way .

pene.

what argument is this to assure the truth of your affection to me , that breake your vowes to her ?

wi.

oh! great argument , and you observe : she was a widdow when i married her , thou art a yong maide , and handsome .

pene.

can you be so ingratefull , to punish whom you should reward , remember sir , shee brought you that wealth you have . tooke you from nothing �

wi.

ther 's reason then for nothing i should love her : hang her estate , i was held a proper man , and in that point , deserv'd her , and shee had millions : and i were free again . i would not draw i' th teame of marriage for ten subsidyes not to command a province .

pene.

yet you said , were your wife dead you 'd marry me .

wi.

onely thee , and no body else .

pene.

't were dangerous to : have many .

wi.

to have one , is little lesse then madnes ; come , wo't promise ? enter mistris wilding .

pene. what ? wi. a course , you know my meaning . mi. i doe not like this whispering , why with her so close in parly ? wi. wo't thou doe this feate for me ? 't is finish'd in a paire of minuts . pene. yes , upon one condition . wi. what condition ? pe. that your wife give consent , you shall then command me . wi. i 'le undertake to goe a pilgrimage to ierusalem , and returne sooner : wood i did not love thee , love thee infinitely , that 's all , ' two not doe � my wife , i hope . exit pene. shee has not eav's-dropd , us ; what pitty t is she cannot finde the way to heaven ; i should not trouble her in hast , these wives will have no conscience , but sticke to us everlastingly . now lady , how did your monkey rest last night , you looke as you had not done your prayers yet , i wonot disturbe you . mi. pray sir stay , let me but know some reason why you use me thus unkindly ? if i have beene gilty of offence , i am not past hope , but with the knowledge of my error , 't is possible i may amend , and please you . wi. i doe not like you . mi. you did marrie me . wi, yes , i did marrie you ; her 's too much record for 't , i would there were a parson to unmarry us , if any of our clergie had that faculty , he might repaire the old ; and build as many new abbeyes through the kingdome in a tweluemonth . shall i speake truth ? i never much affected thee , i married thee for thy soules sake , not thy body , and shall as soone get children on 't : and yet i doe not hate thee , witnesse , i dare kisse , hold thee by the hand , and sleepe in the same house , and in thy bed sometimes , something ha's beene done . mi. within the memorie of man , but � what sir ? wi you have a scurvy quality wife , i told you on 't . mi. once more , and i 'le correct it . wi. you are given to be jealous , i cannot ramble abroad in gentlemens company whole dayes , ly out a nights , but you suspect i am wanton , 't is ill done , it becomes no modest woman : that loves her husband , to be jealous , what e're she see , or heares , mend , mend this fault , you doe not know , how it may worke upon me . some wife will bid her husbands leverets welcome , keepe house together , and provide cleane sheets , and cullices to fortifie ; you neere did it : know her owne chamber and not come forth till she be sent for ; if her husband kisse her , sometimes , allow her clothes and other trinkets , suffer her carve at table , she is satisfied , and none o' th parish talke , she carries it so handsomlie : these moralls i have read before now , but you put them not in practise , nor for ought i perceive , have disposition too 't , therefore i 'le take my course . mi. to shew i can be obedient to my griefes , from this time , sir , i wonot urge with one unwelcome syllable , how much i am neglected , i 'le conceale it too from the world , your shame must needs be mine . i see you doe not love me , where your heart hath plac'd a worthier thought , let it dwell ever , freely persue your pleasures , i will have no passion that shall mutinie , you are , and shall be lord of me still . wi. i like this , if it be no disguise . mi. do not suspect me , i would sweare by a kisse , if you vouchsafe it , you shall not keepe a servant , that shall be more humble . wi. and obedient to my will ? mi. in all things . wi. but if i bring home a mistresse ? mi. i 'le call her sister . wi. what if there be one already , that does please me , will you not repine , and looke awry upon 's , when we make much of one another ? mi. so you will but sometimes smile on me too , i 'le indeavour . wi. well said , this may doe good upon me , as i finde you prompt in this , i may consider other matters : to tell you true , i love your kinswoman . mi. how ? wi. i' th way you wot on , but i finde her cold and peevish , how she maie be brought about i know not , 't would shew well , and be a president for other wives , if you would put your helpe too 't . mi. goodnes blesse me . wi. one woman with another can doe more in such a cause , then twentie men . i doe not wander , you see , out of the blood , this will be a way to justifie your obedience . mi. you shew a tyrant now , and stead of framing my soule to patience , murder both . exit . wi. i have gone too farre a conscience ; this may spoile all , and now i thinke upon 't , i was a coxcombe to discover any party , i must deny 't againe , and carry things more closelie . how now will ? enter hazard . ha. how now will ? 's that all ? looke up , and aske me a question like a� man , what melancholy ? wi. no , no ; a toy , a trifle . ha. that should be a woman , who ' st thou art thinking on ? i have beene of your counsell . wi. i was thinking , o' my wife � ha. i met her sadd . wi. i cannot blame her ; we have had a dialogue ; come , thou know'st my bosome , ha. when do'st meane to lie with her ? wi. i know not , but i have offer'd faire conditions : shee is very confident , i doe not dote upon her beauty , i have told her , sirra , i love her kinswoman . ha. y' are not so mad . wi. the worlds deceav'd in her , shee le give me leave , to ramble where i list , and feede upon what best delights my appetite . ha. he that has an ambition to be strangled in his sleepe , may tell his wife he loves another woman . wi. but i was not content with this , because the other wench was somewhat obstinate , i must needs urge my wife , to mollifie and mold her , for my purpose . ha. and she consented too ? wi. no 't would not doe . this went against her stomacke and we parted . ha. next time you see her , looke to be presented with your mistresses nose for this , do'st thinke a woman can be so patient , to know her rivall i' th same roofe , and leave her eyes , to see thee agen ? i am sorry for thee . wi. i am confident shee dare not : but for all that , would i had beene lesse particular . ha. come , i love thee well , but not thy wit , to carry things no handsomer : you must unravell agen , and make your wife beleeve you did but try her . how now , what 's the newes here ? enter officers with delamore wounded . off. quickly to a surgeon , beare him gently . ha. what 's the businesse . off. nothing , sir , but a gentleman is kild , and we are carrying him to a surgeon . wi. t is jacke delamore , he is not dead . ha. who hurt him ? ha. master beamont ; we cannot stay , sir . wi. why they were friends . off. but wine made them fall out , some say , about their mistresses . wi. i did expect a woman at one end on 't . what miserable fooles are men , to kill one another for these cockatrices ! ha. i am sorry for poore beamont . wi. it would be long ere any mistresse would be so desperate for her servant , this is valur , high and mighty valor . ha. men must preserve their honors man , thou dost not know their quarrell ? wi.

thou art held a peece of a kill-cow too , looke too 't before the sessions take an order w' ee : i st not a great deale safer , now to skermish with a peticote , and touze a handsome wench in private ; then be valiant in the streets , and kisse the gallowes for 't ? hang , hang this foolerie , let gentlemen rather live , and pay their tailors , then let their clothes enrich the hangmans wardrobe .

ha. but skermishing as you call it , with the peticote , is by some , held away to this preferment , your wenches ha beene sticklers , and some men dropt in their quarrell . wi. let them be such coxcombs they cannot die too soone ; cannot i have a lady of pleasure , but to please her humour , i must be engag'd to fight and kill men for her ? because her healths refus'd , anothers nose or teeth preferrd , substantiall grounds for murder , we spend our blood too much another way ; consumption take me , if i fight for one on 'em , i will drinke single beere first , and live honest , gentlemen are come to a fine passe , doe not you thinke but t is possible , i may fight for all this ? ha. there may be causes , that have women in 'em , but i confesse , no polecats , or lewd strumpets , though i doe use the tricke o' th flesh , shall drive me to the surgeon ; i had a mother . wi. and i have a wife , would thou had'st her . ha. no , no , she is well as shee is , there may be honor to defend these . wi. sometimes . ha. but ther 's a mischiefe greater then all these a base and sorded provocation , us'd among gentlemen , they cannot quarrell about a glasse of wine , but our files streigth sonne of a whore , dead mothers must be torne , out of their graves , or living , have their names poysoned by a prodigious breath : it were a brave and noble law , to make this tongue be cut for 't , it wod save much blood i th yeere , that might be spent more honorablie . wi.

the lie grew a dull provocation , this has quickn'd us , but leave this common place , thou canst not helpe it , let ts talke of something else . stay is not this beaumont ?

enter beaumont , and officers . ha. apprehended , alas poore gentleman ; how now ned ? bea. as you see gentlemen , cald to my account . wi. we heard a peece of the misfortune , but be not dejected , he may live . bea. i feare it . pray lead me where you please , alas . violante ! this newes will wound thee too . exit . wi. i 'le with him , and know the story . ha. t will but trouble me i can doe him no service , beside that , i am engag'd to meete old master barnacle . enter acre-lesse , little-stocke , and sell-away whither , whither gentlemen , with your swords drawne ? acr. doest not see a gentleman led to prison ? wee 'le reskue him from the officers , come joyne with us : we shall draw more to the cause . ha. you doe not meane this rashnes : hide your swords be advis'd better ; d' ee know his fact ? lit. he has slaine a gentleman . sel. they say he is not dead , the wounds not mortall . ha. and will you make one past cure ? acr. how do'st meane ? ha. upon your selves , coole your hot bloods a little , no mutuny my country men , remember , if he recover that is hurt , the tother will come off well enough , without your volour : breath , breath a while , you may if you have a minde too 't instead of reskuing , betray a gentleman , and your selves too , to a danger . lit. he sayes right . ha. t is scurvey wearing hempe , if you scape killing , there be more butchers then sell flesh ; and citizens have no mercy in their clubs , especially when gentlemen have so litle wit , to bring there heads to 'th knocking downe , 't is a revenge they owe you for their wives , oh take heede mainely of these left handed halberdiers . acr. confound 'em . ha. how many will you kill with your bird-spit ? you have more leggs and armes at home , which makes you valiant , i 'le not pare my nailes to day , and yet i love my friend , as the best on you ; you know i dare fight too , but in this cause you must needs pardon me , i beleeve the stoutest that now would seeme all fire , and sword , will goe with as ill will to hanging , as another , and will becom 't as scurvily , take your courses . sel. i thinke 't is better : ha. o' th two , to go to the taverne , and be drunke in your owne defence , a wench is not so dangerous nor the disease that waites upon her . acr. what if the gentleman that 's hurt should die ? then ther 's no hope for tother . ha. lesse for you , you would be guilty of his murther too , and snatch him from the law , why you may doo 't : t is pity but the government should thanke you , and if you scape the halter for 't , it may be another man in time , may cut your throate , and ther 's one for another , paid in the blood . come be your selves , these are not acts of gentlemen , where shame , not honor must reward your daring , though we be wild , it followes not we should be mad out-right . lit. i was ever of his minde . acr. come lett 's to taverne . ha. i am for that coast , now i thinke upon 't i 'le meete you at the new randevow within this halfe-houre , i expect a gentleman that has engaged my promise ; i 'le come t' ee ere you be halfe drunke . sel. doe not faile . ha. drinke sack and thinke not on 't , what should be the busines that old barnacle has desired my conference ? 't is not to lend me money sure , hee 's here . enter master barnacle . bar. master hazard . ha. i was comming to you , sir . bar. i am fortunate to prevent so great a trouble , there is a busines , sir , wherein i must desire your favour . ha. mine ? command it , sir . bar. nay i 'le be thankefull too , i know you are a gentleman . ha. that should incline , you thinke i am not mercenarie ba. i beseech you , sir , mistake me not , rewards are due to vertues , and honor must be cherish'd . ha. what 's your purpose ? pray cleere my understanding . ba. to be plaine , sir , you have a name i' th towne for a brave fellow . ha. how , sir , you doe not come to jeere me ? ba. patience , i meane you have the opinion of a valiant gentleman , one that dares fight and maintaine your honor against odds , the sword-men doe acknowledge you , the baylies observe their distance , all the swaggering pusses strike their top-sailes , i have heard 'em in the streets saie there goes daring hazard , a man carelesse of wounds , and though he have not had the lucke to kill so many as another , dares fight with all them that have . ha. you have heard this . ba. and more , and more , mistake not . i do not all this while acompt you in the list of those are cald the blades , that roare in brothells , and breake windowes , fright the streets at mid-night worse then constables , and sometimes set upon innocent bell-men , to beget discourse for a weekes dyet , that sweare , dammes , to pay their debts , and march like walking armories , with poyniard , pistoll , rapier , and batoone , as they would murder all the kings leige people , and blow downe streets ; no i repute you valiant indeede , and honor'd , and come now without more ceremony , to desire your favour ; which as you are a gentleman , i hope , you 'le not denie me . ha. though your language be something strange , yet , bcause i thinke you dare not intend me an abuse , i wonot question it , pray to the point , i do not thinke , your come to have me be your second . bar i am no fighter , though i have seene a fence-schoole in my dayes , and crackt a cudgell , yet i come about a fighting businesse . ha. you would have me beate some body for you . bar. not so noble hazard , yet i come to entreat a valiant curtesie , which i am willing to requit in money , i have brought gold to give you paiment , sir , t is a thing you may easily consent to , and 't will oblige me ever . ha. be particular . bar. then thus you are not ignorant i have a nephew , sir . ha. you have so . bar. one that 's like to be my heire , the onely of my name that 's left , and one that may in time be made a prettie fellow . ha. very well , proceede . ba. you know or you imagine , that i have . a pretty estate too . ha. y' are held a maine rich man , sir , in money able to weigh downe an alderman . ba. i have more then i shall spend ; now i come close , i would have this nephew of mine , converse with gentlemen , ha. and hee does so . ba. i 'le not pinch him in 's allowance , the university had almost spoild him . ha. with what ? ba. with modesty a thing you know not here in fashion , but that 's almost cur'd , i would allow him to be drunke . ha. you may , sir . ba. or any thing to speake him a fine gentleman , ha. with your favour , sir , let me be bold a litle to interrupt you , were not you a citizen ? ba. t is confest , sir . ha. it being a thriving way a walke wherein you might direct your nephew , why d' ee not breede him so ? ba. i apprehend ; and thus i satisfie you , we that had our breeding from a trade , cits as you call us , though we hate gentlemen our selves , yet are ambitious , to make all our children gentlemen , in three generations they returne agen , we for our children purchase land , they brave it i' th countrie , begets children , and they sell , grow poore , and send their sonnes up to be prentises : there is a whirle in fate , the courtiers make us cuckolds ; marke , we wriggle into their estates , poverty makes their children citizens ; our sonnes cuckold them , a circular justice , the world turnes round , but once more to the purpose . ha. to your nephew . ba. this nephew of mine , i do love deerly ; he is all my care , i would be loth to loose him , and to preserve him both in life , and honor : i come to you . ha. now you come to me indeede , sir . bar. what shall i give you , sir , to let him � ha. what ? bar. pray be not angry . ha. by no meanes . bar. there is no such security i' th world , i 'le pay for 't heartily . ha. for what ? ba. what shall i give you troth , and let him . ha. what ? bar. beate you , sir ? acr. how ? ba. nay do not , sir , mistake me , for although i name it , caursely i desire it should be with your consent , no otherwise ; my nephew is raw , and wants opinion , and the talke of such a thing , to beate a gentleman , that all the townes afraid of , would bee worth in 's credit , heaven knowes what , alas you cannot blame a kinde uncle , to desire all meanes to get his nephew fame , and keepe him safe , and this were such a way . ha. to have me beaten . ba. y' are i' th right , but doe not misconceive me , under your favour , my intention is not he should much hurt you , if you please to let him quarrell , or so at taverne , or where else you shall thinke fit , and throw a pottle-pot � ha. at my head . ba. yes , or say it be a quart , still under your correction , onely that some of your acquaintance and gentlemen may take notice , that he dares affront you , and come off with honor handsomelie , looke her 's a hundred peeces , tell , 'em i' th ordinarie th' are weight upon my credit , play 'em not against light gold , this is the prologue to my thanks , beside my nephew shall in private acknowledge himselfe beholding . ha. a hundred peeces ! i want mony . bar. right . ha. you give me this to let your nephew beate me . bar. pray take me w' ee , i do not meane he should by beating , hurt you dangerouslie , you may contrive the quarrell , so that he may draw some blood , or knocke you , o're the pate , and so forth , and come of bravelie , this is all . ha. well , sir , you doe not meane , you say hee should endanger my life or limbes ; all you desire , if i mistake not , is to get your nephew credit , that being flesh'd , he may walke securelie , and be held valiant by gayning honor upon mee . bar. you understand me right . ha. i 'le put it up , pray send your nephew to me , wee le agree . bar.

agree , sir ? you must quarrell , and he must beate you , else , t is no bargaine .

ha. not before we have concluded how things shall bee carried . ba. i must desire your secresie and � ha. heer 's my hand . bar. and ther 's my monie . ha. your nephew shall be a blade . ba. why ther 's ten peeces more , cause you come off so freely , i 'le send him to you . ha. do so , why this , if the dice favour me may bring all my lands agen , be sure you send him , but no words for your nephews credit . ba. mum � i thanke you heartilie . exit . ha. be there such things i' th world , i 'le first to the taverne , there i am staid for , gentlemen i come , i 'le be beate every day for such a summe . eixt .
act. ii. enter mistresse wilding , and the page . mi. wher 's your master , boy ? pag. i know not mistresse . mi. come neerer , sirra , you are of your masters counsell sometimes , come , be true in what i shall desire , and i shall finde a time , for your reward . pa. how d' ee meane mistresse ? we pages meete rewards of severall natures , this great man gives us gold , that ladie gloves , tother silke stockins , roses , garters : but the ladie , and mistresse whom we serve in ordinarie , reserves another bountie , for our closenesse . mi. i see you can be a wag , but be just to me , and secret . pa. as your physition , or your looking-lasse ; that in your absence cannot be corrupted to betraie your complexion . mi. what private mistresses , does master wilding visit ? pa. who my master ? alas forsooth , d' ee thinke he lets me know ? mi. nay , nay dissemble not . pa. i hire a coach sometimes , or so , but ride alwaies i' th boote , i looke at no bodie but the passengers , i do not sit i' th same box at playes with him . i waite at taverne , i confesse , and so forth , and when he has sup'd , we must have time to eate too , and what should i trouble my conscience , with being too officious , till i am cald for ? t is true , he waites upon the ladies home , but 't is so darke , i know not where they dwell , and the next day we have new ones , las meere strangers to me , and i should be unmannerlie to catechise 'em , if now , and then , there be any superfluous cast waiting-woman , there be so many serving men about her , i cannot come to aske a question , and how should i know any thing ? mi. i see you are old enough for vice . pa. alas forsooth , you know t is ill to doe a thing that 's wicked , but 't were a double sinne to talke on 't too , if i were guiltie ; beside forsooth , i know you would neere trust me agen , if i should tell you . mi. thou art deceav'd , it shall endeare thee more . pa. i must beseech you to be excus'd , my master is my master , my feete are at your service , not my tongue , i wo'd not forfet my recognizance , and shame the tribe , pages , and mid-wives are sworne to be close . mi. hence thou old in vilanie , but 't is in vaine to chide , leave me , and bid mistris penelope come hither . pa. yes forsooth . mi. i know not which way to beginne , to me hee has betraid he loves her , she is present . enter penelope . pene. will you be sad still cozen , why d' ee greeve ? be kinder to your selfe , trust me , i weepe when i am alone , for you . mi. sorrow and i are taking leave i hope , and these are onely some drops after the cloud has wept his violence : were one thing finish'd , i should nere be sad more , and i cannot despaire to know it done , since the effect depends upon your love . pene. my love ? t is justice you command my service , i would i were so happie . mi. make me so , by your consent to my desire . pene. pray name it . mi. i onely aske your love , praie give it me . pene.

my love ? why doe you mocke my poore hart , which poures all it has upon you ? y' are possest of that alreadie .

mi. you examine not the extent of my request , for when you have given what i aske , your love , you must no more direct it , as you please , the power 's in me how to dispose it . pen. and you shall for ever , i have no passion that shall not know obedience to you . mi. your love by gift made mine , i give my husband you , love him . pene. i alwaies did . mi. but in a neerer way : love him as i doe , with a resolution to give your selfe to him , if he desire it . pene. i understand you not , or if you doe suspect i cherish any lawlesse fame � mi. thou art to innocent ; be lesse , and doe an act to endeare us both , i know he loves thee ; meete it , deere coose , 't is all i beg of thee ; i know you thinke it a most strange request , but it will make fortunate . pene. greife i feare hath made her wild , d' ee know what you desire ? mi. yes , that you love my husband : modestie will not allow me to discourse my wish in everie circumstance , but thinke how desperate my wound is , that would have so strange a cure , hee 'le love me then , and trust me i 'le not studie revenge , as other wives perhappes would doe , but thanke thee , and indeede an act like this ; so full of love , with so much losse and shame too , for mine and his sake , will deserve all dutie , pene. i have no patience to heare more , and could i let in a thought , you meant this earnest , i should forget i knew you ; but you cannot be falne from so much goodnesse , i confesse i have no confidence in your husbands vertue , he has attempted me ; but shall hope sooner to leave a staine upon the sunne , then bribe mee to so foule a guilt ; i have no life without my innocence , and you cannot make your selfe more miserable , then to wish it from me : oh , do not loose the merit of your faith , and truth to him , though he forget himselfe , by thinking to releeve your selfe thus sinfullie , but sure you doe but trie me all this while . mi. and i have found thee pure , be still preserved so , but he will stragle further � pene. cherish hope , he rather will come backe ; your teares , and prayers cannot be lost . mi. i charge thee by thy love , yet be ruld by me ; i 'le not be so wicked to tempt thee in a thought shall blemish thee : but as thou would'st desire my peace , and his conversion , if his wantonnes last with him , appeare more tractable , allow him so much favour , in smile , or language , that he maie not thinke it impossible to prevaile at last . pene. this may ingage him further , and my selfe to a dishonor . mi. it shall worke our happinesse , as i will manage things ; 't is but to seeme : a looke will cost thee nothing , nor a syllable to make his hopes more pleasing , on my life thou shalt be safe both in thy fame , and person , will you doe this for my sake ? pene. i 'le refuse no danger , if i suffer not in honor , to doe you any service . mi. i have cast it already , in my braine , but doe not yet inquire my purpose , as his follie leades him to pursue you , let me know , and i 'le by faire degrees acquaint you with my plot , which built on no foule ends , is like to prosper , and see how aptlie he presents himselfe , preethee seeme kinde , and leave the rest to me . he shall not see me . exit . enter master wilding . wi. how now cooze ? was that my wife went off ? pene. yes , sir . wi. let her goe , what said shee to thee ? pene. nothing . wi. thou art troubled . pene. pray to your knowledge , sir , wherein have i done injury to you , or her ? wi. has she abus'd thee ? i 'le goe kicke her . pene. by no meanes , sir , i steale away your hart , and meete at stolne embraces . wi. does shee twit thee ? i 'le kicke her like a foot-ball , say but the word . pene. by no meanes thinke upon 't , i have forgiven her , you shanot sir , so much as frowne upon her . pray do not as you love me , wee may studie a more convenient revenge . wi. how 's this ? i preethee if she have beene peremptorie , which was none of our articles , let me instruct thee , how we shall be reveng'd . pene. sir , i acknowledge the groth and expectation of my fortune , is in your love , and though i wod not wrong her ; and yet to have my innocence accus'd is able to pervert it , sir , your pardon , i have beene passionate ; pray love your wife , wi. no , no , i 'le love thee , indeede , indeede i will , is shee jealous ? pene. you know she has no cause . wi. let us be wise ; and give her cause , shall 's coose , pene. sir , if it be a trouble to your house , your breath shall soone discharge me , i had thought the tie of blood might have gain'd some respect . wi. discharge thee the house ? i 'le discharge her , and all her generation , thee excepted , and thou shallt do 't thy selfe , by this , thou shat ; ha , she kisses with more freedome , this is better , then if my wife had pleaded for me , pen , thou shalt be mistresse , woot ? come thou shalt , shee 's fit for drudgerie . pene. oh , do not say so . wi. then i wonot , but i love thee for thy spirit , cause thou woot be reveng'd , punish her jealozie the right way , when 't is done , i doe not care to tell her , it may kicke up her heeles too , another way . pene. tell her what ? you make me blush . wi. no , no , i 'le tell no bodie , by this hand . stay i have a diamond will become this finger , weare it , and let my wife stare out her eyes upon 't . pene. i wonot take 't on such conditions . wi. take it on any ; shee is come about . enter page . pa.

sir master hazard desires your company at taverne , he sayes there are none but gentlemen of your acquaintance , master acre-lesse , master little-stocke , and master sell-away , the three gamesters .

wi. he must excuse me . pene. as you love me , goe , sir . have no suspition that i wish your absence , i 'le weare your gift , and study to be thankfull . exit . wi. well , ther 's no great hurt in all this yet ; the tides not strong against me , no talke now , of wives consent , i 'le not remove my seige , shee 'le studie to be thankefull , shee 's mine owne , as sure as i were in her maiden-head , now to the taverne boy , and drinke to the purpose . exeunt . enter hazard , acre-lesse little-stocke , sell-away , as in a taverne . drawers . ha. more wine , is not this better gentlemen , then spitting constables ? you wod have fought now , and had your braine-pannes open'd acr. right noble hazard , heer 's to thee . ha. let come boy , fill it me steeple-high , i am in vaine of mirth , and i ha cause as you shall see in due time gentlemen . master little stocke thou art dreaming o' th dice . sel. hee 's melancholie . lit. who i ! ha.

i 'le play the farrier then , and drench thee for the sullens : a health to all our mistresses , we have had 'em single , let ts shuffle 'em now together .

master acre-lesse .

enter fidler . fi. wil t please you gentlemen to have a song . ha. you have not washt to day , go get cleane manners ; you raskall we have no wenches . fi. i see no bodie , sir , you have wash'd my eyes out . ha. it is not necessarie thou should'st have any : fill mee agen . acr , this fellow wod ha t'other cup . fi. i have had a cup too much alreadie gentlemen . exit . ha. let it goe round , and then in hope you may looke double , i 'le shew you a sight , i wonder jacke wilding stayes . enter master wilding , and page . hee 's come i' th nicke . wi. save , save you gallants , may a man come i' th reere ? ha. give him his garnish . wi. y' are not prisoners for the reckning , i hope . ha. for the reckning ? now y' are altogether gentlemen , i 'le shew you a wonder ; but come not to neere , keepe out o' th circle , whatsoever you thinke on 't , this is a hundred pound , nay , not so close , these picturs do shew best at distance , gentlemen . you see it , presto � wi. nay lett 's see 't agen . ha. like to your cunning jugler , i ne're shew my tricke but once you may heare more hereafter , what thinke you of this master acre-lesse , master little-stocke , and master sell-away ? acr. we do not beleeve 't is gold , ha. perish then in your infidelitie . wi. let me but touch it . ha. it will indure , take my word for 't , why looke you , for your satisfactions , no gloves off , you have devices to defalke , preserve your talons , and your talents , till you meete with more convenient gamesters . lit. how cam'st by it ? wi. tha'dst little or none this morning . ha. i have bought it gentlemen , and you in a mist shall see what i paid for it , thou hast not drunke yet : nere feare the reckning man , more wine , you varletts , and call your mistris , your scolopendia if we like her complexion , we may dine here . wi. but harke thee , harke thee will , did'st winne it ? ha. no , but i may loose it ere i goe to bed , dost think 't shall mustie , what 's a hundred pound ? sel , a miracle , but they are ceast with me . acr. and me too , come lett 's drinke . wi. no matter , how it came will , i congratulate thy fortune , and will quit thee now with good newes of my selfe , my coose i told thee on , is wheel'd about , she has tooke a ring o' me , we kist , and talk'd , time out a minde . ha. i know it , my almanacke sayes 't is a good day to wooe in , confirm'd by erra pater , that honest jew too , i 'le pledge thee . enter drawer . dr. master hazard there are two gentlemen below , inquire for you . ha. for me ? da. one's somewhat ancient , i heard him call the tother nephew . ha. say i come to 'em presentlie , gentlemen , i doe caution you before to be faire conditiond : one of them , the nephew is of a fierie constitution , and sensible of any affront , let this character prepare him for you . wi. bring him not hither . ha. there is a necessitie in 't , i wod not for a hundred pound but entertaine him , now he knowes i am here . exit . enter master hazard againe , with barnacle , his nephew , and dwindle . wi. this is old barnacle . acr. one that is to fine for alderman . lit. and that 's his nephew , i have beene in 's company , sel. is this the youth hazard prepard us for ? how bussie they are ? ha. you could not wish better opportunitie , these are all gentlemen of qualitie , i 'le call him cozen first , if it please you , to endeare him to their acquaintance . bar.

i 'le not be a witnesse of your passages my selfe ; these will report as much as i desire , sir , if you be beaten i am satisfied .

ne. but d' ee heare uncle , are sure you have made your bargaine wiselie ; they may cut my throat when you are gone , and what are you the wiser , dwindle be you close to me . ha. i warrant you we shall do things with discretion , if he have but grace , to looke and talke couragiouslie . bar. he may be valiant for ought i know , howsoever this will be a secure way to have him thought so , if he beate you soundlie . ne. i doe not like the company ; but i have drunke wine too , and that 's the best on 't , we maie quarrell on even termes , looke to thy basket-hilt dwindle , and have a stoole readie ; dw. i will give your worship a stoole . ha. as i am gentleman , be confident i 'le waite on you downe , sir . bar. by no meanes , let him beate you to purpose , sir . ne. buy uncle . exit . ha.

come , sir , pray gentlemen , bid my kinsman welcome : a sparke that will deserve your knowledge .

wi. his kinsman ? you are welcome . acr. he has power to command your welcome . lit. if i mistake not , i have had the happinesse to ha beene in your companie afore now . ne. mine , sir ? d' ee heare , what if i quarrel'd with him first ? 't will prepare me the better . ha. do as you please ; that 's without my conditions . ne. i 'le but give him now and then a touch , i 'le close well enough i warrant you , you beene in my companie , sir ? lit. yes , and at the taverne . ne. i paid the reckning then . lit. you came into our roome � ne. tell me of comming into your roome , i 'le come againe , you are a superfluous gentleman , wil. how 's this ? ha. let him alone . lit. sir , remember your selfe . ne. i 'le remember what i please , i 'le forget what i remember : tell me of a reckning , what i st ? i 'le pay 't , no man shall make an asse of me , further then i list my selfe , i care not a fiddle - sticke for any mans thundring , he that affronts me , is the sonne of a worme , and his father a whoore , i care not a straw , nor a broken point for you , if any man dare drinke to me ; i wonot goe behind the dore to pledge him . acr. why her 's to you , sir , ne. why there 's to you , sir .

twit mee with comming into a roome , i could � finde in my heart , to throw a pottle-pot , i name no bodie , i will kicke any man downe stayres , that cannot behave himselfe like a gentleman , none but a slave would offer to paie a reckning before me , where 's the drawer ? ther 's a peece at all adventures ; hee that is my friend , i cars not a rush , if any man be my enemie , he is an idle companion , and i honor him with all my heart .

wi. this is a precious humor , is he us'd to these mistakes ? lit. your kinsman gives him priviledge . ne.

i desire no mans priviledge , it skills not whether i be kin to any man living .

ha.

nay , nay , cozen , pray let me perswade you .

ne.

you perswade me ? for what acquaintance , minde your busines and speake with your tailor .

ha.

and you be thus rude �

ne.

rude , sir , what then , sir , hold me dwindle .

dw.

are you readie to have a stoole , sir ?

wi. nay , nay , will , we beare with him for your sake , he is your kinsman . ha. i am calme agen , cozen , i am sorry any person here hath given you offence . ne. perhapps , sir , you have given me offence , i do not feare you , i have knock'd as round a fellow in my dayes . ha. and may againe � wi.

be knock'd , a pox upon him , i know not what to make on him .

ha. let me speake a word in private , sir . ne. i can be as private as you , sir . ha. strike me a box o' th eare presentlie . ne. ther 's my hand on 't . wi. nay , nay , gentlemen . acr. master wilding . ne. let him call me to account , the recknings paid . come dwindle . exit . sel. i did not thinke the foole durst ha done this , t is a strange youth . ha. you shall heare more to morrow . dr. all 's paid , and you are welcome gentlemen . exeunt . enter leonara , violante . leo. why should not we two live together , being so equall in our passions ? oh violante , our knowledge grew from children , and our loves allie us in our natures . vio. t is my wish to dwell with thee , i never knew that woman in whom i tooke more pleasure to converse with , leo. but i have a father , and remembring him a sorrow steales upon me , to betraie my hopes of blessing ; for although hee love me , and deerelie as he sayes , for children must not dispute with fathers , he affects not him in whom i place all thoughts that can delight me , he loves not delamore , and what to me is all the world without him ? i shall never i feare , have his consent to be made happie in marriage , and this , although our thoughts reflect with equall honor on our lovers , makes the distinction , and concludes me miserable , thy will depends upon no riged parent , thy path is strew'd with roses , while i clime a ragged cliffe , to meete whom i affect . vio. indeede , leonara i much pitie thee . leo, i prethee counsell me how shall i wrastle with my sad destinie , and yet preserve my filiall obedience , i must loose a father , or a husband . vio. would i knew which way to bid thee steere , but lesson'd by my owne affection , i would have thy minde constant to him thou loust , time may correct a fathers harshnes , and be confident if poore violante have a power to serve thee , she will forget her owne heart , ere prove false to thee . leo. oh my deare soule , i know 't . enter servant . ser. oh mistresse . leo. what 's the matter ! vio. this face betraies some miserable accident . leo. speake , and assure us , what disaster makes thy countenance so wilde . ser. a friend of yours � leo. is sicke , is dead , what more ? and yet i have so few , i can spare none . ser. is dead , since you appeare so fortified . leo. is my father living , and delamore ? ser. your father is in health , but � leo. staie , as thou wouldst preserve thy mistresse in the number of the living . vio. how my feares increase ! leo. except violante , whom i see enjoyes her health , i have no friend but delamore , i hope hee is not dead . ser. your delamore is dead . shee faints . vi. friend , leonora , 't was indiscreetlie done to open sorrow so like a torrent , leonora ; friend . leo. why dost thou call me from him ? sure i was going to meete my delamore . vi. give not such beleefe to these sad newes , untill you heare it confirm'd , dist see him dead ? ser. i did not see him . vi. have comfort then , this may bee check'd againe . leo. would i could hope it . vio. have more courage friend , didst heare the circumstance ? ser. he was slaine they say . vio. nay then beleeve it not , he was so innocent , he could provoke no angrie sword against him . ser. i wish your confidence were not deceav'd , the last part of my storie will concerne your faith , and sorrow . vio. mine ? in her i share too much , but prethee since thou hast not beene slow to wound her , let me know my affliction . ser. the generall voice is , master beaumont slew him , your servant ladie . vio. tell the generall voice it lyes , my beaumont prove a murderer ? and of his friend ? he would not kill an enemie . ser. all i can say in proofe of this , i saw him guarded to prison , pardon my relation . vio. if thou beleevest thy eyes abus'd thee not , thou might'st with one breath spoken 'em both dead , for the survivor lives , but to give up his life with more shame , all my comfort is , i shall not live to see it , oh leonora , who is most wretched now ? let thou , and i , the few dayes that we have to live , be friends , and die in perfect charitie , i must leave you to manage your owne griefe , i have enough to breake my poore heart too . exit . leo. what seas breake-in upon us ? i that could have dyed within a gentle wave , now struggle for my life , my father ? enter sr. richard hurry . hu. what , it seemes you heard the newes , come let your sorrowes drie up , you may see what 't is to be so rash , when you chuse next , you 'le consult me , i hope ; wipe , wipe your eyes , your teares are vaine , i could say more . leo. what sir ? hu. they are more then he deserv'd , and yet t is better thou shouldst bestow thy teares upon his funerall , then i sigh'd at thy marriage ; come , heaven has beene kinde in this divorce , preparing thus thy better fortune , and preserving mine , i am sorrie for the gentleman that kild him . leo. oh murderer . hu. you are a foole , and know not his provocation : in my youthfull dayes , i was not patient when affronts were offred me , nothing more deere to gentlemen , then honor . leo. honor in murder ? hu. this was otherwise : in my owne defence i would kill a family , he shew'd his generous spirit , all the towne speakes noblie of him , pity him , and pray for him , and were he not desertfull , by this time the generall vote had hang'd him . leo. oh , my fate ! hu. tother a loose , and inconsiderate man , lost in estate , and would ha married thee , to ha squees'd mine , 't is better as it is . leo. good sir , be charitable to the dead . hu. be you first charitable to the living . speake well , and thinke so too , you do not know what benefit may follow , and how ere your womanish sorrow for the present may so mist your eyes , they will hereafter open , to see , and thanke my care . leo. indeede your language , pardon my boldnesse , sir , is darke and mysticall . hu. you have your wit to apprehend sometimes , but 't is not passion must excuse your dutie to me . leo. i hope . hu. your hopes may faile you if you doe , be obedient hereafter , if you please , and love my directions leo. i 'le not have a thought shall disobey you , and if ever i love agen . hu. if ever ? why suppose i should propound one to you , now i' th heate of this misfortune , can your heart be obstinate to me , and your owne good ? leo. this is too soone a conscience , sir , before his blood be cold , to whom i profest love , to like another ? the world would much condemne me . hu. is the world or i to be prefer'd , this makes the act of your obedience perfect , and because i 'le have assurance of what power i hold , this minute i 'le preferre one to your thoughts , dispose your heart to love the gentleman that now 's in prison . leo. whom d' ee meane deere sir ? hu. he that kild delamore , master beaumont : doe not suspect i trifle , he is of a noble house , of a faire expectation , handsome in every part . leo. shall not hee suffer for the blacke deede alreadie done ? hu. compose your selfe to love him , i 'le finde a waie how to secure his life , and bring him freelie off . leo. oh! consider ere you move to farr ; if having slaine my comfort , for i must give it no other name , call not your justice to my revenge , yet let me not be forc'd , to have a thought so full of shame to women , that he should be my husband , 't is a staine time nor repentance can wash off , i know you cannot meane so cruellie , beside i shall commit a sinne , foule as his murther , upon poore violante , and rob her : their heart's love hath seald up i' th eye of heaven , 't were sacriledge to part em , shee 's my friend too , one that will rather die then injure me . and he will rather suffer , if he be noble as you professe him , then consent to so foule a guilt . hu. let me alone for that , if he refuse this offer for his life , why let him die , i 'le put him too 't , consider , in this i shall behold thy naked soule , be rul'd , and prosper ; disobey , and be throwne from my care and blood , at better leasure i 'le tell you more . exit . leo. has heaven no pity for me ? what killing language doth a father speake ? poore hart prevent more greife , and quickly breake . exit .
act. iii . enter master wilding , and penelope . wi. this humour does become thee , i knew when thou didst consider , what was offerd thee ; thy sullennes wood shake off , now thou look'st fresher then morning , in thy melancholie thy clothes became thee not . pene. y' are i' th right , i blam'd my tailor for 't , but i finde now , the fault was in my countenance , wo'd we had some musicke , i could dance now , la , la , la , bra , &c , wi. excellent ! and shee be a bed but halfe so nimble , i shall have a fine time on 't ; how she glides ? thou wot not faile ? pen. this night � wi. at the houre of twelue . pene. but you must be as punctuall i th conditions for my vowes sake , not speake a syllable . wi. i 'le rather cut my tongue out then offend thee , kissing is no language . pene. if it be not to loude ; we must not be seene together , to avoide suspition , i would not for a world my cozen should know on 't . wi. shee shall die in ignorance . pene. no peece of a candle . wi. the divell shall not see us with his sawcer eyes ; and if he stumble in the darke , there shanot be a stone i th chamber , to strike out fire with 's hornes ; all things shall be so close ; no lightning shall peepe in upon us , oh , how i long for mid-night ! pene. i have a scruple . wi. oh , by no meanes , no scruples now . pene. when you have your desires upon me , you will soone grow cold in your affection , and neglect me . wi. why hang me if i doe , i 'le love thee ever : i have cast already , to preserve thy honor , thou shalt be married in a fortnight , cooze , let me alone to finde thee out a husband , handsome and fit enough , we will love then too . pene. when i am married ? wi. without feare or wit cum privilegio , when thou hast a husband , dost thinke i will forsake thee pen ? 't were pity a my life , sweete , oh there is no pleasure to those embraces ; i shall love thee better , and the assurance that thou hast two fathers before thou hast a child , will make thee spring more active in my armes , and i tell thee , t is my ambition to make a cuckold , the onely pleasure o' th world : i wod not wish to injoy thee now , but in the hope of tother harvest , and to make thy husband hereafter cuckold , that imagination sweetnes the rest , and i do love it mainely , mainely . pene. t is double sinne . wi. t is treble pleasure wench ; but we loose time , and may endanger thus my wife into a jealozie , if shee see us , farewell , farewell deare pen . at night remember , i wonot loose my sport for halfe the countrie . exit . enter mistris wilding . mi. wi. thou hast hit my instructions excellently . pene. i have made worke for some bodie , you have put me upon a desperate service , if you do not releeve me , i am finely served . mi. all has succeeded to my wish , thy place i will supply to night , if he observe all the conditions , i may deceive my husband into kindnes ; and we both live to reward thee better , oh , deere cooze ! take heede by my example , upon whom thou placest thy affection . enter hazard . pene. master hazard . ha save mistresse wilding . mi. wi. you are welcome , sir . pene. he is a handsome gentleman . ha. gone abroad ? mi. i am not certaine , i 'le inquire . ha. your servant ha! this is the frostie gentlewoman , in good time , i care not if i cast away some words on her , and yet shee s so precise , and over honest , i had as good nere atempt her , your name is penelope , i take it lady . pene. if you take it , i hope you 'le give it me agen . ha. what agen ? pene. my name . ha. what should i doe wot ? no , no , keepe thy name , how ere thou dost thy maiden-head . pene. can you tell me of any honest man that i maie trust with it ? ha. i 'le tell thee a hundred . pene. take heede what you saie , sir . a hundred honest men , why if there were so many i' th city , 't were enough to forfeit their charter ; but perhaps you live in the suburbs . ha. this wench will jeere me . pene. i hope you are not one , sir . ha, one of what ? pene. one of those honest men you talk'd of so , one to whose trust , a virgin might commit a maiden-head , as you call it . ha. yes , you may trust me , i have possest a hundred maiden-heads . pene. how long ? ha. nay , nay ; they are no commodities to keepe , noe fault of ours : truth is , th' are not worth preserving , some of your owne sex acknowledge it , and yet by your complexion , you have yours still , away with 't , and in time . pene. why you are modest . ha. yave hit me lady : come , i 'le give thee counsell ; and more , i 'le helpe thee to a chap-man too , besides what ere he paies for 't , shall be at charge to mold it of himselfe ; how light thou 'lt be without thy maiden-head , dost not spoile thy sleepe and breede the night-mare ? pene. who can helpe it , you gentlemen are such strange creatures , so unnaturall , so infinitilie chast , so mortified with beefe and barly-water , such strange discipline , and haire-cloth . ha. who weares haire-cloth ? gentlewoman ? pene. such severe waies to tame your flesh , such friends to fry-dayes , lent , and ember-weekes ; such enemies to sacke , and marrow-pies , candles , and crabs , fidlers , and other warme restoratives , a handsome woman can not reach your pity ,

we may e'en grow to our pillowes , ere you 'le comfort us ; this was not wont .

ha. not wont to be , in my remembrance ladie . pene. you are a handsome gentleman why may not you drinke wine sometimes , or eate sturgion , or forrage in your lustie-pie of aartichoke , or potato ; or why may not your learned physition dictate amber-greece , or powders , and you obey him , in your brothes ? have you so strange antipathy to women ? to what end will gentlemen come to , if this frost hold ? ha. you are wittie ; but i suppose you have no cause of such complaint , how ever some men do want heat , their is no generall winter ; i know a gentleman can drinke , and eate , and beare you companie a bed , for all your jeering : do not thinke t is i : thou shall recant this prophane talke and wooe me for a kisse , ere i 'le stoope to thee . here 's none but friends , if master wilding ha not told you alreadie , i will justifie t is possible , you may be got with child . pene. by whom ? ha. by him , you are but cozens a farre off , if you allow 't , he neede not travell farre for other dispensation , what say to him ? pene. was this at his entreatie ? ha. my owne meere motion and good will toward him , cause i know his minde . pene. you are a fine gentleman , wher 's your land ? you may be knight o' th shire in time : farrewell , sir . ha. i know not what to make on her , she may be exit . a tumbler , for all this , i 'le to her agen . exit . enter old barnacle , and leonora . ba. nay , nay , be comforted , and mistake me not , i did not mention delamore to provoke these teares : hee 's gone , thinke on your living friends . leo. if you be one , good sir � ba. yes , i am one : and yet mistake me not , i doe not come awooing for my selfe , i am past tilting , but for my nephew , oh that nephew of mine ! i know sr. richard hurry , you wise father , will thinke well of him , nay , nay , weeping still . leo. it is too soone to thinke of any other . bar. to soone to thinke of any other , why , what woman of discretion , but is furnish'd with a second husband ere the first be coffend ? he that stayes till the funerall be past , is held a modest coxcombe , and why should not maides be as early in their provision ? leo. i blush to thinke , my father of his mind , distressed leonora good . sir loose no more breath , i am resolved to die a virgin i know not what love is . and yet these teares are shed for one you lov'd . leo. he that was all my treasure living , beeing lost must needs be a great part of sorrow : but my eyes though they can never paie to many drops to the sad memory of delamore , shed not all these for him , there is another that makes me weepe . bar. another whom you love ? leo. heaven knowes i never let into my heart , affection to a second , i am so farre from loving him , i wish we may nere meete , i am not safe in my owne bosome , while i thinke upon him , it begets new springs within my eyes ; which will in litle time , rise to a flood , and drowne me . bar. i conceive this is no friend of yours , come i 'le releeve you , nay , and there be any man that troubles you , if there be any you 'd have talk'd withall , i 'le rid you of that care , he that shall offer but to disturbe you in a thought , d' ee marke me ? i 'le take an order with him . leo. what will you doe ? bar. do not mistake me neither , i 'le do nothing , but send my nephew , he shall top him , and top him , and scourge him like a top too . you know not how my nephew is improv'd since you last saw him , valiant as hercules , he has knock'd the flower of chivalry , the verie donzal del phebo of the time . and all the blades do reverence him ; i 'le say no more , name but the man whom you do frowne upon , and let me send my nephew to him . leo. shanot neede . i have no enemie to engage his sword , my discontents flow from a neerer person , i grieve to say my father . bar. how ? your father say but the word and i will send my nephew to him , and he were ten fathers he can mollifie him , to please you lady , my nephew never spare him , oh , had you seene him baffle a squire this morning ! leo. pray no more , you shall do me a noble office . to leave me to my selfe . enter servant . ser. mistresse violante is come to visit you . leo. i waite upon her , your gentle pardon . exit . ba. would my nephew had her . shee is s. richards heire , and here he is . s. richard ? enter s. richard hurry , and surgeon . hu. oh master barnacle , i 'le waite upon you . bar. that 's master probe the surgeon . hu. no more you know my meaning . pr. yes , sir . hu. let him be buried . pr. i understand you , sir . exit . bar. i have beene discoursing with your faire daughter . hu. where is leonora ? ser. shee 's within , sir . hu. bid her come hither , master barnacle i am something troubled about a gentleman . bar. and i am glad i met with you : if you be troubled with any gentleman , i 'le send my nephew to him . hu. to whom , or whither ? bar. to any man alive , i care not whether . hu. send him to jerusalem . bar. that 's something o' th furthest , i shall be unwilling he should travell out o' th kingdome . enter leonora , violante aloofe . hu. leonera ? neerer � ba. who is that ? a prettie gentlewoman ! save you mistresse , what is your name i pray ? vio. i am cal'd violante . bar. are you a maide ? vio. i should be sorrie else . bar. d' ee know my nephew ? vio. not i , sir . bar. not my nephew ? how have you beene bred ? why hee 's the onley gallant o' th towne , please you i 'le send him to you . vio. what to doe , sir . ba. he shall do any thing , the townes afraid on him . vio. oh! praie keepe him from me then . bar. hee 'le hurt no women , but for the men � vio. ther 's one has hurt to much alreadie . bar. what is he ? i 'le send my nephew to him lady , if you have any occasion , never spare him . vio. not i , sir . hu. looke to 't , and correct this humor . i 'le to him presentlie , master barnacle , let me intreat your companie to a gentleman , i 'le waite as much on you . bar. you shall command mee : if 't be to any man you care not for , wee 'le take my nephew along . exeunt hu. it sha not neede , leo. oh violante ! i must now require some fruite of all thy promises . vio. you hold me not suspected . leo. leonora cannot be so ingratefull : but we have small limit for discourse , my father meanes to visit beaumont , now in prison , thou wilt heare too soone the storie , and without prevention finde thy selfe more miserable . oh violante : i will suffer with him rather then injure thee , i prethee go uisit thy friend , not mine , and as thou lou'st mee , as thou lou'st him , or thy owne life , violante , bid him be constant to thee , tell him what fame dwells upon noble lovers , that have seal'd faith to their mistresses in blood : what glorie can perjur'd men expect , that loose their honor to save a poore breath ? bid him be assur'd , if for the hope of life , his soule can be so much corrupted to embrace a thought that i shall ever love him � vio. you leonora ? leo. never , oh , never ; tell him so : by vertue , and the cold blood of my slaine delamore , although my father threaten death . vio. your father ? leo. make hast sweete violante , to the prison ; there thou shalt know all , there thou shalt have proofe how much thou art belov'd , and by my death , if he prove false to thee , how much i love thee . exit . vio. i am amaz'd , and my soule much distracted twixt griefe , and wonder , it growes late i' th morning , i le visit the sad prisoner , my hart trembles , more can but kill me too , i 'm , fit to die , and woes but hasten immortality . exit . enter hazard , and a box-keeper . ha. how now ? what gamesters ? bo. little to any purpose yet , but we expect deepe play to night . enter wilding . wi. will hazard , i have beene seeking thee this two howers , and now i have found thee , avoide me . ha. thar' t not infectious . wi. no , but i swell with my imaginations like a tall ship , bound for the fortunate ilands ; top , and top-gallant , my flags , and my figaries upon me with a lustie gale of winde able to rend my sailes , i shall o'rerunne , and sinke thy little barke of understanding in my careere boy . ha. pray heaven rather you do not spring a leake , and forfit your ballast , my confident man of warre , i have knowne as stout a ship beene cast away in sight o' th harbour . wi. the wench , the wench boy . ha. the vessell you have beene chasing . wi. has strooke saile , is come in , and cries abord my new lord of the mediterranean , we are agree'd , this is the pretious night will ; twelve the hower ; that i must take possession of all , of all ; there are some articles agreed on . enter a lord , and sell-away . whoe 's this ? ha. oh! the gamesters now come in : that gaie man is a lord , and with him sell-away . wi. they are well coupled , a lord and sell-away . ha. he weares good clothes you see , and in the street more look'd at then the pageants , he will talke litle . wi. to purpose . ha. right , he cannot walke out of his sincopace , and no man carries legs more in tune , he is danc'd now from his sempstresse . wi. a man much bound to his tailor . ha. and his barber . he has a notable head . wi. of haire thou mean'st . ha. which is sometime hung in more bride-laces then well would furnish out two country weddings wi. is he a scholler ? ha. t is not necessary . he is neither scholler , nor a courtier , if report wrong him not . wi. vvill . he playes mony freely . ha. with more pride then he weares embrodery . t is his ambition to loose that : and a wench mainetaines his swearing , let him passe . vvi. what 's next . enter a knight , and acre-lesse . ha. a knight , and acre-lesse . vvi. good agen , a knight and acre-lesse , what 's his condition . vvi. a gamester both waies . vvi. where be his spurres ? ha. hang in his mistresses peticote , for which hee pawnd his knight-hood too , till a good hand redeeme it , he will talke you nothing but postilions embroideries for his coach , and flanders mares : what severall sutes for the twelue dayes at christmas , how many ladies dote upon his physnomy : that hee is limited but a hundred pound a month for diet , which will scarce maintaine him in phesant egges an turky for his motion . now does his barge attend him , if he came by water , but if the dice chance to runne counter , he stayes till twelue in anger , devours smoke , and desperately will shoot the bridge at midnight without a waterman . vvi. the house fills a pace what are these ha ? enter a countrie gentleman , and little-stocke . ha. a countrie gentleman , and little-stocke . vvi. a countrie gentleman ? i have seene him sure appeare in other shape , is he a christian ? ha. why ? dost thou doubt him ? vvi. cause i have met him with a turbant once , if i mistake not , but his linnen was not so handsome altogether as the turkes in quirpo with a crab-tree cudgell too , walking and canting broken dutch for farthings . ha. the apparition of an angell once brought him to this . wi. dost call him countrie gentleman ? ha. his generation is not knowne i' th towne , you see what dice can do , now hee 's admir'd . wi. for what i prethee ? ha. for talking non-sense , when he has lost his mony you shall meete him going up and downe the ordinary to borrow monie upon his head . wi. his head , will he goe upon his head , or will he pawne it ? ha. pawne it , if any man will lend him mony on 't , and sayes 't is good securitie , because he cannot be long without it , they shall have the wit for the use too , he will talke desperatelie , and sweare he is the father of all the bulls since adam , if all faile he has a project to print his jests . wi. his bulls you meane , ha. y' are right , and dedicate 'em to the gamesters , yet he will seeme wise sometimes , deliver his opinions as on the bench : in beere he utters sentences , and after sacke philosophy . wi. let 's not be troubl'd with him , who are these ? yong barnacle ? enter nephew , and dwindle . will you indure him . ha.

yes , and the vineger-bottle his man too : but now i thinke on 't he shall excuse me , i 'le loose no time ; if i winne , i shall have lesse cause to repent , if i loose , by these hilts i 'le make him the cause and beate him .

enter sell-away .

are they at play ?

sel , deepe , deepe gamesters . ha. then luke with a hundred peeces . wi.

i 'le follow , how now franke ? what in the name of folly is hee reading ?

ne. save you gentlemen , save you noble gallants : may a man loose any monie ? i honor , sir , your shadow . sel. this is another humor . ne. d' ee here the newes gentlemen ? wi. what newes i pray ? ne. the new curranto . sel. good , sir , impart . ne. be there no more gentlemen to heare it here ? 't is extraordinarie fine newes , in blacke and white , from terra incognita . wi. terra incognita ? ne. i , sir , the quintessence of the world : for our foure parts europe , asia , affricke , and america , are as the foure elements , and this , as the learned geographers say , is like coelum , a fift essence or quintessence of the world . wi. pray , sir , what newes from this quintessence , it must needs be refin'd novelties . ne. from slavonia . wi. that 's no part of terra incognita , we know that . ni. but you doe not know that slavonia i meane , 't is inhabited by a nation without a head . dwi. without a head in ? what part are their eyes ? ne. peace dwîndle : a cursed kinde of people that have neither law , nor religion but for their owne purposes : their country is somewhat low , and open to the sea . sel. do they not feare drowning ? ne.

they are safest in a tempest , if they be taken at any time by their enemies , and cast over-bord , they turne other creatures , some rocks , some sharkes , some crocadiles , and so retaine part of their former nature .

wi. what do those that dwell ashore ? ne. they follow their worke , and make nets not only to catch fish , but townes and provinces : the jewes are innocent to 'em , and the divell a dunce , of whose trade they are . sel. a dangerous generation . ne. in perwiggana a fruitfull country , the moone shines all day , and the sunne at night . sel.

that 's strange , hee has a morall in 't have not wee gentlemen that sit up all night a drinking , and go to bed when the sunne rises ?

ne.

in this province the king never comes out of his palace .

vvi.

how does the court remove there ?

ne.

when he does purpose to change the aire , hee has an elephant richly trapped , that carries the court upon his backe into what part of the kingdome he please .

vvi.

i have heard of elephants , that have carried castles .

ne.

snailes , snailes in comparison : and to increase your wonder ! this beast does never drinke .

vvi.

i would be loth to keepe him companie .

sel.

how then ?

ne.

eate , eate altogether , and what nothing but men , and of what ranke or condition , none but great men , and the fattest nobilitie , but like your good mounsieur hee cares for nothing but the head , and it is confidently reported hee has devoured more heads , within this three last yeeres , then the elephant wee had in england ; eate pennie loves in seaven .

dwi.

the divell choke him would hee had london bridge in his bellie too .

ne.

the subjects of the great duke of lubber-land ha's beene lately in rebellion .

wi.

i am sorry it will be inconvenient to heare out your curranto , i am weary of a little monie when that 's lost i may bee a sutor for the rest of your newes , and so i commend mee to all your friends in lubber-land . exit .

ne.

dwîndle , didst heare this , now could i be angry .

dwi.

goe to play then , sir , if you loose your monie , you may talke roundly to 'em for they cannot bee so uncivill as not to give loosers leave to speake .

ne.

but if i winne .

dwi.

why then you may be drunke to night and i 'le � the caster to you .

enter little-stocke , acre-lesse . lit. a curse upon these reeling dice , that last in , and in was out of my way ten peeces ; canst lend me any monie , how have the cards dealt with thee . acr. lost , lost � i defie thee , if my knight recover not i must be sober to morrow . lit. oh , for a hundred and all made now . enter sell-away . sel. yonder 's � winnes tirannically , without mercie , he came in but with hundred peeces . lit. i 'le get a fancy presently . acr. and how thrive the bones with his lordship sel.

his lordships bones are not well set they are maliciously bent against him they will runne him quite out of all .

enter nephew , and dwindle . ne.

more mony dwindle call my uncle : i must have it , for my honor , two hundred peeces more will serve my turne ; in the meane time i will play away my cloke and some superfluous things about me .

dwi.

by that time you are come to your shirt , i shall bee here .

sel.

hee 's blowne up too . exit .

enter hazard . ha.

so , so , the dice in two or three such nights will be out of my debt , and i may live to be a land-lord agen .

sel.

you are fortunes minion master .

ha. you wod seeme to be no foole , because she dotes not upon you gentlemen , i must take my chance ; 't was a lucky hundred pown'd jacke wilding . enter wilding gnawing a boxe . what eating the boxes . acr. let us in agen . wi. chewing thy cud a litle , i have lost all my monie will thou hast made a fortunate night on 't wot play no more . ha. t is the first time i had the grace to give off a winner i wonot tempt the dice . wi. what hast wonne ? ha. you doe not heare mee complaine i have not been so warme this tenn weekes . enter acre-lesse . wi.

t is frost in my breeches .

acr.

master hazard , i was afraid you had beene gone , there 's a fresh gamester come in with his pockets full of gold ; he dazeles the gamesters , and no man has stocke to play with him .

wi.

what is he ?

acr.

a merchant he seemes ; he may be worth your retire .

ha.

not for the exchange to night , i am resolv'd .

wi.

temptation ! now have i an infinite itch to this merchants peeces .

ha. if thou wot have any monie , speake before i launch out , and command it . wi.

a hundred peeces .

ha.

call to the master o' th house by this token � thou wot venture agen then ?

wi.

they may prove as luckie as thine � but what do i forget ? the wench , the fairy at home , that expects me .

ha.

i had forgot too , you wonot play now .

wi.

t is now upon the time .

ha.

by any meanes goe .

wi.

hum , i ha lost my monie , and may recover a prety wench . which hand ? here covetousnes , this letchery ; monie is the heavier . will , dost heare ? i 'le requite thy curtesie . thou hast lent me a hundred pownd , i 'le pay thee agen , and thou shat have for the use , the flesh device at home that expects , thou shat supply my place will .

ha.

you wonot loose this opportunitie , and foole your selfe . exit . acre .

wi.

i am resolv'd ; five hundred peeces say i 'le come to him , you love the sport as well as i : to morrow you shall thanke me for 't ; be secret , shee 'le never know thee , for our conditions are to � neither light nor � and she must needs conceive t is i .

ha.

are you in earnest ?

wi. have you wit to apprehend the curtesie ? let me alone : the wench , and i shall meete hereafter and be merry , here 's my key the merchants monie cooles away : be wise and keepe conditions to use her at thy pleasure , there will be enough for me : nay no demurres , you have not lost your stomacke to this game how ere i speed tonight , wee 'le laugh to morrow how the poore wench was cosen'd . ha. but wouldst ha mee goe ? wi. i wod ha thee ride boy , i must to the gamester farewell , remember not to speake a word , but kisse and embrace thy belly full . ha. if i do not , the punishment of an eunuch light upon me .
act. iiii . enter hazard and wilding . wi. how now will , thou lookst desperatly this morning . didst sleepe well to night ? ha. yes , 't is very like i went to sleepe ; but such a bed-fellow ! wi. what ailes she ; was she dull ? ha. do not enquire but curse your selfe till noone , i am charitable i do not bid thee hange thy selfe , and yet i have cause to thanke thee , i would not have lost the turne , for all the monie i wonne last night jacke , such a delicious thieft . wi. i thinke so . ha. i found it so and dare make my affidavit . wi. thou didst not see her ? ha. nor speake to her , to what purpose . shee was so handsome i' th darke , you know my meaning , had beene pittie any light or voyce should interrupt us . wi. now doe i grow melancholy . ha. if thou do'st envie mee there is some reason for 't , thou do'st imagine i have had pleasure in my dayes , but never , never , so sweete a skirmish , how like joy shee grew to my embraces , not a kisse but had elisium in 't . wi. i was a rascall . ha. if thou didst know but halfe so much as i or couldst imagine it , thou wouldst acknowledge thy selfe worse then a rascall on record . i have not words to expresse , how soft , how bountious how everie thing a man with full desires could wish a lady , do not question mee further ; t is too much happines to remember i am sorry i have said so much . wi. was not i curst to loose my monie , and such delicate sport ? ha. but that i love thee well shud'st nere injoy her . wi. why ? ha. i would almost cut thy throate . wi. you wod not . ha.

but take her , and if thou part'st with her , one night more for lesse then both the indies thou 't loose by her , shee has paid me for my service , i aske nothing else .

wi. if she be such a precious armefull will i thinke you may be satisfied . ha. take heede , and understand thy selfe a little better : i thinke you may be satisfied with what ? a handsome wench 't is heresie recant it i never shall be satisfied . wi. you do not purpose . purpose a new incounter . ha. for thy sake t is possible i may not , i would have my game kept for me ; what i have done was upon your entreatie , if you have the like occasion hereafter i should have a hard heart to deny thee jacke . vvi. thou hast fir'd my blood , that i could call backe time , and be possest of what my indiscretion gave up to thy enjoying , but i am comforted , she thinks 't was i , and we hereafter may be free in our delights : now , sir , the newes with you ? enter page . pa. my mistresse did command my diligence to find you out and pray you come to speake with her . wi. when i am at leasure . pa. t is of consequence , shee sayes , and much concernes you . wi. is penelope with her ? pa. not when she sent mee forth . wi. let her expect : waite you on me . ha. i spie my blustering gamester . wi. the yonger ferret . ha. i care not if i allow thee a fit of mirth but your boy must be in comfort . enter nephew and dwindle . dwi. pray , sir , do not behave your selfe so furiouslie , your breath is able to blow downe a house , sir . ne. my uncle shall build 'em up againe , oh dwindle , thou dost not know what honor 't is to bee so boisterous , i would take the wall now of my lord maiors gyants . wi. doe as i bid you , sirra . pa. alas , sir , hee 'le devoure me . ha. he shanot hurt thee . pa. be at my backe then pray , sir , now i thinke on 't i have the beard here too with which i frighted our maides last night . dwi. you know these gentlemen . ne. hazard , and wilding ? how i' st ? how i' st bulchins ? wo'dye had beene with us ; i ha so mald a captaine o' th traine band yonder . pa. is not your name barnacle ? ha. ancient petarre ? ne. what 's this ? wi. the admiration of the towne . ne. for what ? wi. for valour . ne. this inch and a halfe ? wi. ther 's the wonder , oh the spirit , the tall spirit within him he has the soule of a giant . ne. he has but a dwarfs body , ancient petarre . pa. sirra , how dare you name a captaine ? thou tunne of ignorance , he shall eate my pistole , and save me the discharge . ne. tell me of a tun ? i 'le drinke twenty tunnes to thy health , who shall hinder me if i have a minde too 't , your pistol 's a pepper-corne , i will eate up an armory , if my stomacke serve , so long as i have mony to pay for 't , and you were as little agen as you are : fright me with your potguns , my name's barnacle , sir , call me what you please , and my mans name 's dwindle , and you goe there to , do not thinke but i have seene fire-drakes afore now though i never talk'd on 't , and rackets too , though my man be a coxcombe here , and balls of wild-fire , no dispraise to you ; d' ee thinke to thunder me with your picke tooth by your side ? pa. let my sword shew him but one flash of lightning to singe the haire of his head off . ha. good ancient petarre . dwi. t is a very divell in decimo sexto , peter d' e call him ? pa. thou dogbolt and cozen germane to cerbenus . ha. two heads once remov'd , hee 's somewhat like him . ne. i begin to thinke . dwi. and i begin to � pa. agen . wi. he does but thinke . pa. he thinke ? is this a place for him to thinke in ? minotaure , vanish immediately , or i will shoot death from my mustachios and kill thee like a porcupine . ne. ancient petarre , i know thy name and i honor it , thar' t one of the most vaineglorious peeces of fire-worke that ever water wet . i am a gentleman , and if i have say'd any thing to disgust thee , i can aske thee forgivenes , as well as the proudest vassell on 'em all , extend thy paw , thou invincible epitome of hercules , and let thy servant kisse it . wi. come pray , sir , be reconcil'd ; he submits . pa.

i see thou hast something in thee of a soldier , to no purpose , and i will cherish it . thou art a raskall in thy understanding , thou shat excuse me , turke , in honorable love : i remember thy great grand-father was hang'd for robbing a pedler-woman of sixe yards of inckle , and thou mayst , ( mauger the herald ) in a right line , challenge the gallowes by his copie ; mongrell of mongrell hall . i am thy humble servant , and will cut the throate of any man that sayes thou hast eyther wit or honesty more then is fit for a gentleman . command my sword , my lungs , my life , thou art a puffe , a mulligrube , a metaphysicall coxcombe , and i honour you with all my hart .

ne. i thanke you noble ancient , and kinde gentlemen . come dwindle , wee 'le go rore somewhere else . wi. was ever such an offe ? exit . ha. the boy hid hit his humour excellently . here , cherish thy wit . pa. now shall i tell my mistresse you 'le come to her ? vvi. how officious you are for your mistresse , sirra ? what said shee i came not home all night ? pa. nothing to me ; but my eyes ne're beheld her looke more pleasantly . ha. now farewell jacke , i neede not urge your secresie touching your mistres , i have mounted for you : only i 'le caution you , looke when you meete that you performe your busines handsomely . i ha begun so well shee may suspect else , and put thee out of service , if shee doe , you know your wages , i shall laugh at thee , and hartilie ; so farewell , farewell jacke . exit . vvi. to say the truth i have shewed my selfe a coxcombe . a pox a play that made me double looser . for ought i know , she may admit me never to such a turne agen , and then i ha punished my selfe ingeniouslie . enter mistris wilding , penelope , and mistris leonora , a servant waiting upon them . my wife . pag. my mistresse , sir . wi. keepe you at distance , penelope , and leonora , shee 's as the boy reported something more pleasant then ordinarie . mi. t is hee good cozen , pretend some busines , offer at some wares , or aske the gold-smith what your diamond 's worth , something to trifle time away , while i speake with my husband a few words . wi. shee comes toward me . mi. i can containe no longer , how d' ee sweete-hart ? wi. well , but a little melancholy . you looke more sprightfully wife , something has pleas'd you . mi. it has indeede , and if it be no staine to modestie , i would enquire how you sped the last night . wi. i lost my money . mi. i doe not meane that game . wi. i am not betrai'd i hope ; do not meane that game ? mi. y' are a fine gentleman . wi. t is so , could she not keepe her owne counsell ? mi. and have behav'd your selfe most wittilie , and i may say most wrongfully : this will bee much for your honor , when 't is knowne . wi. what will be knowne ? mi. do you not blush ? oh fie . is there no modestie in man ? wi. what riddle have you got now ? i wonot yet seeme conscious . mi. t is time then to be plaine , it was a wonder i could be so long silent , did you like your last nights lodging ? wil. very , very well ; i went not to bed all night . mi. you did not lie with mistresse penelope my kinswoman ? wi. refuse me if i did . mi. you neede not sweare ; but 't was no fault of yours , no fault no vertue : but 't is no place to expostulate these actions . in breife know 't was my plott , for i observ'd which way your warme affection mov'd , & wrought so with my honest cozen to supplie her wanton place , that with some shame at last , i might deceive your hard heart into kindnes . wi. that , that agen sweete wife , and be a little serious ; was it your plott to excuse your cozen , and be the bed-fellow ? mi. heaven knowes 't is truth . wi. i am fitted , fitted with a paire of hornes of my owne making . mi. thanke , and thinke upon that providence that would not have you lost in such a forrest of loose thoughts , and bee your selfe agen ; i am your hand-maid still , and have learned so much pietie to conceale what ever should dishonor you . wi. it budds , it budds alreadie . i shall turne starke mad , horne mad . mi. what aile you ? are you vext because your wantonnesse thriv'd so well ? wi. well with a vengance . mi. i did expect your thanks . wi. yes , i do thanke you , thanke you heartilie , most infinitly thanke you . mi. doth this merit no other payment but your scorne , then know bad man , 't is in my power to be reveng'd , and what i had a resolution should sleepe in silent darknes , now shall looke day in the face , i 'le publish to the world how i am wrong'd , and with what stubbornesse you have despis'd the cure of your owne fame ; nor shall my cozen suffer in her honor . i stoope as low as earth to shew my dutie , but too much trampl'd on i rise to tell the world i am a woman . vvi. no , no ; harke you , i doe not mocke you , i am taken with the conceit , what a fine thing i have made my selfe . nere speake on 't , thy device shall take ; i 'le love thee . and kisse thee for 't , tha 'st paid me handsomelie : an admirable plot , and follow'd cunninglie , i 'le see thee anon agen , and lie with thee to night , without a stratagemme . the gentlewomen expect thee ; keepe all close , deare wife , no sentences . i am trick'd and trim'd at my owne charges rarely , i 'le seeke out some body agen . exit . mi. i have presum'd too much upon your patience , i have discover'd , and i hope t' will take . pene. i wish it may . mi. you are sad still , leonora . remove these thoughts : come i 'le waite on you now to the exchange : some toyes may there strike off their sad remembrance . leo. i attend you . mi. farewell . enter beaumont , and his keeper . ke. the gentleman that was yesterday to speake with you is come againe to visite you . beo. s. richard hurry ? ke. the same , sir . bar. you may admit him . ke. men of his quality do seldome court affliction , this , i must allow , is a most noble gratitude for those good offices my father did him . enter s. richard . hu. sir , the respects i owe you make me againe solliciter for your saftie , and although on the first proposition it appeare strange to you , and perhapps incredible , which might dispose you to the slow embrace of what i tendred , yet againe brought to you after a time to examine and consider what most concernes you , i am confident , you will accept , and thanke me . beo. noble sir . you doe expresse so are is bountie , men will sloely imitate ; i am not soe lost in my wilde misfortune , but my reason will guide me to acknowledge and paie backe my service and my selfe , for so much charity as you have pleas'd to shew me . enter violante . vio. here 's for thy paines : they are the same ; make good thy word , and place me where i may unseene heare their discourse . ke. this way . beo. but with your pardon , i would desire to heare agen how much i shall be oblig'd that knowing the extent of your desert i maie pay backe a duty , that may in every circumstance become my fortune and the benefit . hu. then thus : you are a prisoner ; that alone is misery , but yours the greater , in that guilt of blood , not summes that may bee recompenc'd , detaine you . i 'le not dispute the circumstance , delamore slaine by your hand . beo. i have confest , the first jurie having found it murder . hu. his blood calls to the law for justice , and you cannot left to your selfe , and looking on the fact , expect with any comfort what must follow . yet i in pity of your suffrings , in pity of your youth which would bee else untimely blasted , offer to remove your sorrowes , make you free and right againe , with cleere satisfaction to the law . beo. good sir , pray give me leave to doubt here . i see not how ere your will and charitie may bee active in my desiresse to save me , that you can assure my life and freedome , since in causes of such high nature , lawes must have their course , whose streame as it were wickednesse to pollute , it were vanitie for any private man to thinke he could resist . i speake not this to have you imagine i despise my life , but to expresse my feares your will does flatter you bove what your power can reach . pa. for that i urge not my beeing a commissioner alone to doe you service , i have friends in court , and great ones , when the rigor of the law hath sentenc'd you to mediate your pardon : nor takes it from the justice of a prince , where provocation and not malice makes guilty , to save , whom the sharpe letter doomes sometimes to execution : i am to farre from doubting your discharge , that i dare forfeit my life if i secure not yours from any danger for this offence . beo. you speake all comfort which way can i deserve this ? ha. that i 'le shew you . i had an obligation to your father whose love when all my fortunes were i' th ebbe , and desperatelie , releev'd mee with large summes ; by whose carefull manage i arryu'd at what i am , and i should be a rebell to nature and goodnesse not to love the sonne of such a friend by his misfortune made ripe for my gratitude . beo you speake your bountie , but teach not all this while how to deserve it . hu. t is done by your acceptance of my daughter to bee your bride . be. to be my bride ? pray tell tell me is she deform'd or wanton , what vice has shee ? ha. vice , sir , she will deserve as good a husband , shee is handsome though i say 't , and shall be rich too . beo. shee is too good , if she be faire or vertuous . pardon , i know she is both : but you amaze me , i did expect conditions of danger : a good wife is a blessing above health ; you teach mee to deserve my life first from you by offering a happinesse beyond it . hu. if you finde love to accept , 't is the reward i looke for , leonora shall obey or quit a father . be. ha goodnesse defend . i know you doe but mocke me , and upbraid my act , that kild her servant : wound mee still , i have deserv'd her curse : i see her weepe , and every teare accuse me . hu. may i never thrive in my prayers to heaven , if what i offer i wish not heartilie confirm'd . bu. i now suspect you are not leonora father , 't were better you dissembled , then made her so past all hope of beeing cur'd agen : i marry leonora ! can her soule thinke on so foule a rape , she cannot sure . ha. shee shall ; i command . be. by vertue , but shee shanot , nor would i to graspe an empire tempt her to so much staine , let her tell downe her virgin teares , on delamores cold marble , sigh to his dust , and call revenge upon his head whose anger sent him to those shades , from whence she nere must see him ; this will justifie shee lov'd the dead : it were impietie one smile should blesse her murderer , and how ere you are pleas'd to complement with my affliction , i know she cannot finde one thought without her so foule to looke upon me . hu.

let it rest on that , will you confern and timely make provision for your saftie ?

beo. for my life you meane , now on the chance , then i may live you are confident , and thinke it not impossible your daughter may affect me ; ther 's at once two blessings , are they not and mightie ones , considering what i am , how low , how lost t'oth common aire ? hu. now you are wise . beo. but if your daughter would confirme this , and propound her selfe my victorie . hu. what then ? beo. i should condemne her , and despise the conquest : these things may bribe an atheist not a lover . but you perhaps are ignorant , i have given my faith away irrevocablie , 't is the wealth of violante , and i wonot basely steale backe a thought , and yet i thanke you , i am not so inhumane . hu. will you not preferre your life to honor and religion ? beo. for shame be silent could you make me lord of my owne destiny , and that leonora had empires for her dower , and courted mee with all the flatteries of life , to quit my vowes to violante , i would die upon her bosome to meete death . hu. and death you must expect which will take off this braverie . beo. and i will kisse it , kisse it , like a bride . hu. so resolute ? beo. and if i cannot live my violantes , i will die her sacrifice . good sir , no more , you do not well to trouble the quiet of a prisoner thus that cannot be a too carefull steward of those minuts left him to make his peace , tempt me no further : the earth is not so fixt as my resolues , rather to die then in one thought transplant my love from violante . hu. bee undone , and this contempt shall hasten the divorce of soule and love , die and be soone forgotten . exit . enter violante . beo. my violante , if there can be any joy neighbour too so much greife , i 'le powre it out to pay thy bounteous visit , if my eyes admit no fellowship in weeping , 't is because my heart which saw thee first , would bid thee welcome thither , scorning ; to acknowledge there can be any thing but joy where thou art . vio. but sadnes my deere beaumont , while there is a cause that maks thee prisoner , i must weepe and empty many springs , my eyes are now no prophets of thy sorrow but the witnes , and when i thinke of death that waits upon thee i wither to a ghost . beo. why violante , we must all die , restraine these weeping fountaines , keepe 'em till i am dead , dispence 'em then upon my grave , and i shall grow agen , and in the sweete disguise of a faire garden salute the spring that gave mee greene and odour . why should not love transforme us ? vio. bee not lost in these imaginations . beo. or perhapps th' ast ambition , she whose love made up a wonder to the world beside the pledge of duty to her lord , fam'd arthemisia shall bee no more in storie for her tombe : for on the earth that weighes my body downe when i am dead , thy teares by the cold breath of heaven congeal'd to beaumonts memorie , shall raise a monument of pearle to our doe the great mausolus sepulcher . vio. no more of this vaine language , if you have any pittie on the poore violante . ber. i ha done , and yet i am going now to a long silence ; allow my sorrow to take leave violante vio. it shall be so , be valiant my heart beaumont i come not to take leave of thee . be. perhapps you 'le see me agen . vio. agen and often , thy starres are gentle to thee , many daies , and yeeres are yet betweene thee and that time that threatens losse of breath ; see , i can thus disperse the clouds sate heavie on my brow , wipe the moisture hence , t is day agen ; take beames into thy eye , and let them sinke upon thy better fortune , live , live happilie . be. is delamore alive ? vio. dead and interr'd . be. from what can this hope rise ? vio. from thy selfe beaumont ; if thou wilt save thy selfe , i have heard all , and by the duty of my love am bound to hide your resolution , can you be so merciles to your selfe to refuse life when it is offer'd with the best advantage is leonoras love ? a price that should buy you from all the world ? be counsell'd sir , oh , do not loose your selfe in a vaine passion for thought of me , i cancell all your vowes , and give you backe your heart , bee free againe if you will promise me to live and love . be. leonora . vio. that best of woman-kinde , a mine of sweetnes . be. but can you leave mee then ? vio. i justifie thy choice of me in that , that to preserve thee dare give thee backe agen , be leonoras , for being mine th' art lost to all the world better a thousand times , thou be made hers then we both loose , i 'le pawne my faith shee le love thee i 'le be content to heare my beaumonts well , and visite thee sometimes like a glad sister , and never beg a kisse , but if i weepe at any time when we are together , do not beleeve 't is sorrow makes my eyes so wet , but joy to see my beaumont living : as it is now to hope . be. if thou dost meane thus thou dost the more to inflame me to be constant , be not a miracle and i may be tempted to love my life above thee , by this kisse , oh , give me but another in my death it will restore me by this innocent hand , while as i wish my soule i wonot leave thee for the worlds kingdome . vio. but you must , unlesse you change for leonora , thinke of that , thinke ere you be to rash . be. i 'le thinke of thee , and honor to be read , i love violante but never could deserve her , live thou happie , and by thy vertue teach a neerer way to heaven , we may meete yonder , do not make me more miserable then i am , by adding perjurie to my bloody sinne , the memory of thee will at my execution advance my spirit to a � that men shall thinke i have chang'd my cause for martyrdome . vio. then here as of a dying man i take my leave , farewell unhappie beaumont , i 'le pray for thee . beo. t is possible i may live yet and be thine . vio. these teares embalme thee if in this world we never meete my life is buried in thy winding sheete . beo. this exceeds all my sorrow .
act. v. enter wilding . wi. i am justly punish'd now for all my tricks , and pride o' th flesh , i had ambition to make men cuckolds , now the divell has paid me , paid me i' th same coine , and i 'le compare my forehead with the broadest of my neighbors : but ere it spreads too monstrous , i must have some plot upon this hazard , he supposes he has enjoy'd penelope , and my tricke to drive the opinion home , to get him marrie her and make her satisfaction : the wench has oft commended him , he may be wonne too 't , i never meant to part with all her portion , perhaps hee le thanke me for the moytie . and this dispos'd on shee 's conjur'd to silence . it must bee so . enter hazard . ha. jacke wilding how i st man ? how goes the plough at home ? what sayes the lady guinever that was humbled in your absence ? you have the credit with her , all the glorie of my nights worke ; does shee not hide her eyes , and blush , and cry you are a fine gentleman . turne a toside , or drop a handkercher , and stoope , and take occasion to leere , and laugh upon thee ? wi. nothing lesse , i know not what tha 'st done to her , but shee s very sad . ha sad ; i 'le be hang'd then . wi. thou must imagine i did the best to comfort her . ha. shee 's melancholy for my absence man , i 'le keepe her company agen to night . wi. shee thinks 't was i enjoy'd her . ha. let her thinke whom she will , so we may couple . wi. and nothing now but sighes , and cries i have undone her . ha. shee 's a foole , i hurt her not , shee cried not out i am sure , and for my body i defie the colledge of physitions : let a jurie of virgins search me . wi. to be plaine , although shee has no thought but i was her bed-fellow , you are the only argument of her sadnes . ha. how can that be ? wi. when i had merrilie excus'd what had beene done , she fetch'd a sight , and with some teares reveal'd her love to you , that she had lov'd you long , but by this act of mine , d' ee marke , she was become unworthie to hope for so good fortune , i cannot tell , but she is strangelie passionate . ha. for me ? wi. for you , but thou art soft and tender-hearted , and in that confidence i did forbeare to tell her who had done the deede . ha. you did so : 't was wiselie done , now i collect my selfe , shee has sometime smil'd upon mee . wi. nay beleeve it shee is taken with thee above all the world . ha. and yet shee was content you should 'bove all the world . wi. but 't was your better fate to be the man , it was her destiny to have the right performance , thou art a gentleman , and canst not but consider the poore gentlewoman . ha. what wod'st ha me doe ? wi. make her amends , and marrie her . ha. marrie a strumpet ? wi. you had first possession , and thao 'st beene married earlier could'st but had her maiden-head , besides no bodie knowes but we our selves . ha. bee not abus'd i had no maiden head . wi. my greater torment : come , come thou art modest ; heaven knowes she may be desperate . ha. a faire riddance , wee have enough o' th tribe , i am sorrie i cannot furnish her expedition with a paire of my owne garters . wi. i � of athens growne , i know thou art more charitable , shee may prove a happie wife , what woman but has frailty ? ha. let her make the best on 't , set up shop i' th strand , or westminster , she may have custome , and come to speake most learnedlie i' th nose bid her keepe quarter with the constable . and justices clarke and shee in time may purchace . wi. shee has a portion will maintaine her like a gentlewoman and your wife . ha. where i st ? wi. in my possession , and i had rather thou shouldst have it then another . ha. thanke you heartily , a single life has single care , pray keepe it . wi. come thou shalt know i love thee , thou shalt have more by a thousand pound , then i resolv'd to part with cause i wod call thee cozen too ; a brace of thousands will , shee has to her portion , i hop'd to put her off with halfe the summe ; that 's truth some yonger brother wod ha thank'd mee , and given my quietus tush , 't is frequent with men that are so trusted , i' st a match , ha. two thousand pound will make a maiden-head that 's crooked straight agen . wi. th' art in the right , or for the better sound , as the grammarians say , i will call it twentie hundred pound belady a pretty stocke , enough and neede be , to buy up halfe the maiden-heads in a countie . ha. heer 's my hand i 'le consider on 't no further , is shee prepar'd ? wi. leave that to me . ha. no more . wi. i 'le instantly about it . exit . ha. ha , ha . the project moves better then i expected , what paines he takes out of his ignorance ? enter barnacle . ba. oh! sir i am glad i ha found you . ha. i was not lost . ba. my nephew , sir , my nephew . ha. what of him . vn. he 's undone , he 's undone , you have undone him . ba. what 's the matter ? vn. you have made him , sir , so valiant i am afraid he 's not long liv'd , he quarrells now with every body and rores and dominers and shak's the pen-houses . a woman that sold pudding-pies , but tooke the wall on him , and he trips up her heeles , and downe fell all , the kennell ranne pure white-pot what shall i doe i feare he will be kild : i take a little priviledge my selfe because i threaten to disinherite him , but no body else dares talke or meddle with him is there no way to take him downe agen and make him coward ? ha. there are wayes to tame him . ba. now i wish heartilie you had beaten him for the hundred pound . ha. that may bee done yet ba. i' st not to late ? but do you thinke 't will humble him ? i expect every minute hee 's abroad to heare he has kild some body , or receive him brought home with halfe his braines or but one legg . good sir . ha. what wod you have me doe ? bar. i 'le pay you for 't if you will beate him soundlie , sir , and leave him but as you found him ; for if hee continue a blade and be not kild , he wonot scape the gallowes long , and 't is not for my honor he should be hang'd ha. i shall deserve as much , to allay this mettall , as i did to quicken it . ba. nay 't is my meaning to content you , sir . and i shall take it as a favour too , if for the same price you made him valiant , you will unblade him : here 's the money sir , as waightie gold as tother ; cause you should not lay it on lightlie ; breake no limb , and bruise him three-quarters dead , i care not ; he may live many a faire day after it . ha. you shew an uncles love in this , trust me to cure his valour . ba. hee is here ; do but observe . enter nephew . and beate him , sir , accordinglie . ne. how now uncle ? ba. thou art no nephew of mine , thar' t a rascall i 'le be at no more charge to make thee a gentleman , paie for your dice and drinkings , i shall have the surgeons bills brought shortly home to me , be troubled to baile thee from the sessions , and afterwards make friends to the recorder for a repreeve , yes , i will see thee hang'd first . ne. and be at the charge to paint the gallowes too ; if i have a minde the waites shall play before me , and i 'le be hang'd in state three stories high , uncle : but first i 'le cut your throate . bar. blesse me , defend me . enter acre-lesse , sell-away , little-stocke . acr how now , what s the matter ? sel master barnacle ? bar. ther 's an ungratious bird of mine owne nest , will murder me . lit. he wonot sure ? ha. put up , and aske your uncle presentlie forgivenesse ; or i will hoffe thee . ne. hoffe me ? i will put up at thy entreatie . ha. gentlemen you remember this noble gallant . acr. cozen of yours i take it . ha. cozen to a killing , in your company lent me a box o' th eare . ne. no , no , i gave it , i gave it freelie ; keepe it , never thinke on 't , i can make bold with thee another time , wo'd 't 'had beene twentie . ha. one's too much to keepe . i am a gamester , and remembred alwayes to pay the box ; ther 's first your principall , take that for the use . ne. use ? wod thad'st given my uncle . ha. they have cost him already two hundred pounds and upwards , shotten herring , thing of noise . ne. oh , for my man dwindle and his basket-hilt now my uncle shall rue this . ha. downe presentlie , and before these gentlemen desire his pardon . ne. how , desire his pardon ? ha. then let this go round . ne. i will aske his pardon , i beseech you uncle . ha. and sweare . ne. and do sweare . ha. to be obedient , never more to quarrell . ne. why looke you gentlemen , i hope you are persuaded by being kicke so patiently , that i am not over valiant . bar. i suspect him still . ne. for more assurance doe you kicke me too . am not i patient and obedient now ? will you have any more gentlemen , before i rise ? ha. if ever he prove rebellious in act , or language , let me know it . ne. will you not give me leave to roare abroad a little for my credit ? bar. never , sirra , now i 'le tame you . i thanke you gentlemen , command me for this curtesie . ne. t is possible i may with lesse noise grow more valiant hereafter : till then i am in all your debts . bar be ruld , and be my nephew againe : this was my love , my love deere nephew . ne. if your love consist in kicking uncle , let me love you agen , bar. follow me , sirra . acr. then his uncle paid for 't ? ha. hartilie , hartilie . lit. i thought there was some tricke . ha. and whether are you going gentlemen ? sel. we are going to visit beomont in the prison . ha. t is charity , but that i have deepe engagements , i 'de waite upon you , but commend my service to him , i 'le visit him ere night ; you saw not wilding ? a.l.s. we saw his wife and kins-woman enter sr. richard hurries halfe an houre ago . ha. his kins-woman ? i thanke you . you have sav'd me travaile , farewell gentlemen , farewell . enter leonora , and violante , mistris wilding ; and penelope . leo. my father has some designe , and bad me send for thee . wi. y' are both too sad , come , come , we must divert this melancholy . vio. i beseech your pardon , but is my beomont sent for ? leo. yes : we are too private . vio. i much feare leonora now , shee lookes not sad enough , although i could resign my interest freely to preserve him , i would not willingly be present when they enterchange hearts , slie will shew too much a tyrant , if she be not satisfied with what was mine , but i must be moite to be their triumph . enter hazard . mi. master hazard ? ha. all things succeed beyond your thought , pray give me a little opportunitie with your kins-woman . exit . mi. leo . vio. leo. wee le withdraw . ha. i know not how to wooe her now , sweet lady ? pene. your pleasure , sir ? ha. pray let me aske you a question . if you had lost your way and met one , a traviler like my selfe , that knew the coast o' th countrey , would you thanke him to direct you ? pene. that common manners would instruct . ha. i thinke so . pene, but there are many waies to the wood , and which would you desire , the nearest path , and safest or that which leads about ? without all question . the neerest and the safest . ha. can you love then ? pene. i were a divell else : ha. and can you love a man ? pene. a man , what else , sir ? ha. y' are so farre on your way . now love but me , y' are at your journies end , what say to me ? pene. nothing , sir . ha. that 's no answer , you must say something . pene. i hope you 'le not compell me . ha. d' ee heare lady ? setting this foolerie aside : i know you cannot chuse but love me . pene. why ? ha. i have beene told so . pene. you are easie of beleefe i thinke i should be best acquainted with my owne thoughts , and i dare not be so desperate to conclude . ha. come you lie ; i could have given 't in smother phrase : y' are a dessembling gentlewoman . i know your heart , you have lov'd me a great while . what should i play the foole ? if you remember i urg'd some wild discourse in the behalfe of your lewd kindsman , 't was a triall of thee that humor made me love thee ; and since that thy vertue . pene. indeede sir ? ha. indeede , sir ? why i have beene contracted to thee . pene. how long ? ha. this halfe houre , know thy portion , and shall have it . pene. strange . ha. nay i 'le have thee too . pene. you will ? ha. i cannot helpe it ; thy kind cozen will have it so : t is his owne plott , to make thee amends , i st not good mirth ? but 't is not love to thee or mee , but to have me possest hee is no cuckold : i see through his device , thou art much beholding to him : he meant to have put thee off with halfe thy portion , but that if things come out we should keepe counsell . say i st a match ? i have two thousand pound too i thanke the dice , lett 's put our stocks together , children will follow ; he is here already . enter wilding . wi. so close ! i am glad on 't , this prepares , will hazard , and my yong cozen ; a word penelope . ha. now will he make all sure . wi. you us'd me courselie , but i have forgot it , what discourse have you with this gentleman ? pene. he would seeme to be a sutor . wi. entertaine him ; d' ee heare , you may do worse , be rul'd . 't was in my thought to move it , does he not talke strangelie ? pene. of what ? wi. of nothing , let me counsell you to love him , call him husband . pene. i resolve never to marry without your consent . enter acre-lesse , litle-stocke , sell-away . ha. gentlemen , welcome . pene. if you bestow me , sir , i wil be confident i am not lost , i must confesse i love him . wi. no more : then loose no time , kinde gentlemen , y' are come most seasonably to be the witnesses of my consent , i have examin'd both your hearts , and freely give thee here my kinswoman : no sooner shall the church pronounce your married but challenge what is hers . ha. two thousand pound . wi. i do confesse it is her portion you shanot stay to talke , nay gentlemen , pray see the busines finish'd . a.l.s. we attend you . wi. so , so , this will confirme him in the opinion , penelope was the creature he injoy'd , and keepe off all suspition of my wife , who is still honest in the imagination that only i embrac'd her , all secure , and my browes smooth agen , who can deride me ? but i my selfe , ha , that 's too much i know it , and spight of these tricks am a cornelius . cannot i bribe my conscience to be ignorant ? why then i ha done nothing , yes advanc'd the man , that grafted shame upon my fore-head : vexation , parted with two thousand pound , and am no lesse a cuckold then before was i predestin'd to this shame and mockerie ? where were my braines ? yet why am i impatient ? unlesse betrai'd he cannot reach the knowledge , and then no matter � yes i am curst agen , my torment multiplies , how can he thinke he plaid the wanton with penelope when he finds her a maide ? that ruines all : i wod she had beene strumpeted , he knowes my wives virginitie to well , i am lost , and must be desperate , kill him ; no , my wife . not so good , death is over blacke and horrid , and i am growne ridiculous to my selfe . i must do some thing . enter sr. richard hurry . hu. master wilding , welcome , y 'ave beene a great a stranger . wi. do you know me ? hu. know you ? wi. they say i am much alter'd alate . hu. there is some alteration in your forehead . wi. my forehead ? hu. t is not smooth enough , you 're troubled : your wife 's within . wi. shee loves your daughter , sir . hu. when saw you master beaumont ? wi. not to day . hu. i have sent for him ; pray stay , and witnes his further examination , i propounded a way to doe him good but he is obstinate . would i could change condition with him ! wi. he is not troubled now with being a cuckold , you shall command . enter mistris wilding , and a servant . hu. your husband lady , wi. wife you are a whore you shall know more hereafter , i must goe live i' th forrest . mi. and i i' th common . wi. shee le turne prostitute . hu. attend him hither . master beaumont's come nay you shall favour me so much , here 's the gentleman enter master beaumont with officers . already . bea. sir , your pleasure ? by your command i am brought hither , i hope you have no more to charge me with then freelie i have confest . hu. yes . bea. i must answer you can have but my life to satisfie ; pray speake my accusation . hu. besides the offence knowne and examin'd you are guilty of that which all good natures do abhorre . bea. you have a priviledge , but do not make me good sir , to appeare monstrous , who are my accusers ? hu. i am one . bea. and my judge too : i have small hope to plead then , but proceede , and name my trespasse . hu. that which includes all that man should hate ; ingratitude . bea you have preferrd a large inditement , and are the first that ever chargd me with 't , it is a staine my soule held most at distance , but descend to some particular ; this offence doth rise or fall in the degree , or reference to persons sinn'd against , to whom have i beene so ingratefull ? hu. ingrate as high as murder . bea. to whom ? hu. thy selfe , to whom that life thou oughtest to cherish thou hast undone bea. i am not so uncharitable how ere you please to urge it , but i know why you conclude so , let me , sir , be honest to heaven and my owne heart , and then if life will follow , it shall bee welcome . ha. still perverse : stand forth my leonora , looke upon her . bea. i see a comely frame which cannot bee without as faire a minde . hu. with her i make once more a tender of my wealth and thy enlargement . wi. how can you discharge him , sir ? hu. take you no care for that , it shall be secur'd if he accept , 't is the last time of asking , answer to purpose now . bea. there shall neede none , sir , to forbid this marriage , but my selfe ; my resolution but warme before is now a flame i honour this faire virgine , and am too poore to thanke your love , but must not buy life with so much shame , i am violante , my last breath shall confirme it . wi. beaumont thinke on 't a little better , be not mad ; if this be possible embrace her instantlie . bea. shee does not looke with any countenance of love upon me : see , shee does weepe . wi. shee le love thee afterwards . and shee doe not , she can but cuckold thee there be more i' th parish man . hu. since you are so peremptory so peremptory : here receave your sentence . live and love happilie . vio. my dearest beaumont . wi. to what purpose is this ? he must be hangd for delamore . hu. heer 's one can cleere the danger . wi. the surgeon ? did not you say he was dead ? sur. i did , to serve his ends , which you see noble : delamore is past danger , but wants strength to come abroad . leo. you give me another life . hu. i see heaven has decreed him for thy husband , and shat have my consent too . leo. now you blesse me . hu. i wished to call thee sonne , pardon my triall joy ever in your bosomes . bea. i feele a blessing that onely can be thought , silence my tongue , and let our hearts discourse . enter hazard , penelope , acre-lesse , little-stocke , and sel-away ha. you leave gentlefolks ; who wishes joy . and a bundle of boyes the first night ? hu. married . pene. fast as the priest could tie us . a.s.l. we are witnesses . ha. cozen two thousand pound , and ladie now t is time to cleere all . wi. i 'le be divorc'd now wife y' are a whore . ha. ho there , no bug-words , come wee must tell something in your care . be merry you are no cuckold , make no noise , i know that 's it , offends your stomake . wi. ha! ha. i touch'd not her , nor this with one rude action . wee le talke the circumstance when you come home . your wife expected you , but when i came she had prepar'd light , and her cozen here to have made you blush and chide you into honesty seeing their chast simplicities , was wonne to silence , which brought on my better fortune . wi. can this be reall mi. by my hopes of peace i' th tother world you have no injury : my plot was onely to betraie you to love and repentance . pene. be not troubled , sir , i am a witnes of my cozens truth , and hope you le make all prosper , in renewing your faith to her . ha. be wise and no more words thou hast a treasure in thy wife , make much on her : for any act of mine , she is as chast as when she was new borne . love love her jacke . as when she was new borne . love ; love her jacke . wi. i am asham'd , pray give me all forgivenes , i see my follies , heaven invites me gently to thy chast bed , be thou againe my dearest , thy vertue shall instruct me : joy to all : here be more . � delamore is living , and leonora mark'd to injoy him , violante is possest of beaumont too . ha. these be loves miracles : a spring tide flow in every bosome . hu. this day let me feast you anon wee 'le visit delamore . leo. my soule longs to salute him . ha. here all follyes die . may never gamester have worse fate then i .
finis

imprimatur tho. wykes .

machine-generated castlist a -hazzard a -wilding a -penelope a -barnacle a -mrs_wilding a -niece a -hurry a -leonora a -beaumont a -violante a -page a -acreless a -sellaway a -littlestock a -servant a -dwindle a -keeper a -drawer a -unassigned a -fiddler a -yyyy_ a -probe a -uncle a -boxkeeper a -surgeon a -yyyy_
textual notes

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� should not thinke it such a wonder : to love : come , shake off this frost , it spoiles � sir , shee brought you that wealth you have . tooke you from nothing � ��� would not draw i'th teame of marriage for ten subsidyes not to command a province . � keepe a servant , that shall be more humble . � well said , this may doe good upon me , as i finde you prompt in this , i may consider who'st that should be a woman , who 'st thou art thinking on ? i have beene ��� held away to this preferment , your wenches ha beene sticklers , and some men dropt in offcers led to prison ? wee'le reskue him from the officers , come joyne with us : we shall draw more � y'are i'th right , but doe not misconceive me , under your favour , my intention is not p�eces a hundred peeces ! i want mony . � farrier then , and drench thee for the sullens : a health to all our mistresses , we have � altogether gentlemen , i'le shew you a wonder ; but come not to neere , keepe out o'th circle sinee is dead , since you appeare so fortified . thou ' lt charge to mold it of himselfe ; how light thou'lt be without thy maiden-head , dost not spoile iustie-pie sometimes , or eate sturgion , or forrage in your lustie-pie of aartichoke , or potato ; or why may not � you are wittie ; but i suppose you have no cause of such ��� modest coxcombe , and why should not maides be as early in their provision ? divella : the jewes are innocent to 'em , and the divell a dunce , of whose trade they are . � comparison : and to increase your wonder ! this beast does never drinke . aprecious if she be such a precious armefull will i thinke you may pe�arre ancient petarre ? pistol� thou tunne of ignorance , he shall eate my pistole , and save me the discharge . fire-dakes there to , do not thinke but i have seene fire-drakes afore now though i never talk'd on't , and �id the boy hid hit his humour excellently . here , cherish � service , if shee doe , you know your wages , i shall laugh at thee , and hartilie ; so � tis hee good cozen , pretend some busines , offer at some wares , or aske the gold-smith � ; nor shall my cozen suffer in her honor . i stoope as low as earth to shew my dutie � confident , you will accept , and thanke me . � not impossible your daughter may affect me ; ther's at once two blessings , are they � should condemne her , and despise the conquest : these things may bribe an atheist not a � would die upon her bosome to meete death . th � ast or perhapps th'ast ambition , she whose love made up � must imagine i did the best to comfort her . tho� for you , but thou art soft and tender-hearted , and in that � you did so : 'twas wiselie done , now i collect my selfe , shee has sometime � right performance , thou art a gentleman , and canst not but consider the poore gentlewoman fonud oh! sir i am glad i ha found you . tha'rta thou art no nephew of mine , thar't a rascall i'le be at no more charge to make � enter acre-lesse , sell-away , little-stocke . wo'd't'had i can make bold with thee another time , wo'd 't'had beene twentie . ha� ha. � am asham'd , pray give me all forgivenes , i see my follies , heaven invites me gently
the contention for honor and riches (honoria and mammon) shirley, james this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text s in the english short title catalog (stc ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. martin mueller incompletely or incorrectly transcribed words were reviewed and in many cases fixed by madeline burg lydia zoells this text has not been fully proofread earlyprint project evanston il, notre dame in, st.louis, washington mo distributed under a creative commons attribution-noncommercial . unported license a .xml a contention for honour and riches. by i.s. shirley, james, - . dpi tiff g page images university of michigan, digital library production service ann arbor, michigan october (tcp phase ) stc ( nd ed.) . greg, ii, (a). a

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 a contention for honour and riches. by i.s. contention for honor and riches. shirley, james, - . [ ] p. printed by e[lizabeth] a[llde] for william cooke, and are to be sold at his shop neere furnivals inne gate in holborne, london : .

dedication signed: iames shirley.

printer's name from stc.

signatures: a-e .

the first leaf is blank.

running title reads: a contention for honor and riches.

reproduction of the original in the british library.

 a shc the contention for honor and riches shirley, james madeline burg lydia zoells play tragicomedy shc no a s (stc ). athis text has no known defects that were recorded as gap elements at the time of transcription. incorporated ~ , textual changes made to the shc corpus by hannah bredar, kate needham, and lydia zoells between april and july during visits, separately or together, to the bodleian, folger and houghton libraries as well as the rare book libraries at northwestern university and the university of chicago

a contention for honovr and riches .

by j. s.

— ubi quid datur oti , illudo chartis . —

london , printed by e. a. for william cooke , and are to be sold at his shop neere furnivals inne gate in holborne . .

to the right vvorshipfull and his honoured friend , edvvard golding of colston in nottingham-shire esquire .

where there is a will to be gratefull , the acknowledgement supplies the defect of action , reddit enim beneficium qui libenter debet . although this hold no force in the common and municipall lawes , where men doe no benefit , before they account to receive ; it is allowed a canon in moralitie , where many good deeds are to be lost , that wee may place one well . no man can dye in debt , that hath an honest remembrance of his obligation , since death is to bee reckoned from the first day of our ingratitude . in this confidence i appeare , and being neither guilty of desert , or power to reward , i must present the memory of your owne act and vertue to pay your selfe .

that which waiteth upon my thankes , is this handfull of paper imaginations , though below your study , not beneath your vertue to accept , and smile upon ; they were meant for innocent mirth , and can bee no prejudice , if they onely serve to set off your nobler contemplations . read when you will dispence with halfe an houre , and continue your favour to him , whose ambition is to write himselfe

your servant , james shirley .
the speakers . ingenuity a scholler . courtier . soldier . clod a country-man . gettings a citizen . women . honour . riches . mutes . honesty . no-pay . long-vacation . foule-weather-in-harvest .
a contention for honor and riches . enter riches , and ingenuity a scholler . ing. my lady desires to speake with you . ric. your lady ? who 's your lady ? ing. the lady honor . rich. let honor come to riches , it will not disparage her , my friend . ing. she is not well . ri. honor is seldom sound , what ailes her ladiship ? ing. she had a fall lately . ric. a fall ? ing. and spraind her foot . ric. teach her to clime ; shee 's so ambitious . in. please you to do her the favour , she will waite vpon your ladi-ship another time . ric. i cannot come ing. good madam . ric. i ha the goute ing. you may command a coach . ric. riches i know may command any thing but i doe not use to come to every one desires my company beside , my servants are abroad , and it becomes me not to goe so unattended . ing. i shall be fortunate , if you accept my service . ric. is that state enough for me ? although it be in fashion with your lord , to amble with his foot man and page , i use to have more followers . ing. great ladies have no such traine , many are held superfluous , the gentleman vsher now a dayes is thought sufficient for a countesse , nay , for two take him by turnes , & yet he may be courteous to the waiting gentlewoman . ric. you assume , me thinkes , much liberty in talking , wha't 's your name ? in. they which know me , call me ingenuity . ric. ingenuity ? out upon ! thee i suspect , you are a scholler . ing. i have studyed arts . ri. defend me from his witchcraft had thy mistris : none but a scholler to employ upon her complements to me , one whose profession i hate , whose memory is my disease , and conversation death ? how ranck he smells of aristotle , and the musty tribe of worme-eaten philosophers ? get from me , i will endure the beares , and their provision , lie in an hospitall , or french-footmen , feed with prisoners , or be rack'd at westminster , nay , die , & make poore orphants my executors , ere be confind to heare thy learned nonsence . ing. why should you be such enemy to schollers ? they waste minervaes precious dew , their sweat , to gaine your favour , and would thinke themselves blest , when your golden beames but shine upon 'em . ric. t is not your flattery can win upon me . goe , and declame against me , good diogenes , admire a vertuous poverty , and nakednesse , call fortune whore , and write whole volumes in the praise of hunger and your lowsie wardrobe , yes , teach the world , riches is growne a monster , and that she dotes on ignorance : these are your vulgar doctrines , and i pray pursue 'em , my most immortall begger , and get fame with some twice sodden pamphlet , till you make submission to my foole , in hope of the reversion of his groomes bare livery : your theses , and your syllogismes , will no doubt convert the beadle , and the dog-whip . ing. be pleas'd to heare me speake — ric. what impudence does this appeare , you should desire that favour ? have i not given testimony to the world sufficiently , i doe not love a scholler ? ing. indure me for my mistresse lady honor . ric. i wonder what she meant to entertain thee ! away , dispute no further , if you move me to more impatience , riches will finde wayes to curbe your insolence t is not your pretence to honors service , can protect you from my anger , i have kindred , and acquaintance shall with their breath blow thee beyond the sea ; or if i should be mercifull , and let thee injoy thy country , never hope to arrive at above a pension , that will find you woollen a pedant , or a vicaridge preferment , gelded sufficiently by the improper parson , is all your wit must hope for ; and take heed that you be modest then , no coate , nor cassocke can charme you : if i offer to complaine , i shall put your divinity to silence . ing. i despise thy womanish threats , and shall account my selfe happy without thy favour . o philosophy , assist thy poore admirer , and infuse a noble fortitude to scorne her malice : i have no thought , but has a triumph 'ore thy base conspiracy . welcome my deare bookes , and contemplation , that shall feed my soule to immortality : let puppets dote vpon thy gifts , and sell their priviledge , for gaudy clothes and epicurean , lust , and a catalogue of rich mens sinnes , that shall like plummets hang upon their heart : when wings are most required , keepe thy resolve , and be an enemy to learning still , that when we find a scholler , by thee favord , we may suspect him counterfeit and a dunce honor will be my mistris , whose least smile i value above all thy pride , or treasures , and she will scorne thee too . farewell , gay madam , a painted tombe ! though glorious to the eye . corruption dwells within thee . exit . ric. foule mouth satyre , but t is some punishment to let him waste his spirits with his railing , let him fret , it may consume him without more diseases , let him die any way , men of his quality are living but unprofitable burdens to the earth , as they were borne to consume fruits , and talke of needlesse sciences . who are these ? my ancient sutors , clod the country-man , and gettings the rich citizen ? enter clod and gettings . get. she 'es here . good morrow to the star of my delight , whose beames more glorious doe eclipse the sunne , and cast a richer warm'th about the world . ric. how ? turn'd poet ? get. feare me not , lady , i am none of those were borne too 't , i had rather be a iew then christned in parnassus pompe , i have nothing but the knuckles and the rumpes of poetry . ric. take heed in time , lest you become infected with wit , i doe not love poeticke fancies , nor any thing that trenches on the muses , they were baggages , and phoebus their protector , deserv'd the whipping post . get. i have read , he was a common piper , and those nine were gipsies , that liv'd by cheating palmistry . ric. i like it , when you doe raile at learning , i allow you to read a ballad , and ridiculous pamphlets , writ on the strength of beere , or some dull liquor : but if you smell profane sacke in a poeme , come not within a league of understanding , as you respect my favour . get. i am instructed . ric.

but why does clod stand all this while so mute ?

clo.

either i am john a noakes , or i am not john a noakes .

ric.

hee 's dreaming of his horses .

clod.

gee , sweete lady , i am all to be mired in your beauty , the horses of my imagination are foundred in the high-way of your perfections , for i am deepe in love with your lady-ship , though i doe not weare such fine clothes as master gettings here , and so much out of fashion : for if i commend my doublet , i must speake funerall , yet my heart is cut and flash'd , and i defie any man that has a better stomack to you in the way of matrimony .

get.

no comparison , master clod .

clod.

let him be odious , that names comparison , for my part , i soorne 'em all and the degrees .

get.

y' are very positive .

clod.

dost thou positive me ? and my mistresse were not here , thou shouldest find clod is made of an other gesse mold , then to endure thy affronts .

ric.

and you quarrell , i am gone .

ge.

nay , nay , sweet lady we shall be friends agen .

ric.

i hope it wonot stretch to a duell .

exit . get.

duell ? you wonot provoke me , clod , will you ? if you doe , clod .

clod.

i will provoke any man living in the way of love .

get.

how ?

clod. he that shall goe a wooing to my mistris , i will provoke him , and he were my father . get.

y' are a durty fellow , clod , and if i had met thee that yeere i was scavenger , i would have had thee carted .

clod.

mee carted , cart thy bawdes , there bee enow within the walls , do'st tell me of a scavenger ? a fart for thy office , i am a better man in the country then the constable himselfe , and doe tell thee to thy face , though i am plaine clod , i care not a beanestalke for the best what lacke you on you all , no not the next day after simon and jude ; when you goe a feasting to westminster with you gallyfoist and your pot-guns , to the very terror of the papet-whales , when you land in sholes , and make the understanders in cheapside , wonder to see ships swimme upon mens shoulders , when the fencers flourish , and make the kings liege people fall downe and worship the devill and saint dunstan , when your whifflers are hangd in chaines , and hercules club spits fire about the pageants , though the poore children catch cold , that shew like painted cloth , and are onely kept alive with sugar plummes , with whom , when the word is given , you march to guild-hall , with every man his spoone in his pocket , where you looke upon the giants , and feed like sarazens , till you have no stomacke to pauls in the afternoone : i have seene your processions , and heard your lions and camels make speeches , in stead of grace before and after dinner : i have heard songs too , or something like e'm : but the porters have had the burden , who were kept sober at the city charge , two dayes before , to keepe time and tune with their feet , for bragge what you will of your charge , all your pompe lies upon their backe .

get.

so , so .

clo.

must this dayes pride so blow you up , that a country-mans tale may not be heard ?

get.

that dayes pride ?

clo.

or what i st make you gamboll so ?

get.

why , anger ha's made you witty country-man .

clo.

thou lyest , and i am none of thy country-man , i was borne out of the sound of your pancakebell , i cannot abide to see a proud fellow : and it were not for us in the country , you would have but a leane city , wee maintaine your charter , and your chamber too , you would ha but ill markets , and we should forsweare to furnish e'm , where were your hides , hornes and plenty of other provision ? your , wives could not doe as they doe , with your short yard and your false light , and the country should not come in upon them . come , you cannot live without us , you may be cald a body politicke , but the country is the soule , and therefore subscribe and give way to me .

get.

the high-way , but not the wall in london , doe you know where you are , and what you have talk't all this while ? an informer would squeeze your truncke hose for this , and teach you to know your termes and your attornies .

clo.

i le have as good law for my money , as the best on you , i know what belongs to 't , i have almost broke the parson of the parish already , about his tithe-egges .

get.

why , thou lumpe of ignorance , leather and husbandry ill compounded , thou that hast beene so long a dung-hill , till the weedes have overgrowne thee , and a farre off hast cozend a horse , thou that dost whistle out thy prayers , and wo-not change thy durty soyle , for so many acres in paradise , nor leave thy share o' the plough , for saint peters patrimony , thou that were begot upon a hay-mow , bred in thy fathers stable , and out-dung'd his cattell , thou , that at one and twenty , wert onely able to write a sheeps marke in tarre , and read thy owne capitall letter , like a gallous upon a cowes buttocke ; you that allow no scripture canonicall , but an almanacke , which makes you weather-wise , and puts you in hope of a deare yeere : let the country starve , and the poore grind provender , so the market rise : let your soule fall to the devill among the corne-cutters , i am ashamed to hold discourse any longer with thee ; onely one word , i would advise you to let your action of love fall , and be content to marry with malkin , in the country , shee can churne well , and humble her selfe behind a hedge , for this lady is no lettice for your lips , goe goe , meddle with your jades , and exercise a whip , among your bread and cheese eaters .

clo.

sirra cit , i doe challenge thee .

get.

what weapon ?

clo.

the next deedlefeedle shall furnish us both if thou hast any morall , let us try before we part who is the better man .

get,

if thou hast any ambition to be beaten to dust , clod , thanke your selfe .

clo.

i will flash thy skin like a summer doublet , come thy wayes .

enter a courtier and a souldier courting honor ingenuity . cour. looke this way , lady , and in me behold your truest servant . sol. t is but aery court-ship that he professes , looke upon the lady that can be active in your service . ing. t is the courtier and the souldier pleading their affection to my mistresse lady donor , i wo'not interrupt them yet , i cannot find by her countenance that she enclines to either col. blesse me but with one smile if you did know with what devotion my soule lookes on you , how next to my religion i have placede , if not above it , your bright excellence , how long since i first vowed my selfe your captive , that eye would dain some influence . sol. i have no stocke of soft and melting words to charm you , such silken language we are strangers to , we are us'd to other dialect , and imitate the drum , bold artillery : can you love me ? when i have marched upon the dreadfull cannon , my heart was fixt on honor nor could death in all her shapes of horror tempt one thought to base retire , when no voyce could be heard , but thunder , and no object seene but lightning , which seem'd to have bin struck frō the first chaos , so great a darkenesse had eclips'd the sunne , yet then i thought on honor , and lookt their lives that sunke about me , every body i trod upon , ( for now the dead had buried the earth ) gave me addition to where , in my imagination i saw thee charioted , and dropping downe a garland . ho. no more there are but compleiners of wars , perhaps some studied speech i love your quality , but am not taught with these hyperboles honor 's not won with words , true valour needs no paint of ostentation , the wound that has the greatest orifice includes not the greatest danger . ing. she has quash'd his culvering , and now he 's swearing out some prayers . cour. shee 's mine . thus lookt the moone , when with her virgin fires she went in progresse to the mountaine latmos , to visit her endimion , yet i injure your beauty , to compare it to her orbe of silver light , the sun from which , she borrowes that makes her up the nightly lamp of heaven , has in his stock of beams not halfe your luster , enrich the earth still with your sacred presence , vpon each object throw a glorious starre , created by your sight , that when the learn'd astronomer comes forth to examine heaven , he may find two , and be himselfe devided , which he should first contemplate . ho. you both love me . cour. but i the best . sol. how sir , the best ? cou. ere since i knew the court , i had no other study but to advance my selfe to honor , all my suites have beene directed to this one , that honor would fixe me among those other constellations that shine about the king , t is in thy love to plant a coronet here : and then i dare iustle the proudest heroe and be inscrib'd a demy god , frowne dead the humble mortall , and with my breath call backe their soules agen . what cannot honor doe ? ho. not that you boast . true honor makes not proud , not takes delight i' th ruine of poore vertue . so. sir , you said you lov'd her best . co. and will maintaine it . so. you cannot , dare not . co. dare not ? ho. so peremptory , honor may in time find wayes to tame the insolent lady riches , but leave her to her pride . ing. the courtier , and the souldier looke as they would quarrell . ho. let 'em . you see how they pursue me still , but honor is not so easily obtain'd . ing. they are gay creatures , and conspicuous in the world . ho. but no such miracles : gentlement , you promise some spirit in you , ther 's no way to make me confident of your worth but by your action : in briefe , if you be ambitious of honor , you must fight for me , and as fame shall give me your character , i shall distinguish you , and cherish worth : meane time i take my leave . come , ingenuity , you and i must have some private conference , i dare trust your bosome with some thing of more weight . ing. i am then happy , when you command me service . ho. and i keepe a register of all , and though delayd , forget not the reward . exeunt honor , ing. so. hark , master cringe , how d' ee like her sentence ? if you meane to have honor you must fight for 't not oild speeches , nor crinckling in the hammes will carry her , you have worne a sword thus long , to shew the hilt , now let the blade appeare . co. good captaine voyce , it shall , and reach you manners , i have yet no ague , i can looke upon your buffe , and punto beard , and call for no strong waters , i am no taverne gull , that wants protection , whom you with oathes doe use to mortifie , and sweare into the paiments of all reckonings , vpon whose credit you weare belt and feather , top and top gallant , and can make him seale at mid-night to your taylor , goe invite young gentlemen to dinner , and then pawne 'em , or valiantly with some of your owne file , conspire a sconce , or to a bawdy house march with your regiment , and kicke the leverets , make cullice o' the bawdes , yet be made friends , before the constable be sent for , and run to'the ticket for the pox , these services , i doe presume , you are acquainted with . so. musk-cat . co. or wert thou what thou seem'st , a soldier , for so much good i wish thee for my honor , when i have kil'd thee . so. sirra civet-box . co. let me aske your souldier ship but one cold question , if lady honor , whom you have presum'd without good manners to affect , should possibly descend to marry thee , prethee what joynture couldst thou make her ? so. ioynture ? co. i le admit for arguments sake , thou art a souldier , perhaps you will give her a catalogue of townes , or leaguers , the names of bridges broken downe , your nose in time may make another , you will tel her of onslaughts , bulwarks , barricado , forts , of cannon , culvering , sacres , and a rabble of your artillery , which you have cond by heart , a role of captaines names , perhaps you have in ready wounds , some twenty idle , admit it , and in diseases can assure her forty , this wo'not doe , she cannot eate a snapsacke , nor carry baggage , lie in your foule hut , and rost your pullen , for whose precious theft , you and the gibbet feare to bee acquainted , if you returne into your wholesome country , vpon your honorable woodden legs . the houses of correction are no palaces , and passes must be had , or else the beadles will not be satisfied , the treasurers name and twelve-pence for your service i' th low countries , and spending of your blood for doughty dutchmen , that would have hāg'd you there , but in their charity you were reserv'd for beggery at home , is no inheritance i take it sir . so. have you done yet ? co. i have not much more to say . so. it does appeare by all this prattle then , you doe not know me , and have ta'ne too much on trust to talke of souldier , a name tha 'st not deserv'd to mention , because some fellowes here , have brag'd , and perhaps beaten you , and some other of your satten tribe , into beliefe that they have seene the warres , that perhaps mustered at mile-end , or finesbury . must the true sonnes of courage , be thus dishonor'd , and their character defac'd by such prodigious breath ? must we , we that for honor and your safeties suffer , what in the repetition would fright your pale soules from you , when perhaps you foot a jigge at home , and revell with your lady , be thus rewarded ! happy they that dyed their country sacrifice , to prevent the shame of living with such popular drones , but i should wrong our glorious profession by any arguments , to make thee sensible of what we are : it shall suffice to publish what is not now in ignorant supposition . but truth , of your gay quality and vertues , you are a courtier . co. very good . so. not so . if such there be , i talke not to them now , but to thee phantasme , of whom men doe doubt whether thou hast a soule , thou that dost thinke it the better and more gratefull part of thy religion , to we are good clothes , and suffer more paines at buttoning of thy gawdy doublet , then thou durst take for heaven , thou hast devided thy flattery into severall articles , and hast so often called your great men goods , that t is become thy creed , and thou dost now beleeve no other , thou w'ot take a bribe , to undoe a nation , and sell thy country-men to as many persecutions as the devill : thou art beholding to thy pride , it has made thee thy own self-love , for without it , none else affecting thee i doe now see , what else could keep thee from despaire & drowning ? thy wantonnesse has made thy body poore , but not in shew , for though thy back have payd for 't , it weares rich trappings ; art may helpe your legs , but cannot cure your dancing : that and pepper , avoid with like discretion , one betrayes you at dinner , and the other betweene meales . goe purchase lands and a faire house , which must when thou livest in it be an hospitall , and owe no other body for diseases . co. pray come , and take a chamber . so. thou hast ignorance and impudence enough for twenty alchymists . co. i le heare no more . so. a little , i le intreat you , you shall be beaten afterward , ne're feare it . co. dar'st thou blaspheme the court ? so. i honour it , and all the noble ornaments of state , that like pomegranats in old aarons coate , adorne the prince that wears 'em , but such courtiers that coozen us like glow-wormes in the night , or rotten wood , i hate , and in their number for this time be content i list your worship . co. how do you know what i am , or what title perhaps i weare ? so. i know thee by the wrong to souldiers . co. i speake of such as thou wert , and i dare maintaine , and write as much in thy owne blood . enter honestie . co. dost thou not see , honestie ? so. honestie ? what hast thou to do with honesty ? co. i never could endure her , she appeares more terrible then a ghost , i ha no stomacke to fight , my blood is frozen in my veines , she is a thousand punishments at once : now would i give my office to be at peace with mine owne conscience , ha , she do's pursue me ? so. these are idle imaginations , collect your selfe , good courtier , and remember what wee are to doe , or i shall , ha . enter no-pay . co. what 's the matter , more terror ? so. i am cold too . co. another apparition . so. you may know him by a jaw-faln , t is no-pay . and what a comfort no-pay 's to a souldier , i appeale to a councell of warre , the devill is not so full of horror , no-pay ? i le not fight a stroke , though i were sure to cleare the empire . exeunt . enter citizen and country-man arm'd . get. our weapons length are even , but you le find there is such ods betwixt us , nought but death can reconcile our difference . clod.

deny your major . i thinke i heard a scholler use that word against bellarmine . i , i le stand too 't : for if nought but death , can reconcile our difference , we must be both kild : no , prepare thy selfe , i hope to send thee to heaven , and be farre enough off ere sun-set : if thou hast made thy will , let them prove it when thou art dead , and bury thee accordingly , thy wife will have cause to thanke me , it will be a good hearing to the poore of the parish : happy man by his dole , besides , the blue-coates can but comfort thy kindred with singing and rejoycing at thy funerall . come on thy wayes .

get.

y' are very round , clod , i doe not thinke you have practis'd fencing of late , this is a weapon you are not us'd to , a pitch-forke were more convenient for you to manage .

clo.

a pitch-forke ? thou shalt know thy destiny by this , though it have but one point i know where thy heart lies , i desire no more , and lesse would satisfie me , unlesse thou wilt eate thy words , and confesse thou hast wrong'd me , out it shall , i have a stomacke to cut thee up , and my sword has a pretty edge of it selfe , and my greatest griefe is , that i owe thee nothing , to discharge all together , but t is no matter , i can but kill thee .

get.

you cannot , sure : for ought i see in your countenance , you are not long-lyv'd your selfe , you have but a tallow complexion , doe you know what ground you stand upon , clod ?

col.

ground ?

get.

you may tread upon your grave now , for all this blustering .

clod.

thou liest , there 's more to provoke thee : no , i came not hither to dye , and i won't be buryed at any mans discretion , my father was buryed i' the country , and my grand-father , and his father before him , and if i live i le bee buried there my selfe : but what doe we lose time ? looke to thy head , for i will make an even reckoning with thy shoulders presently . enter foule-weather-in-harvest . ha , hold , alas , i wo'not fight , i ha no heart to lift up a weapon .

ge.

you were fire and tow but ' een now .

clo.

but here 's water dost not see ? i shall be undone .

get.

who is this ?

clo.

why , t is foule-weather-in-harvest , all spoil'd , i wo'not have thy heart now , and thou wouldst gee 't me .

get.

t is well , something will coole you , after so much thunder , but it wo'not quench the fire of my anger . i doe not use to put up these things , when i am drawne too 't , your foule weather is nothing to the businesse in hand , therefore submit thy necke to my execution , or —

clo.

kill me : i le forgive thee , i shall have no harvest to yeere .

enter long-vacation . get.

and thou hadst as many heads as hydra — ha , i le not hurt a hare , i am frighted this is my heart , you had not so wet , but we are like to have as dry a time on 't , i stood upon tearmes before , this is long-vacation .

clo.

long-vacation ?

get.

i dream'd of a dry summer , he will consume me , it will be a thousand yeeres till michaelmasse . prethee let 's be friends , for my part i have no hope of riches .

clo.

and i but little , and this weather hold . enter riches . here she comes .

ric. where be these friends of mine ? alas , what meane you ? i am faint with seeking you to stay your fury : for i was told your bloody resolutions . you should be a man of government , are these the ensignes of the city ? will you give without the herald in your armes , a sword to the old city dagger ? you weare a gowne embleme of peace , will you defile your gravity with basket-hilt and bilboe ? and you bold yeoman , that like a ricke of hay , hath stood the shocke of winter , and grew white with snow of age , is this an instrument for you ? but i am confident that you will say , t is love of me hath brought you to the field , and therefore to prevent future mischiefe , i determine here to declare my selfe : but first conjoyne your loving hands , and vow a constant friendship , then one of you i le choose my husband . get. by our seven gates that doe let in every day no little sin , by the sword which we aduance , and the cap of maintenance : by the shrieves post , and the hall yeleped guild , and london wall , by our royall change which yeelds gentile ware , and by more-fields , by our thrice burnt famous steeple , that doth over-looke the people , cheapeside crosse , and loud bow-bell , and by all that wish it well : i am friends with him till he dies , and love him like my liberties : so helpe me riches , what i speake : the citizen will never breake . ric. what say you ? clo. by my cart , and by my plough , my dun mare , and best red cow , by my barne , and fattest weather , my grounds , and all my state together , in thy love i over-take thee , else my whistling quite forsake me , and let me ever lye , which worse is , at racke and manger with the horses . ric. then master clod . — clo. ha , ha , with all my heart , am i the man ? ric. the man . i must intreate to have some patience . i doe imagine you affect me dearely , and would make much of riches . clo.

there 's no lady that shal out-shine my darling : t is no matter , though i be in russet all the weeke , riches shal live like a lady , have perfum'd linnen , costly gownes , and peticoats worth taking up , and as the fashion is ; i will put thee into a bagge .

ric. this wo'not , sir , agree with your condition , to keepe me brave : the country cut must be observ'd . clo. hang country cuts ! doe but marry me . — ric. but this is not my exception ; there is more that interdicts our marriage : for though you are willing to conceale it , master clod , yet you and i are kindred , at least cousins . clo. why , is not your name riches ? ric. though my name be riches , yet my mother was a clod , she married rich earth of america , where i was borne , a durty family , but many matches have refined us now , and we are called riches . clo.

if you were borne in america , wee are but kindred a farre off .

ric.

let us not confound our genealogies .

clo.

i would be loth to marry an infidell borne , and yet i like your complexion so well , that —

ric. no , i am reserv'd for thee , and here i plant my best affection . get. welcome to my heart . how i doe love thee , riches ! o my soule , we 'le marry straight . ric. and thus much for your comfort . nay , droope not , clod , though i be wife to him , yet if i bury gettings , i le be thine , and carry london with us into th' country . clo. after this rate you are my wife in law . well : give you joy . get. me thinkes i fumble my gold chaine already . but who are these ? enter courtier and souldier . co. no honor to be found . so. let us inquire of these . did any see the lady honor ? get. what care we for honor , so we have riches ? co. ha ? i have beene acquainted with this lady . ric. i was at court the last weeke , sir . cour. i remember . sol. i ha seene her some-where too . ric. i ha beene a traveller . so. were you never taken by the hollander ? ric. i was in the plate-fleete . so. baser los manos signiora . ric.

i have almost forgot my spanish , but after a little practice i may recover it .

clo.

i know not honor if i see her , i have heard of such a lady : ten to one , but riches can direct you to her .

ric. i apprehend your desires , sir , & will direct you . co. i am your servant , lady . ri. but first , mr. gettings , know these gentlemen . ge. they are in my books already , pray gentlemen , know my commodities , when i ha married riches , i shall be better able to furnish you co. we wish you joy . so. and shall remaine your debtors . get. i make no doubt . co. but here 's the lady whom we enquire for . so. she has musicke to attend her . musicke . enter honor and ingenuity . ha! the scholler ? the case is alterd . is not that ingenuity ? co. how familiar they are ! i hope they 'r not married . cl. is this madam honor ? co. so , lady . ho. gentlemen , i come to reconcile your difference , i did foresee you desperate in love , and prompted , i confesse your swelling valours to fight for me , but upon second thoughts . i canceld that opinion , and devis'd a way to settle all things without danger this gentleman late my servant , ingenuity , hath remov'd all occasion of your further courtship , and now won me for his bride . co. married the scholler ? despis'd . so. affronted . ho. you are passionate . you could not both possesse me , yet in him your excellencies meet , and i enjoy e'm . he can be courtier and a soldier when the occasion presents it selfe . he that hath learn'd to obey well , can command . nay , be not sad , if you lov'd me , expresse it in your congratulations . here i fixe my selfe , and vow my best affection . if in the number of my friends , i may write you , be confident you sha'not lose by your respect to honor . lady riches , i hope there is no antipathy in your nature , but you may smile upon a scholler now married to honor . rich. since you have so advanc'd him , he shall not want my favour . ing. now i am confident . co. we must obey our destiny . since fate meant me not so much happinesse , to be the husband , let me still be humble servant to honor . so. my desires have the same ambition . co. and so. ioyes crowne your marriage ing. now you both denide me . but in this empire i can brooke no rivall . be all my honor'd guests , and with one feast and revels celebrate our double marriage . co. and here our love unites . pardon what language my passion threw upon thee : acknowledge a soldiers worth above the reach of malice . so.

my heart shall spread to embrace the noble courtier .

clod.

here 's nothing but complement . you should bring up a fashion to kisse one another .

get. t is such a dry clod ! ing. correct your passions , sir , i am inform'd you have beene guilty this day of abuse , against the noble citizens , and traduc'd their yeerely triumph . get. 't was his ignorance , but we are friends agen . ing. then i ha done . now gentlemen and ladies , in the assurance all are pleas'd , let us ioyne in dance . such mirth becomes a wedding . strike up some nimble aire . they dance . ing. thus all have seene how providence imparts wealth to the city , honor to the arts . exeunt . finis .
machine-generated castlist a -riches a -gettings a -clod a -colonel a -soldier a -ingenuity a -honesty a -courtier a -unassigned a -clerk a -countryman a -unassigned
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gou●e i ha the goute ▪ much liberty in talking , wha'ts your name ? your ingenuity ? out upon ! thee i suspect , you are a scholler . miner●aes you be such enemy to schollers ? they waste minervaes precious dew , their sweat , to gaine your ●ame pursue'em , my most immortall begger , and get fame with some twice sodden pamphlet , till you pamphle● begger , and get fame with some twice sodden pamphlet , till you make submission to my foole , ri●. ric. infolence impatience , riches will finde wayes to curbe your insolence tis not your pretence to honors service cass●cke that you be modest then , no coate , nor cassocke can charme you ▪ if i offer to complaine ▪ , no coate , nor cassocke can charme you : if i offer to complaine , i shall put your triumph'ore her malice : i have no thought , but has a triumph 'ore thy base conspiracy . welcome my deare puppe●s shall feed my soule to immortality : let puppets dote vpon thy gifts , and sell their priviledge attenemy most required , keepe thy resolve , and be an enemy to learning still , that when we find who●e counterfeit and a dunce honor will be my mistris , whose least smile i value above all thy pride sustian for if i commend my doublet , i must speake fustian , yet my heart is cut and flash'd , and youi●n defie any man that has a better stomack to you in the way of matrimony . seasting day after simon and jude ; when you goe a feasting to westminster with you gallyfoist and your g●lly●oist you goe a feasting to westminster with you gallyfoist and your pot-guns , to the very terror of spit● are hangd in chaines , and hercules club spits fire about the pageants , though the poore ▪ pageants , though the poore children catch cold , that shew like painted cloth , and are onely artornies and teach you to know your termes and your attornies . churme marry with malkin , in the country , shee can churne well , and humble her selfe behind a hedge 〈◊〉 the next deedlefeedle shall furnish us both if thou hast any morall ●hy i will flash thy skin like a summer doublet , come thy wayes court●er enter a courtier and a souldier courting honor ingenuity 〈◊〉 enter a courtier and a souldier courting honor ingenuity . 〈◊〉 tis but aery court-ship that he professes , looke upon i●●. ing. 〈◊〉 tis the courtier and the souldier pleading their affection to my mistresse 〈…〉 wo'not interrupt them yet , i cannot find by her countenance that she enclines to either 〈…〉 my religion i have placede , if not above it, your bright excellence, how long since i first vowed my selfe your 〈◊〉 how long since i first vowed my selfe your captive , that eye would 〈…〉 〈…〉 vowed my selfe your captive , that eye would dain some influence. 〈◊〉 have no stocke of soft and melting words to charm you , such silken language we are strangers temp● nor could death in all her shapes of horror tempt one thought to base retire , when no voyce ch●o● seem'd to have bin struck frō the first chaos , so great a darkenesse had eclips'd the s●nne , so great a darkenesse had eclips'd the sunne , yet then i thought on honor , and lookt 〈◊〉 sunne , yet then i thought on honor , and lookt their lives that sunke about me , every 〈◊〉 thought on honor , and lookt their lives that sunke about me , every body i trod upon , ( for 〈◊〉 body i trod upon , ( for now the dead had buried the earth ) gave me addition 〈◊〉 where , 〈◊〉 dead had buried the earth ) gave me addition to where , in my imagination i saw thee charioted 〈…〉 compleiners of wars , perhaps some studied speech i love your quality, but am not taught with these hyperboles 〈…〉 these hyperboles honor's not won with words , true valour needs no paint of often 〈…〉 that has the greatest often 〈…〉 honor's not won with words 〈…〉 no paint of ostentation that has the greatest 〈…〉 not the greatest 〈…〉 not won with words 〈…〉 no paint of often , the wound that has the greatest 〈…〉 not the greatest 〈…〉 paint of often 〈…〉 that has the greatest orifice includes not the greatest danger . 〈◊〉 she has quash'd his culvering , and now he's swearing out ▪ , and now he's swearing out some prayers . 〈◊〉 worth : meane time i take my leave . come , ingenuity , you and i must have some private conference for if you meane to have honor you must fight for't not oild speeches , nor crinckling in the 〈◊〉 meane to have honor you must fight for't not oild speeches , nor crinckling in the hammes begggery but in their charity you were reserv'd for beggery at home , is no inheritance i take it sir ta ' ne prattle then , you doe not know me , and have ta'ne too much on trust to talke of souldier , hastignorance thou hast ignorance and impudence enough for twenty 〈◊〉 thee : no , i came not hither to dye , and i won't be buryed at any mans discretion , my father 〈◊〉 any mans discretion , my father was buryed i'the country , and my grand-father , and his fi●e you were fire and tow but ' een now . gee'tme wo'not have thy heart now , and thou wouldst gee't me . te●●●es to have as dry a time on't , i stood upon tearmes before , this is long-vacation . rieke bilboe ? and you bold yeoman , that like a ricke of hay , hath stood the shocke of winter thee● pardon what language my passion threw upon thee▪ ▪ acknowledge a soldiers worth above the ▪ what language my passion threw upon thee : acknowledge a soldiers worth above the reach l●●us ladies , in the assurance all are pleas'd , let us ioyne in dance . such mirth becomes a ●eene thus all have seene how providence imparts wealth to the city
changes, or love in a maze shirley, james this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text s in the english short title catalog (stc ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. martin mueller incompletely or incorrectly transcribed words were reviewed and in many cases fixed by nayoon ahn lydia zoells this text has not been fully proofread earlyprint project evanston il, notre dame in, st.louis, washington mo distributed under a creative commons attribution-noncommercial . unported license a .xml changes: or, love in a maze. a comedie, as it was presented at the private house in salisbury court, by the company of his majesties revels. written by iames shirley, gent. shirley, james, - . dpi tiff g page images university of michigan, digital library production service ann arbor, michigan july (tcp phase ) stc ( nd ed.) . greg, ii, . a

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 changes: or, love in a maze. a comedie, as it was presented at the private house in salisbury court, by the company of his majesties revels. written by iames shirley, gent. changes love in a maze. shirley, james, - . [ ], , [ ] p. printed by g[eorge] p[urslowe] for william cooke, and are to be sold at his shop neere furnivals inne gate in holborne, london : .

mostly in verse.

printer's name from stc.

reproduction of the original in the british library.

 a shc changes, or love in a maze shirley, james nayoon ahn lydia zoells play comedy shc no a s (stc ). . b the rate of . defects per , words puts this text in the b category of texts with fewer than defects per , words. incorporated ~ , textual changes made to the shc corpus by hannah bredar, kate needham, and lydia zoells between april and july during visits, separately or together, to the bodleian, folger and houghton libraries as well as the rare book libraries at northwestern university and the university of chicago

changes : or , love in a maze .

a comedie , as it was presented at the private house in salisbury court , by the company of his majesties revels .

written by iames shirley , gent.

— deserta per avia dulcis raptat amor . —

london : printed by g. p. for william cooke , and are to be sold at his shop neere furnivals inne gate in holborne , .

to the right honorable , the lady dorothie shirley . madame , who make the glory of your blood no priviledge at all to be lesse good ; pardon the rudenesse of a comedy , that ( taught too great ambition ) would fly to kisse your white hand , and receive from thence both an authority , and innocence . 't is not this great man , nor that prince , whose fame can more advance a poem , than your name , to whose cleere vertue truth is bound , and we , that there is so much left for history . i doe acknowledge custome , that to men such poems are presented ; but my pen is not engag'd nor can allow too farre a salick law in poetry , to barre ladies th' inheritance of wit , whose soule is active , and as able to controule , as some ' usurpe the chaire , which write a stile to breath the reader better than a mile ; but no such empty titles but my flame ; nor will i sinne so much , to shew their name in print ; some servile muses be their drudge , that sweat to finde a patron , not a iudge . to you , great lady , then , in whom doe meet candor and iudgement , humble as your feet i vow these papers , wishing you may see ioyes multiplied , to your eternitie . your honors devoted seruant , i a. shirley .
prologus . that muse whose song within another spheare hath pleased some , and of the best , whose eare is able to distinguish straines that are cleare , and phebean , from the popular ; and sinfull dregs of the adulterate braine , by mee salutes your candor once againe ; and begs this noble favour , that this place , and weake performances may not disgrace his fresh thalia ; 'las our poet knowes wee have no name , a torrent overflowes our little iland , miserable wee , doe every day play our owne tragedy : but 't is more noble to create than kill , hee saies , and if but with his flame , your will would joyne , wee may obtaine some warmth , and prove next them that now doe surfeit with your love . encourage our beginning , nothing grew famous at first , and gentlemen , if you smile on this barren mountaine , soone it will , become both fruitfull and the muses hill .
the actors names . master goldsworth , father to chrysolina and aurelia . master woodhamore , vncle to eugenia . master thornay gentlemen lovers of chrysolina , aurelia and eugenia . master gerard gentlemen lovers of chrysolina , aurelia and eugenia . master yongrave gentlemen lovers of chrysolina , aurelia and eugenia . master caperwit , a poetaster . sir gervace simple . bird , caperwits page . thumpe , sir gervaces man . servants . dancer . mistresse goldsworth . chrysolina . aurelia . eugenia .
changes or , loue in a maze .
actus primus , scena primas . enter at one doore sir iohn wood-hamore , and master goldsworth , at the other m. gerard , and master yongrave . golds.

i heard your neece , sir , was not well , you should incourage her to take the aire some times .

woo. indeed shee 's somewhat melancholy , and keepes her chamber : gol. 't may prove inconvenient for her health , does she not languish for a husband ? take heed o th' greene disease . woo. i 'le finde a cure , if that will doe 't ; your daughters are not yet dispos'd of ? gol. no , but we have clients daily that visit their affections ; and while we are speaking , here is one . woo. ha , which of them ? i hope not master yongrave . hee would engage his service to my neece , i shall not thinke him worthy , if he have two hares afoot . gol. he is a stranger to me , but master gerard that holds conference with him , maintaines some correspondence with my daughters : pray let 's observe . ge. prethee come , venter in . yon. no farther , you have obligation , excuse me , i have affaires , some other time i le waite on you . ge. what needes this ceremony ? the faire ones will not blast you . yon. 't were a sinne , to thinke their beames could hurt . ge. faith , i could wish thy affection not ingag'd , there 's so much beauty and goodnesse in this paire of sisters . yon. doe not make me suspect your friendship , you would wish me miserable , not that i dispute their merit , but i must not yeeld to that will bring my faith and honour into question ; i have a mistris , be you happy sir in yours . woo. i like this well , le ts interrupt e'm ; good fortune master yongrave . yon. you are sir , most opportunely met . gol. kinde master gerard . yon. i had a present resolution , to visit you at home , and your faire kins-woman . ge. i shall be bold . gol. pray enter . woo. wee 'l together : i take my leave . go. i am your humble servant , woo. come master yongrave . exuent . go. this gerard is a gentleman of handsome parts , and they say fortun'd , diligent in 's courtship : but it concernes me to be carefull in disposing of my children . enter servant . ser. sir gervace simple sir , is newly entred , gol. his wisdome must be welcome : there 's a knight with lordships , but no mannors , one that has but newly cast his country skin , came up to see the fashions of the towne , has crept into a knight-hood which he paid for heartily and in his best clothes is suspected for a gentleman . enter sir ger. simple , and his man thumpe . sim. thumpe , i have not yet the face to speake to her , but 't is no matter , and i can get her fathers and mothers good will . thu. you have her mothers already . sim. i , i , shee 's a matron as they say , i came over her with my knight-hood , and begot a consent upon her quickly : i perceive 't is an advantage for a man to weare spurres , the rowell of knight-hood does gingle in the eare of their vnderstanding . thu. i doe wonder sir , that you speake so well now , and want the audacity as they say to talke to your mistresse . sim. so do i too , but i cannot help it : i was a gentleman thou knowest but tother day . i have yet but a few complements , within a while i shall get more impudence and then have at her . thu. the father . sim. pray heaven you may be sav'd , sir . go. y' are charitable . sim. i am come sir to doe my businesse . go. how sir ? sim. you may imagine as they say , and so forth your daughter is a very fine gentlewoman , and may in due time be a lady , for i doe love her by this mullet , there 's a touch of my heraldry . gol. have you acquainted her , how much you meane to honour us , how farre have you engaged her liking ? sim.

nay , i n'er spoke to her in my life , nor do not meane in hast .

gol.

how sir ?

sim.

not in hast sir , 't were no good manners to speake hastily to a gentlewoman , to talke post ( as they say ) to his mistresse ; i am resolv'd to have your consent first , and then .

gol.

it argues your discretion ;

sim.

i think so , some wiser than some , faith how doe y'like my face .

gol.

i have seene worse in a beard ,

sim.

oh , ho , i tooke my choise of forty , this morning .

gol.

did you so ?

sim. my man knowes i broke a looking . glasse into forty pieces , i am sure , and this was the best face i could finde among 'em all , look in my forehead , hast any skill in palmistry ? gol. not i , sir . sim. but this is nothing to the purpose ( as they say , ) where is my beautifull mistresse , your daughter ? gol. which of e'm ? sim. no matter which . gol. they are both within . sim. oh , 't is well , i will not speake with her , i told you before , but i hope i shall have your good will . gol. you meane to marry her . sim. my chaplaine shall . gol. you are witty ; i hope sir , you will give me leave ( as they say ) to deliberate , for after your example , i would doe nothing rashly , i will not give you my consent in hast sir . sim. 't is wisdome , i can tarry , 't is fit i should , commend me to the virgin . as he goes forth he meetes mistris goldsworth . mis. what , leaving us already , noble sir ? why husband , what doe y'meane ? no more respect to a man honorable ? y' are not going sir ? sim. yes faith , i love to be going , i cannot abide to stand still , thumpe , take off my cloake ; does my rapier become me ? thu. excellent well . sim.

this 't is to be a compleat gentleman , what a coxcombe was i before i came to towne , the countrey breeds so many clownes ; dost thinke my tenants will know mee now i am disguised

go. but what assurance can he give me , wife , that he is able to get children ? for that 's a thing materiall ; i would not willingly sacrifice my daughter to an eunuch , and such a one may that knight be , for ought i know . mis. what doe you talke of children ? is he not honorable , a proper knight ? sim.

she does commend mee ; doe not put on my cloke yet , let her survey my person .

mis. shall not our daughter be a lady , and i a ladies mother ? and the heralds know that is some priviledge ; you have seene many eunuches with a blacke beard ; he is a man i warrant him , he has the right haire , husband , for a woman , i know it by experience : tell not me , suppose he were an eunuch , he i say is honorable , and any body can get children , that 's the least thing of a hundred and the woman be but fruitfull . sim. now i le take my leave . mis. wil 't please you sir , to walke in , and speake to my daughter ? sim. no , i thinke it not the best way to speake to her , as i said , in hast , what if i had an inventory of my good parts first drawne to prepare her . gol. and his father had not left him more land than braine , his worship had beene but a poore foole . sim. well , if she understand signes , have at her . mis. come , i will direct you . exeunt . gol. my wife is passionate and affects this knight for 's title , but i hope my daughter will enter servant . submit to my election : how now : ser. here is a gentleman desires accesse to you . gol. a gentleman ? ser. he may be a lord by his traine , a page waites on him . gol. some fresh inamorato . enter caperwit , and his page . cap. save you sir . gol. and you sir . cap. you doe not know me ? gol. not i sir . cap. 't is very likely : you have a daughter . gol. i have two : cap. two ? the better , there is more choise , they want husbands . gol. 't will become my care to provide 'm good ones . cap. you say well , what doe y' thinke of me ? gol. i know you not . cap. you told me that afore : may i see 'm ? gol. they are not to be let out sir by lease , or yeerely rent . cap. you mistake me ; i come not for a lodging . gol. nor to lye with them ? cap. i come to take 'm sir , another way : what portions have they ? go. you should be a purse-taker , by your enquirie after their mony , they have a round portion , sir . cap. what 's that ? go. a cipher . cap. how ? go. nothing . i hope you have no mind to marry . cap. ex nihilo nihil fit . i came to offer my selfe a servant in affection to one of your daughters , but nothing has converted me . go. doe y'heare sir , a fine humorist : if they marry with my consent , i can make figures , which added to their ciphers , may make up pound apiece : what is your name ? cap. my name is caperwit . go. y 'ave a dancing name , i doe not thinke , but you write all the coranto's . ca. wit ! wit by mercury ! i shall loue thy daughters the better for that : doe they affect poetry ? go. they reade nothing else . ca. then they are wise ; 't is a seraphicke contemplation ; i 'le furnish them with the most excellent poems — go. of your owne composition ? ca. that is intimated , when i say excellent ; your daughters shall be judge , let 'm vouchsafe a subject to my muse , and prove the height of my imaginations . go. they are entring . enter gerard , chrisolina , aurelia . cap. thus breakes aurora from the easterne hills , and chaseth night away , let me salute your rosie cheeke — ch. good morrow to you sir , there is but one aurora , what doe y' make my sister pray ? cap, she is the sun it selfe . au. no sir , i am the daughter of that gentleman , no sunne i le assure you . ca. whose golden beames doe gild this lower world , transfixing hearts , converting ribs of ice into a flame . ge. what buffonry is this ? ch. le ts heare his speech out , and my sister be the sunne , wee shall have day enough : a pretty pageant ! au. prethee doe not minde him . cap. virgins , that equall all the graces , and only in this , that you are two , beneath them . the miracles of beauty ! for whose eyes the persians might forsake their god , and pay religious honour to this flame — what 's he ? go. a gentleman , that would endeare himselfe . cap. has he any fancies in him ? can he ravish the ladies ? go. ravish ladies sir ? that 's a dangerous matter . ca. how many raptures does he talke a day ? is he transported with poeticke rage ? when was he stil'd imperiall wit ? who are the prince electors in his monarchy ? can he like celtick hercules , with chaines of his divine tongue , draw the gallant tribe through every streete , whilst the grave senator points at him ; as he walkes in triumph , and doth wish , with halfe his wealth , he might be young , to spend it all in sack , to heare him talke eternall sonnets to his mistris ? ha ? who loves not verse is damn'd — go. how sir ? this gentleman dares fight . cap. who will fight with him ? go. you doe not know his disposition . cap.

but i will , sir ; i have a great ambition to be of your acquaintance , i hope you will excuse these fancies of mine , though i were borne a poet i will study to be your servant in prose , yet if now and then my braines doe sparkle , i cannot helpe it , raptures will out , my motto is quicquid conabor , the midwife wrapt my head up in a sheet of sir philip sidney that inspired me , and my nurse descended from old chaucer , my conversation has beene among the furies , and if i meete you in apollo , a pottle of the best ambrosia in the house , shall waite upon you .

enter sir gervase simple , and mistris goldsworth . mis.

they are here sir , at full view .

cap.

what 's he ?

mis.

a knight i le assure you .

cap. does he come a wooing to the ladies ? gol. after the spanish fashion — a farre off . mis. daughter , i must counsell you to respect this honorable man , you doe not know what 't is to be a lady , and take place , such titles come not every day , observe with what a comely garbe he walkes , and how he bends his subtle body , take him a my word , a man of his complection loves a woman naturally . cap. a pretty motion . mis. pray come neerer sir . sim. you shall pardon me for that , i know my distance . cap. will he not speake to her ? gol.

you should doe well to furnish him with an oration , a spoonefull of aganippe's well , and a little of your salt , would season , if not pickle him .

cap.

should i so wast the bright minerva's dew , to pickle a mushrome ?

sim.

thumpe , she lookes upon me , to say truth , i am but a bashfull puppy .

thu.

your worship is more than a puppy .

sim.

i , i know i am an old dog at her mother , but and i should be hang'd , i have not impudence enough to speak to her : does not that gentleman laugh at mee ?

thu.

he is very merry with her father .

sim.

't is very suspitious , would i had a good jest to get of withall .

au. you shall command the duty of a daughter , but i hope mother , you will give me leave to love before i marry i have yet no argument of his affection , but what you please to bring me it becomes not my modesty to court him , and give up my heart before i heare him say , he meanes to meete and entertaine it . mis. 't is a fault , and i must blame him , that he is no forwarder . ca. i will accuse him — gol. doe so . au. love , forgive me this excuse , my heart is fixt , i finde another written here . ca.

i doe salute you , venerable sir .

sim.

you may salute me at your pleasures , but you are mistaken , i am no more venerable than your selfe ; my name is sir gervace simple .

thu.

and i am one of his gentleman vshers , sir , that follow him .

ca.

heroick sir , i doe adore your physnomy . now by the dust of my progenitors —

sim.

there 's a fine oath !

ca.

you looke like the nine worthies .

sim.

i have been taken for 'em a hundred times .

cap.

fairer than plutos selfe king of the shades .

sim.

that king was a poore kinsman of mine , and indeed wee had one complexion .

ca.

the divell you had ?

sim.

sir , i am sorry , i cannot stay wi'y , but pray if you meete any of the nine worthies , or my cosen pluto , commend me to 'em , i shall be glad to meete you , or them , at any taverne , betweene cheape and charingcrosse , and so i remaine yours , or not his owne , sau's complement .

mis.

when will you please sir gervace , to visit us agen ? nay , it shall be yours . he complements , exeunt .

sim.

now my foot 's in .

ca.

but that i see 't , i should not have beleeved there were such a foole in nature .

ge. in this variety of servants , i acknowledge you greatly honour me , and in the presence of both your parents to vouchsafe this favour , doubly obliges me . ch. you are most welcome . au. you may beleeve my sister , she n'er speakes but by direction of her heart . ger. i am confident , nor hath she any vertue , which you doe not divide with her ; your twins in birth and goodnesse ! au. y' are bountifull in character . gol. i le not oppose you sir , and you can winne their opinion . cap. 't is enough , i shall be proud to serve you ; but at this present , with your noble licence , i take my leave , there is a lord expects to meete me at a taverne , that has come fourescore and nineteene mile , to heare an elegy of my composition gol. he deserves to enjoy you . cap.

i le attend the ladies , when my starres will be more propitious , i th' interim wearing your beautifull figures in my heart , i kisse your white hand — exit .

ger. i thinke the stocke of his discourse be wasted , and he returnes to take up more on 's credit , vntill he breake agen , the towne is full of these vaineglorious flashes . gol. chrisolina , you see what store of servants yee attract , plenty of louers but i hope you will be ruld , and take my counsell : which of all and be plaine wi'mee , hold you best opinion of ? ch. you will not sir , be angry , if i answer you justly . gol. no no , tell me . ch. i confesse , i now doe feele the power of love , untill that gentleman — gol. which , which gentleman ? ch. by his faire merit , won my hearts consent , i had my freedome . gol. master gerard ? ch. the same , oh sir , there 's no comparison with him and those that proffer us their service : sir gervace is but title , tother noise , empty of all reality and worth , there is my choise , more pretious to my thoughts , pointing to ger. than all mankind without him , and i hope you will be kind in your allowance sir . gol. you might have us'd lesse haste in your election , or first acquainted me , you shall doe well to keepe possession of your heart awhile ; but i le consider ; send your sister to me : what say you daughter to sir gervace ? au. nothing , as much as he hath said to me . i affect worth , not shew ; and in my choise i hope your judgement sir will meete . gol. i like this well , be obedient . au. what thinke you sir , of master gerard ? gol. you doe not love him ? au. i should then bely my heart when i deny him my best love , he needes not boast his worth , like those whom nature and art have left unfurnish'd , hee 's a man for birth , for education , for his fortune , worthy a nobler wife , than shee that now commends him to you . gol. would you marry him ? au. i know not that man in the world beside , i would call husband , in my soule i am already his , and if you will not be held cruell to your daughter — gol. how 's this ? both in love with the same man ? my care will be to a great purpose , this is very strange ; send your sister to me ; come hither , come hither , you are not yet contracted to that gentleman . ch no such thing has past . go.

but you are content to take him for your bridegroome , i meane master gerard .

ch.

and call it happinesse ;

go.

your mother calls : so , so , doe you heare ? aurelia , doe you love that gentleman ?

au.

yes .

gol.

very good , when your wedding clothes come home , pray give me leave to pay for 'em , and the dinner too . i say nothing of a portion , goe after your sister : hum , this is very pretty , faith , let me be bold to aske you a question sir .

ger.

my answer shall be just , and free .

gol. which of my daughters doe you love best ? as y' are a gentleman the truth , if you affect either , it is quickly answered . ge. the truth is , as you aske , i love neither . gol.

how , doe you love none of 'em both , they are very well rewarded .

ge.

love neither of them best , they are so equall in beauty , and desert , by both i sweare , i cannot preferre any .

gol.

you 'd not have two wives against the statute ?

ge. when i have the happinesse to speak with one alone , there 's so much sweetnesse in her , such a troope of graces waiting on her words and actions , i love her infinitely , and thinke it blessing to see her smile , but when the tother comes in presence , in her eie she brings a charme to make me dote on her ; i am divided , and like the trembling needle of a dyall , my heart 's afraid to fixe , in such a plenty i have no starre to sayle by . gol. this is stranger . than all the rest , but doe you love e'm both ? ger. i dare not call it my misfortune sir , and yet i know not . — gol. what will become o'th is ? i' st possible ? my daughter will be mad if this humor hold , and i am little better while i thinke on 't : i le to e'm agen . exit . ger. on whom shall i complaine for my hard fate ? love is not innocent enough to bee a child , yet poets give him deity , fond men ! prove it in me , thou quiverd boy , that love with equall flame two mistresses , i will beleeve thee a god , and kisse thy dart , furnish my bosome with another heart . exit .
actus secundus . enter sir iohn woodhamore , master yongrave . woodhamore . i am her keeper ; expect here a while , and i le prepare her . exit . yon. i le attend ; poore gentlewoman , borne with more freedome than thou livest , thy parents left thee not rich to be a prisoner , nay worse , a prey to this hard man , who hath sold thee already , for if i obtaine thy love — i heare e'm comming . enter eugenia . woodham . wood. gentle neece , misconster not my actions , 't is my care of thee , and to satisfie the duty i owe to my dead brother , thy kinde parent : i thus restraine thee , thou art young , and canst not . being so good thy selfe , suspect the world hath any false men in 't ; i know there are gallants , that study to undoe such virgins as thou art , that will flatter and betray thy fortunes to their riot , this unhappinesse i would prevent , and have new found a man , into whose armes i may deliver up the wealth that i am trusted with . eug. hee 's welcome : pray what 's your businesse ? yon.

you may understand , partly by what your vncle hath delivered .

eug. you come a wooing doe ye not ? heigho ! yon. how 's this ? woo. i 'le leave you at opportunity . exit . eug. troth , if you be a good man , bee not tedious , i doe not love set speeches nor long praises , i hope y 'ave made no verses o' my haire , acrosticks o' my name , i hate them worse than witchcraft , or the place i live in : if you be a sutor , put me out of my paine , quickly i beseech you . yon. i am one would be your servant . eug. my servant ? what can you doe ? yon. i can love you . eug. i cannot helpe it , 't is none of my fault . yon. your beauty makes me , which cannot bee without as faire a soule . i dare beleeve my eyes , which till this present , could never reach more than your face , and that at too unkind a distance , from your window ; i have enquired your fortune , and lamenting with loving pitty , such a noble creature should be confind to narrow limits , come to bring you freedome , make you mistresse of your liberty , and my selfe , if you can thinke me worthy of your love : i doe not court your fortune , but your selfe , and if i urge with too much haste , what great ones might be proud to expect , after much sute , and that you cannot finde in your tongue consent , encourage me , but for the present with one smile . eug. i cannot , vnlesse i counterfeit , i have not smil'd these ten moneths ; if a sigh will pleasure you , i can afford enough to breake your heart , and yet i live . walke into the other roome , you 'l find an alteration in the ayre , and thinke you come into a mist , which i made all with my owne sighes , but i would not infect you so ; you seeme an honest gentleman . yon. her sorrowes helpe the growth of my affection ; what will she be in peace , that is so lovely in her distresse ; i wish you would impose something on me , to settle your sad thoughts , i would imbrace a danger , to assure the quiet of your minde . eug. 't is in the power of one , that would be kinde to helpe me , but — yon. make me that friend . eug. you may love me too much , to undertake that taske . yon. too much i cannot . eug. oh yes , for though i should esteeme him deare , and call him my true friend , that in this storme would lend a cord to save me , yet such is the misery of the imployment , he must not love me too well that does it . yon. bee more plaine and let mee never hope to be cald yours , if i refuse any command , that may or profit , or delight you . eug. i release these hasty protestations . yon. i pray trust me . eug. i will , although every syllable you speake , makes me suspect , you will repent this freedome . if you will doe a gratefull office to me , in your person , give this paper to a gentleman . gives him a letter . yon. your name ? eug. in the direction you 'l find it , with all necessary circumstance to meet with him yon. this all : you doe not well . to mocke my honest heart with this cheape service . i was in earnest , when i promisd more , than carriage of a letter . eug. if you please to make it then a perfect act of noblenesse , you may take notice , that i long have loved him , and if you finde him cold , in the perusall : tell him i had the promise of his faith , when i gave up my heart , i' th presence of a thousand angels , that will witnesse it : if yet hee bee not soft to stirre up his compassion , tell him how i live , and languish , you may report you saw mee weepe , i have not much more to say , if you will doe this favour , t will be an argument of your respect , i see your resolution cooles already . yon. t is a severe imployment , but i le doe something , pray honour mee to kisse your hand , i have not yet deserv'd to reach your lippe : content dwell in your bosome . enter woodhamore . wood. what successe ? yon. i hope well , some affaires call mee away . exit . wood. good master yongrave : how doe you like this gentleman . eug. i shall desire to see him agen , my heart is light upon sudden , please you vncle i le in , and play a lesson o' my lute . exit . wood. doe what you please , i rellish not your ayre , that 's onely sweet to mee that profit brings , there is no musicke without golden strings . enter chrisolina , aurelia . ch. was ever maid so miserable in her affection ? au. is not my fate as cruell ? cannot wee love him still , and yet bee sisters ? i hope we may ; the love i beare to him shall not destroy my piety to you : nature hath fram'd us two in person , but wee are both one in heart . ch. indeed we are ; wee are too much one , and both love one too much , for either to enjoy him . au say not so , give me a little time and i will try how i can give him you ; i will perswade my heart to let him goe . ch. alas poore sister , why should you give him me ? it is no argument ; because i came one minute into life before you , therefore you should render first to me , what is so pretious to your selfe ; rather let me begin , that was first made acquainted to the world , resigne to thee , and make thee happy by enjoying him . au. but doe you know the miserable consequence ? for if you love him with that truth , and fervour you speake of , ( as it were a sinne in me not to beleeve it , ) can you looke for lesse than death , to see mee mistresse of his faith , and lead in nuptiall triumph to the church ? ch. i cannot tell — au. or if it did not kill you so soone , i know the sorrow would distract you . how can i smile to see my sister weepe , away her eyes , and tell the jarring minutes with hasty sighes to know her selfe forsaken ? ch. and can it be , you could doe lesse , that love him as well as i , to see him made my husband , would it not make you melancholy sister , and ofte retire into the darke to weepe , could you behold us freely kisse , embrace and goe to bed together , remembring that you gave this friend to me from your owne heart , and live ? au. why let me dye then , rather than you , i shall perhaps obtaine some charitable epitaph , to tell the world , i died to save my sisters life ; t is no such thing to dye . ch. this is agen our misery , it is not in our power be resignation , to assure to either his love , he only must determine it , wee cannot guide his passion . au. nor himselfe direct it , as he now appeares divided , may be , it would be fortunate for both , would he be more particular . ch. that makes our flame increase , that he protests he loves vs both , so equally . au. 't is very strange . ch. let us then joyne our argument to perswade him , to point out one of us to be his bride , tother in time , may hope to gaine her freedome ; i know not what i say — we both must plead enter gerard . against our selves : see , he is come already . ge. the scales are even still , that one had lesse perfection , to make the doubtfull ballance give difference in their value ; but i wrong their vertues to wish either any want , that equally incline my soule to love 'em . iustice i now consent , thou shouldst be blinde , my eyes are but the cause i cannot see , and will not give my judgement leave to make distinction of these two democritus , i doe allow thy rashnesse , ad confesse then thou didst rectifie thy contemplation when thou didst lose thy sight . which of these two instruct me love , that tother ? both ? what fate hovers about my choice ? were it not sinne i would be blind , as poets fancie love , into whom now i am transform'd , that then my soule not looking through these glasses , might with inward speculation ayme at her , that is the happiest , if one can be so . ch. sir , if wee be not troublesome — ge. you cannot . au. to interrupt your meditations , wee have a sute . ge. both ? it must needes be granted , ch. nor let us suffer in our modesties , if our request seeme strange . ge. t is a command , and i must needes obey ; you two divide this empires ch. you prepare ; we dispute not the strangenesse of your love , but pitty it , and are so ready in our owne affection to answer your opinion of us both , that if you can collect , what devide on two , and place it fairely upon one , choose whom you will make happie . au. we expect not your hasty answer , though wee both desire a swift end to your trouble . ge. i pray stay . exit . i would determine now , but cannot — faire ones , was ever lover so perplext ? i must resolve . enter master thornay . tho. why how now franke ? what melancholy ? ger. how came you hither ? tho. why o' my feet : i was at your lodging to enquire for you , and here they told me i should finde you . ge. yes , here i am lost indeed ; prethee excuse my dulnesse . tho. what 's the matter , come i ghesse the cause , which of these gentlewomen is 't ? i saw 'em . ge. didst ? and how dost like 'em prethee ? tho. i doe like 'em so well , that i could wish — ge. which , which of them ? tho. faith i cannot tell , the worst of 'em both a-bed wi' me . ge. thy wishes are not modest : couldst thou love one of them nobly ? ha ? thou hast a person and fortune to invite thy entertainement , come let me counsell you . tho. to what ? ge. to love , and to a blessing : couldst thou see so sweet a paire , and feele no burning shaft ? hast thou a soule about thee , that is capable of knowledge and delight ? didst ever love ? tho. yes once , and i thinke heartily , for the time , but i ha' drowned her . ge. how ? tho. in sacke , i thinke as gallants lose their mistresses , by drinking their health too often . ge. prethee doe not trifle . tho. what wouldst have me answer ? i can love . ge. a woman ? tho. what dost make of mee ? ge. with honour ? tho. and honesty , if i see cause . ge. enough ; thou shalt have cause within two minutes , shalt but see agen these sisters , and be proud to be a servant , i prophesie already ; oh my friend ! tho. pray take me wi' you . ge. yes , thou shalt goe with me and speake to 'em , and be amaz'd as i am , to know there are such creatures . tho. i ha' seene a multitude of faire ones . ge. all other women are but like pictures in a gallery , set off to th' eye , and have no excellency but in their distance ; but these two , farre off shall tempt thee to just wonder , and drawne neere can satisfie thy narrowest curiosity : the stocke of woman hath not two more left , to rivall them in graces . tho. you speake for 'em , i may goe farther , and fare worse , — . i le not consider more on 't , le ts to 'em , stay — which of these two 's your mistresse ? let me know where to direct my service . ge. that question hath puzled mee already . tho. say , which is 't you best affect ? ge. i love em both , so equally , i know not which to name . tho. how , both ? what then should i doe with em ? art thou mad ? ge. a little , containe thy selfe , and call thy reason to thee , although it be the cruelty of my fate , i can be no barre to thee ; i can enjoy but one , and yet thou shalt have choice of both , thou art not thus my rivall , but my friend , reliefe of my distraction for shee whom thou refusest , if thou canst endeare thy selfe to either , in my heart shall meet a cleere and perfect entertainment . tho. hum . ger. canst thou resolve ? winne either , and we both grow happy at once . tho. you say well , this is faire — ger. they are here . enter simple and m. golds. at one doore , and thump , chris . and aurel. at the other . mis.

with your favour i must chide you sir , not once speak to my daughter , she expects to be courted with kisses and imbraces .

sim.

i , i , i could kisse her all over , and imbrace her too , but i have an imperfediment , i cannot speake as i would doe ; but let mee alone a little , i le try , let me see , and i hanot forgot my verses .

mis.

here they are , i le not trouble you . exit .

ger. i will leave this gentleman ; hee is my best friend ladies . ch.

you oblige us more to respect him .

ger. i hope you will be just , at my returne , when i declare my selfe . au.

sir , you sh'anot need to urge it .

ger.

i am your honourer . exit .

sim.

now thump , i am resolv'd to speak to her , whatsoever come on 't ; hum , hum . enter mr. goldsworth .

gol.

what another sutor ?

i were best locke up my daughters , they 'l be smothered with gentlemen : sir gervace you are a welcome man .

sim. you shall see , if i doe not speake to her , now now , and to the purpose , in spight of the divell . thump stroke me o' th back . he plucks aur. by the gowne . there 's something in my head , and t' were out . thu.

i hope you doe not meane your braines .

sim.

would somebody lov'd me , but as well , as i loved somebody .

au.

now 't is out .

sim.

la you there , i thinke i talked to her .

gol.

but in my opinion you were quickly daunted .

sim.

was i so ? well marke me now , now , i will wincke as hard as i can , and then i 'me sure she cannot put me out .

enter caperwit . sim. takes cap. by the hand . sim. beauty — cap. how now ? what meanes this ? sim. let me but kisse thy hand , and tell how much i love thee ; i know very well thou art a phenix , beautious and bright , and dost burne every man for thy delight thy eyes are sunne and moone , not to be match'd . ch. this was intended for you sister . sim. thy haire is fine as gold , thy chin is hatch'd with silver , needs must brazen be my face , that cannot come into thee with a grace . cap. before or after meat . sim. sweet , heare me out . but this i know , i am thy faithfull lover , oh quench my fire . cap. or else the pot run's over . sim. y' are in the right : accept me for thy servant , not thy foe , for i doe love thee better than any man in the whole world can doe . cap. come kisse me then , and open thy faire eyne . sim. with all my heart . om. ha , ha . sim. gentlemen , rest you merry ; thump , by this hand i le bee drunke presently . thu. and you had taken my counsell , you had done so before you came hither : wine is armour of proofe . exeunt . cap. ladies i am sorry , this rude fellow has abus'd your eare , with harsh , and untun'd numbers . gol. your verses have a tune belike cap. i came a purpose , to present a copie of verses that should make your genius stand o' th tip-toe , list to me , and grow immortall . ch. we shall be troubled now . tho. if please you lady wee l walke a side , i have something of more weight i would impart . ex. au. i le leave him too . exit . gol. master caperwit , before you read , pray tell me , have your verses any adjectives ? cap. adjectives , would you have a poem without adjectives ? they are the flowers , the grace of al our language : a well chosen epithete doth give new soule to fainting poesie , and makes every verse a bride , with adjectives we baite our lines , when we doe fish for gentlewomens loves , and with their sweetnesse catch the nibling eare of amorous ladies , with the musicke of these ravishing nownes , we charme the silken tribe , and make the gallant melt with apprehension of the rare word : i will maintain t against a bundle of grammarians , in poetry , the substantive it selfe , cannot subsist without an adjective . gol. but for all that , those words would sound more full , me thinks , that are not so larded , and if i might counsell you , you should compose a sonnet cleane without e'm : a row of stately substantives , would march like switzers , and beare all the field before e'm ; carry their weight , shew faire like deeds enrold , not writs , that are first made , and after fild . thence first came up the title of blancke verse , you know sir , what blancke signifies ? when the sense first framed , is tyed with adjectives like points , and could not hold together without wedges : hang 't t is pedanticke , vulgar poetry , let children when they versifie , sticke here , and there these pidling words for want of matter : poets write masculine numbers . cap. you have given me a pretty hint , t is new . gol. and will bee gratefull , my daughter will affect it much the better , and t will be honour , if shee be the first , to whom so choice a poem is presented . i wish you well sir . exit . cap. you oblige my service , i will bestow these verses o' my footman ; they 'l serve a chambermaid , let me see i want a little quickning , two or three infusions of sacke will heighten mee , and make my genius dance , then lady , lady — gone ? shee 's hard of soule , but i must supple her , and there 's a conceit new strucke upon my braine will doo 't , {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} forces united conquer , lady grow soft , if merit cannot prove happy , wee must use policie in love . exit . enter chrisalina and thornay . ch. no more ; you doe not well to wrong your friend , that trusts you with his bosome . tho. faire one , heare mee . ch. he gave you welcome hither , and you practise vnworthily to supplant him . tho. you are too severe , i have no thought so wicked lady , deny me not that liberty , which all the creatures have , to wish their owne felicity ; which cannot bee without you , hee will not repine to see mee happy in your love . ch. in seeming to extenuate your error , you thus enlarge it , and bring into question the honour of your friend , for whom i must though weake , rise up a champion for his vertue , and to beate off all argument , on your part to move for my affection , know , he is next heaven , the onely object of my heart , nor can it know a change . tho. and yet if you collect your selfe , you are not the onely mistresse of his heart , your sister hee loves as well as you ; your pardon fairest , t is possible , hee may preferre her too , since neither piety nor law allowes , hee can bee husband at one time , to both . then let discretion guide you first to freedome , i love you not with halfe a heart , but all ; heaven knowes with all , at every looke you doe transfixe me , and can onely cure the wound with the same eyes , if they but smile upon it . ch. i must not heare you plead thus , you appeare nor friend to him , nor me ; so fare you well . exit . thor. i am caught , by this good day i am , and know not how now to helpe my selfe : a hansome thing ! what a blind buzzard is this iackanapes cupid ? pox of his bird-bolt , i le not leave her : yet i may be too forward ; i am punish'd : venus , thy pardon , i beseech thee , if thou beest not hard-hearted , as the poets feine , speake to thy boy to fetch his arrow backe , or strike her with a sharpe one , make her squeake , and i le allow thee a goddesse . ha , 't is he . enter gerard . ger. before thou speak'st to me , let me peruse thy face , i le tell my selfe how thou hast sped : well ? is 't not so ? yet doe not answer me , that smile does not shew cleere , there is some cloud i th' corner of thy forehead , that would spread , and darken all thy face . thor. your physiognomy is quite discredited . ger. hast prevail'd ? with which ? why now thou art to tedious . thor. with the eldest , chrysolina . ger. ha , what sound was that ? with chrysolina ? i prethee what of her , i love her deerely ; thou hast not filcht away her heart , it grew with mine . thor. how 's this ? ger. hast thou not seene the woodbine , that honey-dropping tree , and the lov'd bryer , embrace with their chaste boughs , twisting themselves , and weaving a greene net to catch the birds , till it doe seeme one body , while the flowers wantonly runne to meet and kisse each other ? so 't was betwixt us two . thor. i meane the yongest . ger. what my aurelia ? thou canst not rob me so : the amorous turtles have but their imitation from our love ; the pelican loves not her yong so well , that digs upon her brest an hundred springs , when in her blood she bathes the innocent birds , as i doe my aurelia . thor. godbewi'y' , — i know not how to please you , nor to answer . ger. i prethee stay . thor. engage me in a businesse ? nay , thrust me o th' lime-twigs , to set you at liberty , when your owne wings were glu'd toth ' bush , and d' ye reward me at his fashion ? and i had knowne it , you shou'd ha' fluttered . ger. i forgot my selfe , i prethee pardon me , i will excuse thee when thou art in love . thor. then doe so now , and you 'l be temperate and heare me . ger. speake , i am recollected . thor. and i am in love . ger. thou didst name both , thou art so unhappy . thor. your humors lead me to 't , but i shall tell you ? ger. which , which of them did most encourage thee ? thor. be not you passionate still , but give me thanks , and call me fortunate , she has halfe consented . ger. i shall be lost i th' darke : declare which . thor. which ? why the eldest ; which ? chrysolina , now be you advised , and court the other . ger. halfe consenting . thor. i may say three quarters , and not lye . ger. t is false ; and such a staine thou throwest upon that virgin , thy blood deserves to purge . thor. you doe not meane to play the foole thus : pox upon this madnesse : i wo not fight with you , and i will love that gentlewoman : i thought i had done you a courtesie . ger. so thou hast , if it be true . thor. have you a mind to be the everlasting madcap ? and you can couple with both , i can resigne ; poore gentlewoman , shel ha' the worst on 't . ger. but i prethee tell me , with what art didst thou so soone win her to thee ? it was some moneths ' ere i prevail'd ; and were i not confident of thy honesty , i should suspect some witchcraft . thor. there is an art in wooing , not reveal'd to every man , which he that knowes , shall doe more with a maid in some minute , than others in a twelve-moneth . ger. 't must be a luckie minute . thor. i , he must take her i th' nicke ; and court her in the precise minute : yet it may be , she in pitty of my sufferings or mistrusting she might not be the first in your election , inclin'd the sooner : now would i have you , without more ceremony , neglect the wench that i have chosed : d' ye marke ? neglect her , and addresse all your courtship to the yongest , your meaning will be cleerely understood a both sides ; so you shall with ease , enlarge your owne heart , fixe on one whose armes already are open to yee , and make my path direct , without any rub to the other . is this sense ? obey it then ; set on afore with your mistris a hand gallop , if i overtake you not , let me swing i' th bridle , and set a saddle o' my backe , and let all the fooles in the towne ride me . ger. wee must not bee too rash , le ts walke , and thinke on 't . exeunt . sic explicit actus secundus .
actus tertius . enter simple and aurelia . sim.

th' art a brave wench .

aur.

you are growne bold of late .

sim.

i thinke so , gramercy sacke : come kisse mee , wo't thou be a lady ?

aur.

i have no great ambition .

sim. i le buy thee a parrat to morrow , and a monkey : here , take this ring . aur.

pray keepe it , and let me tell you sir my mind .

sim.

and i le tell thee mine , that 's one for another .

aur.

briefly then .

sim.

be as briefe as you please , i can be as briefe as you , and tedious too : i know thou lovest mee : sirra , didst thinke i was such a fearefull coxcombe as i made my selfe ? no , i know when to be lion , and when to be a hare . but prethee tell me plainely , when shall we matrimony it , ha ? thou dot'st upon my good parts ; come , speake to me , prethee be not bashfull .

aur.

i feare you wo'not understand me .

sim.

speake no language , and i warrant , i know greeke and latine , i learn'd my accidence .

aur.

then know , i doe not love you , sir .

sim.

you do not love me , sir : then i have lost my labour , sir .

aur. i make no doubt it will appeare so , i could be of the humour of some mistrisses , by some slight favours to encourage you , accept your gifts , extoll your wit , invent new wayes to melt your gold , beside the exchange , and petticoat imbroyderies . sim.

thou sha't have smocke imbroyderies ; nay , thy very skinne shall be imbroydered .

aur. have every day some progresse for your coach , and tire you worse than your foure flanders mares ; and then laugh at you too : but i am honest , and will deserve your nobler character : i tell you what you must expect , in troth i cannot love you , pray leave off in time , and let this satisfie you . sim. this satisfie ? why this is even as good nothing . aur. it is all that i can promise you . sim. though you cannot love me , it shall be for your honour to marry me . aur. by no meanes . sim. vvhat , not marry me neither ? then be no lady , that i first pronounce : secondly know , i am resolved , your mother shall understand it , by these hilts . aur. i would advise you rather to be silent , and take your leave like a good christian lover : if you betray my honest meaning so , and move her to impatience , i shall wish you i th' vvest indiaes . enter mistris golds. sim. here shee comes . mis. sir i hope , you and my daughter are agreed , aur. and the conditions please mee infinitely ; mother you never plac'd your commendation vpon a gentleman so noble , such plenty of honour dwels in him , i must bee happy in his imbraces . sim. oh ho ! is 't come about agen ? mis. nay nay , i told you , you should find him honourable . aur. wee understand each other perfectly , hee has so sweet a soule , i may have any thing ; hee has promised me the finest parrats . sim. oh i , and madgehowlets that can speake all languages . mis. nay , and hee 'le performe : well , for this act of duty , i shall finde some gold beside thy portion , i' th meane time i le move thy father to conclude the marriage : and here hee is already . enter golds. caperw . and chrysol . aur. looke you sir , these turnes you put mee too ; doe not beleeve i beare one thought more of good-will for this , if you suspect it otherwise ; because i carry it sweet and pleasing to my mother , who is so zealous in your cause , i 'le sweare your worship is the most unwelcomm'st man i' th world to mee . sim. i 'm glad shee is not gone yet . au. what need you distrust ? hee 'l know precisely when we must be married , is jealous of delayes , wo'not beleeve i love him , till the priest hath seald me his i' th church , hee sayes . sim. these are tricks , demurres , your daughter is not sober . au. he meanes serious . sim. she doth but mocke — au. who would thinke you could dissemble . mis. sir have patience , i have not beene so hasty , to become tedious at last , referre that to my care ; since you have made a marriage in your hearts , the church shall soone confirme it . au. what doe y' thinke of this ? faith yet be wise and leave this wooing , i shall maintaine this humour to my mother , and finde a crotchet to come off with honour , you have not yet my hate , pray let 's bee friends , and never meet agen , sim. this is very fine yfaith , if i do not study some mischiefe . au. conceale for your owne shame . cap. how doe' y like 'em lady ? 't pleasd your father to impose somewhat severely on my muse , but your divine acceptance shall declare it a crowned poem , most illustrious simple , sim. simple mee no more than i simple thee . enter servant . ser. sir , there is a lady enquires for master caperwit . cap. a lady out of complement ? t is hee . ser. shee seemes of noble quality , she has coach and faire attendants , and cals her selfe the lady bird . cap. good cupid is it shee ? who gave her direction to finde mee here ? an honourable lady , i confesse , and hath a fortune noble like her birth , t is the rich aldermans widdow , the great bird that dyed at 's country house , a kinsman to the ravens of the city ; by no meanes admit her , shee 'le betray her foolish passion . gol. what is the matter ? cap. some few dayes agoe i did by chance , but drop a complement , how much i was her servant , and she tooke it to 'th heart , and ever since hath sought occasion to expresse her love to mee , poore gentlewoman , gol. you cannot helpe it . cap. t is one , but of the myriad of ladies that have been taken — chr. with your tropes and figures , gol. no matter , let her come , it were not civill sir to deny your selfe . cap. shee le tire all patience : but lady , be assur'd my heart is dedicate to you , and were all women kind in ballance with your divinest person , their light scale would kicke the firmament , or comming downe , bee lost i' th middle region of the ayre , or bee converted to a cloud to weepe vpon the earth , for being so much exceld . enter lady bird . bir. where 's this footman ? ser. trot my ladies footman , bir. goe pray my vncle sir walter cormorant to dine with me to morrow — and doe y'heare ? t is in your way to aske if my cosin bulfinch , the steward of my land , bee come to towne , hee lies in fleetstreet betweene hawke and buzzard . i' th afternoone , remember sirrah , that you goe to master kite , that lives i' th poultry , and say i shall expect the thousand pound , was lent him upon morgage : sir , beseech your noblenesse excuse mee , the affaires so neerely doe concerne mee , with a gentleman , ( now your guest , ) that i presumed it should not bee offence , if i tooke hold of this occasion , to speake with him . gol. madame , you need plead no excuse for that , command your freedome here : daughters , my lady would have some private conference , bir. by no meanes let me appeare so troublesome , your presence will be no hurt to my designe , you shall command a great deale more . cap. 't was cunningly prepared , bi. sir , after all , let me obtaine your priviledge . ca. proceed . — bi. i shall accuse my selfe of too much boldnesse , if you neglect mee sir before all these ; i come not to disturbe you , nor to publish what you have taken from mee . go. i hope shee will lay some felony to his charge . bi.

but sir , you might have been so kind , to have seene your friend once in three dayes .

ca. i must be pardon'd widow , the glasse that tells the hower , hath not more sands , than there be ladies waite to catch me up to spend my time with 'em , they breake my dreames , with importunity , and allow me but one minute in a weeke , to say my prayers . bi. among them all , there is not one that more desires your happinesse . ca. t is more your goodnesse lady , than desert , or provocation in me . bi. y' are modest , and thus increase your value . ca. your favours are acknowledg'd , and take up much of my studies , how i may be active in service to reward 'em , still preserving my liberty , i must not be confind or wedg'd in ; all that 's good in nature ought to be communicable , if you have promis'd your selfe more of me , than as you are allowd , an excellent part o' th commonwealth , t is justice you correct the imagination , perhaps you 'l say , you love me . go. a fine dialogue : bi. my blushes speake me guilty , and i feare betray my frailty to these gentlewomen : you 'l sinne against your knowledge sir , to make a question how much i esteeme you , be not a tyrant , if my opinion of your worth prevaile against my modesty , to say i cannot choose but love you , t is my fate , my breeding never suffred , but in this , that i should lose my selfe to court a man , ambitious of my favour ; t is in vaine to tell you , with what art , my eyes have beene courted by great ones for their smile , for you will turne them all to teares . chr. alas poore lady : i pitty her , what doth she see in him , to draw this passion ? cap. may be , i am engag'd to another beauty . bir. that 's my feare indeed ; for who can looke with eyes like mine upon you , and not be tempted to the same desires ? but be not sir deceived , all forheads are not true glasses of the minde , and beauty alone deserves not such a blessing ; young men doe too hastily betray themselves to miserie , that thinke no heaven but in their mistresse face , looke on my fortune , which doth spread more riches , than pleasure can instruct thee wayes to spend , delights shall streame themselves into thy bosome , honour and titles of the state shall woe thy name to put them on and not be thine but thou their ornament . cap. affection must flow uncompeld , you may be pleas'd to take some other time to finish this discourse . bir. i may suspect i have offended these ; but pray interpret fairely , noble sir , to simple . i doe beseech you pardon the errors that you finde in us fraile women , yet i beleeve you would not use me so neglectfully : t is time , i take my leave . gol. wee are your humble servants . sim. sir , if you will not affect this ladie , i hope some other may . ca. and write himselfe the happiest man alive ; she is widow for a lord ; but i am fixt , i would you had her sir , i say no more ; she has an estate of twenty exchequers , and is of so gentle soule . bir. i leave you to repent your cruelty , my coach — sim. please you madam , doe me the grace to let me waite upon you . cap. now do i expect shee 'l dote upon me : ex. gol. bird , simple . ladies , you see what fortunes i neglect , she is a pretty handsome creature too . aur. in my opinion sir , you have not beene so kind as shee deserves , and for my part i have so much compassion of her sufferings , were all the wit of younger brothers in you , and could you make me joynture of a province , i would rather marry my fathers serving man and stand at livery my selfe than be wife to a man so ingratefull . ex. au. cap. how , sweet lady ? chr. my sister , sir , is just , can you expect an entertainement here after your scorne of one that nobly loves you ? ex. chr. cap. i have usd a pretious policie to supplant my selfe , she has a scruple in her conscience , and will not wrong the lady bird , a pox vpon his rhetoricke . enter goldsworth . gol. your lady bird is coach'd , and she hath tooke sir gervace with her . ca. how ? gol. their legs doe justic in the same boote . cap. ha , ha , ha . gol. why doe you laugh ? what humor 's this ? cap. sir gervace : ha , ha , he thinkes , ha , ha — gol. you have a merry spleene , i know not what he thinkes , but if he meane to retrive the lady bird . cap ha , ha . gol.

pray let me know , whence springs this suddaine mirth ; i will laugh wi'yee .

cap. hold my sides , my buttons ! gol. t is well your doublet 's slash'd cap. ha , ha , next time i come , i le discover — i sha'not containe my selfe i' th' streete , ha , ha . gol. the poet 's mad indeed , farewell democritus . ex. enter thornay , yongrave . yon. by your favour sir . tho. your businesse ? yon. i understand your name is thornay . tho.

it was my fathers , and t is , upon record , that i was christened thomas , does that concerne you sir ?

yon.

i bring commends from a friend of yours .

tho. i crave you mercy , i am your servant . reades the letter . yon. he appeares unmov'd . tho. thanke you sir , godbe-wi'y' . yon. although i am confident you thinke it not my office to convey letters so much respect i beare the gentlewoman that sent it , i would thinke it sir no burden to carry an answer to her . tho. it requires none . yon. shall i returne , you 'l visit her in person ? tho. i cannot promise . yon. why ? tho. i may forget it . yon. with your pardon sir , she did impose on me . to know some resolution . tho. she did ? are you acquainted with her ? yon. i doe beare no great age in her knowledge . tho. perhaps she has imparted the contents . yon. i could conjecture by circumstance shee much desires to see you . tho. cannot come ; that 's all — yon. i must have more . tho. how sir ? yon. t is a neglect becomes you not . tho. you are not sent a champion to defie me . yon. i have no title from her blood , and yet her vertue is so neere me , i must tell you , she hath deserv'd your best esteeme . tho. she has told you belike some story . yon. i pray see her , i le waite upon you . tho. to what purpose ? yon. to love and cherish her , that claimes your heart , the office of your soule to honour her , does not your conscience tremble yet ? what reason can you alledge you should not love her ? tho. reason ? i le shew you a reason , walk a little further . yon. i shall expect it . ex. enter gerard . ger. it must be so , and yet me thinkes i move without a soule , she is the first apostate from loves religion , in that my honour is safe , and it is justice , my aurelia , this heart to thee , should now alone be sacred . enter chrysolina . ch. sir , you are welcome , what not speake to me ? this is a strange neglect ; i have newes for you : your friend — ger. t is so , he has prevaild with her , and she will boast her change . chr. he cannot be so fixt in meditation ; with your favour . ger. reserve your newes , i doe not thirst to heare it . chr. sure he mistakes me all this while , t is i . ge. but t is not i , i see you are a woman , i have nothing else to say . exit . ch

i have not us'd him so : was there no way to expresse his purpose , without this scorne ? t is not discreetly done , i could be very angry he returnes , enter gerard ; aurelia . with him aurelia .

aur. i am ignorant with what words i should meet this noble love . ger. i was created for this happinesse , to these embraces which doe more than twist our bodies , every circle of thy armes enchaines my soule , that doth forget all freedome , and willingly submit to be thy prisoner . chr. it doe not grieve me that he loves my sister , ge. i am too little to containe my joy , it flowes above the narrow banks aurelia : what shall i say let me bath here eternally , and study new arithmetick , to count our blessings . au. can you sir be constant ? chr. i , touch him there aurelia . ger. you doe ill to interrupt our joyes upon this lip that deserves all should open to commend it , i seale the contract of my heart for ever , i wil be nothing when i am not thine : suspect the starres may lose themselves in heaven , but never i this vow , thy sister has no part in my affection ; she usurp'd some title , but i now have canceld all the thoughts of her , and offer thee my selfe , my selfe thy perfect honourer . ex. ger. aur. chr. wherein have i deserv'd to be thus slighted ? is there no conflict in my blood ? can love i beare a sister , take away all sense of this indignity ? enter thornay and yongrave . tho. looke you sir , i promis'd you a reason , why i could not love eugenia ; there 's my reason , i doe love that gentlewoman . chr. t is master thornay : i am resolv'd , i have no other way to punish his disdaine , than to pretend i love this gentleman , that he may see i have the freedome of my soule , to mocke his triumph , and with as much facility meet his neglect . oh master thornay , you are very welcome , i was wishing for you . thor. hum ? this entertainment is a little better than i expected . chr.

you absent your selfe too much beleeve , your visits shall not be more frequent , than your person gratefull hither .

thor. doe y' heare , you may returne , and tell this story vnto the lady i' th inchanted castle : you see my fate , i cannot come ; godbe-wi'y' . yon. you shall acquit your selfe more nobly sir , and better satisfie her in your person . thor. i wo'not take the paines to see her , and shee were a dying . yon. how ? thor. not to recover her . chr. shall you and i sir , walke a turne i' th garden . thor. yes lady , heaven vouchsafe i grow not mad wi'my good fortune . yon. with your pardon mistresse , i must take priviledge to tell this man hee is not worthy of your favours . thor. how sir ? you doe not know my temper : yon. nor regard it . draw . chr. hold as you beare respect to mee . thor. i am charm'd . yon. i should be guilty of some sinne to you not to reveale , this gentleman has made a forfeit of his honor . thor. will you heare him ? pox o' my dulnesse , what meant i to bring him hither ? doe not credit any thing , wee are old enemies , and he has studied this device to poison your opinion of me , a meere trick ; doe not beleeve a word sweet lady . ch. i am not easie sir to entertaine malicious accusation of your fame , your vertue in my thoughts , is not so soone shaken with one report . thor. that 's comfort yet . yon. then you provoke me to be plaine , know lady , y' are i' th way to be most miserable , abus'd by this false man , that will betray your innocent beauty to so great a shame , repentance is not able to restore you : he has a wife already . ch. how a wife ? yon. a wife , if holy vowes have power to bind you : tho. doe you beleeve this ? were you by when i was married . yon. no , but heaven and angels are witnesses you did exchange a faith with one that mournes a virgin , and a widdow : have you no earthquake in you ? does thy soule it selfe not feele an ague , to remember how many kisses seald the amorous contract ? shee meant it so , and every day her eyes weepe in the memory of her selfe forsaken : and cause her griefe will not at once destroy her , despairing of your love , to shew how willing shee is to dye , doth every houre distill part of her soule in teares . chr. this cannot bee . thor. be : no , no , 't is impossible : shall we walk sweet lady ? yon. will not this excite your pitty , mercy shines bright in women . chr. i have heard you sir , and doubt not , when hee comes to answer these imputations , hee may quit himselfe . thor. would wee were both on 's but to skirmish in a saw-pit , i must cut his throat . chr. admit he promis'd love , oblig'd himselfe by oath to her you plead for , this binds him not to undoe himselfe for ever . yon. vndoe himselfe . chr. yes , marriage is an act , that doth concerne his whole life , and in something may marre , or profit his eternity : perhaps the gentlewoman , since hee gave his faith is falne from vertue . thor. i have heard so . chr may be turn'd prostitute . thor. i , who 'l sweare for her ? yon. i must not heare her nam'd with the suspition of such a staine . chr. wee doe not sir accuse her . thor. not absolutely . yon. did you but know the creature , it would call a blush into your face , for talking thus ; shee has purity enough for all her sex , and this attended with so many vertues , as but to wish her more , it selfe were sinne . chr. this gentleman pleades for her . thor. will you please to walke ? chr. dismisse him first . thor. doe y' heare ; this lady is weary of your company ; you have not us'd me like a gentleman , indeed scurvily , t is no time nor place to expostulate , but wee shall meet agen ; in the meane time , returne , and tell the virgin you so magnifie , i doe not finde my selfe in any humour to see her agen ; pray her neglect no fortune , for my sake , there be many yonger brothers i' th towne , will bee content to marry her : you may resolve her what 's become of me , there is no wrastling with our fate . yon. thou art not worth my answer . exit yon. chr. i le not question sir , this gentlemans relation . tho. you are wise . chr. but in my confidence , hee hath spoke all truth : i must desire you visit mee no more . thor. you doe but jest i hope . chr. ingratefull man ! how are poore women coozen'd ? with what impudence couldst thou desire my favour ? goe and make a satisfaction to the injur'd maid , borne the dishonour of a man . exit . thor. am i awake ? or doe i dreame , i am made a coxcombe thus ? i am a raskall , and deserve no mercy , for abusing that poore gentlewoman , that sent so kindly to me ; wo'd the messenger were here agen . enter gerard and aurelia . t is master gerard , how hath hee sped ? ger. you are sad aurelia ; what on the sudden can beget this change ? are you in health ? aur. yes sir . ger. your blood methinkes is wandring from your cheeke , your eyes have lost their lightning too , call backe your smiles , and blesse him that is now your creature . aur. mine ? excuse me if i suspect . ger. ha . aur. i have heard you sir . and have considered all that you have said to make me thinke you are now wholly mine : i must confesse you have exprest a lover , wanted no art to flourish your warme passion : but language is no clew to guide us to the knowledge of your heart . ge. nor is suspition a cause enough in justice to condemn . aur. it is not ; but where circumstances meet , they may be thought on . ger. by your beauty , by those faire eyes , that never kil'd till now , make me so happy , but to know what cause inclines you to suspect , and i will take it the greatest argument of love , that ever a virgin shew'd to man ; then i le be bold , and with the whitenesse of my soule make such assurance of you , that not malice , aided with all the devils cunning , shall be able to interpose one scruple more against me . aur. you lov'd my sister . ger. i did once , my aurelia . aur. and you declare you can neglect her now , looke on her like a stranger . ger. 't is most true . aur. she lov'd you well , most nobly , with as much fervour as ever i did or can love ; should i thinke to be more secure than she ? promise that firme to me , which in so fresh a sight and memory you have violated to her , that plac'd you in as deare a bosome ? discretion bids me pause , i may be rash , either you lov'd her not at all , and so you may play false with both , or loving her with as much levity , i suppose you may forsake me too . therfore i bid you first farewell . exit . ge. i am blasted . thor. we are both undone , i dare not see him . exit . ger. was ever man so miserably lost ? is there a balme can cure me ? oh , i bleed : the sword wounds gently but love kils indeed . exit . sic explicit actus tertius .
actus quartus . enter eugenia and her maid . eug. has truth forsooke mankind ? or is it my fate onely to converse with those that are so cruell and neglectfull of our sexe ? vnhappy maid is he not yet return'd ? maid . none yet appeares . eug. then i despaire to see him : and when i thinke indeed of the imployment , that 't is against himselfe , i may with justice accuse my want of judgement , to expect he should performe so hard an imposition : i would i could not thinke of any man , they rob me of my peace : i prethee try thy voyce , to put my heart in better tune ; there is a power in harmony , some say , to charme the unruly motions of the braine : love is itselfe a melancholy madnesse : why should not musicke cure the wound of love ? melancholy hence , goe get some piece of earth to be thy seat , here the ayre and nimble fire , would shoot up to meet desire : sullen humour , leave her blood , mix not with the purer floud , but let pleasures swelling there , make a spring-tide all the yeere . enter chrysolina . chry. how does my deare eugenia ? eug. as well as this restraint will give me leave , and yet it does appeare a part of my enlargement to have your company : i hope your sister enjoyes her health . chry. and more felicity than i can boast mine owne , shee 's halfe a bride . happy i th' embraces of her wished servant ; you know our story ; he ha's chosen her , and most uncivilly neglecteth me . thus laden with his scorne , i come to practise a scene of sorrow w' ye ; sure thy fate hath spun a thread for me , we are so like in our misfortunes : have you heard no newe of your ingratefull servant , for i know no other name , and he indeed deserves to have no other memory , that takes a pride in his disdaine . eug. nothing as yet . but i have met occasion to convey a letter to him , yet i cannot promise : enter yongrave . but here 's the messenger . chr. that gentleman ? i know the man you love then , is 't not thornay ? eug. the same , i did conceale him for his shame . chr. why hee 's a zealous suiter for my love . yon. it makes for me that he continues cruell ; i was not able to command his passion . but will she not mistrust i have not beene so carefull in advancing her desires , but satisfied my selfe with any answer , as knowing what must bring comfort to her , must needs be killing to my hopes ? in what a narrow path i tread ; her spring must be my frost , and when her tree carries the pride and bloome of summer , i retaine no sap , but wither and creepe backward into earth , like a forsaken plant . chr. here i le obscure . chrysolina withdrawes . eug. you are welcome , sir . yon. i would i were . eug. shall i beleeve you have beene faithful to my griefes request ? yon. yes , and bring comfort backe . chrys. how 's that ? eug. pronounce those words agen . yon. i bring you comfort . eug. he did say so : what meant she to mocke me with another sad relation ? was 't a device in her to increase my joy at meeting , he did talke of comfort ; is it a thing restor'd in nature ? oh , before you blesse my eare agen with that wished sound , excuse my modesty , if my heart present a kisse to thanke you . yon. i drinke in my poyson . eug. now let your comforts flow . yon. i have returned you as true a lover as yet ever mistris could boast possession of , one so resolved to honour you . eug. can this be possible ? yon. i have examined every secret thought within his foule , concerning you , and dare thus boldly justifie , he is your owne . eug. let me but live to see him , and i write my ambition satisfied yon. he 's here . eug. where ? yo. here , in me your truest servant is return'd . chr. does he affect her ? yon. i call all that 's good to witnesse with me , i discharg'd with zeale the unkind office to my selfe , but could not incline him to returne to any softnesse : in briefe , he has unworthily engag'd that heart belonging to you , and would not be provoked to see you agen . chr. eugenia . chr. leads in eug. yon. is all this waking ? have i seene her faint ? and did not she that cherishes her enemy , haste to her reliefe , and seeme to suffer with her ? while i , as one had growne here , did not move ? i did not well , to exalt her with a hope : to meet a blessing , and then ruine her . if death hath whisper'd her aside , i shall be accused , and i will take my preferment to be sent after her to tell her ghost i lov'd her best ; when wee are both immortall she 'l understand me better . enter chrysolina . is eugenia alive agen ? chr , there is no danger to be fear'd ; a qualme . pray let me aske you sir one question , doe you affect this virgin really ? i move it not for any harme . yon. would she had sent hither , but with desire to be resolv'd . chr. may be she has . yon. then tell her i doe love her better than i can expresse , but when she has numbred all things are excellent on earth she is to me above 'em infinitely . chr. this carries no probability . yon. would thou wert a man then i durst tell thee , i doe love her so i durst be wicked for her , and kill thee . chr. with all this , it does not appeare you love her so and be an instrument , nay plead to put another in possession of your lov'd treasure ; for if i mistake not you late did urge a man , whom shee esteemed better , to returne and marry her : can any man that loves a woman truly , strive to supplant himselfe and give away his comfort ? yon. there 's the honour of my service , when i am dead , the story shall remember i lov'd a maid so well that i prefer'd whatever she desired above my selfe , and cause she lou'd one better , was content , to serve her wishes with my banishment : he does not love a virgin nobly , whose affection walkes not just to her desires , to like e'm 'bove his owne . chr. if this can be , thou art the noblest lover in the world , with what affection shall shee be blest that loves him , when the mistresse that esteemes him not , is thus rewarded ? enter eugenia . eug. indeed i love him still and shall doe ever , nor had i now returnd to life , but that i had not tooke my leave of him yon. more corrosive . eug. if you 'l oblige a virgin , for ever to you once more visit him , tell him i lye like one that 's desperate sicke , opprest with griefe of body , and of mind , but cannot be so fortunate to quit the world till he vouchsafe to visit me . bid him not feare i will detaine him long with idle talke , sixe words and i am dead . although he love me not , he may doe this : if you will adde this to your other worke , i will impose no more , indeed i will not : so farewell noble sir . exit . chr. if you will please to joyne with me , i doubt not to effect her wishes . yon. no . chr. you doe not know what power i have with him . yon. you have too much chr. i le undertake — yon. you sha'not rob me of the reward . chr. what reward ? yon. perhaps another kisse ; pray tell her , i went cheerefully to finish her command . exit . chr. i doe admire and love this noble temper , what flames are these ? suppresse 'em , they grow high , if he affect her so , what hope have i ? ex. enter gerard and thornay . tho. mad ? why you still enjoy discourse . ger. what then ? may not a man be mad , and yet talke wisely ? tho. but few in my experience . ger. doe not abuse thy knowledge , at the worst thou canst but say , our senses are deprav'd , throwne off o' th' hinge ; the tongue is none i hope , though some would have the titillation ioynd to make up a sixth in the grave synode : beleeve then i am mad ; i le prov 't by reason . thor. by reason ? that 's a new way to prove it ; but i le heare no reason . ger. then thou art mad thy selfe . thor. nay , i thinke i am madder o' th two , and have as much reason , if there bee reason able to make one mad ; but let 's be wise : or if it must be that y 'ave lost your wits , let 's see and wee can recover e'm by drinking ; for hee that is not sober after drunkennesse , is no man of this world . ger. now thou talkest wildly . thor.

i talke wildly , that would justifie my selfe to bee in my wits , and you that talk reason and sense wo'not beleeve y 'ave any .

ger. if it bee so , that may conclude i ha' lost 'em , and doe not understand my selfe . thor. so , so , i should beleeve another in that argument , but not you , for in knowing that , you prove you are no mad-man . ger. prethee tell mee , thou art a peece of a philosopher , and knowest the naturall causes . thor. hold in that ; i must confesse , you are little beside your selfe : i a philosopher ? i studied titelman sometimes i' th college , as others did , and wanting epictetus lanthorne , slept alwaies with a watching candle in my study window , and might very well dreame over learning o' my deske , or so ; what aristotle might infuse into my sleepes i know not , but waking i nere troubled my selfe to understand him ; true i lov'd his booke de coelo , for the heavenly title , and made my father buy it , for my study of divinity , told him i would be a bishop ; that brought me threescore pound a yeere for sacke : i prethee doe not talke of learning . ger. why then acknowledge , i am mad , and i have done . thor. well for this once i will allow it , th' art mad . ger. but wherefore doe y'allow it , what 's the cause ? thor. nay , nay , i know not that . ger. i le tell thee then . thor. t is come about agen . ger. and let thy judgement censure mee if i produce not able reasons — thor. to prove madnesse , he makes me mad to heare him ; now i consider better on 't , i confesse you have some cause to be a little mad , the losse of such a mistresse . ger. but of one ? did they not both affect mee , and i them with such equality of honour . thor. grant it . ger. and i to lose 'em both ? faith speake but honestly ; is 't not a wonder that i doe not rave and kill my selfe ? how many have runne mad for one that never lov'd 'em ? and shall i bee so unmannerly not to lose my wits for two and two such creatures ? t were a solecisme in love : i prethee doe not flatter mee with an opinion that i have my reason ; it cannot bee , it is against all sense , i should haue any ; such an expectation lost , is enough to make the genius of all the world runne mad , and i will straight . thor. whither ? ger. to bedlem , whether should i goe ? i must not live in this community of fooles and wisemen . thor. there be knaves among us . ger. here all are happy , there i sha'not meet with lovers that are fortunate , but with men of my complexion , that looke twenty wayes at once , that sigh and curse , and sing mad carols : if i can get to bee their prince , i le make a law it shall bee death to smile or kisse a woman . thor. now i feare him . ger. nay , wee 'le have an excellent well governd common wealth , a delicate eutopia , there shall be lectures and publike readings shall put downe gressams foundation for the liberall arts , and make the citizens bring their shop-bookes hither to take fine notes , how to bee paid their debts , and yet trust none but younger brothers : then wee will have penall statutes against eating , live all by the ayre of commendations . no idle man shall live within our state : doe y' marke ? they are the mouthes of the republike : and therefore hee that has no other worke to prevent slothfulnesse , may imploy his time in picking strawes , there will be a great plenty . here will wee live together , and bee mad perpetually , wee wo'not bee recovered ; for if at any time wee incline to bee sober , and comming to our wits againe , the lash will whip us into new distempers and mad fugaries . thor. doe y' know all this while what you have said , you correct me for speaking extravagantly , and yet talke wilde your selfe . ger. i prethee pardon and instruct me better ; i am not well . thor. will you walke to your chamber , i le beare you company . ger. no , i am well againe . vpon condition you will tell aurelia shee did not use me kindly . thor. i will . ger. she did not use me kindly , nothing else , farewell . exit . thor. i know not what to thinke on him , the unhappinesse was so sudden , and unlook'd for , it might disturbe his fancy , but i hope the worst is past , a little rest will settle him . but which way shall i recompence the injury : i ha' done him ? and i had not been ungratefull to eugenia , wee might have both beene happy . enter yongrave . ha ? 't is hee : save you most noble sir ; i ft please you now , i le goe along with you toth ' gentlewoman . yon. what gentlewoman ? thor. eugenia , that wrote the letter to me , i meane her . yon. for what ? tho. i ha' considered better , & doe meane to make her satisfaction . yon. 't is too late : you might have done this earlier , your love will appeare now unseasonable , i assure you . thor. pray give me a reason . yon. d' ye not blush to aske it ? i told her what you said , and now we are resolv'd ; you cannot blame her , she was covetous to embrace you ; but your answer being return'd so peremptorily in her neglect , we both agreed . thor. you both ? why what was that to you ? yon. that doubt will cleere it selfe when we are married . tho. why , did you love her ? yon. and deserve her best of all the world : and yet shee 'd give me no assurance till she knew your resolution , which i was able to informe her , and 't is now a bargaine ; upon munday next . — thor. your wedding day . yon. right . thor. in very good time . you weare a sword . yon. what then ? thor. i le only try how you can fence , i must not lose her so . yon. you lose her ? you despis'd her , wo'd not see her , not to recover her from death . d' yee not remember such a saying , in the towne were many yonger brothers , that might be content to marry her ; let her use her fortune , for your owne part , you were engag'd , there was no wrestling with your fate : was it not so ? thor. 't is all one for that , my mind is altred , i 'm of another humour now , and will maintaine , i love her better than you dare . yo. then i must tell you . tho. tell me no tellings : either resigne her to me againe , or — yon. resolve me , pray , can you affect her heartily ? thor. else let me perish on your sword . yon. i heard you court another mistris , that did answer it with entertainment . thor. she was a very gipsie . you were no sooner parted , but she us'd me basely ; 't is true , i did sufficiently deserve it , for my breach of vow to her i now alone doe honour , and for whom , ( chang'd into honesty ) i will rather dye than live without her . yo. heaven do's heare all this . thor. i make no doubt , and while my heart to her is reconcil'd , cannot despaire of mercie . yon. you shall have her . thor. shall i ? then i le love thee too . yon. and know , she ha's no thought but to be yours , there ha's no obligation past betwixt us two : i came for this : yet i must tell you , sir , i love her too , and shall doe ever . thor. how ? not when she is my wife , i hope . yon. yes then . thor. if you have cut her up , and left her cold meat , i shall lose my stomacke . yon. with a holy flame , her vertue keeps a vestall fire within me , but she affects not me , yet i might challenge her : nor can you ever , but in right of me , glory your selfe possest ; i have bought her . thor. i hope she ha's not sold her maidenhead . yo. her vncle ( whose aime is onely profit ) hath concluded with me a price for her , and therefore gives accesse to none , till i ha' prov'd my fortune ; but i finde her devoted to you onely , and have conform'd my wishes unto hers ; she loves you best , and i preferre you too , returne , and be her husband , i le direct you . enter caperwit and dancer . cap. you understand my purpose , you shall make the dance , let me alone to write the songs . dan. a maske will be delightfull to the ladies . cap. oh sir , what playes are taking without these pretty devices ? many gentlemen are not , as in the dayes of understanding . now satisfied without a iigge , which since they cannot , with their honour , call for , after the play , they looke to be serv'd up i th' middle : your dance is the best language of some comedies , and footing runnes away with all ; a scene exprest with life of art , and squar'd to nature , is dull and flegmatick poetry . tho. enough ; i am bound to honour thee , command my life , thou excellent young man . yon. i wish you happinesse and never after her will love a woman . cap. you know my lodging . dan. i le attend you sir . exit . cap. i wonder what 's become of my hermophrodyte ? yongrave , how is 't man ? what art melancholy ? what hath hung plummets on thy nimble soule , what sleepie rod hath charmd thy mounting spirit ? yon. prethee enjoy thy selfe . cap. by parnassus you must not be so head hung , why dost peep — vnder thy cloake as thou didst feare a serjeant ? enter simple and lady bird . who are these ? my wish ! fortune hath sent thee a cure , the rarest mirth ! you sha'not lose it , ha , ha . bir. you have strangely wonne me to obey you sir , i refuse nothing you command . sim. shalt go , and heare how i will talke , and baffle 'em : but what if wee meet caperwit ? bir. no matter . sim.

no : w'y then let him goe hang himselfe in his owne verses , if the lines be strong enough , come my nightingale , my bird of paradise . exit .

cap. if ever thou didst love me , le ts follow 'em ; feede not this sullen humour , i le promise excellent sport . yon. you shall prevaile . ex. enter chrysolina , aurelia . chr. it was not kindly done , beleeve me sister , he did performe but our request . aur. t is granted ; but his neglect of you afflicted me . chr. he could not make you happy , and remaine servant to me . aur. nor make me blest , while you seem'd discontented . chr. doe not thinke i was , i did but carry trouble in my face , when he declared himselfe withdrew my smiles , for your sake , to make you appeare most lovely , and worthy of his choice ; and could you be so cruell to reject him , when he came to be confirm'd your owne without a rivall ? it seemes he did not know who lov'd him best . aur. best ? chr. yes , and i in this , will mak 't appeare , that now you have exild him from your love , i le sue for his affection . aur. he is mine . chr. but you aurelia are not his ; i will appeale to his modest reason , that shall guide his eye to looke on both agen , i doe not see what in me should not invite him hither , with as much ardor , rather more , since he hath prov'd already your too much unkindnesse ; what if this noble gentleman should lose his wits upon 't , will all your beautie call his straggling senses to their seate agen ? i le seeke him out betimes and comfort him . aur. t is more than will become you sister . chr. how ? aur. and it must bring your modesty in question , to follow one that cares not for you chr. thus i may awake his noble flame , nor is it any dishonor when the world shall know how you have us'd him , if i make returne , to what i lov'd so deerely . aur. not while i may challeng interest ; here are company enter simple , bird , yongrave , caperwit aloofe . let us withdraw , i have something more to tell you . chr. deferre it rather now ; here comes my hope . aur. how 's this ? nay then i le stay a little longer . sim. by your leave gentlewomen , i should mock you to call you ladies ; perhaps you may wonder at me . chr. i see no cause . sim. have you no eyes ? aur. such as you see ? sim. oh eyes no eies but mountaines fraught with teares ! chr. hee 's turnd ieronymo . sim goe by , ieronymo , goe by , goe by . he passeth by them with disdaine . chr. doe y' know where you are ? sim. yes , and to whom i speake i hope . aur. noble sir , i hope you doe not scorne us . sim.

scorne you , no ; but i doe not care a rush for you , you might have had me when i was offered , t is none of my fault , and you doe fall to eating of chalke , and dye o th' black jaundise , i cannot helpe it now for i proclaime , here is the what doe y' call it , of my heart .

aur. has he wonne this lady ? i suspect her : i hope you have not quite forsaken me ; virgins for custome sake , sometimes deny , beleeve me sir , when you did plead for love my heart did not so much as think on 't . sim. nay t is no matter , i ha' tooke my course , yet i have a sute to you that you would not breake your heart , nor you , to see us kisse . nectar ! immortall nectar ! he kisses bird . oh let this diamond purchase such another , t is pitty that my lips should ever open , to let the breath she gave me , out agen . chr. doe y' pay so much for every kisse ? a diamond ? sim.

i never offer lesse to touch her lip ; marry her hand , or her a — or foote or so , i may salute for a ruby , or an emrode or a satire ; or so , but i have stones — now doe thou speake a little for their further mortification .

bir. i did not thinke to have returnd so soone a trouble to you but the importunity of this most worthy gentleman prevail'd , i thinke there was some magick in his tongue . sim.

nay you may sweare that , the wisest in the country , thought my mother a witch .

bir. he did no sooner open his desires , but he did wound my heart , you see his bounty , what jewels hee has given mee . sim. all thine owne ; somebody else might ha' been wise and had 'em . cap. somebody else might have been wise , and kept 'em . bir. i must confesse , i lov'd another lately , but his affection 's frozen up — cap. blesse you bevy of ladies . bir. sir , you are come most seasonably , before these gentlewomen , i release your promise , my thoughts are fixt upon this noble knight , affect now where you please ; here is my husband . cap. you are not married ? sim. no , but i came to bid you all to my wedding , i have bespoke gloves , and points , and knacks , and knaveries . cap. i will dye hymens saffron robe in blood , put out the torches with the teares of virgins , and make the temple quake . sim. will you so sir ? cap. excellent rascall ! bir. there is no way but to acknowledge it , it is no shame in love , there 's no disgrace , for else by law he may recover mee . sim.

doe y' heare sir , you may take her if you please , but if she be troubled with a timpany , there is a man within a mile of an oke , i name no-body , that has had , — some earnest of her body .

cap. i hope you doe but jest . sim. i le make all sure ; what a loving lady is this ? cap. then i require you give me back this diamond , the token once i gave of my devotion . sim. why that 's mine , i gave it her but now before all this company . bir.

be wise and let him have it , 't is like his within my cabinet , let 's be quit on him , this will secure our marriage .

sim.

let him have it there bee more in cheapeside , but let 's not tarry any longer bird , hee 'le challenge all the rest of thy fethers .

bir.

i will obey you sir .

sim.

farewell beauties and kind gentleman , if you come to my wedding , i name no time , nor place , wee 'l be very merry , excellent cheere i le promise you , your belly full of fidlers .

cap.

ha , ha . exit sim. and bir.

aur.

what did you meane ? that ring was his .

cap.

the boy shall ha 't agen : ha , ha , you do not know the mysterie , this lady is a boy , a very crackrope boy .

au.

is 't possible ?

cap.

i made him first disguise himselfe .

aur.

indeed ?

cap.

yes faith , to come to you .

aur.

then i must tell you sir , you have not us'd us civilly , to make our conversation ridiculous , to talke and complement with a boy .

cap.

sweet lady , by hyppocrene —

aur.

doe y' not thinke your wit found out a precious device to make me love you by a president ; is this your great lady ?

cap.

doe but heare mee speake .

aur. not now , i know you have art enough to excuse it , yet i am not mercilesse , let mee entreate your absence , without ceremony , when you come agen , your talke will bee more musicall . cap. doe's shee not prophesie the conceit , i goe the maske will doo 't , more musicall ? t is so . exit . chr. then hee 's gone to her yon. hee did promise mee . chr. let other virgins when they heare this story wonder , but give mee leave to love you for it , indeed i doe ; looke not so strange , your vertue compels mee to reaveale it , t is no shame to owne a passion , kindled by such goodnesse . yon. if i doe understand you , give mee pardon , to thinke you are not perfectly advis'd ; i am a prisoner still to my eugenia . chr. shee is satisfied , and you are disingaged . yon. but shee has not yet resignd the heart i gave , nor can i thinke of any other mistresse ; choose in a plenty of more happy men , i gave too much away to love agen . exit . chr. i will retire to blush and weepe . aur. not so . alas poore sister , now i feare you not , i see your purpose was to make mee kinde : i wo'd hee were my brother , but let 's in and joyne our heads , some counsell would doe well , t is pitty wee two should leade apes in hell . exit . sic explicit actus quartus .
actus quintus . enter eugenia and thornay . eug. may i beleeve my selfe so fortunate ? art thou return'd , or doe i dreame thus happily ? are these my thornays armes ? are those his lips ? can hee repent his cruelty and love ? how soone are all my teares dryed up ? i doe forgive my griefes , and thinke they have been modest , and gentle sufferings , who can merit such a joy , that has not felt a world of sorrow ? let us imbrace agen , and if thou canst confirme mee yet more , that i am awake , and taste my true delight . thor. by this , and this : kisses . through which , if it were possible , i durst convey my soule , i am for ever thine , created new to bee made worthy of thee , i have beene dead too long to thee , and vertue , committed sinne enough , in my neglect of thee , to plant a fierce , and deepe antipathy in every womans heart against mankind ; but you are mercifull , and imitate the eternall nature . enter woodhamore . woo. ha ? how is this ? a kissing ? eug. we are betraid . tho. so now t is done ; i would not be engag'd to kisse you againe , for all the estate . your father left you . eug. i hope my breath has not offended you . tho.

i cannot tell , i ha' not kist a woman this twelve-moneth , and had not done this , but that he had my oath to performe it ; well you have the lip labour he sent you , master yongrave is well , will see you agen shortly — godbe-wi'y' .

eug.

pray stay a little .

tho.

you 'l send him such another token ; imploy your waiting woman , i am no common kisse-carrier .

woo.

oh ho , is 't not otherwise , hee is a messenger from master yongrave , y' are welcome sir .

tho.

and i be not , i am going sir , to the place from whence i came sir ?

woo.

how does master yongrave ?

tho.

as foolish as ever , he is still in love —

woo.

i pray commend me to him .

enter yongrave . tho. you may now commend your selfe , he is here . eug. oh let me flie into his armes and boast never had woman such a noble servant , blest was that minute vncle , in which you first knew this gentleman ; more blessed i , that doe enjoy by him , that which my heart next heaven affecteth most ; 't will be an age till holy church confirmes our vowes , i cannot mannage the comforts you have given mee , i did not thinke i should so soone have met a husband , vncle . woo. i am glad to heare it . tho. command thy truest servant , nothing wants but how to get her forth , 't were soone dispatch'd . yon. sir , we resolve not to lose any time , we 'l marry instantly . woo. with all my heart . yon. the licence will be at church , as soone as we , then i shall quickly make you perfect owner , of all those lands , that lye so neere your lordship ; you have security , i shall performe when we are man and wise . woo. right , master yongrave ? you are an honest gentleman , my neece may glorie in such a choice , i have some businesse , excuse three minutes , i le dispatch , and goe along with you my selfe . exit . tho. how 's that ? he go ? we must prevent that mischiefe . eug. noble sir , what service can reward this goodnesse in you ? yon. if you acknowledge any benefit from me , in that i am enough rewarded , i wish you , what i cannot hope for , joy , but yet we have not finish'd . tho. what doe y' thinke ? if — t is gone againe , wee must have some tricke , to get off without him . enter servant with a letter to eugenia . eug. from mistresse chrysolina ? tho. what and we should set some on 's house a-fire , doe y' thinke he would stay to quench it ? how has he liv'd all this while , and has no more diseases ? no honest gout to keepe him warme at home , in furres , no charitable ague , fall into his legges to stay him , no sciatica ? he is no gentleman he scapes so well . eugenia reades .

i love him above my life , but you have only his heart , he sayes ; for which i languish , if you have power to dispose it , i will cherish some hope , he will love me , at least for your sake .

tho. if he should with us , is 't not possible

he may have a fall , and breake a leg , and t' were but his neck , why may not some prentice throw a stone , and put an eye out , that he may goe to th' surgeons , or some horse , or cart-wheele squeeze his toe , and stay his journey ?

eugenia reades .

his noble carriage to you , made me first affect him , then since you are happy in another , let me owe to your vertue for his affection , without whom i am the most miserable — chrysolina .

eug. let me entreate you sir , peruse that paper . sir you know chrysolina ? tho. i doe know her . eug. poore gentlewoman is in love with yongrave : wee have arriv'd at our desires already , and want but the church sealing , she is lost , vnlesse he meet her wishes , 't will become our piety to advance , in what wee may the common cause of love , then briefely thus — yon. can any virgin affect me so much ? she did prepare this argument before . eug. as you are charitable , goe presently . tho. and leave you thus ? eug. we 'l get off , well enough : eug. and thor. whisper . pray her to meete us . yon. i doe pitty her , and i have learn'd it from my sufferings ; but i must keepe my word , eugenia hath still my heart , and onely can dispose it . eug. then i resigne to her , in this alone , i will deserve these noble offices . you know the place . tho. i 'm perfect . eug. love her , and let us all be happy . enter woodhamore . wood. sir , i must desire you would excuse me , i would goe with you , but that i have considered , 't will be better that i should not appeare , since you intend to have it private , there will be lesse notice if i be absent , and it may be thought you by some tricke stole her away : d' yee marke ? yon. well thought on . wood. then , sir , that opinion will save our credit , and excuse the want of ceremony , and the fruitlesse charge , which is expected at her marriage : is it not best ? yon. you shew your providence . eug. though i could wish your presence . wood. y' are not wise , eugenia , goe to the church , and let me salute you quickly happy bride and bridegroome : away , i say . eug. he ha's prevented us . exeunt . wood. the land 's my own , you wrong your joyes to tarry , i would i had more neeces thus to marry . exit . enter thornay and chrysolina . thor. nay , never blush , but haste and meet the gentleman . you have no reason to distrust me , lady , after this circumstance . chr. can i be so happy ? thor. have a strong faith , and finde it so , though once i was guilty of some wrong to thee . chry. never to me : or if you had this newes is recompence enough . thor. i le tell thee now : i was the cause that gerard did neglect thee , in hope to gaine thee for my selfe ; i told him thou had'st halfe consented to be mine . chr. this truth ? thor. bade him direct his courtship to aurelia , and so be sure of one : poore gentleman beleev'd , and after lost thy sister too : but if no cure be seasonably apply'd , gerard , i feare , will sinke beneath his losse . chr. was this the cause ? thor. i must accuse my selfe . chr. i le tell aurelia this . tho. doe so . chr. she meant to visit him , but this wil give her wings . thor. i will intreat her pardon , but make haste , i wo'd not willingly be seene . chr. i feele another soule , what raptures are distill'd vpon my heart ? enter caperwit . cap. she cannot choose but take it . thor. you know how to direct her , but be swift in your returne . — mr. caperwit ? cap. your servant . sir , if my sight be not unfaithfull , i have seene you . thor. i owe much to your eyes , it was my happinesse to see you here . cap. i doe remember . thor. i observ'd your courtship to faire aurelia . cap. pray sir , can you dance ? tho. dance ? cap. i presume you are a friend to her , whose name made sweet your breath so late . thor. it did not stinke before . ca. excuse my poetry . thor. cry you mercy . cap. i know y 'ave heard wherein consists my excellence . th. you are a prince in poetry , & please your excellence . cap. the phrase in latine's modest , use no reverence , to tell you true , you are a friend , i am upon a maske — tho. that made you aske if i could dance . cap. 't is right , and you should doe me honour to lend your person to it , but i wo'd have it this night , before my mistris , whose mention perfum'd your lips so late . thor. sweet language ! wy' your favour , mr. caperwit , who are the principall maskers ? cap. faith i have none yet , beside my selfe , but a foolish knight , one sir gervace , and 's lady , i want persons . thor. let me furnish you . cap. and tye my everlasting friendship to you . th. they shall be of quality , most of your acquaintance : what if aurelia be one ? she loves you , i ha' discovered that ; i know shee 'l do 't , her sister for another , and my selfe , frank gerard and iack yongrave , with his mistris . cap. the number i desire . thor. i know your lodging , say no more , i le bring 'em , this afternoone to practise , we may soone perfect a dance . cap. shall i trust to you ? thor. here 's my hand . cap. i kisse it . thor. i may give you a hint perhaps for the device too . cap. i have no other gratitude but this , live but a weeke , i le send you an ode ; or dye , i le write your epitaph . exit . thor. i have no purpose to put your muse to such expence . farewell phantasma . enter chrysolina . chr. have i not beene tedious ? i told my sister all , and she is gone to mr. gerard , if their meeting prosper , i have directed where to find us . thor. excellent , come , let 's away , a thousand joyes expect us . exeunt . enter gerard in his gowne and cap . ger. i once beleev'd women were full of pitty , of soft and gentle constitutions : but i have found 'em cruell : for aurelia , one of the best of all her sex , doth owne a hard and tyrannous nature . enter servant . ser. sir , t is done . ger. i prethee let it be vndone , as i am . ser. the song , ger. i gave to be taught musicke ? i le hear 't anon : i prethee goe — ser. whither ? ger. to prison . ser. how sir ? ger. yes , and aske when are the sessions . ser. they are every moneth . ger. i would 't were execution day to morrow . ser. why , with your pardon , doe you wish it , sir ? ger. i would intreat the surgeons to beg some woman for anatomy , nothing else : i have heard their lectures very much commended , and i 'd be present when they read upon her heart : for sure there is much difference betweene a woman and a man , in that same thing we call a heart , they doe not love as we doe ; we are fooles , indeed we are , to dote so much upon 'em , and betray the glory of our creation , to serve a female pride ; we were borne free , and had from the great maker royall priviledge , most brave immunities : but since have made tame forfeit of our charter . let me see 't , it is the same , first read it , reach the chaire : t is yet no song , infuse a soule into it .
song . if love his arrowes shoot so fast , soone his feathered stocke will waste : but i mistake in thinking so , love's arrowes in his quiver grow : how can he want artillery ? that appeares too true in mee : two shafts feed upon my brest , oh , make it quiver for the rest , kill me with love , thou angry sonne of cytherea , or let one , one sharpe golden arrow flye , to wound her heart for whom i dye . cupid , if thou bee'st a childe , be no god , or be more milde .
enter aurelia and servant . ser. i have not , since i serv'd him , knowne him so opprest with melancholy ; hee 's asleepe , i dare not wake him . aur. i le expect a while . ser. this quiet will much benefit him , hee began to talke idly . aur. heaven preserve the temper of his braine . ser. he wakes . ger. ha , t is not shee , doe i dreame still ; come hither , dost thou see nothing ? ser. yes , a gentlewoman that came to visit you . ger. doe not abuse thy master , 't is not possible aurelia will doe me so much honour ; in my sleepe me thought i parled with her , and my fancy hath not yet lost her shape ; oh my aurelia ! aur. i come to aske thy pardon . ger. doe not mocke me . thou wo't bee cruell when i wake agen ; and then i shall repent i dream't so sweetly . aur. y' are now awake , and i am your aurelia , that if you can forgive her past neglect , will give you proofe of her repentance , but these teares — ger. let not the ground be hallowed with such water , i have a heart to drinke this balsome : enough aurelia , doe not make thy eyes poore , to enrich thy bosome , where the drops shew like a carkanet of pearle upon it , thou hast enough restor'd mee . aur. oh my gerard ! thou art too mercifull , and dost forgive too soone the injury i did thy love ; but i am come to make thee satisfaction ; and this is but a shadow of those joyes , wee must divide , if you vouchsafe to follow , as i direct . ger. t is sinne not to obey . aur. you must walk then . ger. it is to heaven thou goest . convey mee swiftly thither . aur. nay , t is hast is now required . ger. what blisse can bee deny'd , a man that followes such an angell-guide ? exeunt . enter thumpe . thum.

where in the name of simplicity , should my master be all this while ? i have been at sixe ordinaries , twelve tavernes , and i thinke foure and twenty bawdy-houses , places that gentlemen use to frequent , and yet cannot find him : well , i am resolv'd to aske every man i meet ; and if i cannot heare of him the sooner , i le have him cryed .

enter yongrave and eugenia .

pray did you see my master ?

yon.

thy master ? i know him not .

thump .

nay sir , did you see him ? for if you see him , you cannot choose but know him ; for hee had a hundred markes brought him warme out of the country this morning .

yon.

much good doe it him next his heart , i see him not . ex.

thump .

no , no ; there is no hope , 't is but an unmannerly tricke of any master , to leave his man o'th is fashion ; t is well there is no presse abroad , no disguis'd constables twelve pence , and the kings name would put mee into a pittifull feaver , and i should curse sir gervace in another country , as often as i heard the report of a musket , for bringing me up no better , that might ha' hv'd quietly at home , and gone a feasting with the train'd band without any danger .

enter thornay , chrysol .

here is another youth , and his commodity , i 'le enquire of him , pray did you see my master ?

thor.

thy master , what 's he .

thum.

a knight sir , i le assure you , of the last edition that was my foolish master , for want of a better .

thor.

his name ?

thum.

sir gervace simple .

thor.

something of a blacke complexion , with a weezell face .

thum.

the same sir .

thor.

in a doublet of orange-tawny satten , richly laced ? and blew trunke hose very sutable ?

thum.

very right sir .

thor.

a long italian cloake came down to his elbowes , a spanish ruffe , and long french stockings .

thump .

iust the same , how happy was i to meet with this gentleman .

thor.

faith honest friend , i saw none such .

thum.

pox o' these questions .

thor.

but if thou 'lt goe with me , i may chance helpe to a sight of this pageant .

thum.

heaven blesse your worship , and the sweet fac'd modicum in your company . exeunt .

enter master golds. mistresse golds. mis. to prison with your servants husband ; hang them all , unlesse they finde our daughters . gol. and i have sent to sir iohn woodhamores , they may be with his neece . mis. they never us'd thus to absent themselves ; oh me unhappy ! gol. wee have been too indulgent . mis. i would have had them more restrain'd , yong wenches that have so many sutors , grow soone wanton , and throw off their obedience ; had you been forward as i , they had been married ; and then wee had not suffered this perplexity . i did commend an honorable man , but your deliberation hath mar'd all , and they were here agen — gol. have patience wife , they are not lost for ever . mis. no , no , lost ? they 'l come agen , double i warrant you , and perhaps treble , with some unthrift husbands , of their owne choosing . gol. it does trouble me . they were not us'd to walke abroad without a servant , to waite on 'em . mis. you must thinke they have servants of their owne , for such a businesse , young maids have plentie of such waiting men , and this has beene a long conspiracy , i le lay my life . enter servant . gol. what hast found 'em yet ? ser. i can heare no newes , and sir iohn woodhamore is much troubled sir , his neece is gone too . gol. hey day ! ser. sh 'as been absent ever since morning . gol. pretious , pretious theeves ! eugenias gone , le ts have 'em cried together . mis. they that have found em , will too soone i feare , alter the property . gol. we shall keepe no virgins i th towne shortly . enter woodhamore . welcome sir iohn . wood. is not my neece eugenia here ? gol. not here . mis. wee have lost our daughters , and that 's two for one . gol. ours have been absent ever since the morning . nor can we study what 's become on 'em wood. is 't possible ? is there no plot in this ? gol. our servants have enquired in every place . of our acquaintance . wood. i will tell you sir , you doe remember master yongrave . gol. a servant of your neeces ; woo. the same sir with my consent , he tooke her forth this morning . to marry her , i doe beleeve he has don 't , but it doth wracke my braine , why they should stay thus , they might have married , forty times by this . gol. you did perhaps desire it private . woo. and he too . gol. i will engage my life they are all together . woo. doe you thinke so ? gol. i am confident , le ts in to supper , and expect the best . enter servant , and whispers mistresse goldsworth . what newes with him ? mis. t is something that he sayes . ser. i cannot find em . gol. how ? ser. but i have met a gentleman , that can tel you some newes . gol. that does concerne my daughters ? ser. so he reports , he is a cunning man , i think a conjurer , he talkes of art , and spirits . enter caperwit like a coniurer . this is he sir . cap. gentles in your troubled brow , i read what you desire to know , let no feare invade your heart ; i will tell by powerfull art , your childrens fate , and where they are : know then , they are wandred farre , led by cupid god of loves , they have now arriv'd those groves , where no happie soule can sleepe , venus doth there revels keepe . consecrating day and night , to song , to kisses , and delight : they in elysium breath , chuse whether , they shall move thence , or you goe thither . woo. this is some poeticall businesse . mis.

sweet husband let us goe to 'em , i have heard poets talke much of elysium , i would faine see whither they be honest of their words or no .

gol.

no it will befit them to come to us .

cap. it shall be so : harmonious straines , that doe blesse those happy plaines ; vsher them forth , and shame the spheares , charme with heavenlier notes our eares , recorders . that when we see the lovers come , we may beleeve elysium it selfe come hither , all those bowers , and the shades of pleasure ours . enter mask'd yongrave , chrysolina , gerard , aurelia , thornay eugenia , simple bird , betweene every couple a torch carried , they march ouer the stage , and exeunt . gol. who are all these ? mis. i ghesse some of them , oh that i were in elysium vvood. what are they vanished ? another turne of your art good sir . cap. chime other musicke . enter the maskers , and dance . vvoo.

now they will discover . master yongrave ? i rejoyce yon. discovers . to see you here , this is the gentleman i prais'd so much , hee has married now my neece .

chr.

but i must aske your blessing , we are married ,

wood.

chris . unveiles . ha , another sweetheart ; i am abus'd , hee is a very knave ; where is my neece ?

gol.

is hee worse for marrying of my child ? nay , then my blessing on you both , my sonne and daughter .

mis.

aur. unveiles . where 's aurelia ?

aur.

here mother , i have met a husband too , let us divide your prayers — soft master caperwit ger. discovers . wee are married sir already .

cap.

how married ? did not you promise mee ?

gol.

master gerard ? nay and it be no worse i care not rise to my heart .

ger.

my duty shall deserve it , t is ene so , good master caperwit you must dance without her .

cap.

have i made verses and studied speeches for this ?

mis.

since there 's no remedy , i blesse you both , but i did eug. unveiles . wish —

eug. sir : if you will acknowledge your neece . you must accept a nephew too : we are as fast as they . woo. death ! i am coozend , cheated , there is law . yon. and there is conscience . th. i le not give you a penny . yon. i will not publish sir your avarice , wish em good joy . woo. well , t is done . tho. yes faith vncle , wee are coupled , man and wife . woo. i le enquire how this came about hereafter ; looke you love her sir . tho. as i will doe my soule . sim.

gentlemen , all is not yet discovered ; there are a paire behind , worth taking notice of ; doe y know sir gervace simple , i am the man .

thu.

simple as he stands there .

sim.

and this is my lady — what does thy haire come off already .

pag.

your worship is a most egregious coxcombe .

sim.

a boy ? gentlemen , have i married a boy , or is shee metamorphis'd ?

yon.

ha , ha , master caperwits page .

om.

give you joy sir .

pag.

the bird is flowne indeed law .

sim.

bird ? they make a coxcombe of me .

cap. i am glad somebody else is coozend beside my selfe ; nay , nay take her , there is a man within a mile of an oake , i name no body , has had earnest of her body . sim.

bawdy quoth a thumpe , i will sell thee my knighthood for halfe the mony it cost me , and turne yeoman in the country agen ; why there is neither wit nor honesty in this .

thu. be ruld by me , le ts to some taverne , and drinke away melancholy . sim.

i , and then we may steale away disguisd , a match !

tho.

nay , nay , le ts all together , and make a merry night on t , sim . why how now thumpe , are you sneaking away ?

gol.

le ts all together .

ge.

but first we must the licence of these gentlemen .

epilogus . ovr poet knowes you will be just , but we appeale to mercy , he desires that yee would not distaste his muse , because of late transplanted , which would grow here , if no fate have an unlucky bode opinion comes hither but on crutches yet , the sun hath lent no beame to warme us , if this play proceed more fortunate , wee shall blesse the day , and love that brought you hither ; t is in you to make a little sprigge of laurel grow , and spread into a grove , where you may sit , and hear soft stories , when by blasting it , you gaine no honour , though our ruines lye to tell the spoiles of your offended eye : if not for what we are , for alas here no roscious moves to charme your eyes , or eare , yet as you hope hereafter to see playes , encourage us and give our poet bayes . exeunt . finis .
machine-generated castlist a -thornay a -caperwit a -goldsworth a -gerard a -yongrave a -chrysolina a -simple a -aurelia a -eugenia a -woodhamore a -mrs. a -thump a -servant a -bird a -unassigned a -omnes a -dancer a -maid
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▪ , and innocence . 'tis not this great man , nor that prince , whose fame can more advance ▪ them that now doe surfeit with your love . encourage our beginning , nothing grew famous ▪ a husband ? take heed oth' greene disease . ▪ sinne , to thinke their beames could hurt . ▪ beauty and goodnesse in this paire of sisters . besav'd pray heaven you may be sav'd , sir . ▪ my man knowes i broke a looking . glasse into forty pieces , i am sure , and ▪ are wise ; 'tis a seraphicke contemplation ; i'le furnish them with the most excellent ▪ raptures will out , my motto is quicquid conabor , the midwife wrapt my head up in a sheet servantss in this variety of servants , i acknowledge you greatly honour me , ▪ very good , when your wedding clothes come home , pray ▪ have the happinesse to speak with one alone , theres so much sweetnesse in her , such athough i will , although every syllable you speake , makes me suspect ▪ a gratefull office to me , in your person , give this paper to a gentleman . ▪ either his love , he only must determine it , wee cannot guide his passion . ▪ which of these gentlewomen is't ? i saw 'em . ▪ say , which is't you best affect ? 〈◊〉 , although it be the cruelty of my fate , i can be no barre to thee ; i can enjoy but ▪ exit . ▪ too , since neither piety nor law allowes , hee can bee husband at one time , to both bonghs the lov'd bryer , embrace with their chaste boughs , twisting themselves , and weaving a greene ▪ , sir : then i have lost my labour , sir . ▪ you worse than your foure flanders mares ; and then laugh at you too : but i am honest ▪ told you , you should find him honourable . ▪ madgehowlets that can speake all languages . ▪ beare one thought more of good-will for this , if you suspect it otherwise ; because i ma● sweare your worship is the most unwelcomm'st man i'th world to mee . doey what doe y' thinke of this ? faith yet be wise and tpleasd how doe'y like 'em lady ? 't pleasd your father to impose somewhat severely ▪ sheele tire all patience : but lady , be assur'd my heart is dedicate ▪ alas poore lady : i pitty her , what doth she see in him , ▪ beauty alone deserves not such a blessing ; young men doe too hastily betray themselves just●● their legs doe justic in the same boote . ▪ reades the letter . ▪ he indeed deserves to have no other memory , that takes a pride in his disdaine . aqualme there is no danger to be fear'd ; a qualme . pray let me aske you sir one question e'm'bove walkes not just to her desires , to like e'm 'bove his owne . ●igge of understanding . now satisfied without a iigge , which since they cannot , with their honour doey doe y' not thinke your wit found out a precious ▪ antipathy in every womans heart against mankind ; but you are mercifull , and imitate the ▪ right , master yongrave ? you are an honest gentleman , my neece may ▪ what doe y' thinke ? if — tis gone againe , wee must have some tricke sinnce to you , made me first affect him , then since you are happy in another , let me owe to ▪ we'l get off , well enough : ▪ your servant . sir , if my sight be not unfaithfull , i ▪ be of quality , most of your acquaintance : what if aurelia be one ? she loves you , ▪ thinking so , love's arrowes in his quiver grow : how can he want artillery ? that appeares aur▪ aur. ▪ doe not mocke me . thou wo't bee cruell when i wake agen ; chsue , and delight : they in elysium breath , chuse whether , they shall move thence , or you 〈◊〉 gerard ? nay and it be no worse i care not rise to my heart . there● since theres no remedy , i blesse you both , but i did wise yes faith vncle , wee are coupled , man and wife .
the gentleman of venice shirley, james this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (wing s ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. martin mueller incompletely or incorrectly transcribed words were reviewed and in many cases fixed by melina yeh lydia zoells this text has not been fully proofread earlyprint project evanston il, notre dame in, st.louis, washington mo distributed under a creative commons attribution-noncommercial . unported license a .xml the gentleman of venice a tragi-comedie, presented at the private house in salisbury court by her majesties servants / written by james shirley. shirley, james, - . dpi tiff g page images university of michigan, digital library production service ann arbor, michigan july (tcp phase ) wing s . wrenn . halliwell's old english plays . woodward & mcmanaway . a

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 the gentleman of venice a tragi-comedie, presented at the private house in salisbury court by her majesties servants / written by james shirley. shirley, james, - . [ ], p. printed for humphrey moseley and are to be sold at his shop ..., london : .

first ed. cf. bm.

reproduction of original in huntington library.

 a shc the gentleman of venice shirley, james melina yeh lydia zoells play comedy shc no a r (wing s ). athis text has no known defects that were recorded as gap elements at the time of transcription. incorporated ~ , textual changes made to the shc corpus by hannah bredar, kate needham, and lydia zoells between april and july during visits, separately or together, to the bodleian, folger and houghton libraries as well as the rare book libraries at northwestern university and the university of chicago

the gentleman of venice a tragi-comedie

presented at the private house in salisbury court by her majesties servants .

written by james shirley .

london , printed for humphrey moseley and are to be sold at his shop at the princes armes in st. pauls church-yard . .

to the honorable sir tho. nightingale baronet . sir ,

the poem that approacheth to kiss your hand , had once a singular grace and lustre from the scene , when it enjoy'd the life of action ; nor did it want the best hands to applaud it in the theater ; but nothing of these is considerable , to the honour it may receive now from your confirmation and acceptance .

i must acknowledge many years have past , since it did vagire in cunis , and when it had gotten strength , and legs to walk , traveling without direction , it lost it self , till it was recovered after much inquisition , and now upon the first return home , hath made this fortunate addresse , and application to your patronage ; in which my ambition is satisfied .

i know this nation hath been fruitfull in names of eminent honor . but in these times , there be more lords then noblemen , and while you are pleas'd to smile upon this piece , i most cheerfully throw my selfe , and it upon your protection , whose single worth to me , is beyond all the boasted greatnesse and voluminous titles of our age .

be pleas'd to read , what is presented you , at an hour , you will dedicate to recreation , and preserve the author in your memory , whose highest desires are to make good the character of

sir , the most humble among , those that honor you james shirley
the names with some small characters of the persons . the duke of venice . cornari a gentleman of venice of a great fortune , but having no child , contrives to have an heir from his wife , and against the nature and custome of the italian , indeeres an english gentleman to her affection and society . florelli the english gentleman of a noble extraction and person , much honoured for his parts , by which he gained much reputation in the academies . malipiero nephew to cornari , a man of a violent spirit , and hated by his uncle , for his debaucheries . giovanni , ( suppos'd son of roberto the dukes gardiner ) whose noble mind could not bee supprest , in his low condition , and in love with bellaura . thomazo , the supposed son of the duke , whom no precepts , nor education at court , could form into honorable desires , or employments . courtiers of honor . marino candiano roberto the dukes gardiner , an humorous jolly old man . companions of malipiero bernardo marcello georgio , the gardiners servant . bravos . attendants . souldiers . bellaura the dukes niece , whom giovanni passionately affected . claudiana wife to gornari , a lady of excellent beauty , ingratiated by her husband to florelli the english gentleman . ursula wife to roberto , a froward woman , and who much doted upon thomazo her nursechild . rosabella a curtesan .

the scene .

venice .

the gentleman of venice .
act. . enter malipiero , whe knocks at a doore , to him a servant . mal.

where is my uncle sirra ?

ser.

not within .

mal.

come hither , tell me truth .

ser.

hee 's gone abroad .

mal. he has commanded your officious rogueship . to deny him to me . [ mal. kicks him . ] ser.

what do you mean sir ?

mal. to speak with my uncle sirrah , and these kicks shall fetch him hither . ser.

help .

[ he runns in ] mal. your howling will be his kue to appear . enter cornari . cor.

what insolence is this ?

mal. no insolence : i did but correct your knave , because i would not lose my labour sir , i came to speak w' ee . cor. shall i not be safe within my house ? hence . mal.

i ha not done yet .

cor.

you were best assault me too .

mal. i must borrow money , and that some call a striking ; but you are my very loving uncle , and do know how necessary it is , your nephew should not want for your honor . cor. hence ; i disclaim , and throw thee from my blood ; thou art a bastard . mal. indeed you do lie uncle , and 't is love , and reverence bids me say so , it would cost dear , should the proudest gentleman of venice have call'd my mother whore , but you shall onely by the disbourse of fifty duccats take my anger off , and i 'le be still your nephew , and drink your health , and my good aunts . cor. drink thy confusion . mal. heaven forbid your heir should so forget himself , and lose the benefit of such a fair estate as you have uncle ; shall i have gold for present use ? cor.

not a zechine .

mal.

consider but what company i keep .

cor. things that lie like consumptions on their family , and will in time eat up their very name ; a knot of fooles and knaves . mal. take heed , be temperate , a hundred duccats else wil hardly satisfie , the dukes own son signior thomazo wo'not blush to be drunk sir in my company . cor. he is corrupted amongst diseases like thy self , become his fathers shame and sorrow , and hath no inheritance of his noble nature . mal. you were best call him bastard too , the money i modestly demanded , and that quickly , and quietly , before i talk aloud , i may be heard to 'th palace else . cor. thou heard ? i 'le tel thee , were treason talk'd , i believe thy testimony would hold no credit against the hangman , but i lose too pretious time in dialogue with thee , to be short therefore know . � mal.

very well , to 'th point .

cor.

i will consume all my estate my self .

mal.

you do not know the waies without instruction .

cor.

i will be instructed then .

mal. i doe like that , let 's joyn societies , and i le be satisfied ; let me have part in the consuming of the mony , that does mould for want of sun-beams within your musty coffers , i 'le release you . you have no swaggering face ; but i can teach your very lookes to make a noyse , and if you cannot drink or game , wee 'l ha' devices ; you may have whores , i that but live in hope after your death , keep twelve in pension , they wear my livery , i 'le resigne the leverets , i can ha more , i have a list of all the curtezans in venice , which shall tumble and keep their bugle bowes for thee dear uncle , wee 'l teach thee a thousand waies . cor. it shannot need , i shall take other courses with my wealth , and none of you shall share in 't . i have a humour to turn my mony into hospitalls ; your riots come not thither . mal. but we may , drink , and diseases are the waies to that too , but will you turn a master of this colledge you talk of uncle ? this same hospitall ? and lay out mony to buy wooden leggs for crippl'd men of war , invite to your cost men that have lost their noses in hot service ? live and converse with roten bawdes & bonesetters , provide pensions for surgery , and hard words that eat like corrosives , and more afflict the patient ? but you 'l save charges , i consider my aunt , your wife � cor. how darst thou mention her with thy foul breath . mal. may be excellent at composing of med'cines for corrupted lungs , impostumes at making plaisters , dyet drinks , and in charity will be a great friend to the pox . cor.

thou villain .

mal. and you 'l be famous by 't , i may in time as i said before , if lust , and wine assist me , grow unsound too , and be one of her patients ; and have an office after in her houshold to prepare lint , and searcloths , empty veines , and be controller of the crutches , oh the world would praise the new foundation of such a pest house , and the poor soules drink your health at every festivall in hot porredge . cor.

art thou of kin to me ?

mal. i think i am , as near as your brothers eldest son , who had no competent estate from his own parents . and for that reason by wise nature was ordain'd to be your heir that have enough uncle . the fates must be obeyed , and while your land is fastned to my name for want of males , which i do hope , if my aunt hold her barrennesse you will never bang out of her sheaf , i may be confident to write my self your nephew . cor. thou hast no seeds of goodness in thee , but i may find waies to cross your hopefull interest . mal. you 'l find no seeds in my aunts parslybed i hope , and then i 'm safe , but take your course , supply me for the present , for your honour � the duccats come . cor.

you are cosened .

mal. as you would not have me pull down this house , when you are dead and build a stewes , the duccats come . cor.

thou coward !

mal. because i do not cut your throat , that were the way to disinherit my self queintly . cor.

canst thou not steal ? & so deserve a hanging ?

mal. yes i can , and am often tempted , but i wo'not do you that mighty wrong , to let what you have so long , and with so little conscience gathered , be lost in confiscation by my fellony . i know a way worth ten on 't ; yet thus much i 'le bind it with an oath , when i turn thief , your gold shall be the first i will make bold with , in the mean time lend me the trifling duccats , and do not trouble me . cor. not a muccinigo to save thee from the gallies . mal. no ? the gallies ! must i shift still ? remember , and die shortly i 'le live , i will , and 'rather then not be reveng'd on thy estate , i will eat roots course ones i mean , love , and undoe an herbwife with eating up her sallets , live and lap onely in barly water , think on 't yet , i am now for wine , you know not what that heat may do , the injury being so fresh , i may return , and you 'l repent . cor. 't is more then i can hope of thee , go to your rabble sir . mal. you a gentleman of venice ? but remember , a pox 'a your wealth , i will do something to deserve the halter , that i may disgrace the house i came on , and at my execution make such a speech , as at the report , thou shalt turn desperate , and with the remnant of my cord go hang thy self , and that way forfeit all thy estate when i am dead , i 'le do or this , or something worse to be reveng'd . exit . mal. enter servant . cor. hee 's lost , this doth new fire my resolution ; see if your mistris be yet ready sirra , say i expect her . exit servant . my blood is almost in a fever with my passion , but claudiana may cure all , whom i have wrought with importunity to be spectator at the exercise this day 'i th academy , here she comes , enter claudiana .

art ready ?

clau. ever to obey you sir , but if you would consider yet , you may be kind , and let me stay , i dare not think you are less careful of my honor , but you gave once command with my consent too , not to be seen too much abroad . cor. i did . i must confesse claudiana , i had thoughts and scruples which thy innocence hath clear'd , and though our nice italian every where impose severely on their wives ; i should be unjust to make thee still a prisoner to thy melancholly chamber , take the aire , 't is for thy health , and while i wait upon thee , thou art above the tongue , and wound of scandall . clau. i know your presence takes off all dishonor , but � cor. no more , i charge thee by thy love , and to convince all arguments against it ; i have provided so , thou shalt observe unseen the bold contentions of art , and action . clau.

i 'm not well .

cor. i shall be angry if my desires be plai'd withall , pretend not with purpose to delude me , i have blessings stor'd in thy health , but if you practise any infirmity to cross my will , that aimes at the security of thy health and honour � clau.

sir , you shall steere me .

cor. this becomes claudiana , i will think thee in a kiss , prepare the gundelo . ser.

it waites

[ within ] cor. and i on thee , the treasure of my eyes , and heart . exeunt . enter roberto , ursula , georgio . rob.

where is my son giovanni sirra ?

geo. hee went two hours agoe to the academy , to see the exercise to day . urs. how 's that ? what business has he there , pray 'mongst gentlemen ? he does presume too much . ro.

patience good ursula .

urs. you give him to much reine ; 't would become him to follow his profession , and not look after those gentlemanly sports . ro. no tempest wife , no thundring ursula , am not i the dukes chief gardiner , ha ? and shall i make my son a drudg ; confine him here to be an earth-worm , live like a mole , or make it his last blessing to plant , and order quickset ; let him walk , and see the fashions . urs. he has cost you sweetly to bring him up , what use had he of learning ? what benefit , but to endanger us , and with his ' poring upon books at midnight , to set the house on fire , let him know how to rule a spade , as you ha done . ro. he does so , and knowes how to inoculate my ursula , my nimble tongue , no more : because he read the story of zantippe to'ther night that could out-talk a drum , and sound a point of war to her husband honest socrates , you took a pet ; he shall abroad sometimes and read and write till his head ake . go to urs. so , so , the dukes garden shall be then well look't to , he deserves a pension , for reading amadis de gaule , and guzman , and don quixot , but i 'le read him a lecture . ro. you will ? offer but to bark at him , and i will send him to the university to anger thee , nay he shall learn to fence too , and fight with thee , at twenty severall weapons except thy two edged tongue , a little thing would make me entertain a dancing master , peace , or i will destroy thy kitchin ursula , disorder all thy trinkets , and in stead of brasse and pewter , hang up violl de gambos , i 'le set an organ up at thy beds head , and he shall play upon 't : what tyrannicall to thy own flesh and blood , to giovanni ? my heir , my onely boy ? fetch me a taylor , he shall have new cloaths , and no more be warm with the reversion of your peticoates , do not provoke me , what imperious ? get you in , or i will swinge you , go , and weed . vrs.

now for vexation could i cry my heart out .

exit . ro. sirra stay you , and is giovanni gone to 'th academy saist ? geo. yes sir , they say , there is an english gentleman , that winns the garland from 'em all at every exercise , one of the court told my young master on 't , ( as he enquired of every gentleman comes in to 'th garden , what 's the newes abroad ) ro. and does he not tell thee tales & dainty stories sometimes ? geo. oh , of tamberlain , and the great turk , & all his concubines , he knowes 'em to a hair , he is more perfect in the chronicles then i am in my prayers . ro.

i do believ 't

geo. and talkes a battell , as he were among 'em , he tickles all your turbants , and in a rage , wishes he had the cutting of their cabbages to shew what house he came on . ro.

ha my boy !

geo. oh sir he has a pestilent memory , he told me to'ther day there was another world in the moon , and that the world we live in shines like to that , to people that live there , how many miles it is about the earth , how many to the starrs , i fear he will be mad , if he read much , 't is just like ravening , and such hard words would choak me to repeat 'em . ro.

he never tells me this .

geo. we are familiar . you are his father , and he dares not lie to you , to me he may talk any thing , he knowes my understanding to an inch . would you would speak to him though , to take a little more paines , 't is i do all the droile , the durtwork : when i am digging ; he is cutting unicornes , and lyons in some hedge , or else devising new knots upon the ground , drawing out crowns and the dukes armes , castles and cannons in 'em , here gallies , there a ship giving a broad side , here out of turfe he carves a senatour with all his robes , making a speech to time that grows hard by , and twenty curiosities , i think he meanes to embroider all the garden shortly , but i do all the course-worke ; here 's my mistris agen . enter vrsula . ro.

what , is the storm laid ?

vrs.

i must be patient : your sonne 's not come yet

ro. why now thou art vrsa maior , love thy whelp , and we are friends . vrs. was not the dukes son here ? i fear he is sick , that i have not seen him these two daies in the garden . geo.

there 's a gentleman .

vrs. i , there 's a gentleman indeed . i dream't on him last night , pray heaven he be in health , i prethee make enquiry , there 's a gentleman , and you talk of a gentleman . geo.

signior thomazo ?

ro.

where is hee ?

geo. i know not , but my mistris would send me to know the state of his body . ro. why , how now vrsula ? sirra about you businesse , and spare that inquisition , what hath your impudence to do with the dukes son ? vrs. have not i to do that gave him suck ? i hope i was his nurse , and it becomes me to enquire of his health , he is the very pearl of curtesie , not proud nor coy i warrant you , but gentle as my sunday muffe . ro.

your conny skinne .

vrs. i am the better when i look upon him , there ' a gentleman , and you talk of a gentleman , so compleat , so affable , a scholar too , if i could understand him , prethee sweet heart , get me with child that i may long a little . ro.

for a piece of the dukes son ?

vrs. i shall nere forget how pretily he took the niple , and would play , and prattle himself a sleep i warrant you , but hee 's now a man , a great man , and he remembers me still : there 's a gentleman , and you talk of a gentleman . ro.

the woman dotes .

exit . enter marino meeting candiano a senatour . mar.

whither so fast ?

can.

to the academy .

ma. spare your hast , all 's done . can.

who has the vote to day ?

mar. the english gentleman is still victorious . all praises flow upon him , he ha's depos'd our city , which hath now resign'd her lawrell . enter florelli and other gentlemen . can.

is not this hee ?

mar. the same , in 's face the promise of a most noble nature . flo. gentlemen , pray give me leave , to understand your language , for this , so much above me , scarce will be , ( when i 'm lesse ignorant ) , worth my thanks , . gent. this is we know pretence of modesty , we must congratulate your triumph . flo. for this time i 'le be content your praises shall abuse me . who are these ? mar.

friends and honorers of your worth .

flo. i see that courtesie is native here , all the reward i can return , must be to speak abroad the noblenesse of venice for so much grace to an unworthy stranger . can.

the duke himselfe .

enter duke , thomazo , senators , malipiero . du. we must resolve to send new forces and speedily , the flame will else endanger venice it self . sen. this town lost will encourage the insulting genowese . du.

thomazo !

tho.

sir .

du. i look when you will ask me leave to traile a pike , and purchase honor in these warrs . tho. i have not been well since i was last let blood , and therefore if you please , i would be excus'd till the next warrs , and then have at 'em ; by that time i shall be a better rapier man . du. this fool is the dishonor of my blood , he declines all that 's noble , and obeyes a base and vulgar appetite , he dwells like a disease within my name , but 't is heavens punishment , what are they ? mari. all strangers , but among them one in whom you may read something worth your grace , an english gentleman . du. he , to whom fame gives the honor of our exercises , nature with such an active heat might have built up my son , but hee 's curst to live a shadow , marino fetches florelli to kiss the dukes hand . welcome sir to venice . tho.

he shall kiss my hand too , i am the dukes son .

flo.

you honor me .

du. thomazo give that gentleman a box 'o th ear . tho. he wo'not take it kindly , he is one � du.

will strike agen , is not that it ?

tho.

i would not use a stranger so discourteously , or else �

du. embrace him then , and make your self worthy of his friendship and converse , you 'l gain more honor then the empty title of your birth can bring yee : but to the great affair ; the war , your counsells . exeunt duke , senatour and marino . tho.

my father bids me embrace you sir .

flo. i shall be proud when i can do you any service . tho. gentlemen , pray know me every one , i am the dukes son , my name's signior thomazo . gent.

you do us too great honor .

mal. we had no object worth our envy sir till you arriv'd , you have at once dishonored , and made our venice fortunate . tho.

malipiero , let 's bid 'em welcome in rich wine .

mal. i attend you sir . this fellow must not live to boast his trophees , he may supplant me too , if he converse too freely with thomazo , whose course wit is all the stock i live by , please you gentlemen to walk . gent.

we follow .

tho. i would not have the way but that you are a stranger . gen.

it becomes you .

ex. omnes .
act. . enter cornari and claudiana , as in the duke garden . cla.

ii have obey'd you sir .

cor. thou hast done well my claudiana , very well , who dare traduce thee for 't ? am i not carefull of thee ? i prethee give me thy opinion who deserv'd best of all the gentlemen ? cla.

i have not art enough to judge .

cor. but thou hast fancie , and a liberall thought , that may bestow thy praise on some or other , tell me if thou hadst been to give the garland , prethee whose head should wear it ? though wee ha not judgement to examine , and prepare our justice ; yet where men contend for any victory , affection may dispose us , and by some secret in nature we do still incline to one , and guard him with our wishes . cla. i hope this is but mirth . cor. by my regard to thy fair honor , nothing else , it shannot rise to a dispute , who ha's the vote to day of all the gentlemen ? i must know . cla. they are to me indifferent . cor. so is my question , but i must have more , it cannot be but some man must deserve more print and poize in thy opinion , speak as thou lov'st me claudiana . cla. sir , your inquisition is not without change of lookes upon me , and those smiles you ask with , are not your own i fear . cor. nay , then you dally , and undoe that obedience , i so much commended . cla.

dear cornari .

cor. yet agen ? the man , tell me the man ? cla.

what man ?

cor. the gentleman that best deserves in thy opinion . i shall be angry : what deny to give me this triviall satisfaction ? the expence of a little breath ? why do you tremble so ? cla. alas , i know not what to answer , this must needs engender fears in my cold bosome , that my poor honor is betrai'd , and i stand in your thoughts suspected of some guilt i never understood , if the report of malice have abus'd me to your ear , ( for by your self i am all innocent ) cor.

what do you mean claudiana ?

cla. sir , your question hath frighted me , 't is strange , and killing to my tender apprehension . cor. y' are a fool to be thus troubled , and but that i know the purity of thy faith to me , this language would make me jealous , 't is an ill dress't passion , and palenesse , that becomes not claudiana to wear upon her modest cheek , i see thy heart sick in thy eyes , be wise , and cure it , my question was but mirth , without the sence of the least scruple in my self , or meaning to discompose one chearfull look . cla.

your pardon .

cor. and you as safely might have answered me . as i had casually ask't the time o' th day ; what dressing you delight in , or what gown you most affect to wear . cla. once more i ask you pardon , you restore me , and i am now secur'd by your clear goodnesse , to give my weak opinion � cor. of the man that did appear in thy thoughts to deserve most honor . cla. you 'l excuse a womans verdict , my voice is for the stranger sir . cor. why so ! you like him best ; what horror was in this poor question now ? you mean the english man ? cla

the same , most gracefull in his parts & person .

cor. 't is well , i 'me satisfied , and we both meet in one opinion too , he is indeed the bravest cavalier , what hurt 's in all this now ? i see you can distinguish , wert thou a virgin claudiana , thou would'st find gentle and easie thoughts to entertain so promising a servant ; i should be taken with him my self , were i a lady , and lov'd a man . cla.

how 's this ? my feares return .

enter bellaura and georgio . cor. madam bellaura the dukes charge is entred the garden , let 's choose another walk . ex. bel. why you are conceited sirra , does wit grow in this garden ? ge. yea , madam while i am in 't , i am a slip my self . bel.

of rosemary or time ?

ge.

of wit sweet madam .

bel.

't is pitty , but thou shouldst be kept with watering ,

ge.

there 's wit in every flower , if you can gather it .

bel. i am of thy mind . but what 's the wit prethee of yonder tulip ? ge.

you may read there the wit of a young courtier .

bel.

what 's that ?

ge. pride , and shew of colours , a fair promising , deare when 't is bought , and quickly comes to nothing . bel.

the wit of that rose ?

ge. if you attempt madam to pluck a rose , i shall find a moral in 't . bel.

no country wit ?

ge. that growes with pot-herbes , and poor roots , which here would be accounted weeds , course things of profit , whose end is kitchin physick , and sound health ; two things not now in fashion . bel. your wit dances . where learn't you all these moralls ? geo. i but glean from my young master giovanni madam , hee 'l run division upon every flower , he ha's a wit able to kill the weeds , and ripen all the fruit in the dukes orchard . bel.

where is giovanni ?

geo. he went betimes to 'th academy , he is at all the exercises , we shall ha such newes when he comes home . bel. why does your master ( being rich ) suffer his son to work i' th garden ? geo. my master ? hee 's an honest mortall man madam , it is my mistriss , that commands him to 't , a shrow , and loves him not , but 't is no matter ; i ha' the better company , hee 's here . enter giovanni . i 'le leave him to you madam , i must now water my plants . exit . bel. why ? how now giovanni , you frequent i hear the academies . gio. when i can dispence madam , with time , and these employments , i intrude a glad spectator at those schooles of wit and action , which although i cannot reach , i am willing to admire , and look at with pitty of my self lost here in darknesse . bel. by this expression i may conceive how much you have improv'd , & gain'd a language courtly , and modest . gio. madam , you are pleas'd to make my uneven frame of words your mirth . i professe nothing but an humble ignorance , and i repent not , if by any way ( my duty and manners safe ) it may delight you . bel. indeed giovanni i am pleas'd , but not with your suspition , that my praises are other then what become my ingenuous meaning , for if i understand , i like your language , but with it i commend your modest spirit . gio. it is an honour madam , much above my youths ambition , but if i possesse a part of any knowledge you have dain'd to allow , it owes it self unto this school . bel.

what school ?

gio. this garden madam , 't is my academy , where gentlemen , and ladies ( as your self , the first and fairest , durst i call you mistris , ) enrich my eare , and observation with harmony of language , which at best i can but coldly imitate . bel. still more courtly ! why how now giovanni , you will be professor shortly in the art of complement , you were best quit the garden , & turn courtier . gio. madam , i think upon the court with reverence , my fate , is to adore it afar off , it is a glorious landschape , which i look at as some men with narrow optick glasses behold the starrs , and wonder at their vast ( though unknown ) habitable worlds of brightness : but were my eye a nearer judge , and i admitted to a clearer knowledge madam of the court life , there i might find the truth of mans best ideas , and enjoy the happinesse , now onely mine by naked speculation , i think how there i should throw off my dust and rise a new creation . bel. the court is much beholding to you giovanni . gio.

it is a duty madam i owe truth .

bel.

a truth in supposition all this while .

gio. i should be sad if any experience should betray an error in my faith , and yet so soft and innocent a trespasse , madam , might well expect a pardon . bel. some that have freely enjoy'd the pleasures , or what else you so advance in court , have at the last been weary , and accus'd their gay condition , nay , chang'd their state for such an humble life as you professe , a gardiner . geo. i despise not what i was born to madam , but i should imagine the disease lay in the mind , not in the courtier , that would throw away so spacious a blessing to be servile . bel. you know not giovanni your own happiness , nor the court sinnes , the pride and surfeits there come not within your circle , there are few pursue those noble tracts your fancy aims at , it is a dangerous sea to launch into , both shelves and rockes you see not , i , & mermaids . gio.

what are they madam ?

bel.

you have heard of mermaides .

gio.

you mean not women i hope madam ?

bel.

yes .

gio. oh do not by so hard an application increase the poets torment , that first made that fabulous story to disgrace your sex , y' are firm , and the fair seal of the great maker , a print next that of angels . bel. we are bound t' ee if our cause want a flourish , you have art to make us shew fair . gio. and you are so , 't is malice dares traduce you ; or blind ignorance that throws her strains , which fall off from your figures , for those which weaker understandings cal your spots , are ermines , and can such as these darlings of heaven , and nature , women , shoot at court an influence like unlucky planets ? they cannot sure , why you live madam there , that are enough to prove all praise , a truth , and by a sweet example make 'em all such as you are objects , of love and wonder , oh then how bles't are they that live at court , with freedome to converse with so much virtue ; as your fair sex embraceth . enter ursula . bel.

here 's your mother .

gio.

shee was too hasty .

vrs. madam i hope you 'l pardon my sons rudeness to hold discourse with your ladiship . bel. 't is a courtesie , and he talkes well to passe away the time , exceeding well , but i must to my guardian the duke � exit . vrs. happinesse attend your ladiship . now sir what are you thinking of ? gio.

your pardon , nothing .

vrs. nay stay , i must talk with you my self , but first what talk had you with my lady ? gio.

she was pleas'd to ask some questions .

vrs.

what were they ?

gio.

i ha' forgot .

vrs. you ha' forgot y' are a leud and sawcy boy , go to , your father spoiles you ; enter roberto . vrs. but if you use me sirra 'o th this fashion i 'le break your pate , i will , the dukes owne sonne ( my blessing upon him ) would not answer me with i ha' forgot , i warrant you , but you � ro.

why , how now vrsula , what ? perpetuall clamours ?

vrs.

oh here 's your stickler .

gio. nothing unkind to me , she was angry with your servant georgio , and threatned to break his head , away � geo.

my head ? come heeles . �

exit . ro. was it but so ? she shall , she shall do that , with all my heart , and i will break it too . vrs.

nay , then i will be friends with him .

ro.

where 's the knave ?

vrs. i wo'not be compell'd to break his head , and you were twenty husbands ; fare you wel . ro.

't is such a wasp , but she shannot wrong thee .

gio. i know she wo'not sir , she is my mother , she comes agen . enter thomazo , malipiero , barnardo and marcello . vrs.

my heart does leap to see you .

ro. the dukes son , and a troop of gallants , but i alwaies have sore eyes to see one there , that signior malipiero , he does owe me already forty crownes , and i forgive him . mal. signior roberto , remember that i owe you forty crowns . ro.

pray , do you forget 'em .

mal.

i never pay till it come to a hundred .

ro. never pay ! it is no matter signior . i were best be gone before he borrow more , it is a trick he uses to put on with his rich clothes , i 'le vanish . exit . mal.

strange this english man appears not ?

vrs.

i was afraid you had been sick my lord .

tho. i was never sick in my life , but when i had a feaver , or some other infirmity . i 'le call thee nurse stil . giovanni . gio.

sir .

tho.

thou lookest like a changling .

gio. the more 's my misfortune . you are the dukes son . exit . tho.

who can help it ? nurse ,

vrs. he was never courteous to women . here 's a gentleman , and they talk of a gentleman , now could i weep for joy . i must take my leave sir . tho.

i must make bold with my nurse .

vrs. blessings upon thy heart , how sweetly he kisses . here was a touch for a lady . exit . tho. go thy waies , an admirable twanging lip , pitty thou art a thought too old : ha wagtaile ! ber.

does he come alone ?

mal. alone , be you resolute when you see me draw , shoot all your points into his heart . ber.

be confident .

mar. unlesse he be steel-proof , he shannot boast abroad much victory in venice . enter florelli , and giovanni . gio.

signior thomazo sir , is there .

flo.

i thank you .

gio.

you pay too much sir for no service .

tho. here he is . we were wagering thou wouldst not keepe thy promise . flo. i durst not make that forfeit of your grace , i most consult my own , when i am carefull to wait upon your honor . mal.

you are noble .

flo.

your humble servant gentlemen .

tho.

where didst supp ?

flo. i was not willing to engage my self abroad , lest i might trespasse on your patience . tho.

what shall 's do this evening ?

mal. walk a turn , and then to a bona roba . ber.

a match .

tho. giovanni ! thy spade , and hold my cloak . mal.

what 's the device ?

tho. i have ' great mind to dig now , do'st think i cannot handle a spade , i 'le make a bed with my gentlemen now for a hundred duccats . mal. 't is a base employment , fit for such a drudge as giovanni . gio.

sir !

mal.

a drudge ? i said , d ee scorne your little dunghill breed ?

gio.

this is not noble .

mal.

how mole-catcher ?

flo.

forbear he is not arm'd .

mal.

you were best be his champion .

tho. are you good at that ? i do not love to wear my doublet pink'd . exit . gio.

three against one ?

giovanni recovers a sword , having first us'd his spade to side with the englishman : bernardo having lost his weapon flies . mal.

hold .

gio. i am no drudg you 'l find to be commanded sir , you painted flies , and onely fit for troutes . flo.

let 's give 'em play , and breath .

mal.

lost our advantage ? is thomazo fled ?

mar. and bernardo , we were best retire , that gardiner will stick me into ground , else for a plant . exit . mal.

expect wee 'l be reveng'd .

exit . gio.

let 's prevent 'm .

flo. they are not worth it giovanni , so i heard you nam'd . gio.

my name is giovanni .

flo. thou hast reliev'd , and sav'd my life , i find their base conspiracie , what shall i pay thy forward rescue ? gio. 't is but what i owe to justice , with the expence of blood and life to prevent treachery , reward i have receiv'd i' th act , if i have done you service . but 't was your innocence that made such hast to your own valour , not my sword preserv'd you . i am young , and never taught to fight . flo. i prethee accept this trifle , buy a sword , and wear it , thou hast deserv'd to thrive a nobler way then thy condition shewes . gio. though some would call this bounty , urge it not to my disgrace , i scorn to sell the motion of my arme ! i fear you are not safe yet , there may be danger in following them , and it grows dark . have patience while i fetch a key , that shall befriend you with a private way . exit . flo. th' art noble , though i am carelesse where the termes of honor engage my life , 't is wisdome not to lose it upon their base revenge , but i must study some other payment for this young mans courage . how ere his body suffer in a cloud , his spirit 's not obscure , but brave , and active . enter cornari and brano's arm'd . cor. if my intelligence faile not , he must be here still . this evening hath put on a vizard to conspire with me , there he walkes , surprize him . they seize upon him , bind his armes and feet , and blind him with a bagg . flo.

villaines , cowards , slaves , my sword .

bra.

if you be lowd , wee 'l strange you .

cor.

dispatch .

bra.

we ha done sir , is he for the river now ?

cor.

no , follow me .

exeunt . enter giovanni . gio. these shew like officers , alas hee 's apprehended on their base complaint , i cannot help ; thy cause and innocence must now befriend thee ! base world ! yet i may injure , the parts abroad ; 't is onely venice is sick with these distempers , then i 'le leave it , and instantly pursue some other fate i' th warrs , it may cure something too within me , that is deny'd all remedy at home , some bodies for their physick , are design'd to change of aire , i 'le try 't upon my mind . ex.
act. . enter malipiero and thomazo . tho.

not this englishman to be found ?

mal. hee 's not above ground where i could suspect him in the city � tho. let him goe , may be his hast topled him into the river , and we may eat his nose in the next haddock . mal.

wherefore did you fly ?

tho.

do'st think 't was fear ?

mal. 't was something like a will , to keep your skin from oilet-holes . tho. i grant you , what had i to do to bring up a fashion ? mal. we might ha' gone a sure and nearer way to ha' kill'd him in a right line with a bullet , but let him goe , so he quit venice any way . tho. hee would spoile our mirth , but i much wonder bernardo is not come yet , whom i sent embassador for money to the merchants . mal. nor marcello , whom i employ'd to the same end , to my most costive uncle for some goldfinches . tho. why should the state have an exchequer , and we want ? mal. for pious uses too , to drink their health ; and see the common-wealth go round in mutuall commerce of mirth and spirit , which phlegme and usury hath almost stifled , sobriety and long gownes spoile the city . 't is we would keep the body politick from stinking , ulcer'd with long obligations , and notaries , which now stuffe the rialto , and poyson honest natures , that would else live freely , and be drunk at their own charge . tho.

i would make new lawes , and i were duke of venice .

mal. we would not sit i' th chimney corner then , and sing like crickets . tho. we would roare like trumpets , and deaf the senators with , give us your monies � mal. their's ? give us our own , their states , their wives , and wardrobes scanderbeg . tho. and their pretty daughters , my valiant turk , who should feed high o' purpose � mal.

to keep the wanton blood in titillations .

tho.

it should be a law , no maid should be in fashion .

mal.

yes let 'em be in fashion , but not hold .

tho.

not after fourteen be it then enacted .

mal. wee would banish all the advocates that refus'd to pimp , and prove it civill law . tho.

no scribe should dare to shew his ears in our dominions

mal. hang 'em , they are labells of the law , and stinke , worse then a fish-shambles in lent . no iew should turn a christian upon perill of a confiscation . tho.

why ?

mal. the slaves are rich , to turn 'em christians were to spoile their conscience , and make 'em hide their mony , 't is lesse evill in state to cherish jewes , then christian usurers . tho.

i will have every citizen a jew then .

mal.

we have built no seraglio yet .

tho. that 's true , what think you of the universities ? would not they serve ? mal. o excellent , they have severall schooles for severall games . tho. and scaffolds for the spectators when we keep our acts . mal. the colledge rents would find the wenches petticoates , and the revenues of a score of abbies wel stript ; would serve to rowl 'em in clean linnen , and keep the toyes in diet . tho. excelsent ! but when we have converted to the use the monasteries , where shall we bestow the fryers , and the thin religious men ? mal. you may keep them with little charge , water is all the blessing their poor thirst requires , and taylors wo'not be troubled for new clothes , a hair shirt will outwear a copy-hold , and warm lives , or if you think 'em troublesome , it is a fair pretence to send 'em to some wild country to plant the faith , and teach the infidells a way to heaven , for which they may be burn't or hang'd , and there 's an end o' th honest men . there be a thousand waies to quiet them . tho. my admirable counsellor , thou shouldst be my supreme officer to see justice done . mal.

you cannot honour men of worth too much .

tho. wee 'l ha the bridges all pull'd down , and made of silver . mal.

drosse ! gold is our orient metall .

enter bernardo .

here is benardo , welcome , where 's the mony ?

ber. not a gazet : the merchants are all sullen , and say you owe too much already . mal. these are dogbolts . 't is time we had new lawes and they wo'not trust . tho. but we must build no golden bridges at this rate with sun-beames . mal. they were best content themselves with honest stone , hard as the heart of your ungodly merchants . tho. prethee let 's leave our dream of frighting sailors , and say , what hope hast thou of getting money for this daies mirth ? mal. some hope there is , if my uncle have but faith enough , to credit what i never mean , thrift and submission , and holy matters ; 't is all the waies are left to cozen him and creep into his nature , i have pawn'd all my religion that i l'e turne fryer . tho. hast pawn'd thy religion , much good do him , let him take the forfeit , so he send thee money � mal. for present use , and howl , and hang himself . i care not � oh � here 's marcello . enter marcello .

did'st speak with him ?

mar.

yes .

mal.

that 's well .

mar.

he doe's commend him to you , and with it this �

mal.

i knew t' would take , his tender conscience

tho.

hast thou prevail'd ?

mar. this halter � he ha's tyed the knot himself , and saies next the philosophers stone , hee knowes not what thing of nobler value to present you : and rather then you should delay for want of a convenient � you know what , you should once more peruse his orchard , there 's one tree he would have bear no other fruit . mal. i thank him . for his fine noose , would i had his neck in 't , the devill should not conjure him from this circle . is this the end of all ? tho.

no , not of all .

mal. i pretheee try how it will hold � d' ee hear let 's lay our heads together . which of you is best acquainted with the turk ? tho.

what turk .

mal. the great and mighty sultan , the grand signior . or have you but a christian correspondence with any of his heathen officers . tho.

what to doe ?

mal.

no rogue that lies purdue here for intelligence ?

ber.

what then ?

mal. i would make a bargaine with him now and sell this city to the pagan instantly . venice is a jewell , a rich pendant ; would hang rarely at the great turkes eare . tho.

no doubt .

mal.

or at one horne of his half moon .

mar.

i think so .

mal. i would betray if i knew how , the state or any thing for half a hundred duccats to make one merry night , though after i were broke upon a wheel , or set upright to peep through a cleft tree like a pole-cat in the high way � no money from the mungrells ? well if i live . i will to amsterdam , and adde another schisme to the two hundred fourscore and odd ; i am resolv'd . tho.

what ?

mal. to cry down all things that hang on wit , truth , or religion . tho. come , thou art passionate , is there no trick ? no lewd device ? let me see ? � i have thought away to raise us my dear tully , a project shall raise us , or i 'le venture � mal.

what ?

tho. my neck for hanging is the end of my device , unlesse i thrive in 't : go to the randevouz , to rosabella's o' the grand cavale , kiss her and call for wines , my bullyrookes , a dish of dainty fidlers to curvet too , and drink a health that i may prosper , tumble and shake the house , i 'le fetch you off . mal.

but signior �

tho. no more words , cannot you be gone , be drunk , and leave me to the reckoning , i 'le return with indian spoiles like alexander . exit . mal. spoken like a true macedonian , we are gone . he 's right , and may in time , and our good breeding be brought to something , may deserve the gallies . follow your leaders mirmidons . both .

we attend .

exeunt . enter giovanni and georgio . ge. but will you venture signior giovanni your body to the warrs indeed ? gio.

i mean so .

ge. and leave me to be lost , or thrown away among the weeds here ! gio.

try thy fortune wo 'me .

ge. yes , and come hopping home upon one legg . will all my pay then buy a handsome halter to hang my arm in , if it be but maim'd , yet i endure a battail every day , my mistris hath a mouth carries whole cannon ; and if you took that engine to the warrs , you would find it do rare service . gio.

what ?

ge. her tongue ; make her but angry , and you 'l need no more artillery to scoure them with a breach . what spoile her breath would make in a market place ? gio. be lesse satyricall ; i must not hear this , she is my mother . geo. she is my mistris , and that 's worse , but i 'me resolv'd , i 'le to the warrs w' e , do not tell her on 't , my prentiship is worse then killing there . my hand , i 'le w' ee . gio. in the mean time buy yee a sword , and belt , and what is fit . gives him money . ge. no more , i 'le be a souldier ; and kill according to my pay , this will suffice to vamp my body , i may rise if i grow rich in valour , that will do 't , mony and a tilting feather make a captain . exit . gio. there is no other way to quiet the afflictions here , beside 't is honorable , and warre a glorious mistris . enter bellaura , and roberto .

't is bellaura and my father .

bel. i know madam you may break his resolution , if you be pleas'd , you may command ; hee 's here . bel.

i 'le try my skill .

ro. blessings attend your ladiship . i 'le waite for the successe . exit . bel. how now giovanni , what with a sword , you were not us'd to appeare thus arm'd , your weapon is a spade i take it . gio. it did become my late profession madam ; but i am chang'd . bel.

not to a souldier .

gio. it is a title madam will much grace me , and with the best collection of my thoughts i have ambition to the warre . be.

you have ?

gio. oh 't is a brave profession , and rewards all losse wee meet with double weight in glory , a calling princes stil are proud to own , and some do willingly forget their crownes to be commanded , 't is the spring of all we here entitle fame to , emperors and all degrees of honors , owing all their names to this imployment , in her vast and circular embraces holding kings , and making them ; and yet so kind as not to exclude such private things as i , who may learn and commence in her great arts . my life hath been too uselesse to my self and country , 't is time i should imploy it to deserve a name within their registry , that bring the wealth , the harvest home of well bought honor . bel. it is an active time i must confesse , and the unhappy scene of war too nere us but that it should enflame you on the suddain to leave a calm , and secure life , is more then commonly it workes on men of your birth , and condition , besides i hear your father is not willing you should leave him , to engage your self in such apparent danger . here you will forfeit your obedience unlesse you stay . gio. i cannot despair madam of his consent , and if by my own strength of reason i incline him not , it was in my ambition to addresse my humble suite to your ladiship to gain it for me , at worst it is no breach of duty madam , if i preferre my country and her cause now bleeding , before any formall ties of nature to a soft indulgent father . for danger , let pale soules consider it , it is beneath my fears . bel. yet i can see through all this resolution iovanni ? 't is somthing else hath wrought this violent chang , pray let me be of counsel with your thoughts , and know the serious motive , come be clear , i am no enemy , and can assist where i allow the cause . gio. you may be angry madam , and chide it as a sawcy pride in me to name , or look at honor , nor can i but know what small addition is my unskilfull arme to aide a country . bel. i may therefore justly suspect , there is something of other force that moves you to the warrs , enlarge my knowledge with the secret . gio. at this command i open my heart , madam , i must confesse there is another cause which i dare not in obedience obscure , since you will call it forth , and yet i know you will laugh at me . bel. it would ill become my breeding giovanni . gio. then , know madam , i 'me in love . bel.

in love with whom ?

gio. with one i dare not name , shee 's so much above my birth and fortunes . bel. i commend your flight , but does she know it ? gio. i durst never appear with so much boldnesse to discover my hearts so great ambition , 't is here still , a strange and busie guest . bel. and you think absence may cure this wound . gio.

or death .

bel. i may presume , you think shee 's fair . gio. i dare as soon question your beauty madam , the onely ornament , and starre of venice , pardon the bold comparison , yet there is something in you resembles my great mistris she blushes � such very beames dispearseth her bright eye powerfull to restore decrepit nature , but when she frownes , and changes from her sweet aspect ( as in my fears i see you now offended at my boldnesse ) she does blast poor giovanni thus , and thus i wither at heart , and wish my self a thing lost in my own forgotten dust , but it 's not possible at last ( if any starres blesse but high thoughts ) by some desert in war , and deeds of honor . ) ( for mean as i , have rais'd themselves to empire ) that she without a blush to stain her cheek may own me for a servant � i am lost in wandring apprehensions . bel. poor giovanni , i pitty thee , but cannot cure � i like thy aspiring thoughts , and to this last of love , allow the warrs a noble remedy . enter roberto and ursula . i have argu'd against your sonns resolve , but find his reasons overcome my weak dispute . and i must counsell you to allow 'em too . urs.

nay , i was never much against it madam .

ro. she loves him not , but does your ladiship think fitting , he should go ? bel. yes , yes 't is honorable ; and to encourage his forward spirit , the generall is my kinsman giovanni , what favours he can do you , you shall have my letters to entreat , and at my charge you shall be furnish'd like a gentleman , attend me at my lodgings . gio. you bind all my services ; why this will make a shew yet . ro.

nay , then take my consent and blessing too .

urs.

and mine : the duke .

exeunt . enter duke and marino . du.

bellaura , i must speak to you .

bel.

i attend .

du. you have my purpose , and return me clearly how he bestowes himself , and what society withdrawes him from his duty thus . mar. i shall with my best care . du. i fear that malipiero , [ with bellaura ] but let me find your diligence : bellaura . exit . the scene adorn'd with pictures amongst the rest claudiana's enter bravos with the englishman , they unbind him and exeunt . flo. i am all wonder : shall i trust my sences . a fair and pleasant gallery ; was i surpriz'd for this ? or doe i dream , i did expect the end of my conveyance should have been more fatal , no tract appears , or signe of those that brought me , the place is rich in ornament , sure these are pictures , all things silent as the images , and yet these speak , some do inhabit here , this room was not ordain'd onely for air and shadowes , 't is some flattering prologue to my death , some plot to second the affront of malipiero with more scorne to ruine me . enter cornari with a case of pistolls .

what art ?

cor.

a friend .

flo. that posture and presentment promise no great assurance , yet there 's something within that noble frame would tempt me to believe thou art . cor.

what ?

flo. a black murderer . point not thy horrid messengers of death upon a man disarm'd , my bosome is no proof against those fiery executioners . how came i to deserve from thee unknown so black a purpose , as thy lookes present me ? i never saw thy face , nor am i conscious of any act , in whose revenge , thou hast put on this horror , let me know my guilt before i die , although i never liv'd at that poor rate to fear a noble death ; yet unprepar'd , and thus to die , doth something stagger my soul , and weaken my resolve to meet thy execution , thou hast too good a face to be a mercenary cut-throat , and malipiero would become the hangmans office better . cor. you believe then , how easily i can command your destine , i have no plot with any malipiero , and thus remove thy fears he carries in the pistolls and returnes . flo.

is he gone ?

cor. y' are still within my power , but call your selfe my guest , not prisoner , and if you be not dangerous to your self nothing is meant but safety here and honor . flo. this does amaze me more ; but do italians compell men to receive their courtesies ? cor. i must not give you reasons ; yet for your surprize , you may receive a timely knowledge and not repent . i am a gentleman , and by that name secure thee , if you can fancie a peace with this restraint , 't is none but something that may please you above freedom , if your unruly thoughts tempt a resistance , death is let in , at every thing you look at . flo. i 'le leave my wonder and believe , what now must i obey ? cor.

first walk away your fright .

flo.

't is off .

cor.

how do you like this gallery ?

flo.

't is very handsome .

cor.

and these pictures .

flo.

wel .

cor.

your eyes are yet too carelesse , pray examine 'em .

flo.

they cannot answer .

cor.

now your opinion .

flo.

very good faces .

cor. have your eyes ever met with a substance that might reflect on any of these shadowes sir in venice ? flo.

never .

cor. look a little better , is there nothing of more then common curiosity , in any of these beauties . flo. i have seen fair ones , what should this mean ? cor. but pray tel me , of these ( which some have prais'd for handsomness ) which doth affect you most ? i guesse you have by frequent view , and the converse with ladies ariv'd at excellent judgement : flo. i did not expect this dialogue , yet i 'le be free , i profess stranger to 'em all , but this [ pointing to claudiana ] i should elect the fairest and most worthy a masculine embrace . i build upon the promise of your honour , i should else be nice in my opinion . cor. you are just , and i prefer that too , what will you say to call that lady mistris , and enjoy her ? shee 's noble to my knowledge , but enough at this time . i must pray your kind excuse if ( whilst ) you walk into this room opening the hanging . flo.

a fair one .

cor. which is design'd your lodging , i become your jailour , and make sure this gallery til my return ; be constant to your temper , there shall be nothing wanting to procure you safe , and pleasant hours . flo. distrust falles off . i will expect to find you noble , though my faith bind not to all , and enter . exit . cor. so . i tread a maze too , but must not resign my office , till i perfect my design exit . enter malipiero with rosabella dancing , [ dance ] bernardo , marcello . ber.

active malipiero .

mar. excellent they move as they had nothing else but soul . mal. so , drink , we are not merry , here 's a health to my hen sparrow . mar.

let it walk round .

ber.

what rosabella's health ? before the states �

mal. hang states , and commonwealths we will be emperors ; and laugh , and drink away whole provinces . shall we not dydapper ? ro. what you please , but will signior thomazo be here presently , and bring � mal. the golden fleece , thou lady guinever , and he shall mount thy little modesty , and ride like agamemnon , and shall pay for 't , while we , like valiant greekes in lusty wine , drench the remembrance that we are mortall , more wine , my everlasting marmoset . ber. brave malipiero still ! our grand signiors health , [ drinkes ] signior thomazo . mal. let it come squirrells , and then a song my pretty rosabella , which of the senators were here last night to court thee with a draught of dissolv'd pearle ? be supple to thy friends , and let thy men of state , who hide their warp't leggs in long gowns , and keep their wisdom warm in furrs like agues , most grave and serious follies , wait , and want the knowledge of thy fidle , my dear dowsabel . ro. what hath advanc'd your brain thus malipiero ? you were not wont to talk at such a height , there is some mighty fortune dropping , is your uncle sick , whose heir you hope to be ? mal. hang uncles , there 's a damp in 's very name . wine , or i sink , � so now thy song , come sit .

rosabella sings .

enter thomazo with marino .

tho.

nay you shall enter , gentlemen , my friend , salute him , malipiero , he is one may do us service .

mar.

sir ! i 'le take my leave .

tho. that were a jest , you shall stay by this hand , who ha's the wine , drink to my noble friend , whilst i embrace my queen of carthage . ro.

welcome .

mal.

i have seen this gentleman wait nere your father .

tho. right in his bedchamber , a sober coxcombe , we met by chance , let 's make him drunk , i have the brave devices here boy . mal. good : y' are welcome , fill me a tun of wine . mari.

how signior !

mal.

it is too too little for a friend .

mari.

they 'l drown me , here 's a pretious knot

tho. i hugge thee cleopatra , gentlemen , am not i behind half a score glasses , fil , come charge me home , i 'le take it here he takes the bottle . mari. what will become of me ? they mean to drench me for the sullens , i am like to have a very fine time , and employment here . tho.

but ha' you nere a banquet ?

ros.

't is preparing .

tho. let it be as rich as the egyptian queen made for mark anthony ; in the mean time what limb of wantonnesse have you ready for my noble friend here , get him a fine flesh saddle , or where 's thy mother , now i think upon 't , he loves to ride upon a pad . mari.

not i sir .

mal. oh by all meanes signior . he shall go to the price of any ladyware . mari. who i ? alas my tilting daies are done , nay , nay , then i 'le drink w' ee gentlemen , but i cannot tumble tho.

why then here 's to thee .

mari. no lady ware for me sweet mistris , i blush to say i cannot mount at this time . would i were off agen , polecats for me ? tho.

now gentlemen wipe your eyes

shewes a cabinet . mari.

a cabinet of rich jewels .

tho. and how , and how shew things ? is 't fit we want to revell , while my father ha's these toyes idle , we grope in the dark and lose our way , while such bright starres as these may light us to a wench ? mari. there is no conscience in 't . but what shall we do with 'em ? there 's a lustre hath struck me into a flame . mal. drink half , and tumble out the rest in featherbeds . tho.

where 's rosabella , to lend money ?

mari. stay , sir , she never can disburse to half their valew , beside i know their slie and costive natures . i am acquainted with a jew , are we all faithfull ? are there no traitors here ? i am acquainted with a jew shal furnish you to purpose , & transport these , where they shannot betray from whence they came : trust her ? 't is dangerous , besides the scanting of your mirth , by a penurious son , give me the cabinet � y' are sure all these are friends , & will say nothing ? tho.

i warrant thee ; what luck had i to meet him .

mal.

will you trust him ?

tho.

hee 's one of us , make hast , a mighty summe .

mari.

i 'le bring a storme of duccats instantly .

exit . tho.

so , so to 'th wine agen .

mal. you need not spend the total here , i have use for forty of those duccats . tho.

s'hat have fifty .

mal. these gentlemen are out of figleaves too . some fresher robes would shew well . tho. they shall have new skins my holofernes . mal.

i 'le have half .

b. m.

a match .

mal.

wine , to our generalissimo .

tho. that 's i , i understand the metaphor . it shall have law , oh for some trumpets now . mal. tantarra rara boyes , outrore the winds and drink the sun into eclipse , hang miching , but where 's my wanton pinnace ? ber. boorded by . some man of war by this time . mar.

she is spoon'd away .

mal. my top and top gallant gone ? ha ! are there pirates upon these goasts ; give fire upon the water-rats , and shoot pell mell , fight as a whirlewind flinges , disordering all , what man of menaces dare look awry upon my cattamountaine ? tho.

not i : now hee 's got rampant , hee l kill some body .

ber. you must not be affrighted , to'ther lift and be a giant eke , and talk of terrors with words olympus high . tho.

will that do 't ?

ber.

oh sir .

tho.

give me the bottle then ?

mal. suppose thou wert my uncle now , come hither , hold thy head fair , that i may whip it off . mar. mine's nothing like , bernardo has been taken for your uncle signior . mal. how dare you be like the rogue my uncle sirra ? ber. i sir ? 't is signior thomazo that he means , and see for very fear his head fales off thomazo was drinking and here sets down the bottle . mal. reach it me , i 'le drink a health , then in his skull . tho. who talkes of me , who dares mention a thought of me ? where be the dainty duccats ? enter marino . mari. the moneie 's coming sir , six men are laden , and will be here immediately . mal. thou shalt drink a health , kneel venerable sir . tho. be humble , thou man of malligo , or thou dyest mari.

i do sir .

[ kneeles ] mal.

to the town , a fire .

mar.

what d ee mean signior .

tho.

he has a very good meaning , never doubt it .

mal. that you shall pledge , or forfeit your sconce to me , none shall have the honor to pledge this health , but this whay bearded signior . tho.

now do my braines tumble , tumble , tumble �

mal. give it him , and drink it with devotion as i did . tho. i long to see these double , double � hickets but where 's the cockatrice , this whirligigge ? is my head fast ? mar.

the scrue is firm , suspect not .

mari.

i dare not pray nor ask forgivenesse here .

tho.

do not my braines now turn upon the toe .

mal do you hear my doughty signior thomazo , wouldst you kil the duke , your graceless father now ? tho.

yes marry will i .

mal. you sha'l let him into the chamber one night , where he shall strangle him . tho.

or i can play upon his windpipe rarely .

mal. wee 'l see ( d' ee mark ) some corner of the palace a fire , at the same time , and in that hurry break into the treasury , take what we think fit , and steal away by sea into another country . mari.

most admirably contriv'd ; the men are come .

enter officers . tho.

hey , the money boyes ?

mari.

disarme the traitors .

mal.

plots , ambuscadoes , are these your jew tricks .

mari. i 'l wait til you have slept away your surfeit , here in the house . tho.

which is the jew of all these ?

mal.

we are cheated by a court-nap .

tho.

my friend , are you the jew ? where be the jewells .

mari. truth is , i have sent the jewels to your father , and he will lend no money . tho.

no money ?

mal.

but must we go to prison ?

tho.

i 'le to prison with e'm spight o' your teeth .

mari.

not , till you have slept , this way .

exit . with tho. enter rosabella . ro.

the banquet 's ready gentlemen .

mal. a rescue . we are snatch'd up for traitors , we are betraid , and going to prison . ro.

who paies for the wine and banquet ?

mal. why any living body , that has a scruple in 's conscience , for the losse of thy dear comfits , and carrawaies , away , lead me ye rogues . i 'le not march else , and let us make a shew , my fine officious rascalls , on afore , i follow in fit state , so farewell firelock . ros.

i shall be undone .

mal. undoing is thy trade , march on i say . exeunt .
act. . enter cornari , after him claudiana . clau.

your pleasure sir ; you did command my presence .

cor. are you come ? you and i must not be interrupted claudiana . claud.

why do you shut your chamber ?

cor. wee must be private . how does my life ? clau.

well sir , if you be so .

cor.

i have a sute to thee , my best caudiana .

clau.

to me ? it must be granted .

cor. that 's well said , but 't is a businesse ( sweet ) of mighty consequence , more pretious then my life . cla. goodnesse forbid i should not give obedience to the least of your commands , but when your life requires my service , i should chide my heart , and thoughts unlesse they put on wings to shew their duty . cor.

nay , 't is a businesse sweet will speak thy love .

cor. thou knowest how many years since the priest tyed our holy knot , with what religious flowing of chast and noble love our hearts have met , how many blessings have i summ'd in thee , and but in thee , for unto this , heaven gave not ( that which indeed doth crown all marriage , ) children , thou hast been fruitfull claudiana in all that 's good , but onely fruitfulnesse ; and when i think who in my want of that great blessing of thy womb , must be my heir , a base and impious villain , to possesse and riot in my spacious fortunes , i forget that other happinesse in thy person , and let in a vexation to consume me . cla. i know not what to fear , it is heavens will and not my fault . cor. oh no , the fault is mine , all mine claudiana , for thou art not barren 't is i , a man prodigious and mulcted by nature , without faculty of man to make our marriage happy , and preserve this fair ; this lovely figure , be at peace and let me blush , a thing not worth the love of such a bounteous sweetnesse . [ kneeles ] cla. let me fall beneath that which sustaines me , ere i take in a beleef , that will destroy my peace , not in the apprehension of what you frame to accuse your self , but in fear my honour is betraid to your suspition ; oh kill me sir , before i lose your thought , your noble thought . cor. rise , with thy tears i kisse away thy tremblings ; i suspect thy honor ? my heart will want faith to believe an angel , that should traduce thy fair name , thou art chast as the white down of heaven , whose feathers play upon the wings of a cold winters gale , trembling with fear to touch the impurer earth . how are the roses frighted in thy cheekes to palenesse , weeping out of transparent dew : when a loose story is but nam'd ? thou art the miracle of a chast wife , from which fair originall , drawn out by heavens own hand , to have had one copie , i had write perfection to all my wishes here , but 't is denyed me , nor do i mock thee with a fable , while i miserably complain , convinc'd , and lost in my own masculine defect ; but yet i love thee claudiana , dost not think so ? and after so much injury , i bring not my repentance onely , but a just and noble satisfaction . cla. you oppresse my sences with the weight of new amazement . cor. i must be clear , thou must embrace another � another in my bed , whom from the world i have made choice to know thee , be not frighted this way is left , and this alone to recompence my want , and make both happy . cla. i embrace another in your bed ? cor. dost think i would attempt , or wish thee to 't , without a care in every circumstance to both our fames ? cla. fame ? are you master of your reason ? dare you provoke heaven thus ? cor. heaven onely shall be witnesse , whose secrefie i 'le trust , but not anothers . beside the principall agent , to get heaven . cla.

y' are no italian sure .

cor. yes , and thy husband , a just one to thy memory , that would cancell his faith , rather then be a strict idolater of words , and severe lawes , to the destroying of so sweet a figure ; i would not have thee flye like birds i' th aire , or shippes that leave no tract , to say here was , so rich a blessing , rather like a plant should root , and grow , and bloom , & bear for ever . cla.

i 'me lost for ever .

cor. be wise and meet my wishes , 't is my love that hath 'orecome all nice considerings to do thee justice . nor will i intrude upon thy bosome one shall be unwelcome , hee 's honorably born , of comely person , but has a soule addes glory to 'em both , a boy from him , born to my name and fortunes leaves not another wealth to my ambition . to raise thy free consent my claudiana , 't is he , whom thou dost think worth thy owne praise , the gentleman victorious for his parts , so late in venice , the english cavalier . cla.

i am undone .

cor. to be short , i have surpriz'd his person for this use , he hath been many daies an obscure guest within the lodgings next the garden , for i must confesse i have had struglings in my nature , and have sate in councell 'gainst my selfe sometime , touching this great affair , but i have answer'd every thing oppos'd it , and took this time to acquaint thee . cla.

good sir kill me .

cor. i will , and him too , if ye mingle not and make the project as i cast it , be not obstinate , why , he shall nere discover who thou act , if thou be faithfull to thy self , thou maist pretend thy self some pleasant bona roba . dr take what name , and shape thou wilt . cla. there 's none can hide my shame , or wash the stain away : cor. what shame or stain is in 't when it is kept a secret darker then the book of destinie from mankind ? cla. am i practis'd in those arts ? of sin that he should take me for a curtesan ? nay , rather let me be known your wife , it will oblige him more to use me well , and thank your loving paines that brought me to him . if i must be a whore , and you a � cor.

stay , and i a � what ? i bleed within me .

cla. this key will make the chamber free , i follow . consider sir , i 'me else undone for ever ex. cor. why if he know me for her husband , 't is without a name , i can secure my honor , and send him quickly to eternall silence . i 'me resolv'd they must obey , proceed , a little blood will wash away this deed . ex. enter duke , senators , attendants , letters upon a table . duke our city drooping with the wounds so late receiv'd , is now to study with what joyes to entertain so great a victory . treuiso is return'd to our obedience , almost without a losse , how many fell on the adverse part , those papers signifie , and must enlarge our tryumph : but is 't not strange what our generall writes of giovanni , whose spirit he admires , and forward valour , referring to his bold attempt , our conquest , that he advanc'd his head and sword first on the enemies walls , which inflam'd our army to second him with courage , and that after with his own hands he slew their generall , whose fall shot death and trembling through their army . can.

where is giovanni ?

du. he is by direction of our generall now marching hither , to his onely conduct . the captives are remitted , and his act by us to be considered , but we have sent order for the placing of his prisoners securely , and commanded he should here attend our pleasure gan.

the young gardiner ?

du. the same , whose early valour takes away the prejudice of humble birth , and ought to be encourag'd nobly . can.

't is but justice .

enter marino . is 't possible the gardiners son should so behave himself in war , he will deserve some honor for 't . du. why may not our power dispence , and though his low condition by our rule exempt him ( for his gallant service done ) now create him gentleman of venice , with a noble pension from our treasury to bear his title up ? can. we give it strangers , whose birth we not examine , he deserves it . du. let him receive no favour for his relation to me , but take his place and punishment with the rest , away i cast him from my thought . exit marino . can. why comes not our generall himself ? du. reasons of war may yet compell his stay , hee 's to repair some breaches which our souldiers made , & wisely by some new fortification , secure the town if the enemy should reinforce . att.

signior giovanni waites .

enter mar. du. hath he dispos'd by our direction those prisoners were sent by our generall ? atten.

he hath and please your excellencie .

du.

admit him .

enter giovanni plum'd and brave georgio his servant gio.

all health and honor to the duke and senate .

du. we thank thee giovanni , and will spare your trouble to ' relate what we have gain'd i' th war ; our general writes how much our venice doth owe to you , whose maiden yet bold valour , hath wrought our safety , and supprest the late insolent genowese . gio. your bounty makes that mine , which i want merit sir to challenge , but if my will to serve my country ( for beside that name and warm desires , i dare call nothing mine ) y' are pleas'd to accept and cherish a young mans duty , you will teach me in the next employment to deserve indeed . till when , you lose not , to have built upon this humble pile , a monument of your goodnesse , to tell the world , although misplac'd on me , you love a growing vertue . du. this giovanni ? his words tast more of courtier then the garden . to shew we understand , and to that knowledge have will to recompence the desert , giovanni the senate bidds you ask , what in your power your thought can aim at , to reward your service , and you shall soon possesse it . geo. ask , ask quickly , a hundred thousand double double duccats . 't wil serve us both , do 't , beggars must be impudent . gio. now you destroy what else might live to serve you , this grace will make me nothing , when i call my airy worth to ballance , keep those glorious rewards for men borne , and brought up in honor ? that may be great and able columnes to your ever envyed state ; alas i rise like a thin reede beneath this common-wealth , whose weight , an atlas must sustain like heaven , this favour is too mighty , and if you command me , ask a just reward , 't is nothing . geo. you had as good ha said nothing , i blush for you , you know many souldiers so modest , to refuse pay , or preferment ? they cannot have it sometimes , after many petitions to the state , and now their mindes are soluble and apt to powre out favours , you to be so maidenly � gio. may i credit with pardon of your wisdomes , that you mean to encourage thus the low born giovanni ? geo. now he makes question of their honesty too , oh simple souldier . du. we look not at thy root , but at thy blossom , and as a preserver of our country we offer up a gratitude , consult with thy best judgement , ( though beside this act of his abroad ) i can give no account [ aside ] why i should love this young man , or prefer him , i know not by what mystery , i have had thoughts to wish him more then common fortune , and this occasion of his merit offered . i will pursue . geo. do as i counsell you , and remember , i have left my fortunes , and my trade to serve you . gio. call it not pride if i be willing to believe your excellence , that i have done somthing your goodnesse prompts you to reward , and the grave senate , i have thought . du.

be free .

geo.

now do i expect to be half a senator at least .

gio. and since you raise my act to such a merit , i will not ask a thing too much beneath it . geo.

well said vannij .

gio. and shame your bounty ; yet i may fear you will not grant � geo.

agen ?

du.

name it with confidence .

gio.

i look at no reward of gold .

geo.

how 's that ? hee 's out on 's part .

gio. i know not , by what fate i contemn it , nor at titles of honor , or command , or what can trench on state or wealth . geo. i thank yee heartily , i must to dig agen . gio. employ such gifts , to pay some slight , and mercenary soules , that make their end of good , reward , and not it selfe , but since you have impos'd i should make choyce of somwhat know my ambition aims � du.

at what ?

gio. it is too great a happinesse , but i now consider i have pratled to the wind , what i desire is not within your power , and what you may command , not in my wishes , for i would ask bellaura : can you make me fit for such a blessing ? no , you cannot , unlesse i were unborn , and should agen come forth , not giovanni , but the son of some bright name , and this world-taking honor . du.

bellaura ? strange request .

enter marino and bellaura . mar. madam i dare not be seen , if you prevail , i shall attend , and put his mercy into act . exit . du.

shee 's here .

bel.

i have a suit to your highnesse .

du.

me bellaura ?

bel. about your son , whom men to your dishonor lead like some base offender . du. i must speak the cause into your ear . [ whispers to her ] gio. i was too blame to mention her so publick , but my heart grew sick with silence , and their proposition to ask what i desir'd most , prevail'd against my reason : du. leave him to me , bellaura . do you observe that gentleman ? bel 't is giovanni . he does become the souldier . du. he has done wonders abroad , and quit our gratitude , to be onely by you rewarded , can you love him ? bel.

i understand you not .

du.

and marry him ?

bel. how have i lost my self , since i became your charge , a legacie bequeath'd your care by my dead father , the late duke of venice , that you should think i can descend with such forgetfullnesse of my self , my birth or fortunes to place my love on one so poorly born . du. you blush . bel . 't is anger in my blood to hear him nam'd . [ to giovanni ] you pay me coursely for my charity . learn modesty hereafter to be gratefull . i ha done we 'e sir exit . geo. do you heer the tit ? be wise , and look at ready money , 't is a better commodity then any lady in christendom ; gio. pray dismiss , and pardon giovanni . i am satisfied . for your own honor let not my ambition be told abroad , i 'le check and punish my aspiring thoughts hereafter . du. you have leave , come gentlemen , he is in love . du.

i pitty him .

exit . duke and senator . geo.

what shall become of us now by your folly ?

gio. wee 'l to the garden george , and there begin another grouth , for what we have's despis'd . geo.

i knew i should return to my dear dunghill .

gio. i prethee see the armour which bellaura bestow'd on me , brought home . geo. your armour ? yes we might have worn soft natur'd silk , and you had been rul'd by me , a pox of love for my part , 't is good for nothing , but to make things dear . gio. i 'le be reveng'd upon my starrs , that made me poor , and dye forgotten in my shade ex. a table prepar'd , two tapers . enter florelli . flo. i find no great devotion in this monastick life , the maior domo promis'd a mistris here of that complexion , but i like not this solitude , and tedious expectations , i shall nere do things handsomly , give me freedome and fair play , and turn me to a harpy , but to be thus compell'd to an imbrace ( for that 's the meaning of my slie signior , if it be not worse ) fed high to encounter with an amazon , i know not ? t is not well , nor conscionable in my opinion : i hear some busie about the lock . enter cornari . my jaylor ? what now fellowes ? sir , if i must ha my throat cut , as much better i do not hope , though i deserve not that bounty from your hands , i live so dully , i would request you set a time , and 't be a day or two , to pray and think of matters , and then turn me loose to the other world ! cor.

read that .

[ gives him a paper ] he shannot see my blushes , i must pitty thee claudiana , but my stubborn fate will have it so , it is to make thee live although we both must suffer , and i like a father thus , whose child at play upon a rivers bank , is faln into the stream , leap in , and hazard all to save a little , but i must on exit . flo. amazement circles me , such wonders are not read in every marriage , what shall i doe ? madnesse to question it . i must resolve or die ? since there 's no help , t is something if she be but like that face to comfort my proceeding . enter cornari leading his wife veild . cor. behold , and take as lent this treasure from me , i must expect it back agen with interest . locks the door and ex. flo. the dore is fast agen , here is a president for husbands that want heirs to their estate . a goodly person . please you lady , to unveil ; a rich and most inviting beauty . [ she unveils ] i am all flame , shall i take boldnesse , after my duty paid your white hand , to aspire and touch your lip � now could i wish to dwell here . [ he kisses ] can you read lady ? she takes the paper & turns . she turnes away her face . i hope my signior has taken paines to bring her to the businesse , and not left me to break her : can she speak ? those lines ( i know not how you like 'em madam ) were none of my invention , the character , i guesse to be your husbands . i am here a prisoner to his will , to which unlesse you give obedience , i have took leave of day for ever , destin'd by his vow to an eternall shade . exit claudiana . she leads the way ; conscience be calme , no grumblings now of piety .
act. . giovanni . the pieces of armour hung upon severall trees roberto , ursula . gio. these were the excellent bellaura's gift , of no use now to me , but to keep fresh the memory of my dreams and that i lov'd her . i see how passion did blind my reason , and my prodigious hopes vanish'd to air have left me to contemplate my own vanity . ro. i know not , but if i may credit georgio that did wait on thee to the senate , thou hast lost an opportunity , that might have made us all clarissimo's giovanni . i might have kept my reverend mules , and had my crupper worshipped by the plebeians , and ursula here been madam heaven knowes what , and did you wisely to refuse ? ur. nay , nay i know he was not born to do us good , not stoop to take preferment from the duke and senate ? ro.

well , 't was his modesty .

ur.

he learn't it not from me .

ro.

no more �

ur. you wil be alwaies taking his part against me , but i know , what i know , and that 's a secret , here comes the t'other dunderhead . enter georgio . geo. the armour is hung up already , this we must all come to . ro.

what to the gibet georgio ?

pointing to the helmet . geo. master look here . if you had but this hole to put your head in , it would be a great preservative to your hearing , and keep out all the noise , of my dames culvering , within this fortification well lock'd up . you would think her loudest scolding a meer whisper . urs.

what 's that you talk of your dame sirra ?

geo.

oh dame , i have newes for you .

urs

for me ? what is 't ? whom does your new's concern ?

geo.

one that you love with all your heart .

ro.

who is 't knave ?

geo. knave ? call your word in , and eat it , i 'le advise , you may fare worse : you do not hear the news then ? urs.

i shall when you 'l find utterance .

geo. the newes � we are all of one religion ? ro.

out with it .

ge.

every thing is not to be talk'd on .

ro.

so it seems by your concealment .

urs.

shall we hear it ?

geo.

yes ? signior thomazo �

urs.

what of him ?

geo.

there 's a gentleman , and you talk of a gentleman .

urs.

what of thomazo ? now am i longing .

geo.

i heard , as i came hither �

vrs.

what ?

ro.

let us hear too .

urs.

what ? be brief .

geo.

that he is to lose his head mistriss �

urs.

now a thousand blisters upon that tongue .

geo. but you do not know for what , mistrisse there 's it , you are so angry still at half a businesse . urs.

for what is he to suffer ? oh my heart !

geo.

for nothing but high treason .

ro.

how ?

geo.

you ha'not patience , to hear a story out .

ro

high treason said he ? that 's a shrewd business .

urs.

thomazo lose his head ?

ro.

so it seems .

urs.

better thy generation were headlesse .

geo. i told you but in good will , because i knew you lov'd him . i ha done . exit . urs. passion o my dear heart ! i 'le to the duke my self , and beg his pardon . ro. you 'l make your self a party in the treason , will you ? you 'l beg his pardon , you 'l beg a halter , and sooner 't will be granted . urs. giovanni , sweet giovanni , there 's a sunshine word , deere child go with us . ro. us ? dost think i 'le goe and run my head into the hempe ? vrs. best hony-suckle ! one word ohine will strike the pardon dead . gio.

i de rather go a pilgrimage .

urs. thou shalt go a pilgrimage , another time to the worlds end , i charge thee on my blessing , and husband you must go too . ro. no , no not i . i thank you ursula , i 'le not have my foot nor hand in any treason . urs. is it so much to kneel ? you shall say nothing . unlesse you please , leave all the talk to me , ro.

i wo'not go , though the duke send for me .

urs.

how ? that 's a piece a treason .

ro. so , if i go not , shee 'l betray me too ; well giovanni shall go too , where is he ? vrs. let me alone to conjure him . shall we go presently , delaies are dangerous . the rascall george is gone too , all forsake me in my distresse . ro. what will you say vrsula , when you come there ; what will the dukes think on you ? or who shall suffer for your impudence ? and what ? that is considerable , i have no mind to go agen . vrs. then i 'le spoile the garden , break up the hedges , and deface the works your darling giovanni made ; i 'le let in a regiment of swine , and all their officers to undermine the castle he made last , and fortified with cannon , though i dye for 't . ro. more treason , well i will go , but i hope you wo'not trudge this evening , if we must resolve upon 't , let us do things discreetly . vrs. that was well said , nay , i am for discretion for all my hast . ro. i think it most convenient to wait his businesse , coming forth his chamber to morrow morning vrsula , and then let good natures work , to nights no time , we must consult our pillowes ; what to say ; and how to place our words . vrs. now 't is my best pigeon , let 's home instantly . ro. a sober pace goes far , not too fast vrsula , remembring the proverb , and what followes ; we should march slow to save me from the gallows . exit . enter cornari with a pistoll and a rapier . florelli . cor.

you have had your time of pleasure , can you pray ?

flo.

pray , what do you mean signior .

cor. the lady whom you have enjoy'd , commanded i should present one of these two , or both in token of her gratitude . flo. this cannot be earnest sir . cor. these are the jewells which you must wear sir next your heart : how de' e affect the lustre of this toy ? 't is bright , but here 's a thing will sparkle . flo. i am lost . is this the promise of my safety ? cor. yes , this will secure all , thou dull ilander , 'cause you can dance , and vault upon a hobbihorse , de' e think to mount madonas here , and not pay for the sweet carreere . fool , to thy prayers , for when these messengers salute thy heart , thy soul shall find , i 'm an italian , and wo'not trust a life to him , whose tongue commands my honor . flo.

art a christian ?

cor. as much as comes to a venetians faith , that believes no man is more to fit die then he , that has been capering with my wife . flo. ye cannot fir forget i was betrai'd , awake thy conscience , and let that answer i have obey'd a dire necessity , and was brought hither by a stratagem . cor. 't is all one signior ; i presume you gave consent to the deere matter of delight , which is not held convenient you should talk of . flo.

hold .

cor. hope not to breath ten minutes , gather up those thoughts you would have wait upon you to another world . flo. then 't is high time to think of other matters , though you have cruelly resolv'd there is no safety for your fame , to let me still be numbred with the living . ( which if your scattered reason were collected , i could refute , ) but i 'le not hope it now , ) since most ignobly 'gainst the rules of honor , and faith already forfeit , you will make this undefenced pile your sacrifice , yet do not kill me twice . cor.

twice ?

flo. such a rage were infinite ; practise not cruelty upon my second life , by murdering my eternity , allow to my last breath , leave to discharge the weight of many sinnes into the bosome of some confessor . cor.

this may be granted , 't is not much unreasonable .

flo. your charity will think it fit to allow some minutes to collect my self . cor. to shew my design has no malice in 't , i 'le do your soul that office , though our bodies must not enjoy this aire together many howrs . i 'le send one to you . exit . flo. the innocence of a saint , wod not secure his life from an italian when his revenge is fixt . in what black hour did i salute the world , that i am thrown upon so hard a fate ? it is not fit to expostulate with heaven , or i could say something in my defence , ( as i am man ) to keep this mighty rock from falling on me , my tutelar angell be at counsell with my thoughts , and if there be a path of safety direct my trembling steps to find , and tast it . enter cornari in a friers habit . has kept his word , and 't is no time to trifle , as y' are a priest , and by that sacred order and scapular you wear , not onely hear me but use your pious art to save from ruine a man condemn'd for that which heaven and you call vertue , for not doing a black deed would damn three soules at once , & if your power cannot prevail for mercy to my life , i challenge you when i am dead , to be a witnesse of my innocence . cor. this has no shape of a confession . flo. nor do i under that holy seal discourse a story , yet father i must throw my self upon your charity . know therefore i am betraid , and by the plot of him that owes this palace ( whose name is never like to meet my knowledge ) snatch'd up , one fatall evening , and forc'd hither by some dark ministers he had employ'd ( i know not which way ) to this fatall chamber . i shudder but to name what impious act against his own , and his dear ladies honor he had design'd for me ; her chaster soul should have been stain'd , in his distrust of heaven , to blesse him with an heir , and her white treasure , by me a stranger rifled , had not providence . chain'd up our blood , so that the hours he gave to serve his black ambition , and our lust , we onely spent in prayers for his conversion . cor.

ha .

flo. this yet he knowes not , and it is not safe to appear in our own vertue , since the justice we did our peace , in crossing his expectance may improve his rage to both our ruines . this sad story frights you , there is horror in 't , but 't is an hour , the last , without some miracle to rescue me ( a man disarm'd ) from violence , nor dare i mock heaven now , or hang upon my soul the burden of a lie , when t is taking her last eternall flight , it is not a fear to dye afflicts me , with my faith and innocence about me ; i have look'd death in the face , and be it thought no boast to say , i have taught others by example to march up to the ugliest face of danger . but to die thus dishonorably , to be sent out o' th world i' th dark , without a name or any account to those , to whom i owe my blood , and birth ? persons that carry names of honor in my country ? this doth stagger me to quit my life , and may excuse my addresse to you , who have authority from heaven to take his fury off , whom otherwise i expect my violent executioner . i have some tremblings for his lady , whose most holy tears , stream'd through my soul compassion , and charm'd my blood , tears , if he durst have patience were powerfull enough to beg from heaven that blessing which he fondly thinks to hasten . with losse of his eternity . cor.

no more .

exit conrari hastily , having thrown off the habit enter again with claudiana . forgive me , oh forgive me claudiana , and if my sin of forcing thy obedience beyond the rules of honor , and of marriage have not quite murd'red thy affection ; wish me a little life for my repentance . cl.

i joy to hear this from you .

fl. there 's work within me , and so deep a sense of my own shame and sorrow , that i feel my heart already weeping out a bath to make thee white agen . cla. sir , in what best i understand , i must ask you forgivenesse . cor.

ha mine , for what , betraying thee to darknesse ?

cla.

for disobeying your command .

cor. thou didst the impious act by my design , which takes thy guilt away , and spreads the leprosie upon my self . cla. although you kill me sir , i must remove the cloud , and let you see me as i am , not chang'd from my first innocence . cor.

possible ?

cl. most easie , where there is a chast resolve , and i must tell you sir , although i wanted courage to oppose your passion , when your reason , and religion were under violence of your will , my heart resolv'd to try my own defence , and rather then yeeld my self a shamefull spoile to lust , by my own death to quit my name from scandall ; but providence determin'd better for me , and made me worth a strangers piety , whom your chice meant the ruine of my honor ; if this want entertainment in your faith , 't is peace to my poor heart that i have many white witnesses in heaven . cor. you have done no feats then ? my wife is chast . flo. i cannot sir engage my last breath to a nobler truth . cor. 't is so � ex. cla. you may withdraw claudiana ; by what has been exprest , though i am satisfied , you are not guilty in the fact , as i expected , 't is not safe , when i consider my own fame in the story , that you live sir . i must not trust you longer with a secret that by my tamenesse may hereafter spread the infamy abroad : there 's no avoiding � flo.

then i must die .

cor. perhaps you have some hope this engine may deceive me , and my fortune not coming better arm'd , give you the advantage to use your strength , upon my single person ! i know you are active , but i 'le make sure work . ex. flo. till now i did not reach the precipice . my heart would mutinie , but my hands are naked , and can do nothing . enter cornari with bravos arm'd . a knot of murderers ! arme me with a sword , and let me die fighting against you all . i 'le say y' are noble hangmen , and not throw one curse among you . cor. i 've one word to say sir . let none approach , the fatall doom i threatned is revers'd ; throw off your wonder , and believe you may live long , if not in venice , and your safety is more confirm'd at distance , you are noble , an honor to your nation . here is gold , i know not how you may be furnished sir for travell hence , bills of exchange may fail . these will defray a present charge ; betray no wonder , take it . flo. i 'le accept your bounty , and will not ask to whom i owe all this , forgive me that . i thought you not so honorable . so when you please , i 'le take my leave . cor. not yet . by such attendants ss you came to me , i have provided sir for your departure . your duties gentlemen . you know my purpose . the bravos blind him , and bind him as before . exeunt . enter claudiana . cor. resume thy place within my soul claudiana , when i have done my sorrow for what 's past wee l smile , and kisse for ever . exeunt . enter a servant . ser.

a letter sir .

cor.

from whence ?

ser.

your nephew now a prisoner .

cor.

let him rot , and give 'em back the paperkite .

ser.

the messenger is gone .

cor.

then he expects no answer .

[ cor. ready ] cla.

you may read it .

cor. sir , i send not to you for reliefe , nor to mediate my pardon . i have not liv'd after the rate to deserve your bread to feed me , nor your breath to save me . i onely beg that you would put me into your prayers , and forgivenesse , and believe , i do not wish life , but to redeem my self from past impieties , and satisfie by a repentance the dishonors have beene done to you , by the worst of men . malipiero . this is not his usuall stile . cla.

this miracle may be .

cor.

i do want faith .

cla. and sent a blessing to reward our penitence . heaven has a spacious charity . cor.

thou art all goodnesse .

ex. enter the bravos , they lay him down , and exeunts florelli recovers . flo.

sure this is gold .

enter . gentlemen . omnes .

florelli .

flo.

the same .

.

thy looks are wild .

.

where in the name of wonder hast thou been .

flo.

i am drop'd from the moon .

.

the moon .

flo. i was snatch'd up in a whirlwind , and din'd and sup'd at cynthia's own table , where i drank all your healths in nectar gentlemen , do yee want money ? if you have a mind to return viceroyes , let 's take shipping instantly . .

and whither then ?

flo. for new discoveries , a cloud will take us up at sea . .

't is morning .

flo. to drink , and then aboord , no matter whither i 'le keep this for a monument . .

that bag ?

flo. do not profane it , 't was endimions pillow stuffd with horne shavings of the moon , it had the vertue when she clap'd it ore my head to bring me thence invisible through the air ; the moon does mobble up her self sometime in 't . where she will shew a quarter face , and was the first that wore a black bag . .

but dost hear ?

flo. no inquisitions if you will leave venice . let 's drink and spoon away with the next vessell . a hundred leagues hence , i may tell you wonders . here is a chime to make ring oberon queen mab , and all her fayries turn o' th toe boyes . .

hee 's mad i think .

exeunt . enter vrsula , roberto , giovanni . vrs. i could not sleep all this night for dreaming , o' my poor suckling . ro. peace i say and wait in silence vrsula . gio. you may excuse me yet . i wo'd not see his excellence . vrs. 't is not my meaning boy , thou shouldst appear unlesse there be necessity , you may stay , i th'e next chamber . enter a courtier . vrs.

i beseech you signior , is this grace coming forth .

cor.

not yet .

vrs. i have an humble sute , i must deliver a paper to his graces own hand , i hope his grace can read . ex. cl. ro.

why how now bagpiper .

vrs. nay , there 's no harm in 't what if he can , you will be talking , did not i say i would speak all my self . ro. but vrs . what do you think now will become on 's when you have told your tale , though i am innocent . it will be no great credit , nor much comfort to see you whipt my vrsula , i would be sorry for my part to peep through a pillory and have an even reckoning with my ears , having no more hair to keep warm , and hide the poor concavities . vrs.

never fear it husband .

ro. i will so curse you vrsula , and once a day , bind your body to a pear tree , and thrash your hanches till you stink agen ; for ought i know thou hast committed treason , look to 't , and bring me off with all my quarters if i be maim'd or cropt , i 'le flea thee vrsula , and stuffe thy skin with straw , and hang thee up to keep the fruit from crowes , and after burn it . to kill the caterpillars , come , be wise in time , and let thomazo quietly be hang'd , or headed yet , and talk no more , he is but one , and has a young neck to endure it . we are old , and sha'not shew with half the grace without our heads , 't will be a goodly sight to see our faces grin upon two poles , to tell the gaping world how we came thither to perch , and stink in unity , be wise , and leave thomazo to the law . vrs.

can you be so uncharitable , oh tyrant !

enter duke , marino . may it please your excellence , my husband and my self . ro.

she has put me in already .

vrs.

humbly beseech a pardon for our son .

du.

your son giovanni , where is he ?

vrs.

he waites in the next chamber .

du. call him in . what is the fact ? it must be an offence next treason , if we deny him pardon . ro.

i fear 't is much about the matter .

du.

what is the fact ?

enter giovanni . vr. we do beseech you grant a pardon first , and then you shall know all . du. that were preposterous justice . why dost thou kneel giovanni ? gio. to beg your mercy sir to him , for whom my mother kneeles du.

she askes thy pardon .

gio.

mine ? let me offend first .

du.

hee 's innocent .

vr.

no matter what he saies , my husband knowes it .

ro.

shee 'l make sure of me .

vr. and if your highnesse will but grant the pardon , your grace shall not repent , but thank me for the best discovery ; i 'le not bribe your excellence , but i will give you for it , what you 'l hold as pretious as your dukedome . du. the old woman raves , you had best send her to the house of the insani . ro.

so shee 's to be whip'd already ,

du.

what do you say roberto !

ro. i say nothing , but that i think my wife will hardly mend upon 't . du.

upon what ?

ro. on whipping , if it like your highnesse , she cannot feel those small corrections . i have taw'd hunting poles , and hemp upon her , and yet could do no good . ur. let not your grace mind him , give me a pardon , and if i do not make good all my promise , you shall hang my husband , and flea me alive . du.

what 's that paper ?

ro. ge't him , thou shouldst have done this afore . i am prepar'd , more bone and flesh upon me if the businesse come to hanging , were a curtesie . urs. nay 't is there in black and white , you 'l find it . giovanni is your son , that was the gardiner , and he that is in prison poor thomazo my lawfully begotten . du.

chang'd in their infancie .

urs. and since conceal'd out of ambition to see my own a great man . ro.

i feel the knot under my ear .

vr.

i durst not trust my husband .

ro.

that was not much amisse .

vrs.

he has not wit enough to keep my secrets .

ro. oh what a blessing has that man whose wife knowes when to hold her peace . mar. sir , if we may compare their tracts of life , i shall believe your noblenesse liv'd there in giovanni , not supprest in poverty , and their rude course condition , notwithstanding the helpes of education , which seldome do correct nature in thomazo's low and abject spirit . du. i 'me too full , i must disperse my swelling joyes or be dissolv'd , summon our friends , invite bellaura hither . art thou my son ? gio. i would i were so blest . iow'd you duty sir before , and now my knees encline with double force to humble the doubtfull giovanni . du. let that name be lost , take all my blessings in thomazo . vrs.

what think you of this roberto .

ro. why ? i think the duke is mad , and when he finds his wits hee 'l hang us both yet . du. now i find the reason . and secret of my nature : but tell me what after so long silence , made you now open the cloud that had conceal'd my son ? ro.

i know not sir � now ursula .

vr. the weaknesse of a woman , and a mother that would be loath to see her naturall child dye like a bird upon a bough for treason , nature will work , a mother is a mother , and your son , by the opening of this riddle restor'd , i hope all shall be well agen . ro.

would i were fair wash'd , yet out of my pickle .

vr.

what think you now ?

ro.

i wish , i wish i could not think .

enter senators , cornari . cor.

we hear of wonders sir .

du.

this is my son .

cor.

with our most glad embraces let us hold you .

gio.

ever a servant to your gravities .

ro.

the skie clears up .

enter bellaura , marino . du. bellaura , now receive not giovanni , but contarini's son my deer thomazo . bel.

my heart hath wings to meet him .

tho.

oh my happinesse !

du.

pause a little .

ro. i melt agen vrsula , the duke points at us , and carries fireworks in his eyes , du. though we did grant a pardon for your son , you are subject to the censure of our lawes for this imposture . ro. i knew 't would come , now telltale , will you beg the favour we may hang till we be dead ? sweet giovanni thomazo speak for us , not guilty my lord , i am not guilty , spare me , and let my wife be burn'd or hang'd , or drown'd , or any thing you shall think fit , you shall find me reasonable , who shall beg our pardon ? vr.

mercy oh mercy .

tho. let me beseech you for their pardon sir . they alwaies us'd me civilly . bel.

let me joine .

sen.

and all of us , this is a day of triumph .

du.

it shall be so .

ro. a jubile , a jubile , here comes thomazo , i shall speak treason presently . vrs.

now heaven preserve your sweet graces .

enter thomazo , malipiero . gio.

mercy , oh mercy , my indulgent father .

vrs.

art thou come boy ?

gio.

boy ? stand away good woman .

vrs.

i have procur'd thy pardon , mary have i child .

gio.

i wo'd 't were true , thou wert ever a loving crone .

ro.

you may believe her son .

gio.

son , the old fellow 's mad .

urs. i say thou art pardon'd , you must kneel to me now , and this good old man , and ask us blessing . mar. your name is prov'd giovanni now , the duke has found another son . gio.

what shall become of me ?

du. you shall be onely punish'd to return , and dig as he hath done , and change your name to giovanni , nature was not willing you should forget your trade , where 's my thomazo ? gio.

are you my father ?

ro.

so my wife assures me .

gio.

are you my mother ?

vrs.

i my deere child .

gio.

and you signior thomazo , that was i ?

tho.

and you giovanni with the inside outward

gio. and must i be a gardiner ? i am glad on 't . pray give me a couple of blessings , and a spade , and fico for this frippery . i 'le thank my destiny that has yet kept my thread to a better use then hanging . corn. let nothing of punishment profane this day , i must implore your mercy upon this young man , whose future life may recompence his past impieties , and make him serviceable to honor and good men . du. you shew with charity , if i have heard a truth in some sad stories , hee 's yours and pardon'd . ma. y' are a miracle of goodnesse , 't is too much to look upon , whom i have with such impudence offended . command me sir abroad untill by some years well emploid , a pennance for my crimes i may be thought one worthy to be own'd your kinsman . du. agen , welcome my thomazo , my dearest pledge , till now i was no father ; in him , the want of hope my thoughts opprest , in thee my fortunes , and my name are blest . exeunt .
finis .
machine-generated castlist a -malipiero a -cornari a -thomaso a -giovanni a -ursula a -roberto a -florelli a -duke a -georgio a -bellaura a -claudiana a -marcello a -marino a -bernardo a -candiano a -servant a -xxxx_ a -xxxx_ a -gentleman a -bravo a -xxxx_ a -rosabella a -unassigned a -attendant a -senator a -both a - _gentleman a -omnes
textual notes

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by'c and you'l be famous by't , i may in time as i said before , if lust fearcloths after in her houshold to prepare lint , and searcloths , empty veines , and be controller of the a ademy hee went two hours agoe to the academy , to see the exercise to day . growns devising new knots upon the ground , drawing out crowns and the dukes armes , castles and cannons � the english gentleman is still victorious . all praises flow upon him , he ha's depos'd yourtriumph pretence of modesty , we must congratulate your triumph . � till the next warrs , and then have at 'em ; by that time i shall be a better rapier � gentlemen , pray know me every one , i am the dukes son , my name's signior thomazo nses before he borrow more , it is a trick he uses to put on with his rich clothes , i'le vanish sind i am no drudg you'l find to be commanded sir , you painted flies did st did'st speak with him ? fignior but signior � drpoping such a height , there is some mighty fortune dropping , is your uncle sick , whose heir you hope cannottumble , then i'le drink w'ee gentlemen , but i cannot tumble w����t do you hear my doughty signior thomazo , wouldst you kil the duke , your graceless father ' le and carrawaies , away , lead me ye rogues . i'le not march else , and let us make a shew �uit i have a suit to your highnesse . bebold behold , and take as lent this treasure from me sooner'twill beg his pardon , you'l beg a halter , and sooner 'twill � be granted . gotoo thee on my blessing , and husband you must go too . moreto venetians faith , that believes no man is more to fit die then he , that has been capering iust gave to serve his black ambition , and our lust , we onely spent in prayers for his conversion � blessing which he fondly thinks to hasten . with losse of his eternity . seuse there's work within me , and so deep a sense of my own shame and sorrow , that i feel blindhim the bravos blind him , and bind him as before . exeunt . enter � enter . gentlemen . � where in the name of wonder hast thou been . innbcent when you have told your tale , though i am innocent . it will be no great credit , nor much pe��� tell the gaping world how we came thither to perch , and stink in unity , be wise , and leave � there in black and white , you'l find it . giovanni is your son , that was the gardiner ���arity you shew with charity , if i have heard a truth in some
six new playes ... the five first were acted at the private house in black fryers with great applause, the last was never acted / all written by james shirley. plays. selections shirley, james, - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing s estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) six new playes ... the five first were acted at the private house in black fryers with great applause, the last was never acted / all written by james shirley. plays. selections shirley, james, - . marshall, william, fl. - . v. : port. printed for humphrey robinson ... and humphrey moseley ..., london : . added t.p. in latin with port. engraved by w. marshall, dated . each play has separate paging and special t.p.; all are dated except the court secret, . "never printed before" appended to the cardinall is "a catalogue of the authors poems already printed". reproduction of original in folger library. the brothers, the sisters, the doubtfull heir, the imposture, the cardinall, the court secret. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - mona logarbo sampled and proofread - mona logarbo text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion haec summum vatem shirleium pingit imago , solem sic reddit debilis umbra suum : at si nativâ fulgentem luce videbis , exhibet en propriâ picta tabella manu w. marshall sculpsit , . six new playes , viz. the brothers . sisters . doubtfull heir . imposture . cardinall . court secret . the five first were acted at the private house in black fryers with great applause . the last was never acted . all written by james shirley never printed before . london , printed for humphrey robinson at the three pigeons , and humphrey moseley at the prince's armes in st. paul's curch-yard . . the brothers , a comedie , as it was acted at the private house in black fryers . written by james shirley . never printed before . london , printed for humphrey robinson at the three pigeons , and humphrey moseley at the prince armes in st. paul's church-yard . . to his truly noble friend tho : stanley esq sir , the memory and contemplation of good offices received , which , by their own nature , and impulsion , have inclined other men to bee active in their returnes , have not wrought me into so much boldness ; for when i considered my obligation to your favors i was still deterred by their greatness and number ; for in my poverty i had thoughts not without ambition to reach them with some merit , but when i was studying to proportion my gratitude , i fell much lower than when i was the object of your mercy . the way to releeve my self , is no more to look at what you have confer'd , but on the bestower , for i have now learn'd to separate you from your benefits , and to convey my self into your pardon , by the exercise of your charity . thus in place of cancelling my former debts , i put your vertue to a new disbursment : witness this composition , which after its birth , had in my thoughts a dedication to your name , although it but now took the boldness to wear it in the forehean both as an ornament and preserver . you were pleas'd to grace it with your fair opinion , when it was represented , and though it appear not in that naturall dress of the scene , nor so powerfull , as when it had the soul of action , yet your smile upon it now will give it second animation ; by which i shall derive after so long a silence , a confirmation of my happiness , in being still received sir your most humble servant iames shirley . the prologue . troth gentlemen , i know not what to say now i am here , but you shall have a play ; i hope there are none met but freinds if you be pleas'd to hear me first , i 'le tell you true , i doe not like the prologue , 't is not smart , not aery , then the play is not worth a — what witty prologues have we heard ? how keen vpon the tyme , how tickling o' the spleen ? but that wits gone , and wee in these sad dayes in corse dull fleam , must preface to our playes , i 'le shew you what our author meant should be his prologue , — gentlemen , he shall pardon me i dare not speak a line , not that you need to fear a satire in 't , or wit in deed . he would have you beleeve no language good , and artfull , but what 's cleerly understood , and then he robs you of much mirth , that lyes i' th' wonder , why you laugh at comedies . he saies the tymes are dangerous , who knowes what treason may be wrapt in giant prose , or swelling verse , at least to sense ? nay then have at you mr. poet , gentlemen , though he pretend fair , i dissemble not , ' are all betray'd here to a spanish plot but doe not you seem fearfull ; as you were shooting the bridge , let no man shift , or stir , ●'le fetch you of , and two houres hence you may ( if not before ) laugh at the plot , and play . the persons . don carlos . luys his son. don ramires . sonnes to ramyres . fernando francisco don pedro a noble man. alberto , a gentleman , lover of jacinta . thodoro , brother to don carlos . jacinta daughter to don carlos . alsimira , a noble widdow . felisarda , teodoros daughter physicians . notary . confessor . servants . scene madrid . the brothers . act i. enter francisco , iacinta , felisarda . francisco . i take my leave iacinta , and cannot wish you more happiness than you possess . iacin. you must dissemble , or it is within your wishes to make you self , francisco , mine , which would be a fair addition to me , in my faith of that most noble love you have profest . fran. when you but dare to own me , i am past the fear of any destiny that can enter don carlos and servant divide us — but your father . your own virtue be still you guard . i do not like this watch upon our meeting , pretty felisarda . exit car. tel signior francisco i would speak with him . i do not like his frequent visites : though his birth and generous parts deserve to march with men of honorable name , i am without ambition to sacrifise my daughter to his pension for life . enter francisco fran. your pleasure sir ? car. hath hitherto francisco been to affect you in the list of those i held my freinds . fra. i hope no forfeit made by me , hath lost that good opinion you plac'd upon me . car. i cannot tell how you may be transported with desires above my thoughts t' allow , i would not have my silence , and the free access y' have had to my house , ( which still is open to wise guests , ) betray me , or my daughter to the mirth and talk of men i' th' plassa , my estate doth walk upon sound feet , and though i make no exception to your blood , or person , sir , the portion i have fixt upon iacinta , beside the wealth her liberall aunt bequeath'd her , is more than your thin younger brother's fortune should lay a siege , or hope to . i am plain . fr. and something passionate ( if i understand you ) without a cause . i am a gentleman , with as much sense of honor , as the proudest don that doth ride on 's foot cloth , and can drop gold to the numerous minutes of his age and let me not be lost for want of that , deserves not to be nam'd to fill the ballance against true honour — let me tell you sir , virtue and blood are weigh'd against themselves , you cannot know the price of these , when either scale is not poiz'd with things of the same nature . car. y' are very right , and therefore i do weigh my daughters wealth against your fortunes sir , i t●ke it they are things in the same specie , and ●ind it cafie to distinguish , yours can hold small competition , and by a consequence that fathers use t' infe●re , as little hope to equall in affections . sir i must tell you i esteem iacinta fit every way to meet your elder brother , whose birth will intrest him so much in that full fortune which your father now is lord of , your expectations may prompt you look without much curiositie for a bride , fran. i shall believe thy soul is made of atomes , that placeth so much happiness in dust. asid● sir , i can quit your jealousie , my thoughts levell beneath your daughter , and shall be happie if you consent i may devote my applications to felisarda , your neece . car. is it my neece ? i ask your pardon . nay then be welcome , and t' encourage you , although her father a poor gentleman my brother , by the malice of the sea and winds , have lost what might have rank'd him even with some that ride upon their reverend mules , i 'l find a portion for her , if you strike affectionate heartes , and joy to call you nephew . pray be not angry , that i take a care to place my own , where i may see it answerd with state , as well as family . fran. you shew a provident father . i shall not then b' indanger'd to your scruple , if i address my services to her , whose humble fortune , in the relation to your blood , and nobleness , is wealth enough to me ? car. i wish it prosper . fra. you have much honor'd me . exit , car. that scruple 's vanish'd . these are considerings , with which parents must timely prevent the folly , and the fall of children , apt to lose themselves in shadowes and gaudy apparitions . enter servant . ser. your son is come from salamanca sir. car. i hope philosophy hath by this time tam'd his wildness , i have been carefull not to feed his riots . hee 's welcome ; my next studie is to choose a wife for him , servant , with him a gentleman . that seems of noble quality . enter luys and alberto . luys . your blessing , next vvhich ' t vvil be a happiness , if you embrace this noble gentleman don , alberto , to whose affection i have been engag'd . alber. our studies grew together , and o●r loves . car. you do an honour to us . lu. if he thrive upon his fair intents sir to my sister , whose character he ha's took delight to hear from me sometimes , it will enlarge our honor . car. he has improved in language — his estate ? lu. six thousand ducats sir per annum clear in his possession , beside the legacie of a granam when she dyes that ha's outliv'd . cats within their family . car. this tasts again of the old humor , hee 's not setled yet . lu. your pardon sir , i cannot with any patience think of an old w●man , they are agues to my nature , she that lives to three score is a witch , and fit for fuell by the civill law . i hope my mother 's well . sir i beseech you , be not you mistaken , i am not what i was , i 'm strangely alter'd from the wild garbe , and can discourse most gravely of any thing but old and toothless women . do not you think it fit , she should be burn'd sir , that lives within an hospitall till the roof consume to dust , and no more left for covering than is kept up in one continued cobweb , through which the birds may see her when she creeps under a spiders canopie ; what think you ? speak your own conscience . car. a young wife will cure this angry heat of blood . you are most welcome , command my house , and if you can affect my daughter , for whose love ( as my son here prepares me ) you took this paines , i shall make equall propositions . i knew your father well , don roderigo , who gave up his life with honor 'gainst the moores . once more y' are welcome : son luys shew the way to your sister , and bid her entertain your friend with all the love her modesty , and my commands may prompt her to . alber. you much oblige my services . lu. remember don conditions , if my sister and you join your coppiholds , i have a life must be maintain'd till the old man dye , hang his pension , t wo'not keep me in salads . i 'le conduct you . exe. alb. & luys . car. i like his person well , and his calm gesture speakes for his other composition . the estate is competent , my daughter is obedient , which rich parents call a blessing , whose wisdom is to advance their name , and fortunes . enter don ramyres my son is all my studie now . my noble don ramyres , you look cheerfull . ramy. 't is a good omen , i ha' buisness w' ee ●uch as cannot despair your entertaiment ; you have a daughter . car. i would you had one ; ● should be willing to translate a son , ●●d by his mariage be most proud to call ●●ur daughter mine . ● amy . you are next a prophet , signior , and but the sexes differ , speak my thoughts ; ● is harmony on both sides ; to be short 〈◊〉 let our gravities not waste time , and breath 〈◊〉 our affaires , give the young leave to court and spin out dayes in amorous circumstance ; 〈◊〉 son fernando , i need not call him heir , 〈◊〉 birth concludes it , i would commend 〈◊〉 fair iacinta : 't can be no dishonour 〈…〉 family to mix with mine . 〈…〉 t is an addition 〈…〉 a luster rather to our blood . 〈…〉 t is my affection to you daughter , which confirm'd 〈◊〉 ●●rvation of her virtue , makes 〈…〉 this tye between 'em ; i may safely 〈◊〉 you will assure a portion that 〈◊〉 fortunes will deserve , who must enjoy 〈◊〉 i possess , unless you disaffect 〈◊〉 person , or decline his education , 〈◊〉 ●ich hath not spar'd my coffers to advance him 〈◊〉 ●he best form of gentleman . ●ar . i want 〈◊〉 of tongue to answer this ●our freedome , and the bounty of your nature , towards my daughter , and so far am from exception to fernando , there 's no cavalliero in spain i wish to thrive so well in her opinion . ramy. t will be his encouragement , if he entrench upon no●others interest , i mean not to except , how well he can deserve her nobly from a rivall , if her heart be not contracted , this were to engage 'em both to loss of peace , and honor , perhaps betray a life . car. you argue nobly , she is yet mistris of her thoughts , and free , while her obedience doth keep in trust her heart ; till i direct it , which shall be to love , and choose your son to live within it . have i said home ? ramy. you have . when they have met we may conclude the doury , and confirm our mutuall assurances , till then farewel . exit . car. i like this well ; ramyres has a fortune for a grande . don alberto must now excuse me , if my vote preferre fernando , whom my daughter must accept or forfelt me . the new guest is not warm in his access , and sha'not feel with what soft art , and subtle wayes , i steer her passion ; yet were alberto's state ten maravides above ramyre's , i should place him first . fame is an empty noise , virtue a word there 's not a jew will lend two ducate ; on . he is return'd , i must prepare iacinta . exit . enter ramyres and fernando . fer. i hope my past life hath not sir so ill deserv'd , you should be jealous of my duty when you command , although in things of this high nature , man being nothing more concern'd , next the divine considerations , than in the choyce of her that must divide the joyes and sufferings of his life , a son may modestly insist upon the privilege that love by his great charter hath conferr'd on every heart , not to be forc'd , yet i freely resign my will , and what men call affection , to that object you present me . ramyr. apply your self then to don carlo's daughter shee 's young , fair , rich , and virtuous , and i 've had full treatie with her father , who expects your visit . fer. young , fair , rich , and virtuous , four excellencies seldom met in one ; she cannot sure want servants , that commands under so many titles . i could wish , ( so much i have ambition to be thought obedient sir , ) she were but one of those . ramy. she is all , and one . fer. my duty were not less if i forgave my self a happiness to perfect your comands ; sir , i am ready , to try my fortune . ramy. there is no fear of thy repulse , and when thou dost confirm her gain'd to thy affection , my greatest act , and care of life is over . go on and prosper . exit fer. he is passionate , and like the fury of the winds , more loud by opposition ; such a providence may be mine one day when i am a father , and he for whose advance my cares are meant , like me , may with a fair and formall shew disguise his thoughts too , yet i am to blame , for my affection to a dream , a thing with which my eyes only converst , to hazard a fathers love , and the rich peace it brings ; enter francisco . i 'l uncreate the face i dote upon and be my self , or — what ? my brother ? now francisco , you met my father ? fran. yes , and he lookes as some newes had much exalted him . you are not so merry in the face , what is 't ? ferd. nothing . fran. you held no controversies with him ? ferd. no. fran. i cannot guess he was angry by his smiles ; how did you part ? ferd. exceding kindly . fran. what changes your complexion ? ferd. th' art deceived . pre'the ' how do men look that are in love ? fran. why ? as they did before ; what alteration have you observ'd in me ? ferd. you have then a mistris , and thrive upon her favours ; but thou art my brother , i 'l deliver thee a secret , i was at st. sebastians last sunday at vespers . fran. is it a secret that you went to church ? you need not blush to tell your ghostly father . ferd. i pre'thee leave thy impertinence ; there i saw so sweet a face , so harmless , so intent upon her prayers , it frosted my devotion to gaze on her , till by degrces i took her fair idea through my covetous eye , into my heart , and know not how to ease it since of the impression . fran. so , proceed . fer. her eye did seem to labour with a tear , which suddenly took birth , but overweigh'd with it's own swelling , drop'd upon her bosome , which by reflexion of her light , appear'd as nature meant her sorrrw for an ornament ; after her looks grew chearfull , and i saw a smile shoot gracefull upward from her eyes , as if they had gain'd a victory o'r grief , and with it many beames twisted themselves , upon whose golden threads the angells walk to and again from heaven . fran. i do beleeve by all these metaphors , you are in love ; i see you have a fancie , but proceed , and be not melancholy . ferd. i have told thee all . fran. this is indeed a vision ; you have but seen her all this while , if i may counsell you you should proceed , her face is nothing when you have perus'd the rest . ferd. t is dangerous . fran. you must excuse me brother , there can be no hurt in a handsome woman , for if her face delight so much , what will the enjoying of so sweet a pile of beauty ? ferd. thou hast infus'd a confidence , i will embrace this counsell , you shall with me brother , and see how i behave my self , the lady is not far off . fran. withall my heart , i 'e pawn my life you shall enjoy her ; what is she of flesh , and blood , that will deny , when she is fairly courted ? may i know the name of this lov'd mrs ? you may clear your thoughts , i dare have no design to wrong your love . ferd. what think you brother of the fair iacinta ? fran. don carlo's daughter ? ferd. to that happy coast i now am sayling ; we lose time , clap on more wings thou feather'd god ; thou hast put fire francisco into my drooping thoughts , and as they had already bargaind with the wind , they are aloft , and chide loves lazie motion . fran. a word before you fly ; but is iacinta your mistris then ? ferd. the beautifull iacinta . dost think i sha'not prosper ? what is she of flesh and blood , that can deny , when she is fairly courted ? add to this my happiness , that shee 's the mistris , whom , from all her sex my father hath made choice of for my courtship ; he hath already treated with don carlos , and 't was his last command , i should address my present visit to her . fran. very well ; if this be truth , you need not trouble wings to overtake this lady , to my knowledge ( i 'm serious now ) she has bestowd her heart vpon a friend , who has already fortified himself against the world , that would oppose his title to 't . ferd. from what intelligence have you gaind this ? her father knows it not . come , these are but subtle pretences scattered by some , who cunningly thus hope to make themselves a victory , by cutting off more fruitfull expectations , this must not disingage me , prithee walk . fran. i can produce my author , here , fernando . and with my blood defend that interest she gave me , with intent i should preserve it . ferd. how , is she yours francisco ? fran. mine , if hearts have power to make assurance . ferd. t is some happiness i have no stranger to oppose , whose high and stubborn soul would not release this treasure but make me force it through his blood . francisco and fernando are two rillets from one spring , i will not doubt he will resigne , to make me fortunate ; or should his will be cold and some close thoughts suggest i had no privilege by eldest birth , but came a slie intruder upon his right of love , there is a tye of nature and obedience to a father will make him give this blessing from his bosom , and strip his amorous soul of all his wealth that may invest my wishes . fran. i read not this in any of the reverend casuists ; no inequality being in our blood the la● of nature meant we should be equal ; it was first tyranny , then partiall cu●to me , made you more capable of land. would you be lord of us , because you are first born , and make our souls your tenants too ? when i 've nam'd you my elder brother , i exclude all servitude ; justice that makes me love you carries an equall law to both ; nay i can love you more if i consider you ( without the chain of blood ) a friend , than all the bonds of nature can enforce me to ; in both relations give me leave to love you as much as man , but not resign my mistris . you ascend higher , and perswade by what obedience is owing to a father , they give us life , a good son keepes it for him , and every drop bled in their cause , a glory ; i can acknovvledge this , and sacrifise life , fortunes , a poor recompence to lose ( were they all multipli'd ) to shew my duty ; but these are things may be resign'd , a mistris is not a vvealth in ballance vvith the vvorld , but much above the poize of all it's happiness , and equall vvith our honor , riveted i●to our so●l , it leaves her not , vvhen death hath ●●ook this body off , but flies vvith it mo●e svvift , t● love it in the other vvorld . ferd. you are very pa●●ionate . fran. i am very j●●● , and you s●all find it brother e'r you tvvine with my iaci●a , mine , if vovves may give posse●●ion of each other 's soul. ferd. no more may she be worthy of thy heart , till mine do entertain a treason to divide you ; but i , to sati●fie my father , must present my self , and trust me , will so manage my love to her , as thou shalt have no cause to interpret me a rivall . o fra●cisco our loves are of a kindred , for mine is devote to felisarda , to her cosen poor felisarda . fran. theodoros daughter ? ferd. we never yet chang'd language , nor doth she imagin with what thoughts i honour her ; but here is the distraction , thou canst not expect more opposition from 〈◊〉 carl●s , than i must from my father , if he knew where i have plac'd my heart . fran. let us assist each other then , till time , and some kind ●●arres mature our love . ferd. let fathers look at wealth , t is all their saint : hearts are freeborn , and love knows no constraint . exe●●t act ii. enter luys and iacinta . luis how do you like alberto sister ? is he not a gallant gentleman ? iacin. for what good brother ? cannot judge his intellectualls , but we have plentie of more proper men 〈◊〉 spain . luys he i●anexcellent scholar , he was still emperour in the schooles , and since he studied logick and philosophy , he was the flow'r of 's time at salamanca . iacin. t is pittie he should be gather'd then . lu what be gather'd ? ia the flower you talk on . lu. if you affect him sister , he may grow , and you may keep him still for seed please you . ia. and sell him out at sowing time to gardners . lu come , you must love him . ia. ha's he the black-art ? i know not how magick or philters may prevail , and yet he lookes suspitiously . lu. you think y' are witty now , d' ee hear , you must affect him for my sake . ia. now you speak reason ; i may for your sake dote upon him , brother , this is a conjuration may do much . lu. well said , thou art my sister , this good nature shews it . and now i 'le tell thee , i ha' promis'd him as much as mariage comes too , and i lose my ho●or , if my don receive the canvas . he ha's a good estate , and i have borrow'd considerable monies of him sister , peeces of eight , and transitory ducats . ia. which must be paid . lu. not if you marry him ; conditions have been thought on . ia. how ? conditions ? lu. and some revenew was convenient to do things like a gentleman , i may tell you , my father is a litle costive , purse-bound , his penfion cannot find me tooth-picks , i must live till he dye 't is fit you know ; alberto ha's an exchequer , which upon thy smiles will still be open . ia. very good ; then you upon the matter have sold me to him to find you spending money ? lu. no , not sold ; w' are at no certain price ; summes have been lent in expectation , or so , and may again . ia. you deserve brother i should hate you now . lu. 't is all one to me , so you love him ; for my part i de●ire but my expences . ia. what if another man supply your wants upon the same conditions of my love ? lu. i am indifferent , so i have my charges , my necessary wine and women paid for , love where you please your self ; i am but one , i would not see him want that 's all , because my father is not yet resolv'd about his going to heaven . ia. well sir , for don alberto , you shall be his advocate no more , and there 's a fee to bribe your silence in his cause . lu. why , thank you sister , — will you dye a virgin ? ia. why do yo ask ? lu. i would speak for somebody , tell me but whom you have a mind to , and i 'le plead for him , and if he be a don he will consider it ; you may give me what you will , besides . ia. when i resolve , you shall be acquainted . lu. but d' ee hear , untill you do resolve , i would lose no time , t is good keeping a freind , and a warm client ; you may look lovingly upon alberto , and let him hope at all adventures , in two moneths you may be otherwise provided and he may hang himself , i' th meane time some favours now and then to the poor gentleman will doe him good , and me no hurt , besides you 'l please my father in 't , whose vote is for him , and that 's a thing materiall . i am to meet with don alberto , and some gentlemen , i will preserve his confidence , and tell him i ha' talkd with thee . have you any more of this complexion ? cause i know not what occasions i may have to keep my credit with men of mark and honour , vvhere i am going ; you are my fathers darling , and command his yellovv ingots ; tother doblon d'oro . ia. so i may bring a rent-charge upon my self . lu. the tother drop of orient mercie , come . ia. you care not vvhat accounts i give my father . lu. thou hast tvventy vvayes to cosen him , vvedge i● into the next bill , he vvears spectacles , and loves to read — item for pious uses . can it be less to help a brother ? vvell said . ia. let not this feed your riot . luys by no means . i am for no carthusians to day . enter carlos , fernando , francisco , and felisarda . farevvell dear sister — vvho is that ? ia. my father lu. i cannot indure that old mans company . exi● car. i am past complement , and must acknovvledg● your fair intentions honor us , she is no goddess of beauty sir , but let me without pride boast my self blest , fernando , in her virtues , and that which crowns em all , obedience● . iacinta , entertain this gentleman with all becoming thoughts of love , his merit ( out of no rash , but mature judgement , ) hath prevaild with me , to name him to the first and noblest place within your heart . ferd. untill this hour i never had the confidence more than to think of love , and hide a flame that almost hath consum'd me . you may think it worth a smile , and that i only flourish to shew my vanity of wit or language , but when you understand that i bring hither no young affection , but a love took in long since at my ambitious eye , it may beget your gentle thought , or will , to cure me . iac. pardon me , if the more you strive to print a truth on this short story of your passion , the more i find my self inclin'd to wonder , since you seem to inferre , you took in the disease at fight of me , i cannot be so ignorant , as not to have receiv'd your name and character , but never kn●● ●●fore , when you did grace us with a visit ▪ and how then at such distance you contracted a danger so consuming , is above , my knowledge , not my pittie , if you could direct me to the cure with virgin honor . car. so , so , i leave you to the amorous dial●gue , presume you have my voice . iac. sir , with your pardon , you lead me to a wilderness , and take your self away , that should be guide ; do you engage me to affect this don fernando ●n earnest ? car. yes . iac. you did direct my love ●o don alberto . car. i dispence with that ●ommand ; you may by fair degrees , and honor , quit his addresses , and dispose your self ●istris and bride to don ramyres heir . felis. it does not thus become you sir , to mock 〈◊〉 virgin never injur'd you ; he is ●our elder brother , i am here beneath ●he levell of his thoughts , i' th' nature of 〈◊〉 servant to my cosen , and depend upon my uncles charity . fran. may i be curst in my own affections , if i delude thee , though to atchieve our best desires we seem to dissemble thus before don carlos . this is a secret yet to poor iacinta . car. you have my will ; obey it . ia. hath francisco broken his faith already ? car. may you both joy , where you have plac'd your loves . you apply close francisco . exit fran. with your good favour , i fairly hope . ferd. your father 's gone iacinta . ia. i should be equally pleas'd if you would leave me too . felis. this is a change . ia. unkind francisco hear me . fran. t is my meaning . brother i ha' prepard your story there with felisarda ; lose no time . ferd. iacinta , clear your thoughts agen , and ●ardon that i took a shape to fright you ; i shall not grieve to see francisco prosper , and merit all your favours , since my hopes must thrive , or have their funerall here . ia. are we so ble●● francisco ? th' ast a noble brother . ferd. i may suppose my brother , felisarda , hath made it now no secret , that i love you ; and since our stars have so contriv'd , that we have means to assist our mutuall ambitions , d● not you make their influence unprofitable ; t is the first boldness i ere tooke to visit you , al●hough my eyes have often with delight and satisfaction to my heart observ'd you : ●elis . you seem a noble gentleman , and can take but litle glory to undo a maid , whose fortunes cannot bring you any triumph . ferd. how mean you fairest ? felis. not to be flattered sir into a sin , to cure my poverty ; for men whose expectations are like yours , come not with honour to court such as i am , ( lost to the world for want of portion ) but with some untam'd heat of blood . fer. i dare with conscience of my pure intent , try what rudeness you find upon my lip , t is chast as the desires that breath upon my language . i began felisarda to affect thee by seeing thee at prayers , thy vertue wing'd loves arrow first , and 't were a sacrilege to choose thee now for sin , that hast a power to make this place a temple by thy innocence . i know thy poverty , and came not to bribe it against thy chastity ; if thou vouchsafe thy fair and honest love , it shall adorn my fortunes , which shall stoop to serve it in spight of friends or destiny . fran. my brother knows my whole interest in thee , to whom my fathers care directed him , but we thus mutually resolve to aid each other . ia. this must be wisely manag'd of all sides ; parents have narrow eyes . fran. our meeting thus will happily secure us from their jealousie ; our fathers must not know this countermarch . enter carlos . car. ha ; i like not this ; fernando at busie courtship with felisarda , and francisco so close with my daughter . iac. las we are betrai'd . felis. my unkle . ferd. you are her kinswoman , and of her bosom , i prechee in my absence , plead to ●air i●cinta for me ; as an earnest of my 〈◊〉 , accept this trifle from me . car. 〈◊〉 't is a jewell . felis. without this reward i should solicite sir your cause , and do my duty to don carlos , who desires it . ferd. i take my leave . fran. madam , i shall be proud to call you sister , but you will prepare another happiness if you vouchsafe to speak for me to pretty felisarda , she 's bound to hear your counsel and obey it , if i may owe this favour to your charity . iacin. your goodness will deserve more . fran. i must follow him . exit . car. do you take notice felisarda , that you live here on the bounty of an unkle ? your father had but ill news from the indies . felis. sir , as your goodness wants no testimony , i shall attend it with all humble services . car. how durst you in the presence of my daughter , maintain such whispers with fernando , ha ? felis. sir , he was pleas'd — car. no more , i here discharge you . iacinta , i 'l provide one to attend you with less relation to your blood . i 'l hear of no de●ence , away — out of my dores . go to your father signior teodo●o : hi● ships may rise agen were sunk by th' hollander , and fle●t from st. thome , he may prefer you to some rich don , or who knows but you may , born on the plumes of his estate , be made in time a proud condessa , so adios m●i illustre sennora felifarda . exit . ia. thus have i heard a tall ship has been wrack'd by some strange gust within the bay : his passion admits of no dispute . o my poor cose , i fear my turn is next to be an exile , thy absence must deprive me of francisco , who can no more glad his iacintas eyes , with a pretence to visit thee . felis. t is not my fear to suffer want so much afflicts me , as that i must lose you , but he returnes . enter carlos with a letter , and servant . car. don pedro de f●ente calada comming hither , with don alberto , and my son ? serv. yes sir , the count desires to see iacinta whom your son has so commended , and sent me to give you notice . car. ha iacinta , retire to your closet , and put on your richest jewels , a count is come to visit you ; felisarda there may be some more art us'd in her dress , to take the eyes of greatness . iac. sir you speak as i were meant for sacrifice , or sale ; the c●unt don pedro — car. no reply ; be carefull , and humble in your office felisarda , and you may live , and eat here , till iacinta provide another servant to attend her , which may be three whole dayes ; my anger is not everlasting ; bid my wife come to me . enter al●●ira . ● expect an honourable guest , the count don pedro , to see our daughter , whom i have commanded to appear with all her riches to attract him . alsi. if his intents be honourable , i have heard don pedro loves a hansom donna . car. he had better cool his hot blood i' the frosen sea , and rise thence a rock of adamant to draw more wonder to the north , than but attempt to wrong her chastity . enter don pedro , luys and alberto . this from don pedro is an honor binds the service of our lives . ped. noble don carlos . alsi. if we had been prepar'd , we should have met this grace with more becoming entertainment . ped. t is fair , and equall to my wishes , — she he ki●ses 〈◊〉 does smel of rosted garlick ; this your sister ? enter iacinta and felisarda . luys that is my mother , here is iacinta sir. ped. she has a tempting shape , i now am pleas'd . i use to kiss all ; hum a pretty thing ? to phelis . car. i like not his busie eyes on felisarda . alber. you will be faithfull to me ? luys who , i faithfull ? how shall i live else ? car. son luys . alber. madam . ped. will you be pleas'd admit don pedro , by the title of your s●rvant , to presume somtime to wait upon you . iacin. it were pride and sawcy ambition sir in me , to think you can descend so much from your great birth , to own a name , and office so beneath you . ped. i that before thought women easie trifles , and things which nature meant only to quench high flames in man , am taken with this lady . luys thou hast wrong'd the fair iacinta , thy praise was thyn , and cold , spain is not rich enough to boast her equall : and i love her . luys oh she will be to proud to know it sir. ped. proud , she must be , whose eyes have such command . she has a pretty servant too , luys , i like 'em both . luys how , both ? ped. they will do well , one for a wife , the other for a concubine . luys it will becom your high blood . ped. say i kiss her white hand , and present her with these pearls ? luys your honor shall command . ped. your daughter has a most magnetick face , and i pronounce her happy , your consent confirmes her mine . car. ther 's nothing in my blood , or fortune , but don pedro shall command . i was propheticall ? come hither alsimira , wouldst imagine ? hee 's taken with iacinta , and hath praid already my consent . alis. believe not all that great men speak are oracles , our daughter — car. if she be stubborn , uncreates her self , be you wise , and counsell her to this ambition , or thus i loose you all ; ha turn away , that faery shee s a witch , the count talks with her . alb. i hope you hold me not sir less deserving than when you gave me free access to plead my service to your daughter — if that don — car. sir you too much prejudicate my thoughts ● must give due respects to men of honor , nor is it fit i should impose upon the freedom of iacintas love . alb. y' are noble . car. my lord. alb. i do not like this don. luys th' art of my mind , i do not like him neither , and yet the blackbirds in the bush , see what present ●e would give my sister . alb. did she refuse it ? luys i never mean she shall , what wrong my friend ? yet i 'l take all , and let him hang himself ; ( embraces him : if he would send his ey●● , i would undertake to 〈◊〉 'em to the ieweller , they would off , fo● 〈◊〉 toadstones . have no fear , my mother is for you too , you must fee both your advocates . car. iacinta . iacin. sir. luys she takes her self much honor'd . ped. you oblige . luys let me alone to carry things . be confident to trust me with your honor , if it would pawn for any thing . [ aside ] iac. i 'm not perfect how to neglect alberto yet , and must i throw off fernando , but new entertain'd by your command ? the world will censure strangely . car. the world will praise thy wisdom , & my care ; or if some giddy tongues condemn what 's good , must wee be servile to that fear , and lose that which will make us judges of their folly , and damn it with a frown of state ? they 'r fooles that dote upon those shaddowes , idle talk , the slime of earth-worms , that doth shine to cosen infants , 't is fit wee raise our thoughts to substances . iac. let modesty and nature plead a little , if i appear not found to entertain him . i may collect more strength by time and counsell , and for your satisfaction dare profess my lord hath too much grac'd the low iacinta with a pretence so noble , but i should be held not worth his person , and too light at his first breath of courtship to fall from my virgin strength , and give my self his captive . car. i shall alow that ceremony ; the count makes an address . ex alsi. felisard . ped. i must use thrift in my delight , my eyes are prowd , and must be taught by absence how to value such a mistris . i do miss the chambermaid . car. it will become me to attend . ex. alber. & iacin. ped. your pardon . i 'l take it for an honor , if your sonne be pleas'd — but to my coach ? luys . oh my good lord ! so much i am your creature , if you knew but where to match me , i would be your coach-horse . exe. pedro & luys . car. so , so , iacinta's starres do smile upon her , 't wil be a match , were but my son as fair in expectation of a bride , i 'd write n●l ultra to my cares , he is to aery and volatile , a wife would timely fix him , and make him fit to manage my estate . enter luys . but he returnes , i 'l feel his pulse . luys , thou seest how near iacinta is to happiness . luys i did some office in 't , she may thank me . i first inspir'd his lordship . car. such a providence to build thy self a fortune by some brave and noble mariage would become thy study , and make thy father willingly resign his breath , with confidence to know thee wise to govern what my industry hath gatherd ; what think'st thou of a wife ? luys . i think little sir. what should i do with a wife ? car. imitate me , and study fame , and wealth to thy posterity . have i with care acquir'd such an estate , that must not last two generations ? luys . the way to make it last , is not to think of wiving ; for my part ( sir with your pardon , if i may speak freely ) i had opinion once i was your son , but fearing by your narrow exhibition you lov'd me not , i had a controversie within my thoughts , whether i should resolve to geld my self , or turn a begging frier . car. a begging frier ? luys t is as i tell you sir ; this last i fixt upon , and ha' been studying where i conveniently might raise a sum to compass a hair shirt sir , to make triall before i thrust my self point blank into the order . car. thus wild sons interpret still a prudent father ; but you may discharge your jealousies , unless it be your own devotion to be chast , and live a recluse . luys for that i can be ruld ; i ha' not liv'd after the rate of hating any women but i can hear of mariage , if it be your pleasure : but these wives sir are such tickle things , not one hardly staid amongst a thousand ; beside , unless you finde one very rich a man may cast a way himself , and get a bundle of beggeries , mouths , that day and night , are open like hell gates , to feed ; i would not hazard my freedom , and the blessings heaven has lent you sir , upon a wife with nothing . car. thy pension doubles for that word ; in earnest , how much i like this wisdom ; take this purse , i will have no account , and find me out a wealthy maid or widdow but not ugly . luys no ? not ilfavourd sir , if she be rich ? a little old or crippel'd ? car. i wo'not ha' thee mary a crooked , deform'd thing , because she may have children — luys not , unless she have an infinit wealth to make 'em strait sir ; i 'le marry a witch so she have mony sir. car. no , on no terms a monster . luys then i wo'not . and now it comes into my mind , they talk of a young rich widdow , donna estifaniar , what do you think of her ? car. thou hast nam'd one to my own desires , she lives a widdow still , but she has refus'd many brave dons . luys . no matter , i like her sir the better . car. she gives good entertainment . luys i will have her if you but say the word . i wear a charm to catch a widdow ; but this purse will hardly last till we finish , i must do things with honor . car. thou shalt be furnish'd like my son ; kneel down and ask me blessing , i do long to give it thee . luys i have your blessing here . car. i le find thee out some jewells to present thy mistris too . luys ' t wo'not be much amiss , the gold will go the farther sir. i know not how this exit car. came about , unless don pedros coming to my sister ha' made him mad , & wrought this miracle . how carefull he was i should not mary one deform'd , i ha' chose the hansomest things thus far , and i mary with a witch at these years , let the devill ride my wild mare to death ; and now i consider on 't i wo'not have the widdow for fear o' th' worst , yet i 'l to her , and make a business on 't to keep the old mans baggs in motion ; this with some good husbandry , and no play , may last a fortnight , t is very gold : yes , it will pay some scores , maintaine my negro , and a brace of whores . now fiddles do your worst . exit . act iii. enter ramyres , fernando . ramy. how , no success ? where lies the opposition ? don carlos equall with my self profest his free desires , and to dispose his daughter to meet thee with all loving entertainments . what can she argue to thy birth , or person , attended with so plentifull a fortune ? i must believe thy courtship dull and faulty : when i was at thy years and spring of blood i wound my self like air among the ladies , commanding every bosom , and could dwell upon their lips like their own breath , their eyes doubled their beams on me , and she that was of hardest composition , whom no love could soften , when i came with charm of language , her frost would strait dissolve , and from her eyes her heart came weeping forth to woo me take it . ferd. yet you that did with a magnetick chain attract so many , could possess but one ; i came not to don carlos house with cold or lukewarm thoughts , but arm'd with active fire that would have melted any heart but hers , bound up with ribs of treble ice against me , by which i found there is another fate that governs love , against whose secret doom in vain is eloquence or force . ra. so obstinate ? ferd. nothing that i could say in my own cause , could make her tongue or looks promise an expectation to thrive by any after service , this disdain i did resent , as it became my honor , and now confirm'd against her pride , have thought of somthing , that with your consent , may tame her scorn , or punish it to her repentance . ra. name it . ferd. she has a kinswoman lives with her , felisarda daughter to signior teodoro , a trade fall'n merchant , brother to don carlos , this felis ▪ that now lives on the charity of her uncle , half servant , half companion to iacinta , and fair , i would pretend to love , observe me sir , and in their presence court her as my mistris ; me thinks i see already how iacinta doth fret and frown . ra. i like it well . ferd. to see her cosen so prefer'd , it is the nature sir of women to be vext when they know any of their servants court another , and that love they thought not worth their own reward , will sting 'em to the soul , vvhen ti 's translated where it meets with love , and this will either break her stubborn heart , or humble her . ra. but what if this pretence , by such degrees convay avvay your heart , that when iacinta comes to sense , you cannot retrive your passion from the last , or say felisarda should believe you , and give up her heart to your possession , when you are by your first desires invited back , what cure for felisardas wound , if you affect her not ? although i like that part of your revenge , i would not have my son carry the hated brand of cruelty , or hear fernando broke a ladies heart ; but live upon his clear , and honest truth , and if iacinta have not valued him , find his own estimation in some other by fair and noble courtship ; virtue is above the gaudy shine of gold ; and if my son love where his honor cannot suffer , the want of dower , i can forgive . ferd. you now , read exc'lent charity , and like a father , it is the harmony i would hear , i chide my fears that did suspect you would prefer wealth in a bride ; there is no beauty , or estate , compar'd to that resulteth from the soul ; i dare now ope this narrow closet , and present the name i love above the world , it is sir felisarda , equall in her blood , within whose vertuous poverty more treasures are containd , than in those veins of earth , which opend by our slaves , do bleed such floods of gold into the lap of spain . pardon my long concealment of her name , t was sin against your virtue , and once more speak in that blessed language , i may hope to call this virgin mine . ra. how long have you been taken with this female holiness ? ferd. before iacinta was propounded , this took firm possession of my faith . ra. thou hast discoverd thy destruction , foolish boy . was this your policy to be reveng'd upon iacinta , whom my providence elected to preserve our name and family , to 〈◊〉 upon a begger ? thou hast flung a fire into my brain● either resolve to perfect 〈◊〉 command , and throwing off that 〈◊〉 thou hast prai●'d , prefer iacinta to the best 〈◊〉 within thy hart , and marry her or live a stranger to me , and divested of all those rights , ●hich nature , and thy birth have sla●ter'd thee with hope to find ; expect not alive , the stipend of a groom to feed thee , nor dead , 〈◊〉 naked charity of a shroud to hide thee from the worms . ferd. o●r ▪ call back that 〈◊〉 sentence , it were sin to let this passion dvvell upon you , nor vvould heaven , whose eyes survey our frailty , suffer so vvild a rage possesse you . ra t is vvithin thy ovvn obedience to divert it . fe●d . when you have heard vvhat i can say more , you vvill chide your fierce command . ●a . what riddles this ? ferd. iacinta is already made anothers , and my force upon 〈◊〉 vowes , can be no less than sacrilege . ra. this is some nevv pretence . ferd sir , not to vvast your patience , she hath given her self by holy contract to francisco . ra. thy younger brother ? ferd. this i knovv vvill calm your fury , and those eyes that threatend lightning vvith smiles applaud franciscos fate , and praise ●y disobedience . ra. franciscos mistris ? ferd. his wife confirm'd by vows , & change of hearts , i had it from themselves , when either strove whose circumstance should credit most their story , her tear or his conclusive groan , to seal their mariage , but both were equall sir , what curse had i deserv'd , that should divorce this innocent pair of lovers ? ra. all this talk which foolish thou interpret'st thy defence , hath but inlarg'd thy folly , and that act which in francisco i commend , upbraides thy own degenerate baseness : shall thy brother who carries all his portion in his blood look high , and carefull of his honor aim at fortunes , and with confidence atchieve his glorious end , and shall his elder brother ingag'd by nearest tye to advance his name , lye beating in the common tract of guls , and sacrifice his birth and expectations to a cozening face , and poverty ? instead of adding mon'ments , that to the world should be his living chronicle , to bury his own , and all the antique honors ( he ne'r sweat for , but were cast into his blood ) within a dunghill ? thou hast forfeited thy birthright , which francisco shall inherit , nor shall the loss of my estate be all thy punishment ; hear and believe with horror , if thou renounce not her that hath bewitch'd thy heart , felisarda , and by such a choice i shall affect , redeem this scandall nobly , fernando from this minute i pronounce heir to his fathers curse ; be vvise or perish . exit . ra. ferd. why does not all the stock of thunder fall ? enter francisco . or the fierce winds from their close caves , let loose , now shake me into atoms ? fran. fy noble brother , what can so deject your masculine thoughts ? is this don like fernando ! whose resolute soul so late was arm'd to fight with all the miseries of man , and triumph with patience of a martyr ? i observ'd my father late come from you . ferd. yes francisco , he hath left his curse upon me . fran. how ? ferd. his curse , dost comprehend what that word caryes shot from a fathers angry breath ? unless 〈◊〉 tear poor felisarda from my heart , he hath pronounc'd me heir to all his curses . does this fright thee francisco ? thou hast cause to dance in soul for this , t is only i must lose , and mourn , thou shalt have all , i am degraded from my birth , while he affects thy forward youth , and only calls thee son , son of his active spirit , and applauds thy progress with iacinta , in whose smiles thou maist see all thy wishes waiting for thee , whilst poor fernando for her sake must stand an excommunicate from every blessing , a thing that dare not give my self a name , but flung into the worlds necessities , untill in time with wonder of my wants 〈◊〉 turn a ragged statue , on whose forehead ●ach clown may carve his motto . fran. will it call ●is blessing back if you can quit your love ●o felisarda ? she is now a stranger ●o her unkles house , i met one of his servants ●ho told me on some jealous apprehension , don carlos had discharg'd and banish'd her . ferd. he could not be so barbarous . fran. you know her fathers poverty . ferd and her wealth of virtue . fran. it is worth your counsell , to ex●min what you may preserve , if wisely you could perswade your heart to love some nother — ferd. what was 't francisco said ? fran. whose equall birth , and virtues , may invite a noble change . ferd. do not you love iacinta ? fran. most religiously . ferd if you can but contrive your hearts at distanc● and in contempt of honor , and your faith sacred to heaven , and love , disclaim your mistris , i may be happy yet , what say ? i know iacinta's wise , and when she understands how much it will advance , her charity — fra. our case is not the same with your's good brother ▪ wee have been long acquainted , to contract affections , if i understand , your loves are young , and had no time for growth . ferd. do not wound me . t is false , by love it self thou hast deserv'd ●i should forget thee now ; dost thou consider love , ( that doth make all harmony in our soul , and seated in that noblest place of life , the heart ) with things that are the slaves of time , and that like common seedes , thrown into earth , it must have leisure to corrupt , and after much expectation , rise to name and vigor . love is not like the child that grows , and gets by slow degrees perfection , but created like the first man , at full strength the first minute , it makes a noble choice , and gains from time to be call'd only constant , not increas'd . preserve thy own affections , and think mine noble as they , i shall suspect thy love to me else ; prethee leave me . fran. i 'l obey , and study how to serve you . exit . enter felisarda . ferd. ha , t is felisarda . felis. turnd out like one that had been false , where shall poor felisarda wander ? were it not to ask a fathers blessing , i would visit some wilderness , e'r thus present my self his burden and his sorrow . enter pedro. ped. had you no relation to iacinta pretty one ? felis. i was her servant . ped. come , you shall be my mistris ; they have us'd thee scurvily , i will provide thee a lodging . felis. i shall not use your bounty sir for that . ped. thou art a hansom dona , here 's a pistolet , meet me i'th'evening , wot ? felis. where , and for what ? ped. the where , at thy own choice , the what , thy honor . felis. you are not noble . ped. don pedro will embrace thy buxom body . ferd. you must unhand this virgin. felis. for goodness sir , add not your anger to my sufferings . unhappy felisarda . ped. is she a friend of yours signior ? ferd. she is not for your sinfull knowledge don. ped. baser los manos , adios signiora . diabolo ! my blood is high and hot , unless i marry timely , ● must seek out a female julip . exit . felis. don carlo's fear of you was my first error , but i accept my banishment , and shall humble my self to my poor fathers fortune ; you will be sir dishonour'd to be seen with such a walking mis●ry . ferd. thy unkle hath plaid the tyrant with thee , but lose not thy vertuous courage ; how our stories meet and challenge kindred in affliction ! oh felisarda ! i do suffer too , and for thy sake , thou shalt know more ; til i salute thee at thy fathers house , preserve good thoughts of thy fernando , and accept this litle gold , no bribe against thy honor . felis. my best return must be , my prayers . exit . ferd. farewell . t is not impossible my father may retract his cruelty , and by time , and some discreet wayes yet be wrought to like , what now his passion wo'not let him see , her virtue . how many seas are met to wrastle here ? exit . enter iacinta and alberto . iac. i love you sir so well , that i could wish you were a witch ; alb. a witch , your reason lady ? ia. then t were within the circle of your art b● some device to rid me of don pedro , or if you could by any spell but get my father disaffect him — alber. a witch ? that 's a way about , i were best cut his throat a little . iac you 're much beholding to my brother sir , he still commends you ; such an advocate deserves his fee. alb. unles my cause succeed he has been feed too much ; your brother , lady , preserves a noble friendship ; if i were sure you would be mine iacinta , i could tarry till your father dye . iac. but how can you procure don pedro to have patience so long , whom my father pleads for and prefers ? alber. there , ther 's the mischief , i must poison him ; one fig sends him to erebus , t is in your power and wit to spin out time , i may invent a means for his conveyance . ha! enter carlos , estefania , luys . ia. the lady estefania . car. welcome again , this is an honour to us , where 's iacinta ? salute this noble lady . ha , luys , hast thou prevail'd already ? luys i 'm i' th' way you see , she has not been observ'd they say to walk so freely with some men that boast more favour . enter pedro. ped. what makes the lady estefania here ? i like not their converse , this day is ominous . exit . car. was 't not the count don pedro that retird ? vvhat object here displeas'd him ? alber. ha , ha , didst see the don ? car. preserve your mirth — i must be satisfied . exit . luys i 'l lay a thousand ducats that my costive don has been tampering with my vviddow , i observ'd ( when i by chance let fall discourse ) how much he was an amorous servant to iacinta , she chang'd her colo●r and did make such business how my sister did affect him , that i may guess , though i make use on 't otherwise to the old man , to keep the pulses of his purse in play , she came to examin chiefly how matters here proceeded ; well , if she love him — alber. shee is thy mistris . luys my mistris ? yes , but any man shall mary her . alb. how ? luys . she is a widdovv , don , consider that , has buried one vvas thought a hercules , tvvo cubits taller , and a man that cut three inches deeper in the say , than i , consider that too , she may be cock a tvventy , nay for ought i knovv she is immortall . alb. what dost vvith her ? luys faith nothing yet , and have but little hope , i think shee 's honest . alb. do's she love thee ? luys at her ovvn perill , vv' are not come to articles ; there is not vvit in vviving , give me a vvhore ; but that i ovv thee money , thou shouldst never marry my sister neither ? alb. not iacinta ? luys no , nor any other simpering piece of honesty , if i might counsell thee , vvhile any vvench were extant , and the stewes inhabited ; is 't fit , a freeborn gentleman should be chain'd tenant for life to one ? hang mariage shackles , ty the tovvn buls to'th'stake , vve must have concubins . iac. don pedro vvas too blame , and trust me madam he shall find nothing here t' advance his triumph . estef. you are virtuous iacinta ; i presum'd when i should land my sufferings on your knovvledge , you vvould excuse my unexpected visit . iac. my brother has been just in the relation hovv he pursues my love , but i shall be happy to serve your justice , and must tell the noble estefania , my heart , by all that love can teach to bind a faith , is plac'd vvhere it shall never injure vvhat your mutuall vovvs contracted ; i smile not with mine ovvn eyes upon him , 't is my fathers severe command to love him , but this story cleer'd to my father vvould secure us both . estef. if any faith or service in me can deserve this goodness , cheerfully employ it . iac. i will be confident to use your virtue . enter carlos . estef. i will refuse no office . iac. my father comes most aptly . alb. ha , ha , ha , have pitty on my spleen , i shall crack a rib else , ha , ha , ha . car. you are very mery , don alberto ; son , you may be of the counsell too , this house is mine i take it , i advise you would frequent it less . alb. how sir ? car. i do not like your visits , and to remove the cause , my daughter is already sir dispos'd , to one above your birth and fortune , so fare-you-well . you understand , now laugh and pick your teeth . daughter — alb. did you hear this luys ? luys i , the old man raves . alber. must not frequent his house . luys would 't were in a flame , so his mony and i were out on 't . alb. but thy sister — luys would be refin'd i' th' fire , let her burn too . alb. my friend , if i have not iacinta , there are certain sums of money — luys i am not of your mind don , the sums are most uncertain . come , you did laugh too loud , my father is a stoick , but despair not ; go to your lodging , i 'l see thee anon , and either bring thee money or else some reasons why i do not bring it , we won't go to law , i 'l pawn the widdow rather than thou shalt want ; go say thy prayers , and shew thy te●th no more , till i come to thee . now the business here ? exit alber. car. wee have agreed iacinta , and he to morrow privately will at the church expect thee ; t is an age till i salute the bride to this great don , whose thoughts are wing'd t' enjoy thee , and resolve no more delay , prepare to meet this honor. luys to morrow ? this must be crost . car. my next ambition madam will be perfect ▪ to call you by some nearer name ; my son — est. is a most noble gentleman , i know not where lives so clear a merit . luys . oh sweet madam . car. iacinta . luys i have a sute to you . est. to me ? luys only that you would not dote too much upon me , a gentle easie sober pace in love goes far , and is much better than a gallop ; if you please we may hold one another in hand , and love this seaven yeares , without sealing and delivering . est. withall my heart . luys you 'l do me a pleasure madam . est. you instruct well . luys this courtship is not common . est. i confess it . car. son luys . luys sir. car. let her not cool . luys and she do , i know the way to heat her again . est. i will not yet reveal my abuse iacinta , and if you please to favor a design , i have a plot may serve to both our happiness . iac. i 'l obey . there is a trembling in my heart . car. you must not leave us yet madam . est. you may command me . luys my don so rampart , ther 's somthing in this pannier shall spoil your match to morow ; don alberto , when i disclose , shall worship me : be drunk , cancell arreers , and beg to lend more money . exe : act iv. enter ramyres , francisco & notarie . ra. 't is most exactly done , and firm . notar. i could , omiting or inserting but a word , or particle , trouble the whole conveyance , and make work for the law till doom's-day : but — fran. is 't possible ? notar. you do not know the quirks of a scrivano , a dash undoes a family , a point , an artificiall accent i' t'h wrong place , shall poyson an estate , translate your land in spain now into either of both indies , in less time than our gallions of plate are sayling hither ; but you are my friend , and noble benefactor . ramy. ther 's more for your reward . notar. i humbly thank you signior . su criado . fran. farewell . notar. su servidor . exit . ramy. this deed makes thee my heir francisco , and will like a powerfull spell upon don carlos , whose soul is superstitious upon wealth , win his consent to make iacinta thine . fran. sir , i cannot say my duty shall deserve it since nature , and religion , without all this bounty challenges my best obedience . enter fernando . ramy away , thy sight is my disease . fer. your blessing sir i kneel for . ramy. what impudence is this ? wilt thou subscribe to take off mine , thy curse on felisarda ? for i do hate her heartily ; disclaim all promise , contract , or converse for ever , i 'm else inexorable . fer. sir. ramy. his eyes shoot poyson at me , ha ? he has bewitched me sure , what coldness thus invades me ? ther 's somthing creeping to my heart . franscisco ? ha ▪ possess this gift of thy inheritance ; convey me to my chamber , oh — fernando , if thou dost hope i should take off my curse , do not approach my sight , unless i send for thee . fran. forbear good brother ; diego , roder●go , your hands t' assist my father , one go for his physician . enter two servants . fer this turn is fatall , and affrights me , but heaven has more charity than to let him die with such a hard heart , 't were a sin , next his want of compassion , to suspect he can take his eternall flight and leave fernando this desperate legacie , he will change the curse into some little prayer i hope , and then — enter servant and physician . serv. make hast i beseech you doctor . phys. noble fernando . fer. as you would have men think your art is mea● not to abuse mankind , employ it all to cure my poor sick father . phis. fear it not sir. ex. phys. serv. fer. but there is more than your thin skill requir'd to state a health , your recipes perplex't with tough names , are but mockeries , and noise , without some dew from heaven , to mix and make 'em enter servant . thrive , in the application : what now ? ser. oh sir , i am sent for the confessor , the doctor fears him much , your brother saies you must have patience , and not enter sir ; your father is a going , good old man , and having made him heir , is loth your presence should interrupt his journey . exit . fer. francisco may be honest , yet me thinks it would become his love to interpose for my access , at such a needfull hour , and mediate for my blessing , not assist unkindly thus my banishment . i 'l not be lost so tamely , shall my father dye and not fernando take his leave — i dare not . if thou dost hope i should take off this curse , do not approach untill i send — 't was so , and 't is a law that binds above my blood . enter confessor and servant . make hast good father , and if heaven deny him life , let not his charity dye too . one curse may sink us both , say how i kneel and beg he would bequeath me but his blessing ▪ then though francisco be his heir , i shall live happy , and take comfort in my tears , when i remember him so kind a father . confes. it is my duty . exit . fer. do your holy office . those fond philosophers that magnifie our human nature , and did boast wee had such a prerogative in our rationall soul , converst but little with the world , confin'd to cells , and unfrequented woods , they knew not the fierce vexation of community , else they had taught , our reason is our loss , and but a priviledge that exceedeth sense , by nearer apprehension , of what wounds , to know our selves most miserable . my heart enter physician and francisco . is teeming with new fears — ha , is he dead ? phy. not dead , but in a desperat● condition , and so that little breath remaines wee have remitted to his confessor , whose office is all that 's left . fran. is there no hope of life then ? phys. none . fer. is he not mercifull to fernando yet ? no talk of me ? phys. i find he takes no pleasure to hear you nam'd : francisco to us all he did confirm his heir , with many blessings . fer. and not one left for me ? oh take me in thou gentle earth , and let me creep through all thy dark and hollow crannies , till i find another way to come into the world , for all the air i breath-in here is poyson'd . fran wee must have patience brother , it was no ambitious thought of mine to supplant you ; he may live yet , and you be reconcil'd . fer. that was some kindness yet francisco ; but i charge thee by the nearness of our blood , when i am made this mockery , and wonder , i know not where to find out charity , if unawares a chance direct my weary and wither'd feet to some fair house of thine , where plenty with full blessings crowns thy table , if my thin fac● betray my want of food , do not despise me , cause ' ● was thy brother . enter confessor . fran. leave these imagin'd horrors , i must not live when my brother is thus miserable . fer. ther 's somthing in that face looks comfortably . confes. your father sir is dead , his will to make francisco the sole master of his fortunes ●s now irrevocable , a small pension he hath given you for life , which with his blessing ●s all the benefit i bring . fer. ha , blessing ; speak it agen good father . confes. i did apply some lenitives to soften his anger , and prevail'd ; your father hath revers'd that heavy cen●ure of his curse , and in the place bequeath'd his prayer and blessing . fer 〈◊〉 new created by his charity . 〈…〉 ceremonies are behind , he did 〈…〉 ' d within our covent , 〈…〉 sepulture to me , i am confident 〈…〉 will give me leave — fran. his will in all things i obey , and yours most ●●●rend father ; order as you please 〈◊〉 body ; wee may after celebrate ●ith all due obsequies his funerall . fer. why you alone obey ? i am your brother : my fathers eldest son , though not his heir . fran. it pleas'd my father sir to think me worthy ●f such a title , you shall find me kind , 〈◊〉 you can look on matters without envie . fer. if i can look on matters without envie ? fran. you may live here still . per. i may live here francisco ? enter a gentleman with a letter ●onditions ? i would not understand ●his dialect . fran. with me , from madam estefania ? gent. if you be signior francisco . fer. sleighted ? i find my father was not dead till now . croud not you jealous thoughts so thick into my brain , lest you do tempt me to an act will forfeit all agen . fran. this is iacintas character [ reads ] — fail not to meet . as you timely will prevent the danger of my rape . my soul ! estefania can instruct you all particulars — my service to your lady , say i shall obey her commands . exit gent. fer. is that an inventory you peruse ? fran. fernando you must pardon me , ther 's somthing of essence to my life , exacts my care , and person , i must leave you , we may seasonably confer of things at my return . iacinta . exit . fer. t is clear i am neglected , he did name iacinta too , in triumph , and is gone , big with his glories to divide ' ●m there , and laugh at what my constant love hath made me . my heart is in a storm , and day growes black , ther 's not a star in heaven will lend a beam to light me to my ruine . felisarda ! that name is both my haven , and my shipwrack . exit . enter alberto and luys . alb. excellent . luys you 'l give me now a generall release for all the sums i ow you ? alb. thou hast blest me . luys . i was born to do you good ; about it presently now you know where to ambush , away i say and get comrads : iacinta and my mother is all the carriage , you may know the coach by the old womans cough ere it come neer you , she has a desperate malice to one tooth left still in her gums , till she has shook that out ; you wo'not need a warning peece , farewell . alb. farewel , why what 's the matter ? you shanot leave me ; thy mother wo'not know thee in a visard . luys you must excuse me friend , i would joyn w' ee i' th' ●urprise , but that — alb. what i prethee ? luys i have extraordinary business , that concerns me as neer as life . alb. may not i know'● ? thou art going to the widdow now , thy mistris . lu. t is a business of more consequence ; dost think i would leave thee , and there were not such a necessity ? alb. for what ? luys and there were no more sisters in the world , you must excuse me . alb. nay , nay , we must not part , unless i know this mystery , some reason vvhy you leave me . luys if you vvill needs knovv , there 's a vvench staies for me , the toy i told thee on ; farewell alberto . alb. but vvill you leave such business and a friend ? luys business ? art thou a gentleman & vvouldst have me leave a ladie i ha'not seen this three year for business or a friend ? i must to her ; if i had a heart ten tu● of iron , this female adamant vvould dravv it to her , i feel it going ; i do tell thee don , there is no business so materiall in nature as a vvench , and if thou art my friend thou vvouldst leave my sister novv in such a cause and bear me company , i must be drunk , and she must pick my pocket too , that is another secret vvhen vve meet together that never failes . alb. why art thou desperate ? dost not thou fear thy body ? luys a wench is physick my body has been us'd too , leave thy prating , and let me take my course . alb. and you be so resolute — luys i must give you one advice before you go ; vvhen my sister 's in thy custody , observe the time and place , and things convenient , and stand not fooling about ceremonies but put her to 't . alb. thou wouldst not have me ravish her ? luys . yes but i would , shee 's no sister of mine if she cry out for such a business , she has more wit. alb. vvas ever such a mad-cap . luys i 'l not pray for thee . alb. i sha'not prosper if thou dost . luys thy hand , i le drink thy health , & hang thy self . farewell . exeunt . enter iacinta and estefania . iac. you tell me wonders madam , don ramyres dead , his son fernando disinherited , and young francisco made his heir ? ●stef . i took franciscos word . iac. t is strange . estef. your stars smile on you . iac. yet i much pitty the poor gentleman . est. busie your thought about your own , francisco — ia. hath promis'd not to fail ? est. he waits where he can easily observe how soon the coast is clear to visit you . ia. so , so , thus hooded the day cannot distinguish our two faces , and for your voice , you know how to disguize it by imitation of my cold and hoarseness , and when you come to church — este. let me alone , there i 'l produce the contract , which will surprise don pedro , and your father , to see me challenge him , i ha' prepar'd the priest too , whose holy eloquence may assist , how ever this will give you opportunity to perfect your wishes with your servant , put the rest to fate iacinta . iac. i hear some approach , retire into my closet . — enter carlos and pedro. car. iacinta . iac. sir. car. not thy voice recover'd ? ia. a violent cold — car. count pedro must salute you ere we go . pedro impute it to devotion , that i make such hast to be within thy armes , one kiss and i shall carry with me another soul , and count with joy the minutes i am to expect this happiness . car. iacinta you follow with your mother in the coach ; my lord i wait you . ped ther 's heaven upon her lip . iac. he has kist , and took his leave i hope . enter estefania . i must owe all my happiness to you sweet madam , i had been lost without your art to help me . este love wo'not leave his votaries . cough within . iac. i hear my mothers cough , i ha' finish'd and you must act your part : exit . enter alsimira . als. come ●are you ready daughter ? the coach stayes . esty. i attend alsi. don pedro will cure your cold before the morning . enter francisco and takes away iacinta . enter teodoro and felisarda . teo. what duty felisarda shall we pay to heaven for this last care of us ? let not thy eyes , although thy grief become 'em , be in love with tears , i prophesie a joy shall weigh down all our sufferings , i see comfort break like day , whose forehead chears the world ; if don fernando love thee , he is a gentleman , confirm'd in all that 's honorable , and cannot forget whom his own vertue hath made choice to shine upon . felis. unless my innocence , apt to believe a flattering tongue , see not the serpent couch , and hide his speckled brest among the flowers ; but it were sin to think he can dissemble , father , and i know not , since i was first the object of his charity , i find a pious gratitude disperse within my soul , and every thought of him engenders a warm sigh within me , which like curles of holy incense overtake each other in my bosom , and enlarge with their embrace his sweet remembrance . teo. cherish those thoughts , and where such noble worth invites , be bold to call it love . felis. it is too much ambition to hope he should be just to me , or keep his honor , when i look on the pale complexion of my wants ; and yet vnless he loves me dearly , i am lost , and if he have but mock'd me into faith , he might as well have murdered me , for i shall have no heart to live , if his neglect deface what my affection printed there . teo. there is no feare of his revolt , lose not his character . i must attend some business . if don fernando visit thee , preserve his fair opinion , and thou maist live above thy uncles pitty . felis. will you leave me ? teo. my stay shall not be long ; the garden will with smiling flowres encourage thee to walk , and raise thy drooping eyes , with hope to see a spring like theirs , upon thee . exit . felis. why should i give any entertainment to my fears ? suspicions are but like the shape of clouds , and idle forms i' th' air , we make to fright us , i will admit no jealous thought to wound fernandos truth , but with that chearfullness , my own first clear intents to honour him can arm me with , expect to meet his faith as noble as he promis'd — ha! t is he . enter fernando . my poor heart trembles like a timerous leaf , which the wind shakes upon his sickly stalk , and frights into a palsey . fer. felisarda ! felis. shall i want fortitude to bid him welcome ? sir , if you think there is a heart alive that can be gratefull , and with humble thoughts , and prayers reward your piety , despise not the offer of it here ; you have not cast your bounty on a rock , while the seeds thrive where you did place your charity ; my joy may seem ill drest to come like sorrow thus , but you may see through every tear , and find my eyes meant innocence , and your hearty welcome . fer. who did prepare thee felisarda thus to entertain me weeping ? sure our soules meet and converse , and we not know 't ; there is such beauty in that watry circle , i am fearfull to come neer , and breath a kiss upon thy cheek , lest i pollute that cristall , and yet i must salute thee , and i dare with one warm sigh meet , and dry up this sorrow . felis. i shall forget all misery ; for when i look upon the world , and race of men , i find 'em proud , and all so unacquainted with pitty to such miserable things as poverty hath made us , that i must conclude you sent from heaven . fer. oh do not flatter thy self poor felisarda ; i 'm mortall , the life i bear about me is not mine , but borrow'd to come to thee once again , and ere i go , to clear how much i love thee — but first i have a story to deliver , a tale will make thee sad , but i must tell it , there is one dead that lov'd thee not . felis. one dead that lov'd not me ? this carries sir in nature no killing sound ; i shall be sad to know i did deserve an enemy , or he want a charity at death . fer. thy cruell enemy , and my best friend , hath took eteranll leave and 's gone , to heaven i hope , excuse my tears , it is a tribute i must pay his memory , for i did love my father . felis. ha! your father ? fer. yes felisarda , he is gone , that in the morning promis'd many years , but death hath in few hours made him as stiff , as all the winds , and winter , had thrown cold upon him , and wisper'd him to marble . felis. now trust me , my heart weepes for him , but i understand not hovv i was concern'd in his displeasure ; and in such height as you profess . fer. he did command me on his blessing to forsake thee ; was 't not a cruell precept , to inforce the soul , and curse his son for honest love ? felis. this is a wound indeed . fer. but not so mortall ; for his last breath was balsom pour'd upon it , by which he did reverse his malediction ; and i that groan'd beneath the weight of that anathema , sunk almost to despair , where night and heavy shades hung round about me , found my self rising like the morning star to view the world. felis. never i hope to be eclis'd agen . fer. this was a welcome blessing . fe. heaven had a care of both ; my joyes are mighty . vouchsafe me sir your pardon if i blush and say i love , but rather than the peace that should preserve your bosom , suffer for my sake , 't were better i were dead . fer. no , live . and live for ever happy , thou deserved'st it . it is fernando doth make hast to sleep in his forgotten dust . felis. those accents did not sound so cheerfully . fer. dost love me ? felis. sir. fer. do not , i prethee do not , i am lost , alas i am no more fernando , there is nothing but the empty name of him that did betray thee , place a guard about thy heart betime , i am not worth this sweetness . felis. did not fernando speak all this ? alas he knew that i was poor before , and needed not despise me now for that . fer. desert me goodness when i upbraid thy wants . 't is i am poor , for i ha' not a stock in all the world of so much dust , as would contrive one narrow cabin to shroud a worm ; my dying father hath given away my birthright to francisco , i 'm disinherited , thrown out of all , but the small earth i borrow , thus to walk on ; and having nothing left , i come to kiss thee , and take my everlasting leave of thee too . farewell , this will perswade thee to consent to my eternall absence . felis. i must beseech you stay a little sir , and clear my faith ▪ hath your displeased father depriv'd you then of all , and made francisco the lord of your inheritance , without hope to be repair'd in fortune ? fer. 't is sad truth . felis. this is a happiness i did not look for . fer. a happiness ? felis. yes sir , a happiness . fer. can felisarda take delight to hear what hath undone her servant ? felis. heaven avert it . but 't is not worth my grief to be assur'd that this will bring me nearer now to him whom i most honor of the world ; and t is my pride , if you exceed me not in fortune , that i can boast my heart , as high , and rich , with noble flame , and every way your equall , and if you be as poor as i fernando , i can deserve you now , and love you more than when your expectation carried all the pride and blossoms of the spring upon it . fer. those shadowes will not feed more than our fancies ; two poverties will keep but a thin table ; and while wee dream of this high nourishment , wee do but starve more gloriously . felis. 't is ease . and wealth first taught us art to surfet by ; nature is wise , not costly , and will spread a table for us in the wilderness ; and the kind earth keep us alive , and healthfull , with what her bosom doth invite us to ; the brooks , not there suspected as the wine that somtime princes quaff , are all transparent , and with their pretty murmurs call to tast ' em . in every tree a chorister to sing health to our loves , our lives shall there be free as the first knowledge was from sin , and all our dreams as innocent . fer. oh felisarda ? if thou didst own less virtue , i might prove unkind and marry thee , but being so rich in goodness , it becomes me not to bring one that is poor , in every vvorth , to vvast so excellent a dower , be free , and meet one that hath wealth to cherish it , i shall undo thee quite , but pray for me , as i , that thou maist change for a more happy bridgroom ; i dare as sson be guilty of my death , as make thee miserable by expecting me . farwell , and do not wrong my soul , to think that any storm could separate us two , but that i have no fortune now to serve thee . felis. this will be no exception sir , i hope , when wee are both dead , yet our bodies may be cold , and strangers in the winding sheet ; we shall be married when our spirits meets . exeunt . act v. enter carlos , pedro. pe. your daughter does not use me well don carlos . car. i know not what to think , some great misfortune must be the cause . ped. not yet appear ? they might , and they had crept like tortoyses , ariv'd before this time . car. there is some strange disaster . ped. the coach orethrown , and both their lives endanger'd , can but excuse ' m. enter alsimira . oh my lord , don carlos . ped. the tragick voice of women stricks mine eare . car. alsimira ? ped. madam . car. where is our daughter ? alsi. my fear almost distracts me , she is gone , stoln , ravish'd from me . ped. ha. alsi. an armed troop in visards forc'd her from my coach ; and heaven knows where they have hurried the poor iacinta . car. a troop of armed devils . ped. let them be a legion , they are all damn'd . al. nay they were men and mortall sure . ped. i w'on'ot leave one soul amongst them all . car. mine is in torment . i' th' hope and height of my ambition to be thus cros'd ! how scap'd you ? alsi. alas i was not young enough , i offer'd my self to bear her company , and suffer as much as she did , but one boysterous fellow with a starch'd voice , and a worse vizard , took me just here above my sciatica , and quoited me into the coach agen upon my head , i had a larum in 't for half an hour , and so i scap'd with life . ped. did they sue her with any rigor ? alsi. to say truth they were gentle enough to her . ped. that mollifies ▪ and they may live . car. hell overtake 'em , le ts return , they had better committed incest , than this rape . ped. they had better ravish'd proserpine before don lucifer's own face . i am all fury . exeunt . enter alberto and estefania . alb. pardon my dear iacinta , it was love that threw me on this act , i had no patience to see thee forc'd into a mariage by a covetous father , whose devotion is only wealth and title ; i esteem no danger , if at last the fair iacinta smile and allow this duty ; let not silence deprive me longer of thy voice , whose every accent will please , though it pronounce my sentence ; there 's death in this eclipss too , sweet dismiss thy ungentle veil , and let thy eyes make bright this melancholy air , that droops and dies for want of thy restoring beams . est. now sir , what think you of your mistris ? al. you are the lady estefania i take it . est. yes , you did take me from the coach alberto but by a consequence i find , you thought iacinta in your power , i could have told you , had you discover'd sooner what you were , where to have found your mistris , but shee 's now above your hope , and by the priest ere this made wife to don francisco . alb. to don pedro ? est. it was not sir impossible that i ( had not your violence prevented me ) ( by a plot between iacinta and my self , to take her place and person in the coach ) had by this time been married to count pedro , whom i have povver and justice sir to challenge if contracts carry weight . al. have i so long ly'n beating at the bush , and is the bird fled to francisco ? est. i should shew i had a passion sir , and sense of this captivity , but that i find 't was error , and not will lead you to this ; and your own loss now made irreparable , helpes to tye up my anger . al. madam , i must confess a wrong , and dare submit to let your anger punish me , for i despise my self , now i have lost my expectation , and if you please to think i had no malice in this act to you , you can propose no satisfaction i shall esteem a penance to repair you , as far as my poor life , if you 'l direct it . est. 't is nobly promis'd sir. you shall redeem in my thoughts what is past , if you be pleas'd to make my stay no longer here ; i have no desperate aim to make don pedro yet know how to right me , or make publick what should bind his honor to perform . al. was not luys madam entertain'd your servant ? est. i shall make known the story if you walk but to don carlos house . al. you shall command me . exeunt . enter carlos , alsimira , and servant . car. no newes yet of iacinta ? al. none . car. he must not live in spain , nor in the world , if my revenge can overtake him , that has stoln my daughter ; could you not by voice or habit guess at the ravisher ? ye are traitors all . alsi. now i consider better , i suspect alberto one of the conspiracie , some voice did sound like his . you know he lov'd her . car. ha! alberto ? alsi. and how he might engage some ruffians to cross don pedro. car. 't was he , where 's luys ? i do not like his absence , thei 'r both guilty ; my own blood turned a rebell ? send for the alcaides , they shall both trot like theeves to the corrigidor . where is count pedro ? alsi. gon in search of his lost mistris . car. when all things were ripe , the very priest prepar'd to seal our ioyes , a work my brain did labour for , and sweat with hope to see accomplish'd , undermin'd ? and in a minute all blown up ? alsi. have patience she may be found agen . car. but how my lord may be inclin'd to accept her foil'd , or wounded enter luys drunk . in fame — alsi. luys is here . car. borachio , here 's a spectacle ! more affliction ? where is your sister , what 's become of iacinta ? lu. my sister and iacinta are gone together . i know all the business . alsi. where is she ? lu. she is very well , i know not where she is . but don alberto is an honest gentleman , and has by this time done the feat . car. confusion — lu. you think you had all the wit , it was my plot . you may thank heaven that you are old , & ugly , to alsi . you had been no mother of this world. but sir , i have some newes would be deliver'd privately . mother of mine , avant . car. th' art not my son. was ever man so miserable ? away thou spunge ; get him to sleep , alsi. i dare not medle with him . exit . lu. in sobriety a word . car. where is alberto ? lu. where every honest man should be a bed , with my sister , old man , i ha' consider'd o' the former mater we talk'd on and would do things like a dutiful son , but i find that a wife is not altogether of convenient for me as a — car. will none deliver me ? lu. they are somewhat slug , now i have found out an excellent tumbler , that can do the somerset , please you to be acquainted with her , and give me your opinion , she shall play with all the stews in christendome , for all your are worth , if i live , and yet she is but there 's a periwinkle , i had a gemini , before i went to travell , and i am bound in conscience , if you think fit , to see her well provided for — car. with whips , i 'l have her skin flead off . lu. her skin flead off ? dost thou know mortal man what thou hast said ? i tel the don , nothing can come neer her in the shape of an officer , she is a very basilisk & wil kill em with her eyes score yards point blank , but you may talk , & do your pleasure with her , for i came a purpose to bring her to your lodging , if you love me , do but see her , it shall cost you nothing , you shall be my friend , hang money ? car. thus will my state consume , vexation ! what shall i do ? when you have slept , luys i 'l tell you more , attend him to his chamber and make his door fast . luys you vvill consider on 't , upon those terms , i vvil go sleep at vvinckling . exit . car. and vvo'not all this take a vvay my senses ? my son is lost too , this is all a curse for my ambition and my avarice . enter alsimira and a servant with a letter . als. nevvs don carlos from our daughter . car. ha , a letter ! 't is iacintas hand . alsi. knovv'st vvhere she is ? ser. yes madam , and her resolution carl. reads . to attend her father , with my master don francisco if don carlos please to admit 'em , the matters done . alsi. what matter ? ser. they are as fast as any priest can make em . car. wife to francisco , now his fathers heir ? that 's some allay , if it be true , she writes , don pedro was contracted to fstefania , who supplied her person in the coach — t was not iacinta was ravish'd then , don pedro was not noble , after he had made faith , to intangle my iacinta . hum , say they shall be welcome . ser. they are present sir. enter francisco and iacinta . car. i am nor yet collected , but if this paper be justified , i receive you both . peruse those wonders alsimira . iacin. sir , though by the tye of nature you may challenge all duty , this is done so like a father it exceeds all your care . fran. let this confirme , i bring a fortune not to be despis'd , but were i master of the world , i should at price of all my wealth , think this a treasure purchac'd too cheap . car. my blessing and my prayers , i 'm new created , and bow to that great providence ; all joy spread through your soules ; this is not much amiss . fran. but what 's become of madam estefania that took iacintas place ? alsi. forc'd from the coach by don alberto , thinking her my daughter iacin. that part of our plot fail'd , but my intents were fair , and to assist this injur'd ladie ser. don pedro sir. enter servant . car. you shall for some few minutes . withdraw into that chamber , in his passion he may be violent , leave me to moderate . fra. i shall obey you sir. exit . enter pedro. fed. was ever man of my great birth and fortune affronted thus ? i am become the talk of every picaro and ladron , i challenge a reparation of my honor ; where 's iacinta ? t is a plot , a bace contrivement to make my name ridiculous , the subject of every scurrill language . car. my lord with pardon of your altesa , y' are not injur'd here , unless i have been faulty in too much observance , and desires to serve your person , vvith almost sacrifice of my daughter . ped. ha! too much to me ? car. i would you had remembred how much your honor was engag'd before , by contract to another , when you mock'd the innocent iacinta , now not mine . ped. vvho hath traduc'd my fame , or mention'd me vvith that dishonour ? i disclaim all contracts . the unconfin'd aire 's not more free , than i to all the world , except your beauteous daughter . car. do you know the lady estefania ? ped. dares she make saucie claim ? my breath dissolves it if every lady whom we grace with our converse should challenge men of my nobility — car. i wish my lord you could evade it , for the honor of my family ; if your conscience or art can nullifie that ladies sinterest i am resolv'd — my son luys shall aside● then marry with that widdow , i have no other ambition . ped. you are wise , and i am fortified to clear my self thought-free enter alberto , estefania with a letter . from any promise to that sullen madam . ha! t is iacinta , and she wears the jewell i did present , conspicuously ; i ask no reason for thy absence , let me chain my darling in this amorous curl , t is happiness enough to repossess thee , not the policie and power of hell shall separate us agen . este. it is but justice sir. ped. ha! estefania . alb. do you know her sir ? este. do you know this character ? ped. conspiracy . est. when this is read don carlos you will imagine he has wrong'd your daughter . car. is this your hand count pedro ? ped. mine — t is counterfeit upon my honor , and i thus dissolve thy insolent claim . este. nothing can bind i see a false heart car. this must give you freedom madam , if you release his hasty vow . este. faith cannot be compeld sir. ped. these are all impostures ; i take my self into my self . alb. what shall become of her my noble count ? ped. i pitty her but cannot cure her wound , and if you be her friend , advice her to contain her passions , and wisely love one that can entertain it . alb. you hear this madam ? este. and can smile upon his violated fath . car. now for luys , to strike in with the widdow , servant . hee 's a sleep . car. i le wake and quicken him . exit . este. hadst thou bin worth my love , i should have held thee worth my anger shadow , of a lord. thy greatness i despise , and think thee now too poor for my revenge , and freely give thee back thy barren promises , and when i read in story , one that has been perjur'd , i 'l write don pedro in the place of him that brok his faith , and thank my fate t' have mist thee . alb. if you please madam , while he is i' th' humor of being base , i 'l make him gather up these paper reliques , which he shall make him self up into rolls , and having swallowed 'em for pills , thank you , his physick was so gentle . este. it will be too much time & breath lost on him . alber. it will become me madam to attend you . exit este. ped. so , she is taken off ' and my path free to carlos daughter . enter carlos and luys . luys . contracted to don pedro ? say . car. she was , where is estefania ? ped. gone with alberto ; proud to wait upon the lady i neglected . car. follow 'em luys ? i do not like he should insinuate now she is free , and his hopes desperat in iacintas love . luys how long have i slept sir ? car. thou dost dream still , persue the widdow now or never look at such a fortune . luys is she gone with alberto ? what if i say , i have lain with her , and that shee 's with child by me ? car. that would stain both your fames ; away and welcom when thou return'st , and she confirm'd . luys i le confirm her , or confound somebody , no more , i am awake , this is don pedro i 'l talk with him first , vvill you justefie , the widdow is a widdow still , and sweet for all your contract , that you have not been my rivall as they say after the flesh , and that you did not know i had a mind , or not a mind , to do the deed of matrimony ? ped. not i upon my honor . luys you are vvitness — novv to alberto . car. manage the business temperatly . luys let me alone to be temperate , if i do not cosen some body , let me never drink sack agen . exit . car. what think you of iacinta novv my lord ? ped. as on the saint i pay my chief devotions . enter fernando . fer. i come to seek one , that i late call'd brother , but he hath forfeted that name , and justice weary of such a prodigy in nature hath arm'd me thus in he revenge , don carlos , obscure him not , no darkness can protect him , my svvord shall forrage every room like lightning , no cave but it shall visit , and through ribs of steel compell my passage to his heart , although i meet him in his mistris armes , the lovers sanctuary , i dare force francisco , and vvith my svvord cut the embrace that chains him , rather then he shall glory in my ruines , and revell out , those honors , vvith her , he took from my blood . enter francisco with a parchment . fra. it shall not need fernando . ped. hum , here is like to be a bloody business , i 'l not disturb ' em . exit . car. as you are brothers , by your fathers dust that should sleep quiet in his urne , by her dear name that gave you life , that novv prayes for you , chide this unnaturall furie . fra. vvhat demands fernando ? fer. my inheritance wrought from me by thy slie creeping to supplant my birth , and cheat our fathers easie soul , unvvorthily betraying to his anger for thy lust of wealth , the love and promise of two hearts , poor felisarda and fernando now wither at soul , and rob'd by thee of that should cherish virtue , like to rifled pilgrims met on the way , and having told their story , and drop'd their even teares for both their loss , wander from one another . fra. t is not sure fernando , but his pasion ( that obeys not the counsel of his reason ) would accuse me , and if my father now , since spirits lose not intelligence , but more active when they have shook off their chains of flesh , would leave his dwelling , and visit this course orbe agen : my innocence should dare the appeal , and make fernando see his empty accusations . fer. he that thrives by wicked art , has confidence to dress his action with simplicity , and shapes to cheat our credulous natures ; t is my wonder thou durst do so much injury francisco as must provoke my justice , to revenge , yet wear no sword. fra. i need no guard , i know thou darst not kill me . fer. dare i not ? fra. and name thy cause , t is thy suspition not francisco hath wrought thee high and passionate , to assure it , if you dare violate , i dare possess you withall my title to your land. car. how is that ? will you resign the interest to such a fair estate , and wrong my daughter sir ? fra. let him receive it at his perill . fer. ha! fra. it was my fathers act , not mine , he trembled to hear his curse alive , what horror will his conscience feel , when he shall spurn his dust , and call the reverend shade from his blest seat , to this bad world again , to walk and fright him ? car. i am abus'd fer. can this be more than dream ? fra. sir you may cancell it , but think withall how you can answer him that 's dead , when he shall charge your timorous soul for this contempt to nature and religion , to break his last bequest , and breath , that seal'd your blessings ? car. these are fine fancies . fer. here , and may it prosper , where my good father meant it , i 'm orecome . forgive me , and enjoy it , i may find some earth that is not thine , where i may dy and take up a dark chamber , love iacinta , and while i seek out where to be forgotten live happy , and devide the spring between you , enter ramires , felisarda , and teodoro , a loof . fra. so , so , all 's well agen . ram. fernando stay . fer. ha , my father and felisarda ? car. don ramyres and my neece ? fer. are they both dead ? [ fer. kneels . i dare kneel too , they do converse . don carlos do not you know that shape ? 't is wondrous like your neece . car. and that your father , ha ! fer. how long hath felisarda been a sad companion to the shades ? i did not think to find thee in this pale society , of ghosts so soon . felisar. i am alive fernando , and don ramires still , thy living father . fra. you may believe it sir , i was o' th' counsell . fer. it is a joy will tempt me , wish to live here , without more ambition to change for blessings of the other world ; and is my father willing that wee both should live ? car. men thought you dead . ramir. it lay within the knowledge of francisco and some few by this device to advance my younger son to a mariage with iacinta sir , and try fernando's piety and his mistris vertue , which i have found worth him , and my acceptance , with her i give thee what thy birth did challenge . receive thy felisarda . fer. 't is a joy , so flowing , it drowns all my faculties , my soul will not contain i fear , but lose and leave me in this extrasie . car. i am cheated . ra. not so , what dower you add above that fortune , descends upon her by your sisters legacie francisco shall deserve , with a proportion enter francisco and iacinta . out of my state ; live , and be happy both , you shall not want a father in my care . our children thus increas'd don carlos , 't is our shame if we neglect 'em ; teodoro you now may call me brother . thes. i 'm honor'd . car. well , take my blessing too , love her francisco . my bounty is to come , and if my son but finish with his mistris — hee 's return'd , enter luys . where is the widdow ? lu. sure enough . car. and don alberto . lu. i ha made him sure too , i ha pepper'd him . car. how ? lu. in your ear , i ha cut his throat , do none persue me ? car. i hope thou hast not kil'd him ? ha ! lu. you hope to late , i could not help it , you said he was my rivall . car. not to loud . lu. where , where shall i obscure me , the alcaides will be here presently , and search for me . i left him giving up the ghost , at a cranny i made into his side , through which a man might see into his midriff . car. art thou desperate ? lu. beside one window that did look into his lungs , from whence his wind came strong enough , in six hours sail to dispatch a carrack to the straightes . car. i 'm mad . lu. i should neglect my life , but 't would not sound well with your honor that don carlos son was hang'd , or put into the gallies ; are they not come yet ? car. i am undone , there is no safety here , make fast those doors , and by the postern gate thou maist escape , take the best horse , away . lu. i shall want money sir. car. come follow me ? this accident i fear will quite distract me . lu. you must dispatch me quickly sir , there is no staying to tell the money , gee 't me in lump , i 'l count it afterwards , good sir make hast . exit . lu. & car. ra. something hath hapned that doth fresh perplex him . fra. where is don pedro ? enter pedro. fer. hee 's here . ped. the storm is over sure , i hear no noise , toledos are asleep , iacinta ? have i found my love ? fran. here 't was lost indeed , i must allow no such familiarity with my wife . ped. how ? married ? ia. 't is most true my lord. ped. you have not us'd me thus ? fra. it had been impious to divorce your heart from estefania ; my good lord , wee know your lordship is religious in your promises . ped. i defy all estefanias , lady you are civill . to felis . fer. it will become my care so to preserve her my honorable count. ped. honorable ? it appeares not by these contempts . ramyr. your lordship cannot want a female furniture . enter alberto and estefania . ped. i must have some body now i 'm prepar'd , my blood will take it ill , would i had estefania ; shee 's here , madam i hope you have a better faith than to believe i was in earnest , don pedro is only at your service . este. 't is too late sir , this gent. is witness , of your surrender , and is now possest of all that 's mine . al. it was your noble bounty , for which i cannot study a return more apt than to resign to your good lordship , my interest in iacinta , give you joy count. such a rich widdow serves my turn . ped. so so , if i consider well this is but justice . enter carlos . car. ha , are not you don alberto : fetch back luys . al. the very same sir , and this lady is my wife , please you salute her . enter luys . luys sir for the credit of your wisdom talk not , the man you see 's alive and married too , with my consent , alas i ow'd him mony , that widdow has paid all , i must be honest , i had no heart to leave you so unsatisfied , these sums must go for other debts , my debts do clog my conscience , and are better when they are timely paid sir , then let run with their long teeth to bite your state hereafter , and if when i am free you dare but trust me — car. was ever father cheated thus , come hither , how darst thou be so impudent ? lu. i cannot help it sir , unless you dye or give me better means , i shall make bold with these devices , you are my father sir , and i am bound — car. to cosen me ? lu. all must be mine , and if i pay my self a little before the day , you shall be no loser when you come to reckon , this sha'not make a breach twixt you and i , they are honest men i ow this money too , when i am cleer prescribe me any method and rank me like your son , i will deserve you shall forget my wildness , and acknowledge me a convert without blemish to your family . rami. i must be intercessor . iacin. and we all . car. i 'l think upon 't . ped. since i cannot have iacinta , i desire i may have her brother . lu. not in marriage . fed. i like his wit , his spirit , and his humor , do not you love a wench ? lu. yes sir. ped. thou sha't never want . lu. wenches ? ped. wee 'l live together , and ▪ if thy father be not bountifull , thou shalt command my fortune . lu. you speak nobly . ped. ladies , i ask your pardon unless you hold me desperate , disdaine not that i may this day wait upon your triumph , and to each bride offer some guift to expiate my folly and offence . rami. you are too bountifull . car. y' are all my guests to day . rami. i beg your next remove may place the scen ' of joy with me , my house shall be much honor'd , lead the way with verse and wine let poets crown this day . exeunt omnes . epilogue . pedro. so so , your dangers over , and the state secure , as when our fleet in eighty eight was fir'd and scatter'd , to confirm it true here is don pedro taken prisoner too , i 'm at your mercy gentlemen , and i confess without a rack conspiracy , so far as my poor part i' th' play comes too , but i am innocent from hurt to you , and i dare quit the rest from any plot meant but to please , if you believe it not i dare make oath , your hands can do no less than certifie your friends what i confess . finis . the sisters , a comedie , as it was acted at the private house in black fryers , written by james shirley . never printed before . london , printed for humphrey robinson at the three pigeons , and humphrey moseley at the prince's arms in st. paul's church-yard . . to the most worthily honoured william paulet esquire . sir , composi●ions of this nature , have heretofore been graced by the acceptance , and protection of the greatest nobility ( i may say princes ) but in this age , when the scene of drammatick poetry is changed into a wilderness , it is hard to find a patron to a legitimate muse . many that were wont to encourage poems , are faln beneath the poverbiall want of the composers , and by their ruins are only at leasure ●o take measure with their eye , of what they have been . some extinguished with their fortune , have this happiness , to be out of capacity of further shipwrack , while their sad remaynes peep out of the sea , and may serve naked marks , and caution to other navigators , malignant stars the while ! in this unequall condition of the time , give me leave to congratulate my own felicity , that hath directed this comedy unto you , who wear your nobleness with more security , than titles , and a name that continues bright and impassible among the constellations in our sphear of english honour . i dare not detain you , sir , with too long a preface ; if you please to entertain these papers , as the modest tender of my service , i shall receive it as a most kind influence upon me ; and you will engage to all your commands , the humble heart of sir , your faithfull honourer , ia. shirley . prologue at the black-fryers . does this look like a term ? i cannot tell , our poet thinks the whole town is not well , has took some physick lately , and for fear of catching cold dares not salute this ayr. but ther 's another reason , i hear say london is gone to york , 't is a great way ; pox o' the proverb , and of him say i , that look'd ore lixcoln , cause that was , must we be now translated north ? i could rail to on gammar shiptons ghost , but 't wo' not doe , the town will still be flecking , and a play though ne'r so new , will starve the second day : upon these very hard conditions , our poet will not purchase many towns ; and if you leave us too , we cannot thrive , i 'l promise neither play nor poet live till ye come back , think what you do , you see what audience we have , what company " to shakespear comes , whose mirth did once beguile " dull hours , and buskind , made even sorrow smile , " so lovely were the wounds , that men would say " they could endure the bleeding a whole day : he has but few friends lately , think o' that , hee ' l come no more , and others have his fate . " fletcher the muses darling , and choice love " of phoebus , the delight of every grove ; " vpon whose head the laurel grew , whose wit " was the times wonder , and example yet , ` t is within memory , trees did not throng , as once the story said to orpheus song . " johnson , t' whose name , wise art did bow , and wit " is only justified by honouring it : " to hear whose touch , how would the learned quire " with silence stoop ? and when he took his lyre , " apollo dropt his lute , asham'd to see " a rival to the god of harmonie . you do forsake him too , we must deplore this fate , fot we do know it by our door . how must this author fear then , with his guilt of weakness to thrive here , where late was spilt the muses own blood , if being but a few , you not conspire , and meet more frequent too ? there are not now nine muses , and you may be kind to ours , if not , he bad me say , though while you careless kill the rest , and laugh , yet he may live to write your epitaph . persons . farnese , prince of parma . contarini , a noble man. antonio , uncle to the sisters . frapolo , the chief bandit . bandits . longino strozzo rangino pachequo lucio , paulina's steward . servants to paulina . giovanni stephanio fabio . piperollo , sonne to fabio , countrymen . citizens . petitioners . a scholar . pulcheria disguised , and under the name of vergerio . sisters . paulina angellina morulla , wife to fabio . gentlewomen . scene parma ▪ the sisters . act i. enter frapolo , longin● , pacheco , rangone , strozzo , and other banditi . lon. i like not this last proclamation . ra. nor i. st. it startled me to read it . fr. did you read ? t is a fault strozzo a fault ! i 'l have no theef hereafter learn to read ; threaten us with long winded proclamations ? we are safe within our woods , and territories , and are above his edicts ; have not wee a common-wealth among our selves , ye tripolites ? a common-wealth ? a kingdom ; and i am the prince of qui-vala's , your sovereign theef , and you are all my subjects . lo. we are — fr. and is there one so base to change complexion , because we are proscrib'd ? i 'l be no prince . i have a grudging on me to be honest , and leave you to the fear of hemp , and hunger ; have i by stratagems so oft preserv'd you , when you were howling out your lives , and lead away in dog-couples by rusty officers ? and are you struck dead with a paper pellet ? your bloud turn'd whay , because there is reward promis'd to bring our heads in ? i renounce you — land r●ts — pa. most excellent frapolo , they recant ; a little humane frailty may be pardon'd . fr. shall theeves , whose predecessors have been kings , and conquer'd worlds , be factious , and schismaticall ? i speak not for my self , but your own sakes , whose impudence , and art in valiant theft , hereafter , may advance you to be princes . lo. you have confirmed us . fr. you were best be rogues , and one betray another , to get the base reward ; do , lose your honour , live branded ▪ and be pointed at i' th' street , there goes a rascall that betrai'd his prince , or cut the throat of his comrade , this will shew well i' th' chronicles — stand fair you varlets , because we cannot tell whose heart is treacherous , i will examine all your phisnomies , and in whose face soever i can find a scandalous line , or look that may beget suspition of a man that wo'not die an honourable rebell , and defie the laws , i 'le shoot him presently . lo. hang laws , and those that make 'em , conscience is a varlet ; stand fair and shew complexions . fr. ye are all valiant , honest theeve landers , and i will be your prince agen , and dy w' ee , as boldly , as they dare invent — ra. hang cowards . fr. i will not have you theeves among your selves . lo. how 's that , and please thy excellence , not theeves ? fr. not theeves one to another ; but religious — there is a kind of a religion we outlaws must observe . st. i never knew religion yet , and 't will be now unseasonable ●o learn. ra. i 'l be of no religion . fr. who was so bold to say he would have no religion ? what man is he , hopes to be drunk , to whore , to sc●pe the wheels , the gallies , and the gallowes and be of no religion ? l● . he says right . fr. yee shall be of what religion i please . pa. t is fit we should , frapolo is our monarch . fr. and yet i must consider of some fit one that shall become our trade and constitutions ; hum ! silence . st. nay , nay prince , take time to think on 't , ther 's no hast . fr. i have thought , and you shall be no pagans , iews , nor christians . lo. what then ? fr. but every man shall be of all religions . ra. i like that well . fr. why should i clog your conscience or confine it ? do but obey your prince , and i pronounce you shall live grandees , till the state phangs catch you ▪ and when you come unto the wheel , or gibbet , bid figo for the world , and go out martyrs . omnes . a prince , a prince ! fr. provided , that no theef makes a confession at his death , or peach his tribe , or make a shew of penitence , to make the butter-women melt , and draw compassion from the toothless musty rabble ; this will exclude the benefit of that canon declares you martyrs for the cause . scout and discover . a noise within . exit longino . ra. t is a howling voice . fr. what cry was that ? enter longino . lo. of one , whose pocket has given up the ghost , and with the fear his body should do so , he howles o'th is fashion . they put on vizards : fr. bring him to our presence . piperollo brought in . pi. gentlemen , t is very cold , i beseech you do not strip my skin off , you are not sure i shall go to a fire when i go out of this world ; and yet as i am i confesse i shall yield very little burn'd . lo. knock out his brains . pa. pistoll him . st. cuts throat . pi. gentlemen , hear me — i am very sorry , i had no greater sum — but if you please to reprieve a poor wretch , i may do you service , and if you knew my inclination , you would not be too cruell . fr. to what are you inclin'd sirra ? pi. i have been commended for a dexterity at your fellonious trade ; for gentlemen , i have been a pickpocket of a child , and have these many years been thought a pretty house-theef ▪ mary i have not yet breeding abroad with such deserving men , but i shall be most glad to learn , and if you please t' accept me to your tribe , i have intelligence where money lyes hid , and very few spirits to guard it . fr. be confident , and be cover'd . lo. let him be one of us . fr. be brief , where is this treasure ? pi. i have an old father , and mother , gentlemen , please you bestow a visit upon them ; they have some goldfinches , having new sold a peece of land , was given 'em by the rich vincenzo , father to the famous , proud paulina , now his heir . lo. the glorious daughter of old vincenz● ? she 's a semiramis . pi. the very same ; if you would visit her , i am acquainted with the house . fr. wee 'l take a time to think on her ; to th' point , what ready money has your father sirra ? pi. t is but two days ago since he receiv'd six hundred pistolets , i can direct to a cedar chest , where the fine sum lies dormant . st. what servants has your father ? pi. alas none , they are miserable hinds , and make me all the drudge , you need not fear the court-du-guard ; if you please let me go an honest theeves part , and furnish me wi●h a devills complexion , to hide my own , i will conduct you . fr. a very honest fellow ! pi. i do not love to be ingratefull where i 'm kindly us'd , my heart is honest . fr. is he thy own father ? pi. my own father and mother sir , the cause would not be so naturall else , and meritorious . fr. a precious rogue , fit him instantly with a disguise , and let him have that face the devill wore in the last anti-masque . pi. it cannot be too ugly sir to fright ' em . fr. but if he fail in any circumstance — pi. 't is not far off , i know the nearest way . fr. or give the least suspition to betray you , be sure you cut his throat . lo. we shall . pi. i thank you sir , d' ee think i 'l be a traytor ? lo. come first along with us . exeunt . fr. you heard this fellow name the proud paulina , her chests are worth the rifling . pa. the castle is impregnable she lives in . fr. was that spoke like an understanding theef , a true bandit ? how i do blush for thee ? was not the orchard of hesperides watcht by a fierce , and flaming dragon , robd ? shall wee despair to reach her golden apples ? wee 'l make discovery of the place , and persons , put it to fate , let stars do what they please ; mercury is a stronger theef than hercules . exeunt . enter giovanni stephanio . gio. what a brave time have we had , since our old master died ? st. though he were a gallant man , his daughter makes his memory burn dym , and ( compar'd to her ) he liv'd but like a hermit in a cell , she is all magnificent , a 〈◊〉 , every hair of her head worth stellyfying . gio. but my lady , for so we must call her , may be of kin to lucifer for pride ; how many brave gentlemen hath she despis'd , when once their blister of love broke out , and they made offer of mariage ? enter antonio , angellina . ste. here is her sister angellina a virgin of another constitution , their two natures as different are , as the two poles , our mistress cannot be so tyrannically proud as she is sweet , and humble . gio. that 's the reason her father left her only as much as would commend her to a nunnery . st. her uncle dotes upon her . gio. he does love her . st. t is an old blunt brave fellow ; but he has quite lost our gallant ladies good opinion , he is out of grace . ex. ant. ang. gio. because he would correct her insolence , who oblig'd by her father to the care of her governour , wo'not tie up his counsell , which he enforces sometimes so passionately , it is a sport to hear her contempt of his gravity . enter paulina , antonio . he has met my lady , i see a quarrell in their looks already , let us withdraw behind that lobby , we may hear , and laugh securely . exeunt . an. how long have you been speechless ? am not i your uncle ? why do you look so scurvily ? i do not think you are a princesse yet , and therefore take the boldness to salute you , without the ceremony of petitioners that haunt your ladiships charity ; or if you thought me despicable , your sister has deserv'd your smile . pa. it may be so — an. buffoones , that make an idoll of you , and can pawn their souls to flatter you , should be entertaind , and courted to your vanity . i blush for you ; will nothing bring you into sense of honour or modesty ? i ha done . pa. it will become you ; you do presume too much . an. presume ? why , are not you paulina am not i antonio your uncle ? speak . pa. i do remember sir , i calld you so , while you preserv'd your wits , and may acknowledge you again , upon sober conditions , and your senses perfect . an. sober conditions ? am i drunk , gipsey ? what flesh is able to forbear . dost hear ? thou hast drunk a devill . pa. i did not see him in my cup. an. and he has sweld thee to this monstrous pride , more than thy sex beside ; if thou goest on at this rate , thou wilt make lucifer an ape , he must be thy disciple . pa. the old thing raves : an. thing ? what thing ? thank heaven thou art a woman ; i would beat thee into a poltise — when didst thou say thy prayers ? pa. you know i keep a chaplain . an. thy soul wants desperate lancing ; ther 's an eternall ulcer in thy heart , te● witches cannot suck it dry , there is a bath of poyson in thee . pa. i shall pity him ; a posset , and to bed with him , his head does want the benefit of sleep ; how wild the good man looks ? an. thou art — pa. the mistress of this castle as i take it , without your legacy . an. i could rail upon the dead for 't ; dost thou not fear thy fathers ghost should haunt thee ? pa. i never think upon him , and it was his providence to leave me an estate , to keep me from those malancholy fancies , and i will have you my caprichious uncle know , in the circle of these my dominions , i will have no competitor . an. dominions ? was ever such an insolence ? are not you some queen conceald ? pa. i am independent , and sole regent here . an. so so , where 's your nobility ? they are to blame not to attend — pa. who waits ? enter giovanni , stephanio . an. but they do want white staves , this is not state enough . pa. it shall be mended , let them be remembred . an. she 's in earnest — and if i were worthy to advise you madam , your grace should be a little more reserv'd , and entertain none that did treat of mariage to your private conference , untill they had in publick receiv'd audience like ambassadors . pa. i like the counsell well , it shall be so , the next that comes shall find it my good uncle . an. she 's incorrigible . what if you commanded those that do attend your person to observe you on their knees sometimes , they must be humble to your highness ; i can forget my gray hairs , name , and bloud , and teach your servants duty . pa. the example will edifie the houshold , and you may , by fair degrees rise to our princely favour . enter lucio . lu. madam , the lord contarini is arrived the castle . pa. he comes a woing to me , let it be your office reverend uncle to acquaint him , our pleasure is to give him audience to morrow in full state , untill when uncle , make it your care , his entertainment be such as becomes the greatness of his bloud , and one , on whom the prince , we know , bestows his speciall grace . an. d' ee h●ar sweet niece ? be not you transported ; this is no dream , the man is no mock-lord . pa. i 'l be a princess here , as you directed , if he can humble himself to ceremony , promise him honourable access , and freedom , if the conditions please him not , he may return , and leave our court. exit . an. is this in nature ? well i 'l follow her , and if she be not past a●l shame , and senses , i will humble or confound her . exit . act ii. enter longino , strozzo , binding fabio , and morulla . mo. ah sweet gentlemen , we are very poor , and have a great charge . str. we do come to ease you of your charge . fa. pity my age . st. you must then pity our youth . enter piperollo visarded with three bags . pi. here , share and share like . mo. alas we are undone . st. what shall we do with them ? pi. if you have bound her hands and feet , you may try whether she be a witch or no , there 's a pond in the backside , if she swim , so — for him ? fa. have some compassion , t is our whole estate . lo. you have a son , a pious child we hear . st. he will not let you want . mo. alas poor boy , he little thinks what we with care and providence laid up for him should thus be lost . o pity gentlemen . pi. boh — le ts away . st. i begin to find a kind of a compunction , let us be charitable theeves for once — lo. and return half , what say you ? pi. not a gazet , y' are not such foolish theeves ; part with present money ? part with my life first . st. not to your parents ? pi. we use them well , because we do not carry their cowes away ; there they have cheese , and butter , bread comes by nature , and they both can glean , there 's water in the well too ; not a penny — if you will be so charitable , defalk from your own shares , mine is a just theeves part ; i look for thanks , distribute your own alms ; these things must be employ'd to better uses . is a father , and mother considerable to ready mony ; oh ! fie — boh ! st. then we must over-rule you . trips up his heels . pi. ah what do you mean ? st. baul and betray your self at your own perill . we will be bold with your theeves part — come neerer — look you good woman , you shall not lose your thirds , say you have met with honest theeves ; this shall suffice at present , which we but borrow neither , that you may not suspect our payment , you shall have security , this honest man bound for 't , and so we leave you . fa. t is money . mo. and left one of their fellows bound . fa. do we not dream wife ? i dare not come neer him. mo. they are gone , i 'l see his complexion ; who 's this ? fa. our own son piperollo ? pi. pray father give me your blessing , ah — mother do not stone me to death with that money bag , i am your son. mo. my son ? ● know thee not . pi. a liar , you know mother , is worse than a theef ; do not destroy the hopes of your family , alas , i was drawn in , and made a theef in my own defence , they swore to cut my throat else , do you think i had so little grace — mo. did they so ? i 'l try what i can do . sh● draws her knife . pi. oh my quibibles ! sweet mother ▪ remember you were a woman in your days , that knew what 's what , and the true difference of things . i am a man yet , your forgivenesse may make me a true man. libbing , and hanging are no helps to posterity , i am your own sweet flesh and bloud — oh. mo. kick him out of doors . pi. i thank you , this correction may do me good ; gently , ah gently ; shall i not ask you blessing , a twelve-month hence ? both never . pi. i wo'not . my mother has a deadly life with her leg . fa. boh , you tadpole . exeunt . pi. i shall do no good o'th is trade . now to my wits , this is no world to starve in . exit enter lucio , giovanni , stephanio , with white staves . lu. this is very fine ; do not these staves become us ? but will my lady be thus mad , and give the lord c●ntarini audience in such state ? she takes upon her like a very princess . gio. but is 't not strange her uncle should thus humor her ? ste. he gave her the first hint , which she pursues to his vexation . luc. but will my lord stoop to this mockery ? gio. he is prepar'd by her uncle ; 't wil be sport , if she but carry it with pride enough . gio. let her alone . st. and if my lord wants confidence — gio. i think her impudence will make him blush , and put him out ; i have seen a counterfeit with such a majesty compose himself , he thought himself a prince , could frown as scornfully , and give his hand out to great lords to kiss , with as much grace , as all the royall bloud had musterd in his veins . lu some monarch of innes a court in england sure ; but when his reign expires , and christmas in the grave cold as the turkies coffind up in crust , that walk like ghosts , and glide to severall tables , when instruments are hoarse with sitting up , when the gay triumph ceases , and the treasure divided , all the offices laid up , and the new cloathes in lave der , what then ? gio. why then the man that kist his highness hand o'r night , may justle him for the wall next morning , and have it too ; if he come off with all his wits the play is paid for , and he fit for travell . enter contarini , antonio , vergerio , they whisper . my ladies uncle , and the lord contarini . ver. my lord contarini expects when he may have the happiness to present his service to your great lady . lu. we shall sir acquaint her . ver. your office sir ? lu. her steward . ver. yours i pray ? st. mine , treasurer . gio. mine , controller . ver. i kiss your hands ; this may be worth my lords curiosity . an. for the mirths sake , my lord be pleas'd , you may do an act of charity and restore her senses ; i 'l wait on you again . exit . con. now vergerio ? ver. the expectation is increas'd , her officers observe the state ; were your affections earnest and i my lord your mistresse , i should trust her pride . con. unless she ravish me . enter antonio . an. she 's upon entrance , her madness holds , your confidence may convert her , shee s my neece and i am sorry for it . enter paulina attended in state , angellina , ladies . pa. give him accesse . con. what ladies that stands on her right hand ? an. her younger sister , that does vex me as much with her humility , as the other with her impudence . con. an excellent peece , vergerio . ver. which my lord ? con. madam , the glory of your time and nation , whose looks do shine with majesty , and shoot a flame t' undoe the admirer , o call in some beams that wait upon the thrones of light , or i shall fall your sacrifice , and not finish what my great master gave me in charge . lu. has the prince a mind to her himself . st. t is not impossible . pa. speak on my lord. an. gipsey , she does believe the lightning of her eys will blast indeed , how scornfully she squinnies ? con. i come from the great sovereign of hearts , whose glorious monarchy uncircumscrib'd , extends to all the habitable world , where ever land or lover●stretch'd his arm , whose scepter 's not like that of common kings , but a bright golden shaft feather'd with sighs , and headed with a flame , which finds access , like subtill lightning to the most secure , and stubborn cell that ever yet inclos'd a humane thought — lu. he flies high . gio. t is his arrow — pa. speak this great name . con. the most immortall prince of love — gio. a high and mighty prince indeed . lu. t is not our prince of parma then ? con. unto your beauty madam , that makes sweet the breath of fame , in his name i am sent to offer up a servant , rich with wonder , and humble thoughts that honour you ; who can see those perfections and not adore the divine owner ? brightness that offends the innocent eye that gazes , is in you the cure of blindness , and the filmes that hang upon the humble sight , fall off and vanish , that it may take new life and light from you . an. is she not yet ridiculous to her self ? con. i can leave cupids court to live with you , and all those bowers , where an eternall spring makes every flower in love with it 's own beauty . the wind whose airy wings convey all sweetness that sense can entertain , i would exchange but to be near your breath ; and think there dwels a harmony in your voice , above the airs of all those charming birds by love selected from every wood to be his quire . i fear i am too bold , and may be thought to wander ; if madam you accept my amorous vows , which live yet in the weak expression of him that honours you , time will produce a white and fortunate hour to crown our loves with nuptiall happiness . pa. you have relation to the court of parma , your name lord contarini , you have no message from you master ? con. madam your fame hath fild his court , and he presents by me his princely wishes of your happiness , and should he see your person , like mine , his heart i fear would melt into a stream of love and admiration . pa. sir , we accept in good part greeting from the prince , but you have no commission to treat for him ; the substance of your own affair will ask our pause , we will take time to answer , which till you receive , you may command our court. exeunt paulina , servants angellina stayes . ver. proud folly ! ant. prodigious impudence ! con. what think you signior ? ant. i am confounded , i 'l to her agen . exit . ang. when shall i awake ? this sure is but a dream , the gentleman cannot so much mistake his time and language . con. i came with curiosity to see her pride so talk'd of , but my heart i feel is taken with an object of true sweetness . is 't not a lovely figure ? say vergerio . ver. if but her mind answer that fair proportion , my lord she is worth love , but being sister to a woman of such pride — con. i prethee leave me . ver. she is very beautifull ; my lord is taken . exit . con. lady , but that ther 's story for your births , i should make judgment by your modest face , this arrogant woman could not be your sister . ang. sir , if your expectation be not answered with her full worth , i shall beseech you name her with less disgrace , ( our bloud so neer ) it cannot be gratefull to my ear , to hear her blemishes . con. i was prepar'd before to meet this goodness ; these words and looks become that innocent spring from whence they flow , vertue hath such an army about your heart , ther 's nothing can approach ill to betray it , or proceed from you but warranted by honour . an. i know not , but sure my lord , you talk too fine a language for me to understand ; we are far from court , where though you may speak truth , you cloath it with such trim and gay apparell , we that only know her in plainness , and simplicity , cannot tell how to trust our ears , or know , when men dissemble . con. by your own love to truth , you must beleeve me , when i say , although it took beginning from this visit , i love no beauty but your self . ang. you said you lov'd my sister , and exprest your passion in such mighty phrase and fancie i thought your soul had made a business on 't , pardon the weakness of my faith if i dare not believe this change . con. your sister , lady , i came to visit , not affect , i heard , and had a purpose but to try how neer the wonder of her pride ( pardon sweet virgin ) came to a truth , nor did i court her with the language of a meaning lover ; but prepared by your vncle , meant to make her see her miserable folly ; i dare not present such mockeries to you ; suspect not this hasty address ; by your fair self , i love you . ang. my lord , if i beleev'd this , reall courtship , i should not entertain your honour with a a fruitless expectation , but declare , besides my want of fortune , beauty , birth , to make me worth your love , i am already contracted by my father to religion , whose will i cheerfully obey , and wait when my good uncle will dispose me to a nunnery . con. a nunnery ? ang. where for so great an honour you pretend to me a most unworthy maid , i 'l offer up my prayers , that you may choose a heart more equall to your own love , and greatness . enter antonio , paulina , and servants . con. nay you must not leave me so , we are interrupted , you may trust me fair one with a neerer conference , exeunt . pa. alas poor old man. ant. the old man before your borrowed ladiship is bold to keep his head warm , and to tell you you are a puppet , take that to your titles of honour . pa. so sir , none restrain his insolence ? ant. i 'l make him swallow down his staff of office that stirs . i ha'not done . canst be so impudent to think his lordship does not laugh at thee ? your eys the thrones of light ? a brace of lanthorns , in which two snufs of candle close to th' socket , appear like fire-drakes , and will serve to light a traveller into a ditch . you madam majesty , and the glory of a nation ? tho' art a disease to honour , modesty , a feaver in thy fathers bloud , a gangren upon his name , a pox upon thee for 't ; ther 's one disease more , yet i have not done . pa. my charity may invite , if these fits hold , some close provision for you 'mong mad men ; i do command you leave my house . ant. i wo'not , i 'l fire the house ; dost hear ? thou wo't burn well , th' ast oil enough about thy face , and all thy body pitch , very combustible . but i 'l not be damn'd for thee , now i think on 't , and since no counsell will prevail , i 'l save my self . before i go , give but a reason why thou dost slight this gallant lord , and squint as if he were groom or foot man. pa. i 'l tell you , you would have the truth . ant. if thou canst speak any . pa. i do esteem my self more equall for his master . ant. who , the prince ? pa. no , the blind prince of love , you are wise uncle , but i am out of poetry . ant. i think i were best cut off thy head , and save the laws a labour — ther 's no talking to her . pa. i am of your mind uncle , you may edifie your charge , my younger sister , she 's not proud , pray take her w' ee , shee 'l become the cloister ; go , and be mortified together , take her , i am weary of her . ant. and i of thee ; she shall be further off too , thou 'lt infect her , although her foolish father , ( yet he was my brother ) i have not power to speak well o' th' dead , gave thee his whole estate , i have a fortune , dost thou hear ? i have , and to vex thee , thy sister shall have that , i 'l see , and i can make her proud , i 'l do 't ; she shall have servants , suters , fidlers , flatterers , fine cloathes , and all the food that can provoke yo glorifie her sense ; i have bags to spare , she shall not to a nunnery to vex thee , i say again she shall not , wee 'l have humours ; the to'ther pox upon thee , and farewell . pa. i fear he 's mad indeed . let me have musick , this talk has made me melancholy . exeunt . act iii. enter lucio , piperollo . lu. for thy mothers sake thou shalt be entertain'd . pi. an under butler would fit me rarely , ther 's none i' th' house that shall be sooner drunk , nor oftner for my ladies credit sir. lu. can you write ? pi. and read in print sir. lu. art thou faithfull ? may a man trust thee ? pi. for more than i 'l speak on ; trusted ? i was bound for two gentlemen lately , that could not take up five hundred pistols upon other security , my father and mother knows it ; i shall never endure a theef for a thing that i know , alas you know i am a neighbors child , my mother was your good ladies nurse . lu. do not i know thy mother ? pi. better it may be , than i know my father . lu. till some office fall i' th' house , you shall serve me , and ride with me , to receive my ladies rents . enter controller giovanni . gio. mr. steward , yonder are the rarest fellows , in such phantasticall habits too , they call themselves mathematicians . lu. what do they come for ? gio. to offer their service to my lady , and tell fortunes . lu. have they no chief ? gio. yes a quaint philosophicall fellow , they call him a caldean , a great schollar , they do not come for money like your starch'd fac'd egyptians , but carry things for the credit of the mathematiques honourably ; my lady hath given the caldean her nativity , who is to consult with the ephemerides , and give account how the stars wil dispose of her . pi. we shall know all our fortunes then . gio. the worst of his train can discipher hands , tell foreheads . pi. and noses . gio. one at the first sight did but whisper to my ladies gentlewoman , and she did so blush through her tiffany . pi. that 's no great matter , i have seen one blush through a plaister of paris . lu. how 's that ? pi. a kind of french painting sir. gio. well said piper●ll● ; i have entertain'd him ; but my lady . enter paulina , gentlewomen . pa. the caldean pleases me , i long to hear my fortune , if it be good he shall have a reward to cherish his great art , and worth my bounty ; what if my stars should frown ? didst bid 'em follow ? ste. they are all ready madam . pi. musicall knaves . enter longino , rancone , pacheco , strazzo , in queint disguises . a song . beauty and the various grace , that adorn the sweetest faces , here take their glorious throne ; may he that is the god of archerie , never aim one angry dart , but soft , and gentle as your heart , court it with flame , and rich perfume , to light , and sweeten , not consume . pa. not the caldean come yet ? my thoughts are inflam'd with fierce desire to know my destiny ; you have skill gentlemen ; but i 'l expect the judgment of your master on my fate ; when the great man of art returns acquaint me . exit . ste. come my friends , le ts lose no time ; sir. lo. i am for you to the extent of my art signiour . ra. if it please you , let me peruse your hand . lu. 't is at your service . pi. please you to examine my palm ; can you tell me learned sir , what is past ? pa. you know that already . pi. 't will be a satisfaction to me , if you can make it appear , that you know something in that point . lo. a fracture in the mercuriall line , and the mount of saturn ill characted ! you are [ strazzo picks neer a misfortune sir. [ stephani . pocket . ra. iupiters mount is well form'd and colour'd a cross conspicuous , the suns mount well figur'd , and linca solis , without any intersection , lu. your iudgement upon that sir ? enter antonio . an. more anticks yet ? what nation have we here , fortune flingers ! str. you shall know yours immediately . an. her house is open for these mountebanks , cheaters , and tumblers , that can foist and flatter my lady gugaw ; every office open , when poor men that have worth and want an alms , may perish ere they pass the porters lodge ; what are you sir ? str. one of the mathematicians noble signior . an. mathematicians ? mungrell , how durst thou take that learned name upon thee ? you are one of those knaves that stroul the country , and live by picking worms out of fools fingers . ( cato . str. and something out of your trunks , my reverend an. busie the raskals are , how the rogues stink ? i 'l send your regiment a quarter-master . exit . str. now to my other gamester . pa. you have been — pi. what sir ? pa. in your ear — a theef . pi. he has a devil ; good sir not too loud . pa. and you shall be — pi. hang'd i warrant you . pa. let me see tother hand . pi. shall it scape with burning ? ra. you shall be a lord. lu. a lord. ra. hum , yes , a lord infallibly . pa. you shall be a knight sir. pi. of the theeves order , and wear my rich collar of hemp ; is 't not so ? pa. an honourable knight , upon my word . lu. a lord — pray give your opinion . [ to ● on ino . lo. your hand — you shall be a right worshipfull — lu. one of your tribe told me i should be a lord. str. and shall be us'd accordingly , lords are transitory . strozzo picks luc●oes pocket . lo. let me see tother hand . i marry sir , this line cleeres the doubt , and markes you right honourable , which makes up the tother half of your fortune signior , these two parallell lines from the dexter angle to be the mount of sol , has made all plain , you must be a lord. pi. he has given you a very good reason sir , a man can have but half his fortune in one hand , and two right worshipfulls makes up one right honourable ; these are rare fellowes , i am predestinate to be a knight , the stars may do their pleasure , i obey . this should be the caldean . enter frapolo , castruehio be whispers to the rest . fr. i have narrowly observed the castle , and where the treasure lies , i know my lady in honour will entertain us this night , and when they are asleep wee 'l take our opportunity to rifle her exchequer , boyes , mean time let me alone to humour her proud nature ; i will so claw her ambition . lu. in the interim , i 'l put a question to his astrology . sir , if you please till my lady return to satisfie her seward , and oblige him by your art , one of your under mathematicks has given me a comfortable destinie . fr. your hand . when were you born ? lu. i know not sir. ran. a lord — [ r. whispers fr. no matter , venus in the ascendent with sol , being lady of your seventh ; hum , hum , with iupiter , designes you to be a lord. lu. they all agree ; the miracle of learning ! one question more i beseeth you sir , i am to ride with my man to receive my ladies rent to morrow through the forrest — fr. go to . lu. now i desire to know , whether we shall be rob'd in our return or no ? fr. what time do you think precisely to come back sir , for we should know the very minute . lu. the money is ready sir , and we do purpose , in your ear — fr. yes , you shall be rob'd , ther 's nothing in nature to prevent it . pi. will they kill us , and please you ? fr. no , they shall not kill you , they shall only take your money , and break your pate , that will be all . pi. why let 'em rob us sir , the loss of our money will be an evidence of our preferment , and you may have more assurance to be a lord , and i of my knighthood — my lady sir. enter paulina . fr. madam , the stars shine with their full beams upon you , who by me their interpreter , salute you with a glorious fortune : for leo's lord of your horoscope in the right angle of heaven , and a royall fixt sar calld regulus , or the lions hart , culminating with him , and a naturall reception between mars , and sol lord of the tenth , being in the first with mercury and venus in the house of honour , besides a conjunction of iupiter and luna in pisces , in the house of mariage , i must give iudgment . pa. i shall beseech your cleerer language . fr. you shall be married to a prince , it is inevitable . pa. a prince ? lu. may not i come to be a lord then ? pi. and i a knight ? pa. when shall i see him ? fr. he shall within few days visit your castle , drawn hither with the fame of your person , and bravery . i need not instruct you to entertain him with state and ceremony becoming his excellence , but if he court you not into his arms , i will renounce the stars , and say there is no truth in astrology . pa. how my thoughts swel already . fr. she has swallowe'd it . pa. give him five hundred pistolets . fr. do not wrong so much one that does honour you ; as i bribe not the stars to tell me their decrees , i dare not for money sell their secrets , and if any that have relation to me presume to take a iulio — lo. by no means madam — pa. i like it that no mercenary ends guide 'em to flatter me . [ a drum 〈◊〉 off . lo. is not that a march ? exit . pi. if it entrench not too far upon your art , this prince , sir , has a name . fr. and rules this province , fernese is a bachelour . pa. the prince of parma ? my bloud refines in every vein already , dull heavy souls that are content to drudge in humble thoughts . enter longino and whispers to frapolo . lo. i fear we are betraid ; the countries up and marching to the castle , we may be all surpriz'd let us to , horse — exit . pa. deny not , sir , this night an entertainment , such as my castle yields , it sha'not spread to receive guests more welcome . lu. a drum madam . exit . ra. must we not stay and rob the house to night ? er. madam , my art foretells i cannot be safe to remain here , at my return i wo'not baulk your castle , i' th' mean time cherish high thoughts , your stars do call you princess , so kissing your fair hand — pa. make me not so unhappy . fr. there is no dispute with destinie , i take my humble leave , away to horse . exeunt . pa. this more amazeth me , what danger should provoke this hast , if it prove their concernment , i must believe they do converse with fate , and trust to them as oracles ; a princess ? was not my soul propheticall ? enter lucio . lu. madam , some accident hath rais'd your tenants , they march in fury this way , in strange postures and arms , as if they came to storm the castle . enter piperollo . pi. madam , we are all undone , the clubs are up , your tenants are turn'd rebels , and by this time entred the hall ; and threaten to surprize i know not whom ; but the caldea● , and his troop are vanish'd , they foresaw this tempest . pa. what should this mean ? enter countrymen armed . i come on you men of lusty chine , dear lady be not affrighted , captain of thy guard am i , thy naturall tenant , and thy vassall ; where be these sunburnt aethiopians ? i wo'not leave one canting rogue alive . pa. what aethiopians , what canting rogues ? do not your clounships know me ? i know our princess ? we honour thee , and rise in thy defence ; where be these theeves ? we heard there were a regiment , that came to cheat and plunder . pa. y' are a knot of knaves and fools , and shall repent this insolence ; you that command in chief , good captain bumbard , may teach your raggamuffins face about , was it your stratagem to fright my guests ? i your uncle told us madam , and commanded . pa. was it his plot ? he 's still my enemy . i pardon us madam , we came simply hither to do you service ; kneel , or we shall all be stript out of our tenements . pa. my uncle has abus'd you , but this submission takes our anger off , continue dutifull to my commands , and you shall be remembred ; piperollo — exit . pi. i know the buttery madam ; follow me , it is my ladies pleasure you be drunk , and thank her grace ye keep your copiholds ; d ee you bring up the rear , i 'l march in front . exeunt . enter antonio , contarini . ant. passion o' me , it is to great an honour , refuse a man of your high bloud and name , that courts her honourably ? i could beat her . con. 't is not impossible at my return to find a change . i must to court agen . ver. the horses my lord are ready . con. vergerio — ant. what a baggage 't is , shee s all for the nunnery , she sha'not have her will , i 'l undo my self but i 'l destroy this modesty ; if i could but make her proud there were some hope on her . ver. my lord you may command , but how unfit , i am to manage this affair . con. thou hast a powerfull language , it prevail'd on me when i first saw thee , since which time i have not deserv'd unkindly from thee , and this trust speaks more than common favour . ver. make me his advocate to angellina ? an. my lord , if you can still preserve these thoughts of honour to us , leave her to my counsell . con. most cheerfully , i am not desperate ; this gentleman i 'l leave to wait upon her , who is privy to my counsells , and affection . an. your lordship hath found trust in him , but that sha'not excuse my care , to make her know her happiness , and the honour of our family , by meeting your commands . she 's here . enter angellina , francescina . francescina tell me , what hope of your mistress ? how does thy counsell work ? does she pray less then she was wont ? or listen now and then when thou talk'st wantonly , does she smile upon 't ? fr. between our selves , i put her to a smiling blush . ant. what said she , tell me on thy modesty , when she found her dear delight , the legend of the saints remov'd , and ovids tales of iupiter put in the place ? fr. she said , that iupiter was a most sensuall heretick , and the cestus that venus wore was not st. francis girdle . ant. how did she like the picture of leander , swimming the hell●spont upon his back ? how that of cleopatra kissing antony ? fr. she says that queen was none of the poor clares , but one bread up in black aegyptian darkness ; all i can say , she is not desperate , i sing no anthems to her . ant. what says she to her dancing master ? fr. she is past her honor ; that 's a precious fellow , she 'l laugh to see him gamboll with his limbs , his head flies like a ball about the room ; you 'd think he were at tennis with it . ang. though in the guilt and knowledge of my own defects , to answer such an honourable esteem of me , i dare not yet presume to meet it ; i shall want no pious thoughts for this so great a bounty to a poor desertlesse virgin. ant. hang your pious thoughts and love my lord. con. not for the wealth of parma should my cause force one cloud upon her face or put her eys to the expence of tears , it shall be argument for me to hope , if she accept this youth to wait upon her , who may in some auspicious hour , prepare me a gentle seat within her heart , mean time i leave upon your virgin lip the faith , of your true servant lady . ant. i 'l attend you to horse my lord. exeunt . ang. poor miserable maid , faln now beneath the pity of thy self ; my heart , on which so late a flame of heaven stream'd comfort in my holy resolutions , is fil'd with love , but not of contarini , whose passion may deserve anothers welcome , i prethee francescina take thy lute and let me hear thy voice . fr. i can sing venus and adonis to you . ang. any thing . fr. or will you hear the pleasant dity how fair calisto first became a nunne . ang. i prethee do not name a nun , the flame that i feel here deserves no vestall name . fr. i 'l do my best to fit you , ther 's no such tool in nature as a chambermaid to work upon her mistress . exeunt . act iiii. enter frapolo , longino , strozzo , pachcco , with the rest . fr. it was a fatall business to lose such an opportunity . lo. my lady was wound up so rarely . st. we were betraid for certain ; 't was high time to scud , and get into our territories ; now we are safe in our grots , secure as the minotaur , and keep the clew of our own labyrinths . pa. we lost a rare design , but in my opinion , t is better scouting here with our heads on , than have 'em carryed in by clowns at the court rate . fr. the ignorant rogues would nere ha ' sold them to their worth . lo. and they dare as soon venter upon hell , as shoot their heads into this furnace . fr. but this claridiana sha'not scape so , i am resolv'd to visit her again , and i am glad i prepar'd another expectation , these difficulties shall make our next attempt more glorious . lo. those shapes will conjure up the bores again . st. she does expect the caldean . fr. hang the caldean . i have a new device shall scoure the castle ; and make dame guinever with all her pride , thank and adore the invention . lo. how dear frapolo ? how ? whooting within . fr. scout and discover , strozzo . str. i see but two men coming down the hill. fr. cannot their worships travell with less noise ? lo. they durst not be so confident without a number , 't is good to be secure , the noise approaches , le ts to our shells . fr. do you lie perdue still . they retire . pa. i do not like their confidence , these may be the enemies scouts , le ts non engage to soon for fear of a reserve . the state has threatned to send their vermin forth . fr. obscure : close , close . enter lucio , piperollo . lu. what dost thou mean ? thou hast a mind to be rob'd indeed . pi. i would have art maintain'd in reputation , you know my lady is to be a princels , and you must be a lord , and i be dubbed , but if we be not rob'd , i know not how to trust the mathematicks or the stars ; i am afraid all the bandits are hang'd , a thousand pistols should not fear to travell . lu it is not wisdom to proclaim our charge , though i could be content to be a lord , i am not over hearty , theeves are theeves , and life is precious , prethee le ts make hast . pi. illo ho ho , think upon your honour , are there no gentlemen ? no wanting gentlemen that know how to spend a quantity of gold ? there is no thief in nature . str. the gentleman is very merry , they that mean well , and have their wits about 'em , do not use to call upon our tribe . this is a plot , a very plot , and yet the coast is ●leer , now i may reach their voice . pi. it wo' not be , was ever men distrest so ? lu. come we are well yet piperollo , if the stars decree our robbery , it will follow . pi. i pray sir le ts sit down here , as you hope to be a lord , we must do our endeavour and help the fates . do but hear reason sir. str. 't is my proud madams steward , and our quondam fellow thief ; they were told their fortunes to be rob'd ; here had been a purchase lost if i had not lain perdue . you shall be disparcht presently , never fear it . he whistles . lu what 's that ? i do not like that tune . pi. hum , i am not in love with that quailpipe . i could dwindle , but that i have a strong faith in the mathematicks ▪ theeves and be thy will. lu. if they should cut our throats now — this is your folly ; would i were off . pi. would i were a knight in an embroidered dish clout . have a good heart sir , ther 's no more to be said in 't , let the stars take their course , 't is my ladies money — and if we be rob'd , we are so much the neerer to preferment . enter frapolo and the rest . lu. ah sweet gentlemen take but the money — pi. 't is ready told ; nay , nay , we are friends ; give us but a note under your hands for my ladies satisfaction , that you have received it gentlemen . lu. you need not trouble your selves to tell it ge●●●●●men , it is all right . lo. so , so , wee 'l take your words . pi. i should know that vizard , the garments that you wear too i have seen old acquaintance ? fr. does he know you ? cut his throat . pi. no sir , i do not know him , nor any man , nor my self , i was not once rob'd before , neither did i help any man to rob my own father and mother ; i knew no cedar chest i , i disclaim it , nor was any man that i know left bound for the money ; ye are all honest gentlemen , and i congratulate our good fortune , that you came so luckily in the very nick , we had carried home the money else in good sadness — sir , we are made for ever — rare mathematicians ! fr. what 's that you talk sirra of mathematicians ? pi. it pleased some of the learned tribe to visit my lady not long since , but they are well i hope , they told us we should be rob'd , and 't is done ; blessed caldean ! fr. what became on ' em ? pi. they scap'd a scouring , for my ladies cinicall uncle , in meer malice to learning , rai ' d the towns upon 'em , perswading the hobbinolls they came to rob the house ; but honored be the stars , they brought 'em off at the back gate . fr. they seem honest fellows , let 'em live , and pass . lu. we humbly thank you gentlemen , come piperollo . pi. and yet , now i remember , there wants a circumstance , my pate is not broke yet , that was a clause , the caldean was a little out . fr. i had forgot , will you be prating sirra ? [ fi. breaks his head . pi. now t is done , i thank you , dear gentlemen , i thank you ▪ go forth and be a knight ; mathematician i adore thee , it bleeds ; where are you sir ? all is compleat , and my head is broke according to prophecie . oh admirable caldean ! exeunt . lo. we have not lost all my ladies money , but to your plot frapolo . fr. this hath ripend it , and i appear a blazing star already . str. what 's the mystery ? fr. you know i am your prince . lo ▪ 't is acknowledged . fr. we will in state visit the proud paulina , i am the prince farness , and you are all my lords and privy counsellors bear up for honour of your prince . lo. i apprehend it , 't is a most rare design , she will be mad to meet it . pa. will you marry her ? fr. i cannot tell , there may be a necessity , but when i ha' the wench , her plate and jewels , and other sums , i have cast already whither we must transport our selves — wee 'l divide all . lo. and the wench too ? fr. no not the wench , untill i cast the concubine ; remember who i am , the choice of flesh is my prerogative ; no murmuring , you shall provide our robes . str. now we are rogues to purpose . fr. i am your prince , and the worst theef a states-man . omnes a prince , a prince . exeunt . enter angellina , and francescina . ang. where is vergerio ? fr. i know not madam . ang. madam ? i prethee leave that folly , i am no lady , call me angellina . fr. i 'l call you madam , 't is a name in fashion , what do you want to justifie that title ? have you not beauty , jewels , gold at pleasure ? fine cloathes , high food , and men as motley , as the ambassadors to wait ? does not your uncle allow you all that can make up a lady ? pardon my boldness madam , i beseech you . enter two gentlewomen . ang. what are these ? fr. the gentlewomen were commended , madam , most excellent in their art about great ladies ; and come to tender you their humble service . most proud if you accept our duties madam . fr. look you , they 're proud already , they have nothing but their trade to live on ; she with the face spotted with ermins , hath been late in france , and knows the mode to a mathematicall point , she has the theory of song , but lost the practick part by sitting up a nights ; she danceth still , can talk in severall languages , and has the art of every game , to instruct a novice lady — ang. to lose time . fr. and what age , do you think the other gentlewoman carries ? that simpers so ? the miracle of painting ! she presents scarce five and twenty , but if you credit church records , she numbers but five short of threescore , medea had no charmes like her , to preserve youth , and beauty ; she hath the art of making eys , new hair , and ivory teeth , hath skill in making fruitfull , and is an excellent midwife ; she hath cur'd a man that had no nose , and a court-lady that had no tongue . ang. these are transcendent qualities ; since t is my uncles pleasure , they may wait , but not to serve me . one knocks . fr. who 's that knocks so modestly ? 't is not your dancing-master , nor the doctor , they have more confidence . 't is the parsons nephew , come from the university , some say a pretty schollar , and a wit ; hath an ambition to kiss your hand and tender his first fruits . ang. what 's that ? fr. some poetry . by any means madam , you must be flatter'd , great ladies cannot live els . ang. let him enter . enter schollar . sch darling of beauty , fairest angellina , thus low the muses bow , and send by me an abstract of your self ; oh make the paper more white by kissing your fair hand , and with your breath , like a soft western gale , perfume these lines created in your praise . ang. what 's heer ? — i am a stranger to you sir , and to your language , these words have no relation to me ; i pity men of your high fancy , should dishonour their own names , by forming such prodigious shapes of beauty in our sex . if i were really what you would commend , mankind would flie me ; get a painter sir , and when he has wrought a woman by your fancy , see if you know her again ; were it not fine , if you should see your mistress without hair ? drest only with those glittering beams you talk of ? two suns instead of eys , and they not melt the forhead made of snow ; no cheeks , but two roses inoculated upon a lillie ? between , a pendent alablaster nose ? her lips cut out of corall , and no teeth , but strings of pearl ; her tongue a nightingales ; her chin a rump of ivory , and so forth ? would not this strange c●imera fright your self ? and yet you take the boldness to present us , and think we must applaud , and thank you for our selves made monsters by your art ; no more of this for shame ; lose not your time and honour in this fantastick idoll ; you will say , the world is peevish , and not kind to virtue ; give him ten pistolets to cure h●s poverty , there are good seeds in him and they may grow with some cherishing . sch. you are enough to vindicate your sex , i shall not blush to write your story . fr. you shall owe me sir an anagram , and a poesy too for my next ring . sch. you shall command my faculty , my dearest abigall exit . fr. thank you sweet sir roger. enter four citizens . is her ladiship at leasure ? ang. what are these ? we are humble suter madam for your favour . ang. speak your request . i am a tailor madam that holds intelligence with forein courts to furnish ladies with new fashions , and i have patterns of the strangest shapes that ever ladies long'd for . ang. i believe it . i have the ambition to own the name of your perfumer madam . ● your jeweller ; what think you of that carcanet sweet madam ? the pearls are orient , i have a diamond the sultan gave one of his concubines , it weighes — caracts , if it please you madam , to wear it in the court , and i 'l attend your ladiship six moneths hence to pay me for 't ; i know your uncle madam . ang. this is his plot . fr. by all means take it . ang. excuse me ; what are you ? speak your desire . i would present you madam with a pair of curious spurs . ang. for what use prethee ? for what you plea●e , i see all men of trade apply themselves to gain relation to you , and i would be your spurrier . ang. do ladies wear spurs my friend ? they may in time , who knows what may be done , if one great lady would begin , they ride like men already ; 't is all one to me , so i may have the credit of your name , and privilege to swell above my neighbors . ang. when i stand , gentlemen , in need of your professions , i 'l send for you , i' th' mean time you shall need no solicitour . omnes . your servants . buy a spur. exeunt . ang. i prethee let me not be troubled with this kind of people francescina ; ladies have a fine time , if they be all thus visited . fr. you are rude and fawcy fellows to intrude so far without my ladies licence . ang. what makes thee so impatient ? will they not be gone ? fr. gone ? here 's a new regiment is pressing forward ang. what are they ? fr. beggers . ang. how ? fr. and tell me i abuse your charity , to keep off their petitions ; we must have a court-du-guard , i think , and centries plac'd at every dore . ang. i prethee let 'em enter . enter three petitioners . fr. the room will not be sweet again this three days ; but if it be your pleasure — know your distance . ang. the blind , and lame , what 's your condition sir ? as miserable madam as the sea , that swallow'd all my wealth , can make a man , that once commanded thousands , i blush to beg but nature too impatient of sterving compels me to this boldness , you may soon peruse my tragick story there . gives a paper . ang good old man ! fr. what is his loss to you ? my petition too ; a poor blind man , that hath lost more by fire than his estate valued a thousand times ; and 't is but equall , fire should spoil my eys , that ravish'd me of all , was precious to 'em , a wife and pretty children . ang. burn'd ? all burn'd ; and what my eys cannot afford their memory my poor heart weeps in bloud . i am a souldier that in my countries service lost my limbs ; i 've had more lead in bullets taken from me than would repair some stee●le . fr. ring the bells , that was a loud one ! i have given wounds have kil'd the lookers on with horror of their gaping , and have march'd ten miles a day thus deep — fr. in dirt ? in blood . fr. upon those wooden leggs ? an. poor souls ! i pitty 'em here honest men , divide this bag , and pray for my good uncle . omnes . blessings on you , madam . . equall division , come . . stay , in the first place , i brought you hither , therefore my part is most considerable . . i 'l have no prerogative . . nor i. . but i will. do not i know you both for cheating rascals ? thus are good meanings cozen'd , and you sha'not lose your reward ; send for some officers . , . we are betraid . ex. , . ant. my uncle . ant. they have found their eyes and leggs again , neece i observe your charity , but you see not the inside of these things , and i did mean and hope these sums might serve your self ; some ladies would have considered a new gown and trinkets ; francescina , i see little amendment , she 'l undo me in pious uses . fr. she has entertain'd these gentlewomen . enter vergerio . and that young gentleman does good upon her . an. i like it well , he 's carefull of my lord , and if she meet his honorable treaty , she may learn pride at court , should our art fail . she smiles — i wo'not interrupt ' em . enter giovanni . gio. my lady entreats the presence of her sister . an. do's she entreat ? yes , you may visit her sir if you please , i 'l trust her to your conduct . ver. 't is my ambition to attend her . an. hark you , remember who you are , and carry things for the credit of my heir , and one that must be right honourable shortly , if i hear thou flout'st her , thou sha't have another gown and petticoat embroider'd , or but beat her and put me to a pension ; fare you well , francescina wait , wait all upon you mistress . exeunt . enter paulina . pa. no news yet of the prince ? he fill'd my dreams last night , it was a golden glorious slumber ; me-thought we both were led into a temple , where all our rites of mariage were perform'd in the presence of a thousand angel - cu●ids . enter piperollo , and stumbles . pi. 't was my devotion madam , to present you the news , i could not break my neck upon a better cause . pa. is the prince come ? pi. the prince is at your service ; though i slipt at chamber door , it is my happiness to be the first messenger . pa. of what ? pi. i desire no reward madam , 't is sufficient i know what will become of us all , you remember the caldean ; all has happen'd , i thank astrology . pa. for what ? pi. your money is gone , your rents have been received , and my head broke to purpose ; things are visible . enter lucio . my master can confirm it . pa. what 's this prodigie ? lu. madam 't is done , we have been rob'd . pa. how ? lu. as the caldean and the stars would have it , just to a minute . pi. rare mathematician ! pa. i 'l hang you both , p● . you may , and be no princess . pa did he foretell this loss ? pi. is my pate broken ? do i live , and hope to kneel , and say , if please your grace , to call him lord , and answer to a knight ? - we 're made . pa. be at a distance , if there be truth in the caldeans art , these inconsiderable losses are a new presage of my approaching greatness . enter stephanio , and longin● , disguiz●d . st. one from the prince . lo. his highness farnese , madam , greets your ladiship , and intends to be your guest this night , pa. it will be an honour my life must ow him duty for . pi. do not you feel a lordship creep up by your short ribs ? lo. his grace is not far off . pa. present the humble duty of his handmaid , and say my castle droops til it receive him ; lo. i shall madam . pa. we must prepare to meet and entertain him ; all things have been prophetical . pi. my very good lord. lu. right worshipfull piperollo . exeunt . enter vergerio , angellina , servants aloof . ver. in my pity that so much innocence should not be lost on faithless contarini , i have landed upon your knowledge this unhappy secret . ang. promis'd his faith to another ? t was ill done , to work my uncle , and destroy my thoughts of a religious life . ve. you may collect those pure desires again , heaven will be soon invited , and a second resolve confirm that happiness . ang. may we not , without so 〈◊〉 forsaking of the world , be capable of blessing , and meet heaven at last , though erring nature guide sometime out of the nearest way ? ver. yes angellina . av. i must be no votary , but when you turn a fryer then , ver. how lady ? an. sir you have merited for this discovery all that i am to serve you , and unless you help me in this labyrinth , i must live in despair of freedom . ver. any service ; there 's so much sweetness in you , i could lay my life a sacrifice , be confident i must be left of heaven , when i forsake you . an. and i dare trust your virtue with a secret i have not told my ghostly father . fr. i know not what opinion my lord has of his smooth advocate , but i should gather by symptomes of my mistress , she is sick of the younger gentleman . ver. i dare not hope this blessing , 't is an honour plac'd on me that has no value , i am a stranger , an. you are no stranger here . ver. your uncle too — ang. may erre in his election . ver. but his anger — ang. my prayer and tears may soften . ver. do not dress your eys with sorrow angellina , this too gracious an influence upon your servant must command my utmost duty . upon this white hand i breath out my heart , and when i pay affection to another mistress , in your revenge , her beauty blast me ! but we may be observ'd . ang. be all my guide . ver. this must be marag'd wisely , we are lost els . ang. we are now arriv'd the castle francescina . fr. we attend . exeunt . enter prince farnese , contarini . fa. i am obscur'd sufficiently . con my life on 't . fa. here are great preparations , and the people flock as to see some triumph , this paulina will be ador'd i' th' country . con. but her sister , with an extreme of sweetnes , and humility will take the wonder off , she so transcends . fa. your words fall from you , i have observd my lord , with too much passion ; she 's but a woman , and may be no miracle , when a clear eye is judge . con. sir i owe all that i am in fortune , name and greatness unto your person , next whom , give me leave to say i rate no expectation equall to be her servant , yet i find her cold to those desires , that court her with all honour , i snall humbly beg , your grace when you converse , will interpose your favour , and by your mediation perfect all that can be nam'd my happiness . far. you express a strong captivity in so small acquaintance ; well my lord trust to me ; is this her castle ? enter piperollo . by your favour sir. pi. speak quickly what 's your business ? far. is this paulina's castle ? pi. plain paulina ? and is this her castle ? my friend you want some breeding , she that owes this palace , for a prince hath made it so , is not far off ; turn your eys backward sir , and tell your self without a perspective what man is coming towards us ? far. worthy sir. pi. put of your hats and hear his name , farnese the prince of parma's there , i kist his hand , my breath is since the sweeter . far. the prince , where ? pi. you 'l find him with my lady whom he came to visit , if you 'l promise to be drunk , take what 's a secret yet , he comes to marry her , or ther 's no truth in stars , she is to be his spouse ; farewell , and thank my worship heartily . exit . con. this fellow 's mad ! fr. he kist the princes hand , what mystery is this ? con. see , they approach . far. i am not lost sure in this cloud , they march in state this way . loud musick . enter frapolo , paulina , a train of gallants and ladies , vergerio , angellina . ang. how , an impostor ? ver. sure i know the prince . aug. conceal it yet . far. what gentleman is that ? lon. the prince of parma sir. con this will be worth observing . far. do we not both dream ? that paulina ? how disdainfully she moves ? con. that 's her younger sister upon whom vergerio waits . far. he knows i am the prince . con. how do you like her sir ? fa. ha ? t is not fit to tell thee . con. does she not answer my character ? fa. on my heart a fair one ? con. pray tell me how you like her sir. fa. not yet . i am lost in wonder of her sweetness . bid vergerio bring her to antonio's ; i 'l be his guest to night . con i shall obey sir. pi. make room for the prince , fellows bear back ; you are not to be knighted friend i take it . fa. thus can the flame of heaven with subtill art , leave the skin whole , yet quite consume the heart . exeunt . act v. enter contarini , antonio . an. my neece has had a pretty warm night on 't , 't is a bold knave to take the prince upon him i did believe the noyes , and was considering how to contrive my peace with her good grace . con. you have no fear to suffer now ? ant. i thank your lordship , that has made my house and knowledge so fortunate , by the presence of our great farn●se , 't is an honour makes me young ; and yet this rascal troubles me , that durst come in the princes name , and charge my neece so home too ; is 't not ●reason sir ? con. of highest nature . ant. let him then tast the law ; yet i commend his spirit , that would scorn to die for felonie , and when his head goes off the shame and grief may help to break her heart : i do not love her , and then my girl , my angellina's heir , and you her lord and mine . con. my hopes are fair , the prince himself having vouchsaf'd to be my advocate . ant. he must command all here . enter farnese , and angellina . 't is a good prince , and loves you well , and let me without boast , tell you my lord , she brings no common blood , though we live dark i' th' country i can derive her from the great u●sini , but we have been eclips'd . far. contarini leave us . you may stay antonio ; is 't not an honour to your family a prince should court your neece into his arms ? ant. i must confess , 't is good enough for such a baggage , they will make together sir , a most excellent shew upon the scaffold . far. the impostor , and paulina's pride , takes off your understanding ; i do court your neece fair angellina . ant. how sir ? far. and as becomes a princess . ant. your grace is merry . far. i know not , but there 's magick in her eyes . an magick ? and she be a witch , i ha' done with her . does he love angelina ? please your highness — do you affect this girl ? far. religiously . an. and have you all your princely wits about ye ? far. this language is but coarse . i tell you sir the virgin must be mine . an. your whore ? far. my princess . an. that 's another matter . far. shew your obedience , you have commands upon her as a father . an. i know not what to say , but i 'l perswade ; hark you neece , you hear what the prince says , 't is now no time to think of nunneries . be rul'd then , and love somebody ; if you have promis'd my lord , i say make good that promise , if not , the prince is worth considering . the gentleman will make you a round iointure . if thou beest free , love him , to vex thy sister , who may upon submission be receiv'd to grace , and rise in time a madam nurse to your heir apparent . i have done my duty . but this is no great honesty , to cheat my lord. i see the greatest men are flesh and blood , our souls are much upon a making ; all men that are in love deal with the devil , only with this difference , he that dotes upon a woman is absolutely possest ; and he that loves the least is haunted with a familiar . enter a servant ser. old fabio sir your tenant , with much business in 's face , desires to speak with you , i could hardly keep him from pressing in , his wife he sayes is lunatick . ant. we shall all be mad shortly , where is the knave ? exit . ang. i dare do sir as much to shew my duty as any maid alive ; i dare dye for you . fa. and yet you dare not love . ang. not in that sense you invite me to . far. my courtship carries no stain to fright you , what i have propounded is worth the ambition of a greater lady ; though you profess so liberally , i find your cunning , and because i have so much descended from my title , you assume this unbecomming nicety , take heed , i can be angry . ang. as you are a man that passion may come neer you sir ; and as you are my prince , you may command my death to follow and appease it , but you said you lov'd me . far. i doe , if you can wisely entertain it ▪ an. then you must love my honor , a virgins wealth , for every honest man or woman has an honor , and that has engag'd my heart already by a contract ; this tye dissolv'd with justice , i should kneel to ask your princely favour . far. i am answer'd . who waits ? call my lord contarini hither . enter contarini . con. sir. far. you might have mock'd another person , and not have made me a ridiculous story to your mistress sir. con. i understand you not . far. engage me to mediation for her love , with a pretence how much my act should honor your faint hopes , when you are conscious of a contract , already past between you . con. contract sir ? she never yet gave me any language did promise hope , she still concluded me with going to a cloister . far. how 's this fair one ? an. it is most sure i am contracted . con. to whom ? an. vergerio your lordships agent . con. that boy betray me ? in whom i took delight , made him my friend , he play the traytor ? i 'l be reveng'd upon his heart . far. contain your passion contarini , her beauty had apower above my friendship , it well might shake his faith , and yet 't is strange . call in vergerio . enter vergerio . ver. i have heard all , and come to meet my sentence . you 're a prince gainst whom i dare not lift a thought ; i see what storm is rising , yet let this , great sir , invite your mercy to me , i have made no breach against your love , and that which was my fault to his , may be excus'd , by what he felt himself love , not to be resisted . this virgin i lay claim to , and her vowes no subject must compell me to resigne ; but if the prince think me unfit , and call this treasure from my bosome , and can place his love , where i so chastly have delighted , i will not keep a thought that shall repine , when i am miserable in her absence , but give my interest cheerfully ; to you , my lord , i answer , i have made no trespass , and shall , so please your highness to be iudge , make it appear . con : was ever such an impudence ? this presence does protect him , i should els write treason on his heart ; but angellina i pity thy undoing , how canst thou expect a truth from him , betrays his master ? an. my lord , you have been faulty sure , and this ( not worthy to be call'd a loss of me ) was meant by providence to wake your faith , that 's owing to another . far. possible ? the vice-roy of sicilies daughter ? pulcheria . con. pulcheria here ? ver. here contarini . con. ha. prov'd a woman , oh my shame and folly ! ver. pardon my too much love , that made me fear you had forgot pulcheria , though you left your vowes and me at sicily , when you were embassadour from the prince . con. whence embarqu'd thou brought'st me news pulcheria was dround , and thou for her sake entertain'd my servant , welcome , at once receive me and forgive me . fa. i had your promise , were this contract void in honour , nor will take from my own merit to think when your considerate thoughts come home , you can pretend excuse to your own happiness , which lest you may suspect , let us in state visit paulina , and unmask that counterfeit which hath usurp'd our name . ver. sir we attend you , con. this blessing must require a spacious soul , mine is too narrow to receive . exeunt . enter steward , and piperollo . lu. i am not yet created honourable . fi. sir , things must have their time , but will his highness remove so suddenly , and carry my lady to th' court with him ? t is a most sweet young prince . lu. order was given to pack up her plate , her gold and jewels , for he means to have tiltings and triumphs when he comes to parma . ●i . there it is fit we should expect our honours . i will attend the prince . exit . enter contarini . con. signior lu●io . lu. your good lordship . con. pray tell my lady , i would kiss her hand , and shall present news will secure their welcome . i come from the prince . lu. the prince my lord ? he is within — con. a small march off the castle , and commanded me to prepare her , that he comes to be her guest . lu. my lord , i will acquaint some of the bed-chamber , but , when did your lordship see his highness ? con. i left him at the park gate . lu. this is the nearest way unless his highness have leap'd a window , or can walk invisible . your lordship may have some conceit . i 'l go sir. exit . enter piperollo . pi what is the meaning that ther 's such a guard upon our castle ? 't is besiedg'd , and no man suffer'd go forth ; this is some lord or other by his stradling . enter lucio , longino , strozzo , and the rest . lo. from the prince ? that he ? pi. 't is as i tell you sir , ther 's a little army , surrounds the castle . lo. they have no order from his highness . str. we are betraid agen . lon. sir , would you speak with the prince ? con. why have you such a thing within the castle ? who dares be so much traitour to usurpe that title ? wher 's that puppet , gentlemen ? lu. that is his secretary . pi. the rest are lords and privie counsellors . ca. we are undone . enter far●ese , vergerio , angellina , attendants . lo. t is he , the very he , i dare not look on him ; oh for an impudence worth a chronicle , to outface him now , it were a possible thing , if people would believe — lu. i 'l tell my lady , they are vanish'd ; hum , i do not like that face . exit . far. come hither fellow , whom do you serve ? pi. i know not sir. fa. what prince have you within ? pi. the prince of darkness . fa. what is this fellow ? pi. a knight o' th' post , the pestle is too honourable . fr. where is your excellent lady ? pi. i have a guess if things go on , as i suspect , she will be — fr. where ? pi. at her wits end very shortly . fr. an ingenious fellow ? pi. i have convers'd a little with the mathematicks , sir , who is that gentlewoman , not that i am ignorant , but to satisfie a doubt ? ver. she is one that may be the prince of parma's lady , when the priest hath done his office. pi. if i be not mistaken here comes the princesse , that is angellina the younger sister . enter paulina . pa. it is my wonder you that have the face and garb of gentlemen , should dare to be so insolent , to affront our person , and his , to whom your hearts and knees owe reverence . far. command the impostor forth , seize on the traitors . enter longino . lo. his grace will be here presently , fear not madam , i would venter a neck-breaking at some window , and be content to crawl away a cripple ; but there 's no hope to scape the multitude that will be scrambling for my limbs . great sir , i challenge the privilege of the last bando , kneels . he that can bring frapolo the chief bandit , beside what was proclam'd other reward , shall have free pardon for all past-offences ; to that grace i appeal , and here produce frapolo . enter frapolo , strozzo , &c. pa. this amazeth me . fr. can you stand the dazeling sun so long , and not be struck blind for this bold affront ? what wildness brought you in multitudes to fright my happy peace , and this good ladies , my most vertuous consort ? lo. he bears up still ! fr. have all my cares and watchings to preserve your lives , and dearest liberties , deserv'd this strange return , and at a time when most your happiness is concern'd , since by our mariage with this sweet lady , full of grace and beauty , you may expect an heir to bless your countrey . con. will you suffer him ? fr. 't is time your prince were dead , and when i am companion to my fathers dust , these tumults fomented by seditious men , that are weary of plenty , and delights of peace , shall not approach to interrupt the calm good princes after death enjoy . go home , i pray depart , i rather will submit to be depos'd , than wear a power or title that shall not all be dedicate to serve you ; my life is but the gift of heaven , to wast it for your dear sakes , my people are my children , whom i am bound in nature and religion to cherish and protect . perhaps you have some grievance to present , you shall have justice against the proudest here ; i look not on nobility of birth . office , or fortunes , the poorest subject has a native charter and a birth-right to th' laws , and common wealth , which with an equall , and impartial stream , shall flow to every bosom . str. pious prince ! far. i am at a loss to hear him ; sure i am farnese , if i be not lost by the way . pi. stand off gentlemen , — let me see — which ? hum ! this — no , th' other . hum ! send for a lion and turn him loose , he wo'not hurt the true prince . far. do not you know me sir ? fra. yes , i know you too well , but it stands not with my honor ; what composition ? far. who am i ? gentlemen , how dare ye suffer this thing to talk ? if i be your farnese . fra. i say i am the prince , far. prince of what ? fra. of rogues , and please thy excellence . pa. how ? fra. you must excuse , i can hold out no longer these were my subjects sir , and if they find your mercy , i 'm but one , whose head remov'd , or nooz'd , this lady will be soon a widdow , whom i have not deceiv'd , 't was her ambition to go no less than prince , and now you have one , during this gentlemans pleasure . pa. what scorn shall i become ? far. let him be guarded , and all his puppet . lords . enter antonio , fabio , morulla . an. news , news , excellent news ; i shall leap out of my flesh for joy . sir i have undertook for your pardon to this reverend couple , they heard my neece was to be maried to the prince , and thought it treason to conceal — far. what ? an. paulina is not my neece , no blood of mine ; where is this lady and her pageant prince ? the truth is , she is not paulina , but their own daughter . fra. possible ? then we are both cheated . an. whom she obtruded on our family when our paulina died an infant , with her , a nurse to both ; does your grace apprehend ? fab. we do beseech your pardon . an. now angellina thou art heir to all . pip. by all this circumstance you are but my sister ! con. the prince is prov'd a prince of theeves . an. why ther 's a baggage and a theef well met then . i knew she was a bastard , or a changeling . pau. where shall i hide my shame ? o curst ambition ! ant. give you joy sir , my most illustrious nephew , joy to thy invisible grace . fra. thanks to our loving uncle : far. take hence the traitors . ang. sir i beseech a pardon to their lives . let nothing of my story be remembred with such a tragedie , 't is my first petition . far. i must not deny thee ; all thank her virtue ; live you , and love that gentlewoman ; but it were a sin to innocence , and our honor would encourage treason by example , if they should scape all justice , take 'em to custody : frapalo , we confine you to this castle , where if she please your bride may accompany you till we determine otherwise . fra. 't is some mercy ; but i shall be getting children , and two nothings wo'not maintain a family , 't were as good to hang me out o' th' way , ' ere charge come on , or take away my tools , i shall be working . far. provision shall be made you shall not sterve nor surfet sir. ang. because i call'd her sister , i will contribute something to their fortune . far. what thy own goodness will direct ; and now remove the scene to court , to perfect there my own , and parma's happiness ; pride has met with severe reward , and that high justice ( that governs all ) though envy break with her own poyson , calls the amazed world to see what blessings wait upon humility . exeunt . finis . epilogue . frapolo . gentlemen , do not say you see me ; i have made an escape from the prince and paulina ; his graces word is but mortall , and not security enough for me ; for all this sun-shine he may hang me , when i come to parma , for an example , and therefore i have chosen , rather to trust to my legs , than a reconcil'd state-enemy . t wo'not be worth your glory to betray a man distrest , whom your own mercy may preserve to better service ; rather then go back i 'l stand your iustice gentlemen . i 've plaid the thief , but you , as the case stands , may save or kill , my lif 's now in your hands . the doubtful heir a tragi-comedie , as it was acted at the private house in blackfriers , written by james shirley . never printed before . london , printed for humphrey robinson at the three pigeons , and humphrey moseley at the prince's arms in st. paul's church-yard . . to the most worthily honored sir edmund bowier . sir , many years are vanished , and a period , not onely of the scene , but more considerable revolutions have pass'd , since i had the happiness to be first known to you . i read excellent characters of you , when you writ but a small letter , and though my observations , like seeds , were not cherished ( by the fault of time ) to a maturity , yet they begat in me such great respect to your person , then budding with honour , and expectation , that now after so long absence , i find them not extinguished ; and howsoever at the first complexion , i may appear bold , in this hasty interruption , yet your candour will be so far in my defence , that i have presumed thus , rather to let you know i can still honour you , than unsatisfie my self , by neglecting the first opportunity of presenting my service . sir , it is a piece , which perhaps you have seen in the active representment ; the estimation it gained from thence , will be short of that grace it shall derive from your acceptance , by which you will shew , how still you dare retain your nobleness , and by renewing your smile upon me , encourage me to write my self your humble servant , ja. shirley . prologue . all that the prologue comes for , is to say , our author did not calculate this play for this meridian ; the banckside , he knows , are far more skilfull at the ebbes and flows of water , than of wit , he did not mean for the elevation of your poles , this scene . no shews , no dance , and what you most delight in , grave understanders , here 's no target fighting upon the stage , all work or cutlers barr'd , no bawdery , nor no ballets ; this goes hard ; but language clean , and what affects you not , without impossibilities the plot ; no clown , no squibs , no devill in 't ; oh now you squirrels that want nuts , what will you do ? pray do not ●rack the benches ; and we may hereafter fit your palats with a play : but you that can contract your selves , and sit as you were now in the black-fryers pit ; and will not deaf us , with leud noise and tongues , because we have no heart to break our lungs , will pardon our vast stage , and not disgrace this play , meant for your persons , not the place . the persons of the play. leonario . prince of arragon . ferdinand , king of murcia . noblemen . rodriguez , ernesto , leandro , alfonso , father to rosania . olivia , supposed queen of murcia . rosania , alfonso ' s , daughter . violinda . captain . citizens . courtier . officers . souldiers . scene murcia . the dovbtfvll heir . act. i. enter rodriguez and ernesto . rod. this turn was not expected , prince leonario is much perplext . ern. i cannot blame his highness , so neer an expectation of a blessing , to be thus crost . rod. the day of marriage sef , with the applausive vote of both the kingdoms , by an unlookt for war to be put of , would vex a royall spleen . er. 't is but deferr'd . rod. i doe not like the hope on 't . er. i pittie the princely lover , worthy ( without blemish to the excelling virtues of the queen ) of as much goodness as her sex contains , so noble in his nature , active , bountifull discreet , and valiant , if we may believe what his young fame profers to every knowledge . rod. this character is not flattery , and yet the queen our mistriss is not lost in this just praise of him . er. i have no thought so impious , my dutie never taught me to commend but to obey , her virgin sweetness makes me her just admirer but when i observe her prudent manage of the state , a strength would become many years , her pious laws , but that without example , made to advance her sexes chastitie , i forget all beside worth praise , though every least of her desert would ask a volume . 't is his excellence . enter leonario , captain . rod. ther 's one not sorry for these wars . er. 't is his profession ; souldiers batten in a tempest . rod. and he deserves employment ; yet i think hee 'l never purchase with his pay . leo. be confident ; your worth will plead alone ; the queen expects me . ex. leon. capt. your highness humble creature ; — so , ther 's hope yet after a time of ease , and surfet , we may cure our selves by letting others bloud . my noble lords . ernest. ' morrow captain , you look blith , and bright . capt. i 'l put my sword to scowring that shall shine . i thank heaven my prayers are heard . rod. what prayers ? cap. that honest men may cut knaves throats , and bid defiance to the hangman ; musk , and civet have too long stifled us , ther 's no recovery without the smell of gunpowder . enter two citizens . er. but captain — c. 't is he , we must not lose him , c. he has credit with the lords it seems . c. he has spied us . capt. my honest friends , welcome to court. my lords 〈◊〉 these honest gentlemen , they will d●erv● to kiss your hands . c. o●r business is to you captain . capt. doe you think what these brace of baboons come for ? rod. not i. capt. by this day for mony , moneys that i owe ' em . er. is 't possible● capt. i ha' mov'd your sute gentlemen . c. what sute ? capt. touching the masque . which you two in the name of the whole city , offer'd to present at the town charges to congratulate the queens intended marriage ; i know this egge was long a hatching , and expected , but that your heads could not agree , they being of severall sizes , some upon the shoulders of your long-winded officers , whose purse was made of the leather with their conscience . ci. does he talk to us of a masque ? ci. good captain put your masque off , and give us . the money that you owe us . capt. was 't not meant nobly ? but you my good lords know how much the queen and prince are sorry , that so rare a president of their duty should not be upon record ; this villanous war distracts all civill mirth , but you will be remembred . ci. we know not what you mean , we have no anticks in agitation ; if your captain-ship will pay your debts so ; there is law and courses to be taken , and you will find that justice can deal sir with the sword as well as ballance . capt. the puppys talk philosophy ; nay then i must be plain , would i could tice 'em to a little treason , they i ner hang for felony . why , whither doe you think i am going now ? cit. we care not whither● so you pay us first . capt. let their own fathers swing , so they have mony . cit. may be you are going to the wars . capt. yes mongrels , to fight for your chamlet faces , while you stay at home and catch the cramp with telling mony , putting your guts to pension every day , and roots , untill the wind cry out agen you , and with your belching backwards stifle men that walk the street , untill the air be purg'd ; must we eat bullets without butter , whelps ? have our throats cut , or drop like sheep by 'th' hundred , o' the rot , to buy your peace you boding screechowls ? and ha' your confciences so course a nap to aske money of us ? cit. you had the conscience to take up our commodities . capt. reason good ; should i goe naked leeches ? cit. no but there is reason that you should pay good captain for your warmth . capt. pay you ? for what ? for cloaths , such things as these ? your tribe is bound to keep us . cit. how ? capt. yes , and desire us to accept your wares , to recompence our sufferings ; 't is we , 't is we that keep your worships warm and living , by marching , fasting , fighting and a thousand dangers . ( you o'r grown moths ) you that love gold , and wo'not take an angell sent from heaven unless you weigh him , you that spend the day in looking o'r your debt — book , and at night can lap and lecher in your feather beds , then snort , and dream of fourscore in the hundred , afraid of nothing but the gou● , or what is a more just reward for your hard hearts the stone , which puts you to the charge of physick to make you piss out your last usurers gallon , or of a surgeon , to cut you for the pibles which ( if you survive incission ) you keep in penny boxes , like deer re●iques , and shew your friends , when you intend to visit ' em . and beg a dinner . er. let not passion make you too much abuse their qulaity ; the city does contain brave fellows captain , as generous , as bountifull , discreet , and valiant too , as any boast themselves in court or camp. cap. i grant you my good lord , and honour all the noble souls within it , but these are walking sicknesses , not citizens ; two such prodigious things with crooked consciences , though young , yet old in usury — cit. all this captain wo ' not pay us our money , which we must have ▪ or petition for to your disgrace . cap. well since there is no remedy , will you take these two noblemens words for what i owe you ? cit. withall our hearts . rod. that bargain is to make . er. good captain , at this time you may excuse us , capt. why , doe your lordships think i 'd let you suffer , come , y' ar my honourable friends ; pass , pass your word , i le pay the mony ; hang 'em dottrels i le not be beholding to ' em . rod. we had rather you should good captain . capt. no , — come hither capons will money content you ; shall i walk the street without a head ake , with your bawling for the debt when i ha' paid you ? cit. 't is but reason . capt. i 'l fetch you money presently , — you may follow if you please , but these noblemen shall see and witness what i pay you , i 'l not trust your memorandums . cit. withall our hearts sir. cit. we desire no more . capt. i 'l wait on you again . ex. manent [ rod. ernesto . enter leandro , reading a paper . rod. fortune de la guerre . my lord leandro ? what papers that he so intentively peruses ? lean. i like it , and could willingly allow the change ; the queen grows mighty in her spirit , and this match with the prince , would swell her state too much ; my lords . rod. we are yours . leand. see what dangerous papers have been scatter'd to wound the title of our royall mistriss ; my servant brought me this ; our enemie who calls himself prince ferdinand would fain have us believe him cosen to the queen , she an usurper of his crown . er. we all know him dead . rod. i 'm sure i did attend his funerall . lean. i think i waited too . er. this paper sayes he was conveyd away , and so escap'd his uncles cruelty . to whose protection he was left an infant ; he dying we translated our obedience to his daughter , now our queen . rod. here 's an impostor . leand. heaven aid the innocent say i ; he has valentias aid and comes not to invite but force a resignation ; i wish things were calm agen . er. prince leonario , if she prosper not , is like to be a loser too . leand. for him it matters not , we have more to think on now , than love and complement . rod. i thought he would be generall 'gainst this pretended ferdinand . leand. what else ? her sweet heart ▪ that gives cupid in his crest . alas ! there needs no art , nor strength of war to advance her cause justice will fight for her i' th' clouds , and victory sent from heaven , without her souldiers sweat , will gloriously descend to crown his head with laurell . er. may it prove so . leand. i could say things would stagger your belief , but i forgot the queen sent for me ; to you both a servant — exit . er. i do not like my lord leandros winding , he has been faithfull . rod. alwaies honourable . the queen . enter queen , leonario , captain , leandro , violinda , attendants , ladies , gentlemen . leon. i take this as the greatest honour madam you could confer ; my name is young in war , but my affection to your royall person , arm'd with the virtue of your cause , shall make me doe something worth your name . que. 't was your request , nor could we place our chief command , but where 't is equald with your interest in us and your own merit . leon. sure my stars did mean this way to make you know , how much my heart dares in your service ; and if ferdinand , for so he calls himself , possess a soul above the vulgar making , we shall spare the blood of many , and conclude the war in single opposition . leand. with your highness pardon , it not becomes you should engage your person , and so great a cause so dangerously ; it will be too much honor to th' impostor , and in the supposition of the world , a strength to his pretence , to bring your birth so low , to humble both your self and fortunes to his unworthy levell● a thing grown up in the night . a meteor hanging in the air ▪ prodigiously , fed with vapor , and black influence , ambitious to deceive the world , and challenge kindred with the stars ; it is too great a venture sir. er. since there must be a war let the armies meet in battail , there 's more hope after the worst to reinforce , and prosper , than when the kingdoms put upon one stake , and one mans chance to assure it . que. i allow your counsell lords ; but have more argument convincing me , not to run such a hazard of what must make olivia rich hereafter ; a kingdoms loss may be repair'd , but your life made a sacrifice to tyrant war , may find a welcome to the other shades , but no tears can invite you back , to share , or grief , or joy with me ; i le have no duell . leon. 't is a command , and my obedience shall meet it , though i fear 't will be a sin to be too carefull of my self but i shall still remember i am your souldier , and this consider'd shall not make me rash , but wisely teach me to deserve this title which lives but in your honour . que. i 'l pray for you . and not so much for what concerns the state , as what your merit hath already gain'd upon my heart . rod. blessings upon 'em both , a curse upon these wars , that spoil their mirth . que. my lord leandro . leon. ther 's your commission captain , i suppose you have found wayes to empty your exchequer . capt. my baggs are not brimfull my lord. i have defalk'd , and made an ebbe for wine , and women , and other things that keep poor men alive to doe their country service . leon. please you walk with this gentleman captain he shall pay you five hundred pieces that i owe you . capt. me , your grace owes me nothing , leon. i could not pay the debt in better time sir. capt. umh ! i will take the mony , and allow the miracle . ex. capt. & gent. er. did you observe the princes nobleness ? although the act become him . yet the manner takes me especially , heaven preserve the captain from being mad. leon. i prosper in your vote , but shall i madam , if that power , which crowns with victory , guides me with fair success in this your war , and triumph smile upon us , shall i at my return have that reward my soul next heaven affects ? shall no delay ( colder than frost to lovers blood , ) afflict my expectation of our marriage ? although to doubt this be a sin , yet where the ambition is so just. i shall but right my heart , to have it oft assur'd● nor can it make your eye less rich in smiles , when 't is only my love encourages me to make the busie harmless question . que. it does please me , nor can you ask so often , as i have a cheerfulness to answer , that i love you , and have propounded nothing dearer to me , than that which perfects chast affection , and chains two hearts ; the priest with sadness will expect you safe agen , but from this war when you return , he shall not in his register of lovers , find one with more wing hath met the bosom of her friend , than glad olivia to make one soul with you . leon. i have enough , and thirst for action in the field , from whence i will bring harvest home , or leave my self , happy in life or death to doe you service . ex. queen , leon. l●an . ladies , attendants . rod. well , i 'm afraid if hymen should set up his tapers now , they would not last to light his priest , at their return to say his office. er. hope fairly . rod. i allow his spirit , but the prince hath not been practis'd in the school of war , where stratagems prevail above all personall resolution . er. he cannot want fit counsell to direct his early valour , besides ferdinand by computation as young as he enter captain , two citizens , and a souldier . may poize the scale . see , the captain . cit. we alwaies thought you noble , and we hope you 'l take no offence , that our occasions prevail'd above our modestie . capt. i know you two are very modest ; well i 'm glad i am furnish'd for you : my good lords i must int●eat you to be witnesses of what money i pay these gentlemen , that have trusted me . ●it . and will agen ; command our shops . capt. no● sit there , and starve , or if you like it better take a swing at your own sign post. er. good words captain . capt. they expect good money , and both good are too much . cit. we alwa●es lov'd you . cit. and doe so still most virtuously . capt. it does appear . cit. and you shall find us ready — capt. i 'l make but one fair motion , it will be sufficient tryall of your honestie ; i have five hundred pounds ▪ you see me tell it , faith make it up a thousand 'twixt you both till i come back , you will be aldermen . cit. ne'r a whit the sooner . cit. alas sir , if it were at another time — cit. hereafter , upon good occasion you shall find — capt. you both i' th' pillorie , for selling copper lace by a wrong name ; well ther 's no remedy , i 'l keep my word ; the money 's ready for you . cit. you are noble captain . cit. may you kill all the queens enemies . capt. you would not scape , that cosen her liege people every day , then . cit. this payment captain will come most seasonably . cit. and doe us as much good , as you had given us the sum twice told , another time . capt. before these noblemen , have you such want as you profess ? you have no wives nor children . cit. i protest upon my credit , i am to pay this day two hundred pound , or be indanger'd to an arrest . cit. and i must goe to prison if before sun-set — capt. then 't will doe you a pleasure . both. cit. above expression . capt. here 's twelve pence a peece for you y' ar fit men to serve the queen : both cit. how captain ? capt. why in the wars , choose either pike or musket , you shall have that favour . both cit. we are both undone . lords . ha , ha , but will you use 'em so ? capt. ha' they not ready mony ? why d' ee stare ? no thanks for my protection ? both ●it . protection ? capt. did you not protest you should to prison else ? why you unthankfull sons of false light , sergeant take 'em to thei'r rendevous cit. captain , a word-we are content — capt. i 'm glad on 't , why d' ee stay then . cit. to abate half our money . cit. all , all good captain , he shall have all , rather than be sent a souldiering ; d' ee know what ' t is ? 't is no artillery garden , where you come off with as you were . rod. this was his project . capt. umh ' . you will forgive me both your debts ? cit. and pray heaven to forgive you too . capt. my lords , bear witness , these two would bribe me to abuse the queen and the present service , is this less then treason ? both cit. oh. er. nay ▪ nay captain . capt. there are not two more able men i' th' army , i mean for bulk ; ram me into a cannon if you shall buy your selves with your estates from this imployment ; i l not cosen you , your mony is good debt still , you may live , and aske me for 't agen , and i may pay you . rod. but shall they serve indeed ? capt. that 's at their perill when they come to ' th , field , but goe they shall , and they were my cosen-germans . both cit. good my lord speak for us . capt. you doe not know my lords , but a little suffering may save their souls , and teach 'em , if they come off , with a quarter of their limbs , compassion to other men , that venter their lives for 'em , their consciences are tough , and must be suppled , when they shall fast , and march ten months in armor , sometimes through rivers , sometimes over mountains , and not have straw at night , to keep their breech from growing to the earth , in storms , in heats ; when they have felt the softness of a trench thigh deep in water , and their dung to fatten it ; when they shall see no meat within a month , but chaw their match like liquorish , and digest the bark of trees like sallads in the summer ; when they shall live to think there 's no such thing in nature as a thirst , and wonder why a taylor was created ; when they have as much in ready shot , within their flesh , as would set up a plummer , or repair a church with lead , beside ten thousand more afflictions , which they are sure to find , they m●y have christianitie , and not put a souldier to the payment of his debts . rod. 't is a mad captain , come my lord lets leave him . ex. lords . capt. you shall have time and place to send for mony , or make your wils ; set on , who knows but you hereafter may be honest , and prove captains ; you may have preferment in the wars for money , and so my gentle creditors , march on . exeunt . act. ii. enter leandro with letters . lean. the hope , and care of many years , are in one day destroy'd ; hath heaven no stroke in war ? or is old providence asleep ? leonario is comming home with victorie , and brings young ferdinand , whom i expected to salute a king , his prisoner , and the queen with her new conqueror , glorious in the spoils , by putting out this light , will mix their beams and burn our eyes out with their shine ; there is no talk but of this triumph , and the people whom i by art and secret murmurs had made doubtful at the first noise of this conquest , as they had borrowed souls from fear , and folly , adore the rising star , and in the praise of him and his great fate , wonder that heaven should hold a sun , and he so bright ; nor with this flattery content , but they condemn , ( as low as all their sins shall one day them ) him whom the chance of war hath made a prisoner . there is no trust to policie or time , the things of state are whirld by destinie , to meet their period , art cannot repair ' em . enter servant . ser. my lord , the queen hath sent for you , she is going forth to meet the prince , and hath commanded none be wanting to attend with all the state that may become her● to congratulate the triumph now brought home . leand. i shall obey ▪ i must attend this glorie ; it is not safe to wear a brow , but what the queens example first forms into smile . i here contract my knowledge , and seclude my wishes , since they prosper not . i am her chancelor as great offices , and high employments , do expose us to most danger , they oft teach those possess 'em a state-wisdom , and by inherent virtues of the place , our fear to lose , makes us secure our selves , by art more often , than by conscience ; but i may be indangered to suspition ; i like not things ; but i delay my attendance . exit . enter captain , lieutenant , antient and souldiers . capt. lieutenant . lieu. captain . capt. antient , what think you of the wars now ? ant. we are come off with honour . lieu. and our limbs , captain . capt. is that all ? who made you a lieutenant ? and you antient ? these titles were not born w' e , you did not wear these buffs and feathers in the memorie of man , when you receiv'd the binding twelve-pence , it was otherwise . ant. but you receiv'd , if you remember captain , beside what we releast in honest debt sums for this great instalment , we ha' paid i take it for our names . capt. and it became you , now you are gentlemen my comrades of honor , and i dare walk and drink at taverns w' e , your oaths become you now , and your splay feet ; you look'd before like magots , city worms , i ha' made you both brave fellows , fellows to knights . you may be squires to ladies too . ant. i think so . capt. we are all now of a trade , for mars is master of our companie , our shop is the field , resolution our stock , honour our purchase , and fire and sword the tools we work withall . lieu. but now the wars are done , i think we may shut up our shop , there is no more pay , is there ? capt. pox upon you ; i see your souls bleat after profit still , a bullet in the right place would ha' knock'd out this humour of getting mony ; but fear not , though you come off with more limbs than you deserve , you shall have pay . ant. shall we , and not be troubled to fight for 't ? capt. yes● it will be necessary you fight , you will ha' your throats cut else , and be sent off like sheep , doe not fear payment here be mandrakes , that will rore , and cudgell you to your hearts content , you sha'not walk the screets now you are officers without a quarrell : pay enough . lieu. a man had as good be no lieutenant , as be beaten when he comes home what think you antient ? ant. for my part i can indure beating as well as another , if that be all . capt. will you to your shops agen ? ant. i have no mind to woosted stockings agen , and shoos that shine , i would were colours still . capt. well said antient , come i 'l take your fears off ; doe not confess you are a lieutenant , or you an antient , and no man will quarrell w' ee , you shall be as secure as chrysome children . lieu. shall we ? they shall rack me e'r i le confess i am a lieutenant or ever see the wars . ant. or i an antient. i le tak 't upon my death i was never a souldier in my life . capt. 't is well done ; now because i love you , and see you have an itch after honour , so it may come without blows , let me advise you , you have moneys at command . lieut. and good debts too . cap. you shall both turn courtiers . ant. shall we ? cap. i say 't ; for if my phisnomy deceive me not , you two are born to be — both. what ? cap. coxbombs . i 'l help to make you too ; you shall presently kiss the queens hand ; you have moneys you say , you shall never turn to your vomit of small wares . i have friends at court , you may in time be great ; and when i come with a petition to your honors , for moneys in arrear , or knocking out some rascals brains , such as you were when you wore a girt under your chops , you two may stand between me and the gallows . ant. hang us if we do not . capt. you shall buy places presently . but stay , have you a minde to be officers to the queen in ordinary , or extraordinary ? ant. extraordinary by all means . lieut. we scorn to be ordinary courtiers . capt. i commend your judgement , that will be more chargeable : but — ant. hang 't , we 'l finde money enough , but i resolve to be extraordinary . capt. i 'l bring you to a court-merchant presently ; you will get infinite estates . both. a ha captain . capt. and so command the ladies , if you be bountiful . both. a ha boy . capt. for i know you do love wenches ; you will have all the business and the country come tumbling in upon you like the tide , after a moneth : you must keep twenty men between you , night and day to tell your money . oh 't is unknown what will become on you , if you be ru●●d , and take this course : had i moneys like you , i would be — lieut. come , we will lend thee moneys too hereafter . cap. will you , come on , no more lieutenant now . nor antient. ant. do ye think we long to be beaten . exeunt . enter ferdinand ( in prison ) rosania ( like a page . ) rosa. pray do not grieve for me , i have a heart tha● can for your sake suffer more ; and when the tyranny of your fate calls me to die , i can as willingly resign my breath , as go to sleep . ferd. can i hear this rosania without a fresh wound ? that thy love to me should be so ill rewarded , th' ast engag'd thy self too much already ; 't is within thy will , yet to be safe , reveal thy self , throw of the cloud that doth eclipse that brightness , and they will court thy person , and be proud with all becoming-honor to receive thee , no fear shall rob thy cheek of her cha●te blood . oh leave me to my own stars , and expect what ere become of wretched ferdinand , a happy fate . rosa. your councel is unkinde , this language would become your charity to a stranger , but my interest is more in thee , then thus with words to be sent off ; our vows have made us one , nor can the names of father , countrey , or what can be dear in nature , bribe one thought to wish my self in heaven without thy company ; it were poor then to leave thee here . then by thy faith i charge thee , by this — the first and last seal of our love . kisses him . by all our promises , when we did flatter our selves , and in our fancy took the world a peeces , and collected what did like us best , to make us a new paradice , by that , the nob est ornament of thy soul , thy honor , i conjure thee , let me still be undiscovered ; what will it avail to leave me , whom thou lovest , and walk alone sad pilgrime to another world ? we will converse in soul and shoot like stars , whose beams are twisted , and make bright the sullen groves of lovers as we pass . ferd. these are but dreams of happiness , be wise rosania , thy love is not a friend to make thee miserable , society in death , where we affect , but multiplies our grief ; live thou , oh live . and if thou hast a tear , when i am dead , but drop it to my memory , it shall more precious then embalming dwell upon me , and keep my ashes pure , my spirit shall at the same instant in some innocent sh●pe descend upon that earth thou hast bedew'd ; and kissing the bright tribute of thy eye , shall after wait like thy good angel on thee . there will be none to speak of ferdinand without disdain , if thou diest too : oh live a little to defend me , or at least to say i was no traitor to thy love , and lay the shame on death and my false stars that would not let me live to be a king. rosa. oh ferdinand , thou dost not love me now . ferd. not love rosania ? if woing thee to live , will not assure thee , command me then to die , and spare the cruelty of the fair queen : not love rosania ? if thou wilt but delig●t to see me bleed , i will at such a narrow passage let out life , it shall be many hours in ebbing , and my soul bathing in the crimson stream , take pleasure to be drown'd . i have small time to love , and be alive , but i will carry so true a faith to woman hence , as shall make poor the world , when i am gone to tell the story yonder . — we are interrupted . enter keeper . keep. you must prepare your self for present trial ; i have command to attend you to the judges . that gentleman , and all that did adhere to your conspiracy , are by the queens most gracious mercy pardon'd . ferd. in that word th' hast brought me more then life ; i shall betray , and with my too much joy undo thee again . heaven does command thee live , i must obey this summons , i shall see thee again tiberio , before i die . rosa. i 'l wait upon you sir , the queen will not deny me that poor office ; i know not how to leave you . ferd. death and i shall meet , and be made friends ; but when we part , the world shall finde thy story in my heart . exit . enter officers with bar , table , stools , — then ernesto rodriguez , leonario , queen , supported by leonario , ferdinand , rosania , ladies gentlemen , and guard , who set ferdinand to the bar. queen . is that the prisoner at the bar ? leon. he that pretended himself ferdinand , your uncles son . q. proceed to his arraignment ; my lord leandro , you know our pleasure . lean. although the queen in her own royal power , and wit●out violating sacred justice , where treason comes to invade her , and her crown with open war , need not insist upon the forms , and circumstance of law , but use her sword in present execution ; yet such is the sweet temper of her blood , and calmness of her nature , though provok'd ino a storm , unto the great'st offender she shuts up no defence , willing to give a satisfaction to the world how much s●e doth delight in mercy . ferdinand , for so thou dost pretend thy self , thou art indicted of high treason to her majestie , in that thou hast usurp'd relation to her blood ; and under name of being her kinsman , not onely hast co●triw'd to blast her honor with neighbor princes , but hast gather'd arms to wound the precious bosom of her countrey , and tear the crown , which heaven and just succession hath plac'd upon her royal head : what canst thou answer to this treason ? ferd. boldly thus . as i was never with the height of all my expectation , and the aid of friends , transported one degree above my self , so must not ferdinand , though his stars have frown'd and the great eye of providence feem to slumber while your force thus compel'd , & brought me hither with mockery of my fate , to be arraign'd for being a prince , have any thought beneath the title i was born to ; yet i 'l not call t●is cruelty in you , nor in the queen , ( if i may name her so without injustice to my own right ) a kingdom is a garland , worth all contention ; and where right seals not the true possession , nature is forgotten , and blood thought cheap ●o assure it ; there is something within that excellent figure , that restrains a passion here , that else would forth●like lightning . t is not your shape , whi●h yet hath so much sweetness , some pa●e re●igious her●it mig●t suspect you are the blessed saint he pray'd too ; no , the magick 's in our nature , and our blood ; for both our veins full of one precious purple strike harmony in their motion , i am ferdinand , and you the fair olivia , brothers children . leon. what insolence is this ? qu. oh my lord set him be free to plead ; for if it be no dream , his cause wi●l want an orator : by my blood , he does talk bravely . rodri. these are flourishes . ernest. speak to the treason you are charged with ▪ and confess a guilt . leond. he justifies himself . ferd. if it be treason to be born a prince , to have my fathers royal blood move here ; if it be treason , in my infancy to have escap'd by divine providence , when my poor life should have been sacrific'd to please a cruel uncle , whose ambition surpris'd my crown , and after made olivia his daughter queen ; if it be treason , to have be●n a stranger thus long from my country , bred up with silence , of my name , and birth , and not till now mature to own my self before a sun-beam ; if it be treason after so long a banishment to weep a tear of joy upon my countries bosom , and call her mine ▪ my just inheritance , unless you stain my blood with bastardy ; if it be treason , still to love this earth , that knew so many of my race , her kings , though late unkindly arm'd to kill her sovereign , as if the effusion of my blood were left to make her fertile , if to love olivia , my nearest pledge of blood , although her power hath chain'd her prince , and made her lord her prisoner , who sits with expectation to hear that sentence that must make the golden wreath , secure upon her brow , by blasting mine . if this be treason , i am guilty ferd●nand . your king 's become a traitor , and must die a black , and most inglorious death . ernest. you offer at some defence , but come not home ; by what engine were you translated hence , or whether convei'd ? there was some trust , deceiv'd , when you were carried forth to be preserv'd , and much care taken since , in bringing of you up , and giving secret fire to this ambition . ferd. there wants no testimony here , of what concerns the story of my birth and infancy , i● one dare speak , and be an honest lord. leand. how 's that ? ferd. whose love and art secur'd me from all tyranny , though here my funeral was be●iev'd , while i 〈◊〉 to an honorable friend his kinsman , ●rew safely to the knowledge of my self at last , till fortune of the war betray'd me to this captivity . leand. i blush at thee yong-man , whose fate hath made thee desperate , and car'st not what mans blood thou draw'st along in thy b●ack stream , or what mans fai●h thou mak'st as hateful as thy crimes . ernest. that confederate sure has some name , declare him , that he may thank you for his reward , and lose his head for 't . quee. we always see that men in such high nature de●orm'd ▪ and guilty , want not specious sh●●es to gain their practice friendship , and compassion , but he shall feel the punishment ; d' you smile ? ferd. a womans anger is but 〈◊〉 it madam ; and if i may have freedom , i must say ▪ not in contempt of what you seem , nor help'd by overcharge of passion , which but makes a fruitless noise ; i have a sense of what i am to lose , a life , but i am so fortified with valiant thoughts , and innocence , i shall , when my last breath is giving up to lose its self i' th' air , be so remote from fear , that i wi●l cast my face into one smile , which shall when i am dead , acquit all trembling , and be a story to the world , how free from paleness ferdinand took leave of earth . rosa. alas my lord , you forget me , that can part with such courage . ferd. i forget indeed , i thought of death with honor , but my love hath found a way to chide me ; o my boy ▪ i can weep now . leon. a sudden change , he weeps . quee. what boy is that ? ferd. i prethee take thy self away . quee. your spirit does melt it seems , and you begin to think a life is worth preserving , though with in●amy . ferd. goodness thy aid again , and tell this great proud woman , i have a spirit scorns her pity . come hither boy , and let me kiss thee ; thus at parting with a good , and pretty servant , i can without my honor stain'd shed tears : i took thee from thy friends , to make thee mine ; is it not truth boy . rosa. yes my lord. ferd. and mean't when i was king to make thee great , and shall i not , w●en i can live no longer , to cherish thee at farewel , drop a tear ? that i could weep my soul upon thee , — but you are to slow me thinks , i am so far from dread , i think your forms too tedious . i expect my sentence . quee. let it stay a while . what secret flame is this ? honor protect me ! your graces fair excuse , for you — i shall return again — exit . ferd. and i , with better guard after my silence in the grave , to meet and plead this cause . ernest. he is distracted sure ; his person i could pity , but his insolence wants an example ; what if we proceed to sentence ? leon. i suppose the queen will clear your duties in 't . leand. but i 'l acquaint her . exit . rod. my lord leandro 's gone . ernest. his censure will be one with ours . ferd. yet shall i publish who thou art ? i shall not die with a calm soul and leave thee in this cloud . enter the queen and leandro . rosa. by no means sir. — the queen . quee. whose service is so forward to our state , that when our pleasure 's known , not to proceed , they dare be officious in his sentence ? are we queen , or do we move by your protection ? ernest. madam , the prince — quee. my lord ▪ you have a queen . i not suspect his wisdom sir , but he hath no commission here to be a judge , you were best circumscribe our regal power , and by your selves condemn , or pardon all , and we sign to your will ▪ the offence , which you call treason strikes at us , and we release it , let me but see one curl in any brow : attend the prisoner hither ; — kiss our hand . are you so m●rciless to think this man fit for a scaffold . you shall sir be near us , and if in this confusion of your fortunes you can finde gratitude , and love , despair not . these men that now oppose , may finde your title clear to the kingdom too : be sir collected , and let us use your arm . exit . supported by ferdinand . rosa. what change is here ? leand. what think you of this lords ? rodri. i dare not think . leon. affronted thus ? o my vext heart . exit . rosa. i le follow still , and if this be no dream , we have scap'd a brook , to meet a greater stream . exeunt . act. iii. enter rodriguez , ernesto . ernest. though i believ'd her passionate , and like a sea , tempestuous in her anger , i never thought she would marry him . rodri. she 's the queen ▪ but with what honor she could quit the prince , who ( without treason ) did deserve her too , comes not within my reach . ernest. if you consider he has been valiant for her to great purpose , and brought a prisoner home , to mount his gennet : it was a pretty service . rod. how does he bear it . ernest. he 's here you may enquire it . enter leonario ( with letters ) and a servant . leon. b● swift and faithful , arragon bleeds here , nothing but w●r can right my cause and honor . serv. expect an army great as your own thoughts to cut the way to your revenge . exit . leon. my lords rodriguez and ernesto . ambo. your graces servants . leon. a man m●y take the benefit of this garden , without a court offe●ce , you have had the day of triumph , and the queen already teeming , to bless the kingdom with an heir ; and yet you see i walk like a poor neighbor prince , and have my heart still . rod. i am glad you bear it so . leon. not have i a meaning to run my self into despair , or strangle my better hopes , out of pure melancholy . i praise the influence of my stars ; there is a fire in cupids quiver , that will siorch through armor ; and what 's womans flesh and blood to make resistance , though i d●d not dance upon the marriage night , i wish'd her joyes i' th' morning . ernest. her heart shew'd she was pleas'd with what she had done ; she was as active as the air before she went to bed. rod. but i o●serv'd a declination in the king , and as the night approach'd which should have more inlarg'd his mirth , he grew more melancholy . leon. strange ! and such a bride that took him from so great a loss , to place him in her bosom ; but he was mark'd for the queens thoughts , and i by destiny to bring this pair of pidgeons together . i expect no more reward , the willow garland crowns me , but the prince is here still . ernest. your highness hath a noble temper . rod. how ere he seem to cover it , his soul hath a deep apprehension of the affront . let 's leave him , our discourse may be displeasing . we are servants to your grace . exeunt lords . leon. y'have honor'd me . think i am tame still ? let the inconstant queen secure her thoughts , and glory in my silence ; this heart is laboring a revenge . enter captain . captain , what news ? the court is merry sti●l ? cap. not altogether ●o merry as it was hop'd for . leon. can there be an eclipse already ? cap. i have not read the almanack for this year , but by my court astronomie , i finde our sun and moon are in no conjunction ; they take their fit by turns , the king was cold and full of flegm last night , and they that wait neer both , report the queen this morning look'd as she had wept . leon. o , tears of joy . cap. of anger rather , if you saw her fullenness . she frowns on every man , she turn'd away one of her servants but this morning for presenting her with verses , that did praise the king , and wish her fruitful . her own page was whipt for saying the king lay with the queen and might for ought he knew ▪ get her with childe ere morning ▪ leon. thou art humorous . cap. and so are they . leon. this begins well ; and what do people talk abroad of me , and my affront ? cap. why , they say they are sorry for you , especially the women . leon. thou art pleasant . cap. some that are cheif in counsel , privately suspect it but a trick of state ; and that you had discover'd underhand the queen was not — leon. leave this mirth ; let me indear thy care for my intelligence at court ; i must not off so tamely ; and expect me here , after a small dispatch , i have more to impart . exit . cap. your humble creature still sir. 'las poor gent ' were ● has capable to be entertain'd now , in revenge i would mount all the madams in the court , there should be nothing like a woman in 't , but i would touz and tumble : who are these ? enter two citizens . . cit. save you sir. cap. it may be so . . cit. pray sir take no offence , we have been enquiring about the court for two gentlemen . cap. and cannot your four eies see two gentlemen i' th' court ? . cit. excuse us sir , we have seen many , you may guess we have relation to the citie sir , and would be glad to meet two of our old acquaintances , a brace of our tribe , we hear , translated first out of the citie , to be sons o' th' sword , are since turn'd courtiers . pray d' ye know ' em ? enter lieutenant and violinda . cap. yes children of the gown , but their imployment wo ●ot give 'em leave to attend such vulgar conference , and here comes one of the moon-calves , does he look like a haberdasher , that 's one of the maids of honor , the weisel loves a hens-nest , and i have setled this perswasion , that no woman can hold out , now he is sworn a servant extraordinary . . cit. sir do you know us ? lieut . no. . cit. we were your neighbors , and of the same trade . cap. they 'l make him sweat ; how the rogue glotes upon ' em . . cit. we were of your acquaintance , when you sold garters . lieut. go hang your selves . cit. and statute-lace . viol. what are these ? lieut. poor me● that had some losses late by fire , and wou●d become my clients to procure some letters patents to beg by ; alas , they are half distracted . . cit. he 's proud — i have a parcel of periwigs please you ▪ for old acquaintance , put 'em off for me , among some friends of yours at court , whose skulls are but thinly furnish'd ; the hair is of a gentlewomans spinning . cap. i could love this citizen , and ow him any money for his confident abusing him . exit violinda . he has brib'd her absence with some ring or bracele● , least she should taste the discovery now . . cit. methinks you need not be so proud . lieut. i would have you to know that i am an extraordinary — cap. proud coxcomb . lieut. servant to the queen . what i was , i am willing to forget ; what you are , is apparant , i defie the dunghil i came from , and it is scandalum magnatum to be so saucy . exit . . cit. i will not leave your worship so . exit . cap. what will this rascal do with himself ? here comes the other fool to make up the gemini . enter antient with two petitions . ant. hum , i will not know him — let me see — the humble petition of — . cit. save you master — ant. prethee fellow do not trouble me — humbly praying — the queen shall sign it . let me see this other — cap. who the devil will bring him a petition , this whelp has discovered him , and now would pretend himself most busily employ'd about petitions to the queen . ant. hum , shall daily pray for — hum. cap. more wit and money a your side ; for your extraordinary place will not hold out . . cit. sir i have a sute to you . ant. is it embroidered sattin sir , or scarlet ? yet if your business do hold weight and consequence , i may deserve to wear your thankfulness in tissue or cloth of bodkin ; ermines are for princes . . cit. alas my suite is not worth your wearing . ant. good faith sir you must excuse me , at this time my attendance is expected at the counsel , come to my chamber by five a clock in the morning four days hence , and you shall be sure to finde me — cap. a sleep . . cit. but do you not know me ? ant. hum. yes i have seen your phisnomy , were you never in a conspicuous place , called the pillorie . . cit. how the pillory ? cap. a skirmish , and it be thy will. . cit. if it were not in the court garde● , i would beat out thy brains . ant. take heed , for i am an extraordinary — . cit. ratcatcher . cap. you may beat out his brains here as securely sir , as if you met him i' th' market ; marry if you do not kill him outright , it is but the loss of your hand . . cit. i would it were but the loss of my left hand to beat one of thy eyes out — are you an ancient ? ant. thank you for that , so i might deserve to be beaten . i am an extraordinary sir. cap. and deserves to be beaten accordingly . you may kick him without danger . . cit. may i ? enter . citizen kicking the lieutenant . cap. look , your friend will shew you a president ' he is acquainted with the court latitude . . cit. this is no striking . lieut. i know it is not . cap. they are subtle knaves , and know the law. lieut. a pox upon 'em , i feel it . ant. at their peril say i , these poor things do not believe that we are extraordinary men , i shall know you another time , i shall . cap. if you had known him now it had been better for your hanches . well , i ha' not done with these whelps yet , till they are undone . i shall never be sufficiently revenged for their affront at court. the prince commanded me to expect his return here , i 'l not leave enter rosania . the garden . who 's this ? rosa. is perjury no sin ? or can heaven be so busie or a sleep ? such crimes of men pass with impunity ? let this wake your anger : this ; ferdinand is married , all his vows scatter'd in th' air , dispers'd like witherd leaves , and hurried on the wings of some rude wind , whose pride was to deflour the spring ; oh ferdinand , couldst thou , whilst yet thy breath was warm with love , with love of me , call back thy faith , and tear thy heart from mine to plant it in her bosom ? capt. how 's this ? rosa. what though she be a queen ? could any thirst of present title flatter thy soul from me ? i that left all for thee , and would have calld death for thy cause a triumph , now must live the scorn of my own thoughts , despis'd by thee . capt. here 's a new business ; this obscures me quaintly . enter leandro . lean. the king commands you not to leave the garden . he espied you from the gallerie window , and would have you here atrend him . rosa. sir , may i without offence ▪ ask if the king be merry ? leand. we are scarce yet acquainted with his nature , but we observe no jubilie in his eyes , nor is the queen so pleasant as our hopes did promise after marriage . rosa. pray excuse this boldness . leand. you 'l expect his pleasure here ? exit . rosa. 't is my ambition once more to see , and speak with him , and if his language break not enter queen , leandro . my heart , i 'l take my leave — the queen . leand. he is a servant to whom the king was pleas'd to shew affection ▪ when he had no expectation of your royall favour . que. i do remember , i observ'd him once use more than common passion to this servant , and if we may build any confidence upon a fair aspect , he may deserve it . say we would speak with him ; my heart 's opprest with melancholy , something tels my spirit i am too tame ; have i advanc'd a thing without a name to perch on the same cloud with me and for his sake slighted a prince , my honour , and his faith transported with my folly and his charms of tongue and person ? and dares he pay me with neglect and coldness ? oh my vext soul ! but he shall find i have a sense of my dishonour ; and yet open wayes become triviall and poor revengers , i will doe something that shall sting him to repentance ; my lord you now may leave us . ex. leandro . sir of what country are you ? rosa. of valentia . que. your name ? rosa. 〈◊〉 . my parents not ignoble , yet too hasty i' th' apprehension of p●ince ferdinand ; his fortune ( if i may yet call him so ) gave me to be his page i must confess my diligence thriv'd so well since i came to him , that he did value me above his servant . que. yet i 've not seen you wait since we were married . rosa. it was no want of dutie madam , i had late some wrast●ing with a feaver that compeld me to my chamber , and disabled me for fit attendance . que. why dost weep ? rosa. i madam ? que. i see the tears . rosa. they are not sorrow then to see my master possest of so much happiness in your love , and i am confident his soul so full of honour and regard to your great virtues will seal him worth your gracious favours madam , and the worlds envie . que. i 'l not blame him now for loving thee ; and so much hath thy faith and innocence prevail'd , thou sha't translate thy service , and be mine , he shall consent . ros. i am to both most humble . que. prethee tell me , making so much of thee , he do's impart sometimes the secrets of his bosom to thee . tell me what fault he has , for thou know'st all . rosa. 'las madam i know none , or if i did , it ill became the trust and dutie of a servant to reveal'em que. thou wer 't his bed-fellow ? ros. gracious madam — que. do's he not wanton in the night , and talk of m●stresses . ros. by truth not to me madam . que. dissemble not i know he has a mistress . rosa. if love were ever so unkind to him — que. unkind ? why i' st a sin to love ? i shall suspect thy youth has not been free , thy looks betray some seeds of love. rosa. by all that 's good i never was in love but with my master . capt. good. q●e . he is not worth it . rosa. madam . que. be wise , and govern well thy hopes . i 'l help thee to a mistress ; th' ast no mistress yet ? rosa. but you self madam . que. it shall be no other . thy master is ingratefull ros. goodness aid him . que. and wisdom thee , thou art a pretty youth , i will reward thee better , if thou canst be faithfull and obey . rosa. in all things madam that shall become your creature . que. 't is not safe to play with a queens favours , you shall wa●t neer us , forget thy master , and be happy . exit . ros. what clue can guide me in this labyrinth ? i would when i had lost ferdinands heart i had lost my understanding . she returns . enter queen . que. the king is comming this way ; now be free , thou sha't have reason afterwards to bless thy fate , this cannot chose but vex him . the que●n is pleasant with ros. enter ferdinand . fer. the queen so pleasant ? she has lost her ●ullenness , playes with his hair , and smiles . ros. madam , the king observes us . ferd. stroaks his cheek too , she does want a ganimed● ; my poor rosania art thou the path she walks on to revenge , all is not well within her heart ▪ but mine sinks with the heavy pressure — she is gone . exit queen . the queen does grace you much tiberio , those favours are not common . rosa. she is pleas'd for your sake sir to cast some smile upon me . i know 't was your request she should be kind , to keep my heart a live . ferd. th' art not discover'd . ros. did not you discourse my story to her ? ferd. i ? ros. take heed , yet this will adde but a thin feather to the scale of my misfortune , she knows all ▪ and in the pittie of my sufferings sayes you are not worth my love , and calls you most ingratefull ferd. we are both lost , till now there was some hope how to repair thy sorrow . rosa. do not mock me ; 't is a worse tyranny than to kill , to laugh at what you have made wretched , 't is as possible to call past ages back . ferd. take heed rosania , and be not judge of what thou know'st not , dearest . rosa. i know too much . ferd. that i am married . rosa. ther 's no truth in man. ferd. you are too rash ; for there is truth in me , in ferdinand , though in thy thoughts held black and staind prodigiously with breach of faith , i have not broke my vow , do not compell me by thy unbelief to do a sin i hate as much as i love thee . rosa. have you a soul ? ferd. yes , and thy eye shall read it , be but calm , that soul , thou once didst love , white with his first simplicity and faith ; i wo'not urge in my excuse the beautie of the queen enough to melt a scythian into love , but call to mind my dear rosania , and do but put upon thee ferdinand so late forgotten by his stars , a prisoner , slav'd like a villain at the bar , expecting at every breath his sentence , nay admit rosania , the best part of his soul stood like a weeping fountain to take leave of what she never must salute agen : in this extreme , to preserve ferdinand and save rosania , wouldst thou scorn the breath of mercy , that did court thee from the lips of a great queen ? couldst thou love rosania , if thou wert ferdinand to lose thy self ? whom she would follow in a stream of tears , and when she had made an ●land of thy tomb , striving to swim to thee , she could not choose , but drown her self in her own waves . i prethee take reason to thee ▪ and when th' ast consider'd — rosa. perswade me i am not rosania , and i will say 't is virtue and that yet your heart may grow with mine ; is not the queen possest of that which should have been my title , a wife to ferdina●d ? ferd. 't is confest the world doth think it so , i did consent to ceremony . ros. call you injoying of the queen but ceremony ? ferd. pause there , and if thou hast but so much charity to think i dare not blaspheme heaven , i 'l call that , and the angels boldly to my witness , the queen 's to me a stranger yet . ros. a miracle . ferd. retain but love , as thou preserv'st thy sweetness , and that will teach thee to believe that ferdinand , how ere saluted king is still thy subject , and though her husband ▪ in my faith to thee the marriage-bed hath still our virgin sheets ; a brother might embrace a sister , with the heat i brought ; that this is truth , the power and name i have , shall only serve to make our flight secure into another kingdom , and when i part with these new shining glories ▪ thy faith will be confirm'd , and thou acknowledge i ventur'd much to keep my heart thy servant . ros. i know not what to say ; is not the queen displeas'd ? ferd. she is , but cunningly disguiseth her passion to the world ; but i forgot what must inlarge my fears of her revenge if thou be known rosania . ros. lose that fear , i am still safe , and now i see the cause makes her repent her favours , and thy greatness ; forgive me ferdinand ▪ and yet i know not , all is not well ther 's poyson in this balsom prepar'd for thee . ferd. from whom ? ros. rosania . ferd. when she shall but consent to have me dye , she shall not trouble poyson to send off my despis'd life , my soul in just obedience to her command will take a cheerfull flight in hope to serve her in the other world. ros. you shall know more hereafter , and let this secure your thoughts , she yet beleeves me what this shape presents , but without wise prevention , i fear i shall not live too long conceal'd ; i dare not say her honour is a bleeding ▪ but a queen thus distasted may not find that ice within her bloud ; we are interrupted . enter rodriguez . rodri. your pardon sir ; 't is the queens pleasure this gentleman attend her in the gallery . ferd. he shall wait her commands — ex. rodri. i know not what to counsell , 't is not safe sweet to neglect her , yet my fears of some ill fate , are round about me like a mist , and dark my understandings ; let a kiss and silence teach our souls some new discourse . capt. why here 's a volume of intelligence . i 'l stay no longer to expect the prince , but seek him out immediatly ; disguises ? king by your leave , i shall untruss your mistress . ex. rosa. i know not what i feel ▪ nor what to fear , if love e'r meant a tragedie ; 't is here . ferd. if we ne'r meet agen , one more salute shall fortifie our lives by joyning breath , nor shall our last hard fate deny us this , to change our faithfull souls at our last kiss . exeunt severally . act. iv. enter rodriguez , leandro , ernesto . ernest. i know not what to think on 't , but if i have any sense , there is some new state madness crept into court. rodri. are we not all a sleep , and these fine dreams perplex us ? leand. no 't is waking . r●d . shew me the renth part of a reason why the queen did marry him . lea. 't was destinie . ernest. why since should he be melancholy ? rod. or she so humorus ? ernest. not lie together ? pray heaven the gentleman be found with no defective title in him . leand. ob●erve her favours to that boy , he was his servant , now her minion . i like not these violent wheels ; the whole frame may be soon indanger'd , if these passions be not cur'd . rod. new lodgings for him , neer her own , and he given free access to the bed chamber . leand. 't is naught or will be so , i pittie the good king ; though she have rais'd him to the highest glorie her power extended too , yet to make this height his precipice , and throw him into scorn , nay poyson the best hopes he had of honour , and love from her , and in his sight to court a boy , his servant ? it would vex the best of all our tempers , if we felt the sting on 't . enter rosania and violinda ( passing over the stage . ) er. he 's here , that lady is the queens cabinet . lean. they are merry about the mouth . er. another summons ? 't is possible the queen may marry him too . lean. there is some mysterie we cannot reach . if we doe well remember , ther 's a law made by her self , as soon as she was queen , to keep wifes pulses temperat , and correct the insolent bloud of women that had husbands . er. and men were not exempted . leand. i say no more . but heaven maintain the law , and the law-makers , and conjure down that devill , 't is the king and the smooth boy , le ts leave ' em . exeunt lords . enter ferdinand , and rosania . ferd. was this the ladies message ? does the queen take thee into such favour ? r●sa . i tell truth , and though it found but ill on the queens part , because she thinks me wh●t i seem my lord , you need not to wear one cloud upon your face when you remember who i am , my fears are thick upon my heart , how to secure this shadow any longer . ferd. that afflicts me most rosania , for it pleases me to hear she can affect thee ; but what way to keep her expectation high , and thee ( my dearest ) safe ? her passions may be violent . rosa. they are already sir , if i mistake not ; i wish to heaven that you were reconcil'd to do the office of a husband to her ▪ that peace would keep her bosom clear , and i should live to all the world except your self a stranger still . ferd. what language speaks rosania ? ther 's death in every syllable ▪ should i obey what thou desir'st , and do the office of a husband , ha ? rosa. i 'l wait upon you still , and hope you will vouchsafe me now and then a harmless smile ; her beauty will deserve your whole heart , and ther 's something in the memory of what she has advanc'd you to , will help to make you kind . ferd. should i injoy the queen ? because the misery of my fate compeld a ceremonious si● ? shall i betray the essence of my faith , and leave a curse , when thou art known , upon my name for ever ? if thou hast taken new resolves against me , punish my hear● some other way ; had she more ornament than ever met in woman , mistress of more perfection ▪ than poets invented for the queen of love to this were the proud empire of the world her own , and she would make me lord of her , and these , it would not buy me to the pleasure of one nights embrace , my body shall not carry my soul so far astray ; the man condemnd to live in a perpetuall snow , hath not a purer frost within his blood . rosa. this but ingenders a new grief ▪ although it bind rosanias heart there is yet one way left and that ere i pronounce you must forgive ; there is a trembling in my tongue ▪ and i already feel such winter in my breath , my timorous lips do wither . ferd. do not fright my soul too much , ther 's something threatens me so like a loss of these , that i am left a peece of shaking earth death cannot look to make me tremble so ; canst thou forsake me ? ros. not in my heart , but give my body leave to seek some other place my lord to dwell in . when i am gone into some wilderness , you will find ease at heart , and love the queen , and perfect all ; i 'l pray you may live happy , and hold intelligence with some gentle winds that shall convey my wishes and return what joys do follow you ; the purling rivers i 'l teach your name and they which g●ide this way shall bring thee something ferdinand of mine ; my tears i know will not be lost , which i will send thee daily by the courteous stream , clear pledges of my faith ; consent my lord i may depart and you shall choose your way , to every blessing here . ferd. not till we meet with one embrace , and take our flight together ; and i have thought a way to perfect it , observe my sweet rosania , the queen thou sayst affects thee , cherish it , with all the softness of her creature ; if she allow , kiss her , and promise what young lovers doe , examine not , but by thy love to me be free in amorous language , if she have heat to a private meeting in her chamber , obey , this shall secure our loves ambition . enquire not , but resolve , and let me know the time . ros. you will attempt no violence upon the queen ? ferd. by this — kisses her . ros. what if she have commanded me this night ? ferd. to meet ? ros. in her bed-chamber . ferd. ha ▪ obey it . ros. at a late hour . ferd. it shall beget our comfort if thou consent . rosa. but shall i not expose my self to danger , if her love persue immodest ends , since you advise i should apply my self to her desires ? ferd. if she take too much flame , by some soft art delay her , till i come to close all ; keep still thy person secret , the least discovery will destroy us both ; the evening with much hast prepares thy visit and our happiness . rosa. i 'l obey , but be you sure to come . ferd. lose thou no time now to indear thee to her , let us part love will find balm to cure the wounded heart . exeunt severally a table , and lights , set out , then enter queen , and violinda . que. was he not cheerfull when he promis'd thee ? viol. he was , and he was not . que. i have a strange apprehension , and this doth feed it . viol. i told him 't was an honour worth his joyfull entertainment . que. if it should prove succesfull , my revenge were perfect , i 'm resolute to persue — viol. it makes well for your contrivement that the king and you do lodge at distance — stay , i hear a tread . que. i hope 't is he . enter leonario . viol. prince leonario madam . que. what comes he for ? leon. although i have small expectation for my own sake , that you can pardon madam this bold access , and at so dark an hour , yet when you have heard my business , you will know your self so much concern'd , i 'l not despair to find your mercy . que. you prepare me for something of consequence . leon. please you to dismiss your ladie , i have something to deliver wo'not become her knowledge . que. leave us — now , ex. violinda . our conference is free , your graces pleasure ? it must be matter of much essence , that could not expect till morning ▪ but y' ar welcome . leon. this time and darkness madam best becomes him , who for your sake blushes to see the day , but i came not to chide my wrongs have learn'd a modest silence , my approach is not to name a suffering of mine , but to discover what already is prepar'd against your peace and honour . que. is it treason ? leon. it is , but threatens not your life , you may live many years upon the wound . que. you fright me . leon. lose not the beauty of your cheek so soon , hide not beneath that cold and killing snow , one rosie blush ▪ and yet that pale would shew like innocence which you have lost ; oh madam had you not made a forfet of your truth to me , no storm could shake you , but your soul that made no change ▪ could know no fear ; i come to tell you what just providence hath done in my revenge , your breach of vow is punish'd with loss of faith in him , to whom you gave the heart you promis'd me , the king , whose pride you built on my dishonour , is as false , as you were . que. this is passion but be not yet too rash in censuring him . whom i have plac'd so neer , i must defend , nor will he need my strength , to make their blood account that dare traduce his honour ; he has a heart — leon. a false one . i was born without a fear , and dare upon his bosom ( wear he worth the manly contestation ▪ ) write him perjur'd . que. i would this were not envy ; but admit he be thus guiltie , 't is a fault in him . leon. no madam , it is yours ; that sin that poysond the expectation of my joys in you . hath made him false and will excuse his storie , when you are nam'd that broke your faith to me ; i can have no hope now to be repair'd , but if it be worth memorie to know the triumph waits on innocence , the world shall say the queen deserv'd to meet a scorn deep as her wrongs to me . que. it cannot be . leon. think so , and help to make the revenge greater , till the winds catch the black report , and multiply the shame , by scattering it about the kingdom , sit still , and careless of your fame , incourage his private lust , his mistress now in court. que. a mistriss in the court ? leon. yes madam , in the court , and may one day think any second place too narrow to contain her greatness ▪ she — que. as y' ar a prince no more ; i have done ill , and find the penance here , it does agree with his neglects , and addes new flame to my young jealousie ; i feel a tempest rising ; by all your goodness leave me sir ; i cannot now right you more than mourn , and give belief to you . no more i pray you , by all your love to honour . leon. i ha' done , and take my leave , my everlasting leave , 't is time ; how like the day , that flatterd us with cheerfull light , are my desires fled hence , and left me here a prodigie of darkness , a walking herse , hung round about with night , whose wings must one day cover all ? farewell . if any star look forth , it is to call me hence , and light me to another world. our lips are never like to meet agen . kisses farewell , if i but stay , i shall forgive her . exit . que. a mistress in the court ? something is busie about my heart . enter violinda . viol. the prince is gone . que. no matter . affronted thus ? but i forgot to ask her name that rivals me ; how this passion befools our understanding , and prevents the knowledge , and the cure of what afflicts us ! the morning will assure all , but shall this strike me to ashes ? i may find a way to my revenge . enter violinda . viol. tiberio is come madam . que. wait carefully . viol. i know my dutie . enter rosania : ( kneels and kisses her hand . ) que. rise , this meeting was not meant for ceremony , ther 's something in this presence will deserve we should put off all state , and speak like friends . you must be cover'd too . i 'l have it so . we are private now . rosa. these graces will undoe a youth , whose birth , and careless stars ordain'd him to be humble , and with dutie wait on your meanest servant . que. thou shalt soon have cause to think thy stars are carefull of thee , if thou canst be wise . rosa. alas ! my years are few . que. thy knowledge is not wanting to distinguish whose favours court thee , and apply thy self to understand , and thank the kind bestower ; 't is in my power to make thee great . rosa. you may advance this worthless walking shadow madam , and when you like the free and bounteous sun have blest me with your rayes , it is but like his glorious warmth bestow'd upon a peece of rude and barren earth , which takes not from the lustre of your beams , but shews more clearly , by your own light , what poverty you shin'd on . quee. this modesty becomes you not , look in my eie , and read what 's there . rosa. some thing like anger , enough to strike me dead . quee. what now ? rosa. a smile , and such attending sweetness — quee. thus it shall invite thee still to gaze , and love , tiberio , no frown shall point on thee ; i finde my eyes were meant for thee , and all they grac'd before , but objects of mistake . here here , o turn thy lovely face away , lest i be seen to b●u●h , my heart hath chose to place my love and the reward ; this would become thy tongue a great deal better , come sit down tiberio . what still an infants understanding ? think i am the man , and learn a little better , what beauty dwells upon this hand , what softness , how like the snow , or innocence it shews , yet fires my heart with every gentle touch . rosa. dear madam ; would the king would come . que. this is a happiness that kings should sue for , and yet there are poor comforts in these kisses ; let hands preserve societie with hands , and with their change of whiteness , and of balm , make wealthy one another : but let what was mean't for kisses meet , and finde out pleasure by warm exchange of souls from our soft lips . kisses . madam , how like you this ? rosa. madam . que. i suppose you a lady all this while , and i the man , our lips must meet again , will this instruct thee nothing ? ros. gracious madam . que. and yet this recreation comes short , dear lady , of what love might well allow us . admit you are a queen , you are not bound to thin your royal blood with frost , but as your power , your pleasure should exceed ; nay graut you have a man ( a man said i ) that can keep love alive , and warm a yielding bosom , yet where from the invitement of your eie , and amorous choice , i am become your servant , you may be a little kinder . rosa. madam , i know not how with the safetie of my self , my dutie , and your own name and power , to understand you , ( yet this to some would need but little comment ) can you place such a value on a thing that not deserves to breath your name ? or should i hope these charms of language you have spred to catch my heart , which hath no wings , but where it can believe ; for you transcend so much in wonder of your love , a willing faith not easily can reach it . but dear madam , i know all this is but to try my duty , and you have pleas'd to choose me forth , to make these silent hours more grateful , by the mirth my weak replies may raise you , que. miracle ! i but imagin'd thee a woman , now i shall believe thee one indeed ; this coldness becomes no masculine habit . come , we 'll in , and change our sexes ; thou shalt wear my clothes , and i will put on these , help on with thine , and i will dress thee handsomely , and then we 'll act again . ros. not for the world dear madam . not yet come ? que. the world ? this confirms my jealousie . i 'll search you to the soul , adonis come , i 'll call thee so , and court thee with more charm than venus did , when in the idalian groves to buy a kiss , she offer'd the proud boy her flaming chariot , and her doves of snow . 't is in thy power to make thy fate and heart more happy by consent to meet with mine ; tempt not the anger of a queen despis'd , whose breath can like a whirl-wind snatch thee up , and drop thee in a wilderness , where with sorrow for thy neglect , thou by degrees maist sigh thy self into a mist , which no sun-beam shall pitie or take up into a cloud . but love me , and compose thy heart to mine , wee 'l live with more delight , than fancie can inrich elizium with . the soft hours shall stay till we allow 'em wings , and while we kiss and on each others lips breath incense thus , wee 'l have ten thousand capids for our guard , whose bows shall awe the destinies , and we write the king and queen of fate . enter ferdinand , leandro , rodriguez , ernesto , captain , guard. ferd. will this deserve your faith ? leand. we must believe . enter violinda . viol. we are undone , the king. que. false keys ? rosa. 't was time to come . ferd. had i not cause , my lords , to appear sad , when i suspected this so great affront ? my melancholy all this while was but a mourning for this shame : look but my lords into your ●elves , and make this suffering yours . viol. madam be rais'd again , i have an art to fetch you off with honor ▪ and the youth too . i will perswade him there can be no cure in this extream but to pretend himself a woman ; i will dress him in your gown before they can be ware on 't ; they all know this way he cannot flie , mean time put on a confidence , and let them know you are the queen , not to be shaken with their power ; this will gain time . que. prosper in this . viol. i will redeem my fault , or never sleep again . exit with rosania . ferd. she blushes not . were she not queen , what names could we bestow 〈…〉 modesty ? 〈◊〉 . 't is plain . we came in time . ferd. most happily to prevent some further act of shame ; 〈◊〉 she look on us without a blush ? que. i ●ee no such attraction in your state faces that i should desire much to look on ' em . who made you king i pray ? ferd. your power i dare not call it love , presuming that i wa● fit to be your property , without a 〈◊〉 to see , o● have a sense of these dishonors ; this rank hea● of blood , madam , what penitence can make this clear ? admit your thoughts were wanton , and your flame , too great to be supprest , could you finde none for your adulterate embrace , but one that was my servant ? my own hound devour me ? as if your lust had not enough of shame and mischief to me , but your malice must appear in 't too ; with what securitie can i expect to live , when she begins so soon to poyson me ? leand. we heard her say they two would write themselves the king and queen . rod. so we did all . ferd. you may consider these . leand. 't is impious madam with what grief do we remember now that law you made after your corronation to preserve the name of your sex chast which gave our hearts hope of your blessed progress ; you made it death to stain the marriage-bed ; where shall we expect the life of that good act , when ●ou begin a breach of chastitie by so black example ? if the king urge an execution of what our vo●e 〈◊〉 by yours impos'd upon the kingdom 〈◊〉 should prove your self more innocent o● give us cause to mourn this fall from vir●ue er. madam we g●●eve for you . que. so , so , have your great wisdoms said all yet ? i laugh at you ( poor things ) and am so far from trembling at your thunder , that i pitty you , and first i 'l let you know you selves , you are i take it all my subjects , i will not exempt you sir ▪ since marriage takes not off my interest , and essence here ▪ all strength flowing from me ▪ and your derivative sh●ne extinct , when i frown you to darkness ; by what power dare you take an accompt of me ? that am above your laws , which must obey me , as their soul , and dye when i forsake ' em ? but i will reason coolely , and admit they live in force ; 'gainst whom ? are you so shallow , to think we that created , and decreed 'em for vulgar reformation , must be squard and levell'd by 'em , as we meant to lose our character and distinction , and stoop to th' common file of subjects ? this were policy ! i speak not this with sense of any guilt , so to decline it , for i here defie you , and bring an innocence shall strike a blush upon your souls ; that sinn'd in my suspition . aside . ferd. where is the boy ? ernesto take him to your custodie , and bid him not despair , i have contriv'd the rest . enter rosania ( like a woman ) and violinda . er. he 's here . viol. take it upon you , if it come to searching wee 'l find a jurie . capt. you are deceiv'd my lord , with your good pardon , he is not here . er. who is not here ? capt. the he you do expect ; and your officious ladyship might well have spar'd your pains , to put on all this trim . ferd. what means the fellow ? capt. 't is no news to your sir. i could have told the queen before and you my honourable lords , this was no boy , though now he would but seem o' th' tother sex , i knew her name . ros. my name ? capt. are not you call'd rosania ? ●erd . ha! betraid ? capt. yes indeed is she , you were present sir i' th' garden when this fine hermophrodite declar'd what sex was hid behind the breeches , and this i certified the prince before . que. now 't is clear . capt. there are some tokens too i can remember , as kisses , and excuse for marrying with the queen , a virgin still , &c. omnes . a woman ? viol. but are you a woman indeed ? capt. and now my lords , if you have hearts that are honest and daring ▪ come about agen , for this is but a cunning piece of treason , against your faith , and the queens honour . ferd. we are both lost rosania . capt. 't is truth , or take my head off . que. you do believe this transformation , and know this ladie , my good lord , i did suspect before the cause of your neglects , and meeting with some dark intelligence from the prince , to perfect this discovery , did in my chamber wooe with aptest forms of love , to trie how long the sex would be conceal'd ; you heard a part , and see us kiss , and came in time with these wise noblemen to prevent further acts of shame . rodri. i' st possible ? rosa. it was an ill contrivement to make me proof of the queens dishonour . er. an apparent plot against the life and honour of the queen , since he would urge that law maliciously against her , knowing this to be a woman , and his close strumpet . rodri. the same law must be their tryall . leand. what a change is here already ? que. you must not lords deny me justice . rodri. 't is insufferable against a common person . er. let his first treason , if you think good madam , be urg'd in accusation . leand. so , so . que. you did us service captain . capt. i am bound too 't , here 's more news for the prince . que. use your pleasures . exit . rod. what need we circūstance , let him dye to morrow . que. death will be mercie to so much ingratitude , command them both to severall custodies . the morning shall behold 'em dead — ros. now more lost then ever . exeunt . manent . ferd : ros. & guard. ferd. pray le ts take short leave of one another , 't is in vain to reason against providence , or say we might ha' liv'd ; though i must dye , and after be hid in my obscurest name , and shade , i must declare whose blood they will profane in bleeding thee ; farewell , our last , last kiss . my heart would fain come to thee , i will make it my humble sute with my last breath it may be quickly sent thee . rosa. we shall both meet , when this dust falls off , and our souls kiss agen . exeunt . act. v. enter leandro , rodriguez , ernesto , servants with lights . er. my lord you tell us wonders , 't is high time to open such a mysterie . rodri. this change will exceed all , and to convincing are the circumstances of this great discovery they do command our faith . er. and you sha 〈◊〉 steer us . leand. then let us lose no time ; oh my good lords , did you but feel the torment of my bosome , till i discharge the duty , which so long hath slept in his concealment you would call for wings to flye , and think all motion tedious ; for heavens sake le ts make hast ▪ that we prevent the morning , which will rise upon this knowledge with cheerfull beams , and put on all his glory . er. most gladly we attend . exeunt . a table and taper set out . enter ferdinand ( with a book in his hand . ) ferd. i have no heart to think of any thing but my rosania , all devotion , when i remember her , flyes off , and leaves my soul no contemplation but her safety ; they were too cruell to divide us , night it self looks now more black by this dim taper ; rosania's eyes would brighten all ▪ but they weigh'd down with sleep , and sorrow , are perhaps at rest , a thousand angels watch about 'em ; and let some one who●e office is to wait on harmless love , present me to her dreams ; o let her hear me often call upon her , as i am led to death , and when the stroke divides me from my self , and from the world , my heart shall pay her tribute , and my blood do miracles , when every crimson drop my body bleeds , shall not in vain be wept , but fall into some letter of her name , to keep alive our story . enter two servants ( with torches ) leandro , ernesto , rodriguez . what lights are these ? this place sure is not wont to be thus visited . they are spirits , ha ! yet if i have a memory those faces were but late familiar to me . they kneel . what mockery is this ? if you be substances of things i know , go tell the tyrant queen she might allow me death without this scorn , this jeering antimasque . omnes . long live the king. ferd. what king ? omnes . long live ferdinand king of murcia . ferd. a dream , a golden dream . what fancies wait upon our slee● ? and yet i wake , they are apparitions , i●l shut my eyes , and lose ' em . they wo not vanish . leandro , rodriguez , ernesto ? omnes . all your subjects . leand. collect your scatterd thoughts my lord , and be assur'd , we now pay reall duties to you , you are our king ▪ and must be . ferd. who says so ? leand. i , whose cold fear , and frailty , when fate of war had made you prisoner , conceal'd the truth , and justice of your title , 't was i that sav'd you from your uncles fury and sent you to valentia , while i cozen'd the kingdom with your death , till time might ripen your challenge to the scepter ; if you can find mercy to a treason , great as this , i 'l live , and study how to merit pardon . ferd. rise , rise all , and if you be leandro , pray come neerer . rod. pray heav'n this unexpected happiness meet with no extasie , all senses are not arm'd for such extremes of joy. er. the queen , when she finds this , will fall into a feaver , by instinct her head must ake this very minute . rod. and shake too , for the crown is tottering . ferd. pardon ? thou shouldst divide the kingdom with me . but do all these believe it , will you not , when i make second claim , deny me agen ? call me impostor ? leand. sir forgive that first , and i 'l not ask heaven pardon for my next deniall , let death threaten all his stings ; and i have satisfied these lords so well , they are confirm'd in your just claim , and person . rod : er. we lay our lives and fortunes at your feet . ferd. i may command you then , fetch me rosania ; i 'l be no king without her ; do not stay to hear how much i love her 'bove the crown , and all the glories wait upon it , she that was my page , my fellow prisoner , rosania . exit rodrig . 't is that name next to heaven i bow too . good my lord follow him , and if she be awake , oh drop it gently by degrees , ( the joy is mighty , she a sad weak virgin ) that i shall live to make her queen . exit ernesto . stay you , and if i play too much the wanton with my fate , or swell with expectation , speak something to allay my hopes , and say there may be crosses yet , the queen may want faith or consent , or put case the people ( a dangerous torrent to oppose ) like not this innovation , where is the king then ? leand. doubt not their loves , you had their hearts before ; let nothing shake you . enter rosania , ernesto , rodriguez . ferd. th' art my better angell . why then if my rosania will be queen , the kingdoms ours agen ; she comes , she comes . thou mak'st too little hast to be a queen . i am my self agen , my name is found , i shall live to , thus to embrace rosania without a fear , these lords are all thy subjects , i am a king. leand. you are . ferd. then what must my rosania be ? ros. happy , if this be more than dream , my tears and sufferings are all paid for if this be true . leand. most true . ros. what a strong arm hath heaven ? ferd. see how the day hath made hast to salute rosania , and to wait upon thy triumph , blushes like a maid when she is told she is in love , the stars are gone to tell the other world , thy beauty , till now ecclips'd with sorrow , hath thrown off the imprisoning veil , and shines above their brightness . but how shall we leandro now contrive for our court entertainment , where the queen 's prepar'd to hear our tragedy ? leand. leave me to order your appearance ; but first sir , we must secure this fort. er. the captain is my creature . ferd. thou shalt be all our direction . come my rosania , time hath turn'd a gen our glass , and his keen sith this comfort brings , it cuts no scepters down but to make kings . exeunt . enter leonario ( reading a letter , ) and soldier . leon. so neer ? sold. we heard before of your affront my lord , and were prepar'd . leon. it hath outstrip'd my expectation , these letters say mendoza is their generall new return'd with victory from the moores ; his fame i honour , my knowledge never reach'd his person . sold. sir , he brings old soldiers with him , the commanders are such , whose faith and valor in those wars already tried , he durst name to the king to be employ'd here in your highness cause . leand. we will to horse immediatly . i long to salute the army . sold. which but wants your person the soul of their design ; you may soon reach ' em . enter captain . leon. i will. capt. your grace . leon. that we had wings , away , to horse to horse . exeunt leon. sold. capt. speed , and you be so hot o' th' spur , my business is but breath , and your design it seems rides post . enter lieutenant and antient. the earth runs upon wheels ; whom do i spy ? my extraordinaries , i 'l ha' sport with them , but first observe ' em . lieut. i see no profit in these offices that we ha' brought . ant. not extraordinary , as the name did promise . capt. the rogues are poor , and now repent . ant. we were told by the cheating captain that we should want men to tell our money . lieut. this 't is to deal with soldades . ant. we should command the ladies too , and we were bountifull , a small pox take their beauties , 't is the greater curse , i have undone my self in giving away enameld rings and bracelets . lieut. well , if i trust a captain agen . ant. or i. capt. i 'm glad they are payd ; i wo'not leave 'em , i feel my antipathy strong yet . ant. i would venture half my soul to be reveng'd if i knew how . capt. true rascals ! lieut. the ladies love him . ant. they all love men of war. lieu. would his poop were a fire . ant. and battels in bed naturally . lieu. well , what ladies give him hereafter to buy new feathers , may his body compell him to bestow upon a surgeon . ant. may diseases undermine his flesh like gunpowder , and blow all his skin up into blisters . lieu. may they that look for his nose , go about for want of a ●ridge , and let him wear no legs but what he buyes from the carpenter . ant. may his face break out , and undo him in taffata , and may the patches at the laft be so many , till his skin be invisible , and his goggle eyes look through a mask . lieu. may he live to be as much coward as we ha' been , and be beaten ! ant. abominably beaten , and may the miracle be on our side , that we may be valiant , and be the men to doe it , oh i would have no more mercy . — capt. save you gallants , save you courtiers . both. my noble captain . ant. it may be he did not hear us . capt. hark you , what purchase have you two made lately ? both. of what ? capt. of lands and loggerheads , lordships i would say , i know you are both rich , you cannot choose , but i will borrow no more o' you , faith besatisfied and leave off in time with the wealth you have . lieu. where is it captain ? ant. can you tell where we may borrow as much money upon our extraordinary places , as will set up shop agen ? for this court trade wo'not do . capt. how ? lieu. no indeed captain , we ha' made little benefit since we came to be extraordinaries . capt. ye took not the right way then . ant. that may be . capt. why , cannot you lie , and swear , and pawn your souls for six pence , the devill could not furnish the city with two more hopefull borachios . you have a carrot-colourd beard , and that never fails , and your worships face is a prognostication of preferment is a prognostication of pre●erment , where beside dominicall letters you have all the conjuring characters of the planets . but all this is your cunning , to dissemble your estates . lieu. by this empty pocket , i have but one shirt left . capt. you jeast y'faith . ant. and by all my no money ▪ i have but half a one capt. come , come , you took up linnen lately , i heard you did . ant. i , smocks . capt. why they are in fashion with extraordinary courtiers . but if you be in earnest , i can tell , where you may furnish your selves richly . both. where ? where ? capt. w'y in the shops for ready money , but you would save charges . ant. i marry captain . capt. venture to rob a hedge , it is but hanging , and what 's that to men extraordinary ? but if your wants be reall , be not dejected , i 'l set you up agen my self , i have been beholding to you two for your good words and wishes gentlemen . lieu. it pleases you to say so , i begin to smell . — ant. not to us captain , we have been beholding to you . capt. and it happens , as if fortune had made you miserable a purpose ▪ to bless you both with such a preferment , as wo'not be offerd agen in a coronation . lieu. on good captain , for we are extraordinary miserable . capt. then observe ; you are not ignorant how things go at court , the king is in prison . ant. so. capt. and his wench with him that walk'd in breeches ; the queen resolves they shall both dye . ant. good. capt. this morning too ; now in regard the king is a person of qualitie — lieu. i think he be . capt. and the tother a lady , as some imagine , you two may do very well to undertake now — both. any thing . capt. to be a couple of hangmen ● d' ee mark ? to dispatch the queens enemies in what horrid way , her counsell shall think convenient ▪ you will do service to the state , and have extraordinary rewards ; besides the honour and reputation of your places ; what say ? 't is my pure love to make this first offer to you . ant. do we look like a ●ouple of hangmen ? capt. no you ha' not so good a complexion ; and now i think on 't you sha' not live to have that preferment come , draw you that wear your sword like a bum-baly , do as i bid you ▪ and that quickly . ant. it wo'not come out sir — cap. no — this shall in then — a●t . i will put more strength to 't . capt. so now , d' ee mark — kill one another . both. kill one another ? capt. yes and doo 't religiously , with as much alacrity as you would devour an orphan : and do 't hansomly , that you may not be ha●gd when you are dead . i 'l see 't done he that is dull shall have my goad to quicken him : — they fight . so , good good agen . well offer'd — they fight by these hilts furiously now cou'd i forgive ' em-so , enough . lieu. this is very fine sport . capt necessity has taught 'em the noble science , come , if all fail , you shall fight challenges ; ther 's mony and broken pates to be got that way you can make legs , and gape like gudg●●s for benevolence , ●ut scurvy capers , to shew your legs are well , when your head bleeds ; farewell ; stay , you want money , i had forgot , there is twelve pence apiece for you . both. how captain ? i hope not . capt. t●ey are not hear●y yet , they think i serve 'em with press money agen● no , t is my pure bountie . go , set up agen , and trust souldiers , without impertinent asking for your debts ; they 'l pay you . ant. as you ha' done . capt. i 'l hearken how you behave you selves farewell . when you are rich , i 'l visit you agen , and borrow money . lieu. too much is too much : humh . ant. now have i a great mind to fight with your captainship . lieu. so have i , now my hands in , methinks 't is nothing . capt. you are not desperate ? ant. we are a little better , as good be hang'd for killing of you captain , as live after the rate of our disgrace . i am resolv'd . capt. two mas●ives at once may worry me . i am put too 't . they fight . must we have tother ' bout . ant. this is enough at once we may come too 't in time . capt. why now i love you , love you , as well as you do law. ant. upon good terms we love you too . capt. let 's sh●ke hands , you sha' not to your vomit agen . ▪ now you dare sight , i 'l tell you a hundred wayes to get moneys , come , wee 'l drink and divide fortunes , run not back into cows agen . ant. i 'l be antient now agen . lieu. and i lieutenant . capt. both my own boyes . ant. 't is not so hard to fight i see , if a man be but desperate , and give his mind too'● , lieu. pox a cowards ; come captain . capt. let me hug ye my b●ace of mirmidons , and drink a tun of wine to this conversion . exeunt . enter queen , violi●da . que. the prince so eatly met upon the way this morning sayst ? and with a souldier ? vio. and in that hast too , madam i was told the speed of wings was slow , their fiery horse bathing in foam , yet fled as if they meant to leave the wind , and clouds behind ' em . que. strange ! i could have wish'd him with less discont●nt to have left us , but my stubborn fate design'd it ; having thus snatch'd away himself , it will become us to compose , and make the best of our state game ; i sent a messenger with our command , to th' governor of the fort , he should attend the king by the water gate leads to the garden , we do purpose conference ; if ferdinand wisely consent to break the magick that so chains his heart to that idoll rosania , wee 'l be reconcil'd , and peace shall marry once agen our hearts . enter courtier . me thinks our lords are cold in their attendance , where be our train of ladies ? — nay permit 'em , a solitude becomes this sullen day . and our own thoughts ; methinks thou dost not look with thy own face upon me . vio. not i madam ? que. my eyes have lost their virtue , all i look on have not the shape and colour they presented , what whispers that ? ha' ? viol. here was none madam . que. i could be jealous of the wind methinks , and quarrell with the postures of those very shapes i' th' arras ; fie olivia , call home thy reason . court. o madam ! que. what horror 's in that voice ? i see a treason in 's looks . court. o madam , i beseech your pardon . que. why ? art a traitor ? court not i , but there are practices i fear against your royal person , the court gates are shut ▪ all 's in confusion within , and i could hear abroad loud acclamations and triumph for the king , as he were new proclam'd . enter captain . que. which way comest thou ? cap. over the wall madam ; the gates are shut , i 'l tell you news ; young ●ordinand your husband is in all stare attended , and proclam'd king in his own right , he is prov'd to be what he did first pretend himself , leandro , and all the lords confirm 't the governor hath given him up the fort , the wise city her k●y , and every officer on 's knees is 〈◊〉 and drinking the kings health , qu● . away ▪ and let thy face be seen no more , but when the fatall noise of fire , some blood , or buriall calls thee forth . capt. this my reward for bringing news the king 's alive ? take heed , do not talk treason in your own defence , — hark enter ( in state ) rodriguez , ernesto , leandro , ferdinand , ( who takes the throne ) attendants . que. from what an expectation am i faln ! omnes . long live ferdinand king. ferd. we thank you ; and will study to be worth your prayers and dutie ; madam , the chancelor can cleer , and bring your faith to allow the wonder , we are no impostor now nor need we borrow a beam from you to make us shine , yet still you are our cosen , fair olivia , enter ros●nia and ladies . the husband was a title long since due to my rosania , may it prosper here . our love and years grew up together , and our souls by holy contract tied , when in a'fonzo's house , her father , and my guardian ( to whose trust i was sent an infant by leandro ) we plighted faith ; it is no blemish to fair olivia still to be a virgin , though she have lost the queen , she is a princess . and hath now found a kinsman , that shall study what shall become his love , her blood and honour . upon your lip i print this fair assurance . rosa. and mine shall be to do you service madam . que. if this be true , you must command my dutie . ferd. we hear prince leonario is depar●ed , when he shall know the progress of our fortunes hee 'l quit his stars , that hid their golden heads to mock him with a small eclipse , o' purpose to light him with more glorie to his happiness . soft alat●● ha ? what clamors that ? the frightfull noise increases . enter first guard. guard. flie , and save your selves , the fort 's surpris'd by the prince of arragon , whose troups have seiz'd the city , reeling with wine , and careless of their strength , in their joyes for you sir. ferd. the prince of arragon ? the fates cannot be so injust , so envious of our blessing , to snatch it from us in a minute ; ha ? help , help , quarter . divers within cry . ferd. they are i' th' court already . leand. we are all undone , le ts yield and ask conditions honourable . ferd. dye he , that dares but think so yeeld ? no , ferdinand was here too late a p●isoner ; let us sell our lives at glorious rates , the evening puts a mask upon the horror , follow me . exit . leand. to certain death ; ladies stay you , the danger will meet us here to soon , and yet your persons in honour challenge safety . ex. lords . que. is there no end of my distractions ? or hath my folly yet deserv'd more vengeance ? r●s● . it cannot be heaven will so soon destroy the blessi●g it bestow'd if thus you punish whom you advance , who will believe your gifts are more than flattery to betray our peace ? enter leo●ario alfonso , ferdinand , ( prisoner , ) rodriguez , ernesto , souldiers . leon. this ladie is my prize . que. how sir your prize ? leon. mistake me not , ther 's no dishonour meant your person ; yet i boldly may pronounce you are , and must be mine . i am not ignorant you are a virgin all but name , be wise as you are fair , and i forget what 's past , and take this satisfaction ; if i meet contempt , where i with honour once more court you , you will create a flame shall never dye but in the kingdoms ashes ; you were mine first by your own election ▪ seal'd above , if i must lose what heaven bestow'd upon me the quarrell is not mine but virtues , whose right hand is arm'd with justice ! enter captain . punish not where you owe your heart , but let both our revenges meet in that impostor ; i find your noble soul return ; lord generall while i retire with this fair queen ▪ whom not one violent accent shall affright , much less a rude attempt , take hence that counterfet , and cut his head off . ros. o my dearest lord ? leon. the rest may if they please find mercy . capt. i were best be o' this side . leon. away with him . ferd. insulting prince , thou darest not . leon. how sir , dare not ? ferd. i said it , thy better , being a king , in my own right , without her charitie , proclam'd and justified , by birth a prince . leand. all this is truth sir. leon. you must not cozen thus my faith , away ; cut off his head. alfon. dispatch you with the queen , let me alone to make his head secure . leand. nay take mine too . i 'l wait on him in death , it shall begin my service . r●s . cruell prince . que. what fate must i obey ? ros. my death will adde some lines unto thy bloody chronicle ; pray let us dy together . leon. you shall speak , her sentence madam . que. she must live then . leon. to all we offer mercie , but to ferdinand , his doom is fixt ; come madam . que. whither sir ? leon. i know the way to your chappel , he that loves us make hast , and bring the priest. capt. that 's i , i know her chaplains , they are my friends , and all good fellows . exit . ferd. pray can you tell me , where , or what i am or what i must do next ? alfon. yes , you must dye . ferd. let not that grieve you gentlemen , 't is nothing to part with life , and if but my rosania would not weep methinks i could shake off this dust , and leap to immortality without a guide , and in that cheerfull flight prepare the blest with so much praise and wonder of thy virtue , they sh●ll be more in love with thee , than i , and double all their prayers to bring thee to ' em . ros. no we will dye together . al● . you shall . ferd. how ? alf. both live , and love , and bless my age the witness . d' ee know me ? rosa. father ? ferd. guardian . leand. alfonso , my noble kinsman . alf. how joyes flow in my heart , to see this constancy ! ferd. how came you to be his ? alf. i have deceiv'd the prince , our forces are valentia's , not arragons , which he by letters sent for in his revenge , but we met the intelligence and arriv'd sooner , to pretend our selves the armie he expected ; you shall know more hereafter . ferd. i want a knowledge where to begin my gratitude , the joyes you bring are mighty , and overcome us . o my ros●●ia ? ros. this was beyond hope . enter captain . capt. so , so , 't is done , he has mumbled up the ceremony ; a compendious priest may do much in few words ; they are fast enough ; the queen was wise to take him ; you are onely like to be a loser sir ; they come . enter leonario , queen . alfon. all joyes to the prince of arragon , and the fair olivia . leon. why not the queen olivia ? alfon. not while this gentleman's head is on , believe it . leon. where is mendoza ? alfon. hid within this bush — but here 's alfonso generall of the army sent from valentia to assist king ferdinand to his native right . l●on . valentia ? alfon. my master having faild in his first aids to ferdinand , intende● not ●it down with so much loss but rais'd another army , which in our march consulted our security by interception of all passage● ; your m●ssenger by a party was surpriz'd , him , stubborn to discover what he was , imperfect in his answer , we interpreted some spie , and searc●ing f●und your letters fraught with mi●chief and revenge , these sent to our king we had command to hasten our design , and steer our course by sea to carthagena , how after we arriv'd , we gaind your faith and purposes , your highness knows . leon. betrayd ? alfon. sir , be a prince , and just to your own honour , and having perfected your fair desires with her , we hope you will account your self most happy that you mist a power to serve further revenge upon a lawfull prince . my soldiers will obey me now , although to help your marriage i appear'd no friend to ferdinand . leand. who was the prince preserv'd by me , and sent an infant to this lord , my noble kinsman . alfon. him i bred , till time and strength might arm him to return , and claim his own . leon. leandro denied this before . leand. to my dishonour , 't was a coward fear to lose my self unprofitably leon. i apprehend with wonder . ferd. if you repent not● love and our alliance , she shall be worth your best embrace , and we forgetfull of your passion , entertain you with all affection to our blood . leon. i meet it , and satisfied in this story , joy i was prevented ; i congratulate your stars sir ; nor is this treasure of less price to me than when her temples were enchac'd with empire . que. this love will give my soul another form . ferd. our storie hath been full of change , but love hath met a glorious victory , and tied our souls together with most firm embraces . my lord leandro you shall to valentia , with our best thanks and greeting to the king ; his armies charge is outs beside what else we owe his royall bountie . once more welcome alfonso now my father , witness i preserve my faith to my rosania , i hear the priest call us to other rites , his altar doth expect another pair , make hast to light his tapers with thine eyes and make our hearts each others sacrifice . exeunt omnes ▪ finis . epilogue , captain . gentlemen , i am no epilogue , i come to pray you 'd tell me your opinion of the play , is the plot current ? may we trust the wit without a say-master to autorise it ? are the lines sterling ? do they hold conceit ? and every peece with your allowance , weight ? that when you come abroad , you 'l not report you are sorry to have given white money for 't ? so , so , i know your meaning , now pray tell how did the action please ye , was it well ? how did king stephen do , and tother prince ? enough , enough , i apprehend , and since i am at questions w' ee , tell me faith how do you like the captain ? ha ? he saith , i 'l tell you , y' are my friends , none here , he knows , i mean you o' the gentry , t' whom he ows no money , will enter a false action , and let the rest look too 't , if there be one , among his city creditors , that dares , he hath vow'd to press , and send him to the wars . finis . the impostvre a tragi-comedie , as it was acted at the private house in black fryers . written by james shirley . never printed before . london , printed for humphrey robinson at the three pigeons , and humphrey moseley at the prince's armes in st. paul's curch-yard . . to sir robert bolles baronet . sir , it hath been a complement with some , when they have treated friends , to profess a barrenness in that which they had prepared not without studied charge , and curio sitie . as i was never so insolent to magnifie my own , being best acquainted with my weak abilities : so i should deserve a just affront to my self , and undervalue your person , to present you with any thing were first cheap in my own opinion . sir , this poem , i may with modesty affirm , had a fair reception , when ●t was personated on the stage , and may march in the first rank of my own compositions , which directed now by my humble devotion , comes from the press to kiss your hand , and bear your noble name in the dedication . i cannot have so much prejudice upon your nature , to think you will decline it , and should i abate those other characters of honour that shine upon you , your indulgence to musick and singular love to the worthy professors eminently , shew the harmony of your soul , and while poetry is received a musicall part of humane knowledge , i cannot despair of your candid entertainment . sr. i beseech you take it , as an earnest of my thoughts to serve you , i am assured it brings with it , beside the acknowlegment of your late obligation upon me , ambitious desires to preserve my interest in your favour , while i subseribe my self , sir , the humblest of your honourers , ia : shirley . the prologue . our poet not full confident he says , when theaters free vote had crown'd his plays , came never with more trembling to the stage , since that poetick s●hism possest the age . a prologue must have more wit than the play , he knowes not what to write , fears what to say . he has been stranger long to 'th english scene , knowes not the mode , nor how with artfull pen , to charm your airy soules ; beside , he sees the muses have forsook their groves , the trees that fear'd no thunder , and were safely worn by phaebus own priests , are now rudely torn by every scurrile wit that can but say he made a prologue to a new — no play . but let 'em pass ; you gentlemen that sit our judges , great commissioners of wit , be pleas'd i may one humble motion make , 't is that you would resolve for th' authors sake , i' th' progress of his play not to be such who 'l understand too little , or too much but choose your way to iudge ; to th' ladies one address from the author , and the prologue 's done , in all his poems , you have been his care , nor shall you need to wrinckle now that fair smooth alablaster of your brow , no fright shall strike chast eares , or dye the harmlese white of any cheek with blushes , by this pen no innocence shall bleed in any scene , if then your thoughts secur'd you smile , the w●se will lear● to like by looking on your eyes . persons . duk of mantua . honorio , his son. flaviano , the dukes creature . leonato , the duke of ferrara's son. petronio , a noble man of ferrara . bertoldi , an insolent coward , son to florelia . claudio , a creatvre of flaviano . volternio hortensio colonells . antonio , a gent. frier . pandolfo , a servant of the tavern . soldiers . servants . abbess . fioretta , daughter to the duke of mantua . donebella , sister to leonato . juliana , a mistris of flaviavo . florelia , a noble lady , mother to bertoldi . ladies . the imposture enter duke honorio , flaviano . ( at severall doors . ) duke . no army yet discover'd ? flav. none . duke we are lost . honor. despair not sir. duke away , thy confidence is folly , is not danger round about us , from every part destruction staring us i' th' face ? this city , like a fatall center , wherein the bloody lines of war , and famine , prepare to meet ? flav. and every minute we expect a battery . honor. the walls are not so easily made dust , as the besiegers would perswade our faith ; disarm not your own hearts , my confidence tells me we sha'not suffer , the duke of ferrara may send yet to raise the siege . duke fond boy , it was thy counsell to depend upon his aids , and promise fioretta , thy sister , with so great a dowry to the dukes vainglorious son ; fame has beli'd his valour , and we now are cheated of our lives and dukedome . honor. sir , with my duty safe , let me intreat you not stain the character of a prince so much ; the interest we have in that great title should make us wise in our belief ; for when princes break faith , religion must dissolve , and nature grone with burthen of the living beside his son leonato , how ever traduc'd or sullied by some traitors envy , deserves a noble fame , and loves the hope of our alliance ; i ne'r saw his person but , t were a sin , honor could not forgive in us to question him . duke we fool our selves ; le ts think of timely articles and yield . flav. whilst there is hope of mercy . hon oh! this want of man will make all our well meaning starres forfiet their kind aspects , & turn their influence to death flav. my lord , i cannot be concern'd in name and honour with your person , whose least blood is worth ten thousand arteries of mine , therefore while such necessities invade us i cannot but prefer your lives , and in my duty counsell , you would think of what is offer'd here , rather than hazard all by a vain expectation of an army from leonato , who with all his forces is not yet sure to prosper in our cause . duke . consider that honorio . flav. nay , should heaven so smile upon us , that his sword o'r come , this to weak apprehension may promise our glory , but examine well the close , there may be greater danger in his victory , than all our want of him can threaten . hono. you perplex my understanding . flav. he expects your sister the reward of his great service . hono. is it not justice ? flau. yes , forbid it goodness , he should not thrive in his fair hope , and promises ; but if her highness find not in her heart consent , to meet the prince with love and marriage , who shall defend us from his power ? that must keep us in awe , and this earth , panting yet with frights and sufferings of the warre . hono. it is my wonder lord flaviano , your wisdome should weave these wild impossibilities ; my sister not consent ? nature , her birth , obedience , honor , common gratitude , beside ambition of what can be hop'd for to make her happy , will give wings to her desires . duke i cannot tell . hono. i cannot think , your reason sir can be so much corrupted , to look upon my sister with that fear , she should not fly to meet our great preserver ; do you believe , she now 'mong holy virgins , lead thither by her own devotion , during this warr to pray , and weep for us ( teares , whose clear innocence might tempt an angel to gather up the drops , and string for saints a christall rosarie ) can wish us safe by his victorious arm , without a will to be her self his own reward ? her virtue must needs instruct her that , and we apply no motive to her heart — a shout within . du. what news ? enter claudio . claud. from the watch-tower we descry an army marching this way ; the sun which hath thus long muffled his face in clouds , as it delighted in their approach , doth gild their way , and shine upon their burgonets to dazle the faint eyes of our beseigers . hono. ' t is leonato . claud. our enemies , whose troops circle the town , are making hast to meet 'em , and the foot quitting their trenches , now are gathering into a body , as it seemes resolv'd to give 'em battle . duke . we have life again . h●norio , collect what strength we have , and make a sally at your best advantage . 't is good to engage 'em both waies . hon. how my thoughts triumph allready ! ex. duke . now my son is gone , who is not of our counsell ; wee must think how to behave us , if the prince succeed , our daughter which wee promis'd him in marriage , being already sent away , the price of his great victory . flav. trouble not your self , great sir , your wisdom that inclin'd your faith to my true character of the prince , and took my counsell for her absence , shall applaud my future policy ; hee 's not come to conquest yet , however princes are not oblig'd to keep , what their necessities contract , but prudently secure their states and dear posterity ; trust to my care , fioretta is no match for ferraras son , a prince deep read in lusts , faithless , and cruell , so will a turtle with a vulture shew , or lamb yoak'd with a tiger : shee 's a pledge destin'd by better fate to crown your age and heart with blessings sir. du. hark , the d●ums talk lowder , from the battlements , i may behold their fight , and see which army , conquest , now hovering in the air , will mark her glorious perch , upon whose plumed heads she may advance , and clap her brazen wings . ex. soft alarum flav. sir i 'l attend : claudio . claud. my lord. flav. thou left'st the princes fioretta safe at placentia ? claud. yes sir. flav. how did she like her progress ? thou didst urge it was my care of her , to take her from the fright and noise of war. claud. i did my lord. flav. and did she taste it well ? claud. to my apprehension exceeding well , and gave me strickt commands to say she will remember , and reward your love and care of her . flav. did she name love ? claud. the very word she us'd , and i return'd , how much your study and ambition was to merit her fair thoughts . flav. and didst thou scatter , as i instructed here and there dark language , to dissafect her with the prince , to whom the duke hath rashly made a promise ? claud. all ; i had fail'd my duty else my lord. flav. call me thy friend , thou hast deserv'd me , now attend the duke — so , now my next art must be , exit . claud. how to come off with with leonato , if his army prevail , the duke must be instructed ; honorio thinks his sister still i' th' nunnery ; that thought must be preserv'd ; a thousand wheels move in my spacious brain , whose motions are directed by my ambition to possess and call fioretta mine , while shallow princes i make my state decoyes , then laugh at ' em . alarum , enter honorio lead by claudio over the stage wounded . the prince honorio wounded ; fate i bless thee . how is it with your highness ? hon i am shot sir. flav. would it were dangerous — be carefull of him ; a curse upon that hand that mist his heart . ex. hon. so , so , fortune thou shalt have eyes agen if thou wouldst smile on mischief , i will build thee an altar , and upon it sacrifise folly and all her children , from whose blood a curled smoak shall rise , thick as the mists that breath from incense to perfume and hide the sacrifising priest ; sight on , ye are brave fellows , he that conquers may get honor , and deep wounds , but i the day . exit . alarum and retreat . then enter leonato , volternio , hortensio , and souldiers in triumph , at one door ; at the other , enter men with boughes of laurell singing before the duke , flaviano , claudio . you virgins , that did late despair to keep your wealth from cruell men , ty up in silk your careless hair , soft peace is come agen . now lovers eyes may gently shoot a flame that wo'not kill : the drum was angry , but the lute shall wisper what you will. sing iö , iö , for his sake , who hath restor'd your drooping heads , with choice of sweetest flowers make a garden where he treads ; whilst , we whole groves of laurell bring , a petty triumph to his brow , who is the master of our spring , and all the bloom we ow. duk. our hearts were open sir before the gates to entertain you , i see laurells grow about your temples , where , as in a grove fair victory enamour'd on your brow delights to sit , and cool her reeking head and crimson tresses in your shade . flav. the city in glory of this day shall build a statue to you their great preserver , whose tough brass too hard for the devouring teeth of age shall eat up time , to keep your fame eternall ; our active youth in honor of your name shall bring agen the old olympick games , and willing to forget what 's past in time , and story , count their years from this dayes triumph , as if the world began but now ; the wives as if there were no legends past of love , shall only talk of you , and your great valour ; and careless how mans race should be continu'd grow old in wonder of your deeds ; our virgins leaving the naturall tremblings that attend on timorous maides , struck pale at sight of blood , shall take delight to tell what wounds you gave , making the horror sweet to hear them sing it ; their hands at the same time composing garlands of roses , mirtle , and the conquering bay , to adorn our temples , and the priests , and while the spring contributes to their art , make in each garden a remonstrance of this battle , where flowers shall seem to fight , and every plant cut into forms of green artillery , and instruments of war , shall keep alive the memory of this day , and your great victory● yet all that can be studied short of you , our best , a rude imperfect monument of your deserved honors . leo. y' are too bountifull in language sir , the service wee have done may merit your acknow●edgment , which though the justice of your cause directed first to this success , was not without a hope of a reward you promis'd , and i value it more than you can esteem all your pr●servings ; so much hath fame prefer'd your daughters virtue to every excellence . duke . this adds to what wee held before excess of honor to us . i had but a part i' th' universall benefit your valour gave , but this affection falls like a happy influence on my self and blood , whose aged s●●r●ams you fill with blessings . my daughter shall be yours , in which i sum my lives chief satisfaction . my lord go to the house of benedictine nuns , among whose sweet society our daughter , during this war and tumult , went to offer her prayers for our deliveran●e . i am in a storm , and now must stand ( aside ) my desperate fate . horten. i hope shee 's not turn'd nun ? leo. i should not like it . vol. may not we visit the holy house ? 't is pitty so much sweet flesh , should be engros'd and barrell'd up with penitentiall pickle 'fore their time , that would keep fresh and fair , and make just work for their confessions . i do not like the women should be cabled up . hor. i think so . vol. i would this virgin would be peevish now . hor. why so ? volt. that we might ha' some sport among the leverets . for i would so inflame the generall he were affronted , that wee should have all commission to work into the warren . le. we do want a person here , whose name is great i' th' register of honor , it would much enlarge our present happiness to embrace him , your son the prince honorio . duke . 't was his chance upon a sally , when your colours gave us invitation to the field , and spirited our souldiers , to receive a shot , whose cure may excuse the want of his attendance sir , nor will i doubt his wounds are doubled by the thought he cannot wait upon your person . le. he should have honor'd us , and made me proud to know , whom so much fair desert hath made dear in the voice and love of men : but i shall not despair to see him . we want a limb of our own army , where is signior bertoldi , that came with us to see fashions ? i hope we have not lost him . horten. sir , i know not , i fear hee 's slain . volt. he wo'not dy so nobly ; he 'l nere give up the ghost without a fetherbed . he vvas sick last night at the report vve vvere but three leagues off the enemy , and call'd for a hot caudle . i that knevv his cold disease perswaded him to drink , which he did fiercely as i could vvish , in hope to see him valiant and vvalk the round , but quite against nature his ague shook him more , and all the drink which vvas the full proportion of a gallon came out at 's forehead in faint svveat ; he had not mov'd ten paces , but he fell dovvn backward and swore he was shot with a cold bullet ; how they rould him like a barrel back to his tent , for levers could not raise him to make use of 's feet agen , i know not , nor since saw him . hort. i hope hee 's still asleep . volt. but when he wakes , and finds the army marcht away , he dares not , go home agen alone , & how hee 'l venture o'r the dead bodies hither — he has don 't . enter bertoldi . ber. where is the general ? leo. here comes our mirth . hort. a walking armorie ; noble signior bertoldi . bertol. if you want pikes or muskets there , i could ha brought field peeces , but i durst not venture my chine . leon. where had you these ? bert. ask , ask the men i kill'd , if they deny a syllable i 'l forswear the warrs . volt. he has disarm'd and rob'd the dead . hort. a coward has impudence to rob a church . volt. he durst not take 'em from a man that had but so much life in him to gasp or grone , that noise would fright him . hort. i rejoyce signior , y' are safe come home . bert. i would i were at home , and you get me among your guns agen — how i st volterino ? enter flaviano . volt. this news wil much exalt your mothers heart . leon. he is return'd but with a melancholy face . where is the princess ? du. where is our daughter ? flav. where her devotion i fear will make this dukedome most unhappy , if your virtue exceed not what is read in other princes , it was my fear that place , and conversation , would mortisie too much that active heat sh●uld wait on the desires of high-born ladies . leon. the mystery ? volt. do not you find it ? they have nunnified her . flav. sir , your pardon ; she whom first fear and fright of war perswaded to joyn her prayer and person with the virgins in the religious cloyster , by what art or holy magick won , is now resolv'd — leon. what , hath she vow'd ? flau. untill a year be finished by revolution of the dayes great guide , not to forsake the nunnery , but spend her hours in thankfull prayers to heaveu for this great victory . volt. so , so , it will come to the battery i talk'd on . duke it cannot be . leo. it must not be volt. i am of that opinion my lord , it must not be , this is a stratagem . flau. she humbly praies you would interpret this no breach of filiall piety , nor your highness a will to wrong so great a merit as hath engag'd all fortunes here , and lives to bleed for you , but weigh in your best charity that duties are first paid to heaven , the spring and preservation of what makes us happy , and she is confident when you consider — leon. how much my honor suffers , to imploy the strength i have to punish this affront . bert. a pox upon 't , we shall ha' more fighting now duke i hope you have no thought of any p●●ctice here to deserve that language ? volt. y' are abus'd . leon. if you be her father sir , i must expect what did ingage me hither , and without delayes , or leave this city in a flame . bert. more fire-works ? leon. in whose ashes i will bury this foul ingratitude . duke we are ruin'd all . bert. there is not so much danger , to be put in rank and file with pye-meat in an oven , if a man were certaine to come out agen dow-bak'd . leon. yet stay . i have considered , i may have leave to see this frozen lady . duke we are more undone . flav. your person may prevail sir , and by some better charm , gain her consent , or if you please not to ingage your self upon the trouble of a hasty visit , the presence of her father , and what else we can prepare to keep your smile upon us , shall be inforc'd , to clear how much we aim at the perfection of your wishes . bert. so , so . leon. prospen . flav. i have now● courage sir to serve your will , and am o' th' sudden confident . leon. it pleases . exit leon. duke it is impossible . flav. promise any thing in such a strait , and not despair to effect it . be private men content with their poor fathom , since heaveu we limit not , why should not kings next gods , perform the second mighty things ? your ear — exit . act ii. enter flaviano and abbesse ( with a letter . ) flav. you will obey the dukes command ? abbes. good princes , punish , not teach us sacrilege ; i 'l obey a thousand sufferings ere such a rape — flav. a rape ? abbesse . of honor , honesty , religion ; i am plac'd here to preserve , and not betray● the innocent ; should i instead of prayer , chast life , the holyness of vow , of discipline , with those austerities that keep wild blood in calm obedience , now begin to teach● soul-murdering liberty , the breach of all was promis'd heaven . flav. wy ' madam you mistake , we ask no virgin to turn whore , we onely desire you would perswade some pretty nun , in this extremity , to take upon her the princess fioretta , whom leonato ne'r saw , and be his wife in honest marriage . ab. can you be thus unjust to him , so late preserv'd your lives ? flav. trouble you not your reverend head with that , he shall be satisfied , and you remain still mother of the maid , no more sour faces , but turn your wit to 'th bufiness . ab. never sir. flav. take heed and have a care of this inclosure , the dukes breath makes all flat , t is yet no common ; 〈◊〉 are old , and should be wise . ab. i would be honest . flav. shew it in your obedience ; will you do 't ? ab. never . flav. d' ee hear ? i sent unto this holy place , a damzel call'd iuliana , she 's in your catalogue , and yet but in probation , cause i see , you make so nice a conscience , so severe , i' th' rules of honesty , and would not have , your virgin province touch'd with least defilemen● , pray let me speak with her , it will concern you . ab. would you pervert her ? flav. i know not what you call perverting , but she has not too much nuns flesh , and t is my charity to your chast order to give you timely notice . ab. what do i hear ? flav. no more than you may justifie in time , if things prove right , she was a merry soul and you ha' not spoild her , if you mean to be no midwife , let me talk with her a while . ab. protect us virgin thoughts exit . flav. so , so , this was reserv'd to wind up all , it may be fortunate ; i know her spirit high , and apt to catch at ambitious hopes and freedom , some good counsell may form her to my purpose , i have plung'd too farre , to hope for safety by return , i 'l trust my destiny to the stream , and reach the point i see , or leave my self a rock in the relentless waves ; shee 's here , i 'm arm'd . enter iuliana and abbesse . iul. by your own goodness , reverend mother give no belief to him ; though he be a great man , he hath not been held guilty of much virtue , yet t is my wonder he should stain my innocence ; pray in your presence , give me leave to acquit my virgin honor ; for the wealth of all the world , i would not have this shame be whisper'd to the stain of our profession . enter nunne . n. madam , the duke . ab. the duke ? flav. peace to the fair iuliana . exit abbesse . iul. y' are not noble , a most dishonord lord , your titles cannot bribe my just passion , who will trust a man ? oh sir , you are as black , nay have a soul as leprous with ingratitude , as the angels are white with innocence ; was 't not enough to rob me of my honor , the chief wealth of virgins , and confine me to my tears , which ne'r can wash away my guilt ( should i live here to melt my soul into a stream with penitence ) but when i had resign'd the world with hope to pray , and find out mercy , you must thus haunt me with new shame and brand my forehead here , as if you meant to kill my better essence by despair , as you have stain'd my body . flav. deer iuliana i confess i injur'd thee thou knew'st no sin but from my charm , 't was only i betraid thee to loss of thy dear honor , then of liberty , for 't was my practice , not thy pure devotion made thee a recluse first ; but let not passion lose what i would not only save from shipwrack , but make as happy as thy thoughts can wish thee ; by thy wrong'd self t is true , nor could i choose another way than by discovery of both our shames to right thee , i am come to make thee satisfaction in so high and unexampled vvay of honor , thou shalt say i did deserve to be more vvicked , when thou hast vveighed the recompence . iulia. you amaze me flav. collect thy senses , and discreetly mind me ; thou canst not be concern'd so much alive in any other story , hear me gently and prize the vvealth of every syllable . enter duke and abbesse . ab. had you been pleas'd to have left your daughter still my charge and svveet companion , i should have left no duty unessaid , to have shevvn in vvhat degree i honor'd her , but i must not dispute your royall pleasure , though with some sad thoughts to separate , i resign'd her to your commands . duke . it was your virtue madam , she found no consent to be profest , nor love the prince , to whom i promis'd her a wife , although our fears keep warm his hope , in his belief shee 's here inclos'd still , but without thy help , we are all lost . iulia. the prince leonato ? flav. ther 's a preferment , this is considerable . iulia. if you my lord be serious ; a princess ! the change would do well . flav. be but confident to manage it . iulia. hath he not seen the princess by picture ? fla. never . iulia. strange ! fla. 't was a ceremony , in the necessities of our state , the duke ne'r thought on , & i meant not to insert it , as knowing fioretta had no zeal , to what her father darkly had contracted ; his highness doth expect thee . iulia. it would be more for my honor , if he took the pains , to visit our religious house , and then — flav. it shall be so . iulia. but t will be necessary , you purge me to the abbesse , no suspition , must live within her thought . flav. i apprehend ; oh! you have shot a trembling through my soul , i dare not kiss your hand , the earth you tread on , would too much grace the lips have so prophan'd you . madam your pardon ; sir be you the witness , i have wrong'd this noble virgins honor , it was my anger , and revenge upon your goodness that so late oppos'd me made me careless , where i flung disgrace and scandall , thus i implore her mercy and forgiveness , take her white thoughts to your agen , she is as innocent from sinfull act by me as the chast womb that gave me life . duke t is piety , thus to restore the innocent , i conceive not his aym in this . abbesse t is satisfaction . iuli. vvhen i stray from your sweet precepts — abbes. in , i am confirm'd . flav. all to our expectation , shee 's prepar'd , a mistris for the prince . duke but now i think on 't she must not marry him , it will breed ill blood . flav. by all means marry him , there 's no other way to send him hence , and quit us of the army , i 'l instantly acquaint him how i prosper . exit . duke it must not be , my honor will bleed for it . i have been too much guided by flaviano . madam — abesse your face is troubled . duke no , my heart vvhich you may curc with honor , as i have contriv'd it now — abbesse i shall study with my loss of life to gain your bosom peace . duke i like this virgin , i know my lord here hath been practising , but finds her not inclin'd to that extent vve had propos'd , she is virtuous , you shall counsell her onely but to take the name of my fioretta , but not change her life to marry with the prince ; i do believe , her chast , oh let your goodness keep her still so , and fortifie her vertuous thoughts , i doubt not but she with holy eloquence , and pretence of vow , and virgin sanctity , may so prevaile upon him both to save her self , our honors , and the kingdom from a sacrifice . may not this be ? ab. such extremes i know not . du. if she persist a chast , and noble virgin , you must dispence , we have but little time for pause , unless this present care be found , we all must bleed to death upon the wound . exeunt . enter bertoldi . bert. hum ! shall i never fight ? drink wo'not do 't , no nor a whore the greater provocation ; i speak it to my shame , i never durst fight for my wench , yet gentlemen commend my confidence at paying of a reckoning , there i can kill 'em all with curtesie , discharge my peeces like a mr. gunner at a great supper , yet i am not valiant , this must be mended someway . enter volterino . volterino ? a word ; t is not unknown to you , that i am a coward . volt. no , not a coward , but you , are not sir , if i were put to answer upon oath , so valiant altogether as don hercules , that strangled a great bull with his forefinger and 's thumb , and kil'd the king of troys great coach horse with a box o' th' car . ber. pox on 't , do not abuse me , i shall take it scurvily and you deny it . volt. but you wo'not beat me . ber. ther 's the thing , i know 't as well as you can tell me , i am base , and in plain terms a coward . volt. why dost not beat thy self for being one ? bert. then i durst fight ; no , i was begotten in a great frost , between two shaking agues , i never shall be valiant , who can help it ? but when you come home agen , if you vvill but svvear i am valiant — volt. you shall pardon me . bert. come , my mother shall make you amends ; a ha , you love her , she 's a lady and a widdow , that has the goldfinches , hark in your ear , you shall have her . volt. shall i have her ? bert. a vvord to the wise . volt. would i were sure on 't . if i have thy mother , i vvill not only svvear thou art , but make thee valiant . bert. would it vvere possible , upon that condition you should ha' my sister too . vo●t . she 's dead . b●●t . 〈◊〉 she were alive i mean — volt. ●arewell , wee 'l treat agen , and if i live thou shalt be iulius caesar. exit . enter hortensio . bert. when i dye , thou shalt be caesa●s heir . noble hortensio . hort. i am in hast , what 's the matter ? bert. there lies your way , a hundred thousand ducats will find entertainment somewhere else . hort. canst thou help me to ' em ? bert. yes , and a better business . hort. how ? where noble bertoldi ? bert. wy — but you are in hast . hort. no , no , where is all this money ? bert. safe enough in a place . hort. but how shall i come by it ? bert. you know my mother . hort. the rich lady florclia , the court widdow , shee 's my mistris . bert. you shall have her . hort. shall i ? enter leonato , flaviano , volterino . bert. yes , and be master of as much money as will make you mad . the prince , hark in your ear . fla. i knew i should prevail , and i am happy , there 's no frost now within her , if your excellence would grace the monastery with a visit and satisfie your self , your presence will perfect the business , and be a just excuse to some nice ceremonies that detain her person to comply with virgin modesty , the duke will meet you there . leon. i will attend him . flav. you will consider sir it is a place not us'd to publique treaties , though dispenc'd with for this your solemn view , and conference , your person may be trusted there , without a numerous train . leon. you shall direct me sir. volterino , you shall only wait upon me . sir when you please . flav. i 'm proud to be your conduct . exit . leo. flav. volt. bert. you shall have her and her estate , that 's fair , she has enough to undo the devill if he go to law with her , my father 's dead and has told him that already . hort. i 'l do 't . bert. here 's my hand , my mother 's thine . hort. not my mother . bert. she shall be any thing i 'l have her , do you but perswade her i am valiant , and i 'l venture to beat her , and she dare deny to marry any man i please to call my father in law . hort. let 's walk and think on 't . bert. you may swear any thing , and you pawn your soul for me , you know you cannot be a loser . ex. nunns discovered singing o fly my soul , what hangs upon thy drooping wings , and weighes them down , with love of gaudy mortall things ? the sun is now i' th' east , each shade as he doth rise , is shorter made , that earth may lesson to our eyes : oh be not careless then , and play untill the star of peace hide all his beames in dark recess ; poor pilgrims needs must lose their way , when all the shadowes do entrease . enter duke , leonato , flaviano , and volterino . soft musick , after the song enter iuliana abbesse , and nunns . le. she is exceeding fair , what pitty 't were such beauty and perfection should be confin'd to a melancholy cell : i approach you madam with the reverence of a votary , you look so like a saint , yet nature meant you should not with such early hast translate your self to heaven , till earth had been made happy with living modells from your excellent figure . you that become a cloud , and this dull dress so well , whose sight doth pale , and freeze the blood , how will you shine to admiration of every eye , when you put on those ornaments that fit your name and birth ? if like a statue cold and unglorified by art , you call our sense to wonder , where shall we find eyes to stand the brightness , when y' are turn'd a shrine , embellisht with the burning light of diamonds , and other gifts that dwell like starres about you ? iuli. if you do fancie me an object so prodigious , for the safety of your eyes and others , tender-sighted , give consent , i may not change this poverty a●d place , ( more pleasing to my self , than all the pride can wait those goddesses , at court you bow to ) leon. and yet 't were heresie in me to say you could receive addition or glory by the contributary blaze of wealth , or other dress , which art and curiosity can form ; you are not by them grac'd , but they by you made beautifull . iewells near your eye , take soul and lustre , which but once remov'd look dull as in their quarry . fla. he is taken . leon. i now applaud my fate , and must account my undertaking in this war to save your dukedom , but the shadow of a service , when i consider my reward . oh! hast to make me envi'd of the world , and once possest of you , to undervalue all but heaven , of which you are the fairest coppy . iuli. my lord , our study here is life , not language , and in that little time i 've had of practice , my tongue hath learn'd simplicity , and truth ; you are a prince , and in your cr●ation but one degree from angels , strive to rise that one round higher , and y' are perfect ; i am by my good fathers leave , and the sweet rules of this religious order , now i' th' way to meet another bridegroom , before whom while you stand a competitor , you fall to atomes ; sir my love is planted here , and i have made a vow , which your own charity will bid me not to violate , ( your triumph being the spring of my imperfect duty , ) that for a year , i 'l spend my time among this happy quire , to offer up my prayers and humble gratitude to heaven , a weak oblation for our safeties . flav. ha ? how 's this ? leon. my lord , did you not say you had prevail'd ? what mockery is this ? flav. i am undone . what does the gipsey mean , shee 'l betray all . most excellent madam . iu. oh my lord imploy your counsell , to advance not kill our virtue , remember where , and what i am . flav. so , so . volt. sir will you suffer this ? a new affront . iulia. i am resolv'd to live and pay you better tribute here for your affection , and unequal'd service . here no distraction will afflict my prayers , which trust me i will offer chastly for you , at every hour of my devotion . 't is you , next heaven , that gave this blessing to us , to meet , and in the holy quire breath up our sacred hymes , while angells eccho to us , and heaven delighted with our harmony , opening her azure curtaines will present us a vision of all the joyes we pray and hope for . flav. this my instructions ? iulia. o think my lord to what a loss of heaven your love invites me , yet let me not be thought while i pretend the choice , and sweetness of a recluse , i should in a thought accuse your worth , who are the man of all the world i most could fancie ; if i be seen 〈◊〉 blush , make it no sin , i know it is but honourable love wings your desire , and that which should prefer you , is merit of your sword that cut our way , to freedom and soft peace , religions pillow , the nurse of science , and the generall blessing , you have a title yet more strong pleads for you , the contrac● , ●nd the promise of a prince a chain with many links of adamant . duke i like not that . iuli. to bind and make me yours , when i have nam'd these severall interests , and look upon my self so short of merit , i chide your unkind destiny , at such expence of honor to go off unsatisfied , and quickly should despise my self the cause of your distast , but that my vow confirms me , and mustring up religious thoughts prevailes , above my other will , made to obey you , t is but a year my lord , that i have bound my self this exile . leon. t is an age . iuli. but whil● time hath one minute in his glass of that , nothing shall take me hence , unless you bring an impious strength upon this holy dwelling , and force me from my cell , but you are far from such a sacrilege , oh think not on it , i 'l place you in my heart while you are virtuous , but such an act might lose those noble thoughts of you i wish preserv'd , but i offend , and am too large in this unwelcome argument , may wisdom guide your princely thoughts , whilst i return to pray for you . flav. she has orethrown all . volt. sir , if you love her she hath taught you a cunning way to make her yours , this habit is compel'd , a little force , for form will disingage her , she does love you , and pleaded hansomely against her self . leon. n●more — i 'l not despair yet of your daughter , this is but virgin nicety , at the next meeting she may incline to smile upon me , shee 's too much treasure to be won at first assault , volterino . exit leon. volt. ho●● duke . flaviano . flav. i did expect a storm . duke we are not safe yet . flav. i wonder why iuliana kept not promise , the dog-dayes thaw her chastity , i 'm mad , oh for some stratagem to save all yet , but you sir ( give me leave to say ) are timorous , princes should fix in their resolves , your conscience should be as subject to your will , as i am . duke i must confess flaviano i had no fancy to iulianas mariage . flav. that was all my hope , how could i love the man durst kill him now . duke i shudder , what noise is that ? flav. these horrors will eternally affright us . enter leon. bert. volterino , h●rtensio , with swords drawn . leo. the man that dares be guilty of least insolence , to any virgin , dyes . exeunt leon. volt. horten. ber. my hopes are nipt , i thought to have tasted , nuns flesh , but the general has made it fasting day . ex. flav. i hope he means to force away iuliana — ha ? they attempt it , prosper 'em deer fate . blest beyond expectation . duke dost think , we shall be safe . enter leonato , iuliana in her habit , volterino , hortensio . leon. injoy the other benefit of my sword in peace , this shall be mine . exit leon. iul. vol. hort. flav. the stars dote on us . enter honorio and claudio . hon. vvhat unexpected tumults fright the city ? du. you are too bold upon your wound honorio to come abroad . flav. the prince has stoln your sister from the nunnery . hono. he dares not blemish his honor so , though he deserv'd her , and all our lives , should she be obstinate . flav. t is done . honor. this act shall lose him , death upon the surgeon , that hath dallied with my wounds , but i 'l revenge this rape . duke look to the prince . exit . flav. i could adore my destiny , the wench sure , meant to be ravish'd thus , i kiss thy policy ; this chance hath made a dancing in my blood , while sin thrives , t is too early to be good . exeunt . act iii. enter antonio and fioretta . fior. is this ferraras court ? anto yes madam . fior. i will not yet discover , i shall find , a time antonio to reward thy faith and service to me . enter donabella , florelia , ladies . anto. here are ladies madam . dona. i have a great desire to see this wonder , the princess fioretta , so much fam'd for beauty . flor. comes she with his excellence ? do. most certainly , so speaks the prince leonato's my brothers letters , and that with some difficulty , he gaind her from the nunnery . flor. who is this ? don. she has an excellent shape , some stranger ; prethee florelia ask . anto. this lady madam , seems to make some address this way ; i know not , upon what jealousie my lady left aside . placentia so privatly , where she was entertain'd by flavianos mother , though old , a lady of no decrepit brain . fior. antonio . flor. a lady , madam , calls her self lauriana , born in placentia , but the warrs affrighting , both mantua and the confines , she came hither with confidence of safety , till the storm at home be over . dona. it is not fit a person of your quality and presence should be ingag'd to common persons , and if i may entreat , you shall consent to be my guest at court , which will be proud to entertain such beauty . fior. it must be too great an honor madam . don. leonato my brother hath secur'd your peace at home , which cannot be less pleasing , if you tast the freedom i can here provide and promise you , we expect him every minute with the princess fioretta , in whose love he holds more triumph fior. and yet his fame was earlier than this conquest , for many noble virtues , but has your grace a confidence that he brings fioretta with him ? dona. since he left mantua we received such letters . enter petronio . pe. madam , the prince is come to court , and with him the gallant lady wee expected . fior. i am not well o' th' suddain . dona. virue defend ! pe. the good old duke your father , will shew comfort in his sick-bed to behold a son and daughter . fior. are they married ? petro. no madam , but i am confident so great a joy will not be long deferr'd , 't were sin such hope should wither by delay , they both wish to be happy in your presence , and you at first sight of this princely sister will much applaud your brothers fate . dona. i hope so , how is it madam yet ? fior. i do beseech you let not your graces too much care of me detain you from the joy your brother brings . another fioretta ? enter leonato . leo. donabella ? dona. i shall not fear a surfet in my joyes to see you safe . fior. a gallant gentleman . leon. what ladie 's that ? dona. a stranger , sir , with whom i have prevail'd to grace our court a while , which will be honor'd in such a guest . leo. and i should call it happiness if you would please to dwell for ever with us , i have brought home such a companion , for both your beauties you will not repent . fior. the duke of mantuas daughter , i congratulate y●●● double victory , and if i may , without imputed flattery speak my thoughts , you did deserve her , had she to her birth , all the additions that grace a woman . leon you have conferr'd a bounty on me madam , and leave me hopeless to reward the debt iow this fair opinion . fior. sir , the venture you made through blood , and danger , doth deserve it , and she were impious , did not think her self much honor'd to be call'd your valors triumph . i shall betray my self . censure me not , immodest or suspectfull of her virtue , whom you have made the darling of your heart . enter bertoldi . bert. sir the duke calls for you . dona. signior bertoldi . bert. your graces creature . leon. will it please you madam ? fior. i humbly pray your highness to excuse me , i may have time and happiness to attend you , when with more health i may present my services , i dare not see this lady . leon. wait you upon that lady signior . bert. with all my heart ; incomparable lady — ●ior i have servants to attend me . bert. but not one , more humble , or more active for your service , you cannot choose but know my lady mother ; i have not seen her yet , but she shall stay , i 'l kneel to her when i have done with you . exit enter florelia , volterino . flor. but is my son so valiant , signior ? this war hath wrought a miracle upon him . volt. he was a coward beyond ela , madam , i must acknowledg , to whom men in pitty of his birth , and care of your much-loved honor often forgave his life , but see the turn , he that went forth ( for all our conjurings and promise of no danger ) as he had been marching towards aetna , nay before the instant fight would have given all the world to have been assur'd when he came home , but one of every thing about him — flo. what d' ee mean ? volt. one eye , one ear , one arm , and but one leg to have hopt home withall , strange , how i' th' heat o' th' battle he grew double , and there fought as he had two soules ; oh ! had you seen when like a magazine he march'd , with pikes with guns & corslets , which he took from th' enemy , with swords more than a surgeons sign , stuck round , and seeming like a porcupine to shoot the iron quills — flo. but is this possible ? volt. i never saw a dragon do such thing● flor. this was not by instinct , but some example he saw in you , that wak'd his sleeping spirit . and he must owe all that is valiant in him to your brave soul , which like a burning comet flew with prodigious terror to the enemy . volt. you do not jeer your servant ? flor. and so he , by your great blaze saw his next way to honor ; nor can i but acknowledge all my joyes now in my son do flow from you ; a souldier was ever high in my esteem , but you have plac'd the title nearest to me , pray favour me often ' with your visit . volt. the town 's my own . flor. no complement good signior , your love if plac'd on me , shall find an object , though , not equall to your favors , not ingratefull ; i wonder he absents himself so long . volt. my care shall be to find him out and bring him a welcom present to your eye . she 's caught . exit flor. these soldiers think if they but once lay siege , we must come in by force or c●mposition . although a maiden town may not hold out , a widdow but well vittled with the bare munition of her tongue , will tire an army ; i must suspect my son , for all this legend , no mighty man at armes ; hee 's here . enter bertoldi , hortensio . hort. your blessing . flor. take it , and with it all my prayers , thou maist grow up in honor , and deserve to be thy fathers son. bert. kiss her hortensio , do , she is thine own . hort. 't was my ambition madam to wait upon my convert , and to kiss your white hand . fler. signior volterino was here but now , and has told me such stories , son — bert. of me ? he had better eat my spaniard , then mention me with any scruple of dishonour . flor. he extolls you for ● soldier , and tells me wonders . hort. if you dare believe me madam , your son has behav'd him like a gentleman . bert. i confess , i was — but that 's no matter , thank this cavalier ; can receive and give a gash , and look on 't when i ha' don without your cordial waters shall i cut you o'r the face mother ? flor. sir i am poor to recompence the honor you have done my son , i see he is your convert , you that infus'd a soul in him cannot enough be glorified . hort. t is within your power madam to overpoise all my deserts . true , i did stir those dormant seeds of nobleness your blood left in him , and made glow those sparks , into a flame , were hid in hills of ashes ; now he is yours , and if you madam think i have done any service by an act or precept that could light your son to honor , you make me fortunate , and encourage a souldier to imploy his whole life here . flo. how d' ee mean ? ho without more complement to love you , and — flo. vvhat ? ho. vvish my self with you madam when you dream flr. you would be with me when i dream . hort. but i should wake you . flor. but i should be very angry to have my sleep broke . hort. but i would please you agen , and rock you into a traunce with so much harmony , you shall wish to dye in 't . i am very plain . flor. me thinks you are very rough . hort. a souldiers garb , the old but the best fashion ; a sword , and flattery were not meant for one mans wearing ; madam i love you , but not doat upon you , for you are something old . flor. i am indeed sir. hort. yet you are very handsome , and i love you ; y' are witty , fair , and honest , but a vviddow , and yet i love you ; i do know you are rich , exceeding mighty rich . flo. and yet you love me ▪ hort. but madam , i am a man. flor. i do not mean to try you signior , pray son do you . hort. now put your vote in . bert. what should i do madam ? flor. try whether he be a man or no. bert. should i ? flor. d' ee hear ? they say you are grown valiant● upon my blessing i command you strike this gentleman , and do it presently . bert. strike him ? flor. yes . bert. a way , away , what here ? flor. even here , this very minute . bert. not for your house , and all the monies in 't , not for my fathers wardrob , and i were an adamite a top o' th' alps , though you admire the reliques , and have turn'd your gallery into a chapel , where his severall suites hang up like images for you to pray to : strike one taught me to fight ? exit flor. hort. is she gone ? what said she ? bert. the foolish woman — hort. why what 's the matter ? bert. shee shews her breeding , but do not you despair . enter florelia . flor. if i mistake not sir , you would pretend you love me honourably . hort. may i perish else . flor. when you can make 't appear in visible wounds upon your head ' or body , that my son dares fight — you and i 'l be maryed . bert. i told you signior you should have my mother . hort. the devill shall have you both upon easier conditions ; visible wounds upon my head or body ? flor. and here 's my hand upon the sight thereof , i 'l be your wife ; and so farewel till dooms-day . hort. but hark you lady bert. my mother 's a witch . i shallne'r be valiant in this world , what quarrels i may have i' th' next , i know not , there are some dead threatned to cudgell me . hort. is there no hope , that i may catch you in the noose of matrimony , unless your son first break my head ? flor. i wo' not swear . hort. it is not your best course , take heed of vows . flor. why my dear signior ? hort. for your souls sake , and yet dispose that as you please , i 'l see who dare cary your body from me , spight o' lucifer i will ha' that , and come by 't ●awfully ; and so my service ; think on 't . flor. a fine fellow . exeunt . mane● bert. bert. would i had his audacity ; my mistris , yet knows not what i mean , but i will to her , and kiss her glove immediatly . exit . enter honorie . hon. this court is like a twilight , where i cannot distinguish day , or perfect night , some faces are c●eerfull as the morn , others agen are dark , and wrapt like evenings in a mist ●s is instinct for my approach , that brings a resolution to revenge the rape upon my sister ; grow more strong my thoughts , and let no fear distract you . prince i have con●ider'd thee in all thy pride of merit , allow'd my fathers contract , and did give thee my sisters heart in thy own vote , but when , she onely made a pause for ceremony , not disaffection , since thou could'st forget thy honour of a prince , to invade her chastity , and forfeit thy religion , thus i come , to whip thy blood , or leave my own a sacrifice . enter petr●mo : sir , may a stranger ask without offence , why the court like ianus doth present a double face , as it labour'd twixt the fierce extremes of triumph and despair ▪ petro. sir you mistake not the mixture of our passions , the court smiles in our happiness to entertain the prince , and his fair mistris , but doth wear , a grief and paleness , for the duke , whose want of health delayes their marriage . honor. i apprehend ; sir i am bold , may not a gentleman engag'd to visit other courts of italy , make his ambition fortunate to receive a favour from this prince , and kiss his hand , before he leave the dukedome ? enter leonato . petro. he is here sir. leon. lord petroni● , intreat the princess fioretta , and my sister meet me i' th' grove — this gentleman — hono. kisses his hand . hono. you have made me happy ; though i want honor to be known , your fame speaks you a valiant prince , and fortunate , and i must with the world congratulate your victory at mant●a , upon which , so rich a triumph waites . leon. what triumph fir ? hon. the princess fioretta . leon. i acknowledge , that garland is my glory , such a treasure , was worth more service , than my sword could merit : but i must be a debtor to my starres , and can release all other happiness , within their influence to come , so they confirm me lord still of her beauties empire . hono. this doth becom your excellence ; what error ( receive it not prophane ) should heaven and nature , have made , to have kept your hearts too long asunder ? and yet i may mistake , for though your grace , affect her with all height your soul can fancie , i know not how her love may answer this desert in you . leon. how sir ? hon● . your highness pardon ; i am no prophet , nor do wish to see , upon your spring , another winde than what the wings of pregnant western gales do inrich the air withall , which gliding as you walk , may kiss the teeming flowers , and with soft breath open the buds to welcom their preserver ; i wish you might grow up two even cedars , till your top-boughs kiss heaven that made you flourish , when stooping to behold the numerous branches that prosper in your growth , and what refreshing the world below receives by your cool shade , you wave your heads in the applause and wonder . this is the song i bri●g to your chast hymen , and thus would every good man pray , but that they fear . leon. fear , what ? hono. the blessings they invoke , with all their importunity of prayers , will not descend . leon. icannot reach you sir without a perspective , but this wanders from the doubt you made of fiorettas love , to answer mine , that talk was dangerous , i must not hear 't agen . hon. you must , unless you can be deaf , or cut the tongue of fame out . leon. the man hath somwhere lost his senses ; go back and sind thy strangled wits , this language has no chain of reason , i lose breath upon a thing distracted . honor. t is not come to that , i 've no such hot vexation , but a soul possest with noble anger , and with pitty . prince , i must tell you there are dangerous symptoms of a state apoplex ; those aiery stilts of fame you walk on , will deceive your pride , when every honest breath , angry at what you did so late in the contempt of goodness , will tell the wind how it mistook your praise , and in a sigh conclude her sad repentance . i come not sir to flatter . leon. it appears so . honor. but tell you what hath eat into your soul of honor , and there poisond all the worth the vvorld once lov'd you for . leon. you talk as if you had consulted with my fate , and read the leaves of my inevitable doom ; vvhat action hath so much incens'd my late kind starres to this revolt , and threatneth like to busie tongues in my disgrace ? honor. the noise is lowd already , would there were no truth in men , who say , you ravish'd fioretta sweet princess from her prayers , and left a monument of such a sacrilege committed by you , the very stones since groan in her behalf you ravish'd from the nunnery , on this must needs depend her hate , vvhose person and religious vow you have unlike a prince prophan'd . leon. y' are very bold , what confidence can that outside raise in you to be thus sawcie ? hono. sawcie ? leon. impudent . is life a burden , that you dare my anger ? what art ? ho. a gentleman , that have more right to honor than he that is a prince , and dares degenerate . le. there 's somthing in thy face would have me think thou maist be worth my punishment , that i ●ould uncreate thee , if thy veines do house but common blood , to make thee a fit enemy in birth , and soul to me , that i might kill thee without a blush to honor , do not tempt my just rage , that provok'd will scorn a sword , and make thee nothing with a look ; be gone , get hence with the same speed , thou wouldst avoid a falling tower , or hadst new seen a lioness walking upon some cliff , and gazing round to find a prey , which she persues with eyes that shoot contracted flame , but when her teeth and pawes arrive , they quickly leave no part or sign of what there was . ho. iust heaven , how high he talks , and counterfeits your noise ! i have a charm against your thunder ; if thou hast courage to stay , thou quickly shalt repent heavens iustice in my arm sent to revenge thy sacrilege , the more to encourage thee to fight , i am thy equall , and a prince . they draw or may thy sin o'take my blood , and set a weight upon my soul when thou hast kil'd me enter donabella , iuliana . iuli. alas my lord ? don. dear brother ? help , what traitor 's this ? leon. away sweet fioretta . honor. fioretta . iu. ha ? i am undone , alas what do you mean ? my brother , prince honorio . leon. thy brother ? iuli. oh let me hold thee safe in my embraces . don. leo. honorio . hono. the same , but not her brother . leon. pardon me , whose soul disdain'd in my belief thou wert an insolent stranger , to acknowledge any thing of satisfaction , but let thy sister now speak for both . hono. give space to my amazement . iu. if changing thus soft kisses , armes and heart you interpret violence , fioretta , then thy sister has been ravished ; who hath thus abus'd your faith , and wrong'd this princes virtue ? clear as the light of stars . i must confess i seem'd to wave his courtship , when he first beheld me veild , which modesty instructed , and though my heart were won , i kept it secret , to make more proof of his , who not consenting to be depriv'd too long of what he lov'd , he brought a force to ' th' cloister : but took me his own away without a rape , and since all his adresses have been honorable . hono. instead of satisfaction , you inlarge my wonder , what impostures here ? the prince is cosend , yet she ownes me ; pardon sir , i was made believe , you did most impiously compell my sister , and by force injoy'd her , but now i find we are all abus'd , to what misfortune might this error have engag'd us ? leon. this is my sister . honor. you cannot want a charity that are so fair . iuli. would leonato's sword had prosper'd in his death ; i must be confident ; you have not yet made glad my heart honorio , with our good fathers health , i have some trembling within my blood , and fear all is not well . hono. gypsye ? iulia. you look not cherefully . hono. my father injoyes a perfect health . iuli. that word hath blest me . sister and leonato , you 'l excuse , if i transgress with joy to see my brother ; were but the duke my father here , i summ'd all my delights on earth — honor. she confounds me . iuli. honorio and i will follow you . hono. you are not my sister ? exit leon. do●a . iuli. sir , t is very true . hono. where is she ? iuli. you shall know what will make you happy sir , if you preserve this wisedom . hono. i have seen you before . iuli. but i am destin'd here , to do such service to your family you shall know more — hono. give me breath for two minutes , be confident of my silence , they expect you . ex. iul. so let me have some air , am i honorio . enter fioretta , bertoldi . what prodigies are these ? we are all bewitch'd , ha sister , fior. brother honorio . honor. t is she , what 's he ? fio. not worth the interruption of one kiss . ber. my friend — hono. my fool — fioretta shew me where we may injoy a shade , i 'l tell thee wonders . exeunt , manet b●rt . ber. sir i shall meet with you agen ; a pretty fellow . exit . act. iiii. enter fioretta and donabella . fior. madam i fear this walk into the park , may engage your grace too far without som more to attend you , do. our own thoughts may be our guard , i use it frequently ; but to our dlscourse of prince honorio , for we cannot find a nobler subject , i observe that he and you have been aquainted . fior. t was my happiness , to have my breeding in the court of mantua , where i among the rest of his admirers , seeing his youth improv'd with so much honor , grew into admiration of his virtues , vvhich now he writes man do so fully crown him , his fathers dukedome holds no ornament to stand in competition . dona. you speak him high , and with a passion too , that tasts of love . fior. madam , i honor him , as may become his servant . dona. as his mistris rather . fior. my heart is clear from such ambition , dona. but yet not proof against all cupids shaf●s ; i do not think but you have been in love . fior. vvho hath not felt the wounds ? but i ne'r look'd above my birth and fortunes ; prince honorio , may become your election , and great blood . dona. i find it here already . fior. nor could you endear it where so much desert invites it to be belov'd . dona. my looks do sure betray me , i do believe him all compos'd of honor , and have receiv'd your character from the world so noble , all your praise can be no flattery . i know not by what powerfull charm within his person , madam , i confess my eyes take some delight to see him , but i fear — fior. i find your jealousie , and dare secure you . if in your amorous bosom , you feel , madam , a golden shaft , the cure is made by cherishing the happy wound ; my destiny hath plac'd my thoughts of love , where they cannot concern your trouble or suspition , nor indeed my hope , for i despair ever to meet , his clear affection whom i honor . dona. would this court containd whom you would make so precious ; i should with as much cherefullness assist thy wishes , as desire thy aid to mine ; i do believe you have much credit with his thoughts , and virtue to deserve it madam , fior. if you trust me , the favor i have with his highness , shall not create your prejudice , be confident , your birth , your beauty , and those numerous graces that wait upon you , must command his heart . dona. madam you force a blush for my much want of what y' are pleas'd to impute my ornaments , you are acquainted with your self , and shew what i should be , if i were rich like you , but my disparity of worth allow'd , would you would call me sister , and impose somthing on me , my act of confidence , and free discovery of my soul , may deserve faith from you , that i shall never injure his name you love . fior. there is no hope in my desires , and therefore i beseech , dear madam , your excuse , yet thus much i dare borrow of my grief to say , he lives now in the court , for whose sake i thus wither . dona. alas i fear agen , is he compos'd of gentle blood , and can to thee he cruell ? fior. no , he is very kind , for he did promise to be my husband , we ha' been contracted . don. disperse these mist● , & clear my wonder madam . fior. when time and sorrow shall by death prepare my sad release of love , you may know all ; were the condition of my fa●e like others , it were no grief to name him . dona. this doth more inlarge my jealousie . fior. but let us leave this subject , till time fit , to ope the maze of my unhappy fortune . enter bertoldi . bert. i heard that she was come into the park , they cannot far be ; they are in view , and no man with 'em , i 'l now be valiant . enter florelia and honorio . flor. it was her highness charge i should direct you , i know her walk . bert. the blustring prince agen ; who sent him hither ? i think he conjures . now dare i with as much confidence undertake to cure a lyon rampant , o' the' tooth-ach , as but go forward ; and my valiant mother — honor. your son ; i must excuse my self then to him . ber. now shall i be fit for a carbonado . honor. i hope you 'l pardon sir , if i appear'd , less smooth when i la●t saw you . bert. my good lord ; your grace is too much humble , i 'm your blow-ball , your breath dissolves my being , but to shew how free my wishes are to serve you , if you have any mind , or meaning to my mother — honor. how do you mean ? bert. in what way your grace pleases , she shall be yours , your highness may do worse , although i say 't she has those things may give a prince content . honor. your son is very curteous . flor. i should prepare you sir to look with mercy upon his folly . but the princess . bert. mother . flor. vvill you be still a fool , vvhat said you sir to th' prince ? bert. vvill you be wise and use him tenderly . flor. stain to thy fathers blood — i was comming madam . exeunt , manet bert. bert. vmh : he is my rivall , would my hilts vvere in his belly ; they are out of sight ; it is no rutting time , no trick ? enter flaviano and claudio disg●is'd . flav. signior bertoldi . bert. i do not know you friends , but how soever , there is a purse of mony flav. sir , i want not . bert. that gentleman perhaps can drink ; i like not their goggle eyes , t was well i gave 'em mony : vvhat d' ee want else ? you are souldiers ; i love a souldier . flor. i am a gentleman of mantua sir , that owe my life to your command , as one , that had an interest in the preservation , your army brought when the enemy besieg'd us . bert. your mercy signior , and how do all our limber friends ' it ' h nunnery ? i was one o' th' cavaliers went with the generall , into the orchard of hesperides to fetch the golden dragon . flav. golden apple , you mean the princess fioretta signior ; is she married sir ? bert. no , no , the duke will neither dye , nor live , to any purpose , but they will be shortly ; have you a mind to kiss her hand ? flav. i shall be proud — bert. you shall be as proud as you please sir. flav. you can resolve me , is honorio our duke of mantuas son here ? bert. yes , he is here , heaven were a fitter place for him . flav. ha! look to him , for he is come with bloody thoughts to murder your prince leonato , caution him to walk vvith a strong guard , and arm himself with all that can be proof against his sword or pistoll , he cannot be too safe against the treason and horrid purpose of honorio . bert. his mouth is musket bore ; but are you sure he did resolve to kill our prince ? fla. most certain . bert. i am very glad to hear 't . fla. glad sir ? bert. yes , i cannot wish him better then a traitor , now i shall be reveng'd . flav. has he been guilty of any affront to you ? bert. he is my rivall . flav. why do not you kill him then ? bert. pox on him , i cannot indure him . flav. he is then reserv'd to fall by me . bert. t is too good to be true ; are you maryed signior ? flav. vvhat then ? bert. if you be not , do this & you shall have my mother , a lady that has gold enough to pave the streets with double ducats , here 's my hand , kill but this huffing prince , my mother 's yours , enter honorio . and all her moveables — t is he alone too , there 's convenient bottom sir hard by exit hon. the finest place to cut his throat , i 'l not be seen . flav. i am resolv'd , charge home thy litle murderers , and follow . cland. i warrant you my lord. exit after hono. enter volterino and hortensi● . volt. but tell me hast thou any hopes of madam flo●elia ? hort. i had a lusty promise . volt. from her ? hort. ye coxcomb her sweet son. volt. why so had i , he did contract her to me , a flat bargain and sale of all she had , so i would say he was valiant . hort. that was the price he made to me , but i , had hope last visit from her self . volt. be plain , i 'l tell thee , she gave me strong expectation , and came on like a cheverell . hort. i hear , she has given out she wi●l have one of us , enter flor●a . volt. she cannot love us bo●h . hort. would she had on● , & then the toy were over , i could make shift to love her . volt. and to lye with her estate , one helps the tother well . florel. i finde a change within my self , i hope , i sha'not prove in love now after all my jeasting , and so many coy repulses , to men of birth and honor . volt. t is she . florel. why do i think upon him , then ? i fear , this man of war has don 't . horte● . i have it , wee 'l finde whether she affect or juggle with us presently . florel. those postures , would shew some difference , here i can observe — volt. your mistris ? horten. mine if she be pleas'd , what interest can all your merit challenge above me ? volt. you will repent this insolence , i must , forget to wear a sword , and hear thee name florelia , with that confident relation to her fair thoughts , and not correct your pride , i 'l search your heart , and let out those proud hopes , that thus exalt you . hort. you are cofend signior , i do not fear your probe — she lets us fight , fight if we had no more wit , we might foin in ear●●st . florel. ha , ha , ha , are you at that ward gentlemen ? volt. she laughes to see us fence o' this fashion , le ts come a little closer . fight . flor. hold , hold gentlemen , for your own honors , is this valour well employ'd ? what cause can urge effusion , thus of that noble blood was given you to serve your country ? are you mad ? hort. we are but little better to be both in love . flor. what woman , considered in her best is worth this difference ; she is cruell cannot ●inde a better way to reconcile you , than by letting blood . do you both love one ? volt. it does appear so madam . flor. i would i knew the lady makes you both unhappy , i would counsell her some way , to set your hearts at peace . volt. t is in your power . hort. without more circumstance , do but look upon your self , and end our civill wars ; we ha' both opinion of your virtue , and both hope an interest in your love , if you will please to point which of us two is most concern'd in your affection , ●ou conclude our danger , and oblige one your everlasting servant . volt. this madam is a charitable way to know your own , and save two lives , for we shall fix upon your sentence , and obey the fate you give us . flor. do you fight for me ? and will it save ●ncision and preserve your noble veins to know whom i prefer in my best thoughts of love ? this is but reasonable , and t will be hard to set a period to this contention , for i love you both so equally , observe me cavaliers , t is most impossible to distinguish which is first in my neglect , for i love neither : fight or be friends , you have your choice , and i my liberty — i had forgot to thank you , for your infusion of that fierce courage into my son , there is great hope if he live till next year , he may be a constable , he has an excellent art to keep the peace . farewell . volt. madam , for all this i believe you love — hort. i believe now shee 's old and has no teeth , else she would bite at one of us — reverend madam , that word has fetch'd her , — we ha' no other cordiall , at this dead pang for your disdain , but drink now ; if you will have your son made a fine gentleman , be sure you send him to the tavern to us , he knows the rendezvous , though you despair , we may wind him up yet with spirit of wine , how ever wee 'l be merry , and perhaps , for all this , drink your health . volt. buoy madam . hort. if you love your baby send him . exeunt . flor. i am to blame , but i must help it some way . exit . enter honorio , flaviano , claudio with pistols . hono. two engins of so small extent to do such mighty execution ? may i see these instruments you say you have invented , and so commend for service ? flav. yes my lord , shew 'em to th' prince , do they not fright already ? your grace may take full view , and quickly be the proof what force they have . honor. i am betrai'd , who hath conspir'd my death flav. to vex you , see him — honor. flaviano , what mak'st thou here ? flav. to put of these commodities ; you are a princely marchant , and affect this kind of traffick , that you may not dy i' th' dark , i 'l tell you a brief story , which you may report i' th' other world , i did affect ambitiously thy sister fioretta , abus'd thy father with a false opinion of leonato , for my end remov'd his mistris from the cloister , and perswaded a witty nunne to take her name , and cheat the prince , whom he suspects not yet . honor. dam'd rascall ? flav. for pure love to your sister i did this . hono. why having been so impious , does thy malice persue me , ignorant of all thy treasons ? flav. would you know that ? — because i am undone in my chief hope , the princess whom i thought thus plac'd secure , and apt for my own visit is gone , is vanish'd , and as soon i may find the impression of a ship at sea , and by the hollow tract in waves oretake the winged bark , distinguish where the birds , at chace ' i th' air , do print their active flight , as find in what part of the envious world fioretta is bestow'd ; this sad intelligence surpriz'd me like a storm , nor was it safe to look upon the duke , who must too late repent his trust , and punish it . in this conflict of desperate thoughts , i thus resolv'd to see ferrara , and the lady i preferr'd , but find things cannot prosper , if you live ? whose angry breath will throw down waht my policy wrought high , and strike my head beneath the ruines . are you now satisfi'd why you must not live ? honor. hear me , shee 's still in silence , and believ'd my sister by the prince . flav. when you are dead , then you vvill be sure to tell no tales ; now shoot — claud. in my opinion , if all this be truth , the mischief you ha' done may be sufficient , and he may live . flav. villain vvilt thou betray me ? claud. you have betraid your self , and after this confession , as i take it , i may be your ghostly father , and prescribe you a penance . flav. hold. claud. i will but physick you , your soul has caught a vehement cold , and i have tvvo hot pills will vvarm you at heart . hono. shall my revenge be idle ? claud. good prince , you are too forvvard , & you be so hasty , i 'm o' this side ; did you think , i vvould be false ? yet lest my aim be unlucky , trust your ovvn hand to guide ' em . flav. thou art honest , thus i salute thy heart honori● — ha , no charge . claud. t is time sir to be honest , i could serve you in some court sins , that are but flesh-colour , a wickedness of the first dye , whose brightness will fade , and tincture change ; your murder i● crimson in grain , i have no fancy too 't . sir you are safe . hono. i see thou hast preserv'd me . flav. i 'm lost for ever . hono. t is but a minute since you were found , you must be plea●'d to walk into the court , the vestall you preferr'd no doubt will bid you welcome . fate i thank thee . flav. false starres , i dare you now . clau. i shall wait on you . exeunt . enter iuliana . iuli. i have collected all my brain , and cannot in any counsell of my thoughts find safety ; honorio's death wo'not secure my strength , or prop my languishing greatness ; t is but like a cordiall when the pangs of death hang on us , nay to my present state no other than some liberall portion of a quivering stream , drunk to abate the scorching of my feaver , it cooles to 'th tast , and creeps like ice dissolv'd into my blood , but meeting with the flame , it scalds my bosom , and augments the fire that turnes my heart to ashes ; poor iuliana , to what a loss hath thy first ●in betray'd thee ▪ ambition hath reveng'd thy breach of honor , and death must cure ambition , for i have no prospect left , but what invites to ruine . i am resolv'd not to expect my fate , but meet it this way . enter leonato . leon. dearest fioretta ? ha , what offends my princess ? there is something that dwells like an ecclipse upon thy eyes , they shine not as they did , a discontent , is like a mildew fallen upon thy cheek , t is pale and cold , as winter were come back to over-run the spring . iul. my dearest lord , my face is but the title to a volume of so much misery within , as will tire your amazed soul to read . leo. thou dost freez up my blood already . o call back part of this killing language , if thou mean'st to make me understand thee ; the amazement doth fall so like a deluge , i am drownd , ere i can think my feares ; how have we liv'd at distance ? thou shouldst walk upon this earthquake and my ground tremble not , but with this fright i am awake , open the volume now , i will read every circumstance . iul. observe then , what first becomes my sorrow . leo. dost thou kneel ? that posture is for them have lost their innocence ; we must do this to heaven . iul. i must to you . leon. what guilt can weigh thee down so low ? dost weep too ! iul. i should not love my eyes if they were silent , they know this story will too soon o'rcharge my fe●ble voice , that every tear could fall into some character which you might read , that so i might disp●nse with my sad tongue , and leave my sorrows legible ; oh my lord , i have wrong'd you above hope to find your mercy . leo. take heed , & think once more what thou hast don ere thou describe such an offence , lest i believe a fault , will drown us both with horror ; t●ou hast not broke thy vow ▪ nor given away thy honor , since thy faith did seal thee mine ? iul. not in a thought . leo. i wo'not see thee kneel , rise , and be welcome to my armes , thou hast done nothing can offend me fioretta . iul. alas — i am not fioretta . leo. ha! this doth confirm me , thou hast all this while but mock'd my fear , and yet this weeping is not counterfeit , thou art too blame my love , is it thy jealousie , that i am cold in my returnes to answer thy affection ? or have i less in thy esteem of merit than thy hopes flatterd thee ? or doth the time that dully moves , and intermit the joyes we promis'd when the altar had confirm'd us sit heavy on thy thought ? we will awake from this our sullen sleep , and quit off those sick feathers that did droop our wings ; fly to the holy man whose charm shall perfect us , and chain our amorous soules . iul. divide us rather ; joy is a fugitive of late , and while you think of hymen , you remove your wishes . fioretta will forbid the priest. leon. canst thou forget thy love so much ? iuli. alas my lord , you have been all this while abus'd , and when i have said enough to assure your faith , that i am not your fioretta , but a virgin , compell'd to take her name , you will i hope kill me your self , and save me a despair , that will conclude my breath else in few minutes . leon. are not you fioretta , but a virgin compell'd to take her name ? who durst compell thee ? iul. the duke of mantua . leon. i dissolve in wonder . durst mantua use me thus ? thy name ? iuli. iuliana ; my blood , ( excepting what does fill the veins of princes ) flowing from the noblest spring of honor . leon. where was fioretta then ? iuli. conveid i know not whither , ere you came to save their lives that did betray you thus . i was too careless of my fate , that i kept such a glowing secret still within me , i had no fear to be consum'd , that had another fire within me , whose wide flame had soon devour'd all my considerings . alas my lord , you did appear so full of honor , virtue , and such princely love , t was easie to forget on whom you smil'd , i had no thought to wish my self unhappy , or own another name to my undoing , yet now more tender of your birth and fame than my own life , i cast my self beneath your feet a bleeding sacrifice . leon. am i awake and hear all this ? iul i see my lord , in your inraged eye , what lightning is prepar'd , t is welcom ; since i danot hope to live upon your smile , i would fain dye betime , before the shame of my dishonour inforce a mutinie upon my self ▪ but think my lord while i confess all this against my self , how free i might have been , how happy , how near heaven , above those glories , had not you forc'd me from the blessed garden where i was planted , and grew fair , though not oblig'd by any solemn vow , 't was you , your own hand ravish'd me from that sweet life , where without thought of more than should concern your welfare in my prayers , i might have sung , and had converse with angells . enter petronio . petro. sir , i bring sad news . leon. i prethee speak , i am prepar'd for all . pet● . the duke is dead . leon. my father dead ? petro. i do not like the princess at that posture . leon. i have forgot your name lady — you may rise . enter henorio , flaviano , claudio , and guard. hon. my lord i bring you news welcom as health or liberty , your soul will not be spacious enough to entertain what will with joyes and strong amazement fill it ; how i swell , with my own happiness to think i shall redeem your noble heart from a dishonor wil weigh down death . you think you vvalk on roses and feel not to vvhat dragons teeth , and stings , you vvere betraid . i bring a disinchantment , and come vvith happy proofs . leon. to tell me this is not your sister fioretta : but a nunne subornd to cheat me — i know all the business , and am resolv'd in my revenge . iuliana , svveet suffering maid , dry thy fair eyes , t is i must make thee satisfaction , i thus by thy own name receive thee to my bosom , but you that practis'd cunning , shall e'r time contract the age of one pale moon , behold the countrey i preserv'd a heap of ruines . iul. flaviano ? sir — honor. do you knovv vvhom you embrace ? flaviano has confest himself the traitor , and the black contriver of all this mischief ; leonato hear me , or by thy father nevvly falln to ashes , i shall repent i had an honorable thought of thee . flaviano ; madam , vvitchcraft , my rage vvill strangle my discourse , my soul is leaping forth to be reveng'd upon that devill ; prince keep off , his very breath will stifle thee , and dam thy honor to all ages ▪ fioretta's now in court. flav. ha! in the court ? leon. this is some nevv device . honor. i charge thee by thy blood throvv of these harpies , and do my sister justice , vvhom their treason hath made a scorn , that minute she usurps her name of bride , i shall forget the altar , and turn my self the priest , with all your blood to make a purging sacrifice . leon. if when we receive our rites , thou dost but frovvn , or vvhispe● to interrupt one ceremony , i will make thee hold the tapers while the priest performes the holy office ; tell thy sister here i bestovv , vvhat you have made me forfeit . present her to the nunnery , and counsell thy ignoble father , when i next see mantua to be a sleep in 's coffin , and his vault deep , and thick rib'd with marble , my noise else will shake his dust ; thy youth finds mercy yet , take the next whirl-wind , and remove — our guard ; petronio we confine him to your house . hono. thou coward prince , there 's not one honest man in all the world , our sins ascend like vapours , and will , if justice sleep , stupifie heaven , for thine own glory wake , if thou dispense with this , proud man will cry down providence . exeunt . act. v. enter volterino , hortensio , pandolpho ( with a towell . ) a table set out and stooles . volt. such wine as ganimede doth skink to iove when he invites the gods to feast with him on iunos wedding-day . pandol. iove never drank so brisk a nectar as i 'l draw . but does signior bertoldi come ? hort. what else ? my alderman o' th' cellar . volt. he is our hilas ; shall we not ha musick ? hort. by all means , and the mermaids . pand. you shall have any thing ; but if signior bertoldi come , i have a boon to beg , i have a pretty plot to make you laugh . volt. what is 't ? pand. as you are gentlemen , do not deny me ; i have been your up-and-down-stairs-man to draw the best blood o' th' grape these ten years , troy held out not longer , i have a device shall make you merry when he comes , if you will give me leave to shift , and help a jeast . he is a coward still , under the rose ? hort. as any lives under the sun , be confident . volt. the same senseless peece of timber , you may cut him into a bed-staff . pand. i 'l send you wine , say i am valiant , let me alone with the catastrophe . exit hort. what will he do ? volt. i know not , he were best make us laugh , i shall expound the matter else . enter bertoldi , and drawer ( with wine . ) bert. my mother remembers her service gentlemen , i left my mistris to come to you ; and how ? shall we drink like fishes ? tolle roll lolly , &c. volt. sit , sit , a health to the lady you kist last . bert. let it come , i 'l pledge it , and it were the gulf of venice . hort. and who 's your mistris ? bert. faith i do not know her name , nor ever kist any thing but her glove in my life . volt : but you have told her your mind ? bert. not i by this wine — but that 's all one , she is a lady , well bred , and companion to the princess , that 's enough . here signior — would we had some wenches here . hort. some bouncing bona robas , hang this dul city there 's no musick in 't , no silken musick . vol. oh for a wench could spit fire now , that could whizze like a rocket , and fall into a blasing stars , such a fire-drake would be warm company in a close room , signior . hort. and it were in a cellar under the alpes , it would make hercules melt in the back . bert. but for all that , i do not like a sinner of such a fiery constitution . hort. you would not venture upon the golden fleece then , which is but the morall of a maidenhead . bert. i never heard that afore . hort. so say the learned , first for the difficulty to obtain it , being watch'd by a dragon , and then for the rarity , there being but one in all the world. bert. but one maidenhead ? volt. and that some hold as doubtfull as the phoenix or unicorn , such things are in history , but the man 's not alive that will take his oath in what climat they are visible . here 's to the swan that broke her heart with singing last . hort. and to the dolphin that was in love with a fidlers boy of thebes , who carryed him cross the seas on her bak a fishing , while he sung the ●iedge of troy to the tune of green-sleeves , and caught a whale with an angling rod. bert. i 'l pledge 'em both ; they are very fine healths . are these your mistresses names gentlemen ? enter pandolfo like a soldier . volt. mysticall , mysticall . bert. i understand they are mysticall — who 's this ? pand. save you gentlemen . volt. t is the drawer . pand. i do not like the odor of your wine he throws it in bert. face . bert. was it a health ? let it go round gent. i am troubled with sore eyes , & this signior has wash'd 'em for me , i hope i shall see to thank him . hort. cry mercy signior , you are like a noble gent. i saw at rome , you are the very same , to whom his holiness gave a pension , for killing great turks in tra●silvania , whose heads were boyl'd , and brought home in a portmantua . pand. it was but sir and a sarasens . hort. you are the man ? volt. pray give me leave to honor you . bert. i desire to be your poor admirer too , my eyes are clear to see your worth , my name is bertoldi at your service . pand. to you signior , a health to iulius caesar , prester iohn , and the grand cham of tartaria . volt. you sha'not pledge him . bert. no. volt. make your exceptions , i 'l justifie ' em . hort. this cavalier drank t' ee sir. bert. i do remember , but i cannot pledge him . pand. how sir ? bert. no sir , i 'l pledge my friend prester iack , but for iulius caesar and the grand cham they are pagans , i ha' nothing to say to ' em . enter servant . serv. here is a gentleman , he seems of quality , enquiring for signior volterino and hortensio . hort. admit him , and he be a gentleman . enter florelia like a gentleman . flor. you 'l pardon if a stranger that has had a long ambition to kiss your hands , rather intreat for his access , than lose the happiness of your knowledge . volt. sir , y' are most welcome . hort. if you will keep us company you must be equally ingag'd . bert. my humble service , signior hortensios mistris . flor. you honor me ; would i were off agen . bert. excuse me signior . flo. y' are too full of ceremony . pand. sir , is there any difference between you & iulius caesar , you would not pledge his health ? bert. no difference in the world . pand. how , no difference between you , and a roman emperor ? flor. divide 'em , what 's the matter ? hort. o for some trumpets . bert. somebody hold my sword , give me the wine , i 'l drink it — pand. so , we are friends . flor. o shamefull ! bert. but i shall find a time — pand. find twenty thousand years , there 's time enough . volt. i 'l be your stickler . bert. i ha' not pledg'd the cham yet , nor i wo' not , come , i know you well enough . pand. know me , for what ? bert. for a brave fellow , and a man may believe thee thou hast done things as well as the best on 'em , but i know not where , nor i care not , tel me of iulius caesar : i am a gentleman , and have seen fighting afore now , here 's a cavalier knows it , i scorn to be baffel'd by any transilvanian turk-killer in christendom , i ; thar' t a volt. well said , and a sandiack . bert. and a sandiack , i defie the grand cham , and muftie . all his tartars , y' are a stinking obstreperons fellow to tell me of a turd and a fart , and i honor you with all my heart . hort. he call'd you muftie . pand. what 's that ? ho. and a sandiack , that is son of whor in languages . pand. how ? in two languages ? then my honor is concern'd , have i in battells gainst the turk stood the dire shock , when the granadoes flew like atomes in the sun , have i kil'd bashawes , and a musselman , and took the sultans turbant prisoner , and shall i be affronted by a thing less than a lancepresado ? bert. will no body hold me ? flor. gentlemen , this heat must needs be dangerous . pand. let me but speak with him volt. no danger o' my life , let 'em go together : and let us mind our business . pand. signior , i am your friend , and pitty you should lose so much your honor , be advis'd , i 'l show a way how to repair your fame , pand. & bert. talk privately . and without danger . hort. to volterinos mistris . flor. i receive it , i shall have my share , i now repent my curiosity to see their humors , and to hear what they would say of me — hort. let 'em alone — to volterinos mistris . volt. come , to my whore. flor. your whore signior ? volt. does that offend you ? flor. not me — i ha done you right . i am well enough rewarded & they beat me . ber. i knovv not hovv to deserve this curtesie being a stranger● but if you vvant a wife noble sir , and will accept of my mother , you shall have her before any man in italy . pand. i thank you sir , but be sure you hit me full o' th' head . bert. t is too much , a cut o' th' leg and please you . pand. no , let it be o' th' head . bert. you wo'not strike agen ? pand. mine's but a foil . hort. they measure and give back — pand. oh i am slain , a surgeon . bertoldi strikes pand. flor. i 'l take my leave . hort. by this hand , i 'l drink his mothers health first , there 's no danger & he were dead ; a health to the lady florelia , i drink it for his sake . volt. away , and get a surgeon . bert. come , to my lady mother . a man is not born to be a coward all his li●e . flor. i can no more sir. hort. you should ha' told me sir at first , there is no remedy , t is to an honorable lady . flor. you must excuse me sir. bert. throw 't in his eyes . hort. at your request . hor. throwes the wine . flor. y' are most uncivill . hort. y' are a mushrump . strikes flor. flor. so sir , y' are a multitude , and in a tavern , i did believe you sir a gentleman , if you be , give me satisfaction nobly . hort. with all my heart . flor. then thus — enter servant . serv. signior bertoldi flye , his wound is dangerous , we fear he wil bleed to death before the surgeon come . volt. out by the postern . bert. pox , a conspiracie , i shall kill but one , i see that ; would i were a mite in a holland cheese now . exit . hort. i wo'not fail you sir. serv. he desires to speak with you before he dye . hort. is bertoldi gone ? volt. hortensio , i guess you may be ingag'd : leave me to these things , there may be danger . hort. i know the private way . ex●unt . enter honori● . hon. virtue and honor , i allow you names , you may give matter for dispute , and noise , but you have lost your essence , and that truth we fondly have believ'd in human soules , is ceas'd to be , we are grown fantastick bodies , figures , and empty titles , and make hast to our first nothing , he that will be honest , must quite throw off his cold decrepit nature , and have a new creation — my poor sister , enter fioretta . she has heard the dukes resolve . fior. oh let me dye , upon thy bosom brother , i have liv'd too long ; they say the duke resolves to marry with iuliana , so they call her now , whose sorcery hath won upon his soul ; i have walk'd too long in dark clouds , and accuse too late my silence , i am quite undon , there was some hope while he did love my name , but that and all is banish'd ; is 't not in the power of fancy to imagin this a dream that hath perplext us all this while ? if it be reall , i will be reveng'd , t is but forgetting what i am , and then i am not concern'd . honor. rather forget the duke , and live to triumph in a love more happy . he is not worth a tear . enter don●bella . dona. how 's this ? my heart ! honor. come , i wil kiss these sorrows from thy cheek , this garden wants no watering , preserve this rain , it is a wealth should ransom queens , as thou dost love me , chide thy saucie grief , that will undo the spring here , and inforce my heart to weep within me equall drops of blood for these . dona. oh my abus'd confidence , lauriana now i find hath but betraid me , instruct me rage and jealousie . fior. i am resolv'd . exit donab. honor. well said , take courage fioretta , appear with thy own name and sufferings , thy sight will strike the proud impostors from their pyramids of glory . fior. it were more revenge to dye . honor. not so deer fioretta , somthing glides like cheerfulness o' th' suddrn through my blood ; despair not to be happy : let 's consult , and form the aptest way for all our honor . exeunt . enter flaviano . flav. there 's but one cloud in all our sky , were that remov'd , we were above the rage of storms : that claudio knows too much . i look upon his life like a prodigions blazing comet ; he palls my blood ; if i but meet him hansomly , i 'l make him fixt as the north-star . i hear no whisper of him yet ; were but he dead , iuliana and her friend might revell here : the duke should have the name , but we would steer the helm of state , and govern all . i have gain'd much upon leonato's easie faith , who thinks me innocent , and that only duty mislead my nature and my tongue to obey the duke of mantua and the prince , upon whose heads i have translated all my guilt , enter leonato , claudio . and fram'd their jealousie at home my cause of flight for refuge hither — ha , my eyes take in confusion ! the duke and claudio ! 't is doomsday in my soul. leon. can this be justified ? claud. i dare confirm this truth with my last blood . flav. i dare not hear it . that i now could fling my self upon the winds — exit . claud. and should be happy were flaviano's life put into ballance against my own , to make it clear by his confession . to my shame i must acknowledge was the agent 'twixt 'em ; he was pleas'd to choose me his smock officer , a place poor gentlemen at court are forc'd to serve in , to please luxurious greatness , younger brothers , who cannot live by fair and honest wayes , must not sterve sir. leon : flaviano's whore ? where can we hope to trust our faith , when such white browes deceive us ? enter iuliana . iul i do not like this claudio's business here , the duke is troubled ; my whole frame trembles . leon. madam iuliana ? my excellent white devil , you are welcome , where is your catamountain flaviano ? you are no serpents spawn ? iuli. oh hear me sir , by your own goodness . leon. when didst thou kneel to heaven ? iul. i see my leprosie unveild , that sin which with my loss of honor first ingag'd my miserie , is with a sun-beam writ upon my guilty forehead , but i have not ( excepting the concealment of my shame , which charity might privelege ) offended ●bove what i confest , and you have pardond . leon. she hath a tongue would almost tempt a sai●● to unbeleeve divinity , she learnd ●●me accents from the first apostate angell that mutin'd in heaven ; away , ● dare not trust my frailty ; where 's flaviano ? exit . leon. and claud. iul. my soul doth apprehend strange shapes of horror . enter fioretta . ●a — t is the princess fioretta . fior. can you direct me madam , how i may 〈◊〉 with the noble lady iuliana ? iuli. i can instruct you madam where to find a miserable woman of that name . fior. where ? iul. here. k●eels . fior. do not deceive me , i came to visit her whom the dukes love and confluence of glories must create a duchess , to whose greatness i must pay my adoration . iul. do not mock her , madam , to whose undoing nothing wants but death ; let not my sin , which cannot hope your pardon , make you forget your virtue ; princely natures , as they are next to forms angelicall , shew the next acts of pitty , not derision , when we are fall'n from innocence . fior. do you know me ? iul. for the most injur'd princess , fioretta . fior. you must know more , i come to take revenge and kill thee . iul. thus i kneel to meet your wounds , and shall account the drops my proud veines weep spent for my cure ; oh madam you are not cruell , you have too soft , too mercifull a look ; when you see me , your countenance should wear upon it all the terrors that pale men can apprehend from the wild face of war , a civill war , that wo' not spare the womb that gron'd and gave it life , this would become you , or fancie meager famine when she hunts with hollow eyes , and teeth able to grind a rock of adamant to dust , or what complexion the devouring pest should have , were it to take a shape , and when you put their horrors in your visage , look on me . fior. what hath prepar'd this bold resolve ? iul. a hope to be your sacrifice ; i was not before without a thought to wish my self thus layd , and at your feet to beg you would destroy me . fior. can you so easily consent to dy , and know not whither afterwards this guilt would fling thy wandring soul ? iul. yes . i would pray and ask your self , and the wrong'd world forgiveness . fior. why didst thou use me thus ? weeps . iul. i could , if you durst hear me , say something perhaps would take your charity . do you weep ? gentle madam ? and not one crimson drop from me , to wait upon those precious shewers ? not to invite your patience upon the lost iuliana , but to call back your tears into their spring , and stay the weeping stream , i can inform you , the duke looks on me now with eyes of anger ; i have no interest in a thought from him , that is not arm'd with hate and scorn against me . fior. this will undoe my pitty , and assure me thou hast all this while dissembled with my justice . iul. i would i might as soon invest my soul with my first purity , as clear this truth ; or would the loss of him were all that sits heavy upon my heart ; i cannot hope for comfort in delayes of death , and dare attend you to him , though it more undo me . fior. rise , and obey me then . iul. i follow , madam ; my use of life is only meant to serve you . exeunt . enter hortensio . hort. this is the place within the wood he promis'd to meet in , there is saint felices chapell , that father cyprians cell , i hope my gamster will think it fit , i should not walk and wait too long for him , these businesses of fighting should be dispatch'd as doctors do prescribe physicall pills , not to be chewd but swallow'd ; time spent in the considering deads the appetite , if i were not to fight now , i could pray ; these terms of honor have but little grace with 'em , like oisters we do open one another● without much preface ; he that fights a duell like a blind man that falls but cares to keep his staffe , provides with art to save his honor , but trusts his soul to chance , t is an ill fashion . enter frier . fri. this is the gentleman by her description that comes to fight , another champion ? enter flaviano . fla. do none persue me , what a timerous hare this guilty conscience is , i am not safe , i had no time to think of a disguise , and this can be no wilderness , the duke would give his pallace for my head . hor. say so ? flav. oh for some pegasus to mount ! a frier ? his habit will serve rarely , seeming holiness is a most excellent shrovvd to cheat the world . good father sanctity , i must be bold , or cut your throat , nay i can follovv . fri. help , help . hort. thou sacrilegious villain . flav. i am caught already . hort. my good lord flaviano . father you may come back , and help to bind the gentleman if i did understand him well , he said the duke has some affairs to use his head-peece ; i would not have him out o' th' way , when i● return — to that tree — you were best be gentle . flav. i can but dye . flav. is tied to a tree . hort. oh yes , you may be damn'd all in good time , and it is very likely . fri. you have preserv'd my life son. hort. it was my happiness to be so near , vvhen virtue was distrest . frier . you have not done sir , as you are noble follow me , there is another ●nemy to meet , but i dare be your second and direct you . hort. vvhat means the fryer ? i 'l walk and see the worst on 't . exeunt all but flav. enter be●to●di . bert. oh for a tenement under ground to hide me ▪ this wood will hardly do 't , if i can lurk here but till night ; i am furnish'd well with ducats ; your melancholy mole is happy now , he fears no officers , but walks invisible ; would i were chamber-fellow to a worm , the rooks have princely lives that dwell upon the top● of trees , the owls and bats are gentlemen , they fly and fear no warrants , every hare out-runs the constable , only poor man by nature slow and full of flegm , must stay , and stand the cursed law , i do not think t is so much penance to be hang'd indeed , as to be thus in fear on 't . flav. sir , look this way . bert. oh! if i had but the heart of a womans tailor , i might run away now . flav. i am rob'd and bound . bert. umh , are you bound ? there 's the less danger in you . flav. for charity release me . bert. you are surely bound — what 's that ? i hear another whispering o' that side ; now i sweat all over , i but think if i were naked , how maids might gather dew from every part about me — t is the wind among the leaves . i do not like the trees should lay their heads together o' this fashion . you are my fast friend still . flav. signior bertoldi . bert. does he name me ? you and the tree shall grow together now , i came not hither to be known ; some thief , or sturdy rogue ; i have heard of these devices in woods before ; should i unbind him now , hee 'd cut my throat , or rob me for my charity . flav. i am the man for your sake undertook to kill the prince your rivall . bert. did you so ? i 'l trust you ne'r the sooner ; well remembred , i 'me glad y' are not at leisure ; you that will kill your prince , will make but little conscience to quarter me . flav. but he is still alive . bert. is he so ? why then i am the less beholding to you . so , you shall cancell your own bonds your self . enter hortensio , florelia and frier . how now , more persecution ? hort. here was a duell quickly taken up , and quaintly too , i did not think to marry the gentleman that challeng'd me to fight , i thank your device madam . flor. thank the blow you gave me sir , i love a man dares strike . hort. i 'l please you better with my after striking . bert. my mother and hortensio ? enter volterino and officers . volt. signior bertoldi well met , lay hands on him and bind him fast , he has a dangerous spirit bert. who i ? you may as well say i have skil in the black art , volterino , gentlemen , there 's my mother . volt. your son is valiant madam now i hope , as you can wish , he has kil'd his man ; but i studious to gain your favor have procur'd ? his pardon from the duke . hort. is the drawer dead ? volt. dead as the wine he sometimes drew . hort. farewell he ; will you salute my lady signior and give us joy ? yon frier married us . bert. let me go , i have my pardon . volt. not yet ; now you shall be hang'd agen , did not you swear i should have your mother bert. you shall have her yet . flor. if it be so , he shall be worth your suit , and compound fairly . volt. no , i have thought of my revenge ; because i cannot have your mother , d' ee observe , if you expect the benefit of this pardon , you shall marry mine . bert. i 'l marry any living soul , volt. shee 's somethi●g old , till the last night i see her not these forty years , since when shee 's grown so ugly , i dare not own her , and some think the reason of her deformity to proceed from witchcraft . bert. alas good gentlewoman . volt. i mean she is a witch her self , and has two cats they say , suck her by turnes , which some call her familiars ; she has not had a tooth this thirty years ; and you must kiss her with a spung i' your mouth , she is so full of flegm , else shee l go near to strangle you , and yet they say she has a most devouring appetite to mans flesh , you may have a devill of your own to attend you , and when y' are melancholy , shee l make you ghosts and goblins dance before you bring bears and bandogs with an o'r grown ape playing upon the gittern . hort. where is this creature ? shall he not see her first ? volt. i left her in a sive was bound for scotland , this morn to see some kindred , whence she was determin'd to take eg-shell to skeedam . enter pandolpho disguis'd . from thence when she has din'd she promis'd me to ride post hither on a distaff . bert. how ? volt. oh here she is , what think you of a husband mother ? can you love this gentleman , hee 's one will be a great comfort to you . pandol. i like the stripling well , he will serve to watch my pits , and see that non● of my spirits boile over . bert. is this your mother come i 'l be hang'd , t is the more hansome destiny unless you will take composition — pandol. let me talk with the gentleman . hort. i am at leisure now to wait on you sir. unbind , and lead him to the duke . volt. flaviano ? you are the gentleman his higness gave strict command should be persu'd , i shall be proud to wait upon you to the court. fla. i wo'not lose my passion on such bloodhounds . bert. we are agreed , hey , here 's my pardon . pand. yes , i am satisfied , and can thank you signior in severall shapes — hort. the drawer . pand. i did want a sum like this to set me up : i was provided gainst your sword , a pretty night-cap , and almost pistoll proof , i shall be rich , i thank your bounty , and so rid the witch . exit . flor. here 's none of the dukes hand . volt. it needs not madam . i know not yet by what device you came together thus . hort. i 'l tell you as we walk . bert. pay for a pardon and not kill my man ? the duke shall hear o' this . exeu●t . enter leonato . leon. no news of flaviano yet ? some furies have sure transported him . enter petronio . petro. a gentleman with letters sir from mantua . enter duke of mantua . leon. ha! admit him — leave us , the duke himself ? du. that comes to offer a pledge for young honorio , not in thought guilty of that unprincely entertainment you h●d at mantua . if my son , as fame is ●●sie in ferrara , be expos'd to your displeasure , change my fate with his , that to my shame in part consented to the practice of a traitor flaviano , who us'd my power to advance his own ambition to your dishonour , and instead of my fioretta , whether now alive or dead i know not , cheat your faith with iuliana , to quit the noble safety your sword brought us , my life is troublesome in the loss of fame , and fioretta . leon. where is flaviano ? duke fled like a guilty villain from my justice , may hortor overtake him ; let my son live by some noble deeds to expiate his fathers forfeit , and disgrace ; i come without a guard , and were it not a crime to my eternity , cou'd sacrifice my self without expecting your revenge , or nature to conclude my age . enter donabella , fioretta , iuliana . dona. let me have justice . fior. give me justice prince . iul. let me have justice too . leo. against whom sister ? dona. against this lady . she hath conspir'd to take away my life . fior. my enemy is duke leonato sir , who hath conspir'd to take away himself , a treasure equall with my life . iul. my enemy is iuliana sir , that hath con●pir'd to rob her self , both of her life and honor . du. mant. t is she , my aged eyes take leave of seeing , expect no object after this so welome . my daughter fioretta . fior. deerest father . dona. how , fioretta ? she is then but sister to my honorio , life of all my joyes , my feet have wings at this glad news . exit . leon. were you the suffering lady fioretta ? how could you live so long within the court , and no good angell all this while acquaint me ? fior. this joy is too too mighty , and i sha' not repent my exile to be thus rewarded . leon. confirm my happiness again , no treason shall now divide us . duke your hearts grow together . leon. i have receiv'd by claudio the particular of flavianos treason , he has guilt above your knowledge sir , iuliana findes it , and is confest his strumpet . duke you amaze me . fior. i bless now my suspition , when i was convaid from mantua , which directed me to leave placentia secretly , and invite my self a stranger to this court , where now i meet as much joy as my soul can fancie . iu. you have not all this while pronounc'd my doom , i fear you hold intelligence with my soul , and know what pains i feel while i am living , you will not be so mercifull to kill me . enter claudio , volterino , hortensio , florelia , bertoldi , flaviano . claud. flaviano ! hor● . i present you with a gentleman , i took rifling a hermit in the wood , as it appears in hope to scape persute , hid in a friers habit , who dispatch'd after a matrimoniall betwixt this lady and my self . bert. that old gentleman should be duke of mantua what think you sir ? claud. and that his daughter fioretta . bert. she is my mistris . claud. she is like to prove the duchess of ferrara . bert. his grace will not use me so , i will have justice , justice gentle duke . flor. are you mad . bert. i 'l be reveng'd o' somebody . enter honorio , donabella leon. honorio your son , to meet your blessing . don. this was the life i feard to lose by her , whom i suppos'd my rivall , pardon madam . duke thus circled , i must faint beneath my happiness leon. forgive my passion , and receive a brother . honor. that name doth honor us , where is flaviano ? flav. whose witty brain must sentence me ? let it be home and hansom , i shall else despise and scorn your coarse inventions . fior. let me obtain , since providence hath wrought this happy change , you would not stain our joyes with any blood , let not their sins exceed our charity . leo. let him for ever then be banish'd both our duke-doms . ho. what shall become of iuliana ? duke she ( if your grace more fit to judge , consent ) shall to a house of converts and strict penance , where flaviano , as the price of her l●st honor , shall pay her dowry to religion ; what doth remain of his estate , shall be emploid toward the redeeming christian captives . iul. i chearfully obey , and call it mercy . leon. t is a most pious justice . bert. justice , that 's my kue , justice , justice to bertoldi against signior volterino , i am cheated . flor. will you be a fool upon record ? leon. you shall have justice . volterino , we appoint you , till he learn more wit , to be his guardian , and at your discretion govern his estate , so leave us . volt. i shall with my best study manage both . bert. i am as good as begg'd for a fool . leon. and thus we chain our hearts and provinces . madam i wish you joyes , to fioretta i give my self , my sister to honorio . treason is sick in her short reign , but when heaven sees his time , truth takes her throne agen . exeunt omnes . epilogue , by iuliana . now the play 's done , i will confess to you , and wo' not doubt but you 'll absolve me too . there is a mysterie , let it not go far ; for this confession is a●ricular : i am sent among the nuns to fast and pray , and suffer piteous penance , ha , ha , ha , they could no better way please my desires , i am no nun — but one of the black-friers . finis . the cardinal , a tragedie , as it was acted at the private house in black fryers , written by james shirley . not printed before . london , printed for humphrey robinson at the thr●● pigeons , and humphrey moseley at the prince●● arms in st. paul's church-yard . . to my worthily honored friend g. b. esq sir , i did suffer at the first some contention within me , and looking up●n my self , was inclined to stifle my ambitious thoughts in this dedication ; but when some time , and a happy conversation , had preferred me to more acquaintance with you , ( which was more argument to me , than the fame i had heard of your reputation , with the most temperate and ingenious men ) i found you not only an excellent judge , but a good man : at this my modesty took full encouragement , to make this offering , which as i conceive to be the best of my flock , i knew not a better altar whereon to make it a sacrifice , with this protestation , that it comes ( and that is it only , which makes all devotions acceptable ) from the heart , and your candid acceptance will bind me with all my services , and remembrance , to merit a reception with you , in the quality and honour of , sir , your most humble devoted servant , ja. shirley prologue . the cardinal , 'cause we express no scene , we doe believe most of you gentlemen are at this hour in france , and busie there , though you vouchsafe to lend your bodies here ; but keep your fancy active , till you know by th' progress of our play , 't is nothing so ; a poets art is to lead on your thought through subtle paths and workings of a plot , and where your expectation does not thrive , if things fall better , yet you may forgive ; i will say nothing positive , you may think what you please , we call it but a play , whether the comick muse , or ladies love , romance , or direfull tragedy it prove , the bill determines not ; and would you be perswaded , i would have 't a comedie , for all the purple in the name , and state of him that owns it ; but 't is left to fate ; yet i will tell you e'r you see it plaid , what the author , and he blusht too , when he said ( comparing with his own for 't had been pride he thought , to build his wit a pyramyde vpon anothers wounded fame , ) this play might rivall with his best , and dar'd to say — troth i am out ; he said no more ; you then , when 'ts done , may say your pleasures gentlemen . to the surviving honour and ornament of the english scene , iames shirley . as fate , which doth all human matters sway , makes proudest things grow up into decay ; and when they are to envyed greatness grown , she wantonly falls off , and throws them down : so , when our english dramma was at hight , and shin'd , and rul'd with majesty and might , a sudden whirlwind threw it from it seat , deflowr'd the groves , and quench'd the muses heat . yet as in saints , and martyr'd bodies , when they cannot call their blessed souls agen to earth ; reliques , and ashes men preserve , and think they do , but what , blest they deserve : so i , by my devotion led , aspire to keep alive your noble vestal fire , honour this piece , which shews , sir , you have been the last supporter of the dying scene ; and though i do not tell you , how you dress virtue in gloryes , and bold vice depress ; nor celebrate your lovely dutchess fall , or the just ruine of your cardinal ; yet this i dare assert , when men have nam'd iohnson ( the nations laureat , ) the fam'd beaumont , and fletcher , he , that wo'not see shirley , the fourth , must forfeit his best ey . hall . persons . king of navarre . cardinal . columbo , the cardinals nephew . alvarez . hernando , a colonel . alphonso . lords . secretary to the dutchess . colonels antonelli , the cardinals servant . surgion . guard. attendants , &c. dutchess rosaura ▪ ladies . valeria , celinda , placentia , a lady that waits upon the dutchess . scene navarre . the cardinal . act i. enter two lords ( at one door ) secretary ( at the other . ) lord. who is that ? lo. the dutchess se●retary . lo. signior . secr. your lordships servant . lo. how does her grace since she left her mourning for the young duke mendoza , whose timeless death at sea , left her a virgin and a widdow ? lo. shee 's now inclining to a second bride , when is the day of mighty mariage to our great cardinals nephew , don columbo ? secr. when they agree ; they wo'not steal to church , i guess the ceremonies will be loud , and publick . your lordships will excuse me . exit . lo. when they agree ? alas poor lady , she dotes not upon columbo , when she thinks of the young count d' alvarez , divorc'd from her by the kings power . lo. and counsell of the cardinal to advance his nephew to the dutchess bed ; 't is not well . lo. take heed , the cardinal holds intelligence with every bird i' th' air . lo. death on his purple pride , he governs all , and yet , columbo is a gallant gentleman . lo. the darling of the war , whom victory hath often courted ; a man o● daring and mostexalted spirit , pride in him dwels like an ornament , where so much honour secures his praise . lo. this is no argument he should usurp , and wear alvarez title to the fair dutchess , men of coarser blood would not so tamely give this treasure up . lo. although columbos name is great in war , whose glorious art and practice is above the greatness of alvarez , yet he cannot want soul , in whom alone survives the virtue of many noble ancestors , being the last of his great family lo. 't is not safe , you 'l say , to wrastle with the king. lo. more danger if the cardinal be displeas'd , who sits at helm of state ; count d' alvarez is wiser to obey the stream , than by insisting on his privilege to her love , put both their fates upon a storm . lo. if wisdom , not inborn fear make him compose , i like it ; how does the dutchess bear herself ? lo. she moves by the rapture of another wheel that must be obey'd , like some sad passenger , that looks upon the coast his wishes fly to , but is transported by an adverse wind , sometimes a churlish pilot lo. she has a sweet and noble nature . lo. that commends alvarez , hymen cannot tie a knot of two more equall hearts and blood . enter alphonso . lo. alphonso ? alph. my good lord. lo. what great affair hath brought you from the confines ? alp. such as will be worth your counsells , when the king hath read my letters from the governour ; the arragonians , violating their confederate oath and league , are now in arms ; they have not yet marcht towards us , but 't is not safe to expect if we may timely prevent invasion lo. dare they be so insolent ? lo. this storm i did foresee . lo. what have they , but the sweetness of the king , to make a crime ? lo. but how appears the cardinal . at this news ? alp. not pale , although he knows they have no cause to think him innocent , as by whose counsell they were once surpriz'd . lo. there is more than all our present art can fathome in this story , and i fear i may conclude , this flame has breath at home to cherish it ; ther 's treason in some hearts , whose faces are smooth to the state. alp. my lords , i take my leave . lo. your friends good captain . exeunt . enter dutchess , valeria , celinda ▪ val. sweet madam be less thoughtfull , this obedience to passion , will destroy the noblest frame of beauty that this kingdom ever boasted . cel. this sadness might become your other habit , and ceremonious black for him that died ; the times of sorrow are expir'd , and all the joys that wait upon the court , your birth , and a new hymen that is coming towards you , invite a change . dut. ladies , i thank you both , i pray excuse a little melancholy that is behind , my year of mourning hath not so cleer'd my account with sorrow , but there may some dark thoughts stay , with sad reflections , upon my heart for him i lost ; even this new dress , and smiling garment , meant to shew a peace concluded twixt my grief and me , is but a sad remembrance : but i resolve to entertain more pleasing thoughts , and if you wish me heartily to smile , you must not mention grief , not in advice to leave it ; such counsells open but afresh the wounds ye would close up ; and keep alive the cause , whose bleeding you would cure ; le ts talk of something that may delight ; you two are read in all the histories of our court ; tell me valeria , who has thy vote for the most handsome man ? thus i must counterfeit a peace , when all within me is at mutiny . val. i have examin'd all that are candidates for the praise of ladies . but find — may i speak boldly to your grace ? and will you not return it in your mirth , to make me blush ? dut. no , no ; speak freely . val. i wo'not rack your patience madam ▪ but were i a princess , i should think count d' alvarez had sweetness to deserve me from the world . dut. alvarez ! shee 's a spy upon my heart . val. hee 's young , and active , and compos'd most sweetly . dut. i have seen a face more tempting . val. it had then too much of woman in 't , his eys speak movingly which may excuse his voice , and lead away all female pride his captive ; his hair black , which naturally falling into curl's — dut. prethee no more , thou art in love with him . the man in your esteem celinda now ? cel. alvarez is ( i must confess ) a gentleman of handsome composition , but with his mind ( the greater excellence ) i think another may delight a lady more , if man be well considered , that 's columbo , now , madam , voted to be yours . dut. my torment ! val. she affects him not . cel. he has person , and a bravery beyond all men that i observe . val. he is a souldier , a rough-hewn man , and may shew well at distance ; his talk will fright a lady ; war , and grim - fac'd-honor are his mistrisses ; he raves to hear a lute ; love meant him not his priest. again your pardon madam ; we may talk , but you have art to choose and crown affection . dut. what is it to be born above these ladies and want their freedom ? they are not constrain'd , nor slav'd by their own greatness , or the kings ; but let their free hearts look abroad , and choose by their own eys to love ; i must repair my poor afflicted bosome , and assume the privilege i was born with ; which now prompts me to tell the king he hath no power nor art to steer a lovers soul. enter secretary . what says count d' alvares ? sec. madam hee 'l attend you . dut. wait you as i directed , when he comes acquaint me privately . sec. madam , i have news , 't is now arriv'd the court , we shall have wars . dut. i find an army here of killing thoughts . sec. the king has chosen don columbo general , who is immediately to take his leave . dut. what flood is let into my heart ! how far is he to go ? sec. to arragon . dut. that 's well at first , he should not want a pilgrimage to the unknown world , if my thoughts might convey him . sec. t is not impossible he may go thither . dut. how ? sec. to the unknown other world , he goes to fight , that 's in his way , such stories are in nature . dut. conceal this news . sec. he wo'not be long absent ; the affair will make him ●wift to kiss your graces hand . dut. he cannot flie with too much wing to take his leave ; i must be admitted to your conference ; ye have enlarg'd my spirits , they shall droop no more . cel. we are happy , if we may advance one thought to your graces pleasure . val. your ey before was in eclipse , these smiles become you madam . dut. i have not skill to contain my self . enter placentia . pla. the cardinals nephew , madam , don columbo . dut. already ? attend him . ex. plac. val. shall we take our leave ? dut. he shall not know valeria how you prais'd him ▪ val. if he did , madam , i should have the confidence to tell him my free thoughts . enter columbo . dut. my lord , while i 'm in study to requi●e the favour you ha' done me , you increase my debt to such a sum , still by a new honouring your servant , i despair of my own freedom . col. madam , he kisseth your white hand , that must not surfet in this happiness — and ladies , i take your smiles for my encouragement ; i have not long to practise these court tacticks . cel. he has been taught to kiss . dut. ther 's something , sir , upon your brow i did not read before . col. does the character please you madam ? dut. more , because it speaks you cheerfull . col. 't is for such access of honour , as must make columbo worth all your love ; the king is pleas'd to think me fit to lead his army . dut. how , an army ? col. we must not use the priest , till i bring home another triumph , that now staies for me to reap it in the purple field of glory . dut. but do you mean to leave me , and expose your self to the devouring war ? no enemy should divide us ; the king is not so cruell . col. the king is honourable , and this grace more answers my ambition , than his gift of thee , and all thy beauty , which i can love , as becomes thy souldier , and fight she weeps . to come agen , a conqueror of thee ; then i must chide this fondnesse . enter secretary . sec. madam , the king , and my lord cardinal . enter king , cardinall , and lords . king. madam , i come to call a servant from you , and strengthen his excuse ; the publick cause will plead for your cōnsent ; at his return your mariage shall receive triumphant ceremonies ; till then you must dispence . card. she appears sad to part with him , i like it fairly nephew . val. is not the general a gallant man ? what lady would deny him a small courtesie ? cel. thou hast converted me , and i begin to wish it were no sin . val. leave that to narrow consciences . cel. you are pleasant . val. but he would please one better . do such men lie with their pages ? cel. would'st thou make a shift ? val. he is going to a bloody business ; 't is pity he should dye without some heir ; that lady were hard-hearted now that would not help posterity , for the meer good o' th' king and common-wealth . cel. thou art wild , we may be observ'd . dut. your will must guide me , happiness and conquest be ever waiting on his sword . col. farewell . ex. k. col. card ▪ lo. dut. pray give leave to examine a few thoughts ; expect me in the garden . ladies we attend . ex. ladies . dut. this is above all expectation happy ; forgive me virtue that i have dissembled , and witness with me , i have not a thought to tempt or to betray him , but secure the promise i first made to love and honour . enter secretary . sec. the count d' alvarez madam . dut. admit him , and let none enterrupt us ; how shall i behave my looks ? the guilt of my neglect , which had no seal from hence , will call up blood to write upon my cheeks the shame and story in some red letter . enter d' alvarez . d' alv. madam , i present one that was glad to obey your grace , and come to know what your commands are . dut. where i once did promise love , a love that had the power and office of a priest to chain my heart to yours , it were injustice to command . d' alv. but i can look upon you madam , as becomes a servant , with as much humility , ( in tenderness of your honor and great fortune , ) give up , when you call back your bounty , all that was mine , as i had pride to think them favours . dut. hath love taught thee no more assurance in our mutuall vows , thou canst suspect it possible , i should revoke a promise made to heaven and thee so soon ? this must arise from some distrust of thy own faith. d' alv. your graces pardon to speak with freedom , i am not so old in cunning to betray , nor young in time not to see when , and where i am at loss , and how to bear my fortune , and my wounds , which if i look for health must still bleed inward , ( a hard and desperate condition ; ) i am not ignorant your birth and greatness , have plac'd you to grow up with the kings grace , and jealousie , which to remove , his power hath chosen a fit object for your beauty to shine upon , columbo his great fvavorite ; i am a man , on whom but late the king has pleas'd to cast a beam , which was not meant to make me proud , but wisely to direct , and light me to my safety . oh , dear madam ! i will not call more witness of my love ( if you will let me still give it that name ) than this , that i dare make my self a loser , and to your will give all my blessings up ; preserve your greatness and forget a triflle , that shall at best when you have drawn me up , but hang about you like a cloud , and dim the glories you are born to . dut. misery of birth and state ! that i could shift into a meaner blood , or find some art to purge that part which makes my veins unequall ; yet those nice distinctions have no place in us , ther 's but a shadow difference , a title , thy stock partakes as much of noble sap as that which feeds the root of kings , and he that writes a lord , hath all the essence of nobility . d' alv. 't is not a name that makes our separation , the kings displeasure hangs a portent to fright us , and the matter that feeds this exhalation is the cardinals plot to advance his nephew ; then columbo , a man made up for some prodigious act , is fit to be considered ; in all three there is no character you fix upon but has a form of ruine to us both . dut. then you do look on these with fear . d' alv. with eys that should think tears a duty to lament your least unkind fate ; but my youth dares boldly meet all the tyranny o' th' stars , whose black malevolence but shoot my single tragedy ; you are above the value of many worlds peopled with such as i am . dut. what if columbo engag'd to war , in his hot thirst of honor , find out the way to death ? d' alv. t is possible . dut. or say , no matter by what art or mot●ive he gives his title up , and leave me to my own election ? d' alv. if i then be happy to have a name within your thought , there can be nothing left to crown me with new blessing ; but i dream thus of heaven , and wake to find my amorous soul a mockery ; when the priest shall tie you to another , and the joys of mariage leave no thought at leasure to look ba●k upon alvarez , that must wither for loss of you , yet then i cannot lose so much of what i was , once in your favour , but in a sigh pray still you may live happy . exit . dut. my heart is in a mist , some good star smile upon my resolution , amd direct two lovers in their chast embrace to meet ; columbo's bed contains my winding sheet . exit . act ii. enter general columbo , hernando , two colonels , alphouso , two captains , and other officers , as at a councell of war. columbo . i see no face in all this councell , that hath one pale fear upon 't though we arriv'd not so timely to secure the town , which gives our enemy such triumph . colo. 't was betraid alp. the wealth of that one city will make the enemy glorious . colo. they dare not plunder it . alp. they give fair quarter yet , they only seal up mens estates , and keep possession for the cities use , they take up no wares without security , and he whose single credit will not pass , puts in two leane comrades , upon whose bonds t is not religion to deny ' em . colu. to repair this with honour gentlemen ? her. my opinion is to expect a while . colu. your reason ? her. till their own surfet betray 'em , for their souldier bred up with coarse and common bread , will shew such appetites on the rich ●ates they find , they will spare our swords a victory , when their own riot and luxury destroys ' em . colo. that will shew our patience too like a fear . with favour of his excellence i think , the spoil of cities takes not off the courage , but doubles it on souldiers ; besides , while we have tameness to expect , the noise of their success and plenty will encrease their army . her. 't is considerable , we do not exceed in foot or horse , our muster not 'bove sixteen thousand both ; and the infantry raw , and not disciplin'd to act . alp. their hearts , but with a brave thought of their countries honour , will teach 'em how to fight , had they not seen a sword ; but we decline our own too much , the men are forward in their arms , and take the use with avarice of fame . [ they rise and talk privately . colu. colonell . i do suspect you are a coward . her. sir. colu. or else a traytor , take your choice , no more , i calld you to a councell sir , of war , yet keep your place . her. i have worn other names . colu. deserve 'em , such another were enough to unsoul an army ; ignobly talk of patience till they drink and reel to death ? we came to fight and force 'em to mend their pace ; thou hast no honour in thee , not enough noble blood to make a blush for thy tame eloquence . her. my lord , i know my duty to a generall , yet there are some that have known me here ; sir , i desire to quit my regiment . colu. you shall have licence . ink and paper — enter with p●per and standish . col. the general 's displeas'd . colo. how is 't hernando ? her. the generall has found out employment for me ▪ he is writing letters back . al cap. to his mistress . her. pray do not trouble me , yet prethee speak , and flatter not thy friend , dost think i dare not draw my sword , and use it , when cause with honour calls to action ? al. colo. with the most valiant man alive ▪ her. you 'l do me some displeasure in your loves , pray to your places . colu. so , bear those letters to the king , it speaks my resolution before another sun decline to charge the enemy . her. a pretty court way of di missing an officer , i obey ; success attend your counsells . exit . colu. if here be any dare not look on danger , and meet it like a man with scorn of death , i beg his absence , and a cowards fear con●ume him to a ghost . colo. none such here . colu. or if in all your regiments you find one man that does not ask to bleed with honour , give him a double pay to leave the army ; ther 's service to be done , will call the spirits and aid of men. colo. you give us all new flame . colu. i am confirm'd , and you must lose no time ; the souldier that was took last night , to me discover'd their whole strength , and that we have a party in the town ; the river that opens the city to the west unguarded ; we must this night use 〈◊〉 and resolutions , we cannot fall ingloriously . capt. that voice is every mans . enter souldier , and s●cretary with a letter . colu. what now ? soul. letters . colu. whence ? soul. from the dutchess . colu. they are welcome ; meet at my tent again this evening ; yet stay , some wine — the dutchess health — see it go round . sec. it wo'not please his excellence . colo. the dutchess health . cap. to me ! more wine . sec. the clouds are gathering , and his eys shoot fire ; observe what thunder follows . cap. the generall has but ill news , i suspect the dutchess sick , or else the king. cap. may be the cardinal . cap. his soul has long been look'd for . colu. she dares not be so insolent ! it is the dutchess hand ; how am i shrunk in fame to be thus plaid withall ? she writes , and counsels , under my hand to send her back a free resigne of all my interest to her person , promise , or love ; that ther 's no other way with safety of my honour to revisit her . the woman is possest with some bold devil , and wants an exorcism ; or i am grown a cheap , dull , phlegmatick fool , a post that 's carv'd i' th' common street , and holding out my forehead to every scurrill wit to pin disgrace and libells on 't ; did you bring this to me sir ? my thanks shall warm your heart . [ d●●ws a pistoll . sec. hold , hold , my lord. i know not what provokes this tempest , but her grace ne'r shew'd more freedom from a storm when i receiv'd this paper ; if you have a will to do an execution , your looks without that engin , sir , may serve i did not like the employment . colu. ha , had she no symptome in her eye , or face , or anger when she gave this in charge ? sec. serene , as i have seen the morning rise upon the spring , no trouble in her breath , but such a wind as came to kiss and fan the smiling flowers . colu. no poetry . sec. by all the truth in prose , by honesty , and your own honour sir , i never saw her look more calm , and gentle . colu. i am too passionate , you must forgive me ; i have found it out the dutchess loves me dearly , she exprest a trouble in her when i took my le●ve , and chid me with a sullen ey ; 't is a device to hasten my return ; love has a thousand arts ; i 'l answer it , beyond her expectation , and put her soul to a noble test ; your patience gentlemen ; the kings health will deserve a sacrifice of wine . sec. i am glad to see this change , and thank my wit for my redemption . col. sir ▪ the souldiers curse on him loves not our master . col. and they curse loud enough to be heard . cap. their curse has the nature of gunpowder . sec. they do not pray with half the noise . col our generall is not well mixt , he has too great a portion of fire . col. his mistris cool him , her complexion carries some phlegm , when they two meet in bed ? cap. a third may follow . cap. 't is much pity . the young duke liv'd not to take the virgin off . col. 't was the kings act to match two rabbet suckers . col. a common trick of state , the little great man marries , travells then till both grow up ; and dies when he should do the feat ; these things are still unlucky on the male side . col● . this to the dutchess fair hand . s ▪ c. she will think time hath no wing , till i return . col● . gentlemen , now each man to his quarter , and encourage the souldier ; i shall take a pride to know your diligence , when i visit all your severall commands . omnes . we shall expect , col. and move by your directions . colu. y' are all noble . exeunt . enter cardinal , dutchess , placentia . card. i shall perform a visit dayly , madam , in th' absence of my nephew , and be happy if you accept my care . dut. you have honour'd me , and if your entertainment have not been worthy your graces person , 't is because nothing can reach it in my power ; but where there is no want of zeal , other defect is only a fault to exercise your mercy . card. you are bounteous in all ; i take my leave ; my fair neece , shortly , when columbo has purchas'd more honours to prefer his name , and value to your noble thoughts ; mean time be confident you have a friend , whose office , and favour with the king , shall be effectuall to serve your grace . dut. your own good deeds reward you , till mine rise equall to deserve their benefit . exit cardinal . leave me a while . exit placen . do not i walk upon the teeth of serpents ; and , as i had a charm against their poyson , play with their stings , the cardinal is subtle ? whom t is not wisdom to incense , till i hear to what destinie columbo leaves me ; may be the greatness of his soul will scorn to own what comes with murmur , if he can interpret me so happily ; art come ? enter secretary with a letter . sec. his excellence salutes your grace . dut : thou hast a malencholy brow ; how did he take my letter ? sec. as he would take a blow , with so much sense of anger , his whole soul boild in his face , and such prodigious flame in both his eys as they 'd been th' only seat of fire ; and at each look a salamander leaping forth , not able to endure the furnace . dut. ha! thou dost describe him with some horror . sec. soon as he had read again , and understood your meaning , his rage had shot me with a pistoll , had not i us'd some soft , and penitentiall language , to charm the bullet . dut. wait at some more distance ; my soul doth bath it self in a cold dew ; imagin , i am opening of a tomb , thus i throw off the marble to discover , what antick posture death presents in this pale monument to fright me — reads . ha ? my heart that call'd my blood and spirits , to defend it from the invasion of my fears , must keep a guard about it still , le●t this strange and too mighty joy crush it to nothing ▪ antonio . sec. madam . dut. bid my steward give thee two thousand ducates ; art sure i am awake ? sec. i shall be able to resolve you , madam , when he has paid the money . dut. columbo now is noble . exit . dut. sec. this is better than i expected , if my lady be not mad , and live to justifie her bounty . exit . enter king , alvarez , hernando , lords . king. the war is left to him . but we must have you reconcil'd , if that be all your difference . his rage flows like a torrent , when he meets with opposition , leave to wrastle with him , and his hot blood retreats into a calm , and then he chides his passion ; you shall back with letters from us . her. your commands , are not to be disputed . kin. alvarez . lo. lose not your self by cool submission , he will find his error , and the want of such a souldier . lo. have you seen the cardinal ? her. not yet . lo. he wants no plot — her. the king i must obey ; but let the purple gownman place his engins i' th' dark that wounds me . lo. be assur'd of what we can to friend you , and the king cannot forget your service . her. i am sorry for that poor gentleman . a●var . i must confess , sir , the dutchess has been pleas'd to think me worthy her favours , and in that degree of honour , that has oblig'd my life to make the best return of service , which is not , with bold affiance in her love , to interpose against her happiness , and your election ; i love so much her honour , i have quitted all my desires , yet would not shrink to bleed out my warm stock of life , so the last drop might benefit her wishes . ki. i shall find a compensation for this act , alvarez , it hath much pleased us . enter dutchess with a letter , gentleman-vsher . dut. sir , you are the king , and in that sacred title it were sin to doubt a justice , all that does concern my essence in this world , and a great part of the other bliss , lives in your breath . ki. what intends the dutchess ? dut. that will instruct you , sir , columbo has upon some better choice , or discontent , set my poor soul at freedom . ki. t is his character — reads . madam , i easily discharge all my pretensions to your love , and person , i leave you to your own choice , and in what you have obliged your self to me , resume a power to cancell if you please . columbo . this is strange . dut. now do an act to make your chronicle belov'd and read for ever . ki. express your self . dut. since by divine infusion , for t is no art could force the generall to this change , second this justice and bestow the heart you would have given from me , by your strict commands to love columbo , where 't was meant by heaven , and let your breath return whom you divorc'd , alvarez , mine . lords . this is but justice , sir. ki. it was decreed above , and since columbo has releas'd his interest which we had wrought him , not without some force upon your will i give you your own wishes , receive your own alvarez , when you please to celebrate your nuptial , i invite my self your guest . dut. eternall blessings crown you . omnes . and every joy your mariage [ exit king , who meets the cardinal , they confer . alvar. i know not whether i shall wonder most or joy to meet this happiness . dut. now the king hath planted us methinks we grow already , and twist our loving souls above the wrath of thunder to divide us . alv. ha ? the cardinal has met the king , i do not like this conference ; he looks with anger this way , i expect a tempest . dut. take no notice of his presence , leave me to meet , and answer it , if the king be firm in 's royall word , i fear no lightning ; expect me in the garden . alv. i obey , but fear a shipwrack on the coast . exit . card. madam . dut. my lord. car. the king speaks of a letter that has brought a riddle in 't . dut. t is easy to interpret . car. from my nephew ? may i deserve the favour ? dut. he looks as though his eys would fire the paper . they are a pair of burning glasses , and his envious blood doth give 'em flame . car. what lethargy could thus unspirit him ? i am all wonder ; do not believe madam , but that columbo's love is yet more sacred , to honour , and your self , than thus to forfeit what i have heard him call the glorious wreath to all his merits , given him by the king , from whom he took you with more pride than ever he came from victory ; his kisses hang yet panting on your lips , and he but now exchang'd religious farewell to return , but with more triumph to be yours . dut. my lord , you do believe your nephews hand was not surpriz'd or strain'd to this ? car. strange arts and windings in the world , most dark , and subtill progresses ; who brought this letter ? dut. i enquir'd not his name , i thought it not considerable to take such narrow knowledge . car. desert , and honour urg'd it here , nor can i blame you to be angry , yet his person oblig'd , you should have given a nobler pause , before you made your faith and change so violent from his known worth , into the arms of one , how ever fashioned to your amorous wish , not equall to his cheapest fame , with all the gloss of blood and merit . dut. this comparison , my good lord cardinal , i cannot think , flows from an even justice , it betrayes you partiall where your blood runs . car. i fear madam , your own takes two much licence , and will soon , fall to the censure of unruly tongues ; because alvarez has a softer cheek , can like a woman trim his want on hair , spend half a day with looking in the glass to find a posture to present himself , and bring more effeminacy than man , or honour to your bed ; must he supplant him ? take heed , the common murmur when it catches the sent of a lost fame — dut. my fame lord cardinal ? it stands upon an innocence as clear as the devotions you pay to heaven , i shall not urge my lord your soft indulgence at my next shrift . car. you are a fine court lady . dut. and you should be a reverend churchman . car. one , that if you have not thrown off modesty . would counsell you to leave alvarez . dut. cause you dare do worse than mariage , must not i be admitted what the church and law allowes me ? car. insolent ? then you dare marry him ? dut. dare ? let your contracted flame and malice , with columbo's rage higher than that , meet us when we approach the holy place , clasp'd hand in hand , wee 'l break through all your force and fix our sacred vows together there . car. i knew when with as chast a brow ▪ you promis'd fair to another ; you are no dissembling lady . dut. would all your actions had no falser lights about ' em . car ha ? dut. the people would not talk and curse so loud . car. i 'l have you chid into a blush for this . dut. begin at home great man , ther 's cause enough , you turn the wrong end of the perspective upon your crimes , to drive them to a far , and lesser sight , but let your eys look right what gaints would your pride and surfeit seem ? how gross your avarice , eating up whole families ? how vast are your corruptions and abuse of the kings ear ? at which you hang a pendent , not to adorn , but ulcerate , while the honest nobility , like pictures in the arras , serve only for court-ornament ; if they speak , 't is when you set their tongues , which you wind up , like clocks to strike at the just hour you please ; leave , leave , my lord , these usurpations , and be what you were meant a man to cure , 〈…〉 in agues to religion ; look on the churches wounds . car. you dare presume in your rude spleen to me , to abuse the church ? dut. alas you give false aym , my lord , 't is your ambition and scarlet sins that tob her altar of the glory , and leave wounds upon her brow ; which fetches grief , and paleness , into her cheeks ; making her troubled bosome pant with her groanes , and shroud her holy blushes within your reverend purples . car. will you now take breath ? dut. in hope , my lord , you will behold your self in a true glass , and see those injust acts that so deform you , and by timely cure , prevent a shame before the short haird men do croud and call for justice . i take leave . exit . car. this woman has a spirit , that may rise to tame the devils , ther 's no dealing with her angry tongue , 't is action and revenge must calm her fury ; were columbo here , i could resolve , but letters shall be sent to th' army which may wake him into sense of his rasn folly , or direct his spirit some way to snatch his honour from this flame , all great men know , the soul of life is ●ame . exit . act iii. enter valeria , celinda . valeria . i did not think celinda when i prais'd alvarez to the dutchess , that things thus would come about ▪ what does your ladiship think of columbo now ? it staggers all the court , he should forsake his mistress , i am lost with wonder yet . celind. 't is very strange without a spel ; but ther 's a fate in love , i like him ne'r the worse . enter two lords . lo. nothing but mariages , and triumph now . val. what new access of joy , makes you , my lord , so pleasant ? lo. ther 's a packet come to court makes the king merry , we are all concernd in 't ? columbo hath given the enemy a great , and glorious defeat , and is already preparing to march home . cel. he thriv'd the better for my prayers . lo. you have been his great admirer , madam . lo. the king longs to see him . val. this news exalts the cardinal . enter cardinal . lo. he 's here , he appears with discontent , the mariage with count d' alvarez hath a bitter tast , and not worn off his palat ; but let us leave him . ladies . we 'l to the dutchess . exeunt . manet car. card. he has not woon so much upon the arragon as he has lost at home , and his neglect of what my studies had contriv'd to adde more luster to our family by the access of the great dutchess fortune , cools his triumph , and makes me wild . enter hernando . her. my good lord cardinal . ( neral . car. you made complaint to th' king about your general . her. not a complaint my lord , i did but satisfie some questions o' the kings . car. you see he thrives without your personal valour , or advice , most grave and learned in the wars . her. my lord , i envy not his fortune . car. 't is above your malice , and your noise not worth his anger , 't is barking gainst the moon . her. more temper would become that habit . car. the military thing would shew some spleen ; i 'l blow an army of such wasps about the world ; go look your sting you left i' th' camp , sir. enter king , and lords . her. the king. exit . this may be one day counted for . k. all things conspire my lord to make you fortunate , your nephews glory — car. 't was your cause and justice made him victorious , had he been so valiant at home , he had had another conquest to invite and bid her welcome to new wars . k. you must be reconcil'd to providence , my lord ; i heard you had a controvercy with the dutchess , i will have you friends . car. i am not angry . k. for my sake then you shall be pleas'd , and with me grace the mariage ▪ a churchman must shew charity , and shine with first example , she 's a woman . car. you shall prescribe in all things ; sir , you cannot accuse my love , if i still wish my nephew had been so happy to be constant to your own , and my election ; yet my brain cannot reach how this comes about ; i know my nephew lov'd her with a near affection . enter hernando . k. he 'l give you fair account at his return . colonel , your letters may be spar'd , the general has finish'd , and is coming home . her. i am glad on 't , sir ; my good lord cardinal 't is not impossible but some man provok'd , may have a precious mind to cut your throat . car. you shall command me noble colonel ; i know you wo'not fail to be at th' wedding . her. 't is not columbo that is maried sir. car. go teach the postures of the pike and musket ▪ then dril your mi●midons into a ditch , where sterve , and stink in pick●e , you shall find me reasonable , you see the king expects me . her. so does the devill ; some desperate hand may help you on your journey . exeunt . enter secretary and servants . sec. here this , i this will fit your part : you shall wear the slashes , because you are a souldier ; here 's for the blue mute . this doublet will never fit me , pox on t ' , are these breeches good enough for a prince too ? pedro playes but a lord , and he has two laces more in a seam . sec. you must consider pedro is a foolish lord , he may wear what lace he please . does my beard fit my cloathes well gentlemen ? sec pox o' your beard . that will fright away the hair . this fellow plays but a mute , & he is so troublesome , and talks . mr. secretary might have let iaques play the soldier , he has a black patch already . by your favour mr. secretary , i was ask'd who writ this play for us . sec. for u ? why art thou any more than a blew mute ? and by my troth , i said , i thought it was all your own . sec. away you coxcomb . do'st think he has no more wit then to write a comedy ? my ladies chaplain made the play , though he is content for the honour and tronble of the business , to be seen in 't . enter th . servant . did any body see my head gentlemen 't was here but now ? i shall have never a head to play my part in . sec. is thy head gone ? 't is well thy part was not in 't , look , look about , has not iaques it ? i his head ? t wo'not come on upon my shoulders . sec. make hast gentlemen i 'l see whether the king has sup'd ; look every man to his wardrop and his part . exit . is he gone ? in my mind a masque had been fitter for a mariage . why mute ? there was no time for 't , and the scenes are troublesome . half a score deal tack'd together in the clouds , what 's that ? a throne to come down and dance ; all the properties have been paid forty times over , and are in the court stock , but the secretary must have a play to shew his wit. did not i tell thee t was the chaplains ? hold your tongue mute . under the rose and would this cloth of silver doublet might never come off agen , if there be any more plot then you see in the back of my hand . you talk of a plot , i 'l not give this for the best poets plot in the world and if it be not well carryed . well said mnte. ha , ha ; pedro since he put on his doublet , has repeated but three lines , and he has broke five butt on s . i know not but by this false beard , and here 's hair enough to hang a reasonable honest man , i do not remember to say a strong line indeed in the whole comedy ; but when the chambermaid kisses the captain . excellent mute . enter another servant . they have almost sup'd , and i cannot find my head yet . play in thine own . thank you for that , so i may have it made a property , if i have not a head found me , let mr. secretary play my part himself without it . enter secretary . sec. are you all ready my masters ? the king is coming through the gallery , are the women drest ? rogero wants a head . sec. here with a pox to you , take mine , you a player ? you a puppy-dog is the musick ready ? enter gentleman-vsher . gent. gentlemen , it is my ladies pleasure that you expect till she call for you , there are a company of cavaliers in gallant equipage newly alighted , have offer'd to present their revels in honour of this hym●n ; and 't is her graces command , that you be silent till their entertainment be over . gentlemen ? affronted ? mr. secretary , ther 's your head again ; a man 's a man ; have i broken my sleep to study fifteen lines for an ambassador , and after that a constable , and is it come to this ? sec. patience gentlemen , be not so hot , t is but defer'd , and the play may do well enough cold . if it be not presented , the chaplain will have the greatest loss , he loses his wits . hoboies . sec. this musick speaks the king upon entrance ; retire , retire , and grumble not . exeunt . enter king , cardinal , alvarez , dutchess , celinda , valeria , placentia , lords , hernando ; ( they being set ) enter columbo , and five more in rich habits visarded ; between every two a torch bearer : they dance , and after beckon to alvarez as desirous to speak with him . alv. with me ! [ they embrace and whisper . k. do you know the masquers madam ? dut. not i sir. car. ther 's one , but that my nephew is abroad , and has more soul than thus to jyg upon their hymenrall night , i should suspect 't were he . [ the masquers lead in alvarez . dut. wher 's my lord d' alvarez ? [ recorders . k. call in the bridegroom . enter columbo , four masquers , bring in alvarez dead , in one of their habits , and having laid him down , exeunt . dut. what mistery is this ? car. we want the bridegroom still . k. where is alvarez [ columbo points to the body , they unvizard , & find alvar. bleeding . dut. oh 't is my lord hee 's murder'd . k. who durst commit this horrid act ? col. i sir. k. columbo ? ha ! col. yes ; columbo that dares stay to justifie that act . her. most barbarous . dut. oh my dearest lord ! k. our guard seize on them all , this sight doth shake all that is man within me ; poor alvarez is this thy wedding day ? enter guard. dut. if you do think there is a heaven or pains , to punish such black crimes i' th' other world , let me have swift , and su●h exemplar justice as shall become this great assasinate , you will take off our faith else , and if here such innocence must bleed , and you look on , poor men that call you gods on earth , will doubt to obey your laws , nay practise to be devils , as fearing if such monstrous sins go on the saints will not be safe in heaven . k. you shall , you shall have justice . car. now to come off were brave . enter servant . ser. the masquers , sir , are fled , their horse prepar'd at gate expected to receive 'em , where they quickly mounted , coming so like friends none could suspect their hast , which is secur'd by advantage of the night . col. i answer for ' ●m all , 't is stake enough for many lives , but if that poniard had voice , it would convince they were but all spectators of my act ; and now if you will give your judgments leave , though at the first face of this object your cool bloods were frighted , i can excuse this deed and call it justice ; an act , your honours , and your office sir , is bound to build a law upon , for others to imitate ; i have but took his life , and punish'd her with mercy , who had both conspir'd to kill the soul of all my fame read there , — and read an injury as deep in my dishpnour , as the devill knew a woman had capacity or malice to execute read there , how you were cozen'd sir , your power affronted , and my faith , her smiles a jugling witchcraft to betray and make my love her horse to stalk withall , and catch her curled minion . car. is it possible the dutchess could dissemble so , and forfeit her modesty with you , and to us all ? yet i must pity her ; my nephew has been too severe , though this affront would call a dying man from prayers , and turn him tiger , there being nothing dearer than our fame , which , if a common man , whose blood has no ingredient of honour , labour to preserve , a souldier ( by his nearest tye to glory ) is above all others , bound to vindicate ; and yet it might have been less bloody : her. charitable devill ! k. reads . i pray , my lord , release under your hand , what you dare challenge in my love or person , as a just fo●feit to my self , this act will speak ●ou honorable to my thoughts , and when you have conquered thus your self , you may proceed to many victories , and after , with safety of your fame visit again the lost rosaura . to this your answer was a free resign ? col. flatter'd with great opinion of her faith , and my desert of her ( with thought that she who seem'd to weep and chide my easie will to part with her , could not be guilty of a treason , or apostacy so soon , but rather meant this a device to make me expedite the affairs of war ) i sent that paper , which her wickedness not justice , applied ( what i meant tryall ) her divorce ; i lov'd her so , i dare call heaven to witness i knew not whether i lov'd most ; while ●he , with him , whose crimson penitence i provok'd , conspir'd my everlasting infamy ; examine but the circumstance . car. 't is clear , this match was made at home before she sent that cunning writ , in hope to take him off , as knowing his impatient soul would scorn to own a blessing came on crutches to him ; it was not well to raise his expectation , ( had you , sir , no affront ) to ruine him with so much scandall and contempt . k. we have too plentifull a circumstance to accuse you madam , as the cause of your own sorrows , but not without an accessary , more than young alvarez . car. any other instrument ? k. yes i am guilty , with her self , and don columbo , though our acts look'd severall waies , that thought a lover might so soon be ransom'd ; and did exceed the office of a king to exercise dominion over hearts , that owe to the prerogative of heaven their choice , or separation ; you must therefore , when you do kneel for justice , and revenge , madam , consider me a laterall agent in poor alvarez tragedy . lo. it was your love to don columbo sir. her. so , so ; the king is charm'd ; do you observe , how to acquit columbo , he would draw himself into the plot ; heaven , is this justice ? car. your judgment is divine in this . k. and yet , columbo cannot be secure , and we just in his pardon , that durst make so great , and insolent a breach of law and duty . lo. ha , will he turn agen ? k. and should we leave this guilt of blood to heaven , which cries , and strikes , with loud appeals the palace of eternity , yet here is more to charge columbo , than alvarez blood , and bids me punish it , or be no king. her. 't is come about my lords . k. and if i should forgive his timeless death , i cannot the offence , that with such boldness struck at me . has my indulgence to your merits which are great made me so cheap , your rage could meet no time nor place for your revenge , but where my eys must be affrighted , and affronted with the bloody execution ? this contempt of majesty trar scends my power to pardon , and you shall feel my anger sir. her. ●hou shalt have one short prayer more for that . col. have i i' th' progress of my life no actions to plead me up deserving , against this ceremony ? car. contain your self . col. i must be dumb then ; where is honour ? and gratitude of kings , when they forget whose hand secur'd their greatness ? take my head off , examine then which of your silken lords , as i have done , will throw himself on dangers ; like to a floting iland move in blood ; and where your great defence calls him to stand a bullwark , upon his bold brest to take in death , that you may live : but souldiers are your valiant fools , whom when your own securities are bleeding you can cherish , but when once your state and nerves are knit , not thinking when to use their surgery again , you cast them off , and let them hang in dusty armories , or make it death to ask for pay . k. no more , we thought to have put your victory and merits in ballance with alvarez death , which while our mercy was to iudge , had been your safety ; but the affront to us , made greater by this boldness to upbraid our royall bounty , shall tame or make you nothing . lor. excellent . her. the cardinal is not pleas'd . car. humble your self to th' king. col. and beg my life ? let cowards do 't that dare not dy , i 'l rather have no head than owe it to his charity . k. to th' castle with him . madam , i leave you to your grief , and what the king can recompence to your tears , or honor of your dead lord , expect . dut. this shews like iustice. exeunt . act iv. enter two lords , hernando . lord. this is the age of wonders . lo. wonderous mischiefs . her. among those guards which some call tutelar angels , whose office is to govern provinces , is there not one will undertake navarre ? hath heaven forsook us quite ? columbo at large ? and grac'd now more than ever . he was not pardon'd , that word was prejudiciall to his fame . her. but as the murder done had been a dream vanish'd to memory , he 's courted as preserver of his country ; with what chains of magick does this cardinal hold the king ? what will you say my lord if they inchant the dutchess now ; and by some impudent art , advance a mariage to columbo yet ? her. say ? i 'l say no woman can be sav'd , nor is 't fit , indeed , any should pretend to heaven after one such impiety in their sex , and yet my faith has been so stager'd , since the king restor'd columbo , i 'l be now of no religion . 't is not possible she can forgive the murder , i observ'd her tears . her. why so did i , my lord , and if they be not honest , 't is to be half damn'd to look upon a woman weeping . when do you think the cardinal said his prayers ? i know not . her. heaven forgive my want of charity but if i were to kill him , he should have no time to pray , his life could be no sacrifice , unless his soul went too . that were too much . her. when you mean to dispatch him , you may give time for confession , they have injur'd me after another rate . you are too passionate cozen. enter columbo , colonels , alfonso , courtiers , ( they pass over the stage . ) her. how the gay men do flutter to congratulate his goal delivery ? ther 's one honest man , what pity 't is a gallant fellow should depend on knaves for his preferment . except this cruelty upon alvarez , columbo has no mighty stain upon him ; but for his uncle — her. if i had a son of twelve years old , that would not fight with him , and stake his soul against his cardinals cap , i would dis-inherit him ; time has took a lease but for three lives i hope , a fourth may see honesty walk without a crutch . this is but air and wildness . her. i 'l see the dutchess , you may do well to comfort her , we must attend the king. her. your pleasures . exit her. enter king and card●nal . a man of a brave soul. the le●s his safety ; the king and cardinal in consult . k. commend us to the dutchess , and imploy what language you think fit , and powerfull to reconcile her to some peace . my lords . car. sir , i possess all for your sacred uses . exeunt severally . enter secretary and celinda . sec. madam , you are the welcom'st lady living . cel. to whom , mr. secretary ? sec. if you have mercy to pardon so much boldness , i durst say , to me — i am a gentleman . cel. and handsome . sec. but my lady has much wanted you . cel. why mr. secretary ? sec. you are the prettiest , cel. so. sec. the witiest , cel. so. sec. the merriest lady i' th' court. cel. and i was wish'd to make the dutchess pleasant ▪ sec. she never had so deep a cause of sorrow , her chamber 's but a coffin of a larger volume , wherein she walks so like a ghost , t' would make you pale to see her . cel. tell her grace i attend here . sec. i shall most willingly . a spirited lady , would i had her in my closet , she is excellent company among the lords , sure she has an admirable treble — madam . exit . cel. i do suspect this fellow would be nibling like some whose narrow fortunes will not rise to wear things when the inventions rare , and new , but treading on the heel of pride , they hunt the fashion when t is crippled , like fell tyrants ; i hope i am not old yet , i had the honour to be saluted by our cardinals nephew this morning , ther 's a man ! enter secretary . sec. i have prevail'd , sweet madam use what eloquence you can upon her , and if ever i be usefull to your ladiships service , your least breath commands me . enter dutchess . dut. madam , i come to ask you but one question , if you were in my state , my state of grief , i mean an exile from all happiness , of this world , and almost of heaven , for my affiction is finding out despair , what would you think of don columbo ? cel. madam ? dut. whose bloody hand wrought all this misery ? would you not weep as i do ? and wish rather an everlasting spring of tears to drown your sight , than let your eys be curst to see the murderer agen ? and glorious ? so careless of his sin , that he is made fit for new parricide , even while his soul is purpled o'r , and reeks with innocent blood . but do not , do not answer me , i know you have so great a spirit ( which i want , the horrour of his fact surprising all my faculties ) you would not let him live : but i , poor i , must suffer more , ther 's not one little star in heaven will look on me , unless to choose me out the mark , on whom it may shoot down some angry influence . enter placenti● . pla. madam , her 's don columbo says he must speak with your grace . dut. but he must not , i charge you . none else wait ? is this well done , to triumph in his tyranny ? speak madam , speak but your conscience . enter columbo , and secretary . sec. sir , you must not see her ▪ col. not see her ? were she cabled up above the search of bullet , or of fire , were she within her grave , and that the toughest mine that ever nature teem'd and groand withall , i would force some way to see her ; do not fear i come to court you madam , y' are not worth th● humblest of my kinder thoughts , i come to shew the man you have prokvo'd , and lost ; and tell you what remains of my revenge . live , but never presume again to marry , i 'l kill the next at th' altar , and quench all the smiling tapers with his blood ; if after you dare provoke the priest , and heaven so much , to take another , in thy bed i 'l cut him from thy warm embracc , and throw his heart to ravens . cel. this will appear an unexampled cruelty . col. your pardon madam , rage , and my revenge not perfect , took away my eys , you are a noble lady , this , not worth your ey-beam , one of so slight a making , and so thin , an autumn leaf is of too great a value to play , which shall be ●oonest lost i' th' air ; be pleas'd to own me by some name , in your assurance , i despise to be receiv'd there , let her witness that i call you mistress ; honour me to make these pearls your carkanet . cel. my lord , you are too humble in your thoughts . col. ther 's no vexation too great to punish her . exit . enter secretary . sec. now nadam ? cel. away you saucy fellow ; madam , i must be excus'd , if i do think more honourably than you have cause of this great lord. dut. why is not all woman kind concern'd to hate what 's impious ? cel. for my part — dut. antonio , is this a woman ? sec. i know not whether she be man or woman , i should be nimble to find out the experiment , she look'd with less state , when columbo came . dut. let me entreat your absence , i am cozen'd in her , i took you for a modest , honest lady . cel. madam , i scorn any accuser , and deducting the great title of a dutchess , i shall not need one grain of your dear honour to make me full weight , if your grace be jealous i can remove . exit . sec. she is gone . dut. prethee remove my fears of her return , — she is not worth ex. sec. considering , my anger 's mounted higher ; he need not put in caution ●or my next mariage , a●var●z , i must come to thee , thy virgin , wife , and widdow , but not till i ha' paid tho●e tragick duties to thy herse , become my piety and love , but how ? who shall instruct a way ? enter placentia . pla. madam , don hernando much desires to speak with you . dut. will not thy own discretion think i am unfit for visit . pla. please your grace he brings something he says imports your ear , and love of the dead lord alvarez . dut. then admit him . enter hernando : her. i would speak , madam , to your self . dut. your absence . her. i know not how you grace will censure so much boldness , when you know the affairs i come for . dut. my servant has prepar'd me to receive it , if it concern my dead lord. her. can you name so much of your alvarez in a breath without one word of your revenge ? o madam , i come to chide you , and repent my great opinion of your virtue , that can walk , and spend so many hours in naked solitude , as if you thought that no arrears were due to his death , when you had paid his funerall charges , made your eys red , and wept a handkercher ; i come to tell you that i saw him bleed , i , that can challenge nothing in his name , and honour , saw his murder'd body warm , and panting with the labour of his spirits , till my amaz'd soul shrunk and hid it self , while barbarous columbo grinning stood , and mock'd the weeping wounds ; it is too much that you should keep your heart alive , so long after this spectacle , and not revenge it . dut. you do not know the business of my heart , that censure me so rashly ; yet i thank you , and if you be alvarez friend , dare tell your confidence , that i despise my life , but know not how to use it in a service , to speak me his revenger , this will need no other proof , than that to you , who may be sent with cunning to betray me , i have made this bold confession , i so much desire to sacrifice to that hovering ghost , columbo's life , that i am not ambitious to keep my own two minutes after it . her. if you will call me coward , which is equall to think i am a traytor , i forgive it , for this brave resolution , which time and all the destinies must aid , i beg that i may kiss your hand for this , and may the soul of angry honour guide it . dut. whither ? her. to don columbo's heart . dut. it is too weak i fear alone . her. alone ? are you in earnest ? why ? will it not be a dishonour to your justice , madam , another arm should interpose ? but that it were a sawcy act to mingle with you , i durst , nay i am bound in the revenge of him that 's dead , ( since the whole world has interest , in every goodmans loss ) to offer it ; dare you command me , madam ? dut. not command , but i should more than honour such a truth in man , that durst against so mighty odds , appear alvarez friend and mine ; the cardinal — her. is for the second course , columbo must be first cut up , his ghost must lead the dance . let him dy first . dut. but how ? her. how ? with a sword , and if i undertake it , i wo'not lose so much of my own honour , to kill him basely . dut. how shall i reward this infinite service ? 't is not modesty , while now my husband groanes beneath his tomb , and calls me to his marble bed , to promise what this great act might well deserve , my self if you survive the victor , but if thus alvarez ashes be appeas'd it must deserve an honourable memory ; and though columbo ( as he had all power , and grasp'd the fates ) has vow'd to kill the man that shall succeed alvarez — her. tyranny . dut. yet if ever , i entertain a thought of love hereafter , hernando from the world shall challenge it , till when , my prayers , and fortune , shall wait on you . her. this is too mighty recompence . dut. 't is all just . her. if i outlive columbo i must not expect security at home . dut. thou canst not fly , where all my fortunes , and my love , shall not attend to guard thee . her. if i dye — dut. thy memory shall have a shrine , the next within my heart to my alvarez . her. once again your hand , your cause is so religious you need not strengthen it with your prayers , trust it to me . enter placentia , and cardinal . pla. madam , the cardinal . dut. will you appear ? her. and he had all the horror of the devil in 's face , i would not balk him . [ he sta●es upon the cardinal in his exit . car. what makes hernando here ? i do not like they should consult , i 'l take no note ; the king fairly salutes your grace , by whose command i am to tell you , though his will and actions illimited , stoop not to satisfie the vulgar inquisition , he is yet willing to retain a just opinion , with those that are plac'd neer him , and although you look with natures ey upon your self , which needs no perspective to reach , nor art of any optick to make greater , what your narrow sense applies an injury , ( our selves still nearest to our selves ) but ther 's another ey that looks abroad and walks in search of reason , and the weight of things , with which if you look on him , you will find his pardon to ●olumbo cannot be so much against his justice , as your erring faith would perswade your anger . dut. good my lord , your phrase has too much landschape and i cannot distinguish at this distance you present the figure perfect , but indeed my eys may pray your lordship find excuse , for tears have almost made them blind . car. fair , peace restore ' em ! to bring the object nearer , the king says , he could not be severe to don columbo without injustice to his other merits , which call more loud for their reward and honour , than you for your revenge ; the kingdom made happy by those ; you only by the last uunfortunate , nor was it rationall , i speak the kings own language , he should dy for taking one mans breath , without whose valour none now had been alive , without dishonour . dut. in my poor understanding , 't is the crown of virtue to proceed in its own tract , not deviate from honour , if you acquit a man of murder , 'cause he has done brave things in the war , you will bring down his valour to a crime , nay to a baud , if it secure a rape , and but teach those that deserve well to sin with greater licence ; but dispute is now too late , my lord , 't is done , and you , by the good king , in tender of my sorrows , sent to perswade me , 't is unreasonable that justice should repair me . car. you mistake , for if columbo's death could make alvarez live , the king had given him up to law your bleeding sacrifice ; but when his life was but another treasure thrown away , to obey a clamorous statute , it was wisdom to himself and common safety to take off this killing edge of law , and keep columbo to recompence the crime by noble acts , and sorrow , that in time might draw your pity . dut. this is a greater tyranny , than that columbo exercis'd , he kill'd my lord , and you not have the charity to let me think it worth a punishment , car. to that in my own name , i answer ; i condemn and urge the blody guilt against my nephew , 't was violent , and cruell , a black deed , a deed whose memory doth make me shuddet , an act that did betray a tyranous nature , which he took up in war , the school of vengeance ; and though the kings compassion spare him here , unless his heart weep it self out in penitent tears . dut. this sounds as you were now a good man. car. does your grace think i have conscience to allow the murder ? although when it was done , i did obey the stream of nature , as he was my kinsman , to plead he might not pay his forfeit life , could i do less for one so near my bloud ? consider madam , and be charitable , let not this wild injustice , make me lose the character i bear , and reverend habit . to make you full acquainted with my innocence , i challenge here my soul , and heaven to witnes● if i had any thought , or knowledge with my nephews plot , or person , when he came under the smooth pretence of friend to violate your hospitable laws , and do that act whose frequent mention drawes this tear , a whirlwind snatch me to endless flames . dut. i must believe , and ask your graces pardon , i confess i ha' not lov'd you since alvarez death , though we were reconcil'd . car. i do not blame your jealousie , nor any zeal you had to prosecute revenge against me , madam , as i then stood suspected , nor can yet implore your mercy to columbo , all i have to say is to retain my first opinion and credit with your grace , which you may think i urge not out of fear or ends upon you , ( since , i thank the king , i stand firm on the base of royall favour ) but for your own sake , and to shew i have compassion of your sufferings . dut. you have cleer'd a doubt my lord , and by this fair remonstrance , given my sorrow so much truce , to think that we may meet agen , and yet be friends . but be not angry , if i still remember by whom alvarez dyed , and weep , and wake another iustice with my prayers , car. all thoughts that may advance a better peace , dwell with you . exit . dut. how would this cozening statesman bribe my faith with flatteries to think him innocent ? no , if his nephew dy , this cardinal must not be long-liv'd ; all the prayers of a wrong'd widow make firm hernando's sword , and my own hand shall have some glory in the next revenge ; i will pretend my brain with grief distracted , it may gain easy credit , and beside the taking off examination for great ●olumbo's death , it makes what act i do in that believ'd want of my reason , appear no crime , but my defence ; look down soul of my lord , from thy eternall shade , and unto all thy blest companions boast , thy dutchess busie to revenge thy ghost . exit . enter columbo , hernando , alfonso , colonel . col. hernando , now i love thee , and do half repent the affront my passion threw upon thee ▪ her. you wo'not be too prodigall o' your penitence . colu. this makes good thy nobility of birth , thou mayst be worth my anger and my sword , if thou dost execute as daringly , as thou provok'st a quarrell , i did think thy soul a starveling , or a sleep . her. you 'l find it active enough to keep your spirit waking , which to exasperate , for yet i think it is not high enough to meet my rage — d' ee smile ? col. this noise is worth it , gentlemen ; i 'm sorry this great soldier has engag'd your travel , all his business is to talk . her. a little of your lordships patience , you shall have other sport , and swords that will be as nimble 'bout your heart , as you can wish , 't is pity more than our two single lives ▪ should be at stake . colon. make that no scruple sir. her. to him then that survives if fate allow that difference , i speak that he may tell the world , i came not hither on slight anger , but to revenge my honour stain'd , and trampled on by this proud man , when general , he commanded my absence from the field . colu. i do remember , and i 'l give your soul now a discharge . her. i come to meet it , if your courage be so fortunate . but there is more than my own injury you must account for sir , if my sword prosper , whose point and every edge is made more keen with young alvarez blood , in which i had a noble interest ; does not that sin benum thy arteries , and turn the guilty flowings , to trembling gelly in thy veins ? canst hear me name that murder , and thy spirits not struck into air , as thou wert shot by some engin from heaven ? col. you are the dutchess champion ; thou hast given me a quarrell now ; i grieve it is determin'd all must fight , and i shall lose much honour in his fall . her. that dutchess ( whom but to mention with thy breath , is sacrilege ) an orphan of thy making , and condemn'd by thee to eternall solitude , i come to vindicate , and while i am killing thee , by virtue of her prayers sent up for justice , at the same time , in heaven i am pardon'd for 't . col. i cannot hear the bravo . her. two words more and take your chance , before you all i must pronounce that noble lady , without knowledge , or thought of what i undertake for her . poor soul , shee s now at her devotions , busie with heaven , and wearing out the earth with her stiff knees , and bribing her good angel with treasures of her eys , to tell her lord how much she longs to see him ; my attempt needs no commission from her , were i a stranger in navarre , the inborn right of every gentleman to alvarez loss , is reason to engage their swords , and lives , against the common enemy of virtue . colu. now have you finish'd ? i have an instrument shall cure this noise , and fly up to thy tongue , to murder all thy words . her. one little knot of phlegm that clogs my stomach , and i ●a ' done ; you have an uncle call'd a cardinal would he were lurking now about thy heart , that the same wounds might reach you both , and send your reeling souls together . now have at you . alph. we must not sir be idle . [ they fight , columbo's second ●●ain . her. what think you now of praying ? colu. time enough ; [ he kills hernando's second . commend me to my friend ; the scales are even , i would be mercifull , and give you time , now to consider of the other world , you 'l find your soul benighted presently . her. i 'l find my way i' th' dark . [ they fight , and close , columbo gets both the swords , and hernando takes up the seconds weapon . colu a stumble 's dangerous . now ask thy life — ha ? her. i despise to wear it , a gift from any but the first bestower . col. i scorn a base advantage — ha . her. i am now [ columbo throwes away one of the swords . they fight , hernand● wounds columbo . out of your debt . col. th' ast don 't , and i forgive thee . give me thy hand , when shall we meet again ? her. never , i hope . col. i feel life ebb apace , yet i 'l look upwards , and shew my face to heaven . her. the matters done , i must not stay to bury him . exit . act v. enter two lords . lord. columbo's death doth much aflict the king. lo. i thought the cardinal would have lost his wits at first , for 's nephew , it drownes all the talk of the other that were slain . we are friends . i do suspect hernando had some interest and knew how their wounds came . his flight confirms it , for whom the cardinal has spread his nets . he is not so weak to trust himself at home to his enemies gripe . all strikes not me so much , as that the dutchess , most oppressed lady , should be distracted , and before columbo was slain . but that the cardinal should be made her guardian , is to me above that wonder . so it pleas'd the king , and she , with that small stock of reason left her , is so kind , and smooth upon him . she 's turn'd a child agen ; a madness , that would ha' made her brain and blood boil high in which distemper she might ha' wrought something . had been to purpose . the cardinal is cunning , and how e'r his brow does smile , he does suspect hernando took fire from her , and waits a time to punish it . but what a subject of disgrace , and mirth , hath poor celinda made herself by pride , in her belief columbo was her servant . her head hath stoop'd much since he died , and she almost ridiculous at court. enter cardinal , antonelli , servant . . the cardinal is come into the garden , now — car. walk off , it troubles me the dutchess by her loss of brain is now beneath my great revenge , she is not capable to feel my anger , which like to unregarded thunder spent in woods , and lightning aim'd at senseless trees , must idly fall , and hurt her not , not to that sense her guilt deserves a fatall stroke , without the knowledg for what crime to fright her , when she takes leave , and make her tug with death , untill her soul sweat , is a pidgeons torment , and she is sent a babe to the other world , columbo's death will not be satisfied , and i but wound her with a two edg'd feather ; i must do more , i have all opportunity , ( she by the king now made my charge ) but she 's so much a turtle i shall lose by killing her , perhaps do her a pleasure , and preferment ; that must not be . enter celinda with a parchment . anto. is not this she , that would be thought to have been columbo's mistress ? madam , his grace is private , and would not be disturb'd , you may displease him . cel. what will your worship wager that he shall be pleas'd again before we part . ant. i 'l lay this diamond madam , 'gainst a kiss , and trust your self to keep the stakes . cel. 't is done . ant. i have long had an appetite to this lady , but the lords keep her up so high — this toy may bring her on . car. this interruption tasts not of good manners . cel. but where necessity my lord compells , the boldness may meet pardon , and when you have found my purpose , i may less appear unmannerly . car. to th' business . cel. it did please your nephew , sir , before his death to credit me with so much honorable favour , i am come to tender to his neer'st of blood , your self , what does remain a debt to him . not to delay your grace with circumstance , that deed , if you accept , makes you my heir of no contemptible estate — this way [ he reads . is only left to try up scurrile tongues , and saucy men , that since columbo's death venture to libell on my pride , and folly ; his greatness , and this gift which i enjoy , still for my life , beyond which term ; a kingdom 's , nothing , will curb the giddy spleens of men that live on impudent rime , and railing at each wandering fame they cat●h . car. madam , this bounty will bind my gratitude and care to serve you . cel. i am your graces servant . car. antonelli , [ whisper . and when this noble lady visits me let her not wait . cel. what think you my officious , sir ; his grace is pleas'd , you may conjecture ? i may keep your gem , the kiss was never yours . ant. sweet madam — cel. talk if you dare , you know i must not wait , and so farewell for this time . car. 't is in my brain already , and it formes apace , good , excellent revenge , and pleasant ! she 's now within my talons , 't is too cheap a satisfaction for columbo's death , only to kill her by soft charm or force , i 'l rifle first her darling chastity , 't wil be after time enough to poyson her , and she to th' world be thought her own destroyer . as i will frame the circumstance , this night all may be finished ; for the colonel , her agent in my nephewes death ( whom i disturb'd at counsell with her ) i may reach him hereafter , and be master of his fate . we starve our conscience when we thrive in state. exeunt . enter secretary , and placentia ? sec. placentia , we two are only left of my ladies servants , let us be true to her , and one another , and be sure when we are at prayers , to curse the cardinal . pla. i pity my sweet lady . sec. i pity her too , but am a little angry ; she might have found another time to lose her wits . pla. that i were a man ? sec. what would'st thou do placentia . ●la . i would revenge my lady . sec. 't is better being a woman , thou mayst do things that may prosper better , and the fruit be thy own another day . pla. your wit still loves to play the wanton . sec. 't is a sad time placentia , some pleasure would do well , the truth is , i am weary of my life , and i would have one fit of mirth before i leave the world . pla. do not you blush to talk thus wildly ? sec. 't is good manners to be a little mad after my lady ; but i ha' done ; who is with her now ? pla. madam valeria . sec. not celinda ? ther 's a lady for my humour , a pretty book of flesh and blood , and well bound up , in a fair letter too ; would i had her with all the errata . pla. she has not an honorable fame . sec. her fame ? that 's nothing , a little stain , her wealth will fe●ch again the colour , and bring honour into her cheeks as fresh ; if she were mine , and i had her exchequer ▪ i know the way to make her honest , honest to th' touch , the test , and the last tryall . pla. how prethee ? sec. why , first i would marry her , that 's a verb materiall ; then i would print her with an ind●x expurgatorius , a table drawn of her court her●sies , and when she 's read cum privilegio , who dares call her whore ? pla. i 'l leave you , if you talk thus . sec. i ha' done , placentia , thou may'st be better company after another progress ; and now tell me , did'st ever hear of such a patient madness as my lady is possest with ? she has rav'd but twice ; and she would fright the cardinall , or at a supper if she did but poyson him , it were a phrensy i could bear withall ; she calls him her dear governour — enter hernando disguised having a letter . pla. who is this ? her. her secretary ? sir , here is a letter if it may have so much happiness to kiss her graces hand . sec. from whom ? her. that 's not in your commission sir to ask , or mine to satisfie , she will want no understanding when she reads . sec. alas , under your favour sir , you are mistaken . her grace did never more want understanding . her. how ? sec. have you not heard , her scull is broken sir and many pieces taken out , she 's mad . her. the sad fame of her distraction has two much truth it seems . pla. if please you sir to exp●ct a while , i will present the letter . her. pray do exit place● . how long has she been thus distemper'd sir ? sec. before the cardinal came to govern here , who for that reason by the king was made her guardian , we are now at his devotion . her. a lamb given up to a tyger ! may diseases soon eat him through his heart ! sec. your pardon sir , i love that voice , i know it too , a little , are not you ? be not angry noble sir , i can with ease be ignorant agen , and think you are another man , but if you be that valiant gentleman they call — her. whom ? what ? sec. that kill'd , i would not name him if i thought you were not pleas'd to be that very gentleman . her. am i betraid ? sec. the devil sha'not betray you here , kill me , and i will take my death you are the noble colonel ; we are all bound to you for the generals death , valiant hernando ? when my lady knows you are here , i hope 't wil fetch her wits agen , but do not talk too loud , we are not all honest i' th' house , some are the cardinals creatures . her. thou wert faithfull to thy lady , i am glad 't is night , but tell me how the churchman uses the dutchess ? enter antonelli . sec. he carries angels in his tongue , and face , but i suspect his heart , this is one of his spawns . signior antonelli . ant. honest antonio . sec. and how , and how — a friend of mine , where is the cardinals grace ? her. that will be never answered . aut. he means to sup here with the dutchess . sec. will be ? ant. we 'l have the charming bottles at my chamber , bring that gentleman , we 'l be mighty merry . her. i may disturb your jollity . ant. farewell sweet — sec. dear antonelli — a round pox confound you . this is court retorick at the back stairs . enter placentia . pla. do you know this gentleman ? sec. not i. pla. my lady presently dismist val●ria , and bad me bring him to her bed-chamber . sec. the gentleman has an honest face . pla. her words fell from her with some evenness & joy . her. grace desires your presence . her. i 'l attend her . exit . sec. i would this soldier had the cardinal upon a promontory , with what a spring the churchman would leap down , it were a spectacle most rare to see him topple from the precipice , and souse in the salt water with a noise to stun the fishes ; and if he fell into a net , what wonder would the simple sea● guls have , to draw up the o'rgrown lobster , so ready boild ? he shall have my good wishes , this colonels coming may be lucky . i will be sure none shall interrupt ' em . enter celinda . cel. is her grace at opportunity ? sec. no sweet madam , she is a sleep , her gentlewoman says . cel. my business is but visit , i 'l expect . sec. that must not be , although i like your company . cel. you are grown rich mr. secretary . sec. i madam , alas ! cel. i hear you are upon another purchase . sec. i upon a purchase ? cel. if you want any sum — sec. if i could purchase your sweet favour madam ? cel. you shall command me , and my fortune sir. sec. how 's this ? cel. i have observ'd you sir a staid , and prudent gentleman — and i shall want — sec. not me ? cel. a father for some infant ; he has credit [ aside . i' th' world ; i am not the first cast lady has married a secretary . sec. shall i wait upon you ? cel. whither ? sec. any whither . cel. i may chance lead you then — sec. i shall be honour'd to obey , my blood is up , and in this humour i 'm for any thing . cel. well sir , i 'l t●y your manhood . sec. 't is my happiness , you cannot please me better . cel. this was struck i' th' opportunity . sec. i am made for ever . enter hernando , and dutchess . her. dear madam , do not weep . dut. y' are very welcome , i ha done , i wo'not shed a tear more till i meet alvarez , then i 'l weep for joy ; he was a fine young gentleman , and sung sweetly , and you had heard him but the night before we were married , you would ha' sworn he had been a swan , and sung his own ●ad epitaph ; but we 'l talk o' the cardinal . her. would his death might ransom your fair sense , he should not live to triumph in the loss , beshrow my manhood ; but i begin to melt . dut. i pray sir tell me , for i can understand , although they say i have lost my wits ; but they are safe enough , and i shall have 'em when the cardinal dyes ; who had a letter from his nephew too since he was slain . her. from whence ? dut. i know not where he is ? but in some bower within a garden he is mak●ng chaplets , and means to send me one , but i 'l not take it , i have flowers enough i thank him while i live . her. but do you love your governour ? dut. yes , but i 'l never marry him , i am promis'd already . her. to whom madam ? dut. do not you blush when you ask me that , must not you be my hu●band ? i know why , but that 's a secret ; indeed if you believe me , i do love no man alive so well as you , the cardinal shall never know 't , hee 'l kill us both , and yet he says he loves me dearly , and has promis'd to make me well again , but i 'm afraid , one time or other he will give me poyson . her. prevent him madam , and take nothing from him . dut. why , do you think 't wil hurt me ? her. it will kill you . dut. i shall but dye , and meet my dear lov'd lord , whom when i have kist , ●'l come again , and work a bracelet of my hair for you to carry him , when you are going to heaven , the poesy shall be my own name , in little tears , that i will weep next winter , which congeal'd i' th' frost will shew like feed-pearl , you 'l deliver it ? i know he 'l love , and wear it for my sake . her. she is quite lost . dut. i pray give me sir , your pardon , i know i talk not wisely , but if you had the burthen of my sorrow , you would miss sometimes your better reason ; now i 'm well , what will you do when the cardinal comes ? he must not see you for the world . her. he sha'not , i 'l take my leave before he come . dut. nay stay , i shall have no friend left me when you go , he will but sup , he sha'not stay to ly w● ' me , i have the picture of my lord abed , three are to much this weather . enter pl●centia . pla. madam ▪ the cardinal . her. he shall sup with the devil . dut. i dare not stay , the red-cock will be angry , i 'l come agen . exeunt . her. this sorrow is no fable , now i find my curiosity is sadly satisfied ; ha ? if the dutchess in her stragled wits , let fall words to betray me to the cardinal , the panther will not leap more fierce to meet his prey , when a long want of food hath parch'd his starved maw , than he to print his rage and tear my heart-strings , every thing is fatall , and yet she talk'd sometimes with chain of sense , and said she lov'd me ; ha , they come not yet ; i have a sword about me , and i left my own security to visit death . yet i may pause a little , and consider which way does lead me to 't most honorably ; does not the chamber that i walk in tremble ? what will become of her , and me , and all the world in one small hour ? i do not think ever to see the day agen , the wings of night spread o'r me like a sable herse-cloath , the stars are all close mourners too ; but i must not a●one to the cold silent grave , i must not ; if thou canst alvarez open that ebon curtain , and behold the man , when the worlds justice fails shall right thy ashes , and feed their thirst with blood , thy dutchess is almost a ghost already ; and doth wear her body like a useless upper garment , the trim and fashion of it lost . ha ? enter placentia . pla. you need not doubt me , sir , my lady prays you would not think it long , she in my ear , commanded me to tell you , that when last she drank , she had happy wishes to your health . her. and did the cardinal pledge it ? pla. he was not invited to 't nor must he know you are here . her. what do they talk of prethee ? pla. his grace is very pleasant [ a lute is heard . and kind to her , but her returns are after the sad condition of her sense , sometimes unjoynted . her. they have musick . pla. a lute only , his grace prepard , they say , the best of italy that waits upon my lord. her. he thinks the dutchess is stung with a tarantula . pla. your pardon . my duty is expected . exit her. gentle lady . — a voice too ? song within . s. come my daphne , come away , we do wast the crystal day ; 't is strephon calls . da what says my love ? s. come follow to the mirtle grove , where venus shall prepare new chaplets for thy hair . d. were i shut up within a tree , i'drend my bark to follow thee . s. my shepherdess , make hast , the minutes slide too fast : d in those cooler shades will i blind , as cupid , kiss thine ey . s. in thy bosome then i 'l stay , in such warm snow who would not lose his way . chor. vve'llaugh and leave the world behind , and gods themselves that see , shall envy thee , and m● ▪ but never find such joys , when they embrace a deity . if at this distance i distinguish , 't is not church musick , and the air 's wanton , and no anthem sung to 't , but some strange ode of love , and kisses , what should this mean ? — ha , he is coming hither , i am betraid , he marches in her hand , i 'l trust a little more , mute as the arras my sword and i here . [ he observes ▪ enter cardinal , dutchess , antonelli ▪ and attendants . car. wait you in the first chamber , and let none presume to interrupt us . ex. serv. she is pleasant ; now for some art to poyson all her innocence . dut. i do not like the cardinals humour , he little suspects what guest is in my chamber . car. now madam you are safe . dut. how means your lordship ? car. safe in my arms , sweet dutchess . dut. do not hurt me car. not for the treasures of the world , you are my pretty charge , had i as many lives as i have carefull thoughts , to do you service , i should think all a happy forfeit to delight your grace one minute ; 't is a heaven to see you smile . dut. what kindness call you this ? car. it cannot want a name while you preserve so plentifull a sweetness , it is love . dut. of me ? how shall i know 't my lord ? car. by this , and this , swift messengers to whisper our hearts to one another . [ kisses . dut. pray do you come a wooing ? car. yes sweet madam , you cannot be so cruell to deny me . dut. what my lord ? car. another kiss . dut. can you dispense with this my lord ? alas i fear [ aside . hernando is asleep , or vanish'd from me . car. i have mock'd my blood into a flame , and what my angry soul had form'd for my revenge , is now the object of my amorous sense , i have took a strong inchantment from her lips , and fear i shall forgive columbo's death if she consent to my embrace ; come madam . dut. whither my lord ? car. but to your bed or couch , where if you will be kind , and but allow your self a knowledg , love whose shape and raptures wise poets have but glorified in dreams , shall make your chamber his eternall palace ; and with such active and essentiall streams of new delights glide o'r your bosome , you shall wonder to what unknown world you are by some blest change translated ; why d' e pause ? and look so wild ? will you deny your governour ? dut. how came you by that cloven foot ? car. your fancy would turn a traitour to your happiness ; i am your friend , you must be kind . dut. unhand me , or i 'l cry out a rape ▪ car. you wo'not sure ? dut. i have been cozend with hernando's shadow , here 's none but heaven to hear me , help , a rape . car. are you so good at understanding then , i must use other argument . [ he forces her . her. go to , cardinal . [ strikes him . ex. dut. car. hern●ndo ▪ murder , treason , help . her. an army sha'not rescue thee , your blood is much inflam'd , i have brought a lancet wi' me , shall open your hot veins , and cool your fever ; to vex thy parting soul , it was the same engin that pinc'd columbo's heart . car. help , murder . enter antonelli and servants . aston . some ring the bell , 't wil raise the court , my lord is murder'd , 't is hernando . the bell rings . her. i 'l make you all some sport , — so , now we are even , where is the dutchess , i would take my leave of her , and then bequeath my curse among you . [ her. falls . enter king , dutchess , valeria , lords , guard. k. how come these bloody objects ? her. with a trick my sword found out , i hope he 's paid . lo. i hope so to ; a surgeon for my lord cardinal . k. hernando ? dut. iustice , oh iustice sir , against a ravisher . her. sir i ha' done you service . k. a bloody service . her. 't is pure searlet . enter surgeon . car. after such care to perfect my revenge thus banded out o' th' world by a womans plot ? her. i have preserv'd the dutchess from a rape , good-night to me and all the world for ever . [ dies . k. so impious . dut. 't is most true , alvarez blood is now reveng'd , i find my brain return , and every stragling sense repairing home . car. i have deserv'd you should turn from me sir , my life hath been prodigiously wicked , my blood is now the kingdoms balm ; oh sir , i have abu●●d your ear , your trust , your people , and my own sacred office , my conscience feels now the sting , oh shew your charity , and with your pardon like a cool soft gale fan my poor sweating soul ; that wanders through unhabitable climes , and parched deserts ; but i am lost , if the great world forgive me , unless i find your mercy for a crime you know not madam , yet against your life . i must confess , more than my black intents upon your honour , y' are already poyson'd . k. by whom ? car. by me , in the revenge i ow'd columb●'s loss , with your last meat was mixt a poyson that by subtle , and by sure degrees must let in death . k. look to the dutchess , our physicians ? car. stay , i will deserve her mer●y , though i cannot call back the deed , in proof of my repentance , if the last breath of a now dying man may gain your charity , and belief , receive this ivory box in it an antidote 'bove that they boast the great magistrall medicine , that p●uder mixt with wine by a most rare and quick access to the heart w●ll fortifie it against the rage of the most nimble poyson , i am not worthy to present her with it , oh take it and preserve her inn●cent life . lo. strange , he should have a good thing in such readynes● . car. this that which in my jealousie and state trusting to false predictions of my birth , that i sh dy by poyson , i preserv'd for my own safety , wonder not , i made , that my companion was to be my refuge . enter servant with a bowle of wine . lo. her 's some touch of grace . car. in greater proof of my pure thoughts i take this first , and with my dying breath confirm my penitence , it may benefit her life , but not my wounds ; oh hasten to preserve her , and though i merit not her pardon , let not her fair soul be divorc'd k. this is some charity , may it prosper madam . valeria . how does your grace ? dut. and must i owe my life to him whose death was my ambition ? take this free acknowledgment , i had intent this night with my own hand to be alvarez lusticer . k. you were mad , and thought past apprehension of revenge . dut. that shape i did usurp , great sir , to give my art more freedom and defence , but when hernando came to visit me , i thought i might defer my execution , which his owe rage suppli'd without my guilt , and when his lust grew hight , met with his blood . ● lo. the cardial smiles . car. now my revenge has met with you my nimble dutchess , i have took a shape to give my act more freedom too , and now i am sure she 's poyson'd , with that doze i gave her last . k. th' art not so horrid ? dut. ha! some cordiall . car. alas no preservative hath wings to overtake it , were her heart lock'd in a quarry , it would search , and kill before the aids can reach it ; i am sure you sha not now laugh at me . k. how came you by that poyson ? car. i prepar'd it , resolving when i had enjoy'd her , which the colonel prevented , by some art to make her take it , and by death conclude my last revenge ; you have the fatal story . k. this is so great a wickedness , it will exceed belief . car. i knew i could not live . surgeon . your wounds , sir , were not desperate . car. not mortall ? ha ? were they not mortall ? surg. if i have skill in surgery . car. then i have caught my self in my own engin. lo. it was your fate you said to dy by poyson . car. that was my own prediction to abuse your faith , no humane art can now resist it , i feel it knocking at the seat of life , it must come in , i have wrackt all my own to try your charities , now it would be rare , if you but waft me with a little prayer , my wings that flag may catch the wind , but 't is in vain , the mist is risen , and ther 's none to stear my wandring bark . [ dyes . lo. he 's dead ? k. with him dy all deceived trust . lo. this was a strange impiety . k. when men of gifts and sacred function once decline from virtue , their ill deeds transcend example . dut. the minute's come that i must take my leave too . your hand great sir , and though you be a king , we may exchange forgiveness , heaven forgive , and all the world . i come , i come alvarez [ dyc● . k. d●spose their bodies for becoming funeral ; how much are kings abus'd by those they take to royall grace ? whom when they cherish most by nice indulgence , they doo often arm against themselves : from whence this maxim springs , none have more need of perspectives than kings . exeunt . epilogue . within . mr. polla●d , wher 's mr. pollard for the epilogue ? he is thrust upon the stage , and falls . epilogue . i am coming to you gentlemen , the poet has help'd me thus far on my way , but i 'l be even with him ; the play is a tragedy , the first that ever he compos'd for us , wherein be thinks he has done pretily , enter servant . and i am sensible ; i prethee look is nothing out of joynt ? has he broke nothing ? serv. no sir , i hope . epi. yes , he has broke his epilogue all to peeces , canst thou put it together agen ? ser. n●t i sir. epi. nor i , prethee be gone , hum ? m● . poet , i have a teeming mind to be reveng'd . you may assist , and not be seen in 't now . if you please gentlemen , for i do know he listens to the issue of his cause , but blister not your hands in his applause , your private smile , your nod , or hum , to ●●ll my fellows , that you like the business well ; and when without a clap you go away , i 'l drink a small●bear health to his second day ; and break his heart , or make him swear , and ra●● he 'l write no more for the unhappy stag● ; but that 's too much , so we should lose ; faith sh●● and if you l●ke his play , 'ts as well , he knew it . finis . a catalogue of the authors poems already printed tragedies . the traytour philip chabot admirallo france loves cruelty the maids revenge dukes mistris the cardinal . comedies and tragi-comedies . the school of complement the lady of pleasure hide-parke the constant maid . * the coronation the changes , or love in a maze the gratefull servant the patron of ireland the humorous court the wedding the ball , or french dancing master the gamester the example the bird in a cage the royall master the opportunity the witty fair one the imposture the brothers the sisters . a masque of the four honorable innes of court , presented before the king and queens majesty at whitehall in the banqueting house . poems . finis : the court secret , a tragi-comedy : never acted , but prepared for the scene at black-friers . written by james shirley . never printed before . london , printed for humphrey robinson at the three pigeons , and for humphrey moseley at the prince's armes in saint paul's church-yard . . to the right honourable william earl of strafford , viscount wentworth , baron wentworth of wentworth , woodhouse , newmarsh , oversley , and raby . my lord , the character of true nobilitie is sacred , and indeleble ; that yours is such , needeth no testimony , the world bearing witnesse to your honourable mind , upon which all other accesse of titles wait like a fair train of attendance , not ornaments , your own virtue giving them lustre , and enterteining them as rewards payd down to your person , and merit . this principle , gave me boldnesse to make this approach to your lordship , and not without some design in my ambition , to renew my self to your smile , who have enjoyed the happinesse ( many yeares since ) to kisse your hand , and to observe with admiration the beauties that shin'd upon your youth , which as they gained upon time , so they have grown above the prejudice of opinion , and improv'd their maturitie by the earlinesse of their spring . but my humble duty ( my lord ) at this fortunate hour to attend you , cometh not alone , it bringeth a present , such as my weak condition could reach to ; a poem , one , that weareth no ribbands in the forehead ; not so much as warranted by applause ; for it happened to receive birth , when the stage was interdicted , and wanted that publique seal which other compositions enjoyed ; though it hath been read and honour'd with the allowance of some men , whose opinion was as acceptable to mee , as the vote of a smiling theater . but this is not to prescribe to your honour , whom i have by this application made my iudge ( should you wave the patron ) and from whom there lyes no appeal . if your honour , descending from your higher contemplations , vouchsa●e to look upon these papers , though your iustice should condemn them , it would bee their reputation to fall by so honourable a sentence : but if they happen to obtain your lordships favour , that they may live , your name will not onely bee a powerfull defence to them , but a lasting record of honour upon the composer , whose heart is full of devotions to your lordship , and ambitious of no greater addition , than to be known , my lord , your most obliged , and humble servant , iames shirley , the names of the persons . the king of spain . roderigh his brother . manuel the suppos'd son of piracqu● , but the true carlo son to the king. maria his sister . antonio prince of portugall . isabella his sister . mendoza a duke . carlo suppos'd prince of spain , but indeed iulio the son of mendoza . clara mendoza's daughter . piracquo a nobleman . two lords . pedro a kinsman of piracquo's , servant to mendoza . celio page to carlo . ladies . castellano . messengers . servants . guard. scene madrid . plays newly printed for humphrey moseley at the prince's armes in st. paul's church-yard . the wild-goose chace , a comedy written by francis beaumont , and iohn fletcher , gent. the widdow , a comedy written by ben. iohnson , iohn fletcher , and thomas midleton , gent. the changling , written by thomas midleton , and william rowley , gent. the court secret . act i. enter at one dore don antonio leading maria ; at another two gentlemen . . the prince of portugal , don antonio — . he courts our infanta close . . and may deserve her . enter don manuel . maria le ts fall a iewel from her dress , he takes it up , and offers it to her . man. your grace — mar. 't is none of min● , don manuel . will your highness walk ? ex. ant. & mar. . observe you that ? . the prince seem'd not well pleas'd . man. what doth the princess mean ? i saw it fall from her . . my eyes are witness , noble don manuel . man. my lords , your servant . . how do you like the spanish court ? although my lord your father were a native , yet your birth and education were abroad ; compell'd by your father's destiny . man. my unhappiness ! i have heard him say , some policies prevail'd to make him leave this kingdom , and his fortunes , to try his fate at sea , till he found means to plant himself in portugal , from whence he was but iate reduc'd by the good prince , with promise of a pardon ; and his honour is full securitie for us . . the prince can do becoming things , and knows good acts are in themselves rewards ; but the report was here , that fifteen thousand ducats were offer'd roderigo our kings brother , by your father lord piracquo , to assure his reconcilement here , for trespasses he did at sea . . but not accepted . i know not which will be his more vexation , to know the prince's act , restore piracquo , or so much money lost . enter prince carlo , and celio his page . . the prince . car. don manuel , you are become a man of mighty business , or i have lost some interest , i had since i left portugal ; but i 'll not chide . where is the king ? . in his bed chamber , sir , with duke mendoza . car. i 'll not intterrupt ' em . you may redeem your error , and we both converse again . exit . man. you infinitely honor , and with it bind the obedience of your creature . . now he is going to his mistris . . to clara the duke mendoza's daughter . man. mistris ? do you forget , my lord , the treaty , and his own personall contract , the kiss warm on isabella's lip , and strengthned by the hope and expectation of another mariage , betwixt anthonio and maria his sister ? . we are us'd to freedom here , with as much innocence i may , perhaps , hereafter say , the princess maria meant you honor , when she dropt a jewel ; sir , it cannot be much blemish for you to own her service . man. 't were an insolence ( beyond her mercy to forgive ) in me , to think she meant it grace , or i apply it at such a distance of my blood and fortune . this in a whisper , but convey'd through court , would forfeit me for ever : as y' are honourable , preserve me in my humbler thoughts . . be confident . . and pardon my expression ; sir , your servant . exe. man. i have observ'd the princess scatter beams upon me , and talk language with her eyes sometime , such as i dare not apprehend with safety , or religion ; for i find my heart anothers conquest . but the prince ! why should he move my jealousie ? i know his amorous thoughts , already plac'd upon fair isabella , must inhabit there , and meet their just reward ; he cannot be so carelesless of his honour . enter pedro. ped. can you direct me , sir , to don piracquo , your noble father ? i bring affairs concern him . man. you wait upon the duke mendoza , sir ? pe. i was i' th' first number of those attended his dutchess , while she liv'd ; his grace doth now acknowledge me a waiting movable within his family ; my name is pedro , a poor kinsman of yours , if you be , sir , my lord piracquo's son , and might have been his heir , had not you mother been more fruitfull at sea , before she died , who left you an infant ; 't was something to my prejudice , but your father — ma. is in the privy garden , sir. pe. your servant . exit . ma. what means this fellow to survay me ? ha ! clara ! enter mendoza and clara. and her father duke mendoza ! i must wish a time without his presence , to confirm , how much i honour her : loud fame speaks him a noble gentleman , but of late ( by what misfortune 't is not known ) he hath some garbs , that shew not a clear spirit in him . but that his lady 's dead , men would interpret his starts proceed from jealousie : i 'll leave ' em . and wait some private opportunity . exit . cla. i must confess , prince carlo , sir , hath courted me , but with a noble flame . me. flame me no flame , unless you mean to turn our family and name to ashes in the kings displeasure . thou do'st not know the prince , as i doe , clara. enter piracquo and pedro. pe. sure you have known me , sir , i have expected some time , when you would own me — pi. your name 's pedro — pe. you thought me of your blood , sir , when you promis'd i should be your heir ; i did a service for 't deserves your memory , not contempt , my lord. pi. oh , thou didst well , and though as i then stood proscrib'd , i wisht it otherwise , i now thank thy witty cozenage , and allow thy faith religious to thy prince ; be honest still . pe. honest ? you are mistaken , i have been honest to none but you , sir. pi. be to thy self . pe. i know not what you mean by witty cozenage ; but to my danger , i may say , i did the feat as you desir'd ; you know i did , and 't is my wonder , what we both projected to make your own conditions for your pardon , and safe return , afcer proscription , hath not been worth your use so many years ; where is the prince ? pi. the prince ? you are witty , kinsman . pe. nay if you slight me , sir , and pay my service with this neglect , i can undoe my self to make you find repentance — [ offers to go in pi. come nearer — me. therefore upon my blessing , if thou hast such an ambitious thought i charge thee leave it . cla. sir , you may spare these preeepts , i have not given away my freedom , or by promise of more than may become my duty , offer'd the prince an expectation ; i am not ignorant he is design'd a bridegroom to the fair isabella , and it were sawcie injustice to distract a blessing now hovering o'r two kingdoms — me. thou art wise ; preserve this duty . ha! is not that pedro ? i doe not like their whisper — cla. you look pale , sir. pi. can this be truth ? was it prince carlo , then without imposture was deliver'd me ? didst thou not couzen me ? pe. if i be mortall , sir , it was my ladies art , for her own safety , to put this trick upon the court , which she kept me from my lord , untill upon her death-bed she made him overseer of the secret. men. did he not name a secret ? cla. you are troubled . men. i ? thou art deceiv'd . pir. ha! 't is thy lord mendoza . ped. he may take some jealousie , if he observe our whisper . pir. adde , pedro , but to this , thy future secresie , till i mature some act , my thoughts now fix upon , and choose thy place within my heart ; meet me — ped. enough , you seal the mystery agen . men. pedro , come hither ; what did you whisper ? enter a gentleman . . duke roderigo , my lord , desires your conference in the garden . pir. i 'll attend him . exeunt . ped. he is my kinsman , sir , and did salute me — men. i would thou wert his cosen ten removes ( pedro ) as far as the two poles are distant . cla. my father need not fear prince carlo now ; i find another guest here , 't is don manuel holds chief intelligence with my thoughts . men. well pedro , take heed , my life is in thy lips — ped. i know my duty , sir , if you suspect , command me to be dumb ; sir , you must trust me . men. i know not how to help it , wait upon my daughter . exeunt i would my lady had liv'd , or died without bequeathing me this legacy on her death-bed , a secret to consume me ; this servant , whom i dare not mu●h displease , is all the witness survives , sworn with the rest to secresie , and though i have small argument to suspect him , after so long a silence , yet i am not safe to be at his devotion : i could soon purge him with a fig , but that 's not honest : was it ever known , a man so innocent , should have so many agu●s in 's ●onscience ? i am weary of the court ; i must have some device — enter roderigo and piracquo . duke roderigo , and don piracquo ? they are whispering too ; this jealousie will take my brains apieces . exit . ro. i have said , & now expect , my lord , your answer . pi. i must acknowledge from your grace , a favour , that you have been so clear , and free with me ; i might have thought my self secure i' th' dark , and ignorant of this expectation , incurr'd your graces jealousie . ro. i had allwaies a firm opinion of your lordships gratitude . pi. but for the sum , he fi●ty thousand ducats , i must acknowledge , if your grace had mediated my pardon then with the good king , your brother , it had oblig'd my payment ; but my cause not worth your graces agitation , or breath , was like a vessell struck upon some shelf , without all hope ● ' have sayl'd agen , had not the prince's mercie , when he came to portugal , reliev'd it with a gal● , and set my bark afloat . ro. the prince ? why ? doth your lordship think i had no part i' th' work of your repair ? the power , and office i hold at court , is not asleep , my lord , when any act of grace is done by th' king. pi. i dare not do so much injustice to the prince's bounty , to divide and ow but half the benefit to his grace ; i not extenuate your prevalence at court , but his highne●s did compassionate my exile , and i am return'd by his commands , my lord , i am his creature for it , and shall sooner lose what he hath preserv'd , my life and peace here , than doubt his honour , or dispute his power in my behalf . ro. sir , you are not safe yet , there has past no seal , i take it , for your pardon . you hang i' th' air , not fixt to th' roof of heaven , as when you shin'd a star ; take heed you prove no comet , a prodigious thing snatch'd up to blaze , and be let fall agen , upon their eyes , that so mistook the region where you were plac'd . pi. i know , my lord , your greatness , and hold it not becoming , to contest in language wi' ee ; but i am confident — ro. of what ? pi. and will wager , if your grace please , the to ' ther fifty thousand ducats , sir , that i 'll not pay you a marvedie ; if i may on other honourable terms possess your favour , i shall meet your just commands , but if you set such price upon your smile● , after the prince's honor to secure me , i know my self , my fortune , and upon what strength i must depend . ro. i shall , my lord , send you to sea agen . pi. i made a shift , and may agen , my lord , amongst the merchants . ro. pirate — pi. 't is confest , i was so , but your grace may be inform'd i was not born to th' trade , i had a soul above my fortune , and a toy i took to lose what was beneath my birth and titles , or purchase an estate fit to sustain 'em ; the sea was my exchequer ; for i thriv'd , i thank my watry destinies , and commanded many a tall ship , won with so much horror , as possibly would have made your lordship ( had you● but in a cloud , or airie scaffold stood spectator of our fight ) sweat out your soul like a thin vapour with the fright , and after drop your forsaken body on our deck , to encrease the number of the dead . ro. but we may deal with you at land agen . pi. with reverence to your blood as 't is the kings , withall my age , my wounds upon me , and that innocence , the prince's word hath new created in me , i do not fear — ro. whom ? pi. the devil . ro. i shall conjure down the spirit . pi. hell hath not art to keep it down . ro. so brave ? pi. so just . ro. thou talking fool , do'st think i have no stings ? pi. i know you are a statesman , sir , but he that fears with his own innocence about him , deserves not a protection — [ offers to go in . ro. piracquo , stay , i now see thou hast a gallant spirit , let me embrace thee , and with this confirm an honourable friendship ; i have not a thought so base to injure thee . pi. i have — an easy faith my lord — ro. farewell — noble piracquo , i have tri'd and found thee . pi. i wo ' not trust you for all this ; i know the devill 's excellent at the hug ; your servant . enter manuell and clara , at the other dore maria. man. the princess . mar. i doe not like his courtship there . don manuel — ( manuel leaves clara , and goes to maria. ro. so gratious with my neece ? i 'll make him curse those smiles — exit . cl. all is not well within me , and the princess was never so unwelcome ; they conferr with much delight , or else my fears abuse me . what hath she in the greatness of her birth , that i should be so passive ? heaven look on our hearts , and if my love want a degree of noble heat , when they are both compar'd , let what i carry be the funerall pile , and my own flame consume it . ha , the prince enter carlo . i shall betray my self too soon i fear . car. my sweetest clara ! mar. either there were no ladies that could love in that court , or you could not want a mistris . man. they are not born with incapacity of loving , where they find a worth t' invite : the fault was in my undesert , that could attract no ladies grace to own me there , so inconsiderable a servant madam . ma. there is some hope , you wil not be thought here unworthy of a nobler character ; i doe not think but clara hath a better opinion of your merit . car. you cannot be so cruell ; what could in my absence interpose , to make your heart unkind to those desires at my return ? cla. my justice , and the care of both our honours , i have not lost ; nor can time make me forfeit , ( what nature , and the laws of heaven and earth command me to preserve ) my duty sir. what is above , would tast ambitious . car. this was not wont . cla. if any of your smiles , or favours sir before , have led my tongue to unbecoming boldness , you have mercy : some things of errour are exalted by our bold belief , when princes make themselves but merry with their servants , who are apt to antedate their honour , and expound , in their own flattery , the text of princes . car. but is all this in earnest ? enter roderigo and antonio . ro. is not that don manuell with the princess ? observe sir. an. they are pleasant . ro. dare he presume ? an. vexation ! cla. while i have the memory of what you are , a prince , and dare believe what is as true , as talk'd of , your contract made in portugall to the princess isabella — car. no contract madam ; i confesse , to please my father , who engag'd me to the travel , i did seem to court the princess , and with some shadows of a promise , might advance her expectation ; but here i left my heart , and dare appeal to thine . an. madam — mar. your graces pardon but a minute . an. sir — [ to manuell . mar. nay then i shall repent i ask'd your pardon . an i ha' done , and will attend your graces pleasure . mar. i am now at your commands . exe. ro. clara his mistris ? car. possible ! was not that prince antonio , uncle ? ro. yes sir , and gone displeased , he hath been affronted by that gentleman . car. he dares not be so rude . ro. he dares be insolent , and court your sister . car. how ? my sister ? be less ambitious , manuel . ro. your favours have exalted him too much . car. but i can change my brow . ro. it does become you . exeunt . man. the prince did frown upon me , madam , you are wise , as well as fair , can you resolve the prince's riddle ? cla. sir , i have no art to decypher mysteries , but if i erre not , he nam'd his sister . ma. ha! cla. with caution you should be less ambitious . ma. 't is so , he 's jealous of my courtship there , it can be nothing else , can it , sweet madam ? i dare make you the judge of all my thoughts , unbosom every counsell , and divest my soul of this thin garment that it wears , to let your eye examine it ; if you find within that great diaphanal an atome look black , as guilty of the prince's anger , let him doom me to death , or if that be not punishment enough , be you more cruel , and frown upon me too . cla. if i were judge , without such narrow , and severe dissection , don manuel , of your heart , i should declare boldly your innocence , and rather than a frown of mine should rob your thought of quiet , i would deprive mine eyes of what they honour , by a more cruel absence . ma. but to be assured of so much charity i could wish my self in some degrees a guilty person , and stand the prince's anger ; but if i be cleer'd in your opinion , i dread not the malice of accusers ; yet if you had wav'd my integrity , i had an argument to have convinc'd you , madam , that maria , though sacred in her person , was to me no more enflaming than a peece of alabaster , which some great master's hand had shap'd a virgin ; for if you dare believe me , you have won by your virtue here so much dominion , there is no room to entertain a guest , much less a competition . oh madam , i took so strange a charm in at my eyes when first your presence made 'em happy , that to say i onely lov'd you , were prophane , and would detract from that religious honour , my heart in that first minute promis'd you . cla. i know not in what language , sir , to dress my answer , but in that small skill i have , sir , of my self , i am not guilty of unkind rewards , where i can understand a fair respect invite 'em ; yet if you but flatter , for it is hard to say , when men dissemble not at court — ma. the curse of virgins , and what else can make a lover miserable feed on my heart , that minute i betray your faith by any treason of my tongue : i must not live with your suspicion on me ; why doe you obscure your face ? cl. i doe but hide sir an unruly blush that 's stoln into my cheek ; i fear a spy , that hath discovered , and would tell what complexion my heart has . pray leave me . ma. that command receiv'd but faint commission from your heart , from whence those am'rous spies your blushes came ; it had a sound like virgins , when they teach a way to be denied . pardon sweet madam , if i presume to interpret my own happiness ; your eyes are not so kind to obscure themselves behind that cloud , they may behold me kiss he kisses her hand . your hands with this devotion , and not repent to be a witness . did you not feel a chast trembling on my lip ? with such a fear doe pilgrims salute holy shrines , and touch the flesh of martyrs : but this circumstance is but the pomp , no essence of affection . say , can you love me , madam ? if your tongue not us'd to such a dialect , refuse articulate consent , a smile will make no noise , speak that way ; i will keep this hand both a white pledge , and prisoner , till your eye or welcome accent doe redeem it from me ; or if you still be silent , i 'll secure my fate , and teach your hand without a voyce to chant a song to hymen . what help of tongue need they require , or use of other art , whose hands thus speak their chast desire , and grasp each others heart ? weak is that chain that 's made of air , our tongues but chafe our breath , when palms thus meet , there 's no despair to make a double wreath . give but a sigh , a speaking look , i care not for more noise , or let me kiss your hand , the book , and i have made my choyce . weeping ? i 'le kiss those drops away . cla. away — ma. that eccho was not sweet , yet being thine — cla. i am too much thine . ma. there 's no place for fears ; love is the purest , when 't is washt in tears . act. ii. enter king and roderigo . ki. dares he be so insolent allready ? we shall humble him . ro. he durst affront me sir ; and when i urg'd the folly of his pride , tell me , he knew himself , and on what strength he must depend ; words of a dangerous consequence . ki. my son hath been too forward . ro. he affects him strangely . ki. whose undertaking must not bind beyond the rule of our own greatness . ro. your son is full of honourable thoughts , but being young , may meet with subtle natures , whose oblique and partial ends want no dissembled forms of duty to betray him . this piracquo in his experience of the world , hath art , and can from every accident extract a cunning use of time , and dispositions ; and 't is not to be doubted but the man practiz'd in storms , and rapine ( by which he hath drawn a wealth above your treasury ) may find a minute apt for his revenge upon your justice — he that is a pirate in the first act of spoyl he makes , doth open his conscience at sea , and throws the key into the waves . ki. he hath acquir'd a mighty wealth . ro. but who can number their undoings and wet eys that have been rob'd ? how many lives and fortunes of your own subjects have increas'd the pile of his estate and cruelty ? think o' that : and if you can bring nearer thoughts , and look upon your self , your present sums are lean , compar'd to what did swell your treasury ; your customs are less numerous for his thefts , and your great debts and charge upon your crown , are call'd upon , but drouzy with their weight , they make no answer to the kingdoms clamour . some king , to whom the waves had sent a wrack so great upon his shore , would both secure , and call the timely benefit , a providence . ki. 't is not too late . ro. wise princes that have law & strength about 'em , must take all forfeits ; he that is too tame in soveraignty , makes treason his own judge , and gives a patent to be disobey'd . ki. let him be sent for streight . ro. to hear him plead ? what traytor did want reasons of defence ? command him safe first , see his wealth seal'd up against the confiscation ; kings must act , and not dispute their maxims ; i could much amaze you , sir , with other argument to prove piracquo's insolence ; his son ( and 't is to be believ'd , in things of consequence their counsels often meet ) don manuel , hath been ambitious to court maria , your daughter , sir. ki. unsufferable impudence ! ro. antonio too suspects him , and what honor you can maintain with the prince , & what danger it may produce ; if this resented , and proclam'd , beget a war upon your country — for treaties are the immunities of kings , subjects adulterate the prince's coyn , not without high injustice , but he that doth play the wanton with his royal promise , defaceth his own stamp , and teacheth , by his violation , others not to trust him . enter antonio and manuel fighting ▪ enter lords . ki. treason ! man. be fearless , sir , i am provok'd beyond the sufferings of a gentleman . ro. where is the guard ? no mischief the result of such a skirmish ? ma. i was not made for servitude , nor must i have patience , when the greatest man is in spain , whose title cannot challenge my subjection , throws infamy upon me . an. do the kings of spain allow this sawcy privilege against a prince . ki. not we : to prison with him . you shall be judge your self , and set the punishment upon his insolent act ; away with him . man. not hear me ? this is tyranny . ro. away , d' ee make a cypher of the king ? manuel guarded off . ki. may we entreat to know the circumstance ? an. i must acknowledge , sir , i had suspicion of some attempts by him against my honor , which made me first provoke him . ki. dare he hope to keep a thought unpunished ? enter piracquo . pi. sir , i met my son by your command lead prisoner hence , it will not unbecome your royall justice , to let me know his crime , i am no father to any sin he dares commit against your laws , or person . ki. you came in good time . another guard for him . pi. a guard ? for what ? ki. you shall know that hereafter . an. i shall beseech , my cause against don manuel may not involve his innocence ; my lord piracquo is full of honor . . the duke 's gone . . nay he is right , at the wrong end of a cause still ▪ an. if they be crimes against your state , i am not to prescribe your justice , sir. ki. away with him . enter a gentleman with a letter to antonio . an. to me ? i have seen this character . enter carlo , piracquo , guard. car. return him at my peril , sir. lord . what do you think of my lord piracquo ? lord . i think he 's gone to prison ; yet i think he 's here agen , if that be he ; for we are not sure of any thing at court. now , my lord — pi. do any of you know , my lords , wherefore i am under guard ? . not we . pi. i could not satisfie the prince's question . . your sons offence was an affront to th' prince antonio . pi. that was not well ; 't was some high provocation made him lose his temper . . they were at it with their swords . pi. no hurt , i hope ? . the prince's feather discompos'd , or so . pi. this was not my fault , gentlemen . car. proclame to th' world i 'm not your son , take off mine and your peoples expectation , and then 't is no dishonor ; for to be believed the prince at the same time , and one that dares betray a gentleman from 's sanctuary , to be a sacrifice at home , are things of inconsistent nature , and destructive . charge him with new committed crimes , since i gave him my word and honour to secure him , and there he stands , without an altar to protect him ; but far be it from the king , to make it a new treason to be rich ; it will be thought your avarice to his wealth , and read in story to your shame for ever , piracquo died to pay your debts . . the prince solicites hard ; the king inclines . ca. i know this doth not , sir , proceed from your own soul , but some malignant nature , that hath drop'd , and would infect your ear with wicked counsell ; 't was some malicious enemy to me , and to your fame ( as well as don piracquo his life and fortune ) hath conspir'd to make me less than prince , and you unfit to be a king , when once men catch at your inconstancie . for i must pray you to remember , sir , i had your royall promise to confirm my undertaking for his facts at sea , and give me leave to say , sir , this dishonorable retreat will stagger all your peoples faith : a king to break his sacred word , will teach the great men to be safe without your service ; who will beleeve your smiles are snares to catch their fortunes ; and when once the crowd takes sent of this , you leave your self no oath to swear by . . the prince bestirs himself bravely in your cause . pi. i may do something to reward it , one day . sir , shall i speak ? not in my own defence ; for since i came to spain , i have not been guilty in thought of any breach of duty ; nor for my son , if youth or ignorance have made him erre , my humble knees beseech my cause may take no royall beam from him , that now is pleas'd to be my advocate , your son ; in whom there 's such an active heat of honor , better all my blood was scatter'd than you should frown upon him . but i know if i had payd the duke your brother , sir , but fifteen thousand ducats — ki. ha ? what then ? pi. i had bought my peace , and been commended by his grace to your full pardon . . boldly urg'd . ca. was it his act ? ki. we restore thee , piracquo , to thy self , and us ; and let our largest pardon for all past offences be ready for our signature ; my brother , i 'll promise reconcil'd too : carlo , thou hast but confirm'd our hope , nor did we purpose this other than a tryal of thy temper , thy gratitude , and jealousie of thy honor : preserve them still thus , carlo , nothing wants to fix our kingdoms joy , but the compleating thy mariage with the princess isabella , which shall be done by proxy , when antonio hath made his courtship perfect with thy sister . who saw the duke mendoza ? send for him ; he doth too much absent himself . exe. manet carlo . car. by proxy ? the duke mendoza's counsell is too busie to advance that , and clara is grown cold , or seems so , in her cunning to provoke my flame ; but i must teach her how to meet it . my father may be wrought to a consent when things are done ; forgive me , isabella , my first thoughts cannot on thy beauty wait , i am not master of my love , or fate . exit . enter pedro. pe. things are not now so desperate , whilst my lord piracquo keeps possession ; but if i were worthy to advise his lordship , he should not lose much time to settle things , secrets do burn — enter mendoza . his grace ; now for a fit of jealousie — i 'll be here — men. he 's troublesome in my eye , and yet i cannot endure him from my sight . pe. that 's i. me. methinks he hath every day a more discovering look , there 's scaffolds in his face ; i shall prevent him , and send him far enough , with the next fleet he goes , the sea may roar , and crack the cabbins , or he may meet the calenture ; i have heard of hericanoes that have torn up mountains , one boysterous enough would strike his ship clean through , a'tother side to the antipodes , and that would cure me ; all my art must be to win him to the voyage , and not stir his jealousie ; the knave is apprehensive . pe. are you good at that ? exit . me. i doe not like his business with piracquo , 't is for no good , i 'll break their correspondence ; piracquo has been honourable , yet i doe not much confide in him — he 's here ; enter pedro. come hither pedro. re. your graces pleasure ? me. what consult have you with don piracquo ? pe. please your grace , he hath been fishing , some or other have infus'd a scruple , i 'll engage my life : but though he be my kinsman and a lord i honour , and from whom i have receiv'd the promise of a fortune , and a great one , yet , i have said little — me. hast said any thing ? pe. how could i choose sir ? he did squeez me subtly , but i was wise , and faithfull to your trust , he knows no more than i , or you — me. ha ? pe. wou'd wish him sir , let me alone to be cautious . me. th' art honest pedro , and i have been studying how to encourage and reward thy service , and i have thought of a preferment for thee . pe. your grace was ever bountifull . me. a place of honour and command . pe. that will do well sir ; and shal i come in as your churchmen do ? no first-fruits to be paid twice in a year , no buying of a jewell at the rate of fifteen hundred times the value sir ? me. remove that care . pe. that care is well remov'd . me. i have consider'd , that to live at home my servant , is to dark thy abilities , that will abroad shine , and doe services worth spain's acknowledgement . pe. abroad ? why , must i travell ? me. by any means . pe. whither , an 't please your grace ? me. but to the indies . pe. no farther ? columbus did it in years , and less . me. in the next fleet thou shalt have an imployment shall speak my care of thee , and interest ●ith his catholick majestie ; he shall deny me hard , but i 'll prevail to make thee of 〈◊〉 councill there , and the state secretary . pe. this is a mighty honour . me. we may hold correspondence still by letters , thou art wise ; the king shall knight thee too of calatrava ; how will it joy my heart to write to thee , al signor illustrissimo don pedro. enter gentleman . gent. sir , the king hath sent for you ? me. for me ? pe. yes , sir , i could have told your grace his majesty commanded your attendance . me. for what ? pe. i know not that , but i suspect there hath been some intelligence , however go , sir , it may do worse , and argue guilt , to be commanded twice . me. intelligence ? it will be worth my safety to confess . pe. by no means , sir , that simplicity would rather become me . me why ? wo't thou confess ? pe. not , unless you begin ; go sir , an 't be but to prepare his majesty , for me to wear the order of the caletrava ; you have put me , sir , into the gang of going this indian voyage . me. well , i must to the king. pe. shall i attend you ? me. yes — no — do what thou wilt ; yet now i think on 't 't will be as well to go — yet do not neither . pe. be chearfull , sir , why doth your head shake so ? me. my head ? pe. it trembles like the needle of a sun-dial , d' ee not feel it ? me. ha ? yes 't is here ; but do not breath upon me ; i feel the very wind of thy words blow it to and agen like a weather-cock ; but i must go . p● . i will prepare my self for this voyage . forget not the calatrava . me. i would thou wert shipt — pe. and sunk . it shall go hard but i 'll requite your lordship . exe. enter clara and servant . cla. a prisoner saist ? ser. 't is a confirm'd report . cla. i fear prince carlo's jealousie is cause of this ; poor manuel , it will not be safe , or seem honorable for me to visit him : but since i cannot suffer with him , he ex. ser. shall hear i dare confine my self to sorrow . enter servant . ser. madam , the princess maria is coming up the stairs . cla. i must dissemble now my grief , and meet her , yet i may intreat her graces mediation to the king for his enlarge . enter maria. ma. let us be private . if e'r thou lov'dst me , clara , now express it . cla. i have an humble sute to your highness , which in hope to prosper , will direct my faith , and services to what you can prescribe me . speak your commands . ma. don manuel stands committed by the king , and i would have thy counsell , how i should best work his liberty . cla. that , madam , is all my petition to your grace . ma. i know my least desire let fall to th' prince antonio , were enough to engage , and make him the orator to effect it , but in honor i would not contrive him the means , and instrument to advance his rival's liberty . cla. rivall , madam ? ma. for i must tell thee , clara , and with it give up the secret of my soul , i love don manuel , i fear , better than my self . cla. you do not mock me , i hope , madam ? ma. no , by all that ladies once in love do pray for , by him thou lov'st , who e'r he be , and this kiss ( that i rather wish on manuel's lip , would modesty and honor give it privilege and durst entrust thy faith to carry it to him , in my experience of thy virtue , clara ) i speak no fable . cla. it becomes my truth to answer yours , though not so cheerfully ; i should not much repent , to carry , madam , your kiss to manuel , but i fear , i should forget who sent it . if you have a plot to raise mirth from my weakness , when you know how much my heart is his , i yeeld my self your triumph , madam , but the glories of your blood , and title are not price enough to buy him from my thoughts , could you invest my name with their possession . ma. doth she love him ? i have destroy'd my own hope then ; alass poor clara , i must pitty thee , and for that love that hath been between us , i 'll apply to cure thy wound ; for mine is not so desperate , though i bleed inwards , i confess , since he , whom i esteem best , suffers for maria. cla. suffer for you ? pray madam , clear this mystery . ma. it is poor manuel's fortune to affect me with a passion great ; as mine , and love , that like a rebell forrageth our soul , and can obey no law , but what it likes , impatient that antonio lov'd me too , made him forget the prince , and gave the affront , for which he suffers in the kings displeasure . cla. no repetition of this story , madam , lest you destroy all my belief in virtue ; it cannot be , you may as soon perswade that snow , the innocent fleece of heaven , that 's born upon the fleet wings of some sportive wind , is ethiop's wooll , as call this truth . ma. this will be rudeness , clara , if you do not convince , and with more reason , and with temper . and 't is no little wonder , that when i have fairly thus disclos'd my thoughts of manuel , you should retain a murmuring thought , and dare pretend rivality with me . cla. the law you gave to love , that stoopes to no prerogative of birth , or name ( mine only a degree beneath your own ) will answer your disdain , and justifie my passion ; and if reason and temper ( which in vain you think are lost in me ) be assign'd judges , i dare more than say i love , i can deserve him — ma. better ? fate bring it to a tryall . cla. so just are my affections , i dare make a saint my judge . ma. that judge you make , is not a friend to so much pride . cla. you are but my accuser , madam . ma. this affront i must remember , clara , and find time to teach you know me better . cla. madam , as you are the princess , i can fall thus low , to kiss your hand , and pay all duties that become me , or your command ; but if you think by being great , i must own no passion , but in what degree you are pleas'd to fix it , nor compare my soul born with its freedome to affection , with yours , because one shaft hath wounded both , i rise my own defender . ma. thy own ruine for this presumption . cla. i 'll not bribe your mercy , when you can love as i doe , we may both deserve him equally : oh manuell ! ex. maria. though i defend thy honour to the princess , yet he hath scatter'd seeds of jealousie about my heart , if this ground fertile prove , i wo'not curse his faith , but my own love . exit . manuell in prison . man. why should we murmur to be circumscrib'd , as if it were a new thing to wear fetters ? when the whole world was meant but to confine us ; wherein who walks from one clime to another , hath but a greater freedome of the prison ; our soul was the first captive , born to inherit but her own chains , nor can it be discharg'd till nature tire with its own weight , and then we are but more undone to be at liberty . enter carlo . the prince , he brings a storm , i see it rising as seamen doe , the wind far off . car. don manuell , man. you have nam'd a suffering man , but one that holds his life and death at such an even rate , no matter which is first employ'd ▪ with honour . i dare submit me to your justice sir. car. your cause would droop to trust to that , my love willing to justifie the choyce it made in thee , hath pleaded better , and prevail'd with me to bring thee counsell to redeem thy self becomingly . ma. your goodness flows still , 't was not the prince that frown'd . ca. submit your self to prince antonio . man. submit my self ? ca. ask him forgiveness . man. i must be guilty first of an offence , ere my tongue be so base , and ask a pardon . ca. then i must chide you manuell ; deny this triviall satisfaction ? your crime will upon second thoughts be much enlarg'd , nor will the prince be ever thought to merit his birth and name , unless he kill thee for 't , 't is an affront of so supreme a nature . man. hath it no name sir ? car. dost not shake to ask it ? are you sir a fit rivall for the prince ? abstract that she 's my sister , which consider'd , carries so vast a guilt against the kings , mine , and maria's honour , all thy bloud mixt with repentance cannot purge ; you are instructed sir. man. not yet , to know my self conscious of any action should contract the prince's brow , or yours , much less deserve the horrid name of guilt against the kings , yours , and maria's honour . car. did not you sir court my sister ? man. never sir. car. doe not you love her ? man. heaven in that word includes all that we owe his precept ; 't is my justice , sir , to love her ; but with a greater distance , than she is from me remov'd by birth ; and if her smile meant the reward of my attendance , sir , at any time have met with false observers , their tongues , and no audacious thought of mine , or application , are in fault ; i have , beside the lesson of my birth , been taught a piety from your favours , sir , to know my self their creature , and with humble thoughts to shew my gratitude , not proudly assume ( could she descend ) a courtship to maria , who by the king , & every good mans vote , is meant a sacred pledge to portugal , to chain two kingdoms . car. if this , manuel , be truth — man. without condition of my liberty , or dread of what antonio shall attempt in his revenge , my soul dare wth i th an oath confirm it at the altar . car. this doth please me . possess thy first place in my friendship , manuel ; antonio shall embrace thee too , his ear and mine have been abus'd . man. there was a providence upon our swords , that meant less fatall than his passion shew'd , when we last met , against whose weapon threatning me first , the safety of my fame , more than my life , call'd up my just defence . car. i do beleeve thee ; to what a loss of virtue , and of blood credulity engageth ? this shall be no more thy dwelling ; prince antonio shall for thy honor make it his own act , who yet believes thy interest in maria hath made his courtship vain , and will i fear , not presently admit thy innocence into his quiet faith , but i 'll convince him . man. if he but knew my heart , he should not need much argument ; no man can love with honour , and let his thoughts divide upon two mistrisses . i have contracted love — car. with whom ? may time , when this world fails , and nature grows decrepit ; present it to eternity . man. this prayer opens my heart , and all the wealth within it , commands me draw the curtain from her name , that you may read my clara , and i shall beseech your graces smile — car. your clara ? what the duke mendoza's daughter ? man. you have nam'd her . car. no , i am i' th' dark still , speak agen , or rather say , thou hast mistook , it is some other clara , and not the lady i understand . man. life cannot bribe me with another wealth , or death with all his horrours make me desert that name . car. what a strange sea-breach has this little storm of breath made here allready ? i was taking pains to unconcern the jealousie of antonio , and find him my own rivall ; thou hadst been kinder to have lov'd maria my sister , though antonio had sworn thy death , and the kings anger with my own had met thee like a torrent , than presum'd this interest in clara. man. i see no such mighty danger in 't . car. i 'll tell thee , manuel , thou hast invaded all my joys , i love her . man. honor forbid it , sir. car. honor 's a dream , and a cold everlasting sleep must chain my soul up ; for if once it wake , and know what thou hast torn from 't , it will vex it self into a flame , and turn thee into ashes . ma. never til now unhappy , with my weight i see my self now bearing down before me , a rotten part of some prodigious mountain into the sea , with which i shall soon mingle . ca. collect thy self betimes , and give her back unsullied with thy clame , release thy own , and with her , every thought as much a virgin as her soul was , when first i courted her , or thou art lost — man. with greater justice , sir , command to uncreate my self , as call my faith or heart agen . ca. how ? man. sir , my life , the cement that doth hold this frame together , you have power to melt , or but command my exile , and i may live far off , and be forgotten by all , but clara ; bu● to ask that back , which with the full consent of heaven i gave her ( and in exchange receiv'd her equall vow ) i dare not , or if i had will , to be so false to honour , 't is within my heart so rivetted , i may with as much innocence commit a rape , or murder , as attempt it . ca. you have no doubt a valour too , that dare love with so fierce a resolution . man. when i am master of my sword , i dare not draw it against you ; but he that lives beneath you , may have little time to wish himself unmade that would divorce us . car. leave me , leave me — ex. man. how many lones are shaken with one tempest ? and if one suffer , ruin'd all ? i know the faith he bears me , and the reverence he gives my blood , will never be provok'd to fight against my person ; but i must not by tameness give my self a publike wound ; he shall be master of his sword and freedom , and then let fate determine ; clara must be mine , or make a bridegroom of his dust . exit . act. iii. enter gentlemen of prince antonio , preparing a banquet . s . prince carlo 's not come yet . . my lord piracquo and his son manuel are expected too . . i wonder at this hasty reconcilement ; we did imagine it as possible the two poles should have met , as they together friends at a banquet . . in my opinion , peace , and wine , and musick , are more convenient for the naturall body , than swords or guns . . and for the politick too , if men were but so wise to like , and cherish their own estates : if i had all the plate in the indies , i 'd not give a silver spoon to have my head cut off . . why is not the great duke roderigo here ? . who , the kings evil genius ? he was invited , but excus'd himself . . why , there 's a statesman , that can side with every faction , and yet most subtly can untwist himself when he hath wrought the business up to danger . he lives within a labyrinth , some think he deals with the devil , and he looks like one , with a more holiday face . . but he hath so behav'd himself , that no man now dare much confide in him . they are come . enter antonio , carlo , piracquo , manuel . an. don manuel , the prince hath made me know my error , and your worth . ma. he has too much honor'd me , and you have reason to command for this the service of my life . an. you are not pleasant , sir — my lord piracquo . pi. your highness humble servant . car. all is not reconcil'd here , i but suppress a flame , to give it vent more dangerous . an. a free welcom to all ; sit , and some wine ; this musick is not sprightly enough : to his majesty of spain — pi. he that doth pledg the kings health with a murmur may his next thirst inflame him to drink poyson . car. the king hath a true servant in piracquo . man. he that is not , had never sense of honor ; and may he perish all but soul , that dares harbour a thought disloyall . to your highness — an. give me another : this wine looks cheerful as my heart , to drink the princess fair maria's health . car. my turn will come , sir , to be gratefull . an. here my lord. pi. may swift time perfect by your sacred loves , the happiness of both kingdoms . man. may that day , that seals your glorious hymen , sir , be ever holy within our calendar , and beget a faith , that all things then begun , may prosper . an. i thank thee , manuel . car. sir , you may believe don manuel's language , and his heart are twins , they bear one date of time , & sense . you must now give me leave , sir , to requite you in part ; a health to the king of portugal ; let it move this way , manuel . ma. it shall with humble thoughts be entertain'd — you honor me . pi. it is but justice manuel ; for when spain would not acknowledge , nor allow us being , our lives were welcome there , till better stars sent him , to whose bounty we ow all that 's left us . car. no more o'th at my lord , i am very confident , in any honorable cause , you dare express your faith to me ; and for your son , we two have been companions , i dare say , our hearts are toucht by one magnetick virtue , and such a sympathy , i cannot wish what 's dearest to me , but he flies t' embrace it . ma. i like not this — car. manuel , begin a health : we have had my sisters and the kings already , name your own mistris for the next . ma. i should conclude her worthy of remembrance , if one were first preferr'd . will your grace please sir , to let me have the honor — an. come , to me . ma. to the white hand of fairest isabella . an. would she were present to thank you manuel . car. 't is an affront , as clara were his own allready ; ha ! civilitie and honor prescribe me patience , dares he insult ? when this hath had the ceremony , manuel , 't shall be my office to remember clara ; i must have time to quit the favour , sir , y 'ave done my mistris ; in your ear ; though i was pleased to reconcile you to the prince , and order your enlargement , clara must be mine , or one of us be nothing ; you may think on 't yet . ma. i have sir , and to shew how much i can obey , and that i have not intruded like a thief upon your treasure , and filcht her heart away , 't is now within her choice agen , if you prevail upon her kinder thoughts , i can sit down despis'd . car. thou art my best friend now . antonio — me-thinks we are not pleasant — if she should be a little obstinate , it would become , and speak the bravery of thy soul , and service , to use some language for me , wo't thou manuel ? thou dost not know the sufferings of my soul for clara. man. but i pitty ' em . car. 't is new balsom into my wounds ; where is the health , piracquo ? i feel new spirits dancing in my blood , the health begun to clara languisheth , why should i want it , gentlemen ? an. it was nam'd by manuel to my sister isabella ; prince carlo , you forget . car. to isabella ? your graces pardon , i confess my error , i forgot her indeed , but could your wishes translate that princess hither , she should be a witness of my honourable thoughts . enter isabella with ladies . ( musick . ) what magick 's this ? do any know that face ? pi. 't is very like the princess isabella . ca. i would she were a ghost ; antonio , ha you got enchantments ? is. you may stay , sir. ca. i love not to converse with spirits . ma. sir , this is no shadow . car. it is to me , sir. meet me at clara's , or be lost to honour . exit . is. it was your counsell brother , that reserv'd me for this first entertainment . my good lord piracquo , and don manuel , you seem not so much affrighted , as the prince . pi. a devill in such a shape could never fright me , madam ; but persons of your quality shift not so much air without a noise ; the motion of princes has much rumor to attend it . is. i chose to come so private , i arriv'd the city but last evening . ma. you have much honour'd madrid . is. why , how now brother , are you frighted too ? an. yes , and do sweat at soul , to see our selves neglected . is. some are not fortified against a sudden accident ; in my desert , and innocence , i can interpret nothing yet in my dishonour , since joyes have extasies sometimes , and with their rapture may transport our senses from us , as soon as any other passion . besides , i heard him wish me here a witness of honourable thoughts , he has but now remov'd his person , to acquaint the king , with greater preparation to receive a guest so unexpected . pi. but i like not the prince's humor , you had whisperings manuel i observ'd . man. i shall keep nothing sir in clouds from you . an. thou sha't direct me isabella , wee 'l to court my lord piracquo , manuel . is. how ere i put a valiant brow on his neglect , and seem to make a gloss in his defence , my soul is sick with fear . an. come isabella . pi. we both attend your grace . exit . enter roderigo . ro. my engins want success , piracquo is restor'd to his full being , and his son at large , and reconcil'd by carlo's act . my nephew had been better to have wak'd a sleeping dragon , than have crost my aims ; he has rescu'd them , but drawn upon his bosome as many wounds as policy and my revenge can make . i was too tame , to strike at useless shrubs , that hinder not my prospect ; my thoughts should have no study but a kingdome ; it is my heaven , and this young cedar spread ▪ betwixt my eyes , and it ; i have allready betray'd his love to clara , and the king that hath made up an idoll to himself of honour , is inflam'd to my own wishes ; i know the prince will be impatient to hear his mistris tost by the kings anger , and he may leap into some disobedience , that may be worth my second charge to sink him ; and then piracquo , manuel , and the kingdome shall stoop to my devotion ; yet i carry a smiling brow to all , and please the king , to think i am reconcil'd . enter carlo . my nephew — car. where is the king ? ro. where i left him displeas'd , and was now coming to prince antonio's lodgings to acquaint you . car. with what ? ro. have you contracted love with duke mendoza's daughter , the lady clara ? car. what officious tongue hath been bold to mention her ? ro. he has had some intelligence , and is almost grown wild with the strange resentment , i not knowing what to object against his passion , thus surpriz'd , you may believe apply'd what lenitives my understanding could collect o' th' sudden , with confidence , when you came to give account , the accusation would fall off , and he appear too credulous against your honour . ca. it were no treason to castile , my lord , if i confest this mighty fact . ro. 't is justice if you d●e love her honourably , to avow it . ca. isabella is no angell . ro. nor is clara of an extraction to digrace a prince . ca. though he be my father , he did not beget my soul ; who 's with him ? ro. i left the duke mendoza . ca. has he made complaint o' me ? 't is well ; let me preserve good uncle still your loving thoughts ; it is ●n vain to move my father now . ro. there is i way , if you could but dissemble , sir , to set your wishes right , and letters may ●e so contriv'd to portugall . ca. the princess is here allready uncle . ro. isabella ? ca. now with antonio , and i am lost . ro. would thou wert never to be found agen . ca. i must doe something . ro. the princess thus affronted may be worth my own ambition . calm thoughts attend you sir. exit . enter mendoza . me. i 'm glad i came so well off from the king , his anger made me tremble , i was jealous of more discovery , when he nam'd the prince : this treason is a kind of a quotidian , it leaves a man no intervall ; i durst not mention pedro at all , for fear the king had skill in cabala ; i 'm afraid there 's something in the very name , that may with a small key be open'd to my danger . ca. you are well met my lord , doe you know me ? me. know you sir ? yes i know you for — car. for what ? me. the prince , i hope ; now i 'm betray'd for certain , yet if he know it , he will not be so furious . car. are you so much an enemy to your self , to tell the king ? me. i tell the king ? alass i dare not tell it to my ghostly father , i have more regard to you , and my own life , my family 's undone by it . car. by what sir ? me. nay if you know not , i know not neither , sir ; what doe you mean ? car. am not i worthy in your opinion your daughter clara's love ? me. oh , is that all ? car. but you must dote , and tell the king on 't . me. i ? i disclaim it , by my life and honour . car. i thought you had lov'd me sir. me. he is a traitour that dares accuse me ; now i may speak boldly ; my bloud and fortune have a little name i' th' world , to which make an addition of my life , my daughter clara too , were these in ballance against you , they would be light , and their whole loss repaird , to see you happy : if this be false , a whirlwind snatch me sir , and let me hang in some prodigious cloud 'twixt earth and heaven . car. this is a bold expression . me. but i must tell you sir , for your own sake , i would not have you love my daughter clara , were she in beauty , person , and all ornaments , fortune and nature could bestow , more excellent than isabella . car. why an 't please your wisedome ? me. sir in my love to you , and isabella , my duty to your father , and the kingdome , nay for my daughter's sake , and all my hope of after-joyes , and for one other reason above all these , which i conceal ; yet i complain'd not to the king. car. excluding me , your grace can be content , don manuel should have your daughter . me. rather than your highness , i know a reason for 't . car. i must so too . me. your grace shall pardon me at this time . car. i wo'not sir. me. if you 'l needs have it , i have made a vow i wo'not ask my daughter blessing sir ; if you two meet , and marry , she may live to be a queen , and then i 'll kneel to her , which is not in the oath of my allegiance . car. the old man raves . exit . enter king , maria. me. the king. car. he shall not see me till i know all my fate . exit . ki. how doe you like the prince antonio ? ma. sir , if you allow me freedome — ki. you enjoy it . ma. his person , bloud , and expectations , are high as the wishes of a queen , and i with pious gratitude acknowledge all my duty , and my prayers a just return to your great care ; but give me sir your pardon , if i prefer some thoughts that prompt me to a better choyce . ki. a better choyce ? look back upon that character your breath but now deliver'd in his honour . ma. i confirm it ; but when you hear me humbly beg i may perform religious duties sir to heaven , you wil think nature hath a place beneath 'em : if i could find any consent to marriage , antonio would prefer himself the first to my election : but if you were pleas'd — ki. you would be a nunn ? ma. that hath exprest my wishes . ki. so i should affront the prince : how long maria has this fit of your religion held you ? ha ! no more , least i suspect this a pretence to hide your love plac'd otherwise unfitly , if i find where your heart is wandring — ma. it knows obedience better , and your name , than to choose any path leads not to honour . ki. i must direct it then to love antonio . my children are turn'd rebell . ma. sir i hope my offer with your leave , to ded●cate my life to prayer , and virgin-thoughts , will merit a better name . ki. your brother carlo too will find himself at loss , if he collect not himself , and make our royall promise good to isabella ; while my studies are to make the kingdome firm by our alliance with portugall , be courts the lady clara. ma. i would she were his bride , so i had manuel . ki. and you at the same time , and height of both the kingdoms expectations , would take a cloyster , is this to pay obedience to a father , whose cares have kept him wake to make you happy ? ma. goodness forbid , that carlo or maria should move me to just anger . ki. this is virtue . ma. he is passionate , and love that makes all ladies apt and ingenious to contrive , cannot inspire or help me with an heart to advance a little hope . ki. it cannot be ! maria , we are surpriz'd , the princess isabella is privately arriv'd , and come to court : where is our son ? all should prepare to meet her . exe. enter carlo and clara. car. you may believe i trifle not . cla. the princess isabella come ? car. now if but clara think i honour her , and instantly accept what i am willing in presence of the priest and heaven to give her , the ceremony waits to make all perfect . enter manuell . cla. i dare not sir. car. say but you love , and that will teach you valour ; i bring not onely proof of my own loyalty , which if examin'd must invite thy faith , but thy security , a release from manuell ; his soul is on my side , and comes to render in pity of thy wound , a balm into thy breath ; be gentle clara. cla. a release ? of what ? ma. of all , thy promise hath made mine ; observe me wisely clara , and distinguish , as far as honour will permit , how long , and with what bleeding thoughts the prince affects thee ; for i have look'd into his soul , and back upon the feeble merits of my self , and therefore giving thy own vows agen , i dis-engage their strength to bind thee clara , and to that sweetness thy first bosome had , remit thy quiet thoughts . car. th' art just . cla. pray give me leave to understand this mystery , to give me back all those assurances of love my promise made , i 'll not dispute for what unworthiness i am neglected . ma. i dare not be so impious . cla. then here i take my liberty again . ma. you have it . cla. now i with safety of my honor , may choose where i please . ma. you may . cla. and you desire it ; you have power i must confess to give me from you into my own possession , but no title now to direct my heart , then though i meet my own despair , here i give clara back , and with new vows as strong as my religion , and love can make , contract my self agen to death , or manuell . car. a conspiracy ! cla. i have resign'd no interest in him , and by new choyce — am not my own agen . car. so , so , it is as possible in our destinies we should enjoy her both , as live together , when clara is thy bride . cla. that sound was tragicall ; oh call those fatall words agen , and think that if with safety of my faith i cannot meet your desires allready , you will force my soul to greater distance , by destroying what most i love ; i know you doe but fright me . ma. if i be mark'd for your revenge , i dare not think you will stain your honour , to contrive my death ignobly . [ they whisper . cl. what was that he mention'd ? sir , by your name and blood i charge you hear me , by these ( your rage compels ) a virgins tears , i can kneel too , take your revenge on me , 't is i that have offended , for your sake he did return the interest i gave him , but 't was not in his power to revoke himself made mine , nor dare i quit possession . car. i have but tryed thy virtue , manuel and i are friends . cl. that was a heavenly language . car. our swords shall serve to nobler uses , clara , i 'll not disturb the progress of your mariage ; and since i see you 're fixt so gloriously , proceed to your own hymen , i 'll attend you , and witness all your holy rites . cl. blest change ! what prayers and duty can reward his goodness ? car. i hope you 'll not deny for my past service , madam , your smile upon me , which shall be a triumph after all my wounds receiv'd , and boast a glory next to be your husband ; for i consider now i am unfit . farewell , we may salute . remember , manuel , the time and place . exit . cla. what was it the prince whisper'd ? ma. nothing , madam , to fright your cheek to paleness . cl. i do tremble . ma. were all this reconcilement a disguise , and that he meant revenge , should time and place fit his inteuts , and i should meet his anger , ●t this secure thy peace , his honor will not let him wound me basely , and when i lift up a sword 'gainst him , fate let me dye . exeunt . act. iv. enter pedro. p● . my lord is coming to my chamber , he has been with the king , i see my self allready knight of the order of the calatrava , and my commission sign'd for the state secretary . i am not the first servant of the court has kept his lord in aw ; these secrets are an excellent curb to ride a statesman with , that is not come to the art of poysoning . i know he wishes heartily i were hang'd ; i tryed him once for the wars ; to find his pulse , and i was listed captain , before some the generall knew had been seven years in service ( as ushers to right honourable ladies ) there was his graces commendations to a field-officer , that should drill me out , the first to dye , with honor on some on-slaught ; so quitted that preferment . enter mendoza . he is come ; i 'll take no notice . men. if he liv'd at the t'other end of th' world , he might betray me in the next packet : ha! pe. item i bequeath — me. what art thou doing ? pe. only making up my will , sir ; and my self eady for the indies ; 't is a lon●●●●age , and therefore i would settle every thing before i go ; if your grace please to honor me , i would make you my executor . me. but when , will you dye pedro ? ha ? pe. sir , there be storms , abroad , and who does know how soon the waves may rore , and crack the cabins ? me. ha! pe. there may be calentures , my lord , and twenty devices to be met at sea , beside the land diseases ; there be hericanoes are boysterous enough to tear up mountains , and strike a ship clean through o't'other side to the antipodes . me. he deals with the devil , and knows my thoughts . there 's no hast to make your will , i have consider'd o' the business , and truth is , i cannot find my heart willing to part with thee , so far thou hast been faithfull ; we will live and dye together . pe. by no means , my lord : i am resolv'd i will not live in spain a moneth , for as much plate as the next fleet brings home ; no , i beseech your grace excuse me . me. why pedro ? pe. if your grace please i shall be knighted , or have the office you have promis'd , do 't , and do 't betime , it will be worse for both else . me. you do not threaten to reveal the business ? pe. 'lass , there be other matters , sir , as dangerou● and if you love your self , or honor , finish — i cannot help it . me. i am all a bath ! pedro , why dost thou fright me so ? if thou beest honest , ther 's no mortal ean betray us . pe. worse , worse than that ; let me go travel , sir , and far enough ; it is not possible that i should stay , and you preserve your wits . me. the reason ? pe. it will make you mad to hear it , sir , but 't is my desperate fate , the stars command it ; would i had never seen — me. what ? pe. a face that i could name . me. if it concerns not the other mystery , let me hear it , pedro , i will be arm'd . pe. why then you 'll cut my throat ; you cannot hold your hand ; pray let me go , and you may save all yet . me. thou dost torment me . p. and yet it is no fault of mine , directly , we are all flesh and blood — oh sir. me. out with it . pe. you 'll curse me when you know it . i would your grace would guess , but 't is impossible ; 't is working to get out , i am — me. well sayd . pe. oh sir , i am — i am — in love — now 't is out . me. that all ? pe. all ? a pistol to a maravide you 〈◊〉 your rapier presently upon me , and if i name but the party , will not have the patience to foin , but tilt it at me . sir , do not know 't ; what will become of me ? it will be safer , sir , to hoyst sayls yet , no matter whither , so i never come agen ; for if i see one face too often , both you , and i , and she 's undone : i have beaten my self allready , fasted , prayed , been drunk , and pray'd agen , nothing will kill concupiscence — oh sir. me. why , this is raving . pe. i , you may call it what you please , but here she lies a cross that must , or doe the deed , or make poor pedro miserable . me. how he sweats ? pedro do not despair , this feaver may be cur'd , it may . pe. indeed you can do much ; for to say truth , your grace is both acquainted , and has no small command upon the party . me. nay then be confident — who is 't ? pe. it is — shall i name her ? me. by my honor i will beat thee else . pe. why so then ; the pretty soul , i will confess to you , whom , if i stay , i must — me. enjoy ; this such a business ? pe. is — is — clara , your graces one , & only daughter . me. ha! [ draws . pe. i told you this afore , but do not do 't , sir , now , i rather look for 't in the next sallad , or in my mornings draught ; there 's spice i' your closet ; or we have spanish figs. me. thou most unheard-of impudence ! how can'●t hope i should not cut thy head off ? sirrah , rascall . pe. to these things humane nature has been prone ; but if you kill ●e , sir , there is a scedule , a secret in a bag of writings , left in a friends hand — nay i did look for this , there is an inventory of goods were stoln ; the anno domini , with aetatis suae set down , the day o' th' moneth , and place remembred , if these do not revenge my death — me. why so ; a pox upon thee — yet come hither , and let me cut thy tongue out . pe. i confess i am not fit to marry , sir , a lady of her princely birth and fortune , all consider'd ; alas , i know i am a wreth — but — me. thou wouldst have her to be thy whore , & me thy pander to speak for thee — rogue , devill , i must kill thee , there is no remedy . pe. hold , you mistake me , sir , ' ●is no such business . me. what wouldst thou have then ? pe. i would go beyond sea , i , to the indies , ●ir , or turn a haddack by the way ; send me to the new islands , or iapan . me. from whence you may send letters to the king ; no sirrah , i 'll not trust you . pe. 't is a hard case , my lord , i have dangerous sailing betwixt your graces scylla and her caribdis . me. i dare not kil him ; why do i not kil my self t●en ? no , i wo'not , i will talk reason to him ; come hither sirra , my tormentor . pe. i sir — me. if your hot blood must have a cooler , will none serve your rogues turn , but my daughter clara ? say thou art mad — pe. i have too many senses . me. or if your wantonness must be confin'd within my walls — pe. the more my sorrow — but i 'll try my lord , if you will give me leave , for your sake , sir , among her gentlewomen , what i can do to conjure down my devil , i will take some physick too , sir , every thing will help ; would i were whipt , my lord — me. whipt with a vengeance ? pe. but i am griev'd for your vexation , and my scurvey fortune ; but if there be a wench , a witch , a medicine above ground , that can give me any charm , your grace shall hear no more on 't — so , your pardon . and now my lord , let your unworthy servant have leave to ask one question ; does not your grace suspect me monstrously ? nay d' ee not think i do presume too much upon your fears ? and that the knowledge of this secret makes me bold and sawcy , my good lord ? me. 't is all too true , but 't is not in my brain to help 't , unless i take some course to kill thee . pe. how ? me. i fear i shall be driven to 't ; one fit like this will work my impatience up : look to 't . pe. why , then i 'll tel your grace an easie way to remove all your jealousie , and never trouble your brain with study how to kil me , a most compendious way . me. i would i knew it . pe. 't is but my going to the court , my lord , and if you be not cur'd within an hour after i have told the king a story , how your wife the dutchess lost — i ha' done — fear nothing . enter lord. lo. is not prince carlo here ? me. not here , my lord. lo. 't is the kings pleasure you attend him presently , your daughters presence is expected too among the ladies , for the entertainment of princess isabella , new arriv'd the court. me. we humbly wait to kiss his hand . pe. shall i attend ? me. i am resolv'd now not to sleep without thee , and in the day , i 'll look upon thee , pedro , as thou wert my great seal , and i thy keep●r . pe. yet i may give you a slip . me. we 'll to clara : the princess isabella come so private , ha ! pedro ? pe. i am here , my lord. exeunt enter manuel . ma. this is the place by his commands to meet in ; it has a sad and fatall invitation . a hermit that forsakes the world for prayer , and solitude , would be timo●ous to live here . there 's not a spray for birds to perch upon ; for every tree that over-looks the vale , carries the mark of lightning , and is blasted . the day which smil'd as i came forth , and spread fair beams about , has taken a deep melancholy , that fits more omino●s in her face than night ; all darkness i● less horrid than half light . never was such a scene for death presented , and there 's a ragged mountain peeping over vvith many heads , seeming to crowd themselves spectators of some tragedy ; but i 'll prevent 'em all ; though my obedience instructed me to wait here , it shall not be brib'd to draw my sword against the prince ; and in his honor i am safe , how e'r this sense of clara's loss transport him , 't is not vvithin his nature to be impious . and if ● gain his friendship , i return vvith triumph to my clara. within — help , help . enter prince carlo's page . pa. oh help , don manuel , help for heavens sake . ma. celio the princes page ? where is the prince ? pa. oh sir , i fear he 's slain . ma. by whom ? pa. the devill , or one not very much unlike him , a more , that basely set upon him , sure he has dispatcht the prince , he persues me , and if he have , death shall be welcome to me , for i am not fit to live , and lose my master . he 's here , and his sword bloudy . enter carlo like a more . ma. villain ! were all thy bloud rivers of balm , or such a floud as would restore a life to the departed world , it should be all a sacrifice to carlo . ( they fight . ) pa hold , hold don manuell . ma. canst thou be mercifull to the princes murderer pa. curse on my duty to obey so far . my lord , the prince is slain , you are wounded too . ma. the prince ! car. don manuell , i forgive thee . ma. pray heaven this be a dream ; for if my hand have been so much a traitour , it shall call no other aid in your revenge : are you prince carlo ? car. i was . ma. that voyce shall be my sentence . car. hold , i charge thee by thy honour , manuell . ma. why did you wear this black upon you sir ? or how could art of man contrive a cloud which this soul had no eyes to penetrate ? car. i knew thou wouldst not fight against me knowingly , and if i fell , i meant it to secure thy act from punishment , when in this darkness i took my leave o' th' world , onely that boy , whom i compel'd to feign me wounded , so to make thee draw thy sword ; but with my bloud i feel my spirits vanish , if i have ●ut breath enough , i send by thee a kiss to thy own clara now . ma. oh , help good boy ! for 't is no time to curse thee now , my horse is not far off , this scarf may stay his bleeding untill we meet with better surgerie . now heaven reprieve my strength but to convey him to some good place , and i resign my self to all the justice you will call me to . exit . enter king , mendoza , roderigo , antonio , pedro , lord. ki. y' are all but my tormentors ; where 's piraecquo ? enter piracquo . ro. his son is absent too . pir. have comfort sir. an. our neglect is lost in the generall cause , what doe you think my lord mendoza ? men. this no news of the prince is not so comfortable . enter lord. ki. the news you bring ? lo. unless he had left the kingdom — ki. be dumb — and he had left the world your cares might have persued him ; if he return not , you have murdred him . ro. my stars are now at work in heaven , their influence is powerful , i will adore the sun if it dissolve not this mi●t in which the prince is lost ; i am content thou be a constellation carlo , in any sphere but this . enter a messenger with a letter to piracquo . pir. to me ? 't is manuel's character . lo. unless we hear some good news of the prince , i fear we lose the king too . an. 't is strange none should attend him but his page . ro. i fear some plot is practis'd 'gainst his life , but dare not speak . lo. that 's it distracts the king , whose fears are helpt by a sad dream he had last night . ro. my lord piracquo's son is missing too . pi. comfort your self till my return , i 'll find 'em , or ne'r see your face agen . ki. well said piracquo , all my prayers go with thee . me. pedro. exit pir. pe. my lord. me. i know not what to say , but stand before , they may not see me weep . pe. sir , i must confess — me. ha! confess ? pe. you are still suspicious , have a true heart , and let your conscience look less abroad sir , if he be dead , your trouble 's over sir ; we must all dye , death has his severall waies and times to take us off , some expire humbly i' th' cradle , some dismist upon a scaffold — enter isabella , maria , clara. me. come hither , doe not name a scaffold , i was innocent thou knowst , the plot was all my ladies , and not one survives the secret , but we two . pe. keep your own counsell sir , this fatherly affection may doe harm , he could not dye in better time , ki. madam , can you , whose honour seems to suffer by this absence , have so much charity to comfort me ? isa. he is not desperate , while we have hope . my lord piracquo's son may wait upon him . enter manuell . an. don manuell . ki. hast brought news of my son ? ma. i can inform you a sad story sir. isa. where is the prince ? ma. not dead i hope . ki. hast thou a jealousie will concern that fear ? my soul has been a prophet : what misfortune ? ma. if you have strength to hear a truth so sad , he has been wounded . ex. ladies . ki. by what traitour ? look to the princess . ma. i had not with such boldness undertook the tragick story , if i had not brought the great offender . ki. oh , welcome manuell — where 's the body ? ma. where it doth want no surgery , but my father is gone with all the wings his fear and duty can aid him with , at his return to acquaint you with carlo's life , or death . ro. would i were his surgeon . ki. thou hast not nam'd the villain yet , he may escape . ma. i have took order for his stay , untill your anger and the laws conclude him . ki. thou hast done us service . ma. and it will sink by slow degrees into your faith , that he , who gave him all his wounds , was one that lov'd him faithfully . an. lov'd him ? ma. above his own life . ro. torments oretake the traitour . ma. 't is not well said , with pardon of the king ; when i shall bring you to the weeping heart of this poor man , some may allow his penitence , so great , it may invite a mercy to him ; alass , he was betray'd to the black deed , both sword and soul compell'd to 't . ki. here 's a prodigie ! ro. are you acquainted with the guilty person , that you dare thus extenuate his fact ? ma. i am , and dare produce him — here he stands , so far from wishes to out-live the prince , he begs to wait upon his shade . an. does he not bleed ? ki. apprehend his person . ma. they are but churlish drops , and know not their own happiness ; this wound was made by carlo , yet how slow it weeps to answer his effusion ? could i reach their orifice , i 'd kiss the crimson lips , for his dear name that made ' em . men. did he kill him ? justice sir , justice● i beg for justice upon this murderer . pe. now it works . ki. you ? by what nearer interest in carlo should you imagine we are slow to punish him ? 't was a black hour when carlo saw thee first , rewarded now for all his love ; to prison with him , and let him see no day . ex. guarded . ma. i kiss your sentence . an. this circumstance is strange , i am not satisfied . ex. ant. after manuell . enter clara. ki. how is the princess ? cl. sir she is alive , and would be glad to hear the prince were so . ki. we cannot promise , clara. roderigo , we should be satisfied where his body is , ●or'tis without a soul , i fear , by this time . ro. i could instruct the surgeon a way to make that sure . me. and manuell hath confess'd himself the murderer . [ to clara. ] pe. this change was unexpected . cla. is he gone to prison then ? me. go home , by that time thou hast wept out all thy tears , i 'll come , and tell thee a little sad tale clara , that shall make an end , and we will break our hearts together . ki. mendoza ? me. sir. ki. why does thy grief appear so rude to out-swell mine ? he was my son. me. my tears are anger sir , as well as grief , that he that did commit this paricide , should be so impudent to say he lov'd him . ki. that amazes me . me. but traitours have their gloss , and dare expound their disobedient acts , a branch of their allegiance : precious juggling● treason would be too ugly to appear with his own face , but duty and religion are hansome visors to abuse weak sight , that cannot penetrate beyond the bark , and false complexion of things ; i hope you wo'not think a single death sufficient , if iulio dye . ki. carlo thou meanst — me. i , i , the prince , i know not what i say sir , things make me wild — pe. take heed sir what you say . enter antonio , roderigo at one dore , and at the other dore piracquo , and a lord discour●ing . piracquo is return'd . pi. my son confess the deed , and sent to prison ? so . ki. now sir. an. how is the prince , my lord ? pi. this was an act of his last strength , as when a short-liv'd taper makes a blaze , it has direction to your sister sir , and i his last commands i fear — [ pir. gives ant. a letter . an. for the conveyance , trust that to me — give this sir to my sister . [ to his servant . ki. then he is dead , piracquo ? pi. not yet sir , but he hath such a wound will not allow him many minutes life , 't is mortall sir , they say , and wo'not pain him past next dressing . ro. how things succeed to my ambition — sir — me. i care not for my head , now let him take it , 't is but for keeping counsell . ro. it is apparent this misfurtune grew from both their loves to clara. ki. thy son , piracquo , dyes . pi. great sir , hear me . an. manuell affirms he did not know the prince i' th' habit of a more , and that his page by the command of carlo told him , that his master had been wounded by that more , to engage their fight . pi. all this the prince acknowledg'd . ro. these are devices to paint manuel's treason . pi. i sooner dare believe one accent from the prince's breath , when his just soul was parting , than all your commentaries ; i am bold ; nor can the law , and all your anger weigh so heavy as my curse , upon his head that durst lift up a sword to wound the prince : but let not passion take away your justice , 't is that i kneel for . ki. against whom piracquo ? pi. 'gainst him that 's guilty of the prince's loss , you may incline to think poor manuell innocent . ki. what riddle 's this ? ro. has not your son , piracquo , confess'd himself the murderer ? an. manuel's fortune distracts the old man. pi. pardon my love of truth , i here accuse mendoza , that hath slept so long in treason . me. ha — pe — pedro. pi. if he deny , i ha' proof to make him blush , and sink him with dishonour ; pedro can relate a story will be worth your wonder . me. nay then 't is come about , i see , i cannot sir confess in better time . don manuel has accus'd himself unjustly for carlo's death , that prince , if i may trust a wife upon her death-bed — enter isabella . ki. roderigo — give us account from their examination , and guide us in this labyrinth . piracquo return toth ' prince , what death hath left of him command may be attended hither . isa. sir , if you please , i have a great desire to take a sad leave of the prince , and kiss his pale hand , ere his body be embalm'd , and sear-cloths hide him from us . ki. it will but enlarge your grief . an. i will attend my sister ; my lord piracquo you can best direct us . ( exe. ant. pir. isa. ro. convey 'em with a strong guard . [ men. and ped. under guard . pe. what think you of an indian voyage now sir ? ro. my joyes are firm at root , don manuel , sir , is not guilty of the prince's death , yet stain'd with blood to merit execution . he that is slain did but usurp your blessing , and was by the art of duke mendoza's lady , then governess to the prince , after the loss of carlo , that was stoln away an infant , put in his place ; the court has been long cosen'd . ki. this story will want faith . me. the circumstance will make all clear . ki. expound the riddle as we walk , there 's no condition more expos'd to care than princes . private men meet the force of common stings , but none can feel the weight of kings , but kings . exeunt . act. v. enter mendoza , and the castellano . me. a very goodly pile ; a hansom prison ! ca. it has been grac'd with persons of some honor , me. they had but little grace , as well as i , that came to be your tenants for all that . signior , where is my quondam servant ? my fellow prisoner , pedro. ca. he is singing , sir. me. what ? ca. catches . me. he has a fine time on 't . he need not clear his throat for a confession , he has done that already , and i too ; that trouble 's over ; and yet call him hither ; but i 'll not sing . poor iulio , thou art gone , ●nd with thy eyes all my delights are clos'd , ●y senses vanish too apace — i was ●oo hasty when my dutchess lay a dying ●o visit her ; had i but stayd one hour , ●he had been speechless , and i had been happy ●ithout the reach of this unlucky secret. enter castellano and pedro. pe. does the house fill , sir ? these are active times , ●nd if all men had their deserts , the state must be at charge to build new tenements ●or traytors . ca. the times are busie , sir. pe. they are indeed , good for al squires of the delinquent body and sable twig . ca. you are very pleasant , sir. pe. you would not smile , i think , so much , if justice should take a toy and turn about , it is within the hand of fate to fetch a compass , with your own rod , & whip , you know what follows . me. is this a time and place convenient , pedro , to sing your catches ? ex. cast. pe. yes , and please your grace . and cause my songs are set for three parts , sir , if it will please your grace to take the tenor , and get the prince's page , newly committed , to sing the treble , for the base , let me alone . me. you can sing that part at first sight . pe. i can reach double ef-fa-uth : shall the boy come ? me. yes , yes , why should i grieve ? pe. why now you are right ; let men that have no hope to get their freedom be fullen , whine like whelps , and break the●r sleep , we must be jolly , and drink sack , and sing . me. we ? why we ? is any thing in our condition can promise hope to be enlarg'd before the rest ? our state , if you consider , pedro , exceeds , in being desperate , other mens , as we out-sin them in the fact . pe. why , there 's your error , we are in for treason , sir , that 's to our comfort . me. comfort ? can there be a greater charge ? pe. oh our discharge the nearer ; poor things , whose highest thoughts are pilfering , lye by 't , and languish sessions after sessions , till they have worn away their clothes , and skins too , and often are repriev'd , when he that 's sent hitherfor treason , quickly comes to th' bar , pleads his not guilty , and is hang'd compendiously . me. yet some , with reverence to your observations , are not dispatcht . pe. then , doubt their causes mainly ; your grace , i hope , shall not complain for want of timely execution ; i am thinking what speech is best to please the people at it . me. i shall have cause to name your treachery . pe. why so , there 's more argument by that to stuff out your confession . me. tell me , and tell me truly , how long since you discover'd this court secret to don piracquo ? pe. i was tender hearted , sir , and knew that i had but a weak memory , therefore the first time that i saw his lordship , after he came from portugal , i told him the punctual story , lest i should forget , sir ; what should a man dissemble , & lose time for ? i did it for your good . me. it does appear . pe. it was no faul● of mine , you came no sooner to this preferment . me. it might have sav'd my iulio's life indeed , and then though i had dyed — pe. yet you were against it still ; these jealousies and fears do seldom prosper ; i knew by instinct t' were better , but as it is 't is well , your death will be more pittied , and remarkable . me. but what have you got by betraying me ? pe. the credit to be hang'd for treason , as i told your grace , besides the benefit of being read in chronicles with lords , and men of worship , i have prepar'd a business , for the present , a provision , sir , will serve any turn . me. what 's that ? pe. a ballad , sir , before i dye , to let the people know how i behav'd my self upon the scaffold ; with other passages , that will delight the people , when i take my leave of the world , made to a pavin tune , will you hear it ? enter castell . and clara. me. away you knave . cast. sir , your daughter . pe. she comes to condole . i 'll see you another time ; your graces servant . ex. cl. sir , i beseech you tell me , for i dare not believe the busie noise , they say you have confest strange things , and he that was receiv'd these many years , prince carlo , and so lately slain , is my brother iulio . me ▪ sad truth , clara. cl. i have heard my mother say , he dyed an infant . me. and i believ'd it too , but at her death she told me another story , clara , that prince carlo by some pirats had been stoln an infant from our castle , on which loss , she sent me word to court , my son dyed suddenly ; at which the king fearing some danger might follow to the prince her charge , commanded him to court , instead of whom , she sent thy brother , who was believ'd the kingdoms heir , untill pedro , who waited then nearest thy mother , and knew the imposture , brake his oath , and told piracquo all the secret , by whose charge my death and shame must make up the full tragedy . cla. manuel kill'd my brother then ? me. he has don 't ; and if thou hast a sister's soul , thou must joyn with thy father , to pull curses on him . cl. that wil not call poor iulio back again ; they say that charity will open heaven . me. charity ? will you not curse your brother's murderer ? upon my blessing i command thee curse him . cl. that would but wound us more , & not reach him ; beside , 't were an intrenchment upon heaven , so boldly to prescribe our own revenge , it were a sin might draw another punishment , great as the loss of you . me. you are a baggage ; but if thou hast a thought to wish him live , here i disclame thee ; if thou wert a son , i would pronounce thee bastard , if thou didst not kill himself thy self , but as it is , i sha'not be satisfied , since my own hands are bound , if thou attempt not something in his danger . cl. good sir , you speak , as you were to expect no killing sentence from the offended law. me. i 'll study some revenge my self . exit : cl. he 's lost ; and in this storm like a distracted passenger , whose bark has struck upon some sand , i look ●rom the forsaken deck upon the seas , ● find my own despair , which every wave swels high , and bids me die for fear of drowning . enter castellan● . may i not see don manuel your prisoner ? ca. yes madam , if you expect untill princess maria , who is come to visit him — cl. my affairs concern 'em both , direct me with more hast . ca. then this way , madam . exe enter manuel and maria , ( a taper on the table . ) ma. madam , i ow to your charity this light , and yet this little taper may be useless , i fear the king will lose part of his sentence when you go hence , for such a full light waits about you , when you take away your person , ●t will be some day still , as i foresee as you appear'd some dawning of the morning . ma. i would i could bring comfort to thee , manuel ▪ man. what comfort can you wish me ? ma. life and liberty ; with these my self , if fate , and thy consent were to allow the gift . man. it is not well , unless you doubted , madam , my repentance , to afflict me with these mockeries . when will you rather perfect what your own revenge must prompt you to , my death for carlo , your princely brother , madam ? i confess this hand rob'd him of life . ma. yet in my heart i dare pronounce thy pardon , manuel . man. it is not possible . enter clara. is not that clara ? that 's come to take her leave , before i print my everlasting farewell on her lip ? which i shall hardly find , if this rain last , to drown these lovely meadows ; thou shalt be a judge between the princess and poor manuel , to enable thee for sentence , take upon thee her person , clara ; be the princess , wo't ? and hear me plead against my sel fand her , till she repent her love , and leave me to a quiet death . i know not how to think ( maria ) you can mean this love to me , or that your voice , when it does chime the sweetest , is more than preface to my dirge ; say that you have a heart less penetrable than the scale of dragons , and as many stings when they make war , and i 'll give faith to you ; for such an enemie as i , must not be look'd on , but with all your wrath upon me ; me-thinks i hear your brother call you , madam , and hovering , as he scorn'd to touch the earth sustains his murderer , is pointing to the wounds i made , whose fountains are still weeping . i feel a purple dew descend upon me , and i am all a bloody rock allready ; are not you stiff with wonder yet ? if once you had when i appear'd a man , fair thoughts of me ; it is too much to love me now , you must convert them into curses , madam , and i will call it justice . cla. i came not to hear this comment on my brother's story , whom you have kill'd . man. observe her act your person , and speak now , as if the sorrow were her own , and she had lost a brother . cl. indeed , i have wept before , and came not now to learn a grief for him that was so near my blood : but i 've consider'd too , the ties of nature should have no force against the rules of justice ; allthough it be a sorrow , to remember he took his great misfortune from your sword , you did not murder him , nay you did not kill him , you fought in his revenge , and while he came hid in the name and person of a traytor , it was your virtue made him bleed , and yet he was my brother , sir. man. your brother ? more , he was your prince too , madam , think o'th at , the full blown expectation of the kingdom , one that redeem'd my life from banishment , and yet i kill'd him , can you forgive me ? you cannot , must not , madam . cla. yes , and dare say , i still love you . man. she will punish me , for giving up my interest to carlo , if she encourage thus maria , madam , do you consider how few sands are left in my poor glass of time , i cannot promise three minutes here , law and the kings de●ree have turn'd two parts of me to dust allready ; i feel the third unsettle , and make fit to be dissolv'd , but could fate give my life the period to be wished ( remember whom i speak to clara ) and i need no more accuse my self , my heart was long since given away , and you as soon may reconcile time and eternity to one growth , and age , as hope my love and yours should ever meet . cla. then it is time to dye . man. madam , she faints , oh help , she has forgot her part , this was not meant to clara. mar. madam , madam . man. clara , so , so , she returns , i should have quickly followed else . mar. i see your loves are sacred , and 't is sin to attempt your separation ; though i lov'd thee manuel , i can resign to clara , whom i hop'd her brothers death might have provok'd to leave thee . man. her brothers ? let me hear clara speak ; her brothers death ? having so little time to stay with thee alive , why didst thou make such hast ? cla. did not you sir pronounce it was impossible that our two loves should meet ? man. thou didst not represent clara then , thou wert the princess . cla. i know not , but your last profession that our two hearts should never grow together , followed so close my brother's death , i thought the meaning look'd on me . mar. thy brothers death ? mar. you have not slain the prince my brother , manuel , but clara's , this may yet appear a mystery . cla. 't is too true . man. but stay ; and can my clara then forgive me ? no man despair to find mercy in heaven , there is so great a charity upon earth . but doe not leave me lost i' th' wonder , madam , allthough it would be happiness to know the prince not dead , i cannot hear without a wound next his , that i ha' kil'd thy brother ; it cannot be , allthough thou wouldst forgive me , i cannot be so miserable . mar. how their souls agree ? 't were tyranny to part ' em . clara , i envyed , now allow thy happiness , and will have no more thoughts upon your loves , but what shall be employ'd in hearty wishes that manuel may live still to reward it ; thou hast deserv'd him better than i have antonio . cla. if my death may speak addition to the love i owe thee ; 't is in my resolution , at that minute thy soul takes leave , my own shall wait upon it , and take a journey through the clouds together : who knows but they may fill one star ? farewell , till we begin that progress . man. doe not make death horrid to me clara , for to think , when this unworthy frame must fall to pieces , thy soul , a fairer tenant to this building , should wander in persuit of mine — mar. no more ; let me advise your griefs , i have tears for both , divide at distance , you may kiss in heart . man. with such a groan souls from their bodi● part ▪ the castellano lights away the ladies , and manuell retires to his prison . enter roderigo and isabella . isa. how , an impostor ! though the peoples tongues , that catch at every noise , and wave their duty , as they are prescrib'd by faction , or lewd pamphlets , doe talk this loud — rod. upon my honour , madam . isa. i hope your lordship has another knowledge , and faith , than to disgrace your bloud , the prince — ro. i say he is no prince , and we are sorry a lady of your greatness should i' th' height of such a glorious expectation , lose what did invite your person hither . isa. ha! then i am lost , that letter has undone me , which full of love and satisfaction , made me hasty to destroy my self . ro. 't is yet within your choice to lose no honour , madam , and in my sense of what you else might suffer , i come to tender reparation , both to your love and greatness . isa. 't is not possible . ro. if you can find within your heart a will to entertain my love , i 'm no impostor , the king will call me brother , be kind madam , and what is past shall vanish like a dream . secure me with a smile . isa. my lord , i thank you ; but there will still remain some characters by which the world may guess at my sad story . ro. there cannot . isa. yes , i find some printed here , for i did love the person , i confess , of him you call the impostor : did he know himself a counterfeit ? ro. let me be just , and quit him from that treason . isa. that is something to plead his innocence to me ; i dare not yet ask his name , when i remember what my tongue consented to before the priest so late ; yet 't will be known ; if he be not the prince we thought , tel me his other name ; say , is he basely born ? ro. he is the duke mendoza's son . isa. that is a comfort yet , and in the confidence of this truth , my lord , i am well again , i thank you . ro. if this please you , doe you remember madam , he hath wounds fatall upon him , that allready may exclude him from the living ? isa. 't would be impious , while there is any life remaining sir , to make another promise ; when you say he 's dead , i may with modest freedom hear what you too early now prepare me for . exit isa. ro. you honour me enough . i find her judgement allready meet what i propound , he cannot , he sha'not live to cross me . enter piracquo . 't is piracquo , he can assure me ; you look sad my lord , as if with iulio's giving up the ghost , your sons life now were forfeit . pir. 't is too true . ro. i 'll follow , and acquaint her ; yet 't is safer she take it from another . pir. all my hopes are in your grace , the king is coming hither , if you will bind an old mans prayers , and service , second my feeble breath , and mediate his mercy to my boy , you may be satisfied in conscience , he had no thoughts to kill him ; the prince's death will not engage you now to be poor manuel's enemy ; good my lord , forgive what past in my rash language . ro. does not your lordship call to mind there was a sum of fifty thousand ducats ? pi. they shall be sent to your grace's secretary , nay i 'll make 'em fifty thousand more , and think it cheap to save his life , now you are mercifull — ro. the bargain would doe well , but you are cozen'd , i will not take a maravide , not i , if upon other honourable tearms i may possess you favour , i shall meet your just commands ; ha' you forgot my lord ? some men doe keep records , but i am charitable , and will not rack your patience — pi. y' are gratious . ro. ten millions of ducats shall not ransome your darling from the scaffold : you observe ? you know your self , your fortune , and upon what strength you must depend , now i have said — pi. will your grace hear ? my son shall live then , and not lose one hair , if you would pawn your soul to have it otherwise . i have said too . ro. so peremptory ? pi. your grace must pardon me the truth , i have a scurvy sullen humour where i meet a worse , and cannot hold , though i should hang for 't , and so god bu'y to your grace , we are alone — ro. be merry with your head on — time may come — pi. i would take boldness , once more , to intreat that the young man may live till the next spring , and then your grace may purge — ro. so sir , i shall find waies to stay your vomiting — the king. enter king and lords . . lo. good sir be comforted . ki. good sir give me reasons ; i had a son till now , yet long since lost him . ro. now you may take revenge . ki. t is well remembred . mendoza is the traytor , he shall bleed for carlo's loss . ro. and he deserves , that would have cozen'd the whole kingdom . ki. send for him ; i 'll ask him in what wilderness the boy has hid himself , command him hither presently , and if he give me not a satisfaction , it will be justice then to send his soul about the world , to find him out . . lo. the prince antonio , sir. enter antonio and maria. an. if at a time , when sorrow hath exercised his sting , you can admit to hear me happy in maria's love , let me begin to call you father , and till carlo find your blessing , think you have one to supply his duty . ki. it is some allay to carlo's loss , maria has not left her father . ma. i shall ever live within your precept to express a daughter as unto him a wife . ki. both to my heart ! sit down , where is your sister isabella ? ro. she not despairs to be a bride to one , that may repair my nephews loss ; and if she smile on me , it wil not draw i hope your frown upon it . enter isabella , julio , piracquo . an. is not that isabella ? isa. and this he , who , if you call me sister , must be worth your noblest friendship , and embrace . ro. alive ? iu. your pardon sir , they knew me innocent , made me usurp prince carlo's name for iulio's . ro. confusion ! enter manuel and clara. pi. i appeal sir to your justice , and have brought my son , to hear your breath pronounce his pardon . ki. thus all meet happiness but i ; receive him free piracquo , onely i must mourn the loss of mine . enter mendoza and pedro. iu. i am no prince , don manuel , my fate has been unriddled . cla. my brother living ? we are all safe . me. ha● my iulio ? iu. your blessing now . me. take it , and with it all my tears , i scorn to shed one other drop , my joyes are mighty , my heart is all one bonefire — ki. plead no more , mendoza dies , the sentence is irrevocable . pe. there is a cooler sir after your bonefire . iu. sister , i 'll kiss these sorrows off . cl. you cannot while my father 's doom'd to death . ro. why does mendoza live ? pi. because he must not dye yet . pedro — pe. my lord. [ pi. and pe. whisper with the king. men. i 'll give thee clara first , here take her manuel , i see she loves thee , lose no tears for me , my taper has burnt dim this many years . ki. antonio ! maria ! isabella ! mendoza ! witness all — proceed piracquo — pi. i was that pirat sir , that stole your son , and being desperate meant by this surprise to make my peace — pe. i was in the confederacy , and must affirm this truth . pi. but just when i had fitted my design , and did expect t' have brought don carlo home , i heard he was at court , no loss deplor'd , for by the dutchess of mendoza's art iulio supply'd the princes name , and person . me. and sent me word to court my son was dead ? ha ! pi. this made me think my kinsman had deceiv'd me , and then resolv'd my stay in portugal , where , as my own , i bred , and call'd him manuel ; till after many years your grace redeem'd us , and i at my return confirm'd i' th' story by pedro , hitherto protracted time , with hope to serve don iulio for our freedome . i have your pardon sir for all . ki. thou hast . pe. i am included , trust me with a secret sir another time , i knew 't would come to this at last , and with some justice did but punish your fears and jealousies ; is not this better than sending me to the wars , or shipping me for t'other world before my time ? me. th' art my best servant . pi. and my heir agen . car. depose me from this glorious title , sir , unless my clara may divide the honor . ki. providence meant her thine , both call me father . ro. there is no remedy , nephew , welcom home , and neece , we shall be kindred now mendoza , piracquo we are friends too , and i 'll try , how i can love you heartily . ki. i hear the altar call , make hast , the triumph will attend too long , the clouds are chac'd away , night ne'r was mother to so bright a day . exeunt omnes . finis . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e * falsely ascribed to io. fletcher . the coronation shirley, james this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text s in the english short title catalog (stc ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. martin mueller incompletely or incorrectly transcribed words were reviewed and in many cases fixed by hannah bredar heejin ro this text has not been fully proofread earlyprint project evanston il, notre dame in, st.louis, washington mo distributed under a creative commons attribution-noncommercial . unported license a .xml the coronation a comedy. as it vvas presented by her majesties servants at the private house in drury lane. written by john fletcher. gent. shirley, james, - . dpi tiff g page images university of michigan, digital library production service ann arbor, michigan october (tcp phase ) stc ( nd ed.) . greg, ii, (a). a

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 the coronation a comedy. as it vvas presented by her majesties servants at the private house in drury lane. written by john fletcher. gent. shirley, james, - . fletcher, john, - , [ ] p. printed by tho. cotes, for andrew crooke, and william cooke. and are to be sold at the signe of the greene dragon, in pauls church-yard, london : .

not in fact by john fletcher, but by james shirley.

in verse.

title page partly from the same setting of type as john fletcher's "the night-walker" (stc ).

signatures: a b-i k .

reproduction of the original in the folger shakespeare library.

 a shc the coronation shirley, james hannah bredar heejin ro play comedy shc no a s (stc ). . b the rate of . defects per , words puts this text in the b category of texts with fewer than defects per , words. incorporated ~ , textual changes made to the shc corpus by hannah bredar, kate needham, and lydia zoells between april and july during visits, separately or together, to the bodleian, folger and houghton libraries as well as the rare book libraries at northwestern university and the university of chicago

the coronation a comedy .

as it was presented by her majesties servants at the private house in drury lane .

written by john fletcher . gent.

london , printed by tho. cotes , for andrew crooke , and william cooke . and are to be sold at the signe of the greene dragon , in pauls church-yard . .

the actors names . philocles . lisander . cassander . lisimachus . antigonus . arcadius . macarius . seleucus . queene . charilla . polidora . nestorius eubulus . a bishop . polianus . sophia . demetrius . gentlemen and gentlewomen . servants and attendants .
the prologue . since t is become the title of our play , a woman once in a coronation may with pardon , speake the prologue , give as free a welcome to the theater , as he that with a little beard , a long blacke cloke , with a starch'd face , and supple legge hath spoke before the playes the twelvemonth , let me then present a welcome to these gentlemen , if you be kind , and noble , you will not thinke the worse of me for my petticote . but to the play , the poet bad me tell his feares first in the title , lest it swell some thoughts with expectation of a straine , that but once could be seene in a kings raigne , this coronation , he hopes you may see often , while the genious of his play , doth prophesie the conduites may runne wine , when the dayes triumph 's ended , and divine briske nectar swell his temples to a rage , with something of more price to invest the stage . there rests but to prepare you , that although it be a coronation , there doth flow no undermirth , such as doth lar'd the scene for course delight , the language here is cleare . and confident our poet bad me say , hee le bate you but the folly of a play . for which although dull soules his pen dispise , who thinkes it yet too earely to be wise . the nobler will thanke his muse , at least excuse him , cause his thought aym'd at the best , but we conclude not , it dost rest in you . to censure poet , play , and prologue too . but what have i omitted ? is there not a blush upon my cheekes that i forget the ladies , and a female prologue too ? your pardon noble gentlewomen , you were first within my thoughts , i know you sit as free , and high commissioners of wit , have cleare , and active soules , nay though the men were lost in your eyes , they 'l be found agen , you are the bright intelligences move , and make a harmony this sphere of love , be you propitious then , our poet sayes , our wreath from you , is worth their grove of bayes :
the coronation .
actus . . enter philocles and lisander . phi.

make way for my lord protector .

lisa.

your graces servants .

enter cassander and lisimachus . cas.

i like your diligent waiting , where 's lisimachus ?

lisi.

i waite upon you sir .

cas. the queene lookes pleasant this morning , does she not ? lis. i ever found her gracious smiles on me . cas. she does consult her safety in 't , for i must tell thee boy , but in the assurance of her love to thee , i should advance thy hopes another way , and use the power i have in epire , to settle our owne , and uncontrouled greatnesse ; but since she carries her selfe so fairely , i am content to expect , and by her marriage secure thy fortune , that 's all my ambition now , be still carefull in thy applications to her , i must attend other affaires , returne , and use what art thou canst to lay more charmes of love upon her . lisi. i presume shee alwayes speakes the language of her heart , and i can be ambitious for no more happinesse on earth then she encourages me to expect . cas. it was an act becomming the wisedome of her father to engage a tye betweene our families , and she hath playd her best discretion to allow it ; but we lose time in conference , waite on her , and be what thou wert borne for , king of epire , exit . i must away . lisi. successe ever attend you . is not the queene yet comming forth ? lisa. your servant , you may command our duties , this is the court starre philocles . phi.

the starre that we must saile by .

lisa. all must borrow a light from him , the young queene directs all her favours that way . phi. hee s a noble gentleman and worthy of his expectations : too good to be the son of such a father . lisa.

peace , remember he is lord protector .

phil. we have more need of heavens protection i' th meane time , i wonder the old king did in his life designe him for the office . lisa. he might suspect his faith , i have heard when the king who was no epirote advanc'd his claime , cassander , our protector now , young then , oppos'd him toughly with his faction , but forc'd to yeeld had faire conditions , and was declar'd by the whole state next heire if the king wanted issue ; our hopes only thriv'd in this daughter . phi. whom but for her smiles and hope of marriage with lisimachus , his father by some cunning had remov'd ere this . lisa. take heed , the arras may have eares i should not weepe much if his grace would hence remove to heaven . phi.

i prethee what should he do there ?

lisa.

some offices will fall .

phi. and the sky too , ere i get one staire higher while hee s in place . enter antigonus . ant. lisander , philocles , how lookes the day upon us ? where 's the queene ? phi.

in her bed-chamber .

ant.

who was with her ?

lisa.

none but the yong lord lisimachus .

ant. t is no treason if a man wish himselfe a courtier of such a possibility : he has the mounting fate . phi. i would his father were mounted toth ' gallowes . ant. he has a path faire enough , if he survive by title of his father . lisa.

the queene will hasten his ascent .

phi.

would i wore queene .

ant. thou wod'st become rarely the peticote , what wod'st thou doe ? phi. why , i wod marry my gentleman usher , and trust all the strength and burden of my state upon his legges , rather then be call'd wife by any sonne of such a father . lisa. come le ts leave this subject , we may finde more secure discourse ; when saw you young arcadius , lord macarius nephew ? ant. there 's a sparke , a youth moulded for a favorite , the queene might doe him honour . phi. favorite , t is too cheape a name , there were a match now for her virgin blood . lisa. must every man that has a hansome face or legge feed such ambition : i confesse i honour him , he has a nimble soule , and gives great hope to be no woman-hater , dances hansomely , can court a lady powerfully , but more goes toth ' making of a prince ? hee s here an ds vncle . enter arcadius , macarius , seleucus . sel. save you gentlemen , who can direct me to finde my lord protector ? lisa. he was here within this halfe houre , young lisimachus his sonne is with the queene . sel. there let him complement , i have other businesse , ha ? arcadius ! exit . phi. observ'd you with what eyes arcadius and he saluted , their two families will hardly reconcile . ant. seleucus carries himselfe too roughly , with what pride and scorne he past by em . lisa. the tother with lesse shew of anger carries pride enough in 's soule , i wish em all at peace , macarius lookes are without civill warre , a good old man , the old king lov'd him well , seleucus father was as deare to him , and maintain'd the character of an honest lord through epire : that two men so lov'd of others , should be so unwell-come to one another . arc.

the queene was not wont to send for me .

mac. the reason 's to her selfe , it will become your duty to attend her . arc. save you gentlemen , what novelty does the court breath to day ? lisa. none sir , the newes that tooke the last impression is , that you purpose to leave the kingdome , and those men , that honour you , take no delight to heare it . arc. i have ambition to see the difference of courts , and this may spare ; the delights at home doe surfet , and the mistresse whom we all doe serve is fixt upon one object , her beames are too much pointed , but no country shall make me lose your memories . enter queene , lisimachus , macarius , charilla . que.

arcadius .

mac. your lordship honord me , i have no blessing in his absence . lisi.

t is done like a pious vncle .

que. we must not give any licence . arc. if your majesty would please . que. we are not pleasd , it had become your duty , to have first acquainted us , ere you declar'd your resolution publicke , is our court not worth your stay ? arc.

i humbly begge your pardon .

que.

where 's lisimachus ?

lisi.

your humble servant madam .

que. we shall finde employment at home for you , doe not lose us . arc. madam i then write my selfe blest on earth when i may doe you service . que.

we would be private macarius .

mac. madam you have blest me , nothing but your command could interpose to stay him . que. lisimachus you must not leave us . lisa. nothing but lisimachus ? has she not taine a philter ? exit . que. nay pray be cover'd , ceremony from you . must be excus'd , lisi.

it will become my duty .

que. not your love ? i know you would not have me looke upon your person as a courtier , not as favorite , that title were too narrow to expresse how we esteeme you . lisi. the least of all these names from you madam , is grace enough . que.

yet here you wod not rest .

lisi. not if you please ? to say there is a happinesse beyond , and teach my ambition how to make it mine , although the honours you already have let fall upon your servant , exceed all my merit ; i have a heart is studious to reach it with desert , and make if possible your favours mine by justice , with your pardon . que. we are confident this needs no pardon sir , but a reward to cherish your opinion , and that you may keepe warme your passion , know we resolve for marriage , and if i had another gift , beside my selfe , greater , in that you should discerne , how much my heart is fixt . lisi.

let me digest my blessing .

que.

but i cannot resolve when this shall be ,

lisi. how madam ? doe not make me dreame of heaven and wake me into misery , if your purpose be , to immortalize your humble servant , your power on earth's divine , princes are here the coppies of eternity , and create when they but will our happinesse . que. i shall beleeve you mocke me in this argument , i have no power . lisi.

how no power .

que.

not as a queene .

lisi.

i understand you not .

que.

i must obey , your fathers my protector .

lisi.

how ?

que. when i am absolute , lisimachus , our power and titles meete , before , we are but a shadow , and to give you that were nothing , lisi. excellent queene , my love tooke no originall from state , or the desire of other greatnesse , above what my birth may challenge modestly , i love your vertues ; mercenary soules are taken with advancement , yo 've an empire within you , better then the worlds , to that lookes my ambition . que. tother is not fit to be despisd , cosmography allowes epire a place i th' mappe , and know till i possesse what i was borne to , and alone doe graspe the kingdomes scepter , i account my selfe divided , he that marries me shall take an absolute queene to his warme bosome , my temples yet are naked , untill then our loves can be but complements , and wishes , yet very hearty ones . lisi.

i apprehend .

que.

your father .

enter cassander , seleucus . cas.

madam , a gentleman has an humble sute ,

que. t is in your power to grant , you are protector , i am not yet a queene . cas.

how 's this ?

lisi

i shall expound her meaning .

queene .

why kneele you sir ?

sel. madam to reconcile two families that may unite , both counsells and their blood to serve your crowne . que. macarius , and eubulus that by are inveterate malice to each other . it grew , as i have heard , upon the question which some of either family had made , which of their fathers was the best commander : if we beleeve our stories , they have both deserved well of our state , and yet this quarrell has cost too many lives , a severe faction . sel. but i le propound a way to plant a quiet and peace in both our houses , which are torne with their dissentions , and lose the glory of their great names , my blood speakes my relation to eubulus , and i wish my veines were emptyed to appease their warre . que. thou hast a noble soule , this is a charity above thy youth , and it flowes bravely from thee , name the way . sel. in such a desperate cause , a little streame of blood might purge the foulenesse of their hearts if you le prevent a deluge . que.

be particular .

sel. let but your majesty consent , that two may with their personall valour undertake the honour of their family , and determine their difference . que. this rather will inlarge their hate , and be a meanes to call more blood into the streame . sel. not if both families agree , and sweare � que.

and who shall be the champions .

sel. i beg the honour , for eubulus cause to be ingag'd , if any for macarius , worthy to wager heart with mine , accept it , i am confident , arcadius for honour would direct me to his sword , will not deny , to stake against my life his owne , if you vouchsafe us priviledge . que. you are the� expectation and toppe boughs of both your houses , it would seeme injustice , to allow a civill warre to cut you off , and your selves the instruments , besides you appeare a souldier , arcadius hath no acquaintance yet with rugged warre , more fit to drill a lady then expose his body to such dangers : a small wound i th' head may spoyle the method of his haire , whose curiosity exacts more time than his devotion , and who knowes but he may lose his riban by it in his locke , deare as his saint , with whom he would exchange his head , for her gay colours ; then his band may be disorderd , and transform'd from lace to cutworke , his rich cloathes be discomplexioned with blood , beside the infashionable slashes , and at the next festivall take physicke , or put on blacke , and mourne for his slaine breeches : his hands cas'd up in gloves all night , and sweate pomatum , the next day may be endanger'd to blisters with a sword , how can he stand vpon his guard , who hath fidlers in his head , to which , his feet must ever be a dancing . beside a falsify may spoyle his cringe , or making of a legge , in which consists much of his court perfection . sel. is this character bestow'd on him ? que. it something may concerne the gentleman , whom if you please to challenge to dance , play on the lute , or sing . sel.

some catch ?

que. he shall not want those will maintaine him for any summe . sel. you are my soveraigne , i dare not thinke , yet i must speake somewhat , i shall burst else , i have no skill in jigges , nor tumbling . que.

how sir ?

sel. nor was i borne a minstrell , and in this you have so infinitely disgraced arcadius , but that i have heard another character , and with your royall licence doe beleeve it , i should not thinke him worth my killing . que.

your killing ?

sel. does she not jeere mee ; i shall talke treason presently , i finde it at my tongues end already , this is an affront , i le leave her . que.

come backe , doe you know arcadius ?

sel. i ha changd but little breath with him , our persons admit no familiarity , we were borne to live both at distance , yet i ha seene him fight , and fight bravely . que. when the spirit of wine made his braine valliant he fought bravely . sel. although he be my enemy , should any of the gay flyes that buzze about the court , sit to catch trouts i th' summer , tell me so , i durst in any presence but your owne . que.

what ?

sel.

tell him he were not honest .

que. i see seleucus thou art resolute , and i but wrong'd arcadius , your first request is granted , you shall fight , and he that conquers be rewarded to confirme first place and honour to his family : is it not this you plead for ? sel.

you are gracious .

que.

lisimachus .

lisi.

madam .

cas.

she has granted then ?

sel.

with much adoe .

cas. i wish thy sword may open his wanton veines , macarius is too popular , and has taught him to insinuate . que. it shall but haste the confirmation of our loves , and ripen the delights of marriage , seleucus . exit cum . sel. lisi. as i guest , it cannot be too soone . cas. to morrow then we crowne her , and invest my sonne with majesty , t is to my wishes , beget a race of princes my lisimachus . lisi.

first let us marry sir .

cas. thy brow was made to weare a golden circle , i 'me transported , thou shalt rule her , and i will governe thee . lisi. although you be my father , that will not concerne my obedience , as i take it . enter philocles , lisander , and antigonus . gentlemen , prepare your selves for a solemnity will turne the kingdome into triumph , epire looke fresh to morrow , 't will become your duties in all your glory to attend the queene at her coronation , she is pleased to make the next day happy in our callender , my office doth expire , and my old blood renewes with thought on 't . phi.

how 's this ?

ant.

crown'd to morrow .

lisa. and he so joyfull to resigne his regency , there 's some tricke in 't , i doe not like these hasty proceedings , and whirles of state , they have commonly as strange and violent effects ; well , heaven save the queen . phi. heaven save the queene say i , and send her a sprightly bed-fellow for the protector , let him pray for himselfe , he is like to have no benefit of my devotion . cas, but this doth quicken my old heart lisimachus , there is not any step into her throne , but is the same degree of thy owne state ; come gentlemen . lisa.

we attend your grace .

cas.

lisimachus .

lisi. what heretofore could happen to mankinde was with much paine to clime to heaven , but in sophias marryage of all queenes the best , heaven will come downe to earth , to make me blest . exit .
actus secundus . enter arcadius , and polidora . pol.

indeed you shall not goe .

arc.

whether ?

pol. to travell , i know you see me , but to take your leave , but i must never yeeld to such an absence . arc. i prethee leave thy feares , i am commanded toth ' contrary , i wonot leave thee now . pol.

commanded ? by whom ?

arc.

the queene .

pol. i am very glad , for trust me , i could thinke of thy departure with no comfort , thou art all the joy i have , halfe of my soule ; but i must thanke the queene now for thy company , i prethee what could make thee so desirous to be abroad ? arc. onely to get an appetite to thee polidora . pol.

then you must provoke it .

arc.

nay , prethee doe not so mistake thy servant .

pol.

perhaps you surfeit with my love .

arc.

thy love ?

pol. although i have no beauty to compare with the best faces , i have a heart above all competition . arc. thou art jealous now ; come , let me take the kisse i gave thee last , i am so confident of thee , no lippe has ravisht it from thine ; i prethee come to court . pol.

for what ?

arc.

there is the throne for beauty .

pol.

t is safer dwelling here .

arc, there 's none will hurt , or dare but thinke an ill to polidora , the greatest will be proud to honour the�e� . thy luster wants the admiration here : there thou wot shine indeed , and strike a reverence into the gazer . pol.

you can flatter too .

arc. no praise of thee can be thought so , thy ve�rtue will deserve all , i must confesse , we courtiers doe oftentimes commend to shew our art , there is necessity sometimes to say , this madam breaths arabian gummes , amber and cassia ; though while we are praysing , we wish we had no nostriles to take in the offensive steame of her corrupted lungs . nay , some will sweare they love their mistresse , would hazard lives and fortunes , to preserve one of her haires brighter then berinices ; or young apollos , and yet after this , a favour from another toy would tempt him to laugh , while the officious hangman whips her head off . pol.

fine men .

arc. i am none of these , nay , there are women polidora too that can doe pretty well at flatteries ; make men beleeve they dote , will languish for em , can kisse a iewell out of one , and dally a carcanet of diamonds from another , weepe into th' bosome of a third , and make� him drop as many pearles ; they count it nothing to talke a reasonable heire within ten dayes out of his whole estate , and make him mad he has no more wealth to consume . pol. you le teach me to thinke i may be flattered in your promises , since you live where this art is most profest . arc. i dare not be so wicked polidora , the infant errors of the court i may be guilty off , but never to abuse so rare a goodnesse , nor indeed did ever converse with any of those shames of court , to practise for base ends ; be confident my heart is full of thine , and i so deepely carry the figure of my polidora , it is not in the power of time or distance to cancell it , by all that 's blest i love thee : love thee above all women , dare invoke a curse when i forsake thee . pol. let it be some gentle one . arc. teach me an oath i prethee , one strong enough to binde , if thou dost finde any suspition of my faith , or else direct me in some horrid imprecation when i forsake thee , for the love of other woman , may heaven reward my apostacy to blast my greatest happinesse on earth , and make all joyes abortive . pol. revoke these hasty syllables , they carry to great a penalty for breach of love to me , i am not worth thy suffering , you doe not know what beauty may invite your change , what happinesse may tempt your eye and heart together . arc. should all the graces of your sex conspire in one , and she should court me , with a dower able to buy a kingdome when i give my heart from polidora . pol. i suspect not , and to requite thy constancy i sweare . arc. t were sinne to let thee waste thy breath i have assurance of thy noble thoughts . enter a servant . ser. my lord , your vncle hath beene every where i th court inquiring for you , his lookes speake some earnest cause . arc. i am more acquainted with thy vertue then to imagine thou wilt not excuse me now , one kisse dismisses him whose heart shall waite on polidora , prethee let me not wish for thy returne too often , my father . enter nestorius , and a servant . nes. i met arcadius in strange haste , he told me he had beene with thee . pol. some affaire too soone ravish'd him hence , his vncle sent for him you came now from court : how lookes the queene� this golden morning ? nes. like a bride , her soule is all on mirth , her eyes have quickning fires , able to strike a spring into the earth in winter . pol. then lisimachus can have� no frost in 's blood , that lives so neere her beames . nes. his politicke father , the protector smiles too , resolve to see the cerimony of the queene t will be a day of state , pol.

i am not well .

nes. how ! not well ? retire then , i must returne my attendance is expected , polidora , be carefull of thy health . pol.

it will concerne me� .

exit . enter arcadius , and macarius . arc.

you amaze me sir .

mac. deare nephew , if thou respect thy safety , my honour , or my age , remove thy selfe , thy life 's in danger . arc.

mine ? who 's my enemy ?

mac. take horse , and instantly forsake the city , or else within some unsuspected dwelling , obscure thy selfe , stay not to know the reason . arc. sir , i beseech your pardon , which i th' number of my offences unto any , should provoke this dishonorable flight ? mac. i would when i petition'd for thy stay , i had pleaded for thy banishment , thou knowst not what threatens thee : arc. i would desire to know it , i am in no conspiracy of treason , have ravisht no mans mistresse , not so much as given the lye to any , what should meane your strange and violent feares , i will not stirre vntill you make me sensible i have lost my innocence . mac. i must not live to see thy body full of wounds , it were lesse sinne to rippe thy fathers marble , and fetch from the reverend vault his ashes , and disperse them by some rude windes where none should ever find the sacred dust , it was his legacy , the breath he mingled with his prayers to heaven i should preserve arcadius , whose fate he prophesied in death , would need protection , thou wot disturbe his ghost , and call it to affright my dreames , if thou refuse to obey me . arc. you more inflame me to inquire the cause of your distraction , and you le arme me better then any coward flight by acquainting me whose malice aimes to kill me , good sir tell me , mac.

then prayers and teares assist me .

arc.

sir �

mac. arcadius , thou art a rash young man , witnesse the spirit of him that trusted me so much , i bleed , till i prevent this mischiefe . exit . enter philocles , lisander . arc.

ha , keepe off .

phi.

what meane you sir ?

lisa.

we are your friends .

arc. i know your faces , but am not secure , i would not be betray'd . lisa.

you wrong our hearts , who truely honour you .

arc.

they say i must be kild .

phi.

by whom ?

arc.

i know not , nor wod i part with life so tamely .

phi. we dare ingage ours in your quarrell , hide your sword , it may beget suspition , it 's enough to question you . arc. i am confident , pray pardon me , come i despise all danger : yet a deare friend of mine , my vncle told me he would not see my body full of wounds . lisa.

your vncle ! this is strange .

arc. yes , my honest vncle , if my unlucky starres have pointed me so dire a fate . phi.

there is some strange mistake in 't .

enter antigonus . ant arcadius , the queene would speake with you , you must make haste . arc. though to my death , i fly vpon her summons , i give up my breath then willingly , if she command it from me . phi.

this does a little trouble me .

lisa. i know not what to imagine , something is the ground of this perplexity , but i hope there is not any such danger as he apprehends . enter queene , lisimachus , macarius , eubulus , seleucus , arcadius , ladies and attendants , gent. que. we have already granted to seleucus and they shall try their valour if arcadius have spirit in him to accept the challenge , our royall word is past . phi.

this is strange .

eub. madam my sonne� knew not what he asked , and you were cruell to consent so soone . mac. wherein have i offended , to be rob'd at once of all the wealth i have , arcadius is part of me . eub. seleucus life and mine are twisted on one thread , both stand or fall together , hath the service for my country deserved but this reward , to be sent weeping to my eternall home ? wast not enough when i was young , to lose my blood in warres , but the poore remnant that is scarcely warme and faintly creeping through my withered veines must be let out to make you sport . mac. how can we that shall this morne see� the sacred oyle fall on your virgin tresses , hope for any protection hereafter , when this day you sacrifice the blood of them that pray for you . arcadius i prethee speake thy selfe , it is for thee i plead . eub. seleucus , kneele and say thou haste repented thy rash suite ; if ere i see thee fight , i be thus wounded , how will the least drop forc'd from thy veines , afflict my heart . mac. why , that 's good ; arcadius speake to her ; heare him madam . arc. if you call backe this honour you have done me i shall repent i live , doe not perswade me seleucus thou art a noble enemy , and i will love thy soule though i dispaire our bodies friendly conversation : i would we were to tugge upon some cliffe , or like two prodigies i th ayre , our conflict might generally be gaz'd at , and our blood appease our grandsires ashes . mac.

i am undone .

sel. madam , my father sayes i have offended , if so , i begge your pardon , but beseech you for your owne glory call not backe your word . eub.

they are both mad .

que. no more , we have resolv'd , and since their courage is so nobly flamed , this morning wee le behold the champions within the list , be not affraid , their strife will stretch so farre as death , so soone as we are crown'd prepare your selves , seleucus . kisses her hand . sel. i have receiv'd another life in this high favour , and may lose what nature gave me . que. arcadius to encourage thy young vallour , we give thee our fathers sword . command it from our armory ; lisimachus , to our coronation . exeunt . sel. i le forfeit my he�ad for a rebellion then suffer it . exit . arc. i am circled with confusions i le doe� somewhat my braines and friends assist me . exit . phi.

but doe you thinke they le fight indeed ?

lisa. perhaps her majesty will see about or two . and yet t is wondrous strange , such spectacles are rare i th' court , and they were to skirmish naked before her , then there might be some excuse . there is some gimcrackes in 't , the queene is wise above her yeares . phi.

macarius is perplext .

enter eubulus . lisa. i cannot blame him , but my lord eubulus returnes , they are both troubled , las good men , but our duties are expected , we forget . exit phil. lis. eub. i must resolve , and yet things are not ripe , my braines upon the torture . mac. this may quit the hazard of his person , whose least drop of blood is worth more then our families . my lord eubulus , i have thought a way to stay the young mens desperate proceedings , it is our cause they fight , let us beseech the queene , to grant us two the priviledge of duell , rather then expose their lives to eithers fury ; it were pitty they should runne upon so blacke a destiny , we are both old , and may be spar'd , a paire of fruitlesse trees , mossie and withered trunckes , that fill up too much roome . eub. most willingly , and i will praise her charity to allow it ; i have not yet forgot to use a sword , le ts lose no time , by this act , she will licence our soules to leave our bodies but a day , perhaps an houre the sooner ; they may live to doe her better service , and be friends when we are dead , and yet i have no hope this will be granted , curse upon our faction . mac.

if she deny us �

eub.

what ?

mac.

i wod doe somewhat �

eub. there 's something o th' suddaine strucke upon my imagination , that may secure us . mac. name it , if no dishonour waite upon 't to preserve them , i le accept any danger . eub. there is no other way , and yet my heart would be excus'd but t is to save his life . mac.

speake it eubulus .

eub. in your eare i shall , it shanot make a noyse if you refuse it . mac. hum ? though it stirre my blood , i le meet arcadius , if this preserve thee not , i must unseale another mystery . exit . enter queene , lisimachus , cassander , charilla , lisander , philocles , antigonus . que. we owe to all your loves and will deserve at least by our indeavours that none may this day repent their prayers , my lord protector . cas. madam i have no such title now , and am blest to lose that name so happily , i was but trusted with a glorious burden . que. you have prov'd your selfe our faithfull counsellor , and must still protect our growing state , a kingdomes scepter weighs downe a womans arme , this crowne sits heavy vpon my brow already , and we know there 's something more then mettle in this wreath , of shining glory , but your faith , and counsell , that are familiar with mysteries , and depths of state , have power to make us fit for such a bearing , in which both you shall doe loyall service , and reward your duties . cas.

heaven preserve your highnesse .

que. but yet my lords and gentlemen let none� mistake me , that because i urge your wisdomes , i shall grow carelesse , and impose on you the managing of this great province , no , we will be active too , and as we are in dignity above your persons , so , the greatest portion of the difficulties we call to us , you in your severall places releeving us with your experience , observing in your best directions all modesty , and distance , for although we are but young , no action shall forfeit our royall priviledge , or encourage any too unreverent boldnesse , as it will become our honour to consult , ere we determine of the most necessary things of state , so we are sensible of a checke , but in a brow , that saucily controules our action , presuming on our yeares as few , or frailty of our sex , that head is not secure that dares our power or justice . phi. she has a brave spirit , looke how the protector growes pale already . que. but i speake to you are perfect in obedience , and may spare this theame , yet 't was no immateriall part of our character , since i desire all should take notice , i have studied the knowledge of my selfe , by which i shall better distinguish of your worth and persons in your relations to us . lisa. this language is but a threatning to some body que. but we misse some , that use not to absent their duties from us , where 's macarius ? cas. retir'd to grieve , your majesty hath given consent arcadius should enter list to day with young seleucus . que. we purpose enter gentleman . they shall proceed , what 's he ? phil, a gentleman belonging to seleucus , that gives notice he is prepar'd , and waites your royall pleasure , que. he was composd for action , give notice to arcadius , and admit the challenger , let other princes boast their gaudy tilting , and mockery of battles , but our triumph is celebrated with true noble vallour . enter seleucus , arcadius at severall doores , their pages before them bearing their targets . two young men spirited enough to have two kingdomes staked upon their swords , lisimachus doe not they excellently become their armes , t were pitty but they should doe something more then wave their plumes . a shout within . what noyse is that ? enter macarius and eubulus . mac. the peoples joy to know us reconcild , is added to the iubile of the day , we have no more a faction but one heart , peace flow in every bosome . eub. throw away these instruments of death , and like two friends imbrace by our example . que.

this unfain'd ?

mac. by our duties to your selfe deare madam command them not advance , our houses from this minute are incorporated , happy day our eyes at which before revenge looke forth , may cleare suspition , oh my arcadius ! eub. we have found a neerer way to friendship madam , then by exposing them to fight for us . que. if this be faithfull our desires are blest , we had no thought to waste , but reconcile your blood this was and we did prophesie this happy chance , spring into eithers bosome , arcadius and seleucus , what can now be added to this dayes felicity ; yes , there is something , is there not my lord ? while we are virgin queene . ca. ha , that string doth promise musicke . que. i am yet my lords your single joy , and when i looke upon , what i have tooke , to manage the great care of this most flowrishing kingdome , i incline to thinke , i shall doe justice to my selfe , if i chose one , whose strength and vertue may assist my undertaking , thinke you lords , a husband would not helpe ? lisa. no question madam , and he that you purpose to make so blest must needs be worthy of our humblest duty , it is the generall vote . que. we will not then trouble embassadors to treat with any princes abroad , within our owne dominion , fruitefull in honour , we shall make our choyce ; and that we may not keepe you over long jn the imagination , from this circle , we have purpose to elect one , whom i shall salute a king and husband . lisa.

now my lord lisimachus .

que, nor shall we in this action be accused of rashnesse , since the man we shall declare deserving our affection , hath beene earely in our opinion , which had reason first to guide it , and his knowne nobility long marryed to our thoughts , will justifie our faire election . phi.

lisimachus blushes .

cas.

direct our duties madam to pray for him .

que arcadius you see from whence we come , pray lead us backe , you may ascend . she comes from the state . cas.

how 's this ? o're reach'd ?

arc. madam be charitable to your humblest creature , doe not reward the heart , that falls in duty beneath your feete , with making me the burden of the court mirth , a mockery for pages , t were treason in me but to thinke you meane thus . que. arcadius you must refuse my love , or shame this kingdome . phi.

is the winde in that corner ?

cas.

i shall runne mad lisimachus .

lisi.

sir , containe your selfe .

sel.

is this to be beleev'd ?

mac.

what dreame is this ?

phi.

he kisses her , now by this day i am glad on 't .

lisa.

marke the protector .

ant.

let him fret his heart strings .

que.

is the day cloudy on the suddaine ?

arc. gentlemen it was not my ambition , i durst never aspire so high in thought , but since her majesty hath pleasd to call me to this honour , i will study to be worthy of her grace , by whom i live . que. the church to morrow shall confirme our marriage , noble lisimachus wee le finde out other wayes to recompence your love to us , set forward , come arcadius . mac.

it must be so , and yet let me consider ,

cas. he insults already , policy assist me . to breake his necke . lisi. who would trust woman ? lost in a paire of minutes , lost , how bright a morning rose , but now , and now t is night ? exeunt .
actus tertius . enter polidora , and a servant . pol. oh where shall virgins looke for faith hereafter ? if he prove false , after so many vowes ? and yet if i consider , he was tempted above the strength of a young lover , two such glorious courting his acceptance , were able to make disloyalty no sinne , at least not seeme a fault , a lady first , whose very lookes would thaw a man more frozen then the alps , quicken a soule more dead then winter . adde to her beauty and perfection , that she 's a queene , and brings with her a kingdome able to make a great mind forfeit heaven . what could the frailety of arcadius suggest to unspirit him so much , as not to fly to her embraces , you were present when she declar'd her selfe . ser.

yes madam .

pol. tell me , did not he make a pause , when the faire queene a full temptation stood him ? ser. very little my judgement could distinguish , she did no sooner propound , but he accepted . pol. that was ill , he might with honour stand one or two minutes , me thinkes it should have startled him a little , to have rememberd me , i have deserv'd at least a cold thought , well pray give it him . ser.

i shall .

ser.

instantly .

pol.

when ?

pol. not so , but take a time when his joy swels him most , when his delights are high and ravishing , when you perceive his soule dance in his eyes , when she that must be his , hath drest her beauty with all her pride , and sends a thousand cupids to call him to the tasting of her lippe ; then give him this , and tell him while i live , i le pray for him . ser.

i shall .

exeunt . enter cassander and lisimachus . cas.

there is no way but death .

lisi. that 's blacke and horrid , consider sir it was her sinne , not his ; i cannot accuse him , what man could carry a heart so frozen , not to melt at such a glorious flame ? who could not fly to such a happinesse ? cas. have you ambition to be a tame foole ? fee so vast an injury and not revenge it ? make me not suspect thy mother for this sufferance , my sonne . lisi.

pray heare me sir .

cas. heare a patient gull , a property , thou hast no blood of mine , if this affront provoke thee not , how canst be charitable to thy selfe , and let him live to glory in thy shame ? nor is he innocent ; he had before crept slily into her bosome and practised thy dishonour . lisi.

you begin to stirre me sir .

cas. how else could she be guilty of such contempt of thee ? and in the eye of all the kingdome , they conspir'd this staine , when they had cunning meetings , shall thy love and blooming hopes be scattered thus , and lisimachus stand idle gazer ? lisi. what sir will his death advantage us , if she be false to me ? so irreligious , and to touch her person � pause we may be observed . enter philocles and lisander . lisa. 't is the protector and his sonne . phi. alas poore gentleman , i pitty his neglect , but am not sorry for his father . phi.

t is a strange turne .

phi.

the whirligigs of women .

lisa.

your graces servant .

cas. i am yours gentlemen , and should be happy to deserve your loves . phi.

now he can flatter .

lisa. in 't sir , to inlarge your sufferings , j have a heart doth wish the queene had knowne better to reward your love and merit . lisa � if you would expresse your love to me ; pray doe not mention it , i must obey my fate . phi. she will be marryed to tother gentleman for certaine then ? cas.

i hope you le wish em joy .

phi.

indeed i will sir .

lisa.

your graces servant .

exit . cas. we are growne ridiculous , the pastime of the court : here comes another . enter seleueus . sel.

where 's your sonne my lord ?

cas.

like a neglected servant of his mistresse .

sel.

i would aske him a question .

cas.

what ?

sel. whether the queene as t is reported , lov'd him , he can tell whether she promist what they talke of , marriage , cas.

i can resolve you that sir .

sel.

she did promise ?

cas.

yes .

sel.

then shee s a woman , and your sonne ;

cas.

what ?

sel. not worthy his blood , and expectation , if he be calme . cas.

there 's no opposing destiny .

sel.

i would cut the throate .

cas.

whose throate ?

sel. the destinies , that 's all your pardon sir , i am seleucus still , a poore shaddow o th' world , a walking picture , it concernes not me , i am forgotten by my starres . cas. the queene with more discretion might ha chosen thee . sel.

whom ?

cas.

thee seleucus .

sel. me ? i cannot dance , and friske with due activity , my body is lead , i have too much phleame , what should i doe with a kingdome ? no arcadius becomes the cushion , and can please , yet setting aside the tricke that ladies of blood looke at , another man might make a shift to weare rich cloathes , sit in the chaire of state , and nod , dare venture on discourse , that does not trench on complement , and thinke the study of armes and arts , more commendable in a gentleman than any galliard . cas. arcadius , and you were reconcil'd . sel. we ? yes , oh yes , but t is not manners now to say we are friends , at our equality there had beene reason , but now , subjection is the word . cas. they are not yet marryed . sel. i le make no oath upon t , my lord lisimachus , a word . you le not be angry if i love you , may not a batchellor be made a cuckold ? lisi.

how sir ?

cas. lisimachus , this gentleman is worth our embrace , hee s spiritted , and may be usefull . sel. harke you , can you tell where 's the best dancing-master ? and you meane to rise at court , practise to caper , farewell the noble science , that makes worke for cutlers , it will be out of fashion to weare swords , masques , and devices welcome , i salute you . is it not pitty any division should be heard out of musicke ? oh t will be an excellent age of crotchets ; and of canters . buy captaines that like fooles will spend your blood out of your country , you will be of lesse vse then your feathers , if you returne unman'd you shall be beaten soone to a new march , when you shall thinke it a discretion to sell your glorious buffes to buy fine pumps , and pantables , this is i hope no treason . enter arcadius leading the queene , charia , eubulus , lisander , philocles , polidor a , servant . cas.

wot stay lisimachus ?

lisi. yes sir , and shew a patience above her injury . arc. this honour is too much , madam assume your place , and let arcadius waite still : t is happinesse enough to be your servant . cas.

now he dissembles .

que.

sir you must sit .

arc.

i am obedient .

que. this is not musicke sprightly enough , it feeds the soule with melancholy . how sayes arcadius ? arc. give me leave to thinke there is no harmony but in your voyce , and not an accent of your heavenly tongue , but strikes me into rapture , i incline to thinke the tale of orpheus no fable , t is possible he might inchant the rockes , and charme the forrest , soften hell , hell it selfe with his commanding lute , it is no miracle to what you worke , whose very breath conveyes the hearer into heaven , how at your lips , day winds gather perfumes , proudly glide away , to disperse sweetnesse round about the world . sel.

fine stuffe .

que.

you cannot flatter .

arc. not if i should say nature had plac'd you here the creatures wonder , and her owne spring , from which all excellence on earth 's deriv'd , and copyed forth , and when the character of faire , and good in others is quite worne out , and lost , looking on you it is supplide , and you alone made mortall to feed and keepe alive all beauty . sel.

ha , ha , can you indure it gentlemen ?

lisa.

what doe you meane ?

sel. nay aske him what he meanes , mine is a downe right laugh . que.

well sir proceed .

arc. at such bright eies the stars do light themselves , at such a forehead swans renew their white , from such a lip the morning gathers blushes . sel. the morning is more modest then thy prayses , what a thing does he make her ? arc. and when you fly to heaven & leave this world no longer maintenance of goodnesse from you , then poetry shall lose all use with us , and be no more , since nothing in your absence is left , that can be worthy of a verse . sel.

ha , ha .

que.

whos 's that ?

sel.

t was i madam .

arc.

seleucus ?

cas.

ha ?

sel.

yes sir , 't was i that laugh'd .

arc.

at what ?

sel.

at nothing .

lisa.

containe your selfe seleucus .

eub.

are you mad ?

que.

have you ambition to be punishd sir ?

sel. i need not , t was punishment enough to heare him make an idoll of you , he left out the commendation of your patience , i was a little mov'd in my nature to heare his rodomontados , and make a monster of his mistresse , which i pittyed first , but seeing him proceed , i guest he brought you mirth with his inventions , and so made bold to laugh at it . que. you are sawcy , wee le place you where you shannot be so merry , take him away . lisa.

submit your selfe

arc.

let me plead for his pardon .

sel. i wod not owe my life so poorely , beg thy owne when you are king you cannot bribe your destiny . eub. good madam heare me , i feare he is distracted , brave boy , thou should'st be master of a soule like his : thy honours more concernd . sel. 't is charity , a way wo' mee , ' boy madam ? cas.

he has a daring spirit .

exeunt sel. eub cas. arc. these and a thousand more affronts i must expect : your favours draw them all upon me ; in my first state i had no enemies , i was secure while i did grow beneath this expectation , humble valleyes thrive with their bosomes full of flowers , when the hils melt with lightning , and rough anger of the clouds , let me retire . que. and can arcadius at such a breath be moved , i had opinion your courage durst have stood a tempest for our love , can you for this incline to leave what other princes should in vaine have sued for ? how many lovers are in epire now would throw themselves on danger , not expect one enemy , but empty their owne veines , and thinke the losse of all their blood rewarded , to have one smile of us when they are dying ? and shall this murmure shake you ? arc. not deare madam , my life is such a poore despised thing , in value your least graces , that to lose it were to make my selfe a victory , it is not for my selfe i feare : the envy of others cannot fasten wound in me greater , then that your goodnesse should be check'd so daringly . que. let not those thoughts afflict thee while we have power to correct the offences arcadius be mine , this shall confirme it . arc. i shall forget and lose my way to heaven , that touch had beene enough to have restor'd me , and infused a spirit of a more celestiall nature , after the tedious absence of my soule , oh blesse me not too much , one smile a day would stretch my life to mortality , poets that wrap divinity in tales , looke here , and give your coppyes forth of angels , what blessing can remaine ? que.

our marryage .

arc. place then some horrors in the way for me , not you to passe , the journeys end holds out such glories to me , i should thinke hell but a poore degree of suffering for it , what 's that some petition , a letter to me . you had a polidora , ha , that 's all . i th' minute when my vessels new lanch'd forth , with all my pride and silken winges about me i strike upon a rocke : what power can save me ? you had a polidora ; there 's a name kil'd with griefe i can so soone forget her ser. she did impose on me this service sir , and while she lives she sayes shee le pray for you . arc shee lives that 's well , and yet t were better , for my fame , and honour she were dead , what fate hath plac'd me vpon this fearefull precipice ? ser.

hee s troubled .

arc. i must resolve , my faith is violated already , yet poore loving polidora will pray for me , she sayes , to thinke she can render me hated to my selfe , and every thought 's a tormentor , let me then be just . que.

arcadius .

arc. that voyce prevailes agen , oh poledora , thou must forgive arcadius , i dare not turne rebell to a princesse , i shall love thy vertue , but a kingdome has a charme to excuse our frailty , dearest madam . que.

now set forward .

arc.

to perfect all our joyes .

enter macarius , and a bishop , casander . mac.

i le fright their glories .

cas.

by what meanes ?

mac.

observe .

arc.

our good vncle , welcome .

que. my lord macarius we did want your person , there 's something in our joyes wherein you share . mac.

this you intend your highnesse wedding day .

que.

we are going .

mac. save you labour i have brought a priest to meet you . arc.

reverend father .

que.

meete us , why ?

mac.

to tell you that you must not marry .

cas.

didst thou heare that lisimachus ?

lisi.

and wonder what will follow .

que.

we must not marry .

bish. madam t is a rule first made in heaven , and i muh needs declare you and arcadius must tie no knot of man and wife . arc.

is my vncle mad ?

que. ioy has transported him , or age has made him dote , macarius provoke us not too much , you will presume above our mercy . mac. i le discharge my duty , could your frowne strike me dead , my lord you know whose character this is . cas. it is thedosius . your graces father . bis.

i am subscrib'd a witnesse .

phi.

vpon my life 't is his .

mac.

feare not , i le crosse this match .

cas.

i le blesse thee for 't .

arc. vncle d ee know what you doe , or what we are going to finish , you will not breake the necke of my glorious fortune , now my footes i th' stirrups and mounting , throw me over the saddle , i hope you le let one be a king , madam 't is as you say , my vncle is something craz'd , there is a worme in 's braine , but i beseech you pardon him , he is not the first of your counsell , that has talk'd idly , d ee heare my lord bishop , i hope you have more religion then to joyne with him to undoe me . bis. not i sir , but i am commanded by oath , and conscience to speake truth . arc. if your truth should doe me any harme , i shall never be in charity with a croziers staffe , looke too 't . que.

my youngest brother ,

cas.

worse and worse , my braines .

mac. deliver to me an infant with this writing , to which this reverend father is a witnesse . lisa.

this he whom we so long thought dead , a childe .

que. but what should make my father to trust him to your concealement ? give abroad his death , and bury an empty coffin ? mac. a jealousie he had vpon cassander , whose ambitious braine he fear'd would make no conscience to depose his sonne , to make lisimachus king of epire . que. he made no scruple to expose me then to any danger ? mac. he secur'd you madam by an earely engagement of your affection to lisimachus , exempt this testimony , had he beene arcadius , and my nephew i needed not obtrude him on the state , your love and marriage had made him king without my trouble , and sav'd that ambition there was necessity to open now his birth , and title . phi.

demetrius alive .

arc.

what riddles are these , whom do they talk of ?

omn. congratulate your returne to life , and honor , and as becomes us , with one voyce salute you demetrius king of epire . mac. i am no vncle , sir , this is your sister , i should have suffered incest to have kept you longer i th' darke , love , and be happy both , my trust is now discharg'd . lisa.

and we rejoyce .

arc. but doe not mooke me gentlemen , may i be bold upon your words to say i am prince thedosius sonne . mac.

the king .

arc. you le justifie it ? sister i am very glad to see you . sop. i am to finde a brother , and resign my glory , my triumph is my shame . exit . enter cassander . cas.

thine eare lisimachus .

arc. gentlemen i owe vnto your loves , as large acknowledgement as to my birth for this great honour , and my study shall be equall to be thought worthy of both . cas.

thou art turn'd marble .

lisi.

there will be the lesse charge for my monument .

cas.

this must not be , fit fast young king .

exit . lisa.

your sister sir is gone .

arc. my sister should have beene my bride , that name puts me in minde of polidora , ha ? lisander , philocles , gentlemen , if you will have me thinke your hearts allow me thedosius sonne , oh quickely snatch some wings , expresse it in your haste to polidora , tell her what title is new dropt from heaven to make her rich ; onely created for me , give her the ceremony of my queene , with all the state that may become our bride attend her to this throne ; are you not there ? yet stay , t is too much pride to send for her , wee le goe our selfe , no honour is enough for polidora , to redeeme our fault salute her gently from me , and upon your knee , present her with this diademe , t is our first gift , tell her demetrius followes to be her guest , and give himselfe a servant to her chaste bosome , bid her stretch her heart to meet me , i am lost in joy and wonder . exeunt omnes .
actus quartus . enter cassander , eubulus , souldier . cas.

vvhere 's the captaine of the castle ?

sol.

hee le attend your honours presently .

cas.

give him knowledge we expect him .

sol.

i shall my lord .

exit . cas. he is my creature , feare not , and shall runne any course that we proposd . eub. my lord , i like the substance of your plot , t is promising , but matters of this consequence are not so easily perfect , and it does concerne our heads to build upon secure principles , though seleucus , i confesse , carry a high , and daring spirit in him , t is hard to thrust upon the state new setled any impostor , and we know not yet whether hee le undertake to play the prince ; or if he should accept it , with what cunning he can behave himselfe . cas. my lord , affaires of such a glorious nature , are halfe finish'd when they beginne with confidence . fub. admit he want no art , nor courage , it must rest vpon the people to receive his title , and with what danger their uncertaine breath may flatter ours , demetrius scarcely warme in the kings seate , i may suspect . cas. that reason makes for our part , for if it be so probable , that young demetrius should be living , why may not we worke them to beleeve leonatus the eldest sonne was by some tricke preserv'd and now would clame his owne : there were two sons , who in their fathers life we supposed dead , may not we finde a circumstance to make this seeme as cleare as t'other , let the vulgar be once possest , wee le carry epire from demetrius , and the world . eub. i could be pleasd to see my sonne a king . enter poleanus . the captaine 's here . pol.

i waite your lordships pleasure .

cas. we come to visit your late prisoner . � i will not doubt , but you intreate him fairely he will deserve it for himselfe , and you be fortunate in any occasion to have exprest your service . pol. sir , the knowledge of my honourable lord his father , will instruct me to behave my selfe with all respects becomming me , to such a sonne . cas. these things will least obleige you , but how beares he his restraint ? pol.

as one whose soule 's above it .

eub.

patiently ?

pol. with contempt rather of the great command which made him prisoner , he will talke sometimes so strangely to himselfe . eub.

hee 's here .

enter seleucus . sel. why was i borne to be a subject ? 't is soone answer'd , sure my father was no prince , that 's all , the same ingredience use to make a man , as active , though not royall blood went to my composition , and i was gotten with as good a will perhaps , and my birth cost my mother as much sorrow , as i had beene borne an emperour . cas. while i looke vpon him , something in his face presents a king indeed . eub. he does resemble much thedosius too . cas. whose sonne we would pretend him , this will advance our plot , sel. t is but a name , and meere opinion , that preferres one man above another , i le imagine then i am a prince , or some brave thing on earth , and see what followes , but it must not be my single voyce will carry it , the name of king must be attended with a troope of acclamations , on whose ayrie wings he mounts , and once exalted threatens heaven , and all the starres : how to acquire this noyse , and be the thing i talke of , men have rise from a more cheape nobility to empires , from darke originalls , and sordid blood , nay some that had no fathers , sons of the earth , and flying people , have aspir'd to kingdomes , made nations tremble , any have practis'd frownes to awe the world , their memory is glorious , and i would hugge them in their shades , but what 's all this to me ; that am i know not what , and lesse in expectation ? pol.

are you serious ?

cas.

will you assist , and runne a fate with us .

pol.

command my life , i owe it to your favour .

sel. arcadius was once as farre from being as i , and had we not so cunningly beene reconcil'd , or one , or both had gone to seeke our fortunes in another world ; what 's the device now ? if my death be next , the summons shall not make me once looke pale . cas. chide your too vaine suspitions , we bring a life , and liberty , with what else can make thy ambition happie , th' ast a glorious flame we come to advance it . sel.

how ?

cas. have but a will , and be what thy owne thoughts dare prompt thee to , a king . sel. you doe not mocke me gentlemen , you are my father sir . eub. this minute shall declare it my seleucus , our hearts swel'd with joy , with duty rather , oh my boy ! sel.

what 's the mistery ?

pol.

you must be a king .

cas. seleucus , stay thou art too incredulous , let not our faith , and studdy to exalt thee , be so rewarded . eub. i pronounce thee king vnlesse thy spirit be turn'd coward , and thou faint to accept it . sel.

king of what ?

cas.

of epire .

sel. although the queen since she sent me hither were gone to heaven i know not how that title could devolve to me . cas. we have no queene , since he that should have marryed her , is prov'd her youngest brother , and now king in his owne title . sel. thanke you gentlemen , there 's hope for me . cas. why , you dare fight with him and need be , for the kingdome . sel. with arcadius , if you le make stakes , my life against his crowne , i le fight with him , and you , and your fine sonne , and all the courtiers one after another . cas.

't wonot come to that .

sel.

i am of your lordships minde , so fare you well

cas.

yet stay and heare -

sel. what ? that you have betraide me , doe , tell your king , my life is growne a burden , and i le confesse , and make your soules looke pale , to see how nimble mine shall leape this battlement of flesh , and dying , laugh at your poore malice . omnes .

no more , long live leonatus king of epire .

sel.

leonatus , who 's that ?

cas. be bold and be a king , our braines have beene working to raise you to this height , here are none but friends , dare you but call your selfe leonatus , and but justifie with considence what wee le proclaime you , if we doe not bring the crowne to your head , we will forfeit ours . eub. the state is in distraction , arcadius is prov'd a king , there was an elder brother , if you dare but pronounce , you are the same , forget you are my sonne . pol. these are no trifles , sir , all is plotted to assure your greatnesse , if you will be wise , and take the faire occasion that 's presented . sel. arcadius , you say , is lawfull king , and now to depose him , you would make me an elder brother , is 't not so ? cas.

most right .

sel.

nay , right or wrong , if this be your true meaning .

omnes .

vpon our lives .

sel. i le venture mine , but with your pardon , whose braine was this ? from whom tooke this plot life ? eub.

my lord cassander .

sel. and you are of his minde ? and you ? and thinke this may be done ? eub. the destinies shall not crosse us , if you have spirit to undertake it . sel. vndertake it ? i am not us'd to complement , i le owe my life to you , my fortunes to your lordship , compose me as you please , and when y 'ave made me what you promise , you shall both divide me equally , one word my lord , i had rather live in the prison still , then be a propency to advance his politicke ends . eub.

have no suspition .

cas. so , so , i see demetrius heeles already trip'd up , and i le dispatch him out o th' way , which gone , i can depose this at my leasure being an impostor , then my sonne stands faire , and may peece with the princesse , we lose time , what thinke you , if we first surprize the court , while you command the castle , we shall curbe all opposition . eub. let 's proclaime him first . i have some faction , the people love me , they gain'd to us , wee le fall upon the court . cas.

vnlesse demetrius yeeld himselfe he bleeds .

sel.

who dares call treason sinne , when it succeeds ?

execunt omnes enter sophia and charilla . cha. madam , you are too passionate , and lose the greatnesse of your soule , with the expence of too much griefe , for that which providence hath eas'd you of , the burden of a state above your tender bearing . sop. thar' t a foole , and canst not reach the spirit of a lady , borne great as i was , and made onely lesse by a too cruell destiny , above our tender bearing ? what goes richer to the composition of man , then ours ? our soule as free , and spacious , our heart 's as great , our will as large , each thought as active , and in this onely man more proud then wee , that would have us lesse capable of empire , but search the stories , and the name of queene shines bright with glory , and some precedents above mans imitation . cha. i grant it for the honour of our sex , nor have you , madam , by any weakenesse forfeited command , he that succeeds , in justice , was before you , and you have gain'd more in a royall brother then you could lose by your resign of epire . sop. this i allow charilla , i ha done ; t is not the thought i am deposd afflicts me , at the same time i feele a joy to know my brother living : no , there is another wound in me above cure . cha.

vertue forbid .

sop.

canst finde me out a surgeon for that ?

cha.

for what ?

sop.

my bleeding fame .

cha. oh doe not injure your owne cleare innocence . sop. doe not flatter me , i have beene guilty of an act , will make all love in women questioned , is not that a blot upon a virgins name ? my birth cannot extenuate my shame , i am become the staine of epire . cha. t is but your owne opinon , madam , which presents something to fright your selfe , which cannot be in the same shape so horrid to our sense . sop. thou wod'st but canst not appeare ignorant , did not the court , nay , the whole kingdome , take notice i lov'd lisimachus ? cha.

true madam .

sop. no . i was false though counseld by my father to affect him , i had my politicke ends upon cassander , to be absolute queene , flattering his son with hopes of love and marriage , when that very day i blush to thinke i wrong'd lisimachus , that noble gentleman , but heaven punish'd me ; for though to know demetrius was a blessing , yet who will not impute it my dishonour . cha. madam , you yet may recompence lisimachus , if you affect him now , you were not false to him whom then you lov'd not , if you can finde any gentle passion in your soule to entertaine his thought , no doubt his heart , though sad , retaines a noble will to meet it , his love was firme to you , and cannot be vnrooted with one storme . sop. he will not sure trust any language from her tongue that mock'd him , although my soule doth weepe for 't , and is punish'd to love him above the world . enter lisimachus . cha. hee s here as fate would have him reconcild , be free , and speake your thoughts . lisi. if madam i appeare too bold , your charity will signe my pardon : i heard you were not well , which made me haste to pay the duty of an humble visite . sop.

you doe not mocke me sir .

lisi. i am confident you thinke me not so lost to manners , in the knowledge of your person , to bring with me such rudenesse , i have nothing to present , but a heart full of wishes for your health , and what else may be added to your happinesse . sop.

i thought you had beene sensible .

lisi.

how madam ?

sop. a man of understanding , can you spend one prayer for me , remembring the dishonour i have done lisimachus ? lisi. nothing can deface that part of my religion in me , not to pray for you . sop. it is not then impossible you may forgive me too , indeed i have a soule is full of penitence , and something else , if blushing would allow to give 't a name . lisi.

what madam ?

sop. love , a love that should redeeme my past offence , and make me white againe . lisi. i hope no sadnesse can possesse your thoughts for me , i am not worthy of this sorrow , but if you meane it any satisfaction for what your will hath made me suffer , 't is but a strange overflow of charity , to keepe me still alive , be your selfe madam , and let no cause of mine , be guilty of this rape upon your eyes , my name 's not worth the least of all your teares . sop.

you thinke em counterfeit .

lisi. although i may suspect a womans smile hereafter , yet i would beleeve their wet eyes , and if this be what you promise , for my sake , i have but one reply . sop.

i waite it .

lisi. i have now another mistresse . sop.

stay .

lisi. to whom i have made since your revolt from me , a new chaste vow , which not the second malice of my fate shall violate , and she deserves it madam , even for that wherein you are excellent , beauty , in which she shines equall to you her vertue , if she but maintaine what now she is mistresse of , beyond all competition , so rich it cannot know to be improv'd , at least in my esteeme , i may offend , but truth shall justifie , i have not flatterd her , i beg your pardon , and to leave my duty vpon your hand , all that is good flow in you . exit . sop. did he not say charilla , that he had another mistresse ? cha. such a sound me thought came from him . sop. let 's remove , here 's too much ayre , the sad note multiplies . cha. take courage madam , and my advice , he has another mistresse , if he have twenty , be you wise , and crosse him with entertaining twice as many servants , and when he sees your humour hee le returne , and sue for any livery , grieve for this , it must be she , 't is polidora has taken his heart , she live my rivall , how does the thought inflame me . cha.

polidora ?

sop. and yet she does but justly , and he too ; i would have rob'd her of arcadius heart , and they will both have this revenge on me , but something will rebell . exit . enter demetrius , philocles , lisander . de. the house is desolate , none comes forth to meete us , shee s slow to entertaine us , philocles , i prethee tell me , did she weare no cloud vpon her brow , wast freely that she said we should be welcome . phi. to my apprehension , yet t is my wonder she appeares not . lisa. she nor any other , sure there 's some conceite to excuse it . dem.

stay , who 's this ? observe what followes ?

phi.

fortune ? some maske to entertaine you sir .

enter fortune crown'd , attended with youth , health , and pleasure . for. not yet ? what silence doth inhabite here ? no preparation to bid fortune welcome ! fortune the genious of the world , have we descended from our pride , and state to come so farre attended with our darlings , youth pleasure , and health , to be neglected thus ? sure this is not the place ? call hither fame . enter fame . fa.

what would great fortune ?

for. know , who dwels here . fa. once more i report great queene , this is the house of love . for. it cannot be , this place has too much shade , and lookes as if it had beene quite forgotten of the spring , and sunne beames love , affect society and heate , here all is cold as the haires of winter , no harmony to catch the busie eare of passengers , no object of delight , to take the wandring eyes , no song , no grone of lovers , no complaint of willow garlands , love has a beacon upon his palace top of flaming hearts , to call the weary pilgrime to rest , and dwell with him , i see no fire to threaten , or to warme , can love dwell here ? fa. if there be noble love upon the world , trust fame , and finde it here . for. make good your boast and bring him to us . de.

what does meane all this ?

lisa. i told you sir we should have some device , enter love . there 's cupid now , that little gentleman , has troubled every masque at court this seven yeare . dem.

no more .

love . welcome to love , how much you honor me ! it had become me , that upon your summons i should have waited upon mighty fortune , but since you have vouchsafed to visite me ; all the delights love can invent , shall flow to entertaine you , musicke through the ayre shoote your inticing harmony . for.

we came to dance and revell with you

lov. i am poore in my ambition , and want thought to reach how much you honor love . dance . enter honour . hon. what intrusion 's this ? whom doe you seeke here . lov.

t is honour .

for.

he 'e my servant .

lov.

fortune is come to visit us .

hon. and has corrupted love , is this thy faith to her , on whom we both waite , to betray her thus to fortunes triumph , take her giddy wheele , and be no more companion to honour i blush to know thee , who le beleeve there can be truth in love hereafter ? lov. i have found my eyes , and see my shame , and with it , this proud sorceresse , from whom , and all her charmes , i flye agen to honour , be my guard , without thee i am lost and cannot boast , the merit of a name . for. dispis'd ? i shall remember this affront . dem. what morral 's this ? exeunt . enter honour with the crowne upon a mourning cushion . what melancholly object strikes a suddaine chillnesse through all my veines , and turnes me ice ? it is the same i sent , the very same , as the first pledge of her insuing greatnesse , why in this mourning livery , if she live to whom i sent it ? ha , what shape of sorrow ? enter polidora in mourning . it is not polidora , she was faire enough , and wanted not the setting off with such a blacke , if thou beest polidora , why mournes my love ? it neither does become thy fortune nor my joyes . pol. but it becomes my griefes , this habit fits a funerall , and it were sinne , my lord , not to lament a friend new dead . dem. and i yet living ? can a sorrow enter but upon thy garment , or discomplexion thy attire , whilst i enjoy a life for thee ? who can deserve weigh'd with thy living comforts , but a peice of all this ceremony ? give him a name pol.

he was arcadius .

dem,

arcadius ?

pol. a gentleman that lov'd me dearely once , and does compell these poore , and fruitlesse drops , which willingly would fall upon his hearse , to imbalme him twice . dem.

and are you sure hee s dead ?

pol. as sure as you 're living sir , and yet i did not close his eyes , but he is dead , and i shall never see the same arcadius , he was a man so rich in all that 's good , at least j thought him so , so perfect in the rules of honour , whom alone to imitate were glory in a prince , nature her selfe till his creation wrought imperfectly , as she had made but tryall of the rest , to mould him excellent . dem. and is he dead ? come , shame him not with praises , recollect thy scattered hopes , and let me tell my best , and dearest polidora , that he lives , still lives to honour thee . pol.

lives , where ?

dem. looke here . am not i worth your knowledge ? pol. and my duty , you are demetrius king of epire , sir . i could not easily mistake him so , to whom i gave my heart . dem. mine is not chang'd , but still hath fed upon thy memory , these honours , and additions of state are lent me for thy sake , be not so strange , let me not lose my entertainement now i am improv'd , and raisd unto the height , beneath which , i did blush to aske thy love . pol. give me your pardon sir , arcadius , at our last meeting without argument to move him more then his affection to me , vow'd he did love me ; love me bove all women , and to confirme his heart was truely mine , he wish'd , i tremble to remember it , when he forsooke his polidora's love , that heaven might kill his happinesse on earth : was not this nobly said , did not this promise a truth to shame the turtles ? dem. and his heart is still the same , and i thy constant lover . pol. give me your leave i pray , i would not say arcadius was perjur'd , but the same day forgetting all his promises , and oathes , while yet they hung upon his lips , for sooke me , d ee not remember this too , gave his faith from me , transported with the noyse of greatnesse , and would be marryed to a kingdome . dem. but heaven permitted not i should dispose what was ordain'd for thee . pol. it was not vertue in him , for sure he found no checke , no sting in his owne bosome , but gave freely all the reines to blind ambition . dem. i am wounded , the thought of thee i th' throng of all my eyes , like poyson powr'd in nectar , turnes me franticke , deare , if arcadius have made a fault , let not demetrius be punishd for 't , he pleads that ever will be constant to thee . pol. shall i beleeve mans flatteries agen , lose my sweete rest , and peace of thought agen , be drawne by you , from the streight paths of vertue into the maze of love . dem. i see compassion in thy eye , that chides me if i have either soule , but what 's containd within these words , or if one sillable of their full force , be not made good by me , may all relenting thoughts in you take end , and thy disdaine be doubled , from thy pardon , i le count my coronation , and that houre fix with a rubricke in my calender , as an auspicious time to entertaine affaires of weight with princes , thinke who now intreates thy mercy , come thou sha't be kinde , and divide titles with me pol, heare me sir , i lov'd you once for vertue , and have� not a thought so much unguarded as to be wonne from my truth , and innocence with any motives of state to affect you , your bright temptation mournes while it staies here nor can the triumph of glory , which made you forget me , so court my opinion backe , were you no king , i should be sooner drawne againe to love you , but t is now too late , a low obedience shall become me best may all the joyes i want still waite on you , if time hereafter tell you that sorrow for your fault hath strucke me dead , may one soft teare drop from your eye , in pitty ty bedew my hearse , and i shall sleepe securely i have but one word more for goodnesse sake , for your owne honour sir correct your passion to her you shall love next , and i forgive you . exit . dem. her heart is frozen up , nor can warme prayers thaw it to any softnesse . phi.

i le fetch her sir againe .

dem.

perswade her not .

phi. you give your passion too much leave to triumph . seeke in another what she denies . enter macarius mac. where 's the king ? oh sir , you are undone , a dangerous treason is a foote . dem.

what treason ?

mac. cassander , and eubulus have� proclaim'd another king , whom they pretend to be leonatus your elder brother , he that was , but this morning prisoner in the castle . dem.

ha ?

mac. the easie epirotes gather in multitudes to advance his title , they have seased upon the court , secure your person whilst we raise power to curbe this insurrection . ant.

lose no time then .

dem. we will not arme one man , speake it agen , have i a brother living ? and must be no king . mac.

what meanes your grace ?

dem. this newes doth speake me happy , it exalts my heart , and makes me capable of more then twenty kingdomes . phi. will you not sir , stand vpon your guard ? dem. i le stand upon my honour , mercy releives me . lisa.

will you lose the kingdome ?

dem. the worlds too poore to bribe me , leave me all , lest you extenuate my fame , and i be thought to have redeem'd it by your counsell , you shall not share one scruple in the honour ; titles may set a glosse upon our name , but vertue onely is the soule of fame . mac.

he 's strangely possest gentlemen .

exeunt omnes .
actus quintus . enter philocles , and lisander . phi.

here 's a strange turne , lisander .

lisa. t is a kingdome easily purchasd , who will trust the faith of multitudes ? phi. it was his fault , that would so tamely give his title to their mercy , the� new king has possession . lisa. and is like to keep 't , we are alone , what doft thinke of this innovation ? i ft not a fine ligge ? a precious cunning in the late protector to shuffle a new prince into the state . phi. i know not how they have shuffled , but my head on 't a false card is turn'd up trump , but fates looke too 't . enter cassander and eubulus . eub.

does he not carry it bravely .

cas. excellently . philocles lisander . phi. lis. your lordships servants , are we not bound to heaven , for multiplying these blessings on the kingdome . phi. heaven alone workes miracles my lord . lisa. i thinke your lordship had as little hope once , to see these princes revive . phi. here we must place our thankes , next providence , for preserving so deere a pledge . enter leonatus attended . eub.

the king .

leo. it is our pleasure the number of our guard be doubled , give a largesse to the soldiers ; but dismisse not the troopes till we command . cas.

may it please .

leo. it will not please us otherwise , my lord , we have tride your faith , eub.

does he not speake� with confidence ?

leo. my lords , and gentlemen , to whose faith we must owe next to heaven our fortune , and our safety , after a tedious eclipse , the day is bright , and we invested in those honours , our blood , and birth did challenge . cas. may no time be registred in our annalls , that shall mention one that had life to oppose your sacred person , leo. let them whose titles forg'd and flaw'd suspect their states security , our right to epire , heaven is oblig'd to prosper , treason has no face so blacke to fright it , all my cares levell to this , that i may worthily manage the province , and advance the honour of our deere country , and be confident , if an expence of blood , may give addition of any happinesse to you , i shall offer my heart the sacrifice , and rejoyce to make my selfe a ghost , to have inscrib'd vpon my marble , but whose cause i dyed for . eub

may heaven avert such danger .

cas. excellent prince , in whom we see the coppy of his father none but the sonne of theodosius , could have spoke thus . leo. you are pleasd to interpret well , yet give me leave to say in my owne justice , i have but exprest the promptnesse of my soule to serve you all , but t is not empty wishes can satisfie our mighty charge , a weight would make an atlas double , a kings name doth sound harmoniously to men at distance , and those who cannot penetrate beyond the barke , and outskinne of a common wealth , or state , have eyes but ravish'd with the ceremony that must attend a prince , and understand not what cares allay the glories of a crowne , but good kings finde and feele the contrary , you have tride , my lord , the burden , and can tell it would require a pilote of more yeares to steere this kingdome , now impos'd on me , by justice of my birth . cas. i wish not life , but to partake those happy dayes , which must succeed these faire proceedings , we are blest , but sir be sparing to your selfe , we shall hazard our joyes in you too soone , the burden of state� affaires impose upon your counsell . t is fitter that we waste our lives then you , call age too soone upon you with the trouble , and cares that threaten such an undertaking , preserve your youth . leo. and choose you our protector , i st that you would conclude my lord ? we will deserve our subjects faith for our owne sake , not sit an idle gazer at the helme enter messenger . phi. how observ'd you that , marke how cassander's planet strucke . eu. he might have lookd more calmely for all that i begin to feare ; but doe not yet seeme troubled . leo. with what newes travailes his hast ? i must secure my selfe betimes , not be a king in jest , and weare my crowne a tenant to their breath . cas. demetrius sir , your brother , with other traytors that oppose your claimes are fled to the castle of nestorius and fortifie . mes.

i said not so my lord .

cas.

i le have it thought so , hence .

exit messen. leo. plant forces to batter the wals , and in their ruine bring us word they live not . eub.

good sir heare me .

cas. let it worke , were demetrius dead , we easily might uncrowne this swolne impostor , and my sonne be faire to peice with young sophia , who i heare repents her late affront . eub. their lives may doe you service , let not blood staine your beginnings the people not yet warme in their allegiance� , may thinke it worth their tumult to revenge it with hazard of your selfe . leo. who dares but thinke it ? yet offer first our mercy , if they yeeld , demetrius must not live , my lord your counsell , what if he were in heaven ? cas. you have my consent , you shannot stay long after him . leo. sophia is not my sister , to prevent al that may indanger us , wee 'l marry her that done no matter though we stand discover'd , for in her title then we are king of epire , without dispute . cas. hum ? in my judgement sir , that wonot doe so well . leo.

what 's your opinion ?

cas.

he countermines my plot : are you so cunning

leo.

what 's that you mutter sir ?

cas.

i mutter sir ?

leo. best say i am no king , but some impostor rais'd up to gull the state . cas. very fine to have said within few houres you 'd beene no king , nor like to be , was not in the compasse of high treason i take it . eub.

restraine your anger , the kings mov'd , speake not .

cas. i will speake louder , doe i not know him ? that selfe same hand that raisd him to the throne shall plucke him from it , is this my reward ? leo.

our guard , to prison with him ,

cas.

me to prison ?

leo.

off with his head .

cas.

my head ?

eub.

vouchsafe to heare me , great sir .

cas. how dares he be so insolent ? jha wrought my selfe into a fine condition , d ee know me gentlemen ? phi. very well my lord ; how are we bound to heaven for multiplying these blessings on the kingdome . leo.

we allow it .

eub.

counsell did never blast a princes eare .

leo. convey him to the sanctuary of rebels , nestorius house , where our proud brother has ensconsd himselfe , they le entertaine him lovingly , he will be a good addition to the traitors , obey me or you dye for 't , what are kings when subjects dare affront em . cas. i shall vex thy soule for this . leo. away with him , when kings frowne , let offenders tremble , this flowes not from any cruelty in my nature , but the fate of an usurper , he that will be confirm'd great without just title to it , must lose compassion , know what 's good , not doe it . exeunt . enter polidora and her servant . ser.

madam , the princesse sophia .

pol. i attend her highnesse . enter sophia . how much your grace honours your humble servant sop.

i hope my brother's well .

pol.

i hope so too madam .

sop.

doe you but hope ? he came to be your guest .

pol. we are all his whilst he is pleasd to honour this poore roofe with his royall presence madam . sop.

i came to aske your pardon polidora ,

pol. you never madam trespas'd upon me , wrong not your goodnesse . sop. i can be but penitent , vnlesse you point me out some other way to satisfie . pol.

deere madam doe not mocke me .

sop. there is no injury like that to love , i finde it now in my owne sufferings , but though i would have rob'd thee of arcadius heaven knew a way to reconcile your hearts , and punishd me in those joyes you have found , i read the story of my losse of honour , yet can rejoyce , and heartily , that you have met your owne agen . pol.

whom doe you meane ?

sop.

my brother .

pol. he is found to himselfe and honour , he is my king , and though i must acknowledge he was the glory of my thoughts , and i lov'd him as you did madam , with desire to be made his , reason , and duty since , form'd me to other knowledge , and i now looke on him without any wish of more then to be call'd his subject . sop. has he made himselfe lesse capable by being king . pol.

of what ?

sop.

of your affection .

pol. with your pardon madam . love in that sense you meane , lest polidora when he forsooke arcadius , i disclaime all tyes betweene us , more then what a name of king must challenge from my obedience . sop. this does confirme my jealousie , my heart , for my sake madam , has he lost his value ? pol. let me beseech your grace , i may have leave to answer in some other cause , or person , this argument but opens a sad wound to make it bleed a fresh , we may change this discourse , i would elect some subject , whose prayses may more delight your care then this can mine ; let 's talke of young lisimachus . sop.

ha ? my presaging feares .

pol.

how does your grace ?

sop. well , you were talking of lisimachus , pray give me your opinion of him . pol. mine ? it will be much short of his worth , j thinke him a gentleman so perfect in all goodnesse , that if there be one in the world deserves the best of women , heaven created him , to make her happy . sop. you have in a little , madam , exprest a volume of mankind , a miracle , but all have not the same degree of faith , he is but young . pol. what mistresse would desire her servant old ? he has both spring to please her eye , and summer to returne a harvest . sop.

he is blacke .

pol. he sets a beauty off more rich , and she that 's faire will love him , faint complections betray effeminate mindes , and love of change , two beauties in a bed , compound few men , he 's not so faire to counterfeit a woman , nor yet so blacke , but blushes may betray his modesty . sop.

his proportion exceeds not .

pol. that praises him , and well compacted frame speakes temper , and sweet flow of elements , vast buildings are more oft for shew then use , i would not have my eyes put to the travell of many acres , ere i could examine a man from head to foote , he has no great , but he may boast , an eligant composition . sop. i le heare no more , you have so farre outdone my injuries to you , that i call backe my penitence , and must tell polidora , this revenge ill becomes her . am i thought so lost in soule to heare , and forgive this ? in what shade doe i live ? or shall i thinke i have not at the lowest enough merit , setting aside my birth , to poyze with yours , forgive my modest thoughts , if i rise up my owne defence , and tell this unjust lady so great a winter hath not frozen yet my cheeke , but there is something nature planted , that carries as much bloome , and spring upon 't as yours , what flame is in your eye , but may finde competition here ( forgive agen my virgin honour , ) what is in your lip , to tice the enamour'd soule , to dwell with more ambition then the yet unwithered blush that speakes the innocence of mine . enter demetrius . oh brother ? dem. i le talke with you anon , my polidora , allow thy patience till my breath recover which now comes laden with the richest newes thy eare was ever blest with . sop. both your lookes , and voyce expresse some welcome accident . de. guesse what in wish could make me fortunate and heaven hath dropt that on demetrius . sop.

what meanes this extasie ?

dem. t were sinne to busie thy thoughts upon 't , i le tell thee that i could retaine some part , t is too wide a joy to be exprest so soone , and yet it falls in a few sillables , thou wot scarce beleeve me , i am no king . sop.

how 's that !

pol.

good heaven forbid .

de. forbid ? heaven has releiv'd me with a mercy i knew not how to aske , i have they say an elder brother living , crown'd already , i onely keepe my name demetrius , without desire of more addition , then to returne thy servant . pol. you amaze me , can you rejoyce to be deposd : dem. it but translates me to a fairer and better kingdome in polidora . pol.

mee ?

dem. did you not say , were i no king you could be drawne to love me agen , that was consented to in heaven , a kingdome first betray'd my ambitious soule to forget thee , that , and the flattering glories , how willingly demetrius doe resigne , the angels know , thus naked without titles i throw me on thy charity , and shall boast greater empire to be thine agen , then to weare the triumphs of the world upon me . enter macarius . mac. be not so carelesse of your selfe , the people gather in multitudes , to your protection offering their lives , and fortunes , if they may but see you sir , and heare you speake to em , accept their duties , and in time prevent your ruine . sop.

be not desperate , t is counsell .

dem.

you trouble me with noyse , speake polidora

pol. for your owne sake preserve your selfe , my feares distract my reason . enter antigonus . ant. lord lisimachus with something that concernes your safety , is fled hither , and desires a present hearing . mac. his soule is honest , be not sir a mad man , and for a lady give up all our freedomes . exit . pol.

i le say any thing here lisimachus .

sop.

deare brother heare him .

enter lisimachus . lisi. sir , i come to yeeld my selfe your prisoner , if my father have raisd an impostor to supplant your title which i suspect and inwardly doe bleed for . i shall not onely by the tender of my selfe declare my innocence , but either by my unworthy life secure your person , or by what death you shall impose , reward the unexpected treason . sop. brave young man , did you not heare him brother ? lisi.

i am not minded .

pol. be witnesse madam , i resigne my heart it never was anothers , you declare too great a satisfaction , i hope this will destroy your jealousie , remember now your danger . dem. i dispise it , what fate dares injure me ? lisi.

yet heare me sir .

sop. forgive me polidora , you are happy , my hopes are remov'd farther , i had thought lisimachus had meant you for his mistresse , t is misery to feed , and not know where to place my jealousie . enter macarius . mac. now t is too late , you may be deafe , untill the cannon make , you finde your sence , we are shut up now by a troupe of horse , thanke your selfe . pol. they will admit conditions . sop.

and allow us quarter .

a shout within . pol.

we are all lost .

dem.

be comforted .

enter antigonus . ant. newes my lord cassander sent by the new king . to beare us company . dem.

not as prisoner ?

ant. it does appeare no otherwise , the souldiers declare how much they love him , by their noyse of scorne , and joy to see him so rewarded . dem.

it cannot be .

ant. you le finde it presently , he curses the new king , talkes treason gainst him as nimble as he were in 's shirt , he 's here , enter cassander . cas. oh let me beg untill my knees take roote i th' earth , sir , can you pardon me ? dem.

for what ?

cas. for treason , desperate , most malicious treason i have undone you sir . dem. it does appeare you had a will . cas. i le make you all the recompence i can , but ere you kill me heare me , know the man , whom i to serve my unjust ends , advanc'd to your throne , is an impostor , a meere counterfeit , eubulus sonne . exit anti. dem.

it is not then our brother ?

cas. an insolent usurper , proud , and blooddy seleucus , is no leprosie upon me ? there is not punishment enough in nature to quit my horrid act , i have not in my stocke of blood to satisfie with weeping , nor could my soule though melted to a flood within me , gush out teares to wash my staine off . dem. how ? an impostor , what will become on 's now ? we are at his mercy . cas. sir , the peoples hearts will come to their owne dwelling , when they see i dare accuse my selfe , and suffer for it , have courage then young king , thy fate cannot be long compell'd . dem. rise , our misfortune carries this good , although it lose our hopes , it makes you friend with vertue , wee le expect what providence will doe . cas.

you are too mercifull .

lisi.

our duties shall beg heaven still to preserve you .

enter antigonus . ant.

our enemy desires some parley sir .

lisi.

't is not amisse to heare their proposition .

pol.

i le waite upon you .

dem. thou art my angell , and canst best instruct me , boldly present our selves , you 'le with cassander . cas. and in death be blest exit to finde your charity . sop.

lisimachus ,

lisi.

madam .

sop. they will not misse your presence , the small time is spent in asking of a question . lisi.

i waite your pleasure .

sop.

sit i have a suite to you .

lisi.

to me ? it must be granted .

sop. if you have cancell'd your kinde opinion of me , deny me not to know , who hath succeeded sophia in your heart . i beg the name of your new mistresse . lisi. you shall know her madam , if but these tumults cease , and fate allow us to see the court agen , i hope you le bring no mutiny against her , but this is no time to talke of love , let me attend you . sop. i must expect , till you are pleasd to satisfie my poore request conduct me at your pleasure . exeunt enter leonatus , eubulus , bishop , lisander , philocles . leo. . they are too slow , dispatch new messengers , to entreat em fairely hither , i am extasied , were you witnesse for me too , is it possible i am what this affirmes , true leonatus ? and were you not my father , was i given in trust to you an infant ? eub. t is a truth , our soule 's bound to acknowledge you supply'd the absence and opinion of my sonne , who dyed but to make you my greater care i know not of demetrius , but suppos'd him dead indeed , as epire thought you were , your fathers character doth want no testimony , which but compar'd with what concernes demetrius will prove it selfe king theodosius act , your royall father . bish. i am subscrib'd to both his legacies by oath oblig'd to secresie , untill thus fairely summon'd to reveale the trust . eub. cassander had no thought you would prove thus . to whose policy i gave this aime , although he wrought you up to serve but as his engine to batter young demetrius , for it was your fathers prudent jealousie , that made him give out your earely deaths , as if his soule prophesi'd his owne first , and fear'd to leave either of you to the unsafe protection , of one whose study would be to supplant your right , and make himselfe the king of epire . bish. your sister faire sophia in your fathers life , was design'd to marry with lisimachus that guarded her , although she us'd some art to quit her pupillage , and being abso'ute , declar'd love to demetrius , which enforc'd macarius to discover first your brother . leo. no more , least you destroy agen leonatus . with wonder of his fate , are they not come yet ? something it was , i felt within my envy of young demetrius fortune , there were seeds scatterd upon my heart , that made it swell with thought of empire , princes i see cannot be totally eclipst , but wherefore stayes demetrius , and sophia , at whose names a gentle spirit walk'd upon my blood . enter demetrius , polidora , sophia , macarius , cassander , li lisimachus as . eub.

they are here ,

leo. then thus i flye into their bosomes , nature has rectifi'd in me demetrius , the wandrings of ambition , our deere sister you are amaz'd , i did expect it , read assurance there , the day is bigge with wonder , mac.

what meanes all this ?

leo. lisimachus , be deare to us , cassander , you are welcome too . cas. not i , i doe not looke for 't , all this shannot bribe my conscience to your faction , and make me false agen , selevcus is no sonne of theodosius , my deare countrymen correct your erring duties , and to that , your lawfull king , prostrate your selves , demetrius doth challenge all your knees . dem. all love and duty , flow from me to my royall king , and brother i am confirm'd . cas. you are too credulous , what can betray your faith so much ? leo. sophia , you appeare sad , as if your will gave no consent to this dayes happynesse . sop.

no joy exceeds sophia's for your selfe .

lisi with your pardon sir , i apprehend a cause that makes her troubled , she desires to know what other mistresse since her late vnkindnesse , i have chosen to direct my faith and service . leo.

another mistresse .

lisi.

yes sir .

leo.

and does our sister love lisimachus ?

sop.

here 's something would confesse .

leo. he must not dare to affront sophia . cas. how my shame confounds me , i beg your justice , without pitty on my age . leo. your penance shall be , to be faithfull to our state hereafter . omnes . may you live long and happy , leonatus king of epire . leo.

but where 's your other mistresse ?

lisi.

even here sir .

leo,

our sister ? is this another mistresse sir ?

lisi. it holds to prove my thoughts were so when she began her sorrow for neglecting me , that sweetnesse deserv'd i should est esteeme her another mistresse , then when she cruelly forsooke lisimacus , your pardon madam , and receive a heart proud with my first devotion to serve you sop.

in this i am crownd agen , now mine for ever .

leo. you have deceiv'd her happily , ioy to you both . dem. we are ripe for the same wishes , polidora's part of me . pol.

he all my blessing .

leo.

heaven powre full joyes upon you .

mac, we are all blest , there wants but one to fill your armes . leo. my mistresse , and wife shall be my country , to which i was in my birth contracted , your love since hath playd the priest to perfect what was ceremony though kingdomes , by just titles prove our owne , the subjects hearts doe best secure a crowne . exeunt omnes .
the epilogue . there is no coronation to day . vnlesse your gentle votes doe crowne our play , if smiles appeare within each ladies eye , which are the leading starres in this faire skie , our solemne day sets glorious , for then we hope by their soft influence , the men will grace what they first shinde on , mak 't appeare , ( both ) how we please , and blesse our covitous care with your applause , more welcome then the belle , upon a triumph , bonfires , or what else can speake a coronation . and though i were late dispos'd and spoyl'd of majesty , by the kind ayde of your hands , gentlemen , i quickely may be crown'd a queene again � finis .
machine-generated castlist a -cassander a -queen a -polianus a -seleucus a -arcadius a -lisimachus a -sophia a -philocles a -macarius a -lisander a -demetrius a -eubulus a -leonatus a -antigonus a -charilaus a -servant a -fortune a -love a -bishop a -nestorius a -omnes a -fame a -honour a -all a -multiple a -messenger
textual notes

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phil�cles philocles . antigon�s antigonus . att�ndants servants and attendants . clok� that with a little beard , a long blacke cloke , with a starch'd face , and supple legge the� before the playes the twelvemonth , let me then � present a welcome to these gentlemen , �e noble , you will not thinke the worse of me for my petticote . but to the play , the �e seene in a kings raigne , this coronation , he hopes you may see often , while the genious ��� , he hopes you may see often , while the genious of his play , doth prophesie the conduites proph�sit often , while the genious of his play , doth prophesie the conduites may runne wine , when the b� rests but to prepare you , that although it be a coronation , there doth flow no undermirth lar'� there doth flow no undermirth , such as doth lar'd the scene for course delight , the language c�nsure we conclude not , it dost rest in you . to censure poet , play , and prologue too . but what forg�t there not a blush upon my cheekes that i forget the ladies , and a female prologue too ? lasimachus for her smiles and hope of marriage with lisimachus , his father by some cunning had remov'd hee� sky too , ere i get one staire higher while hees in place . hansom� must every man that has a hansome face or legge feed such ambition : i confesse li�machus was here within this halfe houre , young lisimachus his sonne is with the queene . e�nough all these names from you madam , is grace enough . sit tother is not fit to be despisd , cosmography allowes epire allowe� tother is not sit to be despisd , cosmography allowes epire a place ith' mappe , and know till sele�cus enter cassander , seleucus . th� are torne with their dissentions , and lose the glory of their great names , my blood speakes diff�rence honour of their family , and determine their difference . ��� confident , arcadius for honour would direct me to his sword , will not deny , to stake toppe� you are the� expectation and toppe boughs of both your houses , it would seeme bla�ke next festivall take physicke , or put on blacke , and mourne for his slaine breeches : his fid�ers how can he stand vpon his guard , who hath fidlers in his head , to which , his feet must ever fal��fy his feet must ever be a dancing . beside a falsify may spoyle his cringe , or making of a legge cons�sts cringe , or making of a legge , in which consists much of his court perfection . ��� burst else , i have no skill in jigges , nor tumbling . jeere� does she not jeere mee ; i shall talke treason presently , see�ne borne to live both at distance , yet i ha seene him fight , and fight bravely . �esolute i see seleucus thou art resolute , and i but wrong'd arcadius , your first ado� with much adoe . in�uate macarius is too popular , and has taught him to insinuate . cu� exit cum . sel. �'me brow was made to weare a golden circle , i'me transported , thou shalt rule her , and jo�full and he so joyfull to resigne his regency , there's some tricke effect� they have commonly as strange and violent effects ; well , heaven � save the queen . ex� exit . compare� although i have no beauty to compare with the best faces , i have a heart above he�art practise for base ends ; be confident my heart is full of thine , and i so deepely carry sinne� see thy body full of wounds , it were lesse sinne to rippe thy fathers marble , and fetch aff�ight thou wot disturbe his ghost , and call it to affright my dreames , if thou refuse to obey me . d�straction more inflame me to inquire the cause of your distraction , and youle arme me better then any coward �his your vncle ! this is strange . in'� there is some strange mistake in't . thre�d seleucus life and mine are twisted on one thread , both stand or fall together , hath the sel�ucus soone as we are crown'd prepare your selves , seleucus . ��� i cannot blame him , but my lord eubulus returnes , they are both troubled , las returne� i cannot blame him , but my lord eubulus returnes , they are both troubled , las good men excus � d no other way , and yet my heart would be excus'd but tis to save his life . e�re as it will become our honour to consult , ere we determine of the most necessary things spare� to you are perfect in obedience , and may spare this theame , yet 'twas no immateriall part give�s a gentleman belonging to seleucus , that gives notice he is prepar'd , and waites your selucus enter seleucus , arcadius at severall doores , their pages lifimachus now my lord lisimachus . lifimachus lisimachus blushes . charitab�e madam be charitable to your humblest creature , doe not reward �eward charitable to your humblest creature , doe not reward the heart , that falls in duty beneath your fro� , whose very lookes would thaw a man more frozen then the alps , quicken a soule more dead flame� so frozen , not to melt at such a glorious flame ? who could not fly to such a happinesse foole� have you ambition to be a tame foole? ? fee so vast an injury and not revenge ��� fee so vast an injury and not revenge it ? make me not suspect thy mother for this sufferance ��� you begin to stirre me sir . servaut like a neglected servant of his mistresse . th�res theres no opposing destiny . fri�ke me ? i cannot dance , and friske with due activity , my body is lead , i le�d and friske with due activity , my body is lead , i have too much phleame , what should ma�e ladies of blood looke at , another man might make a shift to weare rich cloathes , sit in cha�re shift to weare rich cloathes , sit in the chaire of state , and nod , dare venture on discourse ��� ile make no oath upont , my lord lisimachus you�e oath upont , my lord lisimachus , a word . youle not be angry if i love you , may not a batchellor ��� lisimachus , this gentleman is worth our embrace , hees spiritted , ou� it not pitty any division should be heard out of musicke ? oh twill be an excellent age areadius enter arcadius leading the queene , charia , eubulus , ��� enter arcadius leading the queene , charia , eubulus , lisander , philocles , polidor a , servant philocks the queene , charia , eubulus , lisander , philocles , polidor a , servant . orphe� rapture , i incline to thinke the tale of orpheus no fable , tis possible he might inchant codomontados a little mov'd in my nature to heare his rodomontados , and make a monster of his mistresse , a� and can arcadius at such a breath be moved , i had opinion your o�e would throw themselves on danger , not expect one enemy , but empty their owne veines , and aarc. arc refigne i am to finde a brother , and resign my glory , my triumph is my shame . exi� exit . greath large acknowledgement as to my birth for this great honour , and my study shall be equall to onour acknowledgement as to my birth for this great honour , and my study shall be equall to be thought ��� sister should have beene my bride , that name puts me in minde of polidora , ha ? lisander c�urse creature , feare not , and shall runne any course that we proposd . propo�d not , and shall runne any course that we proposd . sel�eus to build upon secure principles , though seleucus , i confesse , carry a high , and daring leo�atus living , why may not we worke them to beleeve leonatus the eldest sonne was by some tricke preserv'd captaiues the captaines here . prisoner� we come to visit your late prisoner. . � i will not doubt , but you intreate i� you intreate him fairely he will deserve it for himselfe , and you be fortunate in any ��� enter seleucus . th�n preferres one man above another , ile imagine then i am a prince , or some brave thing on earth p rince man above another , ile imagine then i am a prince , or some brave thing on earth , and see fingle see what followes , but it must not be my single voyce will carry it , the name of king must devi�e our fortunes in another world ; what's the device now ? if my death be next , the summons ambi�ion and liberty , with what else can make thy ambition happie , th'ast a glorious flame we come mo�ke you doe not mocke me gentlemen , you are my father sir . �hall this minute shall declare it my seleucus , our hearts swel'd sel�ucus this minute shall declare it my seleucus , our hearts swel'd with joy , with duty sel�ucus seleucus , stay thou art too incredulous , let not �tay seleucus , stay thou art too incredulous , let not our faith o�nes omnes � arcadiu� the state is in distraction , arcadius is prov'd a king , there was an elder brother �all people love me , they gain'd to us , weele fall upon the court . sueceeds who dares call treason sinne , when it succeeds ? refigne royall brother then you could lose by your resign of epire . �o opinon , madam , which presents something to fright your selfe , which cannot be in the co�nterfeit you thinke em counterfeit . �he she shines equall to you her vertue , if she but maintaine what now she is mistresse �latterd offend , but truth shall justifie , i have not flatterd her , i beg your pardon , and to leave my areadius , and he too ; i would have rob'd her of arcadius heart , and they will both have this revenge frie it were sinne , my lord , not to lament a friend new dead . ndnew sinne , my lord , not to lament a friend new dead . �olidora hopes , and let me tell my best , and dearest polidora , that he lives , still lives to honour a�d lose my entertainement now i am improv'd , and raisd unto the height , beneath which , coustant and his heart is still the same , and i thy constant lover . arcad�us give me your leave i pray , i would not say arcadius was perjur'd , but the same day forgetting �yes the thought of thee ith' throng of all my eyes , like poyson powr'd in nectar , turnes �e or if one sillable of their full force , be not made good by me , may all relenting secu�ely ��� ty bedew my hearse , and i shall sleepe securely i have but one word more for goodnesse sake hi� was his fault , that would so tamely give his title to their mercy , the� new king has ne�w tamely give his title to their mercy , the� new king has possession . t�eason to epire , heaven is oblig'd to prosper , treason has no face so blacke to fright it , all rejo�e shall offer my heart the sacrifice , and rejoyce to make my selfe a ghost , to have inscrib'd enb. eub plu ke same hand that raisd him to the throne shall plucke him from it , is this my reward ? e�are counsell did never blast a princes eare . enscon�d nestorius house , where our proud brother has ensconsd himselfe , theyle entertaine him lovingly affrout for't , what are kings when subjects dare affront em . ex�unt exeunt . h� jealousie , my heart , for my sake madam , has he lost his value ? fr�sh but opens a sad wound to make it bleed a fresh , we may change this discourse , i would fear�s ha ? my presaging feares . you� how does your grace ? of� flow of elements , vast buildings are more oft for shew then use , i would not have my owne� forgive my modest thoughts , if i rise up my owne defence , and tell this unjust lady so great lade� patience till my breath recover which now comes laden with the richest newes thy eare was ever q�arter and allow us quarter . re�compence� ile make you all the recompence i can , but ere you kill me heare me , know counter�eit to your throne , is an impostor , a meere counterfeit , eubulus sonne . gus� soule though melted to a flood within me , gush out teares to wash my staine off . �ate for it , have courage then young king , thy fate cannot be long compell'd . pre�serve our duties shall beg heaven still to preserve you . entreatem are too slow , dispatch new messengers , to entreat em fairely hither , i am extasied , were �action this shannot bribe my conscience to your faction , and make me false agen , seleueus is no seleueus to your faction , and make me false agen , selevcus is no sonne of theodosius , my deare countrymen de�rius your lawfull king , prostrate your selves , demetrius doth challenge all your knees . ��� thoughts were so when she began her sorrow for neglecting me , that sweetnesse deserv'd i should est ��� when she began her sorrow for neglecting me , that sweetnesse deserv'd i should est devotio� , and receive a heart proud with my first devotion to serve you ��� prove our owne , the subjects hearts doe best secure a crowne . co�tous , ( both ) how we please , and blesse our covitous care with your applause , more welcome then �are ) how we please , and blesse our covitous care with your applause , more welcome then the bell� with your applause , more welcome then the belle , upon a triumph , bonfires , or what else kindayde dispos'd and spoyl'd of majesty � by the kind ayde of your hands , gentlemen , i quickely ��� gentlemen , i quickely may be crown'd a queene again �
cupid and death a private entertainment, represented with scenes & musick, vocall & instrumentall. writen by j.s. shirley, james, - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing s a estc r this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) cupid and death a private entertainment, represented with scenes & musick, vocall & instrumentall. writen by j.s. shirley, james, - . [ ], , [ ] p. printed for john crooke and john playford, and are to be sold at their shops in st. paul's church yard and in the inner temple, london : . j.s. = james shirley. in verse. variant: title page partly in a different setting (possibly a cancel), with "scenes, variety of dancing, and musick, both vocall & instrumentall" in the title. reproduction of the original in the henry e. huntington library and art gallery. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - john latta sampled and proofread - john latta text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion cvpid and death a private entertainment , represented with scenes , variety of dancing , and musick , both vocall & instrumentall . writen by j. s. london , printed for john crooke and john playford , and to be sold at their shops in st. paul's church-yard and in the inner temple the scene a forest , on the side of a hill a faire house representing an inne or taverne , out of which cometh an host , being a jolly sprightly old man ; his cap turn'd up with crimson ; his doublet fustian , with jerkin and hanging sleeves , trunk hose of russet , stockings yellow , cross gartered ; after him a chamberlain . first entry . ho . are all things in their preparation for my immortall guests ? ch. nothing is wanting that doth concern my province sir , i am your officer above staires . the great chamber with the two wooden monuments to sleep in ( that weigh six load of timber , sir ) are ready . that for the ●●●●ce d'amour , whom we call cupid , i have trimm'd artificially with roses , and his mother's mirtle . but i have committed sacriledge to please the other , death does delight in ew , and i have rob'd a church-yard for him . are you sure they 'l come to night ? i would fain see this dwarfe call'd cupid , for t'other i look on him in my fancy , like a starv'd goblin . ho. death . i must confesse , cuts not so many inches in the say as our last venison , 't is a thin-chap'd hound , and yet the cormorant is ever feeding . ch. but good sir resolve me , are they good spirited guests ? will they tipple to elevation ? do they scatter metall upon the vvaiters ? will they rore , and fancy the drawers , and the fiddles , till their pockets are empty as our neighbours drone ? and after drop by degrees their wardrobe ? and in the morning , vvhen they have day-light to behold their nakedness , vvill they with confidence amaze the streets ? and in their shirts , to save their pickel'd credits , pretend a race , and trip it like fell footmen ? these rantings were the badges of our gentry , but all their dancing daies are done i fear . ho. these were the garbs , and motions late in fashion with humorous mortalls ; but these guests are of no humane race . ch. pray what attendance have they ? ho. love has two gentlemen , that wait on him in his chamber , of speciall trust , he cannot act without them . ch. their names sir , i beseech you ? ho. folly and madness . ch. a pair of precious instruments , sure they are well descended sir . ho. the fool could ride a hundred mile in his own pedegree , and give as many coats — ch. fooles coats , there are enough to weare them . ho. as he had acres in eleven fat lordships , and plaid at duck and drake with gold , like pibbles . ch. was this man born a fool ? ho. no , but his keeping company with philosophers undid him , who found him out a mistris they call'd fame , and made him spend halfe his estate in libraries , which he bestowed on colledges , tooke the toy of building quadrangles , kept open house , and fell at last most desperately in love vvith a poor dairy maid , for which he was beg'd — ch. a foole ? ho. and leads the the van in cupid's regiment . ch. vvhat was the mad-man sir ? ho. a thing was born to a very fair per annum , and spent it all in looking-glasses . ch. how ? that 's a project i never heard on , looking-glasses ? how many did he break sir in a day ? ho. they broke him rather , in the right understanding , for nature having given him a good face , the man grew wilde with his own admirations , and spent his full means upon flatterers , that represented him next to an angell . thus blown up , he tooke confidence to court a lady of noble blood , and swelling fortune ; within three daies fell sick of the small pox , and on the fourth run mad , with the conceit his face , when he recover'd , would be like a countrey cake , from which some children had new pick'd the plumms . ch. a brace of pretty beagles . ho. they are here . ch. i see not death . ho. he 's the last thing we look for . enter cupid , folly , madness ; the hoste joynes with them in a dance . song . though little be the god of love , yet his arrows mighty are , and his victories above what the valiant reach by war , nor are his limits with the skie , o're the milky way he 'll fly , and somtimes wound a diety . apollo once the python slew , but a keener arrow flew from daphne's eye , and made a wound for which the god no balsome found ; one smile of venus too did more on mars , than armies could before ; if a warme fit thus pull him down , how will she ague-shake him with a frown ; thus love can fiery spirits tame , and when he please cold rocks inflame . enter death , he danceth the second entrie , after which he speakes . de. holla ! within ! enter chamberlain . ch. you are welcome gentlemen ; ha ? quarter , oh quarter , i am a friend sir , a moveable belonging to this tenement where you are expected , gupid is come already , and supp'd , and almost drunk , we ha' reserv'd according to order , for your palate , sir , the cockatrices eggs , the cold toad-pie , ten dozen of spiders and adders tongues your servant famine , sir , bespoke . de. live , live . exit . ch. i thanke you sir ; a curse upon his physnomy ; how was i surpriz'd ? t was high time to comfort me , i felt my life was melting downward . death , oh death . within . ch. who 's that ? i do not like the voice . what art ? enter despair with a halter . des. a miserable thing . ch. i , so thou seem'st ; ha'st not a name ? des. my name , sir , is despair . ch. despair , my time 's not come yet , what have i to do with thee ? what com'st thou hither for ? des. to find out death ; life is a burthen to me ; i have pursu'd all paths to find him out , and here i th' forrest had a glimpse on him , but could not reach him with my feet , or voice ; i would fain dye , but death flies from me , sir . ch. i wonder you should travell in the forest , and among so many trees find none convenient , having the tackling ready , 'bout your neck too . some great affairs take up the devills time , he cannot sure attend these low employments , hee 's busie 'bout leviathans . i know not , ther 's somthing in 't ; you have not made your vvill sure . des. yes sir , i carry it wo'me , it wants nothing but his name , and my subscription . ch. vvhose name ? des. his name i mean to make my heir . ch. vvhos 's that ? des. that charitable man vvill bring death to me , there 's a blank left for him , and if you please to do me , sir , the office , even you shall be the man ; i have profest an usurerer this fifty years , and upwards , the vvidows and sad orphans , whose estates i have devoured , are croaking in my conscience . ch. and shall he be your heir that does this feat ? to make you acquainted with this canniball you talk of ? des. oh my happiness . ch. i 'le do it . but i believe you are sorry for your baseness , your rapines and extortions — des. mistake not , am sorry for no mischief i have done , that would come neer repentance , which you know cures all the akings of the soul . if i could but be sorry , death were of no use to me . ch. keep ye of that mind , you say very right sir , i 'le try what i can do with death , to do your conscience a courtesy , he 's now within our house ; i 'le bring you pen and ink to write my name too , honest father . des. thou art my dearest child , take all my blessings . ch. here 's like to be a fortune . exit . des. i want strength to climb , i see a very pretty twig else he climbs and space for a most comfortable swing , 't is a hard case the devill will not help at a dead lift . he falls . o my sciatica . i have broke my spectacles , and both my hips are out of joint , help — enter chamberlain with abottle of wine . ch. death will be with you presently , the last course is now on the table that you may not think the time long , i have brought you ▪ ha ? rise up sir . des. alas , i have had a fall , i was indeavouring to do the meritorious work , and hang my self , for death me thought was long a coming , but my foot slipt . ch. alas what pitty t was ? if i had thought your soul had been in such haste , i would have given you a lift before i went . des. it was my zeal . ch. alas it seemed so , you might have tooke the river with more ease , the stream would have convey'd you down so gently , you should not feel which way your soul was going . but against the frights , death might bring with him , i have brought you a bottle of wine . i 'le begin sir . he drinks , des. would it were poyson . ch. so would not i , i thank you , 't is pure blood of the grape . des. wine ? ch. a● my charge , i know you do not use to pay for nectar , i bestow it sir . des. that 's kindly said , i care not if i taste — ch. i' th' mean time please you , i 'le peruse the will , i can put in my own name , and make it fit for your subscription — what 's here ? — reads . ha ? a thousand pound in jewells — in ready money ten thousand more — land — ha' preserve my senses . i 'le write my name and thank heaven afterwards . — here sir , before you can subscribe , the gentleman will come and kill you to your hearts content . des. hum ! this foolish wine has warm'd me , what d'ee call the name on 't ? ch. sack . des. sack , my truly son — ch. nay sir make hast , for death will be here instantly . des. at his own leisure , i would not be troublesome ▪ now i do know his lodging , i can come another time . ch. but the vvill father , you may write now — des. deeds are not vigorous without legall witnesses ; my scrivener lives at the next town , and i do find my body in a disposition to walk a mile or two . sack d'ee call it ? how strangely it does alter my opinion ? ch. vvhy ? have you no mind to hang your self ? des. i thank you , i find no inclination . ch. sha'not i be your heir then ? des. in the humour and spirit i now feel in brain and body , i may live — to see you hang'd ; i thank you heartily . ch. but you will have the conscience , i hope , to pay me for the wine , has wrought this miracle . des. your free gift i remember , you know , i use not to pay for nectar , as you call it . yet i am not without purpose to be gratefull , some things shall be corrected in my vvill , in the mean time , if you 'l accept of a gives him the halter . small legacy , this hemp is at your service , and it shall cost you nothing , i bestow it . vve men of money , worn w 〈…〉 nd cares , drink in new life , from vvin●●●● costs us nothing . farewell , and learn this lesson from despair , give not your father sack to be his heir . ch. not a tear left ? would's brains were in the bottle . exit . song . victorious men of earth , no more proclaime how wide your empires are ; though you bind in every shore , and your triumphs reach as far as night or day , yet you proud monarchs must obey , and mingle with forgotten ashes , when death calls ye to the croud of common men . devouring famine , plague , and war , each able to undo man-kind , death's servile emissaries are , nor to these alone confin'd , he hath at will more quaint and subtle waies to kill . a smile or kiss , as he will use the art , shall have the cunning skill to break a heart . enter chamberlain . ch : ho master , master . enter hoste . ho. what 's the mátter ? ch. nothing but to ask you , whether you be alive or no , or whether i am not my own ghost , that thus walk and haunt your house . ho. thou lookest frighted . ch. death and his train are gone , i thank heaven he 's departed ; i slept not one wink to night , nor durst i pray aloud , for fear of waking death ; but he , at midnight , calls for a cup to quench his thirst , a bowl of blood i gave him for a mornings draught , and had and ague all the while he drank it . at parting , in my own defence , and hope to please him , i desired to kisse his hand , vvhich was so cold , o' th' sudden sir , my mouth was frozen up , which as the case stood then with my teeth , did me a benefit , and kept the dancing bones from leaping out , at length , fearing for ever to be speechless , i us'd the strength of both my hands to open my lips , and now feel'd eve 〈…〉 i spake drop from it like an icycl 〈…〉 ho. this cold fit will be over ; what said cupid ? ch. he was fast asleep . ho. the boy went drunk to bed , death did not wake him ? ch. it was not necessary in point of reckoning . death was as free as any emperour , and payes all where he comes , death quits all scores . i have the summa totalis in my pocket . but he without more ceremony left the house at morning twilight . ho. ha ? they knock — get thee a cup of wine to warm thy intralls . exit chamb. though love himself be but a water-drinker , his train allow themselves rich wines . your fool and madman is your onely guests to taverns , and to excesse ; this licence time affords , when masters pay , their servants drink like lords . enter chamberlin . ch. sir , they call for you , cupid's up , and ready . and looks as fresh , as if he had known no surfeit of virgins tears , for whose fair satisfaction , he broke his leaden shafts , and vows hereafter to shoot all flames of love into their servants . there are some musick come , to give his godship good morrow , so he means to hear one song , and then he takes his progress . ho. i attend him . exit . ch. but i have made my own revenge upon him , for the hard-hearted baggage that he sent me ; and death i have serv'd a trick for all his huffing . they think not what artillery they carry along with them , i have chang'd their arrows . how death will fret to see his fury cozen'd ? but how will love look pale , when he shall find what a mortality his arrows make among the lovers ? let the god look to 't , i have put it past my care , and not expect to see them agen , or should i meet with death , i shall not fear him now ; for cupid , if lovers must onely by his arrows fall , i 'm safe , for ladies i defie you all . song . stay cupid , whither art thou flying ? pitty the pale lovers dying . they that honour'd thee before , will no more at thy altar pay their vowes . o let the weeping virgins strow , in stead of rose , and myrtle boughs , sad ew , and funeral cypress now . unkind cupid leave thy killing , these are all thy mothers doves , oh do not wound such noble loves , and make them bleed that should be billing . the scene is changed into a pleasant garden , a fountain in the midst of it . walks and arbours , delightfully exprest , in divers places , ladies lamenting over their lovers slain by cupid , who is discover'd flying in the aire . enter a lover playing upon a lute , courting his mistris ; they dance . enter nature in a white robe , a chaplet of flowers , a green mantle fringed with gold , her hair loose they start and seem troubled at her entrance . na. flie , slie my children , love that should preserve and warm your hearts , with kind and active is now become your enemy , a murderer . this garden that was once your entertainment vvith all the beauty of the spring is now by some strange curse upon the shafts of cupid , design'd to be a grave ; look every where the noble lovers on the ground lie bleeding , by frantick cupid slain ; into whose wounds , distracted virgins pour their tears so fast , that having drein'd their fountains , they present their own pale monuments ; while i but relate this story , see , more added to the dead . oh slie and save your selves , i am your parent nature , that thus advise you to your safeties . enter cupid , he strikes the lover . he 's come already . lover . ha ? what winter creeps into my heart ? na. he faints , 't is now too late , some kinder god call back the winged boy , and give him eyes to look upon his murders . nature grows stiff with horrour of this spectacle ; if it be death to love , what will it be when death it self must act his cruelty ? enter death . and here he comes , what tragedies are next ? enter old men and women with crutches . na. two aged pair , these will be fit for death , they can expect but a few minutes more to wear the heavy burden of their lives . death strikes them with his arrow , they admiring one another , let fall their crutches , and embrace . exit death . na. astonishment to nature , they throw off all their infirmities , as young men do their aery upper garments . these were the effects of cupids shafts ; prodigious change ! i have not patience to behold 'em longer . exit . they dance with antique postures , expressing ▪ rurall courtship . song . vvhat will it death advance thy name upon cold rocks to waste a flame , or by mistake to throw bright torches into pits of snow ? thy rage is lost , and thy old killing frost ▪ with thy arrows thou maist try to make the young or aged bleed , but indeed not compell one heart to die . chorus . o love ! oh death ! be it your fate before you both repent too late to meet and trie upon your selves , your sad artillerie . so death may make love kind again , or cruell death by love be slain . enter six gentlemen armed as in the field to fight three against three ; to them death , he strikes them with his arrow , and they preparing to charge , meet one another , and embrace . they dance . song . change , oh change your fatall bows , since neither knows the vertue of each others darts ; alas , what will become of hearts if it prove a death to love , we shall find death will be cruell to be kind : for when he shall to armies fly , where men think blood too cheap to buy themselves a name , he reconciles them , and deprives the valiant men of more then lives , a victory , and fame . whilst love deceiv'd by these cold shafts , in steed , of curing wounded hearts , must kill indeed . chorus . take pitty gods , some ease the world will find , to give young cupid eyes , or strike death blind . death should not then have his own will . and love , by seeing men bleed , leave off to kill . enter chamberlin leading two apes . ch. oh yes , oh yes , oh yes , all you that delight to be merry come see my brace of court apes , for a need we be three ; i have left my old trade of up and down stairs and now live by leading my apes unto fairs . will you have any sport ? draw your money , be quick sir , and then come aloft jack , they shall shew you a trick sir . now ▪ am i in my naturall condition , for i was born under a wandring planet ; i durst no longer stay with my old master , for fear cupid and death be reconcil'd to their own arrows , and so renew with me some precious acquaintance . enter death , he strikes the chamberlin . ch. oh , my heart , 't was death i fear , i am paid then with a vengeance ; my dear apes do not leave me , ha ? come neer — what goodly shapes they have , what lovely faces ! ye twins of beauty , where were all those graces obscur'd so long ? what cloud did interpose i could not see before this lip , this nose ? these eyes ? that do invite all hearts to wooe , them , brighter then stars ; ladies are nothing to them , oh let me here pay down a lovers duty ; who is so mad to dote on womans beauty ? nature doth here her own complexion spread , no borrow'd ornaments of white and red ; these cheeks were no adulterate mixtures on them , to make them blush as some do , fie upon them ! look what fair cheries on their lips do grow ? black cherries , such as none of you can shew , that boast your beauties , let me kiss your a — enter a satyr , that strikes him on the shoulder , and takes away his apes . what 's that ? a shot i' th' shoulder too ? ha . what will become of me now ? oh my apes ! the darlings of my heart are ravish'd from me . he beckons , and courts them back with passionate postures . no ? not yet ? nor yet hard-hearted apes ? i must despair for ever to enjoy them . despair ? that name puts me in mind , he looks in his pocket , and pulls out the halter . 't is here ; vvelcome dear legacy , i see he was a prophet that bestowed it ; how it fits me ? as well as if the hangman had took measure . 't is honour in some men to fight and die in their fair ladies quarrel , and shall i be 'fraid to hang my self in such a cause ? farewell my pretty apes , when hemp is ti'd drop tears apace , and i am satisfi'd . a dance of the satyre and apes . upon the sudden a solemn musick is heapd , and mercury seen descending upon a cloud , at whose approach , the other creep in amazed . in a part of the scene within a bower , nature discover'd sleeping . mer. hence ye prophane , and take your dwellings up within some cave , that never saw the sun , whose beams grow pale , and sick to look upon you ; this place be sacred to more noble objects , and see where nature tir'd with her complaints to heaven for death and cupid's tyranny upon a bank of smiling flowers lies sleeping , cares that devour the peace of other bosomes , have by an over charge of sorrow wrought her heart into a calm , where every sense is bound up in a soft repose , and silence ; be her dreams all of me . but to my embassie . cupid , wheresoe'r thou be , the gods lay their commands on thee , in pain of being banish'd to the unfrequented shades below at my first summons to appear . cupid , cupid . enter cupid . cup. i am here , what send the gods by mercury ? mer. thy shame and horrour . i remove this mist . he unblinds him . now see in every grove what slaughter thou hast made , all these fond cupid were thy votaries , does not their blood make thine look pale ? all slain by thee , ' two ▪ not prevail to urge mistakes , thy fact appears ; jove , and the gods have bow'd their ears to groning nature , and sent me from their high christall thrones to see what blood , like a dire vapour rise , doth spread his wings to blind the eyes of heaven and day ; and to declare their justice and immortall care over the lower world , but stay another must his fate obey . death heretofore , the look'd-for close to tedious life , the long repose to wearied nature , and the gate that leads to mans eternall fate , i in the name of every god , command thee from thy dark aboad , as thou wilt fly their wrath , appear at my first summon — enter death . de. i am here . mer. nature awake , and with thy sleep shake off the heavy chains that keep thy soul a captive . nat. mercury ? or am i still in dreams ? mer. thy eye take truce with tears , see much abus'd nature , whom thou hast long accus'd , leave thy wonder , and attend vvhat the gods by hermes send . but first i charge you to resign your fatall shafts . cup. i , these are mine . they change . mer. cupid , the gods do banish thee from every palace , thou must be confin'd to cottages , to poor , and humble cells , love must no more , appear in princes courts , their heart impenetrable by thy dart , and from softer influence free by their own wills must guided be . cup. i shall obey . mer. death , thou maist still exercise thy power to kill , with this limit , that thy rage presume not henceforth to engage on persons , in whose brest , divine marks of art , or honour shine ; upon these , if thy malice trie , they may bleed , but never die ; these are not to be overcome , above the force of age or tomb . is nature pleas'd ? na. the gods are just . mer. to this you both submit ? c. d. we must . mer. ye are dismist . exeunt . nat. but mercury , what satisfaction shall i have for noble children in the grave by cupid slain ? mer. they cannot be reduc'd to live again with thee , and could thy fancy entertain in what blest seats they now remain , thou wouldst not wish them here . na. might i with some knowledge bless my eye , nature would put on youth . mer. then see their blest condition . the scene is changed into elizium , where the grand masquers , the slain lovers appear in glorious seats and habits . na. where am i ? the world no such perfection yields . mer. these are the fair elizian fields . song . open blest elizium grove , where an eternall spring of love keeps each beauty fair , these shades no chill dew or frost invades ; look how the flowers , and every tree pregnant with ambrosia be ; neer banks of violet springs appear , weeping out nectar every tear ; while the once harmonious sphears , ( turn'd all to ears ) now listen to the birds , whose quire sing every charming accent higher . chorus . if this place be not heaven , one thought can make it , and gods by their own wonder led , mistake it . na. oh , who shall guide me hence ? old natures sight grows feeble at the brightnesse of this glory . mer. i will be natures conduct . na. mercury — be ever honour'd . exeunt . the grand dance . enter mercury . mer. return , return you happy men to your own blessed shades agen , lest staying long , some new desire in your calm bosomes raise a fire ; here are some eyes , whose every beam may your wandring hearts inflame , and make you forfeit your cool groves , by being false to your first loves . like a perfuming gale o'r flowers , now glide again to your own bowers . the curtain falls . finis . notes, typically marginal, from the original text known defects for a .xml defect summary missing or defective tokens known defects on page a - -a incomplete or missing word on page -a, word : ●●●●ce known defects on page a - -b incomplete or missing word on page -b, word : a● known defects on page a - -a incomplete or missing word on page -a, word : vvin●●●● the grateful servant shirley, james this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text s in the english short title catalog (stc ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. martin mueller incompletely or incorrectly transcribed words were reviewed and in many cases fixed by madeline burg this text has not been fully proofread earlyprint project evanston il, notre dame in, st.louis, washington mo distributed under a creative commons attribution-noncommercial . unported license a .xml the gratefull seruant. a comedie. as it was lately presented with good applause at the priuate house in drury-lane, by her majesties servants. written by iames shirley gent. shirley, james, - . dpi tiff g page images university of michigan, digital library production service ann arbor, michigan october (tcp phase ) stc ( nd ed.) . greg, ii, (a). a

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 the gratefull seruant. a comedie. as it was lately presented with good applause at the priuate house in drury-lane, by her majesties servants. written by iames shirley gent. gratefull servant gratefull servant. shirley, james, - . [ ], p. printed by b[ernard] a[lsop] and t[homas] f[awcet] for iohn groue, and are to be sold at his shop at furnivals-inne gate, london : .

mostly in verse.

printers' names from stc.

variant: imprint has "greue".

reproduction of the original in the folger shakespeare library.

 a shc the grateful servant shirley, james madeline burg play comedy shc no a s (stc ). . d the rate of . defects per , words puts this text in the d category of texts with between and defects per , words. incorporated ~ , textual changes made to the shc corpus by hannah bredar, kate needham, and lydia zoells between april and july during visits, separately or together, to the bodleian, folger and houghton libraries as well as the rare book libraries at northwestern university and the university of chicago

the gratefvll servant . a comedie .

as it was lately presented with good applause at the priuate house in drury-lane , by her majesties servants .

written by iames shirley gent.

— — — vsque ego postera crescam laude recens .

london . printed by b. a. and t. f. for john grene , and are to be sold at his shop at furnivals-inne gate , .

to the right honovrable , francis earle of rvtland , &c. my most honoured lord :

when the age declineth from her primitiue vertue , and the silken witts of the time , ( that i may borrow from our acknowledg'd master , learned ionson ) disgracing nature , & harmonious poësie , are transported with many illiterate and prodigious births , it is not safe to appeare without protection . among all the names of honour , this comedie oweth most gratitude to your lordship , whose cleere testimony was to mee aboue a theater , and i applaud the dexterity of my fate , that hath so well prepared a dedication , whither my onely ambition would direct it . i am not pale , to thinke it is now expos'd to your more deliberate censure ; for 't is my security , that i haue studied your lordships candor , and know you imitate the divine nature which is mercifull aboue offence . goe on great lord and bee the volume of our english honour , in whom while others , invited by their birth and quickned with ambitious emulation reade and study their principles , let mee be made happie enough to admire , and devote my selfe ,

your lordships , most humble creature : iames shirley .
to my learned friend iames shirley vpon his gratefull seruant . present thy worke vnto the wiser few that can discerne and iudge ; t is good t is new thy stile is modest , sceanes high , and thy verse so smooth , so sweet , apollo might rehearse , to his owne lute , be therefore boldly wise and scorne malicious censures , like flies they tickle but not wound , thy well got fame cannot be soild or canst thou merrit blame because thou dost not swell with mighty rimes audacious metaphors , like verse like times let others barke , keepe thou poeticke lawes deserue their enuy , and command applause . john fox .
to my knowne friend mr shirley vpon his comedy the gratefull seruant . vvho would writ well for the abused stage when only swelling word do please the age and malice is thought wit , to make 't appeare they iudge they mis-interpret what they heare . rough poems now vsurpe the name of good and are admired but neuer vnderstood thee and thy straines i vindicate , whose pen wisely disdaines to iniure lines , or men , thou hast prepared dainties for each tast , and art by all that know thy muse embrac'd let purblind critticks still endure this curse to see good playes and euer like the worse . jo. hall .
ingeniosissimo amico ia. sherleio . mater daedala nil poliuit , hujus matris mimaque nil dolauit altum : ( sitotum esynodis tulere sacris et musarum hierarchia , & sororum triga , & castalius latexrigauit ) quod non dilaniantque , lancinantque momi insulsatribus , ne populique . ergo per charites , nouen silesque diuas , 〈◊〉 nihil morare si qui te lacerentque verberentque quis shirleie tuos jocos lepores , accentus thymeles sonos theatri , mellitos globulos , facetiasque , verborum veneres , cupidinesque , acetum sesamum , sales , piperque , captus non veneratur osculatur est diuum nisi stoicum assecutus . supra nos homines seueriores , laudent fulmina ; vorticesque quales voluit gurgitetauri formis ister , vocum monstraque pectinesque solis . velint cum semele modos tonantes quos quum non capiant , stupent adusti sed tu macte animo , tibique plaude , ridefulminis actaflagra bruti , laurus te tua temporum corona , intactum dabit : intonent theones ,
tush i will not beleeue , that iudgements light is fixt but in one spheare , and that dull night , muffles the rest , the dimmest lampe of skie hath some vnborrowed lustre , so may i by which i may discerne thy muse doth towre , 'boue common flight and make the cloudes her bowre then in the higher pitch see her anon reach ariadnes crowne and put it on , and there installed rauish with her shine the god of poets not the god of wine . thy helicon is pure and is distild through as cleere pipes , which runne , when they are fild briske nectar . phebus hardly can deuine which issues are his owne and which are thine . cha . aleyn .
amicissimo suo sherleio , fons occtuditur ille pegaseius et parnnssia transilice septa iucundos vetat optimosque vates custos tartariae triformis aula : te crux postulet hercules , feratque , quemraptum puto cerberum charonti musarum statuisse lanitorem : tu sherleie potes , fauente musa letrantem triplici canem boatu tutus spernere : terreat minores : olim pyrithoum peremit ille , seruum non perimet tuum , fidelem gratum , pycithooque chariorem dulcis fabula , dulciorque seruus et tu dulcior omnnibut poeta quales , quas e put as uterque fundit ? istis delicias parare fas est crudas mormoreasque saweasque et que molliculos ( amice ) dentes gaudent frangereducioce morsu : quiferrum chalybemque struthiones et nil pretecia coqulant maligni : tam forti stomacho placere nolis nec sherleie places : dapes ministras iucundas , facilesque , milleasque conditas sale , gratia , lepore . i laurum pete , quam merere totam . nec te terreat iste qui poctis iam minos rhadamanthus aeacusq est et si quis numeratur inde quartus qua 〈◊〉 dubia tremendus vrna : sphinx parnassia quem timemur omnes te viso velut oedipo tremiscat . sic tu solne gryphos , vt illa nectit . tho. randolph .
i cannot fulminate or tonitruate words to puzz'le intellects my ninth lasse affords no sycophronian buskins , nor can straine garagantuan lines to gigantize thy veine , nor make a iusiurand , that thy great playes are terra del fo'gos or incognitaes thy pegasus in his admird carreere curuets on capreolls of nonsence here . wonder not friend that i do entertaine such language that both thinke and speake so plaine know i aplaud thy smooth and euen straines that will informe and not confound our braines thy helicon like a smooth streame doth flow while others with disturbed channels goe and headlong like nile cataracts do fall with a huge noise , and yet not heard at all . when thy intelligence on the cockpit stage giues it a soule from the immortall rage i heare the muses birds with full delight sing where the birds of mars were wont to fight nor flatter i , thou knowest i do abhorre it let others praise thy play , i le loue thee for it , that he that knowes my friend shall say he has a friend as gratefull as his seruant was tho. randolph .
to my friend mr shirley vpon his comedy . let others that before thy booke take place write in thy praises , i will not disgrace the time so much , our critticks shall not say but i will find some errours in thy play ; thou art too little iealous of thy muse , her beauties seene to free , she doth not vse to weare a maske or veile , which now a dayes is growne a fashion , for in many playes apollo scarce can to himselfe giue light to view the muse , or read the meaning right , thy fancies , are to pleasing cupid feares to loose his tribute paid in sighes and teares whilst louers make their peace with thy conceit ; 't is haynous , and thy language is too neate , which euen to me , that am thy friend , affords leaue to report there 's witchcraft in thy words , though to the stage it would be thought blest harme might it be still bewitch'd which such a charme . ro. stapylton .
to my judicious and learned friend the author vpon his ingenious poem the gratefull seruant . though i well know , that my obscurer name listed which theirs , who heere aduance thy fame cannot adde to it , giue me leaue to be among the rest a modest votarie at the altar of thy muse , i dare not raise giant hyperboles vnto thy praise , or hope it can find credit in this age though i should sweare in each triumphant page of this thy worke , ther 's no line but of weight and poesie it selfe shewne at the height such common places friend will not agree with thy owne vote and my integrity i le steere a midde way , haue cleare truth my guide and vrge a praise which cannot be denyde here are no forc'd expressions , no rack'd phraze no babell compositions to amaze the tortur'd reader , no beleeu'd defence to strengthen the bold atheist's insolence , no obscene sillable , that may compell a blush from a chast maide , but all so well exprest and orderd , as wise men must say it is a gratefull poem a good play and such as read , ingenuously shall find , few haue out strip'd thee , many halt behind . philip massenger .
to his deseruing friend mr ia. shirley vpon his gratefull seruant . i do not praise thy straines , in hope to see my verses read before thy comedy but for it selfe , that cunning i remit to the new tribe , and mountibankes of wit that martire ingenuity , i must be to my conscience and thy poem iust , which grac'd with comely action , did appeare the full delight of euery eye and eare , and had that stage no other play , it might haue made the critticke blush at cockpit flight who not discouering what pitch it flies his wit came downe in pitty to his eyes and lent him a discourse of cocke and bull to make his other comendations full , but let such momi passe and giue applause among the brood of actors , in whose cause as champion he hath sweat let their stale pride find some excuse in being magnified , thy muse will liue and no adulterate pen shall wound her through the sides of common men let 'em vnkennell malice , yet thy praise shall mount secure , hell cannot blast thy bayes . tho. craford .
to my friend the author . my name is free , and my rich clothes commend no deformd bounty of a looser friend , nor am i warme i' th sunshine of great men by guilding their darke sinnes , truth guides my pen , bright iustice therefore bold by me , doth say mans vnderstanding feeles no such decay but it may iudge , and while the soule of wit liues bodied in the stage , spectator sit : old nature 's euer young , and 't were a crime gainst reason , to auerre our aged time is sicke with dotage : which doth still impart to 'th betterd world new miracles of art . i must applaude thy scenes , and hope thy stile will make arabia enuious of our i le confesse vs happy since th' ast giuen a name to the english phenix , which by thy great flame will liue , in spight of mallice to delight our nation , doing art and nature right , go forward still , and when his muse expires whose english , staines the greeke and latine lires diuinest ionson , liue to make vs see . the glory of the stage reuiu'd in thee . william habington .
the author to the reader .

the reason why my play commeth forth vsherd by so many lines , was the free vote of my friends whom i could not with ciuility refuse . i dare not owne their character of my selfe , or play , but i must ioyne with them that haue written , to do the comedians iustice , among whom , some are held comparable with the best that are , and haue beene in the world , and the most of them deseruing a name in the file of those that are eminent for gracefull and vnaffected action . thus much reader i thought meet to declare in this place , and if thou beest ingenuous , thou wilt accuse with me , their bold seuerity , who for the offence of being modest est and not iustling others for the wall haue most iniuriously thrust so many actors into the kennell — now —

persons . duke of sauoy , louer of leonora , and in her supposed losse of cleona . lodowicke , his brother wild and lasciuious foscari , a noble count , and louer of cleona . grimundo , a lord , and once gouernor to lodowicke . noble men of sauoy . sorauzo gioto , fabrichio , piero , companion of lodow. iacomo , a foolish ambitious steward to cleona . valentio , a relligious man , abbot , gent. seruants . satyres . leonora the princesse of millan but disguisd as a page to foscari and cald dulcino . astella a vertuous lady , wife to lodow: but neglected belinda wife to grimundo cleona foscaries mistresse , ladies . nimphes -

the scene sauoy .

the gratefvll servant .
actvs , .
scaena , . enter soranzo , giotto . giotto .

the duke is mou'd .

sor.

the newes displeas'd him much .

giot. and yet i see no reason , why he should engage so great affection to th ▪ daughter of millan , he nere saw her . sor. fame doth paint great beauties , and her picture ( by which princes court one another ) may beget a flame in him to raise this passion . giot. trust a pencill , i like not that state ▪ woing , see his brother enter lodwicke . has left him , pray my lord how is it with his highnesse ? lodw. somewhat calmer , loue i thinke will kill neither of vs , although i bee no stoicke , yet i thanke my starres i haue a power o're my affection , if hee 'le not tame his , let it melt him into sonnets hee will prooue the more louing prince to you , get in againe ; and make wise speeches to him , there is aristotles ghost still with him , my phylosophicall gouernour that was , he wants but you two , and a paire of spectacles , to see what folly 't is , to loue a woman with that wicked resolution to marry her , though he be my elder brother , and a duke , i ha more wit , when there 's a dearth of women i may turne foole , and place one of their sexe neerer my heart , farewell , commend me to my brother , and the councell-table . exit . sor. still the same wild prince , there needs no character where he is , to expresse him . giot. hee said truth , i doubt there is no roome for one , whom hee should place in 's heart , and honour . sor. his owne lady all pitty her misfortune , both were too vnripe for hymen , 't was the old dukes act , and in such marriages , hearts seldome meet when they grow older . giot. wherefore would the duke marry his young sonne first ? sor. the walke of princes , to make prouision betimes for them : they can bequeath small legacie , knowing th' heyre carries both state and fortune for himselfe , his fates before him , here comes grimundo ! enter grimundo . grim,

the duke is recollected , where 's the prince ?

sor. gone . i would he were return'd once to himselfe . giot.

he has to soone forgot your precepts .

sor.

your example might still be a lecture ,

grim. i did not deceiue the old dukes trust while i had power to manage him , hee 's now past my tuition , but to th' duke — is it not strange my lord , that the young lady of millan , should be forc'd to marry now , with her vncle ? giot.

they 're vnequall ,

sor.

't is vnlawfull .

grim. 't is a trifle , reasons of state they vrge against vs , lest their dukedom by this match , the subiect vnto sauoy , for the scruple of religion , they are in hope , that a dispensation may bee procur'd to quit exceptions , and by this meanes , they shall preserue their principality , i' th name and blood , so reports fabrichio whom the duke imployed for treaty , how now ? enter gentleman . gent.

the duke cals for you my lords .

giot. we attend , ha ? he is comming forth . enter duke , and fabrichio ▪ sor,

his lookes are cheerefull .

duke ,

fabrichio ?

fabr,

my lord ,

duke

wee will to tennis .

fabr.

what your grace please .

duke , grimundo ? because you take no pleasure in such pastimes , your contemplation may busie it selfe , with that booke . grim.

booke my lord , it is —

duke . leonora's picture a faire table-booke . you may without offence to your young wife ▪ looke on a picture . i ha perused it , let me see 't no more , millan and we are parted , our breast weares againe his naturall temper , allow me pray the excuse of common frailty , to be moued at strangenesse of this newes . giot. your highnesse said , you would to tennis . duke , and 't is time enough , wee haue the day before vs : some prince grimundo in such a cause as this would haue beene angry , angrie indeed , throw'ne of cold language , and call'd it a high , and loud affront , whose stirring imagination would haue wakened death , and by a miserable warre , haue taught repentance , to a paire of flourishing states , such things there haue beene ? sor.

but your grace is wise —

duke . nay doe not flatter now , i doe not court your praise so much , i speake but what our stories mention , if they abuse not soft posteritie : i was not come to tell you , what my thoughts , with a strong murmure prompt me too . grim.

we hope —

duke , ye feare , and do not know me yet , my actions shall cleare your jealousie , i 'me reconcil'd at home , and while i cherisht a peace here , abroad i must continue it , there are more ladies i' the world ? fabr.

most true my lord .

duke , and as attractiue , great , and glorious women are there not , ha ? sor.

plenty my lord i' the world .

duke , i the world , within the confines of our dukedome in sauoy , are there not ? grim. in sauoy too . many choice beauties , but your birth my lord ▪ duke , was but an honour purchas'd by another , it might haue beene thy chance . grim: my father was no duke . duke , 't was not thy fault , nor i st my vertue , that i was borne when the fresh sunne was rising , so came with greater shadow into life , then thou , or hee . grim:

but royall sir be pleas'd —

duke , no more , wee are not ignorant , you may take away this distinction , and alledge in your graue wisedomes , spacious arguments , for our alliance with some forraigne prince , but we haue weighed their promising circumstance , and find it onely a deuice , that may serue time , and some darke ends , a mere state-tricke , to disguise hatred , and is emptie of those benefits , it seemes to bring along : giue me a ladie borne in my obedience , whose disposition , will not engage a search into the nature of her climate , or make a scrutinie into the starres : whose language is mine owne , and will not need a smooth interpreter , whose vertue is aboue all titles , though her birth or fortune , by a degree beneath vs , such a wife were worth a thousand farre fetch'd brides , that haue more state , and lesse deuotion . fabr.

if your highnesse —

duke , come you shall know our purpose , in the last we obey'd your directions , not without our free and firme allowance of the ladie whom wee 'l forget , it will become your duties , follow vs now , wee haue not beene vnthrifty in our affections , and that millan may know sauoy can neglect a millanoise , and that we need not borrow a delight , heere we are fixt to marry , grim. we are subiects , and shall solicite heauen , you may find one worthy your great acceptance . duke : wee are confident , and to put off the cloud wee walke in , know wee are resolu'd to place all loue and honour vpon cleona nor i st a new affection , wee but cherish some seedes , which heretofore , her vertue had scattered vpon our heart . grim. we cannot be ambitious of a lady , in your owne dominion , to whom we shall more willingly prostrate our duties . soren. she 's a lady of a flowing sweetnesse , and the liuing vertue of many noble ancestors . giot. in whom their fortunes meet , as their propheticke soules had taught them thrifty prouidence , for this great honour , you intend her . duke , wee are pleas'd , and thanke your generall vote , you then shall straight prepare our visit , beare our princely respects , and say wee shall take pleasure to bee her guest to day , nay loose no time , wee shall the sooner quit the memorie of leonoraes image . enter lodwicke . soren:

the prince your brother sir ?

duke : withdraw , but be not at too much distance , lodwicke y' are welcome . lodw. i shall know that by my successe , i want a thousand crownes , a thousand crownes . duke .

for what vse ?

lodw. why will these foolish questions ne're be left , is 't not sufficient i would borrow em , but you must still capitulate with me ? i would put 'em to that vse they were ordain'd for , you might as well haue ask'd me , when i meant to pay you againe . duke , that to some other men , might ha beene necessarie . lodw , and you wo'not doe that , i haue another easie suite to you . duke ,

what is 't ?

lodw. a thing of nothing , i wo'd entreat you to part with this same transitorie honour , this trifle cal'd a dukedome , and retire , like a good christian brother , into some religious house , it would be a great ease to you , and comfort to your friends , especially to mee , that would not trouble you , with the noyse of money thus , and i could helpe it . du. t is a kind , and honest motion , out of charity , meere charity , so i must needs accept it — i le onely marry , and get a boy , or two , to gouerne this poore trifle for i 'me bound in duty , to prouide for my succession . lodw.

what doe you make of me , cannot i serue ?

duke . you , that propound a benefit for my soule , wo not neglect your owne i know , wee 'le both turne fryers together ? lodw.

and bee low fie ?

duke ,

any thing .

lodw.

i shall not haue a thousand crownes ?

duke ,

thou shalt .

lodw. then be a duke still , come le ts loue , and bee fine princes , and thou hadst but two or three of my conditions , by this hand i wod not care and thou were immortall , so i might liue with thee , and enioy this worlds felicity . duke , t hast put me in tune , how shall 's bee very merry now in the instant ? lodw.

merry ?

duke :

yes .

lodw.

merry indeed ?

duke .

yes .

lodw. follow me , i le bring you to a lady ? duke ,

to a whore ?

lodw.

that is a little the courser name .

duke ,

and can you play the pander for me ?

lodw. a toy , a toy . what can a man doe lesse for any brother , th' ordinary complement now a dayes , with great ones , wee prostitute our sisters with lesse scruple then eating flesh on vigils , 't is out of fashion to trust a seruant with our priuate sinnes , the greater tye of blood , the greater faith , and therefore parents haue beene held of late , the safest wheeles , on which the childrens lust , hath hurried into act , with supple greatnesse , nature doth weare a vertuous charme , and will doe more in soft compassion to the sinne , then gold or swelling promises . duke . o lodwicke ! these things doe carry horror , he is lost i feare , no i ha thought a something else , you shall with me to a lady ? lodw.

with all my heart .

duke .

vnto my mistresse .

lodw.

your mistresse , who 's that ?

duke ,

the faire cleona .

lodw.

she is honest .

du. yes , were she otherwise , she were not worthy my visit , not to loose circumstance i loue her . lodw.

how ?

duke ,

honestly .

lodw.

you doe not meane to marry her ?

duke , it sha'not be my fault if she refuse , to bee a dutchesse . lodw. a' my conscience , you are in earnest . duke , as i hope to thriue in my desires , come you shall beare me company , and witnesse how i woe her . lodw. i commend your nimble resolution , then a wife must bee had somewhere , wo'd y 'ad mine , to coole your appetite , take your owne course , i can but pray for you ; the thousand crownes — duke . vpon condition , you 'l not refuse , to accompany . lodw , your caroach quickly — stay — now i thinke better on 't , my wife liues with her , they are companions , i had forgot that ? duke ,

shee 'l take it kindly .

lodw. it were enough to put her into conceipt , i come in loue to her , my constitution will not beare it , duke , what ? not see her ? lodw. yet a thousand crownes — god buy condemne me to my wife . exit ▪ duke ,

yee heare gentlemen ?

grim:

with griefe my lord , and wonder at your sufferance .

duke , he is our brother , we are confident though he be wild he loues vs , t will become vs t' pray and leaue him to a myracle but to our owne affaire . loue and thy golden arrow , we shall try , how you le decide our second destiny . exeunt . enter foscary with a letter . fosc: a kisse , and then t is scaled , this she should know better then the impression , which i made , with the rude signet , t is the same she left vpon my lip ▪ when i departed from her , and i haue kept it warme still , with my breath , that in my prayers hath mentioned her . enter dulcino . dulc.

my lord ?

fosc: dulcino welcome . thou art soone return'd , how dost thou like the citie ? dulc:

t is a heape of handsome building .

fosc:

and how the people ?

dulc: my conuersation hath not age enough to speake of them , more then they promise well , in their aspect , but i haue argument enough in you my lord , to fortifie opinion , they are kind , and hospitable to strangers . fosc: thy indulgence to my wound , which owes a cure vnto thy pretty surgery , hath made thee , too much prisoner to my chamber ▪ but wee shall walke abroad . dulc: it was my duty ? since you receiu'd it in my cause , and could my blood haue wrought it sooner , it had beene your balmy fountaine ▪ fosc: noble youth , i thanke thee . enter servant . how now , didst speake with him ? ser. i had the happinesse my lord to meete him vvaiting vpon the duke abroad , hee bad mee , make hast with the remembrance of his seruice , hee le bring his owne ioyes with him , instantly , to welcome your returne . fosc. didst thou request his secresie ? ser:

i did , he promis'd silence .

fosc. so , i le expect him , thou art sad dulcino , i prophesie thou shalt haue cause , to blesse the minute , that first brought vs to acquaintance . dulc. doe not suspect my lord , i am so wicked , not to doe that already , you haue saued my life , and therefore haue deseru'd that duty . fosc:

name it no more , i meane another way .

dulc. it is not in your power , to make me richer , with any benefit , shall succeed it , though i should liue euer with you . fosc: i require , not so much gratitude . dulc, there is no way left for my hope , to doe you any seruice , neere my preseruing , but by adding one new fauour , to a suit , which i would name , fosc. to me , i prethee speake , it must be something i can deny thee . dulc, t is an humble suite , you license my departure . fosc.

whither ?

dulc.

any whether .

fosc.

doe you call this a way to doe me seruice ?

dulc. it is the readiest i can study sir . to tarry were but to increase my debt , and wast your fauours , in my absence , i may publish , how much vertue , i haue found in sauoy , and make good vnto your fame , what i doe owe you here , this shall suruiue you , for i will speake the story with that truth , and strength of passion , it shall doe you honour , and dwell vpon your name sweeter then mythe , when wee are both dead ? fosc. thou hast art , to moue in all things , but in this , change thy desire , and i le deny thee nothing , doe not vrge thy vnkind departure , thou hast met perhaps , with some that haue deceiu'd thee with a promise , wonne with thy pretty lookes and presence , but trust not a great man , most of them dissemble , pride , and court cunning hath betrayed their faith , to a secure idolatry , their soule , is lighter then a complement , take heede , they 'l flatter thy to young ambition , feed thee with names , and then like subtle chimists hauing extracted , drawne thy spirit vp , laugh , they haue made thee miserable . dulc: let no jealousie my lord , render me so vnhappy , that preferment , or the flatteries of any great man , hath seduc'd my will to leaue you , by my life , and your owne honour , no man hath tempted me , not haue i chang'd a syllable with any . fose: any man ? still i suspect thy safetie ? and thou mayst thus deceiue me , it may be , some wanton lady hath beheld thy face , and from her eyes , shot cupids into thine , to abuse that fight , or wrought vpon thy frailty , with their smooth language to vndoe thy selfe , trust not the innocence of thy soule too farre , for though their bosomes carry whitenesse , thinke , it is not snow , they dwell in a hot clymate , the court , where men are but deceitfull shadowes , the women , walking flames ; what if this lady bestow a wealthy carkanet vpon thee , another giue thee wardrobes , a third promise a chaine of diamonds , to decke thy youth , ▪ t is but to buy thy vertue from thee , and when thy outside thriues , vpon their treacherous bountie th' out starue at heart , and lust will leaue thy body , many vnpittyed ruines , th thou art young — dulc. there is no feare my lord , that i shall take such wicked courses , and i hope you see not , any propension in my youth , to sinne for pride , or wantonnesse . fose: indeed , i doe not , but being my boy so young , and beautifull , thou art apt to bee seduc'd . dulc. beleeue me sir , i will not serue the greatest prince on earth , when i leaue you . fosc. thou shalt not serue mee , i will make thee my companion . dulc: no reward , though iust , should buy the freedome i was borne with much lesse base ends , if i but meet agen that good man , who in reuerence to his habit , the theeues let goe before your happy valour came to my rescue . fosc: hee that was your conduct ? from millan , for so — if i remember you named a father , what could he aduantage ? your fortune , were he present , more , then with religious councell ? dule: i did trust him sir , as being the safest treasurer , with that , would make mee welcome in sauoy , and i know he will be faithfull , when we meete , for his sake , let me beg you would discharge , a worthlesse seruant , that inquest of him — fosc. no more to cut of all vnwelcome motiues , i charge thee by thy loue , thy gratitude , thy life preseru'd , which but to stay thee heere , i would not name agen , vrge no consent from me , to thy departure , i haue now vse of thy faith , thou wo't not runne away i haue imployment for thee , such a one as shall not onely pay my seruices , but leaue me in arrerage to thy loue , receiue this letter . enter grimundo . let me embrace thee , with a spreading arme , grim: i haue dispens'd with my attendance , on the duke , to bid you welcome sir , from death , fame so , had couz'ned our beliefe , but thus , she has made you the more precious . fosc. then i prospered , if i may call it so , for i procur'd that rumour to be spread , excuse a minute , he tell thee all my counsels , i neede not , wast any instructions on thee , dulcino , for the conueyance of this paper , let me commend it to thy care , t is to my mistresse , conceale my lodgings , and doe this for him will studie noble recompence , dulc.

you command me .

exit . grim. what pretty youth is that ? sure i haue seene that face before , fosc. neuer , i brought him first to savoy , hauing brought him from the bandetti , in my passage , ore the confines , is 't not a sweet fac'd thing ? there are some ladies , might change their beauties with him . grim.

and gaine by it .

fosc. nay , to his shape he has as fine a soule , which 〈◊〉 that perfection . grim: you ha not been long acquainted with him . fosc. i haue skill in 〈◊〉 : belieue my character , he 's full excellent excellent sweetnesse . grim: you expresse him passionately . fosc. his vertue will deserue more praise , he suffers sir for loue , in that he is a gentleman , for neuer could narrow , and earthly mindes , be capable of loues impression , or the iniury — he willingly forsooke his friends , and country , because vnkindly for vnworthy ends , they would haue forc'd him marry against his heart . he told me so himselfe , and it were sinne , not to belieue him , but omitting these , how fares the best of ladies my cleona ? grim.

your cleona ?

fosc. mine , she is in affection , she is not married . grim:

no ?

fosc.

she is in health ?

grim,

yes .

fosc. there is something in thy lookes , i cannot reade by thy owne glosse , and make me know , that doubtfull text , to whom hath she giuen vp , the hope of my felicitie , her heart , since my too fatall absence ? gi●t. vnto none , within the circle of my knowledge , fosc. then i am renew'd agen , may thy tongue neuer know sorrowes accent . grim. will you presently visit her ? fosc. i haue sent a letter , to certifie , i am still her liuing seruant . grim. no matter , wee le be there , before the boy , there is necessity , if you knew all , come le ts away . fosc. agen thou dost aflict my soule with iealousie , if she haue still the deare possession of her heart — grim: but you are dead sir , remember that . fosc: i shall be liuing , and soone enough present my selfe her fresh , and actiue lower . grim: if the duke bee not before you ▪ fosc:

how ?

grim: the duke , 't is so resolu'd , your riuall , if you still affect cleona , within this houre , he means his first solicite and personall seige , loose not your selfe with wonder , if you neglect this opportunity , she hauing firme opinion of your death , it will not be a myracle , if the title of dutchesse be a strong temptation , to a weake woman . fosc: i must thanke your loue , and counsell , but for this time , disingage your further stay with me , the duke may misse you , preserue his fauour , and forget me in your conference , i would be still conceal'd , let me consider on my fate , agen i thanke you , and dismisse you , grim: quiet thoughts , dwell in your breast , in all things i obey you , you know you haue my heart . fose: she 's but a woman . yet how shall i be able to accuse her , with any iustice , when she thinks me dead , the duke , i must doe something , i am full of discord , and my thoughts are fighting in me , from our owne armie must arise our feare , when loue it selfe is turn'd a mutineere . exit .
actvs , .
scaena , . enter iacomo the steward , and servants . jac.

so , so , yet more perfume , y' are sweet seruingmen , make euery corner of the house smoake , bestirre your selues , euery man know his prouince , and bee officious to please my lady , according to his talent , haue you furnisht out the banquet ?

serv.

most methodically ?

jac.

t is well , here should haue beene a fresh suite of arras , but no matter , these beare the age well , let 'em hang .

serv.

and there were a maske to entertaine his highnesse ?

iac.

hang maskes , let euery conceit shew his owne face , my lady would not diguise her entertainement , and now i talke of disguising , where 's the butler ?

b●tl.

here sir .

iac:

where sir ? t is my ladies pleasure , that you be drunk to day , you will deale her wine abroad , the more liberally among the dukes seruants , you two are tall fellowes , make good the credit of the buttery , and when you are drunke , i will send others to releeue you , goe to your stations , if his grace come hither a suter to my lady , as wee haue some cause to suspect , and after marry her , i may be a great man , and ride vpon a reuerend movle by patent , there is no end of my preferment , i did once teach my ladie to dance , she must then helpe me to rise ; for indeed , it is iust ▪ that onely those , who get their liuing by their legs , should ride vpon a foot-cloth .

serv.

here 's a young gentleman : desires to speake with my lady .

jac,

more young gentlemen ? tell him i am busie .

s●r.

with my ladie —

jac.

busie with my ladie sir ?

serv.

would speake with my ladie sir ?

jacom,

i ha not done with my ladie my selfe yet , hee shall stay , t is for my ladies s●te , no time to interrupt my lady , but now , i le know his businesse , and taste it for my lady , if i like it , shee shall heare more , but bid him come to mee , mee thinkes i talke , like a peremptorie states man already , i shall quickly learne to forget my selfe , when i am in great office , i will oppresse the subiect , flatter the prince , take bribes a both sides , doe right to neyther , serue heauen as farre as my profit will giue mee leaue , and tremble , only at the summons of a parliament .

enter dulci● .

hum ? a page , a very page , one that would wriggle and preferre himselfe to be a wag , t is so , haue you any letter of commendations ?

dulc,

i haue a letter sir .

jacom,

let me see the complexion of the face , has it a handsome title page , is it stilo nouo .

dulc. i haue command sir , to deliuer it , to none , but to my lady . iacomo :

a forward youth , i like him , hee is not modest , i will assist his preferment , to engage him to my faction , a speciall court policie , see my lady .

enter cleona , astella , belinda . cleon.

yet say belinda —

bel. i beseech you madam allow excuse to my abrupt departure , there is a businesse of much consequence , and which you will not mourne to see effected , besides the duty that i owe my lord , compels me to it madam . cleona . well , but that wee are acquainted with your vertue , this would moue suspition you were not in charitie with the duke . belind:

you are pleasant madam ,

cleo. you are seuere , to bind your selfe too strictly , from court and entertainements , sure your lord should chide you for it . astel. if it please you stay your ladiship and i 'le conuerse together , my vnkind fate hath indisposed me , to these state ceremonies too . bel.

you will oblige me by your pardon ?

cle.

vse your pleasure .

ast. nay you shall giue me leaue a little further . here i am vselesse . exeunt astella , belinda . iac. may it please you madam , this pretty gentleman , has a suite to you , and i in his behalfe , he will be seruiceable , and actiue in his place , a friend of mine . dulc. your steward madam , is too full of zeale , to doe me a preferment , but i haue no other ambition , then to commend this paper to your white hands , jac. neuer doubt , t is done , be bold and call me fellow . cleon. be you circumspect i pray , that all things haue their perfect shape and order , to receiue the duke , you know our pleasure , not to spare or cost , or studie , to delight his highnesse . iac. i hope i haue not beene your steward so long , but i know how to put your ladiship to cost enough without study . she reades . cleon. shall i credit so great a blisse ? the date is fresh , foscari whom i thought dead ? giue him fiue hundred crowns iac.

we will deuide em .

cleo.

stay .

iac. you need not bid , i vse to make 'em stay , and long enough , ere they receiue such bounties . cleon. treasure is too cheape a paiment for so rich a message . iac,

this is the right court largesse .

cleon , i must call thee , my better genius , haue you knowne this youth ? iac. if your ladiship like him , i haue known him long if otherwise , i nere saw him in my life . cl. the day breaks glorious to my darkned thoughts , he liues , he liues yet , cease yee amorous feares , more to perplexe me , prethee speake sweet youth , how fares my lord ? vpon my virgin heart , i le build a flaming altar , to offer vp a thank ▪ full sacrifice for his returne , to life ▪ and me , speake and increase my comforts , is he in perfect health ? dulc. not perfect madam , vntill you blesse him with the knowledge of your constancie . cleon. o get thee wings and flye then , tell him my loue doth burne like vestall fire , which with his memory , richer then all spices , dispersed odours round about my soule , and did refresh it when t was dull , and sad , with thinking of his absence . iac. this is strange , my lady is in loue with him . cleon. yet stay thou goest too soone away , where is he speake ? dulc. he gaue me no commission for that lady ▪ he will soone saue that question , by his presence . cle: time h 'as no feathers , he walkes now on crutches , relate his gesture when he gaue thee this , what other words , did myrth smile on his brow , i would not for the wealth of this great world , he should suspect my faith , what said he prethee , dulc. he said , what a warme louer , when desire makes elequent could speake , he said you were both starre and pilote . cleon. not to fast , my ioyes will be too mighty for me . iac: i haue found it , that boy comes from the duke , that letter loue , 't will be a match , and please your ladiship — cleo. forbeare your ceremonies , what needs all this preparation , if the duke vouchsafe his person for my guest , duty will teach me , to entertaine him without halfe this trouble , i le haue no ryot for his highnesse . iac. hum ? how 's this . cleona , be lesse officious , you forget — sweet youth , goe forward with thy story . iac. hum ? this is a fayrie , and the diuell sent him to make my lady mad , t were well to try whether he be flesh and blood , ha , i le pinch him first . cleon :

how now ?

he pinches dulcino . iac. my care shall see nothing be wanting , for your honour , and the dukes . cleon. your place i see , is better then your manners , goe too , be lesse troublesome , his highnesse brings intents of grace , not burden to vs , know your duty . iac.

so , i were best keepe my selfe warme with my owne office , while i may , the tide is turn'd i see within two minutes , heere was nothing but looke to the gallery , perfume the chambers , what musicke for the duke , a banquet for the duke , now , be lesse officious , wee 'l haue no ryot for his highnesse , t is this vrchin h 'as vndone all our preferment .

cl. the suns lou'd flower , that shuts his yellow curtaine , when he declineth , opens it againe at his faire rising , with my parting lord , i clos'd all my delights , till his approach , it shall not spread it selfe . enter gentleman . gent.

madam the duke ?

cleon.

already .

enter astella and ladies . ast.

hee is entred .

cleon. do not leaue me , i shall remember more . enter duke , fabrichio , soranzo giotto . duke .

excellent cleona ,

cleon.

the humble duty of a subiect to your highnesse .

duke , rise high in our thoughts , and thus confirme we are welcome , to these eyes , our heart , shall pay a lower duty , then obedience hath taught your knee . cleon , your grace much honours me , till this white houre , these walles were neuer proud , t' inclose a guest , the genius of our house , is by so great a presence wak'd , and glories , te entertaine you . duke . euery accent falls like a fresh lewell , to encrease her valew , wee can but thanke cleena . cleon.

royall sir —

duke , let me reuoke that hasty syllable , but thanke thee , yes , wee can doe more , and will , wee haue a heart to do 't , our much greeu'd sister i know you doe not weare this sadnesse , for our presence . ast ▪ if i 'ue any skill in mine owne eyes , since they beheld you , they haue looked more cheerefully , then they are wont . duke ,

and yet i see a teare is ready to breake prison ,

ast. it is of ioy to see you sit in health , i hope the prince is well ? duke ,

he will bee so

astella , when he leaues to be vnkind to thee , but let 's forget him , dulc. fame ha's not iniur'd him , in the character of his person , and his shape promiseth a richer soule , i feele a new , and fierie spirit dance , vpon my amorous heart-strings . duke , we are come my faire cleona . cleon. with your highnesse pardon , that name was neuer so attended , it becomes your bountie , but not me to weare that title . duke ,

what ?

cleon ,

of , faire my lord ?

duke ,

i said you were my faire cleona —

cleona .

sir ?

duke , i did apply , i hope 't does not offend to call you so , y' are yet my subiect . cleon.

when i leaue that name , may heauen —

duke ,

be pleas'd to change it for a better ▪

cleona ,

it cannot .

duke . doe not sinne , t is in our power with your consent , to worke that wonder lady . cleona ▪

i want my vnderstanding .

duke ,

i le explaine ,

cleona , doe not beleeue it youth , by all the faith of virgins ▪ i le not change my seruice , to thy master for his dukedome . dulc,

y' are too noble .

duke ,

what boy is that ? ha giotto ?

dulc.

madam , the duke obserues vs .

dulc. i ha seene him , it is no common face . soran.

my lord we know not ,

duke ,

where is grimundo ?

giot.

not yet come my lord .

duk. send for him streight , and bid him bring the picture we gaue into his keeping , yet , forbeare , it is in vaine . sor. my lord , cleona waites your farther courtship . duke ,

whither am i carried ?

cleon i hope dread sir , my house affords no obiect , to interrup your quiet . duke , none but heauenly , or could this roofe be capable of ill , your onely presence lady would conuert it . there 's a vertuous magick in your eye , for where soere it calls a beame , it does create a goodnesse , y 'aue a handsome boy . dulc.

the duke is troubled ?

cleona

he 's a prettie youth .

dulc. i hope he wo'not take me from my lady , i 'e say i am her seruant . duke , something bindes my speech , my heart is narrow of a suddaine , giotto take some opportunity to enquire that youthe condition ▪ name , and country , and giue vs priuate knowledge , to cut off * circumstance lady , i am not your fresh , and vnacquainted louer , that doth wast soranzo whispers with iacomo the tedious moones with preparation to his amorous suite , i haue beene cleona , a long admirer of your vertues , and doe want the comfort or so sweet a partner , in our young state . cleon.

you mocke your humble handmaid .

soran,

a stranger sayest ?

iacom: he brought some welcome letter to my lady . soranz.

not know his name nor whence ?

iacom. no my good lord . so so , i like this well , my lady does apply her to the duke , there is some hope agen , things may succeed this lords discoursing with me , is an omen to my familiarity with greatnesse . duke ,

grimundo not come yet ? i am not well .

cle.

good heauen defend , angels protect your highnes .

duke , your holy prayers cannot but doe me good . continue that deuotion , charitie will teach you a consent , to my departure , cleon.

i am vnhappy .

duke , make not me so lady , by the least trouble of your selfe , i am acquainted with these passions , let me breath a hart vpon thy lip farewell agen your pardon . exit . soranz, 't is a very strange distemper , and suddaine , noble lady we must waite vpon the duke . exeunt . iacom. my bud is niptagen , would all the banquet were in his belly for 't . dulc.

let not my eyes betray me .

iac. i 'm sicke too , let not your ladiship repent your cost , i le haue a care the sweet meates bee not lost . exit . cleon. acquaint him with these passages of the duke . tell him i long to see him , and at last to crowne the story , say my heart shall know no other loue but his . dulc, i flye with this good newes . exit . d. enter iac. iac. madam here is prince lodwicke , newly discoach'd . cleon :

attend him ?

iac:

most officiously .

cleon :

stay it can doe no harme .

ast.

eene what you please .

cleon. if he enquire for his lady , answer she is not very well , and keepes her chamber . iac. i le say she 's dead if you please , 't is my duty i le neuer speake truth while i liue , that shall offend your ladiship . cleon : you may heare all , enter lodwicke , and piero . and when you please appeare . lodw : sicke ? where 's her doctor , i le be acquainted with him , noble lady . cleon :

your grace is here most welcome ,

lodw :

i am bold ?

piero : i 'm happy that my duty to the prince brought me to kisse your hand . cl. beside the honour done to me , your person will adde much comfort to astella , your weake lady , lodw ,

she is sicke , mend let her mend , shee le spend her time worse , yet she knowes my minde , and might doe mee the curtesie to die once , i de take it more kindly , then to be at charge with a phisitian .

cleon :

you wo'd not poyson her ?

lodw :

i thinke i must be driuen to 't , what shall a man doe with a woman that wo'not be ruled , i ha giuen cause enough to breake any reasonable womans heart in savoy , and yet you see how i am troubled with her , but leaue her to the destinies , where is my brother all this while ? i came to meet him , what i st a match alreadie ? when shall we daunce , and tryumph in the tilt-yard , for honour of the high and mighty nuptials : where is he ?

cleon :

my lord he is gone .

lodw :

how ?

cleona ▪

distempered .

lodw.

not with wine ?

cleon :

departed sicke .

lodw :

she jeeres him , by this lip i le loue thee , and thou wot abuse him , i knew he would but shame himselfe , and therefore durst not come with him , for mine owne credit , i warrant , he came fierce vpon thee with some parcell of poetry , which he had con'd by hart out of tasso guarrini , or some other of the same melting tribe , and thought to haue brought thy maiden towne to his obedience , at the first noyse of his furious artillerie .

cleon. my lord , you vnderstand me not , your brother is not in health , some vnkind paine within him compeld him to forsake vs , lodw. is it true ? that he is sicke , my brother 's sicke piero . pier.

i am very well here .

. lady ? so am not i , pray sir appeare more ciuill or i shall leaue you . lodw :

true ?

cleona :

t is too true my lord .

lodw :

no , no , truth is a vertuous thing , and we cannot haue too much on 't , d' ee heare , if i may counsell you be wise , and stay for me , you may bee my wife within this moneth , and the durchesse too .

cleon : your wife my lord , why you are married , what shall become of her ? lodw :

is she not sicke ?

cleona :

but are you sure shee le dye ?

lodw ;

what a ridiculous question , do you make , if death wo'not take a faire course with her , are there not reasons enough in state thinke you , to behead her , or if that seeme cruell , because i do not affect bloud , but for very good ends , i can be diuorc'd from her , and leaue her rich in the title of lady dowager .

cleona :

vpon what offence can you pretend a diuorce ?

lodw :

because she is not fruitfull , is not that a sinne .

cleon. would your lordship haue her fruitfull , and you ne're lye with her . lodw.

haue not i knowne a lady , whose husband is an eunuch , vpon record , mother to three or foure children and no free conscience but commends her .

cleon. but these things wo ▪ not be easily perfect , vnlesse you were duke to enforce em . lodw.

is not my brother in the way ? sicke already , and perhaps as fit for heauen , as an other , i know hee cannot liue long ▪ he 's so well giuen , they neuer thriue , and then d' ee thinke i le keepe such a religious court , in this corner lodge a couey of capouchins , who shall zealously pray for mee without stockins , in that a nest of carthusians , things which in fine turne to otters , appeare flesh , but really are fish , for that they feede on : no ▪ no ▪ giue me a court of flourishing pleasure where delight in all her shapes , and studied varieties , euery minute courts the soule , to actuate her chiefe felicitie .

cleon.

doe you neuer thinke of hell ?

lodw.

faith i doe , but it alwayes makes me melancholy , and therefore as seldome as i can , my contemplation shall point thither , i am now in the spring of my life , winter will come on fast enough , when i am old , i will be as methodicall an hypocrite , as any paire of lawne sleeues in sauoy .

cleon.

i dare not heare him longer , madam release me .

enter astella . lodw.

how now , whence come you , were you sicke ?

ast.

at heart my lord , to thinke of your vnkindnesse .

lodw.

at heart ? i le nere beleeue , without inspection , am i vnkind , goe to , there 's not a friend in the whole world can wish you better , would you were canonis'd a saint , 't is more then i wish my selfe yet , i doe not trouble thee much on earth , and thou wert in heauen , i would not pray to thee , for feare of disturbing thy seraphicall deuotion .

ast. what sinne haue i committed sir , deserues this distance ? cleon.

in christian charitie salute her .

lodw. i would not haue your ladiship too ventrous , the ayre is some what cold , and may endanger a weake body . ast.

there 's an other duty , my lord required frō husband ▪

lodw.

my madam would to rutte , hath your honour , no pretty dapper monkey , each morning to giue you a heat in a dance , is not your doctor gamesome .

ast.

if the suspition that i am vnchast —

lodw.

vnchast ? by this hand i doe not know one honest woman in the dukedome .

cleon.

how my lord , what doe you thinke of me ?

lodw.

i know not whether you be a woman or no , yet .

cleon.

fye my lord .

lodw.

what would you haue me doe , i haue not seene her this sixe moneths .

cleon. oh rather my lord conclude my sufferings , to thus with tortures lengthen out my death , or kill me , and i beseech you i will kisse the instrument , which guided by your hand , shall giue my griefe a period , and pronounce enter grimundo . with my last breath , your free forgiuenesse . lodw.

no kill your selfe , more good will come on 't , how now ? nay then w' are like to haue a precious time on 't .

cleon.

the duke my lord enquir'd for you .

grim. i met his highnesse in returne , and he employ'd me to bring backe knowledge of his better health , which hee sayes , shall enable him , but to expresse how much he honours faire cleona . cleon. i am his studious seruant , and reioyce in this good newes : your brother is recouered . lodw.

ii , i knew he would doe well enough , now sir ?

grim: i haue some businesse , with you my lord , were you at opportunitie . lodw.

some morall exhortations , they are fruitlesse , i shall neuer eat garlike with diogenes in a tub , and speculate the starres without a shirt , prethee enioy thy religion , and liue at last most phylosophy call lousie .

grim:

my designe is of an other nature .

cleon : may i obtaine so great a fauour sir , you 'ld be my guest in absence of the duke , i 'm but ambitious , to remember his health in greeke-wine . lodw.

so this lady will be temperate , and vse mee but like a stranger , without pressing me to inconueniences of kissing her , and other superstitious courtship of a husband .

cleona ▪

i will engage shee le not offend you ▪

lodw.

and yet it goes against my conscience to tarry so long in honest company , but my comfort is i doe not vse it , come away piero , you haue had a fine time on 't .

cleona :

my lord .

grim: i follow madam , yet haue comfort , though reason and example vrge our feares , heauen will not let you loose so many teares . enter foscari , and dulcino . fosc.

did she receiue my letter with such ioy ?

dulc. i wont expression my lord , to giue you the circumstance , with a flowing loue , or rather with what glad deuotion she entertain'd it , at your very name , for so i guest , to which her couetous sight made the first haste , one might haue seene her heart dance in her eyes , and as the wonder stroue to make her pale , warme loue did fortifie her cheekes , with guiltie blushes , she did read and kisse the paper often , mingled questions , some halfe propounded , as her soule had beene too narrow , to receiue what you had writ , she quite forgot . fosc: this was before the duke came thither ? dulc:

yes my lord .

fosc: and didst thou not obserue her at his presence slacke that feruour , her former passion had begot of me ? was shee not courtly to him boy ? dulc. so farre as her great birth , and breeding , might direct a lady to behaue her selfe to him , that was her prince . fosc.

she kiss'd him , did she not ?

dulc.

she kiss'd .

fosc.

he did salute her ?

dulc.

yes my lord .

fosc: and didst not see a flame hang on her lip , a spirit busie to betray her loue , and in a sigh conuey it to him ? oh , thou canst not read a woman , did he not woe her to be his dutchesse ? dulc:

yes my lord .

fosc. thou shouldst ha watcht her cheeke then , there a blush had cene a guilt indeed , a feeble answere , with halfe a smile , had beene an argument shee had beene lost , and the temptation aboue her strength , which had i knowne , i could ha slept , and neuer beene disturb'd , although i had met her in a dreame . dulc: my lord , you weaue a causelesse trouble to your selfe . fosc, oh iealousie . i am asham'd — dulc. if euer woman lou'd with faith , cleona honours you aboue mankind , 't were sinne but to suspect so chast , so furnish'd with all vertue , your cleona , fosc. it were indeed , i am too blame dulcino , yet when thou com'st to be so ripe , for so much miserie , as to loue , thou wo't excuse me , dulc. my lord if i might not offend with my opinion , it were safest that you loose no time , your presence would confirme a ioy to eyther , and preuent the duke , whose strong solicits , may in time . endanger much the quiet of your thoughts . fosc. why can there be suspition she will varie , doe not checke the confidence thou hadst , vnsettle not , the faith i haue in thee , shee can proue false . dulc. mistake me not , i doe not doubt her truth , but shee 's a woman , and if you delay to interpose your selfe , his greatnesse may in time , without iniustice to your loue , winne vpon her affection , you shall doe a great impietie to 〈◊〉 her now . with so much proofe , and loyaltie of honour . fosc: on neuer , neuer , and i will reward her loue ▪ beyond example , thus dulc● th● shalt returne . dulc: my lord i had much rather waite on you to her . fosc. iush , thou vnderstandst not what i haue purpos'd , thou shalt presently goe backe , and tell cleona , i am dead . dulc:

how dead ?

fosc. i boy , that i am dead , may marke the issue . dulc: but my lord , she hath your letter to checke that . fosc. thou shalt frame something , to take that off , some fine inuention may be made , to say 't was forg'd , wee 'le study that anon , in the assurance of my death , which must be so deliuered , as she shall beleeue thee , she may affect the duke . dulc:

how sir , the duke ?

fosc: i , i , the duke , for that 's the plot , i must aduance . dulc: and will you thus reward so great a loue to you . fosc: best , best of all , shall i be so vngratefull to a lady , of such rare merit , when a prince desires to make her great , by my vnworthy interest destroy her blessings , hinder such a fortune from faire cleona , let her loue the duke , in this i will expresse the height , and glorie of my best seruice . dulc.

are you sir in earnest ?

fosc. i loue her , and can neuer see her more , posteritie shall learne new pietie in loue from me , it will become me looke on , cleona a farre off , and onely mention her name , as i doe angels in my prayer , thus she deserues i should conuerse with her ▪ thus i most nobly loue her . dulc. doth shee languish expecting you , and shall i carry death to comfort her ? good heauen forbid this sir . fosc. heauen does inuite me to it , she shall raigne glorious in power , while i let fall my beads that she might prosper , be not thou an enemy to her and mee , i see thou art vnwilling to this imployment , if th' ast any wish to see me happy , to preserue my life , and honour , which was neuer more engag'd , if i shall thinke thou art not very wicked , a false , dissembling boy , deny me not this office , vse what circumstance thou wilt , to thriue in this report , and thy sad breath , shall giue a fained , saue a reall death . exit . dulc. i 'me lost i th springing of my hope , shall i obey him to destroy my selfe ? i must , i dare not be my selfe , no neede haue they ▪ of other force , that make themselues away . exit .
actvs , .
scaena , . enter iacomo . jac.

i smell a match agen , the duke will fetch her about , here was another ambassadour at dinner , and his highnesse is againe expected , in confidence of my place that shall bee , i will continue my state posture , vse my toothpicke with discretion , and cough distinctly , what can hinder my rising ? i am no scholler , that exception is taken away , for most of our states men , doe hold it a sawcie thing , for any of their seruants , to be wiser then themselues , obserue the inuentorie of a great noblemans house , marke the number of the learned , i le begin with them . imprimis , chaplaines and schoole ▪ masters one , two pages , . gentlemen , . footemen , . horses , seruing creatures , and . couple of dogs . a very noble family .

enter dulcino . dul.

worthy sir —

jac. my lady shall be at leisure for you presently — it may bee you would speake with mee first ? dulc. i only entreat my lady may haue knowledge that i waite here . iac,

i will enrich my ladies vnderstanding , i le say nothing else but that you are here shall i ? that 's enough if you haue another letter .

dulc.

what then ?

iac ▪

i would wish you deliuer it to her owne hand , but vnder your fauour , the contents of the last chapter , had like to vndone vs all , and cupid had not bin more mercifull .

dulc

feare nothing , the newes i bring , will make you merry .

jac.

i de laugh at that , howsoeuer you are heartily welcome and euer shall bee , you doe heare no harme of the duke ?

dulc.

no harme ?

iac ▪

you shall heare more shortly , i say no more , but heauen blesse my lady and his highnesse together , for my part though i speake a proud word — i le tell my lady that you attend her .

exit . dulc. i prethee do , and hasten the discharge of my sad embassie , which when i haue done , and that it prospers in mine owne misfortune , i le teach my breath to pray . enter cleona , fabrichio , iacomo . fabr. a glorious fate courts your acceptance , and i hope your 〈◊〉 will teach you how to meete it , y 'aue receiu'd his highnesse bosome , now i le take my leaue , cleon :

will you not see the prince againe ?

fabr. i saw his highnesse walking with grimund ▪ toward the garden , and the duke expects me ▪ — thinke of a dutches madam . cleona : i 'me not worthy , and needs must sinke , vnder the weight of such a title , my humblest seruice to his grace , i am his beades-woman . exit fabrichio . jac.

madam , here 's the youth .

cl. art thou return'd already ? why were you so rude to make him waite . dulc. since i arriu'd , t is but a paire of minutes . cleon. they are worth as many dayes . iac. he shall be with your ladiship , next time , before he come , when i but spy him a mile off , i le acquaint you , in my duty to your selfe , and my honour vnto him . cleon.

withdraw .

jac. here is no couch , i doe not like my ladies familiarity with a boy , me thinkes a man were fitter , and more able to giue her a refreshing , but this lobby shall be my next remoue . exit and stayes behind the hangings . dulc. you will repent this welcome madam . cleon. what harsh sound is that ? thy lookes vpon a suddaine are become dismall , thy brow dull as saturnes is . thy lips are hung with blacke , as if thy tongue were to pronounce some funerall . dulc. it is , but let your vertue place a guard about your eare , it is too weake a sence to trust with a sad tale , that may disperse too soone . the killing syllables , and some one , or other find out your heart . cleon : the mandrake hath no voice like this , the rauen , and the night birds sing more soft , nothing in nature , to which feare hath made vs superstitious , but speakes gently compar'd with thee , discharge thy fatall burden , i am prepar'd , or stay , but answere me , i will and saue thee breath , and quickly know the totall of my sorrow , is foscari dead since i saw thee last ? or hath some wound , or other dire misfortune seal'd him for the graue , that though he yet liue , i may bid my heart dispaire to see him ? dulc. none of these , since last i saw you madam . cleona . none of these ? then i despise all sorrow boy , there is not left another mischiefe in my fate , call home thy beautie , why dost looke so pale ? see i am arm'd , and can with valiant bloud , heare thee discourse of my terrour row , me thinkes i can in the assurance of his safety , heare of battailes , tempest , death , with all the horrid shapes that poets fancie , tell me the tale of troy , or rome on fire , rich in the trophies of the conquered world , i will not shed so many teares , to saue the temples , as my ioy doth sacrifice , to heare my lord is well . dulc. turne them to griefe , agen , and here let me kneele , the accuser of him , that hath deseru'd more punishment , then your wrong'd pietie will inflict . cleon , dost kneele , and call thy selfe accuser ? dulc.

yes .

cleon. of whom ? thy lord , take heed , for if i be a iudge i shall condemne thee ere thou speake . dulc. you may , but i accuse my selfe , and of an iniurie to you . cleona .

to mee ?

dulc,

too great to be forgiuen .

cleon : my loue to him thou seru'st , hath found a pardon already for it , be it an offence against my life . dulc. for his sake , you must punish , deare madam , i haue sinn'd against his ghost , in my deceiuing you . cleona .

his ghost ?

dulc. and if . his soule hath not forgotten how he loued you , i must expect him to affright my dreames . and prooue my waking euill , the truth is , my lord is dead . cleon. how dead ? when ? where ? did i not heare thee say , since i receiu'd his letter , he was aliue ? dulc.

no madam .

cleon.

be not impious .

dulc, i said that neither death , nor any blacke misfortune had befalne him , since i gaue the letter to you . cleona . grant this truth , i am secur'd agen . dulc: 'las he was dead before , i 'm sure you could not chuse but heare as much , it was my wickednesse arriu'd , to mocke your credulous heart , with a deuised letter , i know you are in wonder , what should moue mee , to this imposture , sure it was no malice , for you nere iniur'd me , and that doth make my crime the more deform'd , all my ayme was , beeing a stranger here , and wanting meanes after my lords death , by this cunning , to procure some bounty from you , to sustaine my life , vntill by some good fortune , i might get another master , for i knew there was no hope to benefit my selfe , by saying he was dead , good heauen forgiue me and keepe my eyes from weeping . cleon. thou hast vndone me , like a most cruell boy . dulc. madam , i hope i shall repaire the ruines of your eye , when i declare the cause , that leades me to this strange confession , i haue obseru'd the duke does loue you , loue you in that way , you can deserue him , and though i haue sinn'd , i am not stubborne in my fault , to suffer you , in the beliefe of my deceitfull story , to wrong your fortune , by neglect of him , can bring your merit such addition , of state and title . cleona :

doest thou mocke agen ?

dulc: heauen knowes , i haue no thought of such impiety , if you will not beleeue , that for your sake i haue betrayed my selfe , yet be so charitable , to thinke it something of my duty , to the duke , whose ends , while they are just , and noble , all loyall subiects , ought to serue , for him . whom i am bound to honour , and i loue him , else may i neuer know one day of comfort , i durst not without guilt of treason , to his chast desires , deceiue you any longer , collect your selfe deere madam , in the graue , there dwels no musicke , in the dukes embrace you meete a perfect happinesse . cleona : begon , and neuer see me more , who euer knew falshood so ripe at thy yeares ? exit , dulc: is not yet my poore heart broke ? hath nature giuen it so strong a temper , that no wound will kill me ? what charme was in my gratitude to make me vndoe so many comforts with one breath , or was it for some sinne i had to satisfie ? i haue not onely widowed cleona , but made my selfe a miserie beneath , an orphant , i nere came to haue a friend , i ha destroy'd my hope , that little hope , i had to be so happy . iacomo comes forth . iacom.

is 't e'ne so ?

my friend , what make you here ? who sent for you ? begon d ee heare , begon i say the word too , there is a porters lodge else , where you may haue due chastisement , you le begon .

dulc.

i'm● sorry ,

i haue offended sir .

exit dulc. iac.

so am not i ,

let me see , somebody is dead , if i knew who , no matter 't is one that my lady lou'd , and i am glad to heare it , for mine ownesake , now uenus speed the dukes plough and turne me loose to a priuy conncellor .

enter soranzo . sor.

signior iacomo , where 's your lady ?

iac.

she is within my good lord , wilt please you walke this way ?

sor.

prethee make hast , the duke is comming .

exeunt . iac.

i small him hither to ,

enter iacomo presently .

so so , i will take this opportunity , to present my selfe to his highnesse , that hee may take particular notice , of my bulke and personage , hee may chance speake to me , i haue common places to answer any ordinary question , and for other , he shall find by my impudence , i come not short of a perfect courtier . here hee comes , i will dissemble some contemplation , and with my hat on , giue him cause to obserue me the better .

enter the duke , and lords . duke ,

what fellowes that ?

giot.

a seruant of cleona's .

fabr.

signior ?

the duke extends his band , iacomo kisses it . jacom,

your highnesse humble creature , you haue blest my lips , and i will weare them thredbare , with my prayers , for your graces immortall prosperitie .

enter soranzo . duke , soranzo is return'd , how fares cleona ? sor.

my lord not well , i found her full of sadnesse , which is increast , shee cannot as becomes her duty , obserue your highnesse .

iacom:

one word with your grace in priuate , shee is as well , as either you , or i .

duke ,

sayst thou so ?

jacom,

there came indeed before you certaine newes , that a noble gentleman , i know not who , and therefore he shall bee namelesse , but some deare friend of hers , is dead , and that 's all , and that has put her into a melancholy mood , with your gracious pardon , if i were worthy to bee one of your counsellours —

duke ,

what then ?

iaco.

i would aduise you , as others doe , to take your owne course , your grace knowes best , what is to be done .

duke .

so sir ; didst thou not see that pretty boy i told thee of ?

soranzo .

no my good lord .

duke ,

we are resolu'd to comfort her , set forward .

grim.

you had simple grace ?

iac. a touch or so , a beame with which his highnesse , doth vse to keepe desert warme , good my lord , it is not come to that yet . exeunt . enter foscari . and a servant . fosc: goe to the next religious house , and pray , some holy father come and speake with mee , but hasten thy returne , i dare not looke on exit serv. my selfe , least i forget to doe her honour , and my heart prooue a partiall aduocate , i must not entertaine with the same thought , cleona and my loue , least my owne passion betray the resolution , i ha made , to make my seruice famous to all ages , a legend that may startle wanton bloud , and strike a chilnesse through the actiue veines of noblest louers , when they heare , or read , that to advance a mistresse , i haue giuen her ▪ from mine owne heart , if any shall be so impious at my memory , to say i could not doe this act , and loue her too , some power diuine , that knew how much i lou'd her , some angell that hath care to right the dead , punish that crime for me , and yet me thinks , in such a cause my owne enraged spirit , in pitty of my ashes , so prophan'd , should nimbly lift my sweating marble vp , and leape into my dust , which new inlifen'd should walk to him , that questioned my honor , and be its owne reuenger , he is come . enter valentio , a religious man . welcome good father , i sent to intreat your helpe , but first , pray tell me , i haue no perfect memory , what saint giues title to your order ? val. wee doe weare the scapular of saint bennet sir . fosc. your charity make you still worthy of that reuerend habit , i haue a great deuotion , to bee made a brother of your sacred institution , what persons of great birth hath it receiu'd ? val. to fashion my reply to your demaund , is not to boast , though i proclaime the honours of our profession ; foure emperours , forty sixe kings , and one and fiftie queenes , haue chang'd their royall ermines for our sables , these cowles haue cloth'd the heads of fourteene hundred , and sixe kings sonnes , of dukes , great marquises , and earles , two thousand and aboue foure hundred haue turn'd their princely coronets , into an humble corronet of haire of haire ▪ left by the razour thus . fosc. no , it is not . there is a sunne ten times more glorious , then that which riseth in the east , attracts me to feed vpon his sweet beames , and become a bird of paradice , a religious man to rise from earth , and no more to turne backe , but for a buriall . val. thinke what t is you doe , it is no thing to play the wanton with , in the strong bended passion of an humour , for a friends death , a kings frowne , or perhaps losse of a mistresse . fosc. o still blesse the guide what euer , that shall leade this happy way . val. my lord , the truth is like your coate of armes , richest when plainest , i doe feare the world hath tir'd you , and you seeke a cell to rest in , as birdes that wing it o're the sea , seeke ships , till they get breath , and then they slie away . fosc. doe not mistake a piety , i am prepar'd and can endure your strict mortifications , good father then preferre my humble suite , to your superiour for the habit , and let me not long expect you , say i am , noble , but humblest in my thoughts . val. i goe , meane time examine well this new desire , whether 't be a wild flash , or a heauenly fire . exit . fosc.

now my good boy .

enter dulcino . dulc. sir , your command is done , and she beleeues ? fosc:

that i am dead dulcino ?

dulc: that you are dead , and as shee now scorn'd life ▪ death lends her cheekes his palenesse , and her eyes tell downe their drops of siluer to the earth , wishing her teares might raine vpon your graue ▪ to make the gentle earth produce some flower , should beare your names and memories . fosc. but thou seest , i liue dulcino . dulc: sir i should bee blest , if i did see you sought the meanes to liue , and to liue happily , o noble sir , let mee vntread my steps , vnsay my words , and tell your loue , you liue . fosc. no my sweet boy , shee thinkes not much amisse , i am a man but of an houre or two , my will is made , and now i goe , neuer more cheerefully , to giue eternall farewell to my friends . dulc. for heauens sake sir , what 's this you meane to do ? there is a feare sits cold vpon my heart , and tels me — fosc: let it not misinforme thee boy , i le vse no violence to my selfe , i am resolu'd a course , wherein i will not doubt , but thou wilt beare mee company ? wee le enter into religion . dulc:

into religion ?

fosc. o t is a heauenly life , goe with me boy , wee 'l imitate the singing angels there , learne how to keepe a quire in heauen , and scorne earths transitory glorie , wo't dulcino ? dulc.

alas my lord , i am too young .

fosc. too young to serve heauen ? neuer , neuer , o take heed . of such excuse . dulc: alas , what shall i doe ? and yet i 'me weary of the world , but how can i doe this ? i am not yet discouered , sir , i shall still attend you . fosc: th' art my comfort , i haue propounded it already , to a benedictine , by whose meanes we may obtaine the habit , stay thou and expect him , i must bee absent for a little time , to finish something , will conduce , to my eternall quiet , if th' hast any scruple , hee will direct thee , hauing both made euen with earth , wee le trauaile hand , in hand to heauen . exit . dulc. fortune hath lent me a prospectiue glasse , by which i haue a looke beyond all ioyes , to a new world of miserie , what 's my best let it be so , for i am hopelesse now , and it were well , if when those weedes i haue , that i might goe disguised to my graue . exit . enter lodwicke , and grimundo . lodw ,

this is strange .

grim.

you know i haue giuen you many precepts of honestie ?

lodw.

and you know how i haue followed em .

grim.

to mine owne heart , i haue made tedious discourses of heauen to yee , and the morrall vertues , numbred vp the duties of a good prince , vrg'd examples of vertues , for your imitation .

lodw.

to much purpose .

grim.

seem'd to sweat with agony and vexation , for your obstinate courses , reproou'd you , nay sometimes made complaints of you , to the duke .

lodw ,

and i ha curst you for it , i remember .

grim.

alas my lord , i durst doe no otherwise , was not the duke your father an honest man , and your brother now foolishly takes after him , whose credulities , when i had already coozened , i was bound to appeare stoicall , to preserue the opinion they had conceiued of me .

lodw.

possible .

grim.

it speakes discretion and abilities , in states-men , to apply themselues to their princes disposition , vary a thousand shapes , if he be honest , we put on a forme of grauity , if he be vitious , we are parasites , indeed in a politique common wealth , if you obserue well , there is nothing but the appearance , and likenesse of things that carrieth opinion , your great men will appeare odde , and phantasticall , and fooles are often taken for wise officers , your most actiue gallants , seeme to carry their owne haire , and your handsomest ladies their owne faces , you cannot know a secretary from a scholler in blacke , nor a gentleman vsher in scarlet , from a captaine , your iudge that is all compos'd of mercy , hath still the face of a phylosopher , and to some is more terrible and crabbed , then the law it selfe . all things are but representation , and my lord , howsoeuer i haue appear'd to you , i am at heart one of your owne sect , an epicure , bee but so subtle to seeme honest , as i doe , and we will laugh at the foolish world in our cels , declaime against intemperate liuers , and hug our owne licentiousnesse , while wee surfet our soules in the darke with nectar and ambrosia .

lod.

can this be earnest , you did talke of hell and bug-beares .

grim,

i confesse , and were you in publique , i would vrge many other empty names to fright you , put on my holyday countenance , and talke nothing but diuinity , and golden sentences , looke like a supersticious elder , with a starch'd face , and a tunable nose , whilst he is edifying his neighbors woman .

lod.

you were a christian , how came you to be conuerted .

grim.

i thinke i had a name giuen me , and that 's all i retaine , i could neuer endure really , their seuere discipline , marry for my preferment , and other politique ends , i haue , and can still dispence , with fasting , prayer , and a thousand fond austerities , though i doe penance for em in priuate .

lod.

let me aske you one question , were you neuer drunk ?

grim,

a thousand times in my study , that 's one of my recreations .

lodw.

how chance i could neuer see 't in you , you know i would ha beene drunke for company .

grim.

but i durst not trust so young a sinner , for i alwayes held it a maxime , to doe wickednesse with circumspection .

lodw.

wickednesse ?

grim.

i speake in the phrase of the foolish world , that holds voluptuousnesse a crime , which you and i , and euery wise man knowes , to be the onely happinesse of life , and the inheritance , we are borne to .

lodw.

but stay , how comes it to passe , that accounting me so young a sinner , you now aduenture to discouer your selfe ?

grim.

to you ?

loaw.

to mee .

grim.

good my lord conceiue me , you were a young sinner , and in your nonage , does that inferre that you haue made no growth , that y' are a child still , doe thinke that i ha not wit to distinguish a principiant in vice , from a graduate , shall i be afraid to lay open my secretst impieties to you , that are almost as perfect as my selfe in epicurisme , i beseech you , doe not thinke , i ha so little manners to vndervalue you .

lodw.

very well , proceed .

grim.

and yet my lord , with your princely license , you may learn too , and indeed the first vertue that i would commend to your practice should be that , by which i haue attain'd to this height , and opinion , and that 's hypocrisie .

lodw.

hypocrisie ?

grim.

yes , a delicate white diuell , doe but fashion your selfe to seeme holy , and studie to be worse in priuate , worse , you le find your selfe more actiue in your sensualitie , and it will be an other titillation , to thinke what an asse you make a' the beleeuing world , that will be readie to dote , nay superstitiously adore you , for abusing them .

lodw.

this is pretty wholsome doctrine , and harke you , ha you no wenches now and then ?

grim.

wenches ? would the duke your brother had so many for his owne sake , or you either .

lodw.

hast ifaith ?

grim.

faith ? why judge by your selfe , how d ee thinke a man should subsist , wenching ? why t is the top-branch , the heart , the very soule of pleasure , i le not giue a chip to bee an emperour , and i may not curuet as often as my constitution requires , lecherie is the monarch of delight , whose throne is in the bloud , to which all other sinnes doe homage , and bow like seruiceable vassailes , petty subiects in the dominion of flesh — wenches why i haue as many — yet now i thinke better on 't , i le keepe that to my selfe , store makes a good prouerbe .

lodw.

nay nay , be free and open to mee , you haue my oath not to betray .

grim.

well , i le not bee nice to you , you little imagine ( though i be married , ) that i am the greatest whoremaster i' th dukedome .

lodw.

not the greatest ?

grim:

haue a strong faith and saue my proofes , i ? the vsurer doe not hoard vp his gold , nor the countrey oppressor his corne more against a deare yeare , but caute si non caste , my nunne at home knowes nothing , like a mole in the earth , i worke deeps , but inuisible ; i haue my priuate houses , my granaries , my magasines bully , as many concubines , as would collected , furnish the great turkes seraglio .

lodw.

how doe you conceale 'em , i should nere keepe halfe so many ▪ but 't would be knowne .

grim:

you are then a nouice in the art of uenus , and will tell tales out a' the schoole , like your weake gallants o' the first chin , that will brag what ladies they haue brought to their obedience , that thinke it a mighty honour , to discourse how many fortes they haue beleaguerd , how many they haue taken by battery , how many by composition , and how many by stratagem ; that will proclaime , how this madam kisses , how like iuie the tother bona roba embraced em , and with what actiuity , a third playes her amorous prize , a fine commendation for such whelpes i st not ?

lodw :

a fault , a fault , who can deny it ? but what are those you practice with ? a touch , come , what commodities ?

grim:

not sale-ware , mercenary stuffe , that yee may haue i' th suburbs , and now maintaine traffique with ambassadours seruants , nor with laundresses , like your students in law , who teach her to argue the case so long , till she find a statute for it , nor with mistris silkeworme in the citty , that longs for creame and cakes , and loues to cuckold her husband in fresh ayre , nor with your waiting gentlewoman , that is in loue with poetry , and will not part with her honour , vnder a copie of fine verses , or an anagram , nor with your course lady her selfe , that keepes a stallion and cozens the old knight , and his two paire of spectacles , in the shape of a seruingman , but with your rich , faire , high ▪ fed , glorious and springing catamountaines , ladies of bloud , whose eyes will make a souldier melt , and he were compos'd of marble , whose euery smile , hath a magneticke force to draw vp soules , whose voyce will charme a satyre , and turne a mans prayers into ambition , make a hermit runne to hell for a touch on her , and there hug his owne damnation .

lodw.

i haue heard you , and now i thinke fit to discouer my selfe to you , you are a rascall .

grim.

sir , i thinke i am one .

lodw.

let not your wisdome thinke , i can bee so easily guid .

grim.

how sir ?

lodw.

hou thinke you haue talked very methodically , and cunningly all this while , and that i am as they say , a credulous coxecombe , and cannot perceiue , that by your politique jeeres vpon my pleasures , you labour to discredit , not onely my recreations , but my selfe to my owne face , d' ee heare ? the time may come you will not dare these things , and yet you shall see , i will not now so much as seeme angry , preserue your humor , 't will appeare fresh o' ch stage my learned gymnosophist , very well , excellent well .

grim.

why does not your lordship beleeue me then ?

lodw.

do'st thou thinke throughout the yeare , i will loose one minute of my pastime , for this your tooth-lesse satyre ▪ your mocke ▪ balled , goe get some pretty tune , 't will doe you a great deale of credit , the next lent to be presented by folly in an anti ▪ maske , i le to a wench presently .

grim.

i came to carry you to one .

lodw.

how ? thou ?

grim.

doe not deceiue your selfe , come you shall beleeue and thanke mee , will that serue turne , shall i bee thought worthy to bee trusted then , if i doe the office of a bawd for you , and play the pander with dexteritie , will that conuince you ?

lodw.

yes , yes , then i will beleeue thee .

grim.

then goe with me , and i will demonstrate .

lodw.

whither ?

grim.

i will carry you to a lady bee not afraid shee is honest , a handsome peece of flesh , a lady that will bound yee , and rebound , a ladie that will rauish you .

lodw.

me ?

grim.

with delight and admiration , one in whom doth flourish all the excellencie of women , honesty only excepted , such a charming brow speaking eye , springing cheeke , tempting lip , swelling bosome .

lodw.

wil you leade me to such a creature ?

grim.

yes .

lodw.

and shall i enjoy her in dalliance ?

grim.

yes , and thinke your selfe richer , then to be lord of both the indies , here 's my hand cut it off if i doe not this feate for you , when you please , and when you are satisfied with her , i le helpe you to forty more , but wee are interrupted .

enter giotto , soranzo . giot.

there he is with grimundo .

sor.

his late gouernour , he is giuing him good counsell .

giot.

pray heauen he haue the grace to follow it .

grim. consider sir , but what will be the end ▪ of all these wicked courses . lodw.

pretious villaine .

grim.

we must be circumspect .

lodw. no more , i haue a crotchet new sprung , where shall i meere thee ? grim. i le expect you in the parke — be very secret my lord i can but grieue for you . exit . lodw. how haue we all beene cozen'd ? what is my brother here ? sor.

this houre my lord ▪ he is now vpon returne .

lodw. i le see him , and then prepare me for this lady . i feele a boyling in my veines already , this is the life of greatnesse , and of court they 'r fooles that will be frighted from their sport . exeunt
actvs ▪ .
scaena , . enter lodwicke , and piero . lodw.

do 't and thou lou'st me ?

pier.

what d' ee meane my lord ?

lodw. nay wee must haue such a deale of circumstance ▪ i say doe it . pier.

what , that ?

lodw.

that ? is that such a piece of matter , does it appeare so horrid in your imagination , that you should looke as if you were frighted now ?

pier.

my lord it is —

lodw. a thing your lust will prompt you to , but that you affect ceremony , and loue to bee entreated . piero.

with your lady ?

lodw.

yet againe , must i voyce it like the townecryer , and ramme it into your head with noyse , you haue not beene obseru'd so dull , in a businesse of this supple nature .

pier.

but thinke on 't agen , i pray you thinke a little better , i ha no great ambition to ha my throat cut .

lodw ,

by whom ?

piero.

by you , you cannot chuse but kill me for 't , when i haue done , name any other lady , or halfe a score on 'em , as farre as flesh will goe , i ha but a body , and that shall venture vpon a disease to doe you seruice , but your lady .

lodw.

haue i not told thee my end ?

piero :

i sir , but i am very loath to begin with her , i know she will not let me doe the feate , i had as good neuer attempt it .

lodw.

is your mountanous promise come to this ? remember , if i doe not turne honest —

piero.

my lord doe but consider — well i will doe what i can , and there be no remedy — but

lodw.

no butting .

piero ,

nay for butting , your lordship is like to doe that better , when i haue done with your lady , vpon one condition , i le resolue .

lodw.

what 's that ?

piero.

i must be a little plaine w' ee my lord , that you wonot aske me blessing , i am like to bee one of your godfathers .

lodw.

how ?

piero.

the new name that i shall adde to your other titles will sticke in your head and i feare corrupt your braines too many wise men haue runne mad vpon 't in the citty .

lodw , neuer feare it , for if thou canst but corrupt her . i le shew a diuorce presently . piero ,

and bring me in for a witnes .

enter astella . lodw.

she 's here feare nothing , i le be thy protection , it were not amisse to cast away some kindnes vpon her , nay i was comming to take my leaue .

ast.

i know you neuer meant it ▪

lodw.

thus my best intents are rewarded still , the more sinne vpon your conscience , y'haue a hard heart , but heauen for giue vs all , astella farewell , piero expect my returne here — pray entertaine this gentleman courteously in my absence , you know not how kindly i may take it .

ast. i would you would enioyne me any testimony , so i might be in hope to winne your loue . lodw.

t is in the will of women to doe much , doe not dispaire , the proudest heart is but flesh , thinke a that .

ast.

of what ?

lodw.

of flesh , and so i leaue you .

pier. wil t please you madam , walke into your chamber ▪ i haue something to impart , will require more priuacie . ast.

if it bee griefe , t is welcome .

exeunt . enter duke , and lords . duke . my soule i haue examin'd , and yet find no reason for my foolish passion our hot italian doth affect these boyes , for sinne , l 'ue no such flame , and yet me thought he did appeare most louely , nay in 's absence i cherish his idea , but i must exclude him , while he hath but soft impression , being remou'd already in his person , i loose him with lesse trouble . enter giotto . gitto. please your highnesse , a stranger but some gentleman of qualitie , intending to leaue sauoy , humbly prayes to kisse your hand . duke .

a gentleman , admit him .

enter foscari disguised , and kisses the dukes hand . fosc. you are a gracious prince , and this high fauour deserues my person , and my sword , when you vouchsafe so much addition to this honour , to call them to your seruice . duke .

you are noble .

foscari . it is not complement my lord alone made me thus bold , i haue a priuate message , please you command their distance , duke .

waite without .

fosc.

haue you forgot this face ?

duke .

foscaries shadow ?

fosc.

the substance sir , and once more at your feet ,

duke . return'd to life . rise , meet our armes ▪ why i● this cloud ? fosc. your pardon royall sir , it will concerne your highnesse to permit me walke in some eclipse . duke .

how ?

fosc. be but pleas'd to grant a little freedome to my speech , i shall demonstrate the necessity of this action , i said i had a message , i come sir from cleona . duke .

from cleona ?

fosc. from her indeed , and in her name , i must propound a question , to which she prayes , you would be just and noble in your answer , duke . without disputing your commission , vpon mine honour — fosc.

princes cannot staine it , d ee you loue her ?

duke .

doe i loue her ? strange ?

fosc. nay she would haue you pause , and thinke well e're you giue her resolution , for she bad me tell you she has beene much aflicted since you left her , about your loue . duke . about my loue ? i prethee bee more particular . fosc. i shall , so soone as you were gone , being alone , and full of melancholly thoughts . duke .

i left her so .

fosc. willing to ease her head vpon her couch , through silence , and some friendship of the darke , shee fell asleepe , and in a short dreame thought , some spirit told her softly in her eare , you did but mocke her with a smooth pretence of loue . duke .

ha ?

fosc, more , that you are fallen from honour , haue taken impious flames into your bosome , that y' are a bird of prey ▪ and while she hath no houshold lar , to waite vpon her thre shold you would flie in , and seize vpon her honour . duke .

i hope she ha's no faith in dreames ▪

fosc. and yet diuinity hath oftentimes descended vpon our slumbers , and the blessed troupes haue in the calme , and quiet of the soule , conuers'd with vs , taught men and women happy wayes to preuent a tyrants rage , and lust . duke . but this was some most false malicious spirit , that would insinuate with her white soule , there 's danger if she cherish the infusion . fosc. she cannot tell , she hath some feares my lord , great men haue left examples of their vice , and yet no iealousie of you , but what a myracle doth vrge , if this be one ; if you but once more say you loue cleona , and speake it vnto me , and to the angels , which in her prayers , she hath inuok'd to heare you , she will be confident , and tell her dreame , she cannot be illuded . duke . though i need not giue an account to any , but to heauen and her faire selfe , foscari , thou shalt tell her with what alacritie i display my heart , i loue her with chast and noble fire , my intents are faire as her brow , tell her i dare proclaime it , in my deuotions , at that minute , when i know a million of adoring spirits houer about the altar , i doe loue her — fosc. enough , enough , my lord be pleas'd to heare , what i haue now to say , you haue exprest a braue and vertuous soule , but i must not carry this message to her , therefore take your owne words backe agen — i loue cleona with chast , and noble sire , my intents are faire as her brow , i dare proclaime it sir , in my deuotions , at that minute , when i know a million of adoring spirits , houer about the altar . duke ,

doe ye mocke me ?

fosc. pardon a truth my lord , i haue apparreld my owne sence with your language . duke . doe you come to affront vs , you had better ha beene sleeping in your cold vrne , and fame late gaue you out , and mingltd with the tude forgotten ashes , then liue to moue our anger . fisc, spare your frownes . this earth weighs not my spirit downe , a feare would dy the palenesse of my fathers dust , into a blush , sir many are aliue , will sweare , i did not tremble at a canon , when it strooke thunder in mine eare , and wrapt my head in her blew mists , it is not breath can fright a noble truth , nor is there magicke i' th person of a king that playes the tyrant , but a good sword can easily vncharme it , duke .

you threaten vs .

fosc. heauen auert so blacke a thought , though in my honours cause i can be flame , my bloud is frost to treason make me not bely my heart , for i doe loue cleona ? and my bold heart tels me , aboue all height , you can affect her with , no birth or state can challenge a prerogatiue in loue ; nay be nor partiall , and you shall ascribe to mine loues victory , for though i admit , you value her aboue your dukedome , health , that you would sacrifice your bloud , to auert any mishap should threaten that deare head , all this is but aboue your selfe , but i loue her aboue her selfe , and while you can but giue your life , and all you haue , to doe cleona seruice , i can giue away her selfe , cleona's selfe , in my loue to her , i see you are at losse , i le reconcile all , she is yours , this minute ends my claime , liue , and enioy her happily , may you be famous in that beautious empire , shee blest in so great a lord . duke , i must not be orecome in honour , nor would doe so great a wrong , to enioy the blessing , i knew not you were engag'd . fosc. ere you proceed , i must beseech you heare me out , i am but fresh , return'd from trauaile , in my absence , she heard i was slaine , at my returne , vpon the hearing of these honours you intend her , and which i now beleeue from your owne lip , i found a meanes , and haue wrought her already , into a firme beleife that i am dead , ( for i haue but pretended i came from her ) if for my sake you leaue her now , i can make good her faith and dye , 't sha'not be said , i liu'd ▪ and ouerthrew cleona's fortune . duke ▪

stay myracle of honour , and of loue .

fosc. if you proceed , as it concernes your happinesse , i can secure all feare of mee , i am resolu'd a course wherein i will bee dead to her , yet liue to pray for her , and you , although i neuer see you more , will you my royall lord ? duke . did euer louer plead against himselfe before ? fosc. i loue her still , and in that study her advancement sir , in you . i cannot giue her . duke .

well , i will still loue her , and solicite .

fosc, and not open that i am liuing . duke .

not a syllable .

fos●. i am confident , let me but kisse your hand . agen , may blessings dwell with you for euer . exit ▪ dulc. he was alwayes noble , but this passion has outgone hystorie , it makes for me , haile to my curteous fate , foscari thankes , like the aged phenix , thy old loue expires , and from such death , springs life to my desires . exit . enter dulcino . dulc. the father is not come yet , nor my lord return'd , yet when they doe , i haue no way to helpe my selfe , nor haue i power to goe from hence , sure this is the religious man . enter valentio . val.

ha t is the same .

dulc.

father valentio ?

val.

deare leonora .

dulc:

sir the same .

wal. oh let my teares expresse my ioyes , what myracle gaue you this liberty ? dulc. i was rescued , by th' happy valour of a gentleman , to whom in gratitude , i pay this seruice , he bad me here expect a holy man , and is it you ? val.

the circumstance confirmes it .

dulc. are you the goodman whom my lord expects ▪ t is so me refreshing in the midst of sorrow , to meete agen . val.

and heauen hath heard my prayer .

dulc. but i am miserable still vnlesse your counsell doe releeue me . val.

why my charge ?

dulc. this noble gentleman , to whom i owe my preseruation , who appointed you to meet him here , hauing resolu'd to enter , into religion , hath beene very vrgent , for mee to doe so too , and overcome with many importunities , i gaue consent , not knowing what was best to doe , some cure or i am lost , you know i cannot mixe with religious men . val.

did you consent ?

dulc. i did , and he is now vpon the point of his returne . val. y' are in a straight ▪ i must confesse , no matter , hold your purpose , and leaue all to mee , he is return'd . enter foscari . fos. good father . now i am ready , haue you dispos'd him for such a life . val. hee is constant to attend you , i haue prepar'd him , and made way to the abbot , for your reception , fos. i am blest , dulcimo , nay no distinction now , me thinkes we moue vpon the wings of cherubins already , t is but a step to heauen , come my sweet boy wee climbe by a short ladder to our ioy ▪ exeunt . enter lodowicke and grimundo . gri. this my lord is her garden , into which you see my key hath giuen vs priuate accesse , lod:

t is full of curiositie ,

gri:

you see that groue .

lod.

i doe .

gri. there is her house of pleasure , let your eye entertaine some delight here , while i giue her happie knowledge you are entred ▪ exit . lod. doe so , an honest knaue i see that , how happy shall i bee in his conuersation , i sha'not neede to keepe any in fee to procure , and he bee so well furnished , if euer i come to be duke , i will erect a magnificent colledge , endow it with reuenew to maintaine wenches , and with great pensions inuite the fairest ladies from all parts of christendome , into my seraglio , then , wil i haue this fellow gelded , and make him my chiefe eunuch ranger , or ouerseer of all , my pretious tame fowle enter . like satyres ▪ and ly downe

how now ? what 's this so me fury asleepe , i le take another path , another ? into what wildernesse has this firedrake brought mee ? i dare not cry out for feare of waking 'em , would grimundo were come backe .

enter one like siluanus . silv. rise you drowsie satyres rise , what strong charme doth bind your eyes ? see who comes into your groue , to imbrace the queene of loue , leape for ioy , and friske about , find your prettie dryads out , hand in hand compose a ring , dance and circle your new king , him , siluanus must obay , satyres rise and runne in . hence and cry a holy day . exit . lod.

some maske , a deuice , to entertaine me , ha ? and yet i see not how they should prepare so much ceremony , vnlesse they had expected me , a curse vpon their ill faces , they shooke mee at first , how now ?

enter satyres pursuing nimphes they dance together , exeunt sat. . nimphes seeme to intreat him to goe with them .

haue yee no tongues ? yes i will venture my selfe in your company , and you were my destinies , wo'd there were no worse in hell , must i walke like a bride too , fortune set on afore then , and thou doest not guide into a hansome place , wo'd thy eyes were out , and so thou maist be taken for the blind goddesse indeed , forward to venus temple .

exit . recorders : enter againe where the nimphs suddenly leaue him , a banquet brought in . lod.

vanished like fayries ? ha what musicke this ? the motion of the spheares , or am i in elisium .

enter grimundo bare leading belinda richly attired and attended by nimphs .

here is grimundo ha ? what glorious creatures this commits a rape vpon my senses on euery side , but when i looke on her , all other admirations are forgot , and lessen in her glorie .

bel

my lord y' are welcome , nay our lip is not too pretious , for your salute , most welcome ,

gri:

i haue kept my , word sir ,

lod.

thou hast oblig'd my soule ,

gri. be high and frolike , she loues to see one domineere , when y' are throughly acquainted , you 'le giue me thankes . lod. let vs be priuate with as much speed as may be . away with those gipsies , so so . exeunt all but lodowicke and belinda . i forgot to aske her name-lady i am come . b●l.

wil t please you vse that chaire ▪

lodw. you are not ignorant of the intents my bloud hath brought with me ▪ grimundo , i hope , hath told my comming lady ▪ and you i 'me confident , will justifie his promise of some pastime . belind. he 's a seruant , whose bosome i dare trust , the sonne of night , and yet more secret then his mother , hee hath power to engage mee , and i shall take pride in my obedience , first be pleas'd to tast , what in my duty i prepar'd for your first entertainement , these but serue to quicken appetite . lodw i like this well , recorders . i 〈◊〉 vse much courtship , where 's this musicke ? belinda ▪

doth it offend your eare ?

l●w. 't is rauishing whence doth it breath ? b●ind. if you command , wee le change a thousand ayres ▪ till you find one is sweet , and high enough , to rocke your wanton soule into 〈◊〉 slumbers . lodw spare them all , i heare 'em in thy accents . belinda . orpheus calliopes fam'd sonne , vpon whose lute myriads of louers ghosts doe waite , and hang vpon the golden strings to haue their owne griefes softned with his noble touch , shall come againe from hell , with fresh , and happier straines , to moue your fancie . lodw. that were very strange , she is poeticall , more then halfe a fury , but wee prate all this while , and loose the time we should imploy more pretiously , i need no more prouocatiues , my veynes are rich and swell with expectation , shall we to this vaulting businesse ? bel. i shall hope my lord you will be silent in mine honour , when you haue inioy'd me , and not boast my name , to your disgrace , not mine . lodw. your name , why lady ? by my desires i know it not , i hope you haue receiu'd a better character , then to suspect my blabbing , i le not trust my ghostly father with my sinnes , much lesse your name . belind. o let me flye into your armes , these wordes command my freedome , i shall loue you aboue my selfe , and to confirme how much , i dare repose vpon your faith , i le not be nice to tell you who i am . lodw.

pray doe .

bel.

i am a princesse .

lodw.

how ?

bel ,

beleeue me sir .

lodw ,

i 'm glad a that , but of what country lady ?

bel. and my dominions are more spreading then your brothers . lodw. ha ? that 's excellent , if the villaine doe prosper with my wife , i le marry her . bel. i was not borne to perch vpon a dukedome ▪ or some such spot of earth , which the dull eyes examine by a multiplying glasse , and wonder at , the roman eagles neuer did spread their wings vpon so many shores , the siluer moone of ottoman lookes pale vpon my greater empire , kings of spaine , that now may boast their ground , doth stretch as wide as day ▪ are but poore landlords of a cell , compar'd to mine inheritance , the truth is ▪ i am the diuell . lodw.

how a diuell ?

bel. yes . be not affrighted sir , you see i bring no horror to distract you , if this presence , delight you not i le weary a thousand shapes to please my lord . lod.

shapes quotha ,

bel.

doe not tremble ,

lod. a diuel ? i see her clouen foote , i ha'not , the heart to pray , grimundo has vndone me , bel. i did command my spirits , to put on satyres , and nimphes to entertaine you first whiles others in the ayre , maintain'd a quire for your delight , why doe you keepe such distance , with one that loues you ? recollect your selfe , you came for pleasure , what doth fright my loue , see i am couetous to returne delight , and satisfie your lustfull genius , come le ts withdraw , and on the bed prepar'd beget a race of smooth and wanton diuels — lod. hold , come not neere me , ha ? now i compare , the circumstances , they induce me to a sad beliefe , and i had breath enough , i would aske a question . bel. any thing , and be resolud . lod. how came grimundo , and your deuilship , acquainted ▪ bel. he hath beene my agent long , and hath deseru'd for his hipocrisie , and priuate sinnes , no common place in hell , hee s now my fauorite , and we enioy , each other daily , but hee neuer did , by any seruice more endeare my loue , then by this bringing you to my acquaintance , which i desir'd of him long since ▪ with many , and fierce sollicite , but he vrg'd his feare , you were not ripe enough in sinne , for his , discouery . lod. i feele my selfe dissolue ▪ in sweate , bel. my lord i must acknowledge ▪ i haue euer had you in my first regard , of any mortall sinner , for you haue the same propention with me , though with lesse malice ▪ spirits of the lower world haue seuerall offices assign'd , some are to aduance pride , some auarice , some wrath , i am for lust , a gay , voluptuous diuell , come le ts embrace , for that i loue my lord , doe , and command a regiment of hell , they all are at your seruice . lodw.

o my foule !

bel. beside my lord , it is another motiue to honour you , and by my chaines which now i haue left behind , it makes me grow enamor'd , your wife , that sayes her prayers at home , and weepes away her sight , oh let me hug you for it , dispise her vowes still , spurne her teares agen into her eyes thou shalt be prince in hell and haue a crowne of flames ▪ brighter then that , which ariadne weares of fixed starres , come shall we dally now ? lodw. my bones within are dust already , and i weare my flesh like a loose , vpper garment , bel. y' are afraid ▪ be not so pale at liuer , for i see your blood turne coward , how would you be frighted to looke vpon me cloth'd with all my horrour , that shudder at me now ? call vp your spirit . lodw. there are too many spirits heere already , would thou wert coniur'd , what shall i doe ? bel. what other then to bath your soule in pleasure and neuer heard of rauishings , wee two , will progresse through the ayre in uenus charret ▪ and when her siluer doues grow faint , and tire , cupid and mercury shall lend vs wings , and we will visit new worlds , when we are , weary of this , we both will backe the windes . and hunt the phaenix through the arabian deserts her we will spoyle of all her shining plumes . to make a blazing coronet for thy temples , which from the earth beheld , shall draw vp wonder and puzzle learned astronomy , to distinguish it from some new constellation , the sea shall yeeld vs pastime , when inueloped with clouds , blacker then night , wee range about and when with stormes we ouerthrow whole nauies , we 'll laugh to heare the marriners exclaime in many thousand shipwrackes , what doe i vrge these particulers ? let vs be one soule , ayre , earth and hell , is yours . lodw. i haue a suit , but dare not speake . bel. take courage , and from mee bee confident to obtaine . lodw. i am not well , the name of diu ll came to quicke vpon me , i was not well prepar'd for such a sound , it turn'd my bloud to ice , and i ha' not recouered so much warmth yet , to desire the sport i came for , would you please but to dismisse me for a time , i would returne , when i haue heate and strength enough , for such a sprightfull action . belinda : i doe finde your cunning , you pretend this excuse , but to gaine time , in hope you may repent . lodw. and please your grace , not i . bel. you will acquaint some priest , or other , a tribe of all the world , i most abhorre , and they will foole you with their ghostly councell , perplexe you with some fond diuinity , to make you loose the glories i haue promis'd . lod.

i could neuer abide such melencholly people .

bel. in this i must betray , we spirits haue no perfect knowledge of mens thoughts , i see your bloods infeebled , and although my loue be infinite , and euery minute i shall languish in your absence , yet your health i must preserue , t is that that feeds my hopes , hereafter i shall perfectly enioy thee , you will be faithfull , and returne . lod.

suspect not ,

bel.

one kisse shall seale consent ,

lod.

her breath smels of brimstone .

bel. when next wee meete , like to the gemini wee le twine our limbes in one another , till wee appeare one creature in our actiue play , for this time i le dismisse you — doe not pray , a spirit shall attend you . lod. doe not pray , when did i last ? i know not , farewell horrour . he wants a wench , that goes to the diuell for her . exeunt .
actvs .
scaena . . enter astella and piero . astel: touch me not villaine , pietie defend me art thou a man , or haue i all this while conuerst with some ill angell in the shape of my lords friend , piero. what needeth all this stirre i vrge your benefit . astel. to vndoe my name nay soule for euer with one act . piero. one act , there be those ladies that haue acted it a hundred times , yet thinke themselues as good christians as other women , and doe carry as much opinion too for vertue . astel.

heauen .

piero. what harme can there be in 't , can you neglect reuenge so iust , so easie and delightfull ? ast.

thy breath doth scatter an infection .

piero. scatter a toy , be wise , and loose no time you know not when-such opportunity , may tempt you too 't agen , for my owne part i can but doe you pleasure in 't , your bloud should need no other argument . astella : i le sooner empty my veynes , not to redeeme thy soule , should sinne betray mine honour to one loose embrace , hence traytor i doe feele corruption i' th ayre already , it will kill me if i stay , heereafter i le not wonder how my lord became so wicked . piero. you will lead me to some more priuate roome , i le follow madam . exeunt . enter iacomo . jacom.

more priuate roome , said hee ? i smell a businesse i thought this gamester had beene gone , is it e'ne so , haue at your burrough madam , hee 's a shrewd ferret i can tell you , and iust in the nicke here comes the warrener .

enter lodwicke . lodw.

this diuell does not follow me , nor any of her cubs i hope , i 'm glad i came off so well , i neuer was so hot to engender with the night-mare , could grimundo find no other creature for my coupling but a succubus , me thinkes i smell the fiend still .

iac.

he talkes on her already .

lodw.

i am very jealous .

jac.

not without a cause my lord .

lodw.

ha ? there she is agen .

jac,

no my lord , she is new gone into the withdrawing chamber .

lodw.

ha ? who ? who is gone ?

iac.

a gentlewoman that you were late in company with .

lodw. the diuell ? looke well about you then , a spirit , of her constitution will set the house on fire instantly and make a young hell on 't when came she ? i shall be euerlastingly haunted with goblings , are sure thou sawest her ? iac.

saw her , yes and him too .

lod.

grimundo ?

iac. no not grimundo , but i saw an other gentleman that has been held a notable spirit , familiar with her . lod.

spirit and familiar .

●ac.

piero my lord

lod,

piero ?

iac. i wonot say what i thinke , but i thinke somewhat , and i know what i say , if she be a deuill ▪ as shee can be little lesse , if shee be as bad as i imagine some bodies head will ake for 't , for mine owne part , i did but see and heare , that 's all , and yet i ha not told you halfe . lod. let me collect sure this fellow by th' circumstance meanes astella , thou talkest all this while of my lady doest not ? iac. yes my lord , she is all the ladies in the house , for my lady and mistris was sent for to the abbey . lod. i had forgotten my selfe this is new horrour , is my lady and piero so familiar saist and in priuate ? iac. what i haue said , i haue said , and what they haue done , they haue done , by this time . lod.

done ? and i le be actiue too .

iac. shew what feates of actiuity you please but i beleeue hee hath vaulted into your sadle exit lod. already — so so now i am alone which is as the learned say , solus cumsola i will entertaine some honorable thoughts of my preferment , enter piero . hum the gamester is returned what melancholy , then hee ha's don 't i lay my head to a fooles cap on 't i was alwaies so my selfe after my capring ▪ did you not meet the prince sir . pier.

no , where is he ?

iac.

he was here but now , and enquir'd how his lady did , and i told him you could tell the state of her body better then i , for i thought you were gone in before him .

piero.

i did but see her .

jac.

that 's not the right on 't , it runnes for i did but kisse her , for i did but kisse her .

piero.

it was enough for me to kisse her hand .

jac.

and feele her pulse .

piero.

how sir ?

iac.

as a noble gentleman should sir ?

piero. i am suspected , i must turne this fooles discourse , another way , the present theame is dangerous ; what i heare say iacomo , your lady is like to rise ? iac.

my lady does rise as earely as other ladies doe that goe to bed late .

piero ,

and there will be notable preferment for you ?

iac.

t is very likely my lady vnderstands her selfe ▪

piero.

there is a whisper abroad ▪

jac.

t is a good hearing .

piero.

what if she be married in this absence ?

jac.

very likely , i say nothing but i thinke i know my ladies secrets for the tryumph , as pageants , or running at tilt , you may heare more shortly , there may bee reasons of state to haue things carried priuately , they will breake out in bels and bonefires hereafter ; what their graces haue intended for me , i conceale .

piero ,

he is wound vp already .

iac.

you are a gentleman i shall take particular notice of .

piero.

i hope a man may get a place for himselfe or his friend for ready mony .

iac.

t were pitty of my life else , you shall command the first that falls , but you must sweare you came in without chafering or buying , imagine it a plump parsonage , or other church liuing , the oath will goe downe the more easily . diuines make no scruple .

piero.

but what if after all this imagination of a marriage , fortune should forbid the banes .

jac.

how ? fortune 's a slut , and because she is a whore her selfe , would haue no lady marry and liue honest .

enter lodwicke . lodw.

piero , where 's piero ?

piero :

ha , my lord , i ha don 't .

lodw.

ha ? what .

piero.

i haue pleas'd thy excellence , and you had made more hast , you might ha come to the fall a' th deere , delicate venison .

lodw.

th' ast not enioy'd her ?

piero. they talke of jupiter and a golden shewer , giue me a mercury with wit and tongue he shall charme more ladies on their backes , then the whole bundle of gods pshew . lodw.

shoote not so much compasse , bee briefe and answer me , hast thou enioy'd her ?

piero.

i haue , shall i sweare ?

lodw.

no , thou wilt bee damn'd sufficiently without an oath , in the meane time , i do purpose to reward your nimble diligence , draw ?

piero.

what d ee meane .

jac.

and you be so sharpe set , i doe meane to withdaw .

lodw.

i doe meane to cut your throat , or perish i' th attempt you see your destinie , my birth and spirit wo'not let me kill thee in the darke , draw and be circumspect .

piero.

did not thou engage me to it , haue i done any thing but by your directions ? my lord .

lodw.

t is all one , my minde is altered , i will see what complexion your heart beares , doe not neglect my fury , but guard your selfe discreetly , if i hit vpon the right vayne i may cure your disease a' th bloud .

piero.

hold , and there bee no remedy , i will dye better then i ha liu'd , you shall see sir that i dare fight with you , and if i tall by your sword , my base consent to act your will deserues it .

lodw.

ha ?

piero. i find your policie , and by this storme , you 'd proue my resolution , how boldly i dare stand too 't when this great dishonour comes to question prepare to be displeased — she is a miracle of chastity impenterable like . a marble she returned my sinfull arrowes and they haue wounded me , forgiue me lady . lod. i prethee tell me true , now thou shalt sweare hast thou not don 't . pior. not by my hope of heauen which i had almost forfeited , had not shee releeued me with her vertue , in this truth i dare resigne my breath . lod. i dare beleeue thee what did i see in her to doubt her firmenesse . enter jacomo and astella . iac. here they are madam , you doe not meane to run vpon their naked weapons . lod.

piero thou shalt wonder .

ast.

what meanes my lord ?

lod. you shall know that a non my lady goe with me . ast. whither you please you shall not need to force mee sir , you may lead me with gossamere , or the least thread the industrious spider weaues . iac.

whimseyes caribit soes .

pier. what fury thus transports him at some distance i le follow him , he may intend some violence shee is too good to suffer i shall grow in loue with my conuersion . exit . iac. grow in loue with a cockscomb his last wordes sticke on my stomacke still fortune forbid the banes quotha , slid if fortune should forbid the banes and my lady be not conuerted into a dutchesse where are all my offices ? hum where are they quoth i , i doe not know but of all tunes i shall hate fortune my foe . exit . recorders . chaires prepared . enter soranzo , giotto . sor. know you not who they are my lord this day receiue the habit . gio.

i can meete with no intelligence .

sor.

they are persons of some quality .

gio.

the duke does meane to grace their ceremony .

sor.

he was inuited by the abbot to their clothing .

gio.

which must be in priuate too heare in his lodgings .

sor.

well , we shall not long expect 'em his grace enters .

enter duke , grimundo . gri.

it helpt much that he neuer saw my wife .

du.

dost thinke 't will take .

gri. there 's some hope my lord already and heauen may prosper it . du.

wee cannot endeere thee to thy merit .

sor.

how the duke imbraces him .

enter cleona attended . duk. cleona you are welcom 't is a blest occasion that makes vs meete so happily . cle.

it pleased my lord abbot to inuite mee hither .

duk. i appear'd too vpon his friendly sommons wee le thanke him for this presence , sor.

the abbot enters .

enter the abbot attended with religious men hauing bowed to the duke , he taketh a chaire being sate , valentio goes out and presently enters leading foscarie and dulcino in st. bennets habit , hee presents them they kneele at the abbots feete . abb.

speake your desire .

fos. we kneele to be receiued into the number , of those religious men that dedicate themselues to heauen , i' th habit of st. bennet , and humbly pray , that you would rectifie and teach our weake deuotion , the way to imitate his life , by giuing vs the precepts of your order , abbot . let me tell you , you must take heed , the ground of your resolue be perfect , yet looke backe into the spring of your desires , religious men should be tapers , first lighted by a holy beame , meteors may shine like starres , but are not constant . fosc. we couet not the blaze , which a corrupt , and slimy matter may aduance , our thoughts are flam'd with charity . abb. yet ere you embarke thinke on your hard aduenture , there is more to be examin'd , beside your end , and the reward of such an vndertaking , you looke on heauen a farre off , like a land ▪ skip , whether wild thoughts , like yours imperfect eye , without examination of those wayes , oblique , and narrow are transported , but i' th walke , and try all of the difficulties that interpose , you tire like inconsiderate , and weary pilgrims . fosc. we desire to know the rules of our obedience , abb. they will startle your resolutions , can your will , not vs'd to any law beside it selfe , permit the knowledge of seuere , and positiue limits ? submit to be controul'd , imploy'd sometime , in seruile offices , against the greatnesse of your high birth , and sufferance of nature ? can you , forgetting all youthfull desires , and memory of the worlds betraying pleasures , checke wanton heate , and consecrate your blood to chastity , and holy solitude ? sor.

i wo not be religious giotto ?

giot.

nor i , vpon these tearmes i pitty em .

abb, can you quit all the glories of your state , resigne your titles , and large wealth to liue poore and neglected , change high food and surfets , for a continuall fasting , your downe beds for hard and humble lodging , your guilt roofes , and galleries for a melancholly cell the patterne of a graue , where , stead of musicke to charme you into slumbers , to be wak'd with the sad chyming of the sacring bell ; your robes , whose curiosity hath tired inuention , and the silke-worme to adorne you , your blaze of jewels , that your pride hath worne to burne out enuies eyes , must be no more your ornament , but course , and rugged clothing harrow your soft skinnes , these and many more vnkind austerities will much offend your tender constitutions , yet consider . du. hee does insist much on their flate and honour may wee not know 'em yet ; val. one of them sir doth owe this character . giues him a paper . du. it is foscary i find his noble purpose , hee is perfect i honour thee young man , she must not see this paper . giues another paper . val.

this doth speake the other sir .

du. t is at large — ha — grimundo i prethee read , i dare not credit my owne eyes leonora so it begins , leonora . gri. leonora daughter to the late gonzaga duke of millan , fearing she should be compelled to marry her vncle , in the habit of a page and the conduct of father valentio , came to sauoy , to try the loue and honor of his excellence , who once sollicited by his embassador — du. no more , i am extasied if so much blessing may be met at once i le doe my heart that justice to proclaime thou hadst a deepe impression , as a boy i lou'd thee too , for it could be no other , but with a diuine flame , faire leonora like to a perfect magnes , though inclos'd within an iuory box , through the white wall shot foorth imbracing vertue , now , oh now our destinies are kind . fos.

this is a misterie , dulcino ?

leo. no my lord , i am discouered , you see leonora now , a millan lady , if i may hope your pardon — du. loue ; and honour thou dost inrich my heart , cleona reade and entertaine the happines , to which thy fare predestin'd thee , whilst i obey mine here . cleonae reades . cleo. how , my lord foscary ? if he beliuing , i must dye before this separation be confirm'd , my ioy doth ouercome my wonder , can you leaue the world while i am in 't ? fos. decr'id leonora ! then willingly i dispence with my intention and if the duke haue found another mistris , it shall be my deuotion to pray heere , and my religion to honour thee . ab. many blessings crowne this vnion . fos. your pardon gracious princesse i did impose too much . leo. i studied to be your gratefull seruant , as your selfe vnto the faire cleona wee are all happy . enter lodowicke , astella , and piero . lod. the'yr here ; by your leaue brother , my lord abbot ? witnesse enough . du.

why thus kneeles lodowick ?

lod. to make confession brother , and beg heauens and euery good mans pardon , for the wrong i ha ' done this excellent lady , whom my soule new marries , and may heauen — ha doe not hold a iustice backe , grimundo is a traitor take heed on him and say your prayers , hee is the deuills grand solliciter for soules , hee hath not such another cunning engine i' th world , to ruine vertue . gri.

i my lord ?

lod. you are no hipocrite , he does euery night lye with a succubus , he brought me to one let him deny it , but heauen had pitty on me . enter bellinda . ha ? there she is , doe you not see her ? deuill ! i doe defie thee , my lord stand by me , i will be honest , spight of him and thee , and lye with mine owne wife . gi.

sure the prince is mad ,

duk. oh rise most noble lady , well deseruing a statue to record thy vertue . lod.

ha ?

duk.

this is grimundoes wife ,

lod.

't is so my lord .

bel. no deuill but the seruant of your vertue , that shall reioyce , if wee haue thriu'd in your conuersion . ast.

i hope it .

lod. haue i bin mock'd into honesty ? are not you a fury ? and you a slye and subtile epicure ? gri. i doe abhorre the thought of being so , pardon my seeming sir . ab. oh goe not backe , preuent thus seasonably your reall torment . lod. i am fully wakened , be this kisse the pledge of my new heart . pi. true loue streame in your bosomes lady forgiue mee too . ast.

most willingly .

duk. our ioy is perfect , lodowisk salute a sister in this lady , leonora , the obiect of our first loue , take the story as wee returne lord abbot wee must thanke you for contriuing this , and you good father , embassedors shall be dispatcht to millan , to acquire where and how their absent princesse leonora hath dispos'd her selfe , meane while , poets shall stretch inuention , to expresse triumphs for thee , and sauoyes happinesse . extunt omnes .
finis .
machine-generated castlist a -lodowick a -dulcino a -duke a -foscari a -cleona a -jacomo a -grimundo a -piero a -soranzo a -belinda a -astella a -giotto a -valentio a -fabrichio a -abbot a -servant a -unassigned a -gentleman a -leonora a -silvanus a - _lady a -butler
textual notes

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poë●ie ionson ) disgracing nature , & harmonious poësie , are transported with many illiterate and t● i vindicate , whose pen wisely disdaines to iniure lines , or men , thou hast prepared iniuce vindicate , whose pen wisely disdaines to iniure lines , or men , thou hast prepared dainties embr●c'd tast , and art by all that know thy muse embrac'd let purblind critticks still endure this sororu● esynodis tulere sacris et musarum hierarchia , & sororum triga , & castalius latexrigauit ) quod nepo●ulique dilaniantque , lancinantque momi insulsatribus , ne populique . ergo per charites , nouen silesque ni●i captus non veneratur osculatur est diuum nisi stoicum assecutus . supra nos homines seueriores noli● coqulant maligni : tam forti stomacho placere nolis nec sherleie places : dapes ministras iucundas t●rreat laurum pete , quam merere totam . nec te terreat iste qui poctis iam minos rhadamanthus aeacusq vrn● numeratur inde quartus qua 〈◊〉 dubia tremendus vrna : sphinx parnassia quem timemur omnes te tremis●at parnassia quem timemur omnes te viso velut oedipo tremiscat . sic tu solne gryphos , vt illa nectit expressious which cannot be denyde here are no forc'd expressions , no rack'd phraze no babell compositions babeil forc'd expressions , no rack'd phraze no babell compositions to amaze the tortur'd reader at heists no beleeu'd defence to strengthen the bold atheist's insolence , no obscene sillable , alooser rich clothes commend no deformd bounty of a looser friend , nor am i warme i'th sunshine gui●ding am i warme i'th sunshine of great men by guilding their darke sinnes , truth guides my pen to ' th sicke with dotage : which doth still impart to'th betterd world new miracles of art . i must g●eeke muse expires whose english , staines the greeke and latine lires diuinest ionson , liue mod est bold seuerity , who for the offence of being modest est and not iustling others for the wall compa ion piero , companion of lodow . y●t neither of vs , although i bee no stoicke , yet i thanke my starres i haue a power o're thank● of vs , although i bee no stoicke , yet i thanke my starres i haue a power o're my affection ●tarres although i bee no stoicke , yet i thanke my starres i haue a power o're my affection , if hee'le a●fection thanke my starres i haue a power o're my affection , if hee'le not tame his , let it melt him n●erer turne foole , and place one of their sexe neerer my heart , farewell , commend me to my brother 〈◊〉 there needs no character where he is , to expresse him . beti●es the walke of princes , to make prouision betimes for them : they can bequeath small legacie th●m of princes , to make prouision betimes for them : they can bequeath small legacie , knowing fate● both state and fortune for himselfe , his fates before him , here comes grimundo ! b● , that the young lady of millan , should be forc'd to marry now , with her vncle ? vrg● 'tis a trifle , reasons of state they vrge against vs , least their dukedom by this lea●t , reasons of state they vrge against vs , least their dukedom by this match , the subiect dnkedome state they vrge against vs , least their dukedom by this match , the subiect vnto sauoy , ●e vs , least their dukedom by this match , the subiect vnto sauoy , for the scruple of scrupl● match , the subiect vnto sauoy , for the scruple of religion , they are in hope , that a o● the subiect vnto sauoy , for the scruple of religion , they are in hope , that a dispensation pasti●es grimundo ? because you take no pleasure in such pastimes , your contemplation may busie it selfe fair● leonora's picture a faire table-booke . you may without offence to yonng table-booke . you may without offence to your young wife ▪ looke on a picture . i ha perused 〈◊〉 your young wife ▪ looke on a picture . i ha perused it , let me see't no more , millan 〈◊〉 your young wife ▪ looke on a picture . i ha perused it , let me see't no more , millan and we 〈◊〉 looke on a picture . i ha perused it , let me see't no more , millan and we are parted s●e't looke on a picture . i ha perused it , let me see't no more , millan and we are parted , our ●o picture . i ha perused it , let me see't no more , millan and we are parted , our breast m●re picture . i ha perused it , let me see't no more , millan and we are parted , our breast and'tis and 'tis time enough , wee haue the day before do● nay doe not flatter now , i doe not court your praise so much , i speake ladiesi'the abroad i must continue it , there are more ladies i'the world ? serutinie into the nature of her climate , or make a scrutinie into the starres : whose language is mine b● all titles , though her birth or fortune , by a degree beneath vs , such a wife were worth n●w all loue and honour vpon cleona nor ist a new affection , wee but cherish some seedes w●e'le soule , wo not neglect your owne i know , wee'le both turne fryers together ? ceole must bee had somewhere , wo'd y'ad mine , to coole your appetite , take your owne course , e●er enter foscary with a letter . suruine fame , what i doe owe you here , this shall suruiue you , for i will speake the story with that fosc▪ fosc. (null) innocenc● language to vndoe thy selfe , trust not the innocence of thy soule too farre , for though their wom●n where men are but deceitfull shadowes , the women , walking flames ; what if this lady bestow out●ide to buy thy vertue from thee , and when thy outside thriues , vpon their treacherous bountie thriue● thy vertue from thee , and when thy outside thriues , vpon their treacherous bountie th'out t●y th'out starue at heart , and lust will leaue thy body , many vnpittyed ruines , th thou art ouart leaue thy body , many vnpittyed ruines , th thou art young — sedue'd young , and beautifull , thou art apt to bee seduc'd . i● freedome i was borne with much lesse base ends , if i but meet agen that good man , who in reuerence sasest i did trust him sir , as being the safest treasurer , with that , would make mee welcome v●e consent from me , to thy departure , i haue now vse of thy faith , thou wo't not runne away m● shall not onely pay my seruices , but leaue me in arrerage to thy loue , receiue this letter grimund● enter grimundo . co●z'ned welcome sir , from death , fame so , had couz'ned our beliefe , but thus , she has made you pr●cious beliefe , but thus , she has made you the more precious . min●te procur'd that rumour to be spread , excuse a minute , he tell thee all my counsels , i neede couns●ls spread , excuse a minute , he tell thee all my counsels , i neede not , wast any instructions on con●yauce instructions on thee , dulcino , for the conueyance of this paper , let me commend it to thy sav●y neuer , i brought him first to savoy , hauing brought him from the bandetti , fa●'d passage , ore the confines , is't not a sweet fac'd thing ? there are some ladies , might change n●y nay , to his shape he has as fine a soule , ●o nay , to his shape he has as fine a soule , which b●en you ha not been long acquainted with him . 〈◊〉 i haue skill in 〈◊〉 : belieue my character , he's full excellent 〈◊〉 i haue skill in 〈◊〉 : belieue my character , he's full excellent excellent 〈◊〉 haue skill in 〈◊〉 : belieue my character , he's full excellent excellent sweetnesse . ●xcellent in 〈◊〉 : belieue my character , he's full excellent excellent sweetnesse . h●s his vertue will deserue more praise , he suffers imp●ession and earthly mindes , be capable of loues impression , or the iniury — he willingly forsooke cleon● your cleona ? own● something in thy lookes , i cannot reade by thy owne glosse , and make me know , that doubtfull felici●ie to whom hath she giuen vp , the hope of my felicitie , her heart , since my too fatall absence 〈◊〉 agen , may thy tongue neuer know sorrowes accent . p●esently will you presently visit her ? 〈◊〉 soule with iealousie , if she haue still the deare possession of her heart — poss●ssion with iealousie , if she haue still the deare possession of her heart — ●till , 'tis so resolu'd , your riuall , if you still affect cleona , within this houre , he means th● time , disingage your further stay with me , the duke may misse you , preserue his fauour pr●serue further stay with me , the duke may misse you , preserue his fauour , and forget me in your conference c●nsider conference , i would be still conceal'd , let me consider on my fate , agen i thanke you , and dismisse wom●n she's but a woman . yet how shall i be able to accuse her ●ur fighting in me , from our owne armie must arise our feare , when loue it selfe is turn'd a mutineere mutin●re our feare , when loue it selfe is turn'd a mutineere . eu●ry more perfume , y'are sweet seruingmen , make euery corner of the house smoake , bestirre your selues ●uery the house smoake , bestirre your selues , euery man know his prouince , and bee officious pr●uince bestirre your selues , euery man know his prouince , and bee officious to please my lady , pl●e know his prouince , and bee officious to please my lady , according to his talent , haue ●ady prouince , and bee officious to please my lady , according to his talent , haue you furnisht furnish● lady , according to his talent , haue you furnisht out the banquet ? b●nquet to his talent , haue you furnisht out the banquet ? m●thodically most methodically ? 〈◊〉 fresh suite of arras , but no matter , these beare the age well , let'em hang . ag● of arras , but no matter , these beare the age well , let'em hang . ●he her wine abroad , the more liberally among the dukes seruants , you two are tall fellowes relee●e when you are drunke , i will send others to releeue you , goe to your stations , if his grace c●me you , goe to your stations , if his grace come hither a suter to my lady , as wee haue mov●e be a great man , and ride vpon a reuerend movle by patent , there is no end of my preferment t●ere and ride vpon a reuerend movle by patent , there is no end of my preferment , i did once on●ly to rise ; for indeed , it is iust ▪ that onely those , who ger their liuing by their legs rid● who ger their liuing by their legs , should ride vpon a foot-cloth . l●aue heauen as farre as my profit will giue mee leaue , and tremble , only at the summons of a complex●on let me see the complexion of the face , has it a handsome title page 〈◊〉 has it a handsome title page , is it stilo nouo . ●ay yet say belinda — vsele●e giue me leaue a little further . here i am vselesse . d●ke perfect shape and order , to receiue the duke , you know our pleasure , not to spare or ●ost , you know our pleasure , not to spare or cost , or studie , to delight his highnesse . s●eward i hope i haue not beene your steward so long , but i know how to put your ladiship far●s perplexe me , prethee speake sweet youth , how fares my lord ? vpon my virgin heart , ile build bui'd fares my lord ? vpon my virgin heart , ile build a flaming altar , to offer vp a thank ▪ refre dispersed odours round about my soule , and did refresh it when twas dull , and sad , with thinking it●sh odours round about my soule , and did refresh it when twas dull , and sad , with thinking noryot him without halfe this trouble , ile haue no ryot for his highnesse . favrie hum ? this is a fayrie , and the diuell sent him to make my lady muficke the gallery , perfume the chambers , what musicke for the duke , a banquet for the duke , noryot duke , now , be lesse officious , wee'l haue no ryot for his highnesse , tis this vrchin out rise high in our thoughts , and thus confirme we are welcome 〈◊〉 none but heauenly , or could this roofe be capable of ill , your 〈◊〉 , or could this roofe be capable of ill , your onely presence lady would conuert it . there's 〈◊〉 your onely presence lady would conuert it . there's a vertuous magick in your eye , for where 〈◊〉 rtuous presence lady would conuert it . there's a vertuous magick in your eye , for where soere it amo●ous the tedious moones with preparation to his amorous suite , i haue beene cleona , a long admirer lodwieke enter lodwicke , and piero . l●ue heauen , as an other , i know hee cannot liue long ▪ he's so well giuen , they neuer thriue d'● well giuen , they neuer thriue , and then d'ee thinke ile keepe such a religious court il● they neuer thriue , and then d'ee thinke ile keepe such a religious court , in this corner fi● that a nest of carthusians , things which in fine turne to otters , appeare flesh , but really relea●e i dare not heare him longer , madam release me . wi●h there's not a friend in the whole world can wish you better , would you were canonis'd a di●turbing , i would not pray to thee , for feare of disturbing thy seraphicall deuotion . serap●icall pray to thee , for feare of disturbing thy seraphicall deuotion . deu●tion , for feare of disturbing thy seraphicall deuotion . ve●trous i would not haue your ladiship too ventrous , the ayre is some what cold , and may endanger i● this hand i doe not know one honest woman in the dukedome . ●hat how my lord , what doe you thinke of me ? ● i know not whether you be a woman or no , t● oh rather my lord conclude my sufferings , to thus with tortures lengthen out my death o● thus with tortures lengthen out my death , or kill me , and i beseech you i will kisse grimu●do enter grimundo . on'● no kill your selfe , more good will come on't , how now ? nay then w'are like to haue exp●esse which hee sayes , shall enable him , but to expresse how much he honours faire cleona . reioy●e i am his studious seruant , and reioyce in this good newes : your brother is recouered specula● eat garlike with diogenes in a tub , and speculate the starres without a shirt , prethee enioy gu●t obtaine so great a fauour sir , you'ld be my guest in absence of the duke , i'm but ambitious 〈◊〉 tarry so long in honest company , but my comfort is i doe not vse it , come away piero , 〈◊〉 haue comfort , though reason and example vrge our feares , heauen will not let you loose expres●on i wont expression my lord , to giue you the circumstance , has●e to which her couetous sight made the first haste , one might haue seene her heart dance in h●r her at his presence slacke that feruour , her former passion had begot of me ? was shee co●tly former passion had begot of me ? was shee not courtly to him boy ? fosc▪ fosc. (null) ch●eke thou shouldst ha watcht her cheeke then , there a blush had cene a guilt indeed ●ee with halfe a smile , had beene an argument shee had beene lost , and the temptation aboue h●d the temptation aboue her strength , which had i knowne , i could ha slept , and neuer wea●e my lord , you weaue a causelesse trouble to your selfe . beso too blame dulcino , yet when thou com'st to be so ripe , for so much miserie , as to loue thoug●ts in time . endanger much the quiet of your thoughts . su●pition why can there be suspition she will varie , doe not checke the confidence ch●ke there be suspition she will varie , doe not checke the confidence thou hadst , vnsettle not c●n vnsettle not , the faith i haue in thee , shee can proue false . no● mistake me not , i doe not doubt her truth , but shee's do● mistake me not , i doe not doubt her truth , but shee's a woman d●lay her truth , but shee's a woman , and if you delay to interpose your selfe , his greatnesse in●erpose but shee's a woman , and if you delay to interpose your selfe , his greatnesse may in time aff●ction without iniustice to your loue , winne vpon her affection , you shall doe a great impietie to 〈◊〉 m●ch a great impietie to 〈◊〉 her now . with so much proofe , and loyaltie of honour . loyal●e to 〈◊〉 her now . with so much proofe , and loyaltie of honour . 〈◊〉 on neuer , neuer , and i will reward her loue ▪ beyond example , thus dulc● th● h●r on neuer , neuer , and i will reward her loue ▪ beyond example , thus dulc● th● shalt lo● on neuer , neuer , and i will reward her loue ▪ beyond example , thus dulc● th● shalt 〈◊〉 her loue ▪ beyond example , thus dulc● th● shalt returne . ●ou my lord i had much rather waite on you to her . ●hou iush , thou vnderstandst not what i haue purpos'd , pu●pos'd iush , thou vnderstandst not what i haue purpos'd , thou shalt presently goe backe , and tell shal● vnderstandst not what i haue purpos'd , thou shalt presently goe backe , and tell cleona , i●sue i boy , that i am dead , may marke the issue . wee'l● inuention may be made , to say 'twas forg'd , wee'le study that anon , in the assurance of my the● must be so deliuered , as she shall beleeue thee , she may affect the duke . aff●ct deliuered , as she shall beleeue thee , she may affect the duke . b●st best , best of all , shall i be so vngratefull to a ● best of all , shall i be so vngratefull to a lady , of such rare merit , when a prince g●eat merit , when a prince desires to make her great , by my vnworthy interest destroy her blessings blessing● great , by my vnworthy interest destroy her blessings , hinder such a fortune from faire cleona d● heauen does inuite me to it , she shall raigne glorious 〈◊〉 heauen does inuite me to it , she shall raigne glorious in tho● my beads that she might prosper , be not thou an enemy to her and mee , i see thou art thouart not thou an enemy to her and mee , i see thou art vnwilling to this imployment , if th'ast di●sembling thinke thou art not very wicked , a false , dissembling boy , deny me not this office , vse what fai●ed report , and thy sad breath , shall giue a fained , saue a reall death . amba●adour duke will fetch her about , here was another ambassadour at dinner , and his highnesse is againe ●ser thing , for any of their seruants , to be wiser then themselues , obserue the inuentorie nobl● mans themselues , obserue the inuentorie of a great noblemans house , marke the number of the learned ●mprimis number of the learned , ile begin with them . imprimis , chaplaines and schoole ▪ masters one , pag●s chaplaines and schoole ▪ masters one , two pages , . gentlemen , . footemen , . horses cr●ures gentlemen , . footemen , . horses , seruing creatures , and . couple of dogs . a very noble wa●te entreat my lady may haue knowledge that i waite here . he●e entreat my lady may haue knowledge that i waite here . ●de ide laugh at that , howsoeuer you are heartily l●dy though i speake a proud word — ile tell my lady that you attend her . fabri● enter cleona , fabrichio , iacomo . co●rts a glorious fate courts your acceptance , and i hope your 〈◊〉 will ac●eptance a glorious fate courts your acceptance , and i hope your 〈◊〉 will teach you how h●ghnesse you how to meete it , y'aue receiu'd his highnesse bosome , now ile take my leaue , cle●na cleona : arri●'d since i arriu'd , tis but a paire of minutes . ●ayes exit and stayes behind the hangings . repen● you will repent this welcome madam . i● become dismall , thy brow dull as saturnes is . thy lips are hung with blacke , as if fun●rall , as if thy tongue were to pronounce some funerall . g●ard it is , but let your vertue place a guard about your eare , it is too weake a sence ●are let your vertue place a guard about your eare , it is too weake a sence to trust with fos●ari quickly know the totall of my sorrow , is foscari dead since i saw thee last ? or hath some finn'd , you must punish , deare madam , i haue sinn'd against his ghost , in my deceiuing you aff●ight forgotten how he loued you , i must expect him to affright my dreames . and prooue my waking euill dayof and i loue him , else may i neuer know one day of comfort , i durst not without guilt of iacom● iacomo comes forth . sor●zo enter soranzo . abeame a touch or so , a beame with which his highnesse , doth vse fosc▪ fosc. (null) th'haft will conduce , to my eternall quiet , if th'hast any scruple , hee will direct thee , hauing superlicious diuinity , and golden sentences , looke like a supersticious elder , with a starch'd face , and a tunable ●'th married , ) that i am the greatest whoremaster i'th dukedome . ●eard i haue heard you , and now i thinke fit to discouer my selfe credu●ous this while , and that i am as they say , a credulous coxecombe , and cannot perceiue , that by cox●combe , and that i am as they say , a credulous coxecombe , and cannot perceiue , that by your politique no● , d'ee heare ? the time may come you will not dare these things , and yet you shall see lo●dship why does not your lordship beleeue me then ? do'●t do'st thou thinke throughout the yeare , i will satyr● of my pastime , for this your tooth-lesse satyre ▪ your mocke ▪ balled , goe get some pretty wit● office of a bawd for you , and play the pander with dexteritie , will that conuince you ? co●uince play the pander with dexteritie , will that conuince you ? t●en then goe with me , and i will demonstrate . hon●st carry you to a lady bee not afraid shee is honest , a handsome peece of flesh , a lady that ha●ome a lady bee not afraid shee is honest , a handsome peece of flesh , a lady that will bound fl●sh afraid shee is honest , a handsome peece of flesh , a lady that will bound yee , and rebound wi●h with delight and admiration , one in whom doth flouris● delight and admiration , one in whom doth flourish all the excellencie of women , honesty only w●l wil you leade me to such a creature ? 〈◊〉 yes , and thinke your selfe richer , then to be lord of both the indies , heres cro●et no more , i haue a crotchet new sprung , where shall i meere thee ? secre● ile expect you in the parke — be very secret my lord i can but grieue for you . co●n'd how haue we all beene cozen'd ? what is my brother here ? te●rne this houre my lord ▪ he is now vpon returne . l●dy ile see him , and then prepare me for this lady . i feele a boyling in my veines already li●e boyling in my veines already , this is the life of greatnesse , and of court they'r fooles ●ee nay wee must haue such a deale of circumstance ▪ aff●ct your lust will prompt you to , but that you affect ceremony , and loue to bee entreated . bett●r thinke on't agen , i pray you thinke a little better , i ha no great ambition to ha my throat se●uice that shall venture vpon a disease to doe you seruice , but your lady . do● my lord doe but con sider — well i will doe what i can , and there be no remedy — but ●ew the new name that i shall adde to your other titles title● new name that i shall adde to your other titles will sticke in your head and i feare corrupt lo●e testimony , so i might be in hope to winne your loue . w●at of what ? pri●acie haue something to impart , will require more priuacie . mo●t flame , and yet me thought he did appeare most louely , nay in's absence i cherish his gentl●man a gentleman , admit him . d●fernes a gracious prince , and this high fauour deserues my person , and my sword , when you vouchsafe fo●cari foscari . wai●e waite without . fo●caries foscaries shadow ? messuag● necessity of this action , i said i had a message , i come sir from cleona . frsc. fosc. welle're nay she would haue you pause , and thinke well e're you giue her resolution , for she bad o● did but mocke her with a smooth pretence of loue . fl●e , to waite vpon her thre shold you would flie in , and seize vpon her honour . 〈◊〉 vpon her thre shold you would flie in , and seize vpon her honour . sl mbers diuinity hath oftentimes descended vpon our slumbers , and the blessed troupes haue in the calme taug●t quiet of the soule , conuers'd with vs , taught men and women happy wayes to preuent a tyrants fosc▪ fosc. (null) fhalt heauen and her faire selfe , foscari , thou shalt tell her with what alacritie i display my fosc▪ fosc. (null) i● tyrant , but a good sword can easily vncharme it , sla●e trauaile , in my absence , she heard i was slaine , at my returne , vpon the hearing of these 〈◊〉 dye , 't sha'not be said , i liu'd ▪ and ouerthrew cleona's fortune . c●eona's sha'not be said , i liu'd ▪ and ouerthrew cleona's fortune . fort●ne be said , i liu'd ▪ and ouerthrew cleona's fortune . i● if you proceed , as it concernes your happinesse , i can secure r●solu'd happinesse , i can secure all feare of mee , i am resolu'd a course wherein i will bee dead to her ● can secure all feare of mee , i am resolu'd a course wherein i will bee dead to her , he● resolu'd a course wherein i will bee dead to her , yet liue to pray for her , and you , although m● although i neuer see you more , will you my royall lord ? r●yall although i neuer see you more , will you my royall lord ? d●d did euer louer plead against himselfe before again●t did euer louer plead against himselfe before ? lou● i loue her still , and in that study her advancement giu● study her advancement sir , in you . i cannot giue her . f●sc, fosc. liu●ng and not open that i am liuing . ag●n confident , let me but kisse your hand . agen , may blessings dwell with you for euer a●wayes he was alwayes noble , but this passion has outgone hystorie fosc●ri makes for me , haile to my curteous fate , foscari thankes , like the aged phenix , thy old p●enix curteous fate , foscari thankes , like the aged phenix , thy old loue expires , and from such death ●uch phenix , thy old loue expires , and from such death , springs life to my desires . li●e loue expires , and from such death , springs life to my desires . d●fires and from such death , springs life to my desires . dul●ino enter dulcino . 〈◊〉 the father is not come yet , nor my lord return'd , yet when they doe , i haue no way to helpe t●●lpe return'd , yet when they doe , i haue no way to helpe my selfe , nor haue i power to goe s●me ha tis the same . leon●ra deare leonora . myracl● oh let my teares expresse my ioyes , what myracle gaue you this liberty ? ci●cumstance the circumstance confirmes it . expect● are you the goodman whom my lord expects ▪ tis so me refreshing in the midst of sorrow ●he i did , and he is now vpon the point of his returne . b●est i am blest , dulcimo , nay no distinction now , me lodowick● enter lodowicke and grimundo . 〈◊〉 enter lodowicke and grimundo . g●oue you see that groue . hi● knaue i see that , how happy shall i bee in his conuersation , i sha'not neede to keepe i● procure , and he bee so well furnished , if euer i come to be duke , i will erect a reuen●w erect a magnificent colledge , endow it with reuenew to maintaine wenches , and with great pensions m●intaine magnificent colledge , endow it with reuenew to maintaine wenches , and with great pensions inuite faire● wenches , and with great pensions inuite the fairest ladies from all parts of christendome , part● pensions inuite the fairest ladies from all parts of christendome , into my seraglio , then chie●e haue this fellow gelded , and make him my chiefe eunuch ranger , or ouerseer of all , my ouers●er and make him my chiefe eunuch ranger , or ouerseer of all , my pretious tame fowle lydown● enter . like satyres ▪ and ly downe 〈◊〉 enter one like siluanus . you● , leape for ioy , and friske about , find your prettie dryads out , hand in hand compose dryad● ioy , and friske about , find your prettie dryads out , hand in hand compose a ring , dance sil●anus , dance and circle youe new king , him , siluanus must obay , v●nished vanished like fayries ? ha what musicke this ? the 〈◊〉 here is grimundo ha ? what glorious creatures this commits commit● grimundo ha ? what glorious creatures this commits a rape vpon my senses on euery side , but leslen , all other admirations are forgot , and lessen in her glorie . d●mineere be high and frolike , she loues to see one domineere , when y'are throughly acquainted , you'le allbu● exeunt all but lodowicke and belinda . 〈◊〉 exeunt all but lodowicke and belinda . ●ske i forgot to aske her name-lady i am come . com● i forgot to aske her name-lady i am come . o● you are not ignorant of the intents my bloud hath brought with me o● l'me confident , will justifie his promise of some pastime . bo●ome he's a seruant , whose bosome i dare trust , the sonne of night , and mor●●cret dare trust , the sonne of night , and yet more secret then his mother , hee hath power m●e then his mother , hee hath power to engage mee , and i shall take pride in my obedience tak● hee hath power to engage mee , and i shall take pride in my obedience , first be pleas'd p●de hath power to engage mee , and i shall take pride in my obedience , first be pleas'd to tast obedienc● engage mee , and i shall take pride in my obedience , first be pleas'd to tast , what in my t● pride in my obedience , first be pleas'd to tast , what in my duty i prepar'd for your f● pleas'd to tast , what in my duty i prepar'd for your first entertainement , these but serue 〈◊〉 what in my duty i prepar'd for your first entertainement , these but serue to quicken appetite . 〈◊〉 first entertainement , these but serue to quicken appetite . appeti●e entertainement , these but serue to quicken appetite . l●dw lodw muc● i 〈◊〉 vse much courtship , where's this musicke ? cou●ship i 〈◊〉 vse much courtship , where's this musicke ? 〈◊〉 belinda ▪ 〈◊〉 doth it offend your eare ? w●ence 'tis rauishing whence doth it breath ? ●housand if you command , weele change a thousand ayres ▪ till you find one is sweet , and in●o high enough , to rocke your wanton soule into 〈◊〉 slumbers . s●mbers enough , to rocke your wanton soule into 〈◊〉 slumbers . h●are spare them all , i heare 'em in thy accents . 〈◊〉 orpheus calliopes fam'd sonne , vpon whose lute call●opes orpheus calliopes fam'd sonne , vpon whose lute myriads of myr●ds orpheus calliopes fam'd sonne , vpon whose lute myriads of louers ghosts doe waite , and hang vpon lou●rs fam'd sonne , vpon whose lute myriads of louers ghosts doe waite , and hang vpon the golden g●iefes vpon the golden strings to haue their owne griefes softned with his noble touch , shall come softn●d golden strings to haue their owne griefes softned with his noble touch , shall come againe ag●ine softned with his noble touch , shall come againe from hell , with fresh , and happier straines tomoue hell , with fresh , and happier straines , to moue your fancie . ●trange that were very strange , she is poeticall , more then halfe a fury mo●e that were very strange , she is poeticall , more then halfe a fury , but wee prate all this tim● wee prate all this while , and loose the time we should imploy more pretiously , i need w● prate all this while , and loose the time we should imploy more pretiously , i need no prouocatiu● should imploy more pretiously , i need no more prouocatiues , my veynes are rich and swell with expectation d●sires your name , why lady ? by my desires i know it not , i hope you haue receiu'd bla●bing receiu'd a better character , then to suspect my blabbing , ile not trust my ghostly father with my h● ha ? thats excellent , if the villaine doe d●e ha ? thats excellent , if the villaine doe prosper with my wife , ile marry her . a●righted yes . be not affrighted sir , you see i bring no horror to distract n●mphes command my spirits , to put on satyres , and nimphes to entertaine you first whiles others in w●th delight , why doe you keepe such distance , with one that loues you ? recollect your selfe sa●isfie see i am couetous to returne delight , and satisfie your lustfull genius , come lets withdraw grimnndo how came grimundo , and your deuilship , acquainted ▪ pl●ce hipocrisie , and priuate sinnes , no common place in hell , hees now my fauorite , and we h●es priuate sinnes , no common place in hell , hees now my fauorite , and we enioy , each other soll●cite of him long since ▪ with many , and fierce sollicite , but he vrg'd his feare , you were not ●e ▪ with many , and fierce sollicite , but he vrg'd his feare , you were not ripe enough enoug● but he vrg'd his feare , you were not ripe enough in sinne , for his , discouery . disco●ery were not ripe enough in sinne , for his , discouery . feel● i feele my selfe dissolue ▪ in sweate , be●ide beside my lord , it is another motiue to honour moti●e beside my lord , it is another motiue to honour you , and by my chaines which c●aines another motiue to honour you , and by my chaines which now i haue left behind , it makes l●ft you , and by my chaines which now i haue left behind , it makes me grow enamor'd , your o● prayers at home , and weepes away her sight , oh let me hug you for it , dispise her vowes vowe● , oh let me hug you for it , dispise her vowes still , spurne her teares agen into her ariadue crowne of flames ▪ brighter then that , which ariadne weares of fixed starres , come shall we sta●res then that , which ariadne weares of fixed starres , come shall we dally now ? fl●sh within are dust already , and i weare my flesh like a loose , vpper garment , uenu● two , will progresse through the ayre in uenus charret ▪ and when her siluer doues grow tir● and when her siluer doues grow faint , and tire , cupid and mercury shall lend vs wings wind●s , weary of this , we both will backe the windes . and hunt the phaenix through the arabian d●serts and hunt the phaenix through the arabian deserts her we will spoyle of all her shining plumes h●r hunt the phaenix through the arabian deserts her we will spoyle of all her shining plumes inuelop●d constellation , the sea shall yeeld vs pastime , when inueloped with clouds , blacker then night , wee range particu●ers thousand shipwrackes , what doe i vrge these particulers ? let vs be one soule , ayre , earth and da●e i haue a suit , but dare not speake . ●ot i haue a suit , but dare not speake . b●e take courage , and from mee bee confident to obtaine . ●uch quicke vpon me , i was not well prepar'd for such a sound , it turn'd my bloud to ice , and ●o prepar'd for such a sound , it turn'd my bloud to ice , and i ha' not recouered so much warmth ha● sound , it turn'd my bloud to ice , and i ha' not recouered so much warmth yet , to desire r●couered it turn'd my bloud to ice , and i ha' not recouered so much warmth yet , to desire the sport d●misse sport i came for , would you please but to dismisse me for a time , i would returne , when i do● i doe finde your cunning , you pretend this excuse cunni●g i doe finde your cunning , you pretend this excuse , but to gaine ●oole the world , i most abhorre , and they will foole you with their ghostly councell , perplexe pe pl●xe will foole you with their ghostly councell , perplexe you with some fond diuinity , to make you mel ●neholly i could neuer abide such melencholly people . ●nfeebled knowledge of mens thoughts , i see your bloods infeebled , and although my loue be infinite , and ●le creature in our actiue play , for this time ile dismisse you — doe not pray , a spirit shall d●uell horrour . he wants a wench , that goes to the diuell for her . villain● touch me not villaine , pietie defend me art thou a man , or haue ang●ll haue i all this while conuerst with some ill angell in the shape of my lords friend , n●v to vndoe my name nay soule for euer with one act . c●ristians hundred times , yet thinke themselues as good christians as other women , and doe carry as much opinion t●y thy breath doth scatter an infection . fer●et haue at your burrough madam , hee's a shrewd ferret i can tell you , and iust in the nicke here yonghell set the house on fire instantly and make a young hell on't when came she ? i shall be euerlastingly acti●ity shew what feates of actiuity you please but i beleeue hee hath vaulted bel●eue what feates of actiuity you please but i beleeue hee hath vaulted into your sadle wh●re no , where is he ? ●ate lady did , and i told him you could tell the state of her body better then i , for i thought 〈◊〉 present theame is dangerous ; what i heare say iacomo , your lady is like to rise ? likel● very likely , i say nothing but i thinke i know my ladies falla'th made more hast , you might ha come to the fall a'th deere , delicate venison . do e and you be so sharpe set , i doe meane to withdaw . perish●'th i doe meane to cut your throat , or perish i'th attempt you see your destinie , my le● your destinie , my birth and spirit wo'not let me kill thee in the darke , draw and be da●ke and spirit wo'not let me kill thee in the darke , draw and be circumspect . circum●pect let me kill thee in the darke , draw and be circumspect . ●ou did not thou engage me to it , haue i done any thing negl●ct what complexion your heart beares , doe not neglect my fury , but guard your selfe discreetly bu● heart beares , doe not neglect my fury , but guard your selfe discreetly , if i hit vpon v●yne your selfe discreetly , if i hit vpon the right vayne i may cure your disease a'th bloud . diseasea'th hit vpon the right vayne i may cure your disease a'th bloud . arro●es impenterable like . a marble she returned my sinfull arrowes and they haue wounded me , forgiue me lady resig●e me with her vertue , in this truth i dare resigne my breath . si● you please you shall not need to force mee sir , you may lead me with gossamere , or the ma● you shall not need to force mee sir , you may lead me with gossamere , or the least thread thu● what fury thus transports him at some distance ile follow allmy not conuerted into a dutchesse where are all my offices ? hum where are they quoth i , i ther●'s there's some hope my lord already and heauen may lea●ing , valentio goes out and presently enters leading foscarie and dulcino in st. bennets habit k●eele st. bennets habit , hee presents them they kneele at the abbots feete . o● we kneele to be receiued into the number , of those religious men that dedicate themselues d●uotion that you would rectifie and teach our weake deuotion , the way to imitate his life , by giuing flimy couet not the blaze , which a corrupt , and slimy matter may aduance , our thoughts are flam'd slam'd slimy matter may aduance , our thoughts are flam'd with charity . tearm●s nor i , vpon these tearmes i pitty em . inelos'd leonora like to a perfect magnes , though inclos'd within an iuory box , through the white le●nora no my lord , i am discouered , you see leonora now , a millan lady , if i may hope your he●re mistris , it shall be my deuotion to pray heere , and my religion to honour thee . vnlon many blessings crowne this vnion . l●dowicke enter lodowicke , astella , and piero . 〈◊〉 euery good mans pardon , for the wrong i ha ' done this excellent lady , whom my soule grimunde heauen — ha doe not hold a iustice backe , grimundo is a traitor take heed on him and say your deulls on him and say your prayers , hee is the deuills grand solliciter for soules , hee hath not deuill● no deuill but the seruant of your vertue , that shall co●ersion shall reioyce , if wee haue thriu'd in your conuersion . ●lye honesty ? are not you a fury ? and you a slye and subtile epicure ? ●orment backe , preuent thus seasonably your reall torment . 〈◊〉 our ioy is perfect , lodowisk salute a sister in this lady , leonora , the obiect 〈◊〉 our ioy is perfect , lodowisk salute a sister in this lady , leonora , the obiect of our 〈◊〉 of our first loue , take the story as wee returne lord abbot wee must thanke you for contriuing 〈◊〉 first loue , take the story as wee returne lord abbot wee must thanke you for contriuing 〈◊〉 wee returne lord abbot wee must thanke you for contriuing this , and you good father , con●riuing returne lord abbot wee must thanke you for contriuing this , and you good father , embassedors e●bassedors for contriuing this , and you good father , embassedors shall be dispatcht to millan , to acquire 〈◊〉 embassedors shall be dispatcht to millan , to acquire where and how their absent princesse 〈◊〉 where and how their absent princesse leonora hath dispos'd her selfe , meane while , poets inn●ntion her selfe , meane while , poets shall stretch inuention , to expresse triumphs for thee , and sauoyes
the grateful servant a comedy : as it was presented with good applause in the private house in drury-lane by her majesties servants / written by james shirley, gent. shirley, james, - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing s estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) the grateful servant a comedy : as it was presented with good applause in the private house in drury-lane by her majesties servants / written by james shirley, gent. shirley, james, - . [ ] p. printed for william leake ..., london : [ ?] date of publication from nuc pre- imprints. advertisement: p. 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ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - john latta sampled and proofread - john latta text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion the grateful servant . a comedy . as it was presented with good applause in the private house in drury-lane . by her majesties servants . written by james shirley , gent. london , printed for william leake , at the crown in fleetstreet , between the two temple gates . to the right honourable , francis earl of rutland , &c. my most honoured lord , when the age declineth from her primitive vertue , and the silken wits of the time , ( that i may borrow from our acknowledg'd master , learned johnson ) disgracing nature , and harmonious poesie , are transported with many illiterate and prodigious births , it is not safe to appear without protection . among all the names of honour , this comedy oweth most gratitude to your lordship , whose clear testimony to me was above a theater , and i applaud the dexterity of my fate , that hath so well prepared a dedication , whither my only ambition would direct it . i am not pale , to think it is now expos'd to your deliberate censure ; for 't is my security , that i have studied your lordships candor , and know you imitate the divine nature which is mercifull above offence . go on great lord , and be the volume of our english honour , in whom while others , invited by their birth , and quickned with ambitious emulation , read and study their principles , let me be made happy enough to admire , and devote my self , your lordships most humble creature : james shirley . persons . duke of savoy , lover of leonora ; and in her supposed losse , of cleona . lodwick , his brother , wild and lascivious . foscari , a noble count , and lover of cleona . grimundo , a lord , and once governour to lodwick . noble men of savoy . soranzo . giotto . fabrichio . piero , companion of lodwick . jacomo , a foolish ambitious steward to cleona . valentio , a religious man. abbot . gent. servants . satyrs . leonora , the princess of millan , but disguiz'd as a page to foscari , and call'd dulcino . astella , a vertuous lady , wife to lodwick , but neglected . belinda , wife to grimundo . cleona , foscari's mistris . ladies . nymphs . the scene savoy . the grateful servant . actvs . scaena . enter soranzo , giotto . giotto . the duke is mov'd . sor. the newes displeas'd him much . giot. and yet i see no reason why he should engage so great affection to th' daughter of millan ; he nere saw her . sor. fame doth paint great beauties , and her picture ( by which princes court one another ) may beget a flame in him to raise this passion . giot. trust a pencill . i like not that state-woing : see his brother enter lodwicke . has left him . pray my lord how is it with his highnesse ? lodw. somewhat calmer , love i think will kill neither of us : although i be no stoick , yet i thank my starres i have a power o'r my affection , if hee 'le not tame his , let it melt him into sonnets , he will prove the more loving prince to you . get in again , and make wise speeches to him , there is aristotles ghost still with him , my philosophical governour that was : he wants but you two , and a paire of spectacles , to see what folly 't is to love a woman with that wicked resolution to marry her . though he be my elder brother , and a duke , i ha more wit : when there 's a death of women i may turn fool , and place one of their sexe neerer my heart : farewel , commend me to my brother , and the councel-table . exit sor. still the same wild prince , there needs no character where he is , to expresse him . giot. he said truth ; i doubt there is no roome for one , whom he : should place in 's heart , and honour . sor. his own lady all pity her misfortune , both were too unripe for hymen , 't was the old dukes act , and in such marriages hearts seldom meet when they grow older . giot. wherefore would the duke marry his young sonne first ? sor. the walke of princes , to make provision betimes for them : they can bequath small legacy , knowing th' heir carries both state and fortune for himself , his fate 's before him , here comes grimundo ! enter grimundo . grim. the duke is recollected , where 's the prince ▪ sor. gone . i would he were return'd once to himself . giot. he has too soone forgot your precepts . sor. your example might still be a lecture , grim. i did not deceive the old dukes trust while i had power to manage him , hee 's now past my tuition , but to the duke — is it not strange my lord , that the young lady of millan , should be forc'd to marry now , with her uncle ? giot. they 're unequal . sor. 't is unlawful , grim. 't is a trifle , reasons of state they urge against us , least their dukedome by this match , be subject unto savoy , for the scruple of religion , they are in hope that a dispensation may be procur'd to quit exceptions , and by this means they shall preserve their principality , i' th name and blood , so reports fabrichio whom the duke imployed for treaty : how now ? enter gentleman . gent. the duke calls for you my lords . ciot. we attend , ha ? he is coming forth . enter duke and fabrichio . sor. his looks are chearful . duke . fubrichio ? fabr. my lord. duke . we will to tennis . fabr. what your grace please . — duke . grimundo ? because you take no pleasure in such pastimes , your contemplation may busie it self with that book . grim. book my lord , it is duke . leonora's picture , a fair table-book , you may without offence to your young wife look on a picture . millan and we are parted , our breast weares again his natural temper , allow me pray the excuse of common frailty , to be moved at strangenesse of this newes . giot. your highnesse said , you would to tennis . duke . and 't is time enough , we have the day before us : some prince grimundo in such a case as this would have been angry , angry indeed , thrown of cold language , and call'd it a high , and loud affront , whose stirring imagination would have weakened death , and by a miserable warre , have taught repentance , to a paire of flourishing states , such things there have been ? sor. but your grace is wise — duke . nay , do not flatter now , i do not court your praise so much , i speak but what our stories mention , if they abuse not soft posterity : i was not come to tell you , what my thoughts , with a strong murmure prompt me too . grim. we hope — duke . ye fear , and do not know me yet , my actions shall clear your jealousie , l'me reconcil'd at home , and while i cherisht a peace here , abroad i must continue it , there are more ladies i' the world ? fabr. most true my lord. duke . and as attractive great , and glorious women , are there not , ha ? sor. plenty my lord i' the world . duke . l'the world , within the confines of our dukedome in savoy , are there not ? grim. in savoy too . many choise beauties , but your birth my lord — duke . was but an honour purchas'd by another , it might have been thy chance . grim. my father was — no duke . duke . 't was not thy fault , nor i st my vertue , that i was born when the fresh sunne was rising , so came with greater shadow into life , than thou or he . grim but royal sir be pleas'd — duke . no more , weare not ignorant , you may take away this distinction , and alledge in your grave wisdoms , specious arguments , for your alliance with some forraign prince , but we have weighed their promising circumstance , and find it only a device , that may serve time , and some dark ends , a meer state trick , to disguise hatred , and is empty of those benefits , it seems to bring along : give me a lady born in my obedience , whose disposition , will not engage a search into the nature of her climate , or make a scrutiny into the starres : whose language is mine own , and will not need a smooth interpreter , whose vertue is above all titles , though her birth or fortune , be a degree beneath us , such a wife were worth a thousand far fetcht brides , that have more state , and lesse devotion . fabr. if your highnesse — duke . come you shall know our purpose , in the last we obay'd your directions , not without our free and firm allowance of the lady whom wee 'l forget , it will become our duties , follow us now , we have not been unthrifty in our affections , and i must tell you here we are fixt to marry . grim. we are subjects , and shall solicit heaven , you may finde one worthy your great acceptance . duke . we are confident , and to put off the cloud we walk in , know we are resolv'd to place all love and honour upon cleona . nor is 't a new affection , we but cherish some seeds , which heretofore her vertue had scattered upon our heart . grim. we cannot be ambitious of a lady , in your own dominion , to whom we shall more willingly prostrate our duties . soran. she 's a lady of a flowing sweetnesse , and the living vertue of many noble ancestors . giot. in whom their fortunes meet , as their prophetick souls had taught them thrifty providence , for this great honour you intend her . duke . we are pleas'd , and thank your general vote : you then shall straight prepare our visit , bear our princely respects , and say we shall take pleasure to be her guests to day : nay lose no time , we shall the sooner quit the memory of leonoraes image . enter lodwick . soran. the prince your brother sir ? duke . withdraw , but be not at too much distance . lodwick . y' are welcome . lodw. i shall know that by my successe , i want a thousand crowns , a thousand crowns . duke . for what ? lod. why will these foolish questions ne'e be left , is 't not sufficient i would borrow em , but you must still capitulate with me ? i would put em to that use they were ordain'd for ; you might have well have ask't me , when i meant to pay you again . duke . that to some other men might ha been necessary . lodw. and you wo'not do that , i have another easie suit to you . duke . what is 't ? lodw. a thing of nothing ; i wo'd intreat you to part with this same transitory honour , this trifle call'd a dukedome , and retire like a good christian brother , into some religious house , it would be a great ease to you , and comfort to your friends , especially to me , that would not trouble you with the noise of money thus , and i could help it . duke . 't is a kind and honest motion , out of charity , meere charity , so i must needs accept it — why ? i le only marry , and get a boy , or two , to govern this poor trifle , for i 'me bound in duty , to provide for my succession . lodw. what do you make of me , cannot i serve ? duke . you that propound a benefit for my soul , wo'not neglect your own i know : wee 'le both turn fryers together ? lodw. and be lowsie ? duke . any thing . lodw. i shall not have a thousand crowns ? duke . thou shalt . lodw. then be a duke still ; come , le ts love , and be fine princes : and thou hadst but two or three of my conditions , by this hand i wo'd not care and thou wert immortal , so i might live with thee , and enjoy this worlds felicity . duke . t' hast put me in tune , how shal s be very merry now in the instant ? lodw. merry ? duke . yes . lodw. merry indeed ? duke . yes . lodw. follow me . i le bring you to a lady . duke . to a whore. lodw. that is a little the courser name . duke . and can you play the pander for me ? lodw. a toy , a toy . what can a man do lesse for any brother ? th' ordinary complement now a days , with great ones , we prostitute our sisters with lesse scruple than eating flesh on vigils ; 't is out of fashion to trust a servant with our private sins ; the greater tye of blood , the greater faith , and therefore parents have been held of late the safest wheeles on which the childrens lust hath hurried into act , with supple greatnesse . nature doth wear a vertuous charm , and will do more in soft compassion to the sin , than gold or swelling promises . duke . o lodwick ! these things do carry horror , he is lost i fear ; no i ha thought of something else , you shall with me to a lady . lodw. with all my heart . duke . unto my mistresse . lodw. your mistresse , who 's that ? duke . the fair cleona . lodw. she is honest . duke . yes , were she otherwise , she were not worth my visit ; not to lose circumstance , i love her . lodw. how ? duke . honestly . lodw. you do not mean to marry her ? duke . it sha'not be my fault if she refuse to be a dutchesse . lodw. a' my conscience , you are in earnest . duke . as i hope to thrive in desires , come you shall bear me company , and witnesse how i woe her . lodw. i commend your nimble resolution ; then a wise must be had somewhere , wo'd y 'ad mine , to coole your appetite , take your own course , i can but pray for you ; the thousand crowns — duke . upon condition , you 'l not refuse , to accompany . — lodw. your caroach quickly — stay — now i think better on 't , my wife lives with her , they are companions , i had forgot that ? duke . shee 'l take it kindly . lodw. it were enough to put her into conceipt , i come in love to her ; my constitution will not bear it . duke . what ? not see her ? lodw. yet a thousand crowns — god buy condemne me to my wife . exit . duke . ye hear gentlemen ? grim. with grief my lord , and wonder at your sufferance . duke . he is our brother , we are confident though he be wild he loves us , 't will become us t' pray and leave him to a miracle , but to our own affair . love and thy golden arrow , we shall trie , how you 'll decide our second destinie . exeunt . enter foscari with a letter . fosc. a kisse , and then 't is sealed ; this she would know better than the impression , which i made , with the rude signet ; 't is the same she left upon my lip , when i departed from her , and i have kept it warm still , with breath , that in my prayers have mentioned her . enter dulcino . dulc. my lord ? fosc. dulcino welcome : thou art soon return'd . how dost thou like the city ? dulc. 't is a heap of handsome building . fosc. and how the people ? dulc. my conversation hath not age enough to speak of them , more than they promise well in their aspect : but i have argument enough in you , my lord , to fortifie opinion , they are kind , and hospitable to strangers . fosc. thy indulgence to my wound , which owes a cure unto thy pretty surgery , hath made thee too much prisoner to my chamber , but we shall walk abroad . dulc. it was my duty ? since you receiv'd it in my cause ; and could my blood have wrought it sooner , it had been your balmy fountain . fosc. noble youth , i thank thee . enter servant . how now , didst speak with him ? serv. i had the happinesse , my lord , to meet him waiting upon the duke abroad : he bid me make haste with the remembrance of his service : he 'll bring his own joys with him instantly , to welcome your return . fosc. didst thou reqnest his secresie ? ser. i did , he promis'd silence . fosc. so , i 'le expect him , thou art sad dulcino , i prophesie thou shalt have cause , to bless the minute , that first brought us to acquaintance . dulc. do not suspect my lord , i am so wicked , not to do that already , you have saved my life , and therefore have deserv'd that dutie . fosc. name it no more , i mean another way . dulc. it is not in your power , to make me richer , with anie benefit , shall succeed it , though i should live ever with you . fosc. i require , not so much gratitude . dulc. there is no way left for my hope , to do you any service , near my preserving , but by adding one new favour , to a suit , which i would name . fosc. to me , i prethee speak , it must be something i can deny thee . dulc. 't is an humble suit , you license my departure . fosc. whither ? dulc. any whither . fosc. do you call this a way to do me service ? dulc. it is the readiest i can studie sir ; to tarrie were but to increase my debt , and waste your favours ; in my absence , i may publish , how much vertue i have found in savoy , and make good unto your fame . what i do owe you here , this shall survive you , for i will speak the story with that truth , and strength of passion , it shall do you honour , and dwell upon your name sweeter than myrrhe , when we are both dead ? fosc. thou hast art , to move in all things , but in this , change thy desire , and i 'le denie thee nothing ; do not urge thy unkind departure , thou hast met perhaps , with some that have deceiv'd thee with a promise , won with thy prettie looks and presence ; but trust not a great man , most of them dissemble , pride , and court-cunning hath betrai'd their faith , to a secure idolatry , their soul is lighter than a complement ; take heed , they 'le flatter thy too young ambition , feed thee with names , and then like subtle chimists having extracted , drawn thy spirit up , laugh , they have made thee miserable . dulc. let no jealousie my lord , render me so unhappie , that preferments or the flatteries of anie great man hath seduc'd my will to leave you . fosc. still i suspect thy safety ? and thou maist thus deceive me , it may be , some wanton ladie hath beheld thy face , and from her eyes shot cupids into thine . trust not the innocence of thy soul too far , for though their bosoms carrie whiteness , think , it is not snow , they dwell in a hot climate , the court , where men are but deceitful shadows , the women , walking flames ; what if this ladie bestow a wealthie carkanet upon thee , another give thee wardrobes , a third promise a chain of diamonds , to deck thy youth , 't is to buy thy vertue from thee , and when thy outside thrives , upon their treacherous bountie th' outstarve at heart , and lust will leave thy bodie manie unpitied ruines , thou art young — dulc. there is no fear my lord , that i shall take such wicked courses , and i hope you see not anie propension in my youth , to sin for pride , or wantonness . fosc. indeed i do not , but being my boy so young , and beautiful , thou art apt to be seduc'd . dulc. believe me sir , i will not serve the greatest prince on earth when i leave you . fosc. thou shalt not serve me , i will make thee my companion . dulc. no reward , though just , should buy the freedom i was born with , much less base ends , if i but meet agen that good man , who in reverence to his habit , the theeves let go before your happie valour came to my rescue . fosc. he that was your conduct from millan , for so — if i remember you named a father , what could he advantage your fortune , were he present , more , than with religious counsel ? dulc. i did trust him sir , as being the 〈…〉 asurer , with that would make me welcom in savoy , and i know he will be faithful , when we meet . for his sake let me beg you would discharge a worthless servant , that inquest of him — fosc. no more , to cut off all unwelcom motives , i charge thee by thy love , thy gratitude , thy life preserv'd , which but to stay thee here , i would not name agen ; urge no consent from me , to thy departure , i have now use of thy faith , thou wo't not run away ; i have employment for thee , such a one as shall not onlie pay my services , but leave me in arrerage to thy love . receive this letter . enter grimundo . let me embrace thee with a spreading arm . grim. i have dispens'd with my attendance on the duke , to bid you welcom sir from death ; fame so had couz'nd our belief , but thus she has made you the more precious . fosc. then i prospered , if i may call it so , for i procur'd that rumour to be spread , excuse a minute , i 'le tell thee all my counsels , i need not waste anie instructions on thee dulcino , for the conveyance of this paper , let me commend it to thy care , 't is to my mistress , conceal my lodgings , and do this for him will study noble recompence . dulc. you command me . exit . grim. what prettie youth is that ? sure i have seen that face before . fosc. never ; i brought him first to savoy , having rescu'd him from the bandetti , in my passage ore the confines : is 't not a sweet-fac'd thing ? there are some ladies might change their beauties with him . grim. and gain by it . fosc. nay , to his shape he has as fine a soul , which graceth that perfection . grim. you ha not been long acquainted with him ? fosc. i have skill in phisnomy : believe my character , he 's full of excellent sweetness . grim. you express him passionately . fosc. his vertue will deserve more praise , he suffers sit for love , in that he is a gentleman ; for never could narrow and earthly minds be capable of loves impression , or the injurie — he willinglie forsook his friends and countrey , because unkindlie for unworthie ends , they would have forc'd him marrie against his heart , he told me so himself , and it were sin not to believe him : but omitting these , how fares the best of ladies , my cleona ? grim. your cleona ? fosc. mine , she is in affection , she is not married ? grim. no. fosc. she is in health ? grim. yes . fosc. there is something in thy looks , i cannot read , be thy own gloss , and make me know that doubtful text , to whom hath she given up the hope of my felicity , her heart , since my too fatal absence ? giot. unto none , within the circle of my knowledge . fosc. then i am renew'd agen , may thy tongue never know sorrows accent . grim. vvill you presentlie . visit her ? fosc. i have sent a letter , to certifie , i am still her loving servant . grim. no matter , we 'll be there before the boy , there is necessity , if you knew all : come le ts away . fosc. agen thou dost afflict my soul with jealousie , if she have still the clear possession of her heart . grim. but you are dead sir , remember that . fosc. i shall be living , and soon enough present my self her fresh and active lover . grim. if the duke be not before you . fosc. how ? grim. the duke , 't is so resolv'd , your rival , if you still affect cleona , vvithin this hour , he means his first sollicite and personal siege ; loose not your self with wonder , if you neglect this opportunitie , she having firm opinion of your death , it will not be a miracle , if the title of dutchess be a strong temptation to a weak woman . fosc. i must thank your love , and counsel , but for this time disingage your further stay with me , the duke may miss you , preserve his favour , and forget me in your conference , i would be still conceal'd ; let me consider on my fate , agen i thank you , and dismiss you . grim. quiet thoughts dwell in your breast , in all things i obey you ; you know you have my heart . nosc. she 's but a woman : yet how shall i be able to accuse her with anie justice , when she thinks me dead . the duke , i must do something , i am full of discord , and my thoughts are fighting in me . from our own armie must arise one fear , when love it self is turn'd a mutineer . actus . . scaena . . enter jacome , the steward , and servants . jac. so , so , yet more perfume , y' are sweet servingmen , make everie corner of the house smoke , bestir your selves , everie man know his province , and be officious to please my lady , according to his talent ; have you furnisht out the banquet ? serv. most methodicallie . jac. 't is well , here should have been a fresh suit of arras , but no matter , these bear the age well , let 'em hang. serv. and there were a mask to entertain his highness ? jac. hang masks , let everie conceit shew his own face , my ladie would not disguise her entertainment , and now i talk of disguising , where 's the butler ? butl. here sir. jac. where sir ? 't is my ladies pleasure that you be drunk to day , you will deal her wine abroad the more liberallie among the dukes servants , you are two tall fellows , make good the credit of the butterie , and when you are drunk , i will send others to relieve you : go to your stations , if his grace come hither a sutor to my ladie , as we have some cause to suspect , and after marrie her , i may be a great man , and ride upon a reverend moyle by patent , there is no end of my preferment ; i did once teach my ladie to dance , she must then teach me to rise : for indeed it is just , that only those , who get their living by their legs , should ride upon a foot-cloth . serv. here 's a young gentleman desires to speak with my ladie . jac. more young gentlemen ? tell him i am busie . serv. with my ladie — jac. busie with my ladie sir ? serv. would speak with my ladie sir ? jacom. i ha not done with my ladie my self yet , he shall stay , 't is for my ladies state , no time to interrupt my ladie ; but now ? i 'le know his business , and taste it for my ladie ; if i like it , she shall hear more , but bid him come to me , methinks i talk like a peremptorie statesman alreadie , i shall quicklie learn to forget my self when i am in great office ; i will oppress the subject , flatter the prince , take bribes a both sides , do right to neitber , serve heaven as far as my profit will give me leave , and tremble onlie at the summons of a parliament . enter dulcino . hum , a page , a verie page , one that would wriggle and prefer himself to be a wag , 't is so , have you anie letter of commendations ? dulc. i have a letter sir. jac. let me see the complexion of the face , has it a handsom title page , is it stilo novo ? dulc. i have command sir , to deliver it to none but to my ladie . jac. a forward youth , i like him , he is not modest , i will assist his preferment , to engage him to my faction , a special court-policie , see my ladie . enter cleona , astella , belinda . cleona . yet stay belinda — bel. i beseech you madam allow excuse to my abrupt departure . there is a business of much consequence , and which you will not mourn to see effected . besides the dutie that i owe my lord , compells me to it madam . cleon. well , but that we are acquainted with your vertue , this would move suspition you were not in charitie with the duke . bel. you are pleasant madam . cleon. you are severe to bind yourself too strictlie from court and entertainments , sure your lord should chide you for it . astel. if it please you stay , your ladiship and i 'le converse together , my unkind fate hath indisposed me , to these state ceremonies too . bel. you will oblige me by your pardon ? cle. use your pleasure . ast. nay you shall give me leave a little further , here i am useless . exeunt astella , belinda . jac. may it please you madam , this prettie gentleman has a suit to you , and i in his behalf ; he will be serviceable and active in his place , a friend of mine . dulc. your steward madam is too full of zeal to do me a preferment , but i have no other ambition , than to commend this paper to your white hands . jac. never doubt , 't is done , be bold and call me fellow . cleon. be you circumspect i pray , that all things have their perfect shape and order to receive the duke : you know our pleasure , not to spare or cost or studie to delight his highness . jac. i hope i have not been your steward so long , but i know how to put your ladiship to cost enough without studie . she reads . cleon. shall i credit so great a bliss ? the date is fresh , foscari whom i thought dead ? give him five hundred crowns ▪ jac. we will divide em . cleon. stay. jac. you need not bid , i use to make em stay , and long enough ere they receive such bounties . cleon. treasure is too cheap a payment for so rich a message . jac. this is the right court largess . cleon. the day breaks glorious to my darkned thoughts , he lives , he lives yet ; cease ye amorous fears , more to perplex me : prethee speak sweet youth , how fares my lord ? upon my virgin heart i 'le build a flaming altar , to offer up a thankful sacrifice for his return to life , and me ; speak and increase my comforts : is he in perfect health ? dulc. not perfect madam , until you bless him with the knowledge of your constancie . cleon. o get thee wings and flie then , tell him my love doth burn like vestal fire , which with his memory , richer than all spices , dispersed odors round about my soul , and did refresh it when 't was dull and sad , with thinking of his absence . jac. this is strange , my ladie is in love with him . cleon. yet stay , thou goest too soon away , where is he , speak ? dulc. he gave me no commission for that ladie , he will soon save that question by his presence . cle. time h 'as no feathers , he walks now on crutches , relate his gesture when he gave thee this , what other words , did mirth smile on his brow , i would not for the wealth of this great world , he should suspect my faith , what said he prethee ? dulc. he said , what a warm lover , whom desire makes eloquent could speak . jac. i have found it , that boy comes from the duke , that letter love , 't will be a match , and please your ladiship — cleo. forbear your ceremonies , what needs all this preparation , if the duke vouchsafe his person for my guest , dutie will teach me , to entertain him without half this trouble ; i 'le have no ryot for his highness . jac. hum ? how 's this ? cleo. be less officious , you forget — sweet youth , go forward with thy storie . jac. hum ? this is a fayrie , and the devil sent him to make my ladie mad , 't were well to trie whether he be flesh and blood , ha , i 'le pinch him first . cleo. how now ? he pinches dulcino . jac. my care shall see nothing be wanting , for your honour , and the dukes . cleo. your place i see , is better than your manners , go too , be less troublesom , his highness brings intents of grace , not burden to us , know your dutie . jac. so , i were best keep my self warm with my own office , while i may , the tyde is turn'd i see within two minutes , here was nothing but look to the gallerie , perfume the chambers , what musick for the duke , a banquet for the duke , now , be less officious , we 'll have no riot for his highness , 't is this urchin h 'as undone all our preferment . cle. the suns lov'd flower , that shuts his yellow curtain , when he declineth , opens it again at his fair rising , with my parting lord , i clos'd all my delights , till his approach , it shall not spread it self . enter gentleman . gent. madam the duke ? cleon. already . enter astella and ladies . ast. he is entred . cleon. do not leave me , i shall remember more . enter duke , fabrichio , soranzo , giotto . duke . excellent cleona . cleo. the humble dutie of a subject to your highness . duke . rise high in our thoughts , and thus confirm we are welcom , to these eyes , our heart , shall pay a lower dutie , than obedience hath taught your knee . cleon. your grace much honours me , till this white hour , these walls were never proud , t' inclose a guest , the genius of our house , is by so great a presence wak'd , and glories , to entertain you . duke . everie accent falls like a fresh jewel , to encrease her value , we can but thank cleona . cleon. royal sir — duke . let me revoke that hastie syllable , but thank thee ; yes , we can do more , and will , we have a heart to do 't , our much griev'd sister i know you do not wear this sadness for our presence . ast. if i 've anie skill in mine own eys , since they beheld you , they have looked more chearfullie , than they were wont . duke . and yet i see a tear is readie to break prison . ast. it is of joy to see you sir in health , i hope the prince is well ? duke . he will be so astella , when he leaves to be unkind to thee , but let 's forget him . dulc. fame ha's not injur'd him , in the character of his person . and his shape promiseth a richer soul , i feel a new and fierie spirit dance , upon my heart-strings . duke . we are come my fair cleona . cleo. with your highness pardon , that name was never so attended , it becomes your bountie , but not me to wear that title . duke . what ? cleo. of fair my lord ? duke . i said you were my fair cleona — cleo. sir ? duke . i did apply , i hope 't does not offend to call you so , y' are yet my subject . cleo. when i leave that name , may heaven — duke . be pleas'd to change it for a better . cleo. it cannot . duke . do not sin , 't is in our power with your consent , to work that wonder ladie . cleo. i want my understanding . duke . i 'le explain , cleo. do not believe him youth , by all the faith of virgins , i 'le not change my service , to thy master for his dukedom . dulc. y' are too noble . duke . what boy is that ? ha giotto ? dulc. madam , the duke observes us . duke . i ha seen him . it is no common face . soran. my lord we know not . duke . vvhere is grimundo ? giot. not yet come my lord. duke . send for him strait , and bid him bring the picture vve gave into his keeping , yet forbear , it is in vain . soran. my lord , cleona waits your farther courtship . duke . vvhither am i carried ? cleo. i hope , dread sir , my house affords no object , to interrupt your quiet . duke . none but heavenly , or could this roof be capable of ill , your onlie presence ladie would convert it , there is a vertuous magick in your eye . for wheresoere it casts a beam , it does create a goodness , y 'ave a handsom boy . dulc. the duke is troubled ? cleo. he 's a prettie youth . dulc. i hope he wo'not take me from my ladie , i 'le say i am her servant . duke . something binds my speech , my heart is narrow of a sudden : giotto take some opportunitie to enquire that youths condition , name , and countrey , and give us private knowledge , to cut off * circumstance ladie , i am not your fresh , and unacquainted lover , that doth waste soranzo whispers with jacome . the tedious moons with preparation to his amorous suit , i have been cleona , a long admirer of your vertues , and do want the comfort of so sweet a partner , in your young state . cleo. you mock your humble hand-maid . soran. a stranger saist ? jac. he brought some welcom letter to my ladie . sor. not know his name , nor whence ? jac. no my good lord. so so , i like this well , my ladie does applie her to the duke , there is some hopes agen things may succeed ; this lords discoursing with me , is an omen to my familiaritie to greatness . duke . grimundo not come yet ? i am not well . cle. good heaven defend , angels protect your highness . duke . your holie prayers cannot but do me good . continue that devotion , charitie will teach you a consent to my departure . cleo. i am unhappie . duke . make me not so ladie by the least trouble of your self ; i am acquainted with these passions , let me breath a heart upon thy lip ; farewell , agen your pardon . exit . soran. 't is a verie strange distemper , and sudden : noble ladie we must wait upon the duke . exeunt . jac. my bud is nipt agen , would all the banquet were in his bellie for 't . dulc. let not my eyes betray me . jac. i 'm sick too ; let not your ladiship repent your cost , i 'le have a care the sweet-meats be not lost . exit . cleo. acquaint him with these passages of the duke , tell him i long to see him , and at last , to crown the storie , say my heartshall know no other love but his . dulc. i flie with this good news . exit . dulc. enter jac. jac. madam , here is prince lodwick . cleon. attend him . jac. most officiously . cleon. stay , it can do no harm . ast. een what you please . cleon. if he enquire for his lady , answer she is not very well , and keeps her chamber . jac. i le say she 's dead if you please , 't is my duty : i le never speak truth while i live that shall offend your ladiship . cleon. you may hear all , enter lodwick and piero. and when you please appear . lodw. sick ; where 's her doctor ? i le be acquainted with him . noble lady . cleon. your grace is here most welcome . lodw. i am bold ? pier. i am happy that my duty to the prince brought me to kisse your hand . cleon. beside the honour done to me , your person will add much comfort to astella , your weak lady . lodw. she is sick ; mend , let her mend , she 'll spend her time worse , yet she knows my mind , and might do me the courtesie to die once ; i 'de take it more kindly , than to be at charge of a physician . cleon. you wo'd not poison her ? lodw. i think i must be driven to 't ; what shall a man do with a woman that wo'not be ruled . i ha'given cause enough to break any reasonable womans heart in savoy , and yet you see how i am troubled with her : but leave her to the destinies . where is my brother all this while ? i came to meet him ; what , is 't a match already ? when shall we dance and triumph in the tilt-yard , for honour of the high and mightie nuptials ? where is he ? cleon. my lord , he is gone . lodw. how ? cleon. distempered . lodw. not with wine ? cleon. departed sick . lodw. she jeers him : by this lip i le love thee , and thou wot abuse him ; i knew he would but shame himself , and therefore durst not come with him for my own credit ; i warrant he came fierce upon thee with some parcel of poetry , which he had conn'd by heart out of tasso , guarrini , or some other of the same melting tribe , and thought to have brought thy maiden town to his obedience , at the first noise of his furious artillery . cleon. my lord , you understand me not , your brother is not in health ; some unkind pain within him compell'd him to forsake us . lodw. is it true that he is sick ? my brother sick piero. pier. i am very well here . . lady . so am not i : pray sir appear more civil , or i shall leave you . lodw. true ? cleon. 't is too true my lord. lodw. no , no , truth is a vertuous thing , and we cannot have too much on 't . d' ye hear , if i may counsel you , be wise , and stay for me ; you may be my wife within this month , and the dutchesse too . cleon. your wife my lord ; why you are married , what shall become of her ? lodw. is she not sick ? cleon. but are you sure she'il die ? lodw. what a ridiculous question do you make : if death wo'not take a fair course with her , are there not reasons enough in state think you , to behead her ; or if that seem cruel , because i do not affect blood , but for very good ends , i can be divorc'd from her , and leave her rich in the title of lady dowager . cleon. upon what offence can you pretend a divorce ? lodw. because she is not fruitful ; is not that a sin ? cleon. would your lordship have her fruitful , and you ne'r lie with her ? lodw. have not i known a lady , whose husband is an eunuch upon record , mother to three or four children , and no free conscience but commends her ? cleon. but these things wo'not be easily perfect , unlesse you were duke to enforce em . lodw. is not my brother in the way ? sick already , and perhaps as fit for heaven as another ; i know he cannot live long , he 's so well given , they never thrive , and then d' ye think i le keep such a religious court ; in this corner lodge a covy of capouchins , who shall zealously pray for me without stockins , in that a nest of carthusians , things which in fine turn to otters , appear flesh , but really are fish : no , no , give me a court of flourishing pleasure , where delight in all her shapes , and studied varieties every minute courts the soul to act her chief felicity . cleon. do you never think of hell ? lodw. faith i do , but it alwaies makes me melancholy , and therefore as seldome as i can my contemplation shall point thither ; i am now in the spring of my life , winter will come on fast enough ; when i am old , i will be as methodical an hypocrite , as any pair of lawn sleeves in savoy . cleon. i dare not hear him longer : madam , release me . enter astella . lodw. how now ; whence come you ? were you sick ? ast. at heart my lord , to think of your unkindnesse . lodw. at heart : i le ne'r believe without inspection . am i unkind ? go to , there 's not a friend in the whole world can wish you better : would you were canoniz'd a saint , 't is more than i wish my self yet ; i do not trouble thee much on earth , and thou wert in heaven i would not pray to thee , for fear of disturbing thy seraphical devotion . ast. what sin have i committed deserves this distance ? cleon. in christian charitie salute her . lodw. i would not have your ladiship too ventrous , the air is somewhat cold , and may endanger a weak body . ast. if the suspicion that i am unchaste — lodw. unchaste ; by this hand i do not know an honest woman in the dukedome . cleon. how , my lord : what do ye think of me ? lodw. i know not whether you be a woman or no , yet . cleon. fie , my lord. lodw. what would you have me do ? i have not seen her this six months . ast. o rather , my lord , conclude my sufferings , than thus with tortures lengthen out my death : oh kill me , and i beseech you ; i will kisse the instrument , which guided by your hand , shall give my grief a period , and pronounce enter grimundo . with my last breath your free forgivenesse . lodw. no , kill your self , more good will come on 't : how now ? nay then w' are like to have a precious time on 't . cleon. the duke , my lord , enquired for you . grim. i met his highnesse in return , and he imploy'd me to bring back knowledge of his better health ; which , he says , shall enable him but to expresse how much he honours fair cleona . cleon. i am his studious servant , and rejoice in this good news : your brother is recovered . lodw. i , i , i knew he would do well enough : now sir ? grim. i have some businesse with you , my lord , were you at opportunity . lodw. some moral exhortations ; they are fruitlesse : i shall never eat garlick with diogenes in a tub , and speculate the stars without a shirt : prithee enjoy thy religion , and live at last most philosophical lousie . grim. my design is of another nature . cleon. may i obtain so great a favour sir , you 'ld be my guest in absence of the duke ; i 'm but ambitious to remember his health in greek wine . lodw. so this lady will be temperate , and use me but like a stranger , without pressing me to inconveniences of kissing her , and other superstitious courtship of a husband . cleon. i will engage she 'll not offend you . lodw. and yet it goes against my conscience to tarrie so long in honest companie ; but my comfort is , i do not use it . come away piero , you have had a fine time on 't . cleon. my lord. grim. i follow madam , yet have comfort , though reason and example urge our fears , heaven will not let you lose so many tears . exeunt . enter foscari , and dulcino . fosc. did she receive my letter with such joy ? dulc. i want expression , my lord , to give you the circumstance ; with what a flowing love , or rather , with what glad devotion she entertain'd it ; at your very name , for so i ghest , to which her covetous sight made the first haste ; one might have seen her heart dance in her eies , and as the wonder strove to make her pale , warm love did fortifie her cheeks with guilty blushes , she did read and kisse the paper often . fosc. this was before the duke came thither ? dulc. yes , my lord. fosc. and didst thou not observe her at his presence ●lack that fervour her former passion had begot of me ? was she not courtlie to him , boy ? dulc. so far as her great birth and breeding might direct a lady to behave her self to him , that was her prince . fosc. she kiss'd him , did she not ? dulc. she kiss'd . fosc. he did salute her ? dulc. yes , my lord. fosc. and didst not see a flame hang on her lip , a spirit busie to betray her love , and in a sigh conveigh it to him ? oh thou canst not read a woman . did he not wooe her to be his dutchesse ? dulc. yes , my lord. fosc. thou shouldst ha watcht her cheek then ; there a blush had been a guilt indeed , a feeble answer , with half a smile , had been an argument she had been lost , and the temptation above her strength ; which had i known , i could have slept , and never been disturb'd , although i had met her in a dream . dulc. my lord , you weave a causeless trouble to your self . fosc. oh jealousie . i am asham'd — dulc. if ever any woman lov'd with faith , cleona honours you above mankind ; ▪ t were sin , but to suspect so chaste , so furnish'd with all vertue , your cleona . fosc. it were indeed ; i am too blame dulcino ; yet when thou comst to be so ripe , for so much miserie , as to love , thou wo't excuse me . dulc. my lord , if i might not offend with my opinion , it were safest that you lose no time , your presence would confirm a joy to either , and prevent the duke , whose strong solicits may in time endanger much the quiet of your thoughts . fosc. o never , never , and i will reward her love beyond example : thus dulcino thou shalt return . dulc. my lord , i had much rather write on you to her . fosc. tush , thou understandst not what i have purpos'd , thou shalt presentlie go back , and tell cleona i am dead . dulc. how , dead ? fosc. i boy , that i am dead : nay , mark the issue . dulc. but my lord , she hath your letter to check that . fosc. thou shalt frame something to take that off , some fine invention may be made , to say 't was forg'd , we 'll studie that anon , in the assurance of my death , which must be so delivered , as she shall believe thee , she may affect the duke . dulc. ho sir , the duke ? fosc. i , i , the duke : for that 's the plot , i must advance . dulc. and will you thus reward so great a love to you ? fosc. best , best of all , shall i be so ungrateful to a ladie of such rare merit , when a prince desires to make her great ? by my unworthie interest destroy her blessings , hinder such a fortune from fair cleona ? let her love the duke ; in this i will expresse the height and glorie of my best service . dulc. are you sir in earnest ? fosc. i love her , and can never see her more : posteritie shall learn new pietie in love from me ; it will become me look on cleona a far off , and only mention her name , as i do angels in my prayer : thus she deserves i should converse with her ; thus i most nobly love her . dulc. doth she languish expecting you , and shall i carrie death to comfort her ? good heaven forbid this sir. fosc. heaven doth engage me to it : she shall reign glorious in power , while i let fall my beads that she might prosper . be not thou an enemy to her and me , but do it , or never see more . exit . dulc. i 'm lost i' th springing of my hope , shall i obey him , to destroy my self ? i must , i dare not be my self ; no need have they of other force , that make themselves away ? exit . actus . scaena . enter jacomo . iac. i smell a match agen : the duke will fetch her about ; here was another ambassadour at dinner , and his highnesse is again expected : in confidence of my place that shall be , i will continue my state posture , use my tooth-pick with discretion , and cough distinctly : what can hinder my rising ? i am no schollar , that exception is taken away ; for most our states-men do hold it a saucy thing , for any of their servants to be wiser than themselves . enter dulcino . dulc. worthy sir — iac. my lady shall be at leisure for you presently — it may be you would speak with me first ? dulc. i only entreat my lady may have knowledge that i wait here . iac. i will enrich my ladies understanding ; i le say nothing else , but that you are here , shall i ? that 's enough if you have another letter . dulc. what then ? iac. i would wish you deliver it to her own hand : but under your favour , the contents of the last chapter had like to undone us all , and cupid had not bin more merciful . dulc. fear nothing , the news i bring will make you merrie . iac. i 'de laugh at that ; howsoever you are heartilie welcome , and ever shall be : you do hear no harm of the duke ? dulc. no harm ? iac. you shall hear more shortly : i say no more , but heaven bless my ladie and his highnesse together , for my part , though i speak a proud word — i 'le tell my ladie that you attend her . dulc. i prithee do , and hasten the discharge of my sad embassie , which when i have done , and that it prospers in mine own misfortune , i 'le teach my breath to pray . enter cleona , fabrichio , jacomo . fabr. a glorious fate courts your acceptance , and i hope your wisdom will teach you how to meet it , y 'ave receiv'd his highness bosom , now i le take my leave . cleon. will you not see the prince again ? fabr. i saw his highnesse walking with grimundo toward the garden , and the duke expects me — think of a dutches madam . cleon. i 'me not worthy , and needs must sink under the weight of such a title ; my humblest service to his grace , i am his beads-woman . exit fabrichio . iac. madam here 's the youth . cleon. art thou return'd already ? why were you so rude to make him waite ? dul. since i arriv'd 't is but a pair of minutes . cleon. they are worth as many dayes . iac. he shall be with your ladiship next time before he come ; when i but spye him a mile off , i le acquaint you in my duty to your self , and my honour unto him . cleon. withdraw . iac. here is no couth , i do not like my ladies familiarity with a boy : methinks a man were fitter , and more able to give her a refreshing : but this lobby shall be my next remove . exit , and stays behind the hangings . dul. you will repent this welcom madam . cleon. what harsh sound is that ? thy looks upon a suddain are become dismal , thy brow dull as saturns issue ; thy lips are hung with black , as if thy tongue were to pronounce some funeral . dul. it is , but let your vertue place a guard about your eare ; it is too weak a sence to trust with a sad tale , that may disperse too soon the killing sillables , and some one or other find out your heart . cleon. the mandrake hath no voice like this , the raven and the night birds sing more soft , nothing in nature , to which fear hath made us superstitious , but speak gently compar'd with thee ; discharge thy fatall burthen , i am prepar'd , or stay but answer me , i will and save thy breath , and quickly know the total of my sorrow ; is foscari dead since i saw thee last ? or hath some wound , or other dire mis-fortune seal'd him for the grave ? that though he yet live , i may bid my heart despair to see him . dulc. none of these , since last i saw you madam . cleon. none of these ? then i despise all sorrow boy , there is not left another mischief in my fate ; call home thy beauty , why dost look so pale ? see i am arm'd , and can with valiant blood hear thee discourse of my terror now ; methinks i can in the assurance of his safety , hear of battails , tempest , death , with all the horrid shapes that poets fancy ; tell me the tale of troy or rome on fire , rich in the trophies of the conquered world , i will not shed so many tears to save the temples , as my joy doth sacrifice to hear my lord is well . dul. turn them to grief agen , and here let me kneele , the accuser of him , that hath deserv'd more punishment , than your wrong'd piety will inflict . cleon. dost kneele , and call thy self accuser ? dulc. yes . cleon. of whom , thy lord ? take heed , for if i be thy judge i shall condemn thee ere thou speak . dul. you may , but i accuse my self , and of an injury to you . cleon. to me ? dulc. too great to be forgiven . cleona . my love to him thou serv'st hath found a pardon already for it ; be it an offence against my life . dulc. for his sake you must punish , dear madam , i have sinn'd against his ghost , in my deceiving you . cleon. his ghost ? dul. and if his soul had not forgotten how he loved you , i must expect him to afright my dreams , the truth is , my lord is dead . cleon. how dead ? when ? where ? did i not hear thee say , since i receiv'd this letter , he was alive ? dulc. no madam . cleon. be not impious . dul. i said that neither death , nor any black misfortune had befalne him , since i gave the letter to you . cleon. grant this truth , i am secur'd agen . dul. 'las he was dead before , i 'm sure you could not choose but hear as much , it was my wickedness arriv'd to mock your credulous heart with a devised letter : i know you are in wonder what should move me to this imposture ; sure it was no malice , for you nere injur'd me , and that doth make my crime the more deform'd , all my aime was , being a stranger here , and wanting means after my lords death , by this cunning to procure some bounty from you to sustain my life , until by some good fortune , i might get another master , for i knew there was no hope to benefit my self by saying he was dead : good heaven forgive me , and keep my eys from weeping , cleon. thou hast undone me , like a most cruel boy . dul. madam i hope i shall repair the ruines of your eye , when i declare the cause that leades me to this strange confession ; i have observ'd the duke does love you , love you in that way , you can deserve him , and though i have sinn'd , i am not stubborn in my fault to suffer you in the belief of my deceitful story , to wrong your fortune by neglect of him can bring your merit such addition of state and title . cleon. dost thou mock agen ? dul. heaven knows i have no thought of such impiety , if you will not believe that for your sake i have betrayed my self , yet be so charitable , to think it something of my duty to the duke , whose ends , while they are just and noble , all loyal subjects ought to serve for him , whom i am not bound to honour , and i love him , else may i never know one day of comfort ; i durst not without guilt of treason to his chaste desires deceive you any longer : collect your self dear madam , in the grave there dwells no musick , in the dukes embrace you meet a perfect happinesse . cleon. begon , and never see me more ; who ever knew falshood so ripe at thy years ? exit . dul. is not yet my poor heart broke ? hath nature given it so strong a temper that no wound will kill me ? what charm was in my gratitude to make me undoe so many comforts with one breath ? or was it for some sin i had to satisfie ? i have not only widowed cleona , but made my self a misery beneath an orphant ; i nere came to have a friend , i ha destroy'd my hope , that little hope i had to be so happy . jacomo comes forth . jac. is 't e'ne so ? my friend what make you here ? who sent for you ? begon d ee hear , begon i say the word too ; there is a porters lodge else , where you may have due chastisement , you le begon . dule . i 'm sorry i have offended sir , exit . dul. jaec. so am not i ; let me see some body is dead , if i knew who , no matter 't is one that my lady lov'd , and i am glad to hear it for mine own sake ; now venus speed the dukes plough , and turn me loose to a privy councellor . enter soranzo . sor. signior jacomo , where 's your lady ? jac. she is within my good lord , wilt please you walk this way ? sor. prethee make haste , the duke is coming . exeunt . jac. i smell him hitherto . enter jacomo presently . so so , i will take this opportunitie to present my self to his highness , that he may take particular notice of my bulk and personage , he may chance speak to me , i have common places to answer any ordinarie question , and for other , he shall find by my impudence , i come not short of a perfect courtier . here he comes , i will dissemble some contemplation , and with my hat on , give him cause to observe me the better . enter the duke and lords . duk. vvhat fellow 's that ? giot. a servant of cleona's . the duke extends his hand , jacomo kisses it . fabr. signior ? jac. your highness humble creature , you have blest my lips , and i will wear them thred-bare with my prayers for your graces immortal prosperitie . enter soranzo . duk. soranzo is return'd : how fares cleona ? sor. my lord , not well , i found her full of sadness , which is encreast , she cannot , as becomes her dutie , observe your highness . jac. one word with your grace in private ; she is as well , as either you or i. duk. saist thou so ? jac. there came indeed certain news before you , that a noble gentleman , i know not who , and therefore he shall be nameless , but some dear friend of hers is dead , and that 's all , and that hath put her into a melanchollie mood ; with your gracious pardon , if i were worthie to be one of your counsellors . — duk. vvhat then ? jac. i would advise you , as others do , to take your own course ; your grace knows best what is to be done . duk. so sir : didst thou not see the prettie boy i told thee of ? sor. no my good lord. duk. we are resolv'd to comfort her ; set forward ▪ grim. you had simple grace . iacom. a touch or so , a beam with which his highness doth use to keep desert warm : good my lord , exeunt . it is not come to that yet . enter foscari and a servant . fosc. go to the next religious house , and pray some hosie father come and speak with me : but hasten thy return . exit ser. i must not entertain with the same thought cleona , and my love , lest my own passion betray the resolution i ha made to make my service famous to all ages . a legend that may startle wanton blood , and strike a chilness in the active veins of noblest lovers , when they hear , or read , that to advance a mistress , i have given her from mine own heart , if anie shall be so impious at my memorie , to say i could not do this act , and love her too , some power divine , that knew how much i lov'd her , some angel that hath care to right the dead , punish that crime for me , he is come . enter valentio , a religious man. welcom good father ; i sent to intreat your help , but first , pray tell me , i have no perfect memorie , what saint gives title to your order ? ual. we do wear the scapular of st. bennet sir. fosc. your charitie make you still worthie of that reverend habit , i have a great devotion , to be made a brother of your sacrèd institution : what persons of great birth it hath receiv'd ? ual. to fashion my reply to your demand , is not to boast , though i proclaim the honours of our profession ; four emperors , fortie six kings , and one and fiftie queens , have chang'd their royal ermines for our sables , these cowls have cloth'd the heads of fourteen hundred , and six kings sons , of dukes , great marquises , and earls , two thousand and above four hundred have turn'd their princelie coronets , into an humble coronet of hair left by the razor thus . fosc. this , it is not . there is a sun ten times more glorious , than that which riseth in the east , attracts me to feed upon his sweet beams , and become a bird of paradise , a religious man to rise from earth , and no more to turn back , but for a burial . ual. think what 't is you do , it is nothing to play the wanton with , in the strong bended passion of an humor , for a friends death , a kings frown , or perhaps loss of a mistress . fosc. o still bless the guide vvhatever , that shall lead this happie way . ual. my lord , the truth is like your coat of arms , richest when plainest ; i do fear the world hath tyr'd you , and you seek a cell to rest in , as birds that wing it o're the sea , seek ships , till they get breath , and then they flie away . fosc. do not mistake a pietie , i am prepar'd , and can endure your strict mortifications . good father then prefer my humble suit , to your superior for the habit , and let me not long expect you , say i am , noble , but humblest in my thoughts . val. i go , mean time examine well this new desire , whether it be a wild flash , or a heavenlie fire . exit . fosc. now my good boy . enter dulcino . dulc. sir , your command is done , and she believes ? fosc. that i am dead dulcino ? dulc. that you are dead , and as she now scorn'd life death lends her cheeks his paleness , and her eyes tell down their drops of silver to the earth , vvishing her tears might rain upon your grave , to make the gentle earth produce some flower , should bear your names and memories . fosc. but thou seest , i live dulcino . dulc. sir , i should be blest , if i did see you sought the means to live , and to live happilie , o noble sir let me untread my steps , unsay my words , and tell your love , you live . fosc. no my sweet boy , she thinks not much amiss , i am a man but of an hour or two ; my will is made and now i go , never more chearfullie , to give eternal farewell to my friends . dulc. for heavens sake sir , what 's this you mean to do ? there is a fear sits cold upon my heart , and tells me — fosc. let it not misinform thee boy ; i 'le use no violence to my self , i am resolv'd a course , wherein i will not doubt , but thou wilt bear me companie ? we 'll enter into religion . dulc. into religion ? fosc. o'tis a heavenlie life , go with me boy , we 'll imitate the singing angels there , learn how to keep a quire in heaven , and scorn earths transitorie glorie ; wo't dulcino ? dulc. alas my lord , i am too young . fosc. too young to serve heaven ? never , never ; o take heed of such excuse . dulc. alas , what shall i do ? and yet i 'me wearie of the world , but how can i do this ? i am not yet discovered : sir , i shall still attend you . fosc. thou art my comfort , i have propounded it alreadie , to a benedictine , by whose means we may obtain the habit ; stay thou and expect him , i must be absent for a little time , to finish something , will conduce to my eternal quiet , if th' hast anie scruple , he will direct thee , having both made even with earth , we 'll travail hand in hand to heaven . exit . dulc. fortune hath lent me a prospective glass , by which i have a look beyond all joyes , to a new world of miserie , what 's my best let it be so , for i am hopeless now , and it were well , if when those weeds i have , that i might go disguised to my grave . exit . enter lodwick and grimundo . lodw. this is strange . grim. you know i have given you manie precepts of honestie ? lodw. and you know how i have followed em . grim. to mine own heart , i have made tedious discourses of heaven to ye , and the moral vertues , numbred up the duties of a good prince , urg'd examples of vertues for your imitation . lodw. to much purpose . grim. seem'd to sweat with agonie and vexation , for your obstinate courses reprov'd you , nay , sometimes made complaints of you to the duke . lodw. and i ha'curst you for it , i remember . grim. alas my lord , i durst do no otherwise : was not the duke your father an honest man ? and your brother now foolishlie takes after him , whose credulities , when i had alreadie cozened , i was bound to appear stoical , to preserve the opinion they had conceived of me . lodw. possible . grim. it speaks discretion and abilities in states-men , to apply themselves to their princes disposition , varie a thousand shapes ; if he be honest , we put on a formal of gravitie ; if he be vitious , we are parasites . indeed in a politique common-wealth , all things are but representation , and my lord , howsoever i have appear'd to you , i am at heart one of your own sect , an epicure ; be but so subtle to seem honest , as i do , and we will laugh at the foolish world in our cells , déclaim against intemperate livers , and hug our own licentiousness , while we surfet our souls in the dark with nectar and ambrosia . lodw. can this be earnest , you did talk of hell , and bug-bears ? grim. i confess , and were you in publick , i would urge manie other emptie names to fright you , put on my holie-day countenance , and talk nothing but divinitie , and golden sentences . lodw. you were a christian , how came you to be converted ? grim. i think i had a name given me , and that 's all i retain ; i could never endure reallie their severe discipline : marrie for my preferment , and other politique ends , i have , and can still dispense with fasting , prayer , and a thousand fond austerities , though i do penance for em in private . lodw. let me ask you one question , were you never drunk ? grim. a thousand times in my studie , that 's one of my recreations . lodw. how chance i could never see 't in you ? you know i would ha' been drunk for companie . grim. but i durst not trust so young a sinner ; for i alwayes held it a maxim , to do wickedness with circumspection . lodw. wickedness ? grim. i speak in the phrase of the foolish world , that holds voluptuousness a crime , which you and i , and everie'wise man knows to be the onlie happiness of life , and the inheritance we are born to . lodw. but stay , how comes it to pass , that accounting me so young a sinner , you now adventure to discover your self ? grim. to you ? lodw. to me . grim. good my lord conceive me , you were a young sinner , and in your nonage , does that infer that you have made no growth , that y' are a child still , d ee think that i ha not wit to distinguish a principiant in vice , from a graduate , shall i be afraid to lay open my secret impieties to you , that are almost as perfect as my self in epicurism ? lodw. verie well , proceed . grim. and yet my lord , with your princelie licence , you may learn too , and indeed the first vertue that i would commend to your practice , should be that , by which i have attain'd to this height , and opinion , and that 's hypocrisie . lodw. hypocrisie ? grim. yes , a delicate white devil , do but fashion your self to seem holie , and studie to be worse in private , worse , you 'll find your self more active in your sensualitie , and it will be another titillation , to think what an ass you make a' the believing world , that will be readie to dote , nay , superstitiouslie adore you , for abusing them . lodw. this is prettie wholsom doctrine , and hark you , ha you no wenches now and then ? grim. wenches ? would the duke your brother had so manie for his own sake , or you either . lodw. hast i'faith ? grim. why judge by your self , how d ee think a gentleman should subsist ? i 'le not give a chip to be an emperour , and i may not curvet as often as my constitution requires . wenches , why i have as manie — yet now i think better on 't , i 'le keep that to my self , store makes a good proverb . lodw. nay , nay , be free and open to me , you have my oath not to betray . grim. well , i 'le not be nice to you , you little imagine ( though i be married that i am the greatest whoremaster i' th' dukedom . lodw. not the greatest ? grim. have a strong faith , and save my proofs ; but caute si non caste , my nun at home knows nothing , like a mole in the earth , i work deep , but invisible ; i have my private houses , my granaries , my magasines bullie , as manie concubines , as would , collected , furnish the great turks seraglio . lodw. how do you conceal em ? i should nere keep half so manie , but 't would be known . grim. you are then a novice in the art of uenus , and will tell tales out a' the school , like your weak gallants o' the first chin , that will bragge what ladies they have brought to their obedience , that think it a mightie honour , to discourse how many forts they have beleaguer'd ; how many they have taken by batterie ; how many by composition , and how many by stratagem : a fine commendation for young whelps , is 't not ? lodw. a fault , a fault ; who can deny it ? but what are those you practice with ? a touch , come . grim. not sale-ware , mercenary stuff ; but rich , fair , high-fed , glorious , ladies of blood ; whose eys will make a souldier melt , and he were compos'd of marble ; whose very smile hath a magnetick force to draw souls ; whose voice will charm a satyr , and turn a mans prayer into ambition . lodw. i have heard you ; and now i think fit to discover my self to you : you are a rascal . grim. sir , i think i am one . lodw. let not your wisdome think , i can be so easilie gull'd . grim. how sir ? lodw. you think you have talked very methodicallie , and cunninglie all this while , and that i am , as they say , a credulous coxcomb , and cannot perceive , that by your politique jeers upon my pleasures , you labour to discredit , not onlie my recreations , but my self to my own face : d' ye hear ? the time may come you will not dare these things , and yet you shall see , i will not now so much as seem angrie : preserve your humour , 't will appear fresh o'th'stage , my learned gymnosophist ; verie well , excellent well . grim. why does not your lordship believe me then ? lodw. do'st thou think throughout the year , i will lose one minute of my pastime , for this your toothlesse satyr ? i 'le to a wench presentlie . grim. i came to carrie you to one . lodw. how , thou ? grim. do not deceive your self ; come , you shall believe , and thank me : go with me , and i will demonstrate . lodw. whither ? grim. i 'le carrie you to a ladie ; be not afraid , she is honest ; such a charming brow , speaking eie , springing cheek , tempting lip , swelling bosome . lodw. will you lead me to such a creature ? grim. yes . lodw. and shall i ? grim. and think your self richer , than to be lord of both the indies ; here 's my hand , cut it off , if i do not this feat for you when you please ; and when you are satisfied with her , i 'le help you to fortie more : but we are interrupted . enter giotto , soranzo . giot. there he is with grimundo . sor. his late governour , he is giving him good counsell . giot. pray heaven he have the grace to follow it . grim. consider sir , what will be the end of all these wicked courses . lodw. precious tutor . grim. we must be circumspect . lodw. no more : i have a crotchet new sprung : where shall i meet thee ? grim. i 'le expect you in the park — be very secret . my lord , i can but grieve for you . exit . lodw. how have we all been couzen'd ? what , is my brother here ? sor. this hour , my lord , he is now upon return . lodw. i 'le see him , and then prepare me for this ladie . i feel a boiling in my veins alreadie ; this is the life of greatnesse , and of court ; they 're fools that will be frighted from their sport . exeunt . actus . scaena . enter lodwick and piero. lodw. do 't and thou lov'st me . pier. what d' ye mean , my lord ? lodw. nay , we must have such a deal of circumstance ; i say , do it . pier. what , that ? lodw. that : is that such a piece of matter , does it appear so horrid in your imagination , that you should look as if you were frighted now ? pier. my lord , it is — lodw. a thing your heat will prompt you to , but that you affect ceremonie , and love to be entreated . pier. with your ladie ? lodw. yet again : you have not been observ'd so dull in a businesse of this supple nature . pier. but think on'c agen ; i pray you think a little better : i ha no great ambition to ha my throat cut . lodw. by whom ? pier. by you ; you cannot chuse but kill me for 't when i have done . your ladie ? lodw. is your mountanous promise come to this ? remember ; if i do not turn honest — pier. my lord , do but consider — well , i will do what i can , and there be no remedie — but lodw. never fear it , for if thou canst but corrupt her , i 'le sue a divorce presentlie . pier. and bring me in for a witness ? enter astella . lodw. she 's here ; fear nothing , i 'le be thy protection ; it were not amisse to cast away some kindness upon her : nay , i was coming to take my leave . ast. i know you never meant it . lodw. thus my best intents are rewarded still , the more sin upon your conscience ; y'have a hard heart , but heaven forgive us all : astella farewell ; piero expect my return here — pray entertain this gentleman courteouslie in my absence , you know not how kindlie i may take it . ast. i would you would enjoyn me any testimonie , so i may be in hope to win your love . lodw. 't is in the will of women to do much ; do not despair ; the proudest heart is but flesh , think a that . ast. of what ? lodw. of flesh ; and so i leave you . exit . pier. will 't please you madam walk into your chamber ? i have something to impart will require more privacie . ast. if it be grief 't is welcome . exeunt . enter duke and lords . giot. please your highness , a stranger , but some gentleman of qualitie , intending to leave savoy , humbly prays to kisse your hand . duk. a gentleman : admit him . enter foscari disguised , and kisses the dukes hand . fosc. you are a gracious prince , and this high favour deserves my person and my sword , when you vouchfafe so much addition to this honour , to call them to your service . duk. you are noble . fosc. it is not complement my lord alone , made me thus bold ; i have a private message , please you command their distance . duk. wait without . fosc. have you forgot this face ? duk. foscari's shadow . fosc. the substance , sir , and once more at your feet . duk. return'd to life . rise ; meet cut arms : why in this cloud ? fosc. your pardon , royal sir ; it will concern your hignesse to permit me walk in some eclipse . duk. how ? fosc. i said i had a message : i come from cleona . duk. from cleona ? fosc. and in her name i must propound a question ; to which she prays you would be just and noble in your answer . duk. without disputing your commission , upon mine honour — fosc. princes cannot stain it : d' ye love her ; duk. do i love her ? strange . fosc. nay , she would have you pause , and think well e'r you give her resolution ; for she bid me tell you , she has been much afflicted since you left her , about your love . duk. about my love ? i prithee be more particular . fosc. i shall : so soon as you were gone , being alone , and full of melancholie thoughts . duk. i left her so . fosc. willing to ease her head upon her couch , through silence , and some friendship of the dark , she fell asleep , and in a short dream thought some spirit told her softly in her ear , you did but mock her with a smoo h pretence of love . duk. ha ? fosc. more ; that you were fallen from honour , have taken impious flames into your bosome ; that y' are a bird of prey , and while she hath no houshold lar , to wait upon her threshold , you would flie in , and seize upon her honour . duk. i hope she hath no faith in dreams . fosc. she cannot tell ; she hath some fears , my lord ; great men have left examples of their vice : if you but once more say you love cleona , and speak it unto me , and to the angels , which in her prayers she hath invok'd to hear you , she will be confident . duke . though i need not give an account to any , but to heaven and her fair self . foscari thou shalt tell her with what alacritie i display my heart : i love her with chaste and noble fire ; my intents are fair as her brow : tell her i dare proclaim it in my devotions , at that minute when i know a millon of adoring spirits hover about the altar : i do love her — fosc. enough : my lord , be pleas'd to hear what i have now to say ; you have exprest a brave and vertuous soul , but i must not carrie this message to her ; therefore take your own words back agen — for , i love cleona with chaste and noble fire ; my intents are fair as her brow : i dare proclaim it sir in my devotions , at that minute when i know a million of adoring spirits hover about the altar . duk. do ye mock me ? fosc. pardon a truth , my lord : i have apparrel'd my own sense with your language . duk. do you come to affront us ? you had better ha been sleeping in your cold urn , as fame late gave you out , and mingled with the rude forgotten ashes , than live to move our anger . fosc. spare your frowns : it is not breath can fright a noble truth ; nor is there magick i' th' person of a king. duk. you threaten us . fosc. heaven avert so black a thought ; though in my honours cause i can be flame , my blood is frost to treason ; yet i must tell you , i love cleona too ; and i may say you reach not my affection : i admit you value her above your dukedome , health ; that you would sacrifice your blood to avert any mishap should threaten that dear head ; all this is but above your self : but i love her above her self ; and while you can but give your life , and all you have to do cleona service , i can give away her self , cleona's self , in my love to her . i see you are at losse ; i 'le reconcile all , she is yours , this minute ends my claim ; live , and enjoy her happilie ; may you be famous in that beauteous empire ; she , blest in so great a lord. duk. i must not be o'recome in honour ; nor would do so great a wrong to enjoy the blessing ; i knew not you were engag'd . fosc. e're you proceed , i must beseech you hear me out : i am but fresh return'd from travail ; in my absence , she heard i was slain ; at my return , upon the hearing of these honours you intend her , and which i now believe from your own lip , i found a means , and have wrought her already into a firm belief that i am dead : ( for i have but pretended i came from her ) if for my sake you leave her now , i can make good her faith and die ; 't sha' not be said , i liv'd and overthrew cleona's fortune . duk. staie miracle of honour , and of love . fosc. if you proceed , as it concerns your happiness , i can secure all fear of me ; i am resolv'd a course wherein i will be dead to her , yet live to pray for her and you , although i never see you more : will you my royal lord. duk. did ever lover plead against himself before ? fosc. i love her still , and in that studie her advancement , sir , in you : i cannot give her . duk. well , i will still love her , and solicite . fosc. and not open that i am living . duk. not a sillable . fosc. i am confident , let me but kiss your hand agen : my blessings dwell with you for ever . exit . duk. he was alwaies noble ; but this passion has out-gone historie : it makes for me : hail to my courteous fate ; foscari thanks ; like th' aged phoenix thy old love expires , and from such death springs life to my desires . exit . enter dulcino . dulc. the father is not come yet ; nor my lord return'd ; yet when they do , i have no way to help my self ; nor have i power to go from hence : sure this is the religious man. enter valentio . val. ha , 't is the same . dulc. father valentio ? val. dear leonora ? dulc. sir , the same . val. oh let my tears express my joys , what miracle gave you this libertie ? dulc. i was rescued by th' happie valour of a gentleman , to whom in gratitude i pay this service : he bid me here expect a holy man ; and is it you ? val. the circumstance confirms it . dulc. are you the good man whom my lord expects ? 't is some refreshing in the midst of sorrow to meet agen . val. and heaven hath heard my praier . dulc. but i am miserable still , unless your counsel do relieve me . val. why my charge ? dulc. this noble gentleman , to whom i owe my preservation , who appointed you to meet him here , having resolv'd to enter into religion , hath been very urgent for me to do so too ; and overcome with many importunities , i gave consent , not knowing what was best to do : some cure , or i am lost ; you know i cannot mix with religious men . ual. did you consent ? dulc. i did , and he is now upon the point of his return . val. y' are in a straight i must confess ; no matter , hold your purpose , and leave all to me . he is return'd . enter foscari . fosc. good father , now i am readie ; have you dispos'd him for such a life ? val. he is constant to attend you , i have prepat'd him , and made way to the abbot for your reception . fosc. i am blest , dulcino , nay no distinction now , methinks we move upon the wings of cherubims alreadie ; 't is but a step to heaven ; come my sweet boy , we climbe by a short ladder to our joy . exeunt . enter lodwick and grimundo . grim. this , my lord , is her garden , into which you see my key hath given us a private accesse . lodw. 't is full of curiositie . grim. you see that grove . lodw. i do . grim. there is her house of pleasure : let your eie entertain some delight here , while i give her happie knowledge you are entred . exit . lodw. do so ; an honest knave , i see that : how happie shall i be in his conversation ? i sha not need to keep any in fee to procure , and he be so well furnished : if ever i come to be duke , i will erect a magnificent colledge ; endow it with revenue to maintain wenches , and with great pensions invite the fairest ladies from all parts of christendome into my seraglio ; then will i have this fellow gelded , and make him my chief eunuch ranger , or overseer of all my precious tame fowl. enter like satyrs , and lie down . how now ? what 's this , some furie asleep ? i le take another path ; another ? into what wilderness has this fire-drake brought me ? i dare not crie out for fear of waking 'em : would grimundo were come back . enter one like silvanus . silv. rise you drowsie satyrs , rise ; what strong charm doth bind your eies ? see who comes into your grove , to embrace the queen of love ; leap for joy , and frisk about , find your prettie dryads out ; hand in hand compose a ring , dance and circle your new king ; him , silvanus must obey , satyrs rise and run in . hence , and crie a holiday . exit ▪ lodw. some mask ; a device to entertain me , ha ? and yet i see not how they should prepare so much ceremony , unlesse they had expected me . a curse upon their ill faces ; they shook me at first : how now ? enter satyrs pursuing nymphs , they dance together . exeunt satyrs , nymphs seem to intreat him to go with them . have ye no tongues ? yes i will venture my self in your company , and you were my destinies ; wo'd there were no worse in hell , must i walk like a bride too , fortune set on afore then , and thou dost not guide into a hansome place , wo'd thy eyes were out , and so thou maist be taken for the blind goddess indeed ; forward to venus temple . exit . recorders . enter again where the nymphs suddainly leave him , a banquet brought in . lod. vanished like fayries ? ha , what musicks this ? the motion of the sphears , or am i in elisium ? enter grimundo , bare , leading belinda richly attired , and attended by nymphs . here is grimundo , ha ? what glorious creatures this commits a rape upon my sences on every side , but when i look on her , all other admirations are forgot , and lessen in her glory . bel. my lord y' are welcom ; most welcom . grim. i have kept my word sir. lod. thou hast oblieg'd my soul. gri. be high and frolick , she loves to see one domineer ; when y' are throughly acquainted you 'le give me thanks . lodw. let us be private with at much speed as may be ; away with those gossips , so , so . exeunt all but lodwick and belinda . i forgot to ask her name : lady am come . bel. wilt please you use that chair ? lodw. you are not ignorant of the intents my blood hath brought with me , grimundo i hope hath told my coming lady . and you i 'me confident will justifie his promise of some pastime . bel. he 's a servant , whose bosom i dare trust the son of night , and yet more secret than his mother , he hath power to engage me , and i shall take pride in my obedience ; first be pleas'd to taste , what in my duty i prepar'd for your first entertainment ; these but serve to quicken appetite . lodw. i like this well , recorders . i sha not use much courtship , where 's this musick ? bel. doth it offend your ear ? lodw. 't is ravishing , whence doth it breath ? bel. if you command , wee le change a thousand airs , till you find one is sweet and high enough to rock your wanton soul into elisian slumbers . lodw. spare them all , i hear 'em in thy accents . bel. orpheus calliopes fam'd sonne , upon whose lute myriads of lovers ghosts do wait and hang upon the golden strings to have their own griefs softned with his noble touch , shall come again from hell with fresh and happier strains to move your fancy . lodw. that were very strange , she is poetical , more than half a fury : but we prate all this while , and lose the time we should imploy more preciously ; i need no more provocations , my veins are rich , and swell with expectations : shall we to this vaulting businesse ? bel. i shall hope my lord you will be silent in mine honour , when you have enjoy'd me , and not boast my name to your disgrace , nor mine . lodw. your name , why lady ? by my desires i know it not : i hope you have receiv'd a better character , than to suspect my blabbing : i 'le not trust my ghostly father with my sins , much lesse your name . bel. o let me flie into your arms , these words command my freedome ; i shall love you above my self , and to confirm how much i dare repose upon your faith , i 'le not be nice to tell you who i am . lod. pray do . bel. i am a princess . lod. how ? bel. believe me sit . lod. i 'm glad a that , but of what countrey ladie ? bel. and my dominions are more spreading than your brothers . lod. ha ? that 's excellent ; if the villain do prosper with my wife , i 'le marrie her . bel. i was not born to perch upon a dukedom , or some such spot of earth , which the dull eyes examine by a magnifying glass , and wonder at ; the roman eagles never did spread their wings upon so manie shores , the silver moon of ottomon looks pale upon my great empire ; kings of spain , that now may boast their ground , doth stretch as wide as day , are but poor landlords of a cell , compar'd to mine inheritance ; the truth is , i am the devil . lod. how a devil ? bel. yes . be not affrighted sir , you see i bring no horror to distract you : if this presence delight you not , i 'le wearie a thousand shapes to please my lord. lodw. shapes quotha . bel. doe not tremble . lodw. a devil ? i see her cloven foot : i ha not the heart to pray , grimundo has undone me . bel. i did command my spirits to put on satyrs , and nymphs to entertain you first , whiles other in the aire maintain'd a quire for your delight : why do you keep such distance with one that loves you ? recollect your self , you came for pleasure , what doth fright my love ? see i am covetous to return delight , and satisfie your lustful genius : come let us withdraw , and on the bed prepar'd beget a race of smooth and wanton devils — lod. hold , come not near me ; ha ? now i compare the circumstances , they induce me to a sad belief , and i had breath enough i would ask a question . bel. anie thing , and be resolved . lod. how came grimundo and your devilship acquainted ? bel. he hath been my agent long , and hath deserv'd for his hypocrisie , and private sins , no common place in hell , he 's now my favourite , and we enjoy each other dailie ; but he never did by anie service more endear my love , than by this bringing you to my acquaintance , which i desir'd of him long since , with manie and fierce sollicite , but he urg'd his fear , you were not ripe enough in sin for his discoverie . lod. i feel my self dissolve in sweat . bel. my lord , i must acknowledge , i have ever had you in my first regard of anie mortal sinner , for you have the same propention with me , though with less malice , spirits of the lower world have several offices assign'd ; some are to advance pride , some avarice , some wrath ; i am for lust , a gay voluptuous devil , come le ts embrace , for that i love my lord , do , and command a regiment of hell , they all are at your service . lod. o my soul ! bel. beside my lord , it is another motive to honour you , and by my chains which now i have left behind , it makes me grow enamour'd ; your wife that sayes her prayers at home , and weeps away her fight ; o let me hug you for it , despise her vows still , spurn her tears agen into her eyes , thou shalt be prince in hell , and have a crown of flames , brighter than that which ariadne wears of fixed stars ; come shall we dallie now ? lod. my bones within are dust alreadie , and i wear my flesh like a loose upper garment . bel. y' are afraid , be not so pale at liver , for i see your blood turns coward , how would you be frighted to look upon me cloath'd with all my horror , that shudder at me now ? call up your spirit . lod. there are too manie spirits here alreadie , would thou wert conjur'd , what shall i do ? bel. what other than to bathe your soul in pleasure , and never heard of ravishings ; we two will progress through the aire in venus charriot , and when her silver doves grow faint and tire , cupid and mercury shall lend us wings , and we will visit new worlds when we are wearie of this , we both will back the winds , and hunt the phoenix through the arabian deserts , her we will spoil of all her shining plumes , to make a blazing coronet for thy temples , which from the earth beheld , shall draw up wonder , and puzzle learned astronomie to distinguish it from some new constellation , the sea shall yield us pastime , when inveloped with clouds blacker than night , we range about ; and when with storms we overthrow whole navies , we 'll laugh to hear the mariners exclaim in manie thousand shipwracks ; what do i urge these particulars ? let us be one soul , aire , earth , and hell is yours . lod. i have a suit , but dare not speak . bel. take courage , and from me be confident to obtain . lod. i am not well , the name of dill came too quick upon me , i was not well prepar'd for such a sound , it turn'd my blood to ice , and i ha not recovered so much warmth yet , to desire the sport i came for ; would you please but to dismiss for me a time , i would return when i have heat and strength enough for such a sprightful action . bel. i do find your cunning , you pretend this excuse but to gain time , in hope you may repent . lod. and please your grace not i. bel. you will acquaint some priest or other , a tribe of all the world i most abhor , and they will fool you with their ghostlie counsel , perplex you with some fond divinitie , to make you lose the glories i have promis'd . lod. i could never abide such melanchollie people . bel. in this i must betray , we spirits we have no perfect knowledge of mens thoughts ; i see your bloods infeebled , and although my love be infinite , and everie minute i shall languish in your absence , yet your health i must preserve , 't is that feeds my hopes , hereafter i shall perfectlie enjoy thee ; you will be faithful , and return . lod. suspect not . bel. one kiss shall seal consent . lod. her breath smells on brimstone . bel. for this time i 'le dismiss you — do not pray , a spirit shall attend you . lod. do not pray , when did i last ? i know not , farewell horror , he wants a wench that goes to the devil for her . exeunt . actus . . scaena . . enter astella and piero. ast. touch me not villain , pietie defend me , art thou a man , or have i all this while converst with some ill angel in the shape of my lords friend . pier. what needeth all this stir , i urge your benefit . astel. to undo my name , nay soul for ever with one act . pier. one act ; there be those ladies that have acted it a hundred times , yet think themselves as good christians as other women , and do carrie as much opinion too for vertue . astel. heaven . pier. what harm can there be in 't , can you neglect revenge so just , so easie , and delightful ? ast. thy breath doth scatter an infection . pier. scatter a toy , be wise , and lose no time , you know not when such opportunitle may tempt you to 't agen ; for my own part i can but do you a pleasure in 't , your blood should need no other argument . ast. i 'le sooner emptie my veins , not to redeem thy soul , should sin betray mine honour to one loose embrace : hence traytor , i do feel corruption i' th aire alreadie , it will kill me if i stay : hereafter i 'le not wonder how my lord became so wicked . pier. you will lead me to some more private room , i 'le follow madam . exeunt enter iacomo . iac. more private room said he ? i smell a business , i thought this gamester had been gone , is it e'ne so , have at your burrough madam , he 's a shrewd ferret i can tell you , and just in the nick here comes the warrener . enter lodwick . lod. this devil does not follow me , nor anie of her cubs i hope , i 'm glad i came off so well , i never was so hot to engender with the night-mare ; could grimundo find no other creature for my coupling but a succubus , methinks i smell the fiend still . iac. he talks on her alreadie . lod. i am verie jealous . iac. not without a cause my lord. lod. ha ? there she is agen . iac. no my lord , she is new gone into the withdrawing chamber . lod. ha ? who ? who is gone ? iac. a gentlewoman that you were late in companie with . lod. the devil ? look well about you then , a spirit of her constitution will set the house on fire instantlie , and make a young hell on 't , when came she ? i shall be everlastinglie haunted with goblings , art sure thou sawest her ? iac. saw her , yes , and him too . lod. grimundo ? iac. no not grimundo , but i saw another gentleman that has been held a notable spirit , familiar with her . lod. spirit and familiar . iac. piero my lord. lod. piero ? iac. i wonot say what i think , but i think somewhat ▪ and i know what i say , if she be a devil , as she can be little less , if she be as bad as i imagine , some bodies head will ake for 't , for mine own part i did but see and hear , that 's all , and yet i ha not told you half . lod. let me collect , sure this fellow by th' circumstance means astella ; thou talkest all this while of my ladie doest not ? iac. yes my lord , she is all the ladies in the house ; for my ladie and mistriss was sent for to the abbey . lod. i had forgotten my self , this is new horror , is my ladie and piero so familiar saist , and in private ? iac. what i have said , i have said ; and what they have done , they have done by this time . lod. done ? and i 'le be active too . iac. shew what feats of activitie you please . ex. lod. so so , now i am alone , which is , as the learned say , solus cum sola , i will entertain some honourable thoughts of my preferment . enter piere . hum , the gamester is returned ; what melanchollie ? then . he has don 't , i 'le lay my head to a fools cap on'c , i was alwayes so my self after my capring . did you not meet the prince sir ? pier. no , where is he ? iac. he was here but now , and enquired how his ladie did , and i told him you could tell the state of her bodie better than i. for — pier. i did but see her . iac. that 's not the right on 't , it runs for i did but kiss her , for i did but kiss her . pier. it was enough for me to kiss her hand . i am suspected , i must turn this fools discourse another way , the present theam is dangerous : what i hear say iacomo , your ladie is like to rise ? iac. my ladie does rise as earlie as other ladies do that go to bed late . pier. and there will be a notable preferment for you . iac. 't is verie likelie my ladie understands her self . pier. there is a whisper abroad . iac. 't is a good hearing . pier. what if she be married in this absence ? iac. verie likelie ; i say notthing , but i think i know my ladies secrets for the triumph , as pageants , or running at tilt , you may hear more shortlie , there may be reasons of state to have things carried privatelie , they will break out in bells and bonefires hereafter ; what their graces have intended for me i conceal . pier : he is wound up alreadie . iac. you are a gentleman i shall take particular notice of . pier. but what if after all this imagination of a marriage , fortune should forbid the banes ? iac. how ? fortune 's a slut , and because she is a whore her self , would have no ladie marrie and live honest . enter lodw. lod. piero , where 's piero ? pier. ha my lord i ha don 't . lod. ha , what ? pier. i ha pleas'd thy excellence , and you had made more haste , you might a come to the fall a'th'deer . lod. th' ast not enjoy'd her ? pier. they talk of iupiter , and a golden shower , give me a mercury with wit and tongue , he shall charm more ladies on their backs , than the whole bundle of gods pshew . lod. shoot not so much compass , be brief and answer me ; hast thou enjoy'd her ? pier. i have , shall i swear ? lod. no , thou wilt be damn'd sufficientlie without an oath ; in the mean time i do mean to reward your nimble diligence : draw . pier. what d ee mean ? iac. and you be so sharp-set i do mean to withdraw . exit . lod. i do mean to cut your throat , or perish i' th attempt , you see your destinie , my birth and spirit wo'not let me kill thee in the dark ; draw , and be circumspect . pier. did not you engage me to it ? have i done anie thing but by your directions ? my lord. lod. 't is all one , my mind is altered , i will see what complexion your heart bears ; if i hit upon the right vein , i may cure your disease a' th blood . pier. hold , and there be no remedie , i will die better than i ha liv'd ; you shall see sir that i dare fight with you , and if i fall by your sword , my base consent to act your will deserves it . lod. ha ? pier. i find your policie , and by this storm you 'd prove my resolution , how boldlie i dare stand to 't when this great dishonour comes to question , prepare to be displeased — she is a miracle of chastitie , impenetrable like a marble , she returned my sinful arrows , and they have wounded me ; forgive me ladie . lod. i prethee tell me true ; now thou shalt swear , hast thou not don 't . pier. not by my hope of heaven which i had almost forfeited , had not she relieved me with her vertue ; in this truth i dare resign my breath . lodw. i dare believe thee : what did i see in her to doubt her firmness ? enter jacomo and astella . iac. here they are madam , you do not mean to run upon their weapons . lodw. piero thou shalt wonder . ast. what means my lord ? lodw. you shall know that anon ; my ladie go with me . ast. vvhither you please , you shall not need to force me sir , you may lead me with gossamere , or the least thread the industrious spider weaves . iac. whimsies . pier. what furie thus transport him at some distance , i 'le follow him , he may intend some violence , she is too good to suffer , i shall grow in love with my conversion . exit . iac. grow in love with a cockscomb , his last words stick on my stomack still fortune forbid the banes quotha slid if fortune , should forbid the banes , and my ladie be not converted into a dutchess where are all my offices ? exit . recorders , chairs prepared . enter soranzo , giotto . sor. know you not who they are my lord this day receive the habit ? gio. i can meet with no intelligence . sor. they are persons of some qualitie — gio. the duke does mean to grace their ceremonie . sor. he was invited by the abbot to their cloathing . gio. which must be in private too , here in his lodgings . sor. well we shall not long expect 'em , his grace enters . enter duke , grimundo . gri. it helpt much that he never saw my wife . duk. dost think 't will take ? gri. there 's some hope my lord alreadie , and heaven may prosper it . duk. we cannot endear thee to thy merit . sor. how the duke embraces him . enter cleona attended . duk. cleona you are welcom , 't is a blest occasion that makes us meet so happilie . cleon. it pleas'd my lord abbot to invite me hither . duk. i appear'd too upon his friendlie summons , we 'll thank him for this presence . sor. the abbot enters . enter the abbot , attended with religious men , having bowed to the duke , he taketh a chair ; being sate , valentio goes out , and presently enters , leading foscari and dulcino in st. bennets habit , he presents them , they kneel at the abbots feet . abb. speak your desire . fosc. we kneel to be received into the number of those religious men that dedicate themselves to heaven i'th'habit of st. bennet , and humblie pray that you would rectifie and teach our weak devotion the way to imitate his life , by giving us the precepts of your order . abbot . let me tell you , you must take heed the ground of your resolve be perfect ; yet look back into the spring of your desires , religious men should be tapers , first lighted by a holie beam : meteors may shine like stars , but are not constant . fosc. we covet not the blaze , which a corrupt and slimie matter may advance , our thoughts are flam'd with charitie . abb. yet ere you embark , think on your hard adventure , there is more to be examin'd beside your end , and the reward of such an undertaking ; you look on heaven afar off , like a land-skip , whether wild thoughts like your imperfect eye , without examination of those wayes , oblique and narrow are transported , but i' th walk and tryal of the difficulties that interpose , you tire like inconsiderate and wearie pilgrims . fosc. we desire to know the rules of our obedience . abb. they will startle your resolutions ; can your will , not us'd to anie law beside it self , permit the knowledge of severe and positive limits ? submit to be controul'd , imploy'd sometime in servile offices , against the greatness of your high birth and sufferance of nature ? can you , forgetting all youthful desire , and memorie of the worlds betraying pleasures , check wanton heat , and consecrate your blood to chastitie , and holie solitude ? sor. i wonot be religious giotto . giot. nor i , upon these terms , i pitie em . abb. can you quit all the glories of your state , resign your titles and large wealth , to live poor and neglected , change high food and surfets for a continual fasting , your down-beds for hard and humble lodging , your gilt roofs and galleries for a melanchollie cell , the pattern of agrave , where , stead of musick to charm you into slumbers , to be wak'd with the sad chiming of the sacring bell ; your robes , whose curiositie hath tyred invention , and the silk-worm to adorn you , your blaze of jewels , that your pride have worn to burn out envies eyes , must be no more your ornament , but coarse , and rugged cloathing harrow your skins ; these , and manie more unkind austerities will much offend your tender constitutions ; yet consider . duk. he does insist much on their state and honour : may we not know em yet ? ual. one of them sir doth owe this character . gives him a paper . duk. it is foscari , i find his noble purpose , he is perfect : i honour thee young man , she must not see this paper . gives another paper . val. this doth speak the other sir. duk. 't is at large — ha — grimundo , i prithee read , i dare not credit my own eyes : leonora , so it begins , leonora . grim. leonora , daughter to the late gonzaga , duke of millan , fearing she should be compelled to marry her uncle , in the habit of a page , and the conduct of father valentio , came to savoy , to try the love and honour of his excellence , who once solicit●d by his embassador — duk. no more , i am extasied ; if so much blessing may be met at once , i le do my heart that justice to proclaim thou hadst a deep impression ; as a boy i lov'd thee too , for it could be no other , but with a divine flame ; fair leonora , like to a perfect magnes , though inclos'd with an ivorie box , through the white wall shot forth imbracing vertue : now , oh now our destinies are kind . fosc. this is a misterie , dulcino ? leon. no my lord , i am discovered ; you see leonora now , a millan ladie , if i may hope your pardon — duk. love and honour thou dost enrich my heart : cleona read , and entertain the happiness to which thy fate predestin'd thee , whilst i obey mine here . cleona reads . cleon. how , my lord foscari ? if he be living , i must die before this separation be confirm'd ; my joy doth overcome my wonder ; can you leave the world , while i am in 't ? fosc. dear'st leonora ! then willinglie i dispence with my intention , and if the duke have found another mistris , it shall be my devotion to pray here , and my religion to honour thee . ab. manie blessings crown this union . fosc. your pardon gracious princesse , i did impose too much . leon. i studied to be your grateful servant , as your self unto the fair cleona ; we are all happie . enter lodwick , astella , and piero. lodw. they 're here ; by your leave brother , my lord abbot , witness enough . duk. why thus kneels lodwick ? lodw. to make confession brother , and beg heavens , and everie good mans pardon , for the wrong i ha done this excellent ladie , whom my soul new marries , and may heaven — ha , do not hold a justice back : grimundo is a traitor , take heed on him , and say your praiers ; he is the devils grand solicitor for souls . he hath not such another cunning engine i' th world to ruine vertue . grim. i , my lord ? lodw. you are no hypocrite : he does everie night lie with a succubus ; he brought me to one , let him denie it ; but heaven had pittie on me . enter belinda . ha! there she is : do you not see her ? devil i do defie thee : my lord , stand by me : i will be honest spight of him and thee , and lie with my own wife . giot. sure the prince is mad . duk. o rise most noble ladie , well deserving a statue to record thy vertue . lodw. ha ? duk. this is grimundo's wife . lodw. 't is so , my lord. bel. no devil , but the servant of your vertue , that shall rejoice if we have thriv'd in your conversion . ast. i hope it . lodw. have i bin mockt into honestie ? are not you a furie ? and you a slie and subtile epicure ? grim. i do abhor the thought of being so : pardon my seeming , sir. ab. o go not back , prevent thus seasonable your real torment . lodw. i am fullie wakened , be this kisse the pledge of my new heart . pier. true love stream in your bosomes ; ladie forgive me too . ast. most willinglie . duk. our joy is perfect : lodwick salute a sifter in this ladie leonora , the object of our first love ; take the story as we return : lord abbot we must thank you for contriving this ; and you good father . embassadors shall be dispatcht to millan , to acquaint 'em where , and how their absent princess leonora hath dispos'd her self ; meanwhile , poets shall stretch invention , to express triumphs for thee , and savoys happiness . exeunt omnes . finis . books printed , or so 〈…〉 at the sign of the crown in fleet 〈…〉 the two temple gates . yorks heraldry . fol. a bible , of a very fair large roman letter . . orlando furioso . fol. ●ilkinsons office of sheriffs . mirror of justice . . parsons law. . ●elamans use of the horizontal quadrant ●ilbeys second set of musick , , , , and , parts . . corderius in english. . ● . fulks meteors , with observations . malthus artificial fireworks . ●ye's gunnery and fireworks . ●●to major , with annotations . by william austin , esquire . ●●tel heliconium , by alex. ross. . ●●osce teipsum , by sir iohn davis . . ●●nimadversions on lillies grammar . . ●he history of vienna and paris . the history of lazarido de tormes . ●ero and licander , by george chapman . ●●ayer's catechism . . ●●ercitatio scholastica . ●●sing of the accidence . ●●rberts travels , fol. ●an become guilty , by iohn francis senalt , and englished by henry , earl of monmouth . the idiot , in four books . ●●e life and reign of hen. . by the lord herbert . fol. ●●la lucis , or the house of light. ●●e ●●●t-royal of holy scripture , or a new concordance of the chief heads of scripture , by i. h. tragoedy , written by the most learned hugo gropius , called christus patiens , and translated into english , by george sandys . ●●e mount of olives , or solitary devotions ●●e description and use of the double orizontal dyal . ●●e rights of the people concerning imositions . ●●nce painted out to the life . the second ●dition . ●●e garden of eden , both parts . ●● exact abridgement of the records in ●he tower of london , from the reign ●f k. edward the second , to k. richard ●he third , of all the parliaments hol●en in each kings reign , & the several acts in every parliament , by sir robert cotton , knight and baronet . le prince d'amour , or the prince of love ; with a collection of several ingenious poems and songs , by the wits of the age. . the solemn league and covenant , arraigned and condemned . the result of false principles , or error convicted by its own evidence , with diott●phes his dialogues , by the author of the examination of tyleaus before the tryers ; whereunto is added a learned disputation of dr. goads , sent by king iames to the synod at dort. an apology for the discipline of the antient church , intended especially for that of our mother the church of england , in answer to the admonito●y letter , lately published by william nichoison , arch-deacon of br●con , and now lord bishop of gloucester . a learned expositon of the apostles creed , delivered in several sermons , by the right reverend father in god , william nicholson , lord bishop of glocester . dav●ds harp strung and tuned , being a brief analysis of davids psalms , with devout prayers and meditations to every psalm , framed for the most part out of the words of the psalm , and fitted for several occasions . by william nich●●son , lord bishop of gloucester . mathematical recreations . callis learned readings on the statute of h. n. . chap. . of sewers . sken , de signisicatione verborum . . flamma sine famo , or poems without fictions . . playes . the wedding . philaster . the hollander . the merchant of venice . the strange discovery . maids tragedy . king and no king. othello , the moor of venice . the grateful servant . the cardinal shirley, james this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (wing s ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. martin mueller incompletely or incorrectly transcribed words were reviewed and in many cases fixed by madeline burg keren yi this text has not been fully proofread earlyprint project evanston il, notre dame in, st.louis, washington mo distributed under a creative commons attribution-noncommercial . unported license a .xml early english books online. the cardinal, a tragedie, as it was acted at the private house in black fryers, wriiten by james shirley. not printed before: shirley, james, - . dpi tiff images (displayed as gif) and xml-encoded text (displayed as html). university of michigan library ann arbor, michigan november (tcp phase ) a wing (cd-rom, ) s (unm) e

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 the cardinal, a tragedie, as it was acted at the private house in black fryers, wriiten by james shirley. not printed before: shirley, james, - . [ ], , [ ] p. : printed for humphrey robinson at the three pigeons, and humphrey moseley at the princes arms in st. paul's church-yard, london : . also published as part of: six new playes, ... all written by james shirley.--wing (cd-rom edition) s . reproduction of original in the folger shakespeare library. eng a shc the cardinal shirley, james madeline burg keren yi play tragedy shc no a r (wing s ). . b the rate of . defects per , words puts this text in the b category of texts with fewer than defects per , words. incorporated ~ , textual changes made to the shc corpus by hannah bredar, kate needham, and lydia zoells between april and july during visits, separately or together, to the bodleian, folger and houghton libraries as well as the rare book libraries at northwestern university and the university of chicago

the cardinal , a tragedie , as it was acted at the private house in black fryers , written by james shirley .

not printed before .

london , printed for humphrey robinson at the pigeons , and humphrey moseley at the arms in st. paul's church-yard . .

to my worthily honored friend g. b. esq sir ,

i did suffer at the first some contention within me , and looking upon my self , was inclined to stifle my ambitious thoughts in this dedication ; but when some time , and a happy conversation , had preferred me to more acquaintance with you , ( which was more argument to me , than the fame i had heard of your reputation , with the most temperate and ingenious men ) i found you not only an excellent judge , but a good man : at this my modesty took full encouragement , to make this offering , which as i conceive to be the best of my flock , i knew not a better altar whereon to make it a sacrifice , with this protestation , that it comes ( and that is it only , which makes all devotions acceptable ) from the heart , and your candid acceptance will bind me with all my services , and remembrance , to merit a reception with you , in the quality and honour of ,

sir , your most humble devoted servant , ja. shirley
prologue . the cardinal , cause we express no scene , we doe believe most of you gentlemen are at this hour in france , and busie there , though you vouchsafe to lend your bodies here ; but keep your fancy active , till you know by th' progress of our play , 't is nothing so ; a poets art is to lead on your thought through subtle paths and workings of a plot , and where your expectation does not thrive , if things fall better , yet you may forgive ; i will say nothing positive , you may think what you please , we call it but a play , whether the comick muse , or ladies love , romance , or direfull tragedy it prove , the bill determines not ; and would you be perswaded , i would have 't a comedie , for all the purple in the name , and state of him that owns it ; but 't is left to fate ; yet i will tell you e'r you see it plaid , what the author , and he blusht too , when he said ( comparing with his own for 't had been pride he thought , to build his wit a pyramyde . vpon anothers wounded fame , ) this play might rivall with his best , and dar'd to say troth i am out ; he said no more ; you then , when 'ts done , may say your pleasures gentlemen .
to the surviving honour and ornament of the english scene , iames shirley . as fate , which doth all human matters sway , makes proudest things grow up into decay ; and when they are to envyed greatness grown , she wantonly falls off , and throws them down : so , when our english dramma was at hight , and shin'd , and rul'd with majesty and might , a sudden whirlwind threw it from it seat , deflowr'd the groves , and quench'd the muses heat . yet as in saints , and martyr'd bodies , when they cannot call their blessed souls agen to earth ; reliques , and ashes men preserve , and think they do , but what , blest they deserve : so i , by my devotion led , aspire to keep alive your noble vestal fire , honour this piece , which shews , sir , you have been the last supporter of the dying scene ; and though i do not tell you , how you dress virtue in gloryes , and bold vice depress ; nor celebrate your lovely dutchess fall , or the just ruine of your cardinal ; yet this i dare assert , when men have nam'd iohnson ( the nations laureat , ) the fam'd beaumont , and fletcher , he , that wo'not see shirley , the fourth , must forfeit his best ey . hall .
persons . king of navarre . cardinal . columbo , the cardinals nephew . alvarez . hernando , a colonel . alphonso . lords . secretary to the dutchess . colonels antonelli , the cardinals servant . surgion . guard . attendants , &c. dutchess rosaura . valeria , ladies . celinda , ladies . placentia , a lady that waits upon the dutchess .

scene navarre .

the cardinal .
act i. enter two lords ( at one door ) secretary ( at the other . ) lord . who is that ? lo. the dutchess secretary . lo. signior . secr. your lordships servant . lo. how does her grace since she left her mourning for the young duke mendoza , whose timeless death at sea , left her a virgin and a widdow ? lo. shee 's now inclining to a second bride , when is the day of mighty mariage to our great cardinals nephew , don columbo ? secr. when they agree ; they wo'not steal to church , i guess the ceremonies will be loud , and publick . your lordships will excuse me . exit . lo. when they agree ? alas poor lady , she dotes not upon columbo , when she thinks of the young count d'alvarez , divorc'd from her by the kings power . lo. and counsell of the cardinal to advance his nephew to the dutchess bed ; 't is not well . lo. take heed , the cardinal holds intelligence with every bird i' th' air . lo. death on his purple pride , he governs all , and yet , columbo is a gallant gentleman . lo. the darling of the war , whom victory hath often courted ; a man of daring and most exalted spirit , pride in him dwels like an ornament , where so much honour secures his praise . lo. this is no argument he should usurp , and wear alvarez title to the fair dutchess , men of coarser blood would not so tamely give this treasure up . lo. although columbos name is great in war , whose glorious art and practice is above the greatness of alvarez , yet he cannot want soul , in whom alone survives the virtue of many noble ancestors , being the last of his great family lo. 't is not safe , you 'l say , to wrastle with the king . lo. more danger if the cardinal be displeas'd , who sits at helm of state ; count d' alvarez is wiser to obey the stream , than by insisting on his privilege to her love , put both their fate upon a storm . lo. if wisdom , not inborn fear make him compose , i like it ; how does the dutchess bear herself ? lo. she moves by the rapture of another wheel that must be obey'd , like some sad passenger , that looks upon the coast his wishes fly to , but is transported by an adverse wind , sometimes a churlish pilot . lo. she has a sweet and noble nature . lo. that commend ; alvarez , hymen cannot tie a knot of two more equall hearts and blood . enter alphonso . lo. alphonso ? alph. my good lord . lo. what great affair hath brought you from the confines ? alp. such as will be worth your counsells , when the king hath read my letters from the governour ; the arragonians , violating their confederate oath and league , are now in arms ; they have not yet marcht towards us , but 't is not safe to expect if we may timely prevent invasion lo. dare they be so insolent ? lo. this storm i did foresee . lo. what have they , but the sweetness of the king , to make a crime ? lo. but how appears the cardinal at this news ? alp. not pale , although he knows they have no cause to think him innocent , as by whose counsell they were once surpriz'd . lo. there is more than all our present art can fathome in this story , and i fear i may conclude , this flame has breath at home to cherish it ; ther 's treason in some hearts , whose faces are smooth to the state . alp. my lords , i take my leave . lo. your friends good captain . exeunt . enter dutchess , valeria , celinda . val. sweet madam be less thoughtfull , this obedience to passion , will destroy the noblest frame of beauty that this kingdom ever boasted . cel. this sadness might become your other habit , and ceremonious black for him that died ; the times of sorrow are expir'd , and all the joys that wait upon the court , your birth , and a new hymen that is coming towards you , invite a change . dut. ladies , i thank you both , i pray excuse a little melancholy that is behind , my year of mourning hath not so cleer'd my account with sorrow , but there may some dark thoughts stay , with sad reflections , upon my heart for him i lost ; even this new dress , and smiling garment , meant to shew a peace concluded twixt my grief and me , is but a sad remembrance : but i resolve to entertain more pleasing thoughts , and if you wish me heartily to smile , you must not mention grief , not in advice to leave it ; such counsells open but afresh the wounds ye would close up ; and keep alive the cause , whose bleeding you would cure ; le ts talk of something that may delight ; you two are read in all the histories of our court ; tell me valeria , who has thy vote for the most handsome man ? thus i must counterfeit a peace , when all within me is at mutiny . val. i have examin'd all that are candidates for the praise of ladies . but find � may i speak boldly to your grace ? and will you not return it in your mirth , to make me blush ? dut. no , no ; speak freely . val. i wo'not rack your patience madam , but were i a princess , i should think count d' alvarez had sweetness to deserve me from the world . dut. alvarez ! shee 's a spy upon my heart . val. hee 's young , and active , and compos'd most sweetly . dut. i have seen a face more tempting . val. it had then too much of woman in 't , his eys speak movingly which may excuse his voice , and lead away all female pride his captive ; his hair black , which naturally falling into curl's � dut. prethee no more , thou art in love with him . the man in your esteem celinda now ? cel. alvarez is ( i must confess ) a gentleman of handsome composition , but with his mind ( the greater excellence ) i think another may delight a lady more , if man be well considered , that 's columbo , now , madam , voted to be yours . dut. my torment ! val. she affects him not . cel. he has person , and a bravery beyond all men that i observe . val. he is a souldier , a rough-hewn man , and may shew well at distance ; his talk will fright a lady ; war , and grim-fac'd honor are his mistrisses ; he raves to hear a lute ; love meant him not his priest . again your pardon madam ; we may talk , but you have art to choose and crown affection . dut. what is it to be born above these ladies and want their freedom ? they are not constrain'd , nor slav'd by their own greatness , or the kings ; but let their free hearts look abroad , and choose by their own eys to love ; i must repair my poor afflicted bosome , and assume the privilege i was born with ; which now prompts me to tell the king he hath no power nor art to steer a lovers soul . enter secretary . what says count d'alvares ? sec. madam hee 'l attend you . dut. wait you as i directed , when he comes acquaint me privately . sec. madam , i have news , 't is now arriv'd the court , we shall have wars . dut. i find an army here of killing thoughts . sec. the king has chosen don columbo general , who is immediately to take his leave . dut. what flood is let into my heart ! how far is he to go ? sec. to arragon . dut. that 's well at first , he should not want a pilgrimage to the unknown world , if my thoughts might convey him . sec. t is not impossible he may go thither . dut. how ? sec. to the unknown other world , he goes to fight , that 's in his way , such stories are in nature . dut. conceal this news . sec. he wo'not be long absent ; the affair will make him swift to kiss your graces hand . dut. he cannot flie with too much wing to take his leave ; i must be admitted to your conference ; ye have enlarg'd my spirits , they shall droop no more . cel. we are happy , if we may advance one thought to your graces pleasure . val. your ey before was in eclipse , these smiles become you madam . dut. i have not skill to contain my self . enter placentia . pla. the cardinals nephew , madam , don columbo . dut. already ? attend him . ex. plac. val. shall we take our leave ? dut. he shall not know valeria how you prais'd him . val. if he did , madam , i should have the confidence to tell him my free thoughts . enter columbo . dut. my lord , while i 'm in study to requite the favour you ha' done me , you increase my debt to such a sum , still by a new honouring your servant , i despair of my own freedom . col. madam , he kisseth your white hand , that must not surfet in this happiness � and ladies , i take your smiles for my encouragement : i have not long to practise these court tacticks . col. he has been taught to kiss . dut. ther 's something , sir , upon your brow i did not read before . col. does the character please you madam ? dut. more , because it speaks you cheerfull . col. 't is for such access of honour , as must make columbo worth all your love ; the king is pleas'd to think me fit to lead his army . dut. how , an army ? col. we must not use the priest , till i bring home another triumph , that now staies for me to reap it in the purple field of glory . dut. but do you mean to leave me , and expose your self to the devouring war ? no enemy should divide us ; the king is not so cruell . col. the king is honourable , and this grace more answers my ambition , than his gift of thee , and all thy beauty , which i can love , as becomes thy souldier , and fight she weeps to come agen , a conqueror of thee ; then i must chide this fondnesse . enter secretary . sec. madam , the king , and my lord cardinal . enter king , cardinall , and lords . king : madam , i come to call a servant from you , and strengthen his excuse ; the publick cause will plead for your consent ; at his return your mariage shall receive triumphant ceremonies ; till then you must dispence . card. she appears sad to part with him , i like it fairly nephew . val. is not the general a gallant man ? what lady would deny him a small courtesie ? cel. thou hast converted me , and i begin to wish it were no sin . val. leave that to narrow consciences . cel. you are pleasant . val. but he would please one better . do such men lie with their pages ? cel. would'st thou make a shift ? val. he is going to a bloody business ; 't is pity he should dye without some heir ; that lady were hard-hearted now that would not help posterity , for the meer good o' th' king and common-wealth . col. thou art wild , we may be observ'd . dut. your will must guide me , happiness and conquest be ever waiting on his sword . col. farewell . ex. k. col. card lo. dut. pray give leave to examine a few thoughts ; expect me in the garden . ladies we attend . ex. ladies . dut. this is above all expectation happy ; forgive me virtue that i have dissembled , and witness with me , i have not a thought to tempt or to betray him , but secure the promise i first made to love and honour . enter secretary . sec. the count d' alvarez madam . dut. admit him . and let none enterrupt us ; how shall i behave my looks ? the guilt of my neglect , which had no seal from hence , will call up blood to write upon my cheeks the shame and story in some red letter . enter d' alvarez . d' alv. madam , i present one that was glad to obey your grace , and come to know what your commands are . dut. where i once did promise love , a love that had the power and office of a priest to chain my heart to yours , it were injustice to command . d' alv. but i can look upon you madam , as becomes a servant , with as much humility , ( in tenderness of your honor and great fortune , ) give up , when you call back your bounty , all that was mine , as i had pride to think them favours . dut. hath love taught thee no more assurance in our mutuall vows , thou canst suspect it possible , i should revoke a promise made to heaven and thee so soon ? this must arise from some distrust of thy own faith . d' alv. your graces pardon to speak with freedom , i am not so old in cunning to betray , nor young in time not to see when , and where i am at loss , and how to bear my fortune , and my wounds , which if i look for health must still bleed inward , ( a hard and desperate condition ; ) i am not ignorant your birth and greatness , have plac'd you to grow up with the kings grace , and jealousie , which to remove , his power hath chosen a fit object for your beauty to shine upon , columbo his great fvavorite ; i am a man , on whom but late the king has pleas'd to cast a beam , which was not meant to make me proud , but wisely to direct , and light me to my safety . oh , dear madam ! i will not call more witness of my love ( if you will let me still give it that name ) than this , that i dare make my self a loser , and to your will give all my blessings up ; preserve your greatness and forget a triflle , that shall at best when you have drawn me up , but hang about you like a cloud , and dim the glories you are born to . dut. misery of birth and state ! that i could shift into a meaner blood , or find some art to purge that part which makes my veins unequall ; yet those nice distinctions have no place in us , ther 's but a shadow difference , a title , thy stock partakes as much of noble sap as that which feeds the root of kings , and he that writes a lord , hath all the essence of nobility . d' alv. 't is not a name that makes our separation , the kings displeasure hangs a portent to fright us , and the matter that feeds this exhalation is the cardinals plot to advance his nephew ; then columbo , a man made up for some prodigious act , is fit to be considered ; in all three there is no character you fix upon but has a form of ruine to us both . dut. then you do look on these with fear . d' alv. with eys that should think tears a duty to lament your least unkind fate ; but my youth dares boldly meet all the tyranny o' th' stars , whose black malevolence but shoot my single tragedy ; you are above the value of many worlds peopled with such as i am . ��� if columbo engag'd to war , in his hot thirst of honor , find out the way to death ? d' alv. t is possible . dut. or say , no matter by what art or motive he gives his title up , and leave me to my own election ? d' alv. if i then be happy to have a name within your thought , there can be nothing left to crown me with new blessing ; but i dream thus of heaven , and wake to find my amorous soul a mockery ; when the priest shall tie you to another , and the joys of mariage leave no thought at leasure to look back upon alvarez , that must wither for loss of you , yet then i cannot lose so much of what i was , once in your favour , but in a sigh pray still you may live happy . exit . dut. my heart is in a mist , some good star smile upon my resolution , and direct two lovers in their chast embrace to meet ; columbo's bed contains my winding sheet . exit .
act ii. enter general columbo , hernando , two colonels , alphonso , two captains , and other officers , as at a councell of war . columbo . i see no face in all this councell , that hath one pale fear upon 't though we arriv'd not so timely to secure the town , which gives our enemy such triumph . colo. 't was betraid alp. the wealth of that one city will make the enemy glorious . colo. they dare not plunder it . alp. they give fair quarter yet , they only seal up mens estates , and keep possession for the cities use , they take up now wares without security , and he whose single credit will not pass , puts in two leane comrades , upon whose bonds t is not religion to deny 'em . colu. to repair this with honour gentlemen ? her. my opinion is to expect a while . colu. your reason ? her. till their own surfet betray 'em , for their souldier bred up with coarse and common bread , will shew such appetites on the rich cates they find , they will spare our swords a victory , when their own riot and luxury destroys 'em . colo. that will shew our patience too like a fear . with favour of his excellence i think , the spoil of cities takes not off the courage , but doubles it on souldiers ; besides , while we have tameness to expect , the noise of their success and plenty will encrease their army . her. 't is considerable , we do not exceed in foot or horse , our muster not 'bove sixteen thousand both ; and the infantry raw , and not disciplin'd to act . alp. their hearts , but with a brave thought of their countries honour , will teach 'em how to fight , had they not seen a sword ; but we decline our own too much , the men are forward in their arms , and take the use with avarice of fame . they rise and talk privately . colu. colonell . i do suspect you are a coward . her. sir . colu. or else a traytor , take your choice , no more , i calld you to a councell sir , of war , yet keep your place . her. i have worn other names . colu. deserve 'em , such another were enough to unsoul an army ; ignobly talk of patience till they drink and reel to death ? we came to fight and force 'em to mend their pace ; thou hast no honour in thee , not enough noble blood to make a blush for thy tame eloquence . her. my lord , i know my duty to a generall , yet there are some that have known me here ; sir , i desire to quit my regiment . colu. you shall have licence . ink and paper � enter with paper and standish . colo. the general 's displeas'd . colo. how is 't hernando ? her. the generall has found out employment for me , he is writing letters back . al cap. to his mistress . her. pray do not trouble me , yet prethee speak , and flatter not thy friend , dost think i dare not draw my sword , and use it , when cause with honour calls to action ? al. colo. with the most valiant man alive . her. you 'l do me some displeasure in your loves , pray to your places . colu. so , bear those letters to the king , it speaks my resolution before another sun decline to charge the enemy . her. a pretty court way of dismissing an officer , i obey ; success attend your counsells . exit . colu. if here be any dare not look on danger , and meet it like a man with scorn of death , i beg his absence , and a cowards fear consume him to a ghost . colo. none such here . colu. or if in all your regiments you find one man that does not ask to bleed with honour , give him a double pay to leave the army ; ther 's service to be done , will call the spirits and aid of men . colo. you give us all new flame . colu. i am confirm'd , and you must lose no time ; the souldier that was took last night , to me discover'd their whole strength , and that we have a party in the town ; the river that opens the city to the west unguarded ; we must this night use art and resolutions , we cannot fall ingloriously . capt. that voice is every mans . enter souldier , and secretary with a letter . colu. what now ? soul. letters . colu. whence ? soul. from the dutchess . colu. they are welcome ; meet at my tent again this evening ; yet stay , some wine � the dutchess health � see it go round . sec. it wo'not please his excellence . colo. the dutchess health . cap. to me ! more wine . sec. the clouds are gathering , and his eys shoot fire ; observe what thunder follows . cap. the generall has but ill news , i suspect the dutchess sick , or else the king . cap. may be the cardinal . cap. his soul has long been look'd for . colu. she dares not be so insolent ! it is the dutchess hand ; how am i shrunk in fame to be thus plaid withall ? she writes , and counsels , under my hand to send her back a free resigne of all my interest to her person , promise , or love ; that ther 's no other way with safety of my honour to revisit her . the woman is possest with some bold devil , and wants an exorcism ; or i am grown a cheap , dull , phlegmatick fool , a post that 's carv'd i' th' common street , and holding out my forehead to every scurrill wit to pin disgrace and libells on 't ; did you bring this to me sir ? my thanks shall warm your heart . draws a pistoll . sec. hold , hold , my lord . i know not what provokes this tempest , but her grace ne't shew'd more freedom from a storm when i receiv'd this paper ; if you have a will to do an execution , your looks without that engin , sir , may serve . i did not like the employment . colu. ha , had she no symptome in her eye , or face , of anger when she gave this in charge ? sec. serene , as i have seen the morning rise upon the spring , no trouble in her breath , but such a wind as came to kiss and fan the smiling flowers . colu. no poetry . sec. by all the truth in prose , by honesty , and your own honour sir , i never saw her look more calm , and gentle . colu. i am too passionate , you must forgive me ; i have found it out the dutchess loves me dearly , she exprest a trouble in her when i took my leave , and chid me with a sullen ey ; 't is a device to hasten my return ; love has a thousand arts ; i 'l answer it , beyond her expectation , and put her soul to a noble test ; your patience gentlemen ; the kings health will deserve a sacrifice of wine . sec. i am glad to see this change , and thank my wit for my redemption . col. sir , the souldiers curse on him loues not our master . col. and they curse loud enough to be heard . cap. their curse has the nature of gunpowder . sec. they do not pray with half the noise . col our generall is not well mixt , he hes too great a portion of fire . col. his mistris cool him , her complexion carries some phlegm , when they two meet in bed ? cap. a third may follow . cap. 't is much pity . the young duke liv'd not to take the virgin off . col. 't was the kings act to match two rabbet suckers . col. a common trick of state , the little great man marries , travells then till both grow up ; and dies when he should do the feat ; these things are still unlucky on the male side . colu. this to the dutchess fair hand . sec. she will think time hath no wing , till i return . colu. gentlemen , now each man to his quarter , and encourage the souldier ; i shall take a pride to know your diligence , when i visit all your severall commands . omnes . we shall expect , col. and move by your directions . colu. y' are all noble . exeunt . enter cardinal , dutchess , placentia . card. i shall perform a visit dayly , madam , in th' absence of my nephew , and be happy if you accept my care . dut. you have honour'd me , and if your entertainment have not been worthy your graces person , 't is because nothing can reach it in my power ; but where there is no want of zeal , other defect is only a fault to exercise your mercy . card. you are bounteous in all ; i take my leave ; my fair neece , shortly , when columbo has purchas'd more honours to prefer his name , and value to your noble thoughts ; mean time be confident you have a friend , whose office , and favour with the king , shall be effectuall to serve your grace . dut. your own good deeds reward you , till mine rise equall to deserve their benefit . exit cardinal . exit placen . leave me a while . do not i walk upon the teeth of serpents ; and , as i had a charm against their poyson , play with their stings , the cardinal is subtle ? whom t is not wisdom to incense , till i hear to what destinie columbo leaves me ; may be the greatness of his soul will scorn to own what comes with murmur , if he can interpret me so happily ; art come ? enter secretary with a letter . sec. his excellence salutes your grace . dut: thou hast a malencholy brow ; how did he take my letter ? sec. as he would take a blow , with so much sense of anger , his whole soul boild in his face , and such prodigious flame in both his eys as they 'd been th' only seat of fire ; and at each look a salamander leaping forth , not able to endure the furnace . dut. ha! thou dost describe him with some horror . sec. soon as he had read again , and understood your meaning , his rage had shot me with a pistoll , had not i us'd some soft , and penitentiall language , to charm the bullet . dut. wait at some more distance ; my soul doth bath it self in a cold dew ; imagin , i am opening of a tomb , thus i throw off the marble to discover , what antick posture death presents in this pale monument to fright me � reads . ha ? my heart that call'd my blood and spirits , to defend it from the invasion of my fears , must keep a guard about it still , lest this strange and too mighty joy crush it to nothing . antonio . sec. madam . dut. bid my steward give thee two thousand ducates ; art sure i am awake ? sec. i shall be able to resolve you , madam , when he has paid the money . dut. columbo now is noble . exit . dut. sec. this is better than i expected , if my lady be not mad , and live to justifie her bounty . exit . enter king , alvarez , hernando , lords . king . the war is left to him . but we must have you reconcil'd , if that be all your difference . his rage flows like a torrent , when he meets with opposition , leave to wrastle with him , and his hot blood retreats into a calm , and then he chides his passion ; you shall back with letters from us . her. your commands , are not to be disputed . kin. alvarez . lo. lose not your self by cool submission , he will find his error , and the want of such a souldier . lo. have you seen the cardinal ? her. not yet . lo. he wants no plot � her. the king i must obey ; but let the purple gownman place his engins i' th' dark that wounds me . lo. be assur'd of what we can to friend you , and the king cannot forget your service . her. i am sorry for that poor gentleman . alvar. i must confess , sir , the dutchess has been pleas'd to think me worthy her favours , and in that degree of honour , that has oblig'd my life to make the best return of service , which is not , with bold affiance in her love , to interpose against her happiness , and your election ; i love so much her honour , i have quitted all my desires , yet would not shrink to bleed out my warm stock of life , so the last drop might benefit her wishes . ki. i shall find a compensation for this act , alvarez , i hath much pleased us . enter dutchess with a letter , gentleman-vsher . dut. sir , you are the king , and in that sacred title it were sin to doubt a justice , all that does concern my essence in this world , and a great part of the other bliss , lives in you breath . ki. what intends the dutchess ? dut. that will instruct you , sir , columbo has upon some better choice , or discontent , set my poor soul at freedom . ki. t is his character � reads , madam , i easily discharge all my pretensions to your love , and person , i leave you to your own choice , and in what you have obliged your self to me , resume a power to cancell if you please . columbo . this is strange . dut. now do an act to make your chronicle belov'd and read for ever . ki. express your self . dut. since by divine infusion , for t is no art could force the generall to this change , second this justice and bestow the heart you would have given from me , by your strict commands to love columbo , where 't was meant by heaven , and let your breath return whom you divorc'd , alvarez , mine . lords . this is but justice , sir . ki. it was decreed above , and since columbo has releas'd his interest which we had wrought him , not without some force upon your will i give you your own wishes , receive your own alvarez , when you please to celebrate your nuptial , i invite my self your guest . dut. eternall blessings crown you . omnes . and every joy your mariage exit king , who meets the cardinal , they confer . alvar. i know not whether i shall wonder most or joy to meet this happiness . dut. now the king hath planted us methinks we grow already , and twist our loving souls above the wrath of thunder to divide us . alv. ha ? the cardinal has met the king , i do not like this conference ; he looks with anger this way , i expect a tempest . dut. take no notice of his presence , leave me to meet , and answer it , if the king be firm in 's royall word , i fear no lightning ; expect me in the garden . alv. i obey , but fear a shipwrack on the coast . exit . card. madam . dut. my lord . car. the king speaks of a letter that has brought a riddle in 't . dut. t is easy to interpret . car. from my nephew ? may i deserve the favour ? dut. he looks as though his eys would fire the paper . they are a pair of burning glasses , and his envious blood doth give 'em flame . car. what lethargy could thus unspirit him ? i am all wonder ; do not believe madam , but that columbo's love is yet more sacred , to honour , and your self , than thus to forfeit what i have heard him call the glorious wreath to all his merits , given him by the king , from whom he took you with more pride than ever he came from victory ; his kisses hang yet panting on your lips , and he but now exchang'd religious farewell to return , but with more triumph to be yours . dut. my lord , you do believe your nephews hand was not surpriz'd or strain'd to this ? car. strange arts and windings in the world , most dark , and subtill progresses ; who brought this letter ? dut. i enquir'd not his name , i thought it not considerable to take such narrow knowledge . car. desert , and honour urg'd it here , nor can i blame you to be angry , yet his person oblig'd , you should have given a nobler pause , before you made your faith and change so violent from his known worth , into the arms of one , how ever fashioned to your amorous wish , not equall to his cheapest fame , with all the gloss of blood and merit . dut. this comparison , my good lord cardinal , i cannot think , flows from an even justice , it betrayes you partiall where your blood runs . car. i fear madam , your own takes two much licence , and will soon , fall to the censure of unruly tongues ; because alvarez has a softer cheek , can like a woman trim his want on hair , spend half a day with looking in the glass to find a posture to present himself , and bring more effeminacy than man , or honour to your bed ; must he supplant him ? take heed , the common murmur when it catches the sent of a lost fame � dut. my fame lord cardinal ? it stands upon an innocence as clear as the devotions you pay to heaven , i shall not urge my lord your soft indulgence at my next shrift . car. you are a fine court lady . dut. and you should be a reverend churchman . car. one , that if you have not thrown off modesty . would counsell you to leave alvarez . dut. cause you dare do worse than mariage , must not i be admitted what the church and law allowes me ? car. insolent ? then you dare marry him ? dut. dare ? let your contracted flame and malice , with columbo's rage higher than that , meet us when we approach the holy place , clasp'd hand in hand , wee 'l break through all your force and six our sacred vows together there . car. i knew when with as chast a brow you promis'd fair to another ; you are no dissembling lady . dut. would all your actions had no falser lights about 'em . car. ha ? dut. the people would not talk and curse so loud . car. i 'l have you chid into a blush for this . dut. begin at home great man , ther 's cause enough , you turn the wrong end of the perspective upon your crimes , to drive them to a far , and lesser sight , but let your eys look right what giants would your pride and surfeit seem ? how gross your avarice , eating up whole families ? how vast are your corruptions and abuse of the kings ear ? at which you hang a pendent , not to adorn , but ulcerate , while the honest nobility , like pictures in the arras , serve only for court-ornament ; if they speak , 't is when you set their tongues , which you wind up , like clocks to strike at the just hour you please ; leave , leave , my lord , these usurpations , and be what you were meant a man to cure , not let in agues to religion ; look on the churches wounds . car. you dare presume in your rude spleen to me , to abuse the church ? dut. alas you give false aym , my lord , 't is your ambition and scarlet sins that tob her altar of the glory , and leave wounds upon her brow ; which fetches grief , and paleness , into her cheeks ; making her troubled bosome pant with her groanes , and shroud her holy blushes within your reverend purples . car. will you now take breath ? dut. in hope , my lord , you will behold your self in a true glass , and see those injust acts that so deform you , and by timely cure , prevent a shame before the short haird men do croud and call for justice . i take leave . exit . car. this woman has a spirit , that may rise to tame the devils , ther 's no dealing with her angry tongue , 't is action and revenge must calm her fury ; were columbo here , i could resolve , but letters shall be sent to th' army which may wake him into sense of his rash folly , or direct his spirit some way to snatch his honour from this flame , all great men know , the soul of life is same . exit .
act iii . enter valeria , celinda . valeria . i did not think celinda when i prais'd alvarez to the dutchess , that things thus would come about , what does your ladiship think of columbo now ? it staggers all the court , he should forsake his mistress , i am lost with wonder yet . celind. 't is very strange without a spel ; but ther 's a fate in love , i like him ne'r the worse . enter two lords . lo. nothing but mariages , and triumph now . val. what new access of joy , makes you my lord , so pleasant ? lo. ther 's a packet ��� makes the king merry , we are all concernd in 't ? columbo hath given the enemy a great , and glorious defeat , and is already preparing to march home . col. he thriv'd the better for my prayers . lo. you have been his great admirer , madam . lo. the king longs to see him . val. this news exalts the cardinal . enter cardinal . lo. he 's here , he appears with discontent , the mariage with count d'alvarez hath a bitter tast , and not worn off his palat ; but let us leave him . ladies . we 'l to the dutchess . exeunt . manet car. card. he has not woon so much upon the arragon as he has lost at home , and his neglect of what my studies had contriv'd to adde more luster to our family by the access of the great dutchess fortune , cools his triumph , and makes me wild . enter hernando . her. my good lord cardinal . car. you made complaint to th' king about your general . her. not a complaint my lord , i did but satisfie some questions o' the kings . car. you see he thrives without your personal valour , or advice , most grave and learned in the wars . her. my lord , i envy not his fortune . car. 't is above your malice , and your noise not worth his anger , 't is barking gainst the moon . her. more temper would become that habit . car. the military thing would shew some spleen ; i 'l blow an army of such wasps about the world ; go look your sting you left i' th' camp , sir . enter king , and lords . her. the king . exit . this may be one day counted for . k. all things conspire my lord to make you fortunate , your nephews glory � car. 't was your cause and justice made him victorious , had he been so valiant at home , he had had another conquest to invite and bid her welcome to new wars . k. you must be reconcil'd to providence , my lord ; i heard you had a controvercy with the dutchess , i will have you friends . car. i am not angry . k. for my sake then you shall be pleas'd , and with me grace the mariage ; a churchman must shew charity , and shine with first example , she 's a woman . car. you shall prescribe in all things ; sir , you cannot accuse my love , if i still wish my nephew had been so happy to be constant to your own , and my election ; yet my brain cannot reach how this comes about ; i know my nephew lov'd her with a near affection . enter hernando . k. he 'l give you fair account at his return . colonel , your letters may be spar'd , the general has finish'd , and is coming home . her. i am glad on 't , sir ; my good lord cardinal 't is not impossible but some man provok'd , may have a precious mind to cut your throat . car. you shall command me noble colonel ; i know you wo'not fail to be at th' wedding . her. 't is not columbo that is maried sir . car. go teach the postures of the pike and musket , then dril your mirmidons into a ditch , where sterve , and stink in pickle , you shall find me reasonable , you see the king expects me . her. so does the devill ; some desperate hand may help you on your journey . exeunt . enter secretary and servants . sec.

here this , i this will fit your part : you shall wear slashes , because you are a souldier ; here 's for the blue mute .

this doublet will never fit me , pox ont' , are these breeches good enough for a prince too ? pedro playes but a lord , and he has two laces more in a seam .

sec.

you must consider pedro is a foolish lord , he may wear what lace he please .

does my beard fit my cloathes well gentlemen ?

sec

pox o' your beard .

that will fright away the hair .

this fellow plays but a mute , & he is so troublesome , and talks .

mr. secretary might have let iaques play the soldier , he has a black patch already .

by your favour mr. secretary , i was ask'd who writ this play for us .

sec.

for us ? why art thou any more than a blew mute ?

and by my troth , i said , i thought it was all your own .

sec.

away you coxcomb .

do'st think he has no more wit then to write a comedy ? my ladies chaplain made the play , though he is content for the honour and trouble of the business , to be seen in 't .

enter th . servant .

did any body see my head gentlemen 't was here but now ? i shall have never a head to play my part in .

sec.

is thy head gone ? 't is well thy part was not in 't , look , look about , has not iaques it ?

i his head ? t wo'not come on upon my shoulders .

sec.

make hast gentlemen i 'l see whether the king has sup'd ; look every man to his wardrop and his part .

exit .

is he gone ? in my mind a masque had been fitter for a mariage .

why mute ? there was no time for 't , and the scenes are troublesome .

half a score deal tack'd together in the clouds , what 's that ? a throne to come down and dance ; all the properties have been paid forty times over , and are in the court stock , but the secretary must have a play to shew his wit .

did not i tell thee t was the chaplains ? hold your tongue mute .

under the rose and would this cloth of silver doublet might never come off agen , if there be any more plot then you see in the back of my hand .

you talk of a plot , i 'l not give this for the best poets plot in the world and if it be not well carryed .

welll said mnte.

ha , ha ; pedro since he put on his doublet , has repeated but three lines , and he has broke five butt on s .

i know not but by this false beard , and here 's hair enough to hang a reasonable honest man , i do not remember to say a strong line indeed in the whole comedy ; but when the chambermaid kisses the captain .

excellent mute .

enter another servant .

they have almost sup'd , and i cannot find my head yet .

play in thine own .

thank you for that , so i may have it made a property , if i have not a head found me , let mr. secretary play my part himself without it .

enter secretary . sec.

are you all ready my masters ? the king is coming through the gallery , are the women drest ?

rogero wants a head .

sec.

here with a pox to you , take mine , you a player ? you a puppy-dog is the musick ready ?

enter gentleman-vsher . gent.

gentlemen , it is my ladies pleasure that you expect till she call for you , there are a company of cavaliers in gallant equipage newly alighted , have offer'd to present their revels in honour of this hymen ; and 't is her graces command , that you be silent till their entertainment be over .

gentlemen ?

affronted ?

mr. secretary , ther 's your head again ; a man 's a man ; have i broken my sleep to study fifteen lines for an ambassador , and after that a constable , and is it come to this ?

sec.

patience gentlemen , be not so hot , t is but defer'd , and the play may do well enough cold .

if it be not presented , the chaplain will have the greatest loss , he loses his wits .

hoboies . sec.

this musick speaks the king upon entrance ; retire , retire , and grumble not .

exeunt . enter king , cardinal , alvarez , dutchess , celinda , valeria , placentia , lords , hernando ; ( they being set ) enter columbo , and five more in rich habits visarded ; between every two a torch bearer : they dance , and after beckon to alvarez as desirous to speak with him . alv. with me ! they embrace and whisper k. do you know the masquers madam ? dut. not i sir . car. ther 's one , but that my nephew is abroad , and has more soul than thus to jyg upon their hymenrall night , i should suspect 't were he . the masquers lead in alvarez . dut. wher 's my lord d' alvarez ? recorders . k. call in the bridegroom . enter columbo , four masquers , bring in alvarez dead , in one of their habits , and having laid him down , exeunt . dut. what mistery is this ? car. we want the bridegroom still . k. where is alvarez columbo points to the body , they unvizard it , & find alvar. bleeding . dut. oh 't is my lord hee 's murder'd . k. who durst commit this horrid act ? col. i sir . k. columbo ? ha ! col. yes ; columbo that dares stay to justifie that act . her. most barbarous . dut. oh my dearest lord ! k. our guard seize on them all , this sight doth snake all that is man within me ; poor alvarez is this thy wedding day ? enter guard . dut. if you do think there is a heaven or pains , to punish such black crimes i' th' other world , let me have swift , and such exemplar justice as shall become this great assasinate , you will take off our faith else , and if here such innocence must bleed , and you look on , poor men that call you gods on earth , will doubt to obey your laws , nay practise to be devils , as fearing if such monstrous sins go on the saints will not be safe in heaven . k. you shall , you shall have justice . car. now to come off were brave . enter servant . ser. the masquers , sir , are fled , their horse prepar'd at gate expected to receive 'em , where they quickly mounted , coming so like friends none could suspect their hast , which is secur'd by advantage of the night . col. i answer for 'em all , 't is stake enough for many lives , but if that poniard had voice , it would convince they were but all spectators of my act ; and now if you will give your judgments leave , though at the first face of this object your cool bloods were frighted , i can excuse this deed and call it justice ; an act , your honours , and your office sir , is bound to build a law upon , for others to imitate ; i have but took his life , and punish'd her with mercy , who had both conspir'd to kill the soul of all my fame read there , � and read an injury as deep in my dishpnour , as the devill knew a woman had capacity or malice to execute read there , how you were cozen'd sir , your power affronted , and my faith , her smiles a jugling witchcraft to betray and make my love her horse to stalk withall , and catch her curled minion . car. is it possible the dutchess could dissemble so , and forfeit her modesty with you , and to us all ? yet i must pity her ; my nephew has been too severe , though this affront would call a dying man from prayers , and turn him tiger , there being nothing dearer than our fame , which , if a common man , whose blood has no ingredient of honour , labour to preserve , a souldier ( by his nearest tye to glory ) is above all others , bound to vindicate ; and yet it might have been less bloody . her. charitable devill ! k. reads .

i pray , my lord , release under your hand , what you dare challenge in my love or person , as a just forfeit to my self , this act will speak you honorable to my thoughts , and when you have conquered thus your self , you may proceed to many victories , and after , with safety of your famit visit again

the lost rosaura . to this your answer was a free resign ? col. flatter'd with great opinion of her faith , and my desert of her ( with thought that she , who seem'd to weep and chide my easie will to part with her , could not be guilty of a treason , or apostacy so soon , but rather meant this a device to make me expedite the affairs of war ) i sent that paper , which her wickedness not justice , applied ( what i meant tryall ) her divorce ; i lov'd her so , i dare call heaven to witness i knew not whether i lov'd most ; while she , with him , whose crimson penitence i provok'd , conspir'd my everlasting infamy ; examine but the circumstance . car. 't is clear , this match was made at home before she sent that cunning writ , in hope to take him off , as knowing his impatient soul would scorn to own a blessing came on crutches to him ; it was not well to raise his expectation , ( had you , sir , no affront ) to ruine him with so much scandall and contempt . k. we have too plentifull a circumstance to accuse you madam , as the cause of your own sorrows , but not without an accessary , more than young alvarez . car. any other instrument ? k. yes i am guilty , with her self , and don columbo , though our acts look'd severall waies , that thought a lover might so soon be ransom'd ; and did exceed the office of a king to exercise dominion over hearts , that owe to the prerogative of heaven their choice , or separation ; you must therefore , when you do kneel for justice , and revenge , madam , consider me a laterall agent in poor alvarez tragedy . lo. it was your love to don columbo sir . her. so , so ; the king is charm'd ; do you observe , how to acquit columbo , he would draw himself into the plot ; heaven , is this justice ? car. your judgment is divine in this . k. and yet , columbo cannot be secure , and we just in his pardon , that durst make so great , and insolent a breach of law and duty . lo. ha , will he turn agen ? k. and should we leave this guilt of blood to heaven , which cries , and strikes , with loud appeals the palace of eternity , yet here is more to charge columbo , than alvarez blood , and bids me punish it , or be no king . her. 't is come about my lords . k. and if i should forgive his timeless death , i cannot the offence , that with such boldness struck at me . has my indulgence to your merits which are great made me so cheap , your rage could meet , no time nor place for your revenge , but where my eys must be affrighted , and affronted with the bloody execution ? this contempt of majesty transcends my power to pardon , and you shall feel my anger sir . her. thou shalt have one short prayer more for that . col. have i i' th' progress of my life no actions to plead me up deserving , against this ceremony ? car. contain your self . col. i must be dumb then ; where is honour ? and gratitude of kings , when they forget whose hand secur'd their greatness ? take my head off , examine then which of your silken lords , as i have done , will throw himself on dangers ; like to a floting iland move in blood ; and where your great defence calls him to stand a bullwark , upon his hold brest to take in death , that you may live : but souldiers are your valiant fools , whom when your own securities are bleeding you can cherish , but when once your state and nerves are knit , not thinking when to use their surgery again , you cast them off , and let them hang in dusty armories , or make it death to ask for pay . k. no more , we thought to have put your victory and merits in ballance with alvarez death , which while our mercy was to iudge , had been your safety ; but the affront to us , made greater by this boldness to upbraid our royall bounty , shall tame or make you nothing . lor. excellent . her. the cardinal is not pleas'd . car. humble your self to th' king . col. and beg my life ? let cowards do 't that dare not dy , i 'l rather have no head than owe it to his charity . k. to th' castle with him . madam , i leave you to your grief , and what the king can recompence to your tears , or honor of your dead lord , expect . dut. this shews like iustice . exeunt .
act iv. enter two lords , hernando . lord . this is the age of wonders . lo. wonderous mischiefs . her. among those guards which some call tutelar angels , whose office is to govern provinces , is there not one will undertake navarre ? hath heaven forsook us quite ? columbo at large ? and grac'd now more than ever . he was not pardon'd , that word was prejudiciall to his fame . her. but as the murder done had been a dream vanish'd to memory , he 's courted as preserver of his country ; with what chains of magick does this cardinal hold the king ? what will you say my lord if they inchant the dutchess now ; and by some impudent art , advance a mariage to columbo yet ? her. say ? i 'l say no woman can be sav'd , nor is 't fit , indeed , any should pretend to heaven after one such impiety in their sex , and yet my faith has been so stager'd , since the king restor'd columbo , i 'l be now of no religion . 't is not possible she can forgive the murder , i observ'd her tears . her. why so did i , my lord , and if they be not honest , 't is to be half damn'd to look upon a woman weeping . when do you think the cardinal said his prayers ? i know not . her. heaven forgive my want of charity but if i were to kill him , he should have no time to pray , his life could be no sacrifice , unless his soul went too . that were too much . her. when you mean to dispatch him , you may give time for confession , they have injur'd me after another rate . you are too passionate cozen . enter columbo , colonels , alfonso , courtiers , ( they pass over the stage . ) her. how the gay men do flutter to congratulate his goal delivery ? ther 's one honest man , what pity 't is a gallant fellow should depend on knaves for his preferment . except this cruelty upon alvarez , columbo has no mighty stain upon him ; but for his uncle � her. if i had a son of twelve years old , that would not fight with him , and stake his soul against his cardinals cap , i would dis-inherit him ; time has took a lease but for three lives i hope , a fourth may see honesty walk without a crutch . this is but air and wildness . her. i 'l see the dutchess , you may do well to comfort her , we must attend the king . her. your pleasures . exit her. enter king and cardinal . a man of a brave soul . the less his safety ; the king and cardinal in consult . k. commend us to the dutchess , and imploy what language you think fit , and powerfull to reconcile her to some peace . my lords . car. sir , i possess all for your sacred uses . exeunt severally . enter secretary and celinda . sec. madam , you are the welcom'st lady living . cel. to whom , mr. secretary ? sec. if you have mercy to pardon so much boldness , i durst say , to me � i am a gentleman . cel. and handsome . sec. but my lady has much wanted you . cel. why mr. secretary ? sec. you are the prettiest , cel. so . sec. the witiest , cel. so . sec. the merriest lady i' th' court . cel. and i was wish'd to make the dutchess pleasant . sec. she never had so deep a cause of sorrow , her chamber 's but a coffin of a larger volume , wherein she walks so like a ghost , t' would make you pale to see her . cel. tell her grace i attend here . sec. i shall most willingly . a spirited lady , would i had her in my closet , she is excellent company among the lords , sure she has an admirable treble � madam . exit . cel. i do suspect this fellow would be nibling like some whose narrow fortunes will not rise to wear things when the inventions rare , and new , but treading on the heel of pride , they hunt the fashion when t is crippled , like fell tyrants ; i hope i am not old yet , i had the honour to be saluted by our cardinals nephew this morning , ther 's a man ! enter secretary . sec. i have prevail'd , sweet madam use what eloquence you can upon her , and if ever i be usefull to your ladiships service , your least breath commands me . enter dutchess . dut. madam , i come to ask you but one question , if you were in my state , my state of grief , i mean an exile from all happiness , of this world , and almost of heaven , for my affliction is finding out despair , what would you think of don columbo ? cel. madam ? dut. whose bloody hand wrought all this misery ? would you not weep as i do ? and wish rather an everlasting spring of tears to drown your sight , than let your eys be curst to see the murderer agen ? and glorious ? so careless of his sin , that he is made fit for new parricide , even while his soul is purpled o'r , and reeks with innocent blood . but do not , do not answer me , i know you have so great a spirit , ( which i want , the horrour of his fact surprising all my faculties ) you would not let him live : but i , poor i , must suffer more , ther 's not one little star in heaven will look on me , unless to choose me out the mark , on whom it may shoot down some angry influence . enter placentia . pla. madam , her 's don columbo says he must speak with your grace . dut. but he must not , i charge you . none else wait ? is this well done , to triumph in his tyranny ? speak madam , speak but your conscience . enter columbo , and secretary . sec. sir , you must not see her . col. not see her ? were she cabled up above the search of bullet , or of fire , were she within her grave , and that the toughest mine that ever nature teem'd and groand withall , i would force some way to see her ; do not fear i come to court you madam , y' are not worth the humblest of my kinder thoughts , i come to shew the man you have provok'd , and lost ; and tell you what remains of my revenge . live , but never presume again to marry , i 'l kill the next at th' altar , and quench all the smiling tapers with his blood ; if after you dare provoke the priest , and heaven so much , to take another , in thy bed i 'l cut him from thy warm embrace , and throw his heart to ravens . cel. this will appear an unexampled cruelty . col. your pardon madam , rage , and my revenge not perfect , took away my eys , you are a noble lady , this , not worth your ey-beam , one of so slight a making , and so thin , an autumn leaf is of too great a value to play , which shall be soonest lost i' th' air ; be pleas'd to own me by some name , in your assurance , i despise to be receiv'd there , let her witness that i call you mistress ; honour me to make these pearls your carkanet . cel. my lord , you are too humble in your thoughts . col. ther 's no vexation too great to punish her . exit . enter secretary . sec. now nadam ? cel. away you saucy fellow ; madam , i must be excus'd , if i do think more honourably than you have cause of this great lord . dut. why is not all woman kind concern'd to hate what 's impious ? cel. for my part � dut. antonio , is this a woman ? sec. i know not whether she be man or woman , i should be nimble to find out the experiment , she look'd with less state , when columbo came . dut. let me entreat your absence , i am cozen'd in her , i took you for a modest , honest lady . cel. madam , i scorn any accuser , and deducting the great title of a dutchess , i shall not need one grain of your dear honour to make me full weight , if your grace be jealous i can remove . exit . sec. she is gone . dut. prethee remove my fears of her return , � she is not worth ex. sec. considering , my anger 's mounted higher ; he need not put in caution for my next marrage , alvarez , i must come to thee , thy virgin , wife , and widdow , but not till i ha' paid those tragick duties to thy herse , become my piety and love , but how ? who shall instruct a way ? enter placentia . pla. madam , don hernando much desires to speak with you . dut. will not thy own discretion think i am unfit for visit . pla. please your grace he brings something he says imports your ear , and love of the dead lord alvarez . dut. then admit him . enter hernando . her. i would speak , madam , to your self . dut. your absence . her. i know not how you grace wil censure so much boldness , when you know the affairs i come for . dut. my servant has prepar'd me to receive it , if it concern my dead lord . her. can you name so much of your alvarez in a breath without one word of your revenge ? o madam , i come to chide you , and repent my great opinion of your virtue , that can walk , and spend so many hours in naked solitude , as if you thought that no arrear were due to his death , when you had paid his funerall charges , made your eys red , and wept a handkercher ; i come to tell you that i saw him bleed , i , that can challenge nothing in his name , and honour , saw his murder'd body warm , and panting with the labour of his spirits , till my amaz'd soul shrunk and hid it self , while barbarous columbo grinning stood , and mock'd the weeping wounds ; it is too much that you should keep your heart alive , so long after this spectacle , and not revenge it . dut. you do not know the business of my heart , that censure me so rashly ; yet i thank you , and if you be alvarez friend , dare tell your confidence , that i despise my life , but know not how to use it in a service , to speak me his revenger , this will need no other proof , than that to you , who may be sent with cunning to betray me , i have made this bold confession , i so much desire to sacrifice to that hovering ghost , columbo's life , that i am not ambitious to keep my own two minutes after it . her. if you will call me coward , which is equall to think i am a traytor , i forgive it , for this brave resolution , which time and all the destinies must aid , i beg that i may kiss your hand for this , and may the soul of angry honour guide it . dut. whither ? her. to don columbo's heart . dut. it is too weak i fear alone . her. alone ? are you in earnest ? why ? will it not be a dishonour to your justice , madam , another arm should interpose ? but that it were a sawcy act to mingle with you , i durst , nay i am bound in the revenge of him that 's dead , ( since the whole world has interest , in every goodmans loss ) to offer it ; dare you command me , madam ? dut. not command , but i should more than honour such a truth in man , that durst against so mighty odds , appear alvarez friend and mine ; the cardinal � her. is for the second course , columbo must be first cut up , his ghost must lead the dance . let him dy first . dut. but how ? her. how ? with a sword , and if i undertake it , i wo'not lose so much of my own honour , to kill him basely . dut. how shall i reward this infinite service ? 't is not modesty , while now my husband groanes beneath his tomb , and calls me to his marble bed , to promise what this great act might well deserve , my self if you survive the victor , but if thus alvarez ashes be appeas'd it must deserve an honourable memory ; and though columbo ( as he had all power , and grasp'd the fates ) has vow'd to kill the man that shall succeed alvarez � her. tyranny . dut. yet if ever , i entertain a thought of love hereafter , hernando from the world shall challenge it , till when , my prayers , and fortune , shall wait on you . her. this is too mighty recompence . dut. 't is all just . her. if i outlive columbo i must not expect security at home . dut. thou canst not fly , where all my fortunes , and my love , shall not attend to guard thee . her. if i dye � dut. thy memory shall have a shrine , the next within my heart to my alvarez . her. once again your hand , your cause is so religious you need not strengthen it with your prayers , trust it to me . enter placentia , and cardinal . pla. madam , the cardinal . dut. will you appear ? her. and he had all the horror of the devil in 's face , i would not balk him . he stares upon the cardinal in his exit . car. what makes hernando here ? i do not like they should consult , i 'l take no note ; the king fairly salutes your grace , by whose command i am to tell you , though his will and actions illimited , stoop not to satisfie the vulgar inquisition , he is yet willing to retain a just opinion , with those that are plac'd neer him , and although you look with natures ey upon your self , which needs no perspective to reach , nor art of any optick to make greater , what your narrow sense applies an injury , ( our selves still nearest to our selves ) but ther 's another ey that looks abroad and walks in search of reason , and the weight of things , with which if you look on him , you will find his pardon to columbo cannot be so much against his justice , as your erring faith would perswade your anger . dut. good my lord , your phrase has too much landschape and i cannot distinguish at this distance you present the figure perfect , but indeed my eys may pray your lordship find excuse , for tears have almost made them blind . car. fair , peace restore 'em ! to bring the object nearer , the king says , he could not be severe to don columbo without injustice to his other merits , which call more loud for their reward and honour , than you for your revenge ; the kingdom made happy by those ; you only by the last uunfortunate , nor was it rationall , i speak the kings own language , he should dy for taking one mans breath , without whose valour none now had been alive , without dishonour . dut. in my poor understanding , 't is the crown of virtue to proceed in its own tract , not deviate from honour , if you acquit a man of murder , 'cause he has done brave things in the war , you will bring down his valour to a crime , nay to a baud , if it secure a rape , and but teach those that deserve well to sin with greater licence ; but dispute is now too late , my lord , 't is done , and you , by the good king , in tender of my sorrows , sent to perswade me , 't is unreasonable that justice should repair me . car. you mistake , for if columbo's death could make alvarez live , the king had given him up to law your bleeding sacrifice ; but when his life was but another treasure thrown away , to obey a clamorous statute , it was wisdom to himself and common safety to take off this killing edge of law , and keep columbo to recompence the crime by noble acts , and sorrow , that in time might draw your pity . dut. this is a greater tyranny , than that columbo exercis'd , he kill'd my lord , and you not have the charity to let me think it worth a punishment , car. to that in my own name , i answer ; i condemn and urge the blody guilt against my nephew , 't was violent , and cruell , a black deed , a deed whose memory doth make me shudder , an act that did betray a tyranous nature , which he took up in war , the school of vengeance ; and though the kings compassion spare him here , unless his heart weep it self out in penitent tears . dut. this sounds as you were now a good man . car. does your grace think i have conscience to allow the murder ? although when it was done , i did obey the stream of nature , as he was my kinsman , to plead he might not pay his forfeit life , could i do less for one so near my bloud ? consider madam , and be charitable , let not this wild injustice , make me lose the character i bear , and reverend habit . to make you full acquainted with my innocence , i challenge here my soul , and heaven to witness if i had any thought , or knowledge with my nephews plot , or person , when he came under the smooth pretence of friend to violate your hospitable laws , and do that act whose frequent mention drawes this tear , a whirlwind snatch me to endless flames . dut. i must believe , and ask your graces pardon , i confess i ha' not lov'd you since alvarez death , though we were reconcil'd . car. i do not blame your jealousie , nor any zeal you had to prosecute revenge against me , madam , as i then stood suspected , nor can yet implore your mercy to columbo , all i have to say is to retain my first opinion and credit with your grace , which you may think i urge not out of fear or ends upon you , ( since , i thank the king , i stand firm on the base of royall favour ) but for your own sake , and to shew i have compassion of your sufferings . dut. you have cleer'd a doubt my lord , and by this fair remonstrance , given my sorrow so much truce , to think that we may meet agen , and yet be friends . but be not angry , if i still remember by whom alvarez dyed , and weep , and wake another iustice with my prayers , car. all thoughts that may advance a better peace , dwell with you . exit . dut. how would this cozening statesman bribe my faith with flatteries to think him innocent ? no , if his nephew dy , this cardinal must not be long-liv'd ; all the prayers of a wrong'd widow make firm hernando's sword , and my own hand shall have some glory in the next revenge ; i will pretend my brain with grief distracted , it may gain easy credit , and beside the taking off examination for great columbo's death , it makes what act i do in that believ'd want of my reason , appear no crime , but my defence ; look down soul of my lord , from thy eternall shade , and unto all thy blest companions boast , thy dutchess busie to revenge thy ghost . exit . enter columbo , hernando , alfonso , colonel . col. hernando , now i love thee , and do half repent the affront my passion threw upon thee . her. you wo'not be too prodigall o' your penitence . colu. this makes good thy nobility of birth , thou mayst be worth my anger and my sword , if thou dost execute as daringly , as thou provok'st a quarrell , i did think thy soul a starveling , or a sleep . her. you 'l find it active enough to keep your spirit waking , which to exasperate , for yet i think it is not high enough to meet my rage � d' ee smile ? col. this noise is worth it , gentlemen ; i 'm sorry this great soldier has engag'd your travel , all his business is to talk . her. a little of your lordships patience , you shall have other sport , and swords that will be as nimble 'bout your heart , as you can wish , 't is pity more than our two single lives , should be at stake . colon. make that no scruple sir . her. to him then that survives if fate allow that difference , i speak that he may tell the world , i came not hither on slight anger , but to revenge my honour stain'd , and trampled on by this proud man , when general , he commanded my absence from the field . colu. i do remember , and i 'l give your soul now a discharge . her. i come to meet it , if your courage be so fortunate . but there is more than my own injury you must account for sir , if my sword prosper , whose point and every edge is made more keen with young alvarez blood , in which i had a noble interest ; does not that sin benum thy arteries , and turn the guilty flowings , to trembling gelly in thy veins ? canst hear me name that murder , and thy spirits not struck into air , as thou wert shot by some engin from heaven ? col. you are the dutchess champion ; thou hast given me a quarrell now ; i grieve it is determin'd all must fight , and i shall lose much honour in his fall . her. that dutchess ( whom but to mention with thy breath , is sacrilege ) an orphan of thy making , and condemn'd by thee to eternall solitude , i come to vindicate , and while i am killing thee , by virtue of her prayers sent up for justice , at the same time , in heaven i am pardon'd for 't . col. i cannot hear the bravo . her. two words more and take your chance , before you all i must pronounce that noble lady , without knowledge , or thought of what i undertake for her . poor soul , shee s now at her devotions , busie with heaven , and wearing out the earth with her stiff knees , and bribing her good angel with treasures of her eys , to tell her lord how much she longs to see him ; my attempt needs no commission from her , were i a stranger in navarre , the inborn right of every gentleman to alvarez loss , is reason to engage their swords , and lives , against the common enemy of virtue . colu. now have you finish'd ? i have an instrument shall cure this noise , and fly up to thy tongue , to murder all thy words . her. one little knot of phlegm that clogs my stomach , and i ba ' done ; you have an uncle call'd a cardinal would he were lurking now about thy heart , that the same wounds might reach you both , and send your reeling souls together . now have at you . alph. we must not sir be idle . they fight , columbo's second slain . her. what think you now of praying ? colu. time enough ; he kills hernando's second . commend me to my friend ; the scales are even , i would be mercifull , and give you time , now to consider of the other world , you 'l find your soul benighted presently . her. i 'l find my way i' th' dark . they fight , and close , columbo gets both the swords , and hernando takes up the seconds weapon . colu a stumble 's dangerous . now ask thy life � ha ? her. i despise to wear it , a gift from any but the first bestower . col. i scorn a base advantage � ha . her. i am now out of your debt . columbo throwes away one of the swords . they fight , hernando wounds columbo . col. th' ast don 't , and i forgive thee . give me thy hand , when shall we meet again ? her. never , i hope . col. i feel life ebb apace , yet i 'l look upwards , and shew my face to heaven . her. the matters done , i must not stay to bury him . exit .
act v. enter two lords . lord . columbo's death doth much aflict the king . lo. i thought the cardinal would have lost his wits at first , for 's nephew , it drownes all the talk of the other that were slain . we are friends . i do suspect hernando had some interest and knew how their wounds came . his flight confirms it , for whom the cardinal has spread his nets . he is not so weak to trust himself at home to his enemies gripe . all strikes not me so much , as that the dutchess , most oppressed lady , should be distracted , and before columbo was slain . but that the cardinal should be made her guardian , is to me above that wonder . so it pleas'd the king , and she , with that small stock of reason left her , is so kind , and smooth upon him . she 's turn'd a child agen ; a madness , that would ha' made her brain and blood boil high in which distemper she might ha' wrought something . had been to purpose . the cardinal is cunning , and how e'r his brow does smile , he does suspect hernando took fire from her , and waits a time to punish it . but what a subject of disgrace , and mirth , hath poor celinda made herself by pride , in her belief columbo was her servant . her head hath stoop'd much since he died , and she almost ridiculous at court . enter cardinal , antonelli , servant . . the cardinal is come into the garden , now � car. walk off , it troubles me the dutchess by her loss of brain is now beneath my great revenge , she is not capable to feel my anger , which like to unregarded thunder spent in woods , and lightning aim'd at senseless trees , must idly fall , and hurt her not , not to that sense her guilt deserves a fatall stroke , without the knowledg for what crime to fright her , when she takes leave , and make her tug with death , untill her soul sweat , is a pidgeons torment , and she is sent a babe to the other world , columbo's death will not be satisfied , and i but wound her with a two edg'd feather ; i must do more , i have all opportunity , ( she by the king now made my charge ) but she 's so much a turtle i shall lose by killing her , perhaps do her a pleasure , and preferment ; that must not be . enter celinda with a parchment . anto. is not this she , that would be thought to have been columbo's mistress ? madam , his grace is private , and would not be disturb'd , you may displease him . cel. what will your worship wager that he shall be pleas'd again before we part . ant. i 'l say this diamond madam , 'gainst a kiss , and trust your self to keep the stakes . cel. 't is done . ant. i have long had an appetite to this lady , but the lords keep her up so high � this toy may bring her on . car. this interruption tasts not of good manners . cel. but where necessity my lord compells , the boldness may meet pardon , and when you have found my purpose , i may less appear unmannerly . car. to th' business . cel. it did please your nephew , sir , before his death to credit me with so much honorable favour , i am come to tender to his neer'st of blood , your self , what does remain a debt to him . not to delay your grace with circumstance , that deed , if you accept , makes you my heir of no contemptible estate � this way he reads . is only left to ty up scurrile tongues , and saucy men , that since columbo's death venture to libell on my pride , and folly ; his greatness , and this gift which i enjoy , still for my life , beyond which term ; a kingdom 's , nothing , will curb the giddy spleens of men that live on impudent rime , and railing at each wandering fame they catch . car. madam , this bounty will bind my gratitude and care to serve you . cel. i am your graces servant . car. antonelli , whisper . and when this noble lady visits me let her not wait . cel. what think you my officious , sir ; his grace is pleas'd , you may conjecture ? i may keep your gem , the kiss was never yours . ant. sweet madam � cel. talk if you dare , you know i must not wait , and so farewell for this time . car. 't is in my brain already , and it formes apace , good , excellent revenge , and pleasant ! she 's now within my talons , 't is too cheap a satisfaction for columbo's death , only to kill her by soft charm or force , i 'l rifle first her darling chastity , 't wil be after time enough to poyson her , and she to th' world be thought her own destroyer . as i will frame the circumstance , this night all may be finished ; for the colonel , her agent in my nephewes death ( whom i disturb'd at counsell with her ) i may reach him hereafter , and be master of his fate . we starve our conscience when we thrive in state . exeunt . enter secretary , and placentia . sec. placentia , we two are only left of my ladies servants , let us be true to her , and one another , and be sure when we are at prayers , to curse the cardinal . pla. i pity my sweet lady . sec. i pity her too , but am a little angry ; she might have found another time to lose her wits . pla. that i were a man ? sec. what would'st thou do placentia ? la. i would revenge my lady . sec. 't is better being a woman , thou mayst do things that may prosper better , and the fruit be thy own another day . pla. your wit still loves to play the wanton . sec. 't is a sad time placentia , some pleasure would do well , the truth is , i am weary of my life , and i would have one fit of mirth before i leave the world . pla. do not you blush to talk thus wildly ? sec. 't is good manners to be a little mad after my lady ; but i ha' done ; who is with her now ? pla. madam valeria . sec. not celinda ? ther 's a lady for my humour , a pretty book of flesh and blood , and well bound up , in a fair letter too ; would i had her with all the errata . pla. she has not an honorable fame . sec. her fame ? that 's nothing , a little stain , her wealth will fetch again the colour , and bring honour into her cheeks as fresh ; if she were mine , and i had her exchequer . i know the way to make her honest , honest to th' touch , the test , and the last tryall . pla. how prethee ? sec. why , first i would marry her , that 's a verb materiall ; then i would print her with an index . expurgatorius , a table drawn of her court heresies , and when she 's read cum privilegio , who dares call her whore ? pla. i 'l leave you , if you talk thus . sec. i ha' done , placentia , thou may'st be better company after another progress ; and now tell me , did'st ever hear of such a patient madness as my lady is possest with ? she has rav'd but twice ; and she would fright the cardinall , or at a supper if she did but poyson him , it were a phrensy i could bear withall ; she calls him her dear governour � enter hernando disguised having a letter . pla. who is this ? her. her secretary ? sir , here is a letter if it may have so much happiness to kiss her graces hand . sec. from whom ? her. that 's not in your commission sir to ask , or mine to satisfie , she will want no understanding when she reads . sec. alas , under your favour sir , you are mistaken , her grace did never more want understanding . her. how ? sec. have you not heard , her scull is broken sir and many pieces taken out , she 's mad . her. the sad fame of her distraction has two much truth it seems . pla. if please you sir to expect a while , i will present the letter . her. pray do exit placen . how long has she been thus distemper'd sir ? sec. before the cardinal came to govern here , who for that reason by the king was made her guardian , we are now at his devotion . her. a lamb given up to a tyger ! may diseases soon eat him through his heart ! sec. your pardon sir , i love that voice , i know it too , a little , are not you ? be not angry noble sir , i can with ease be ignorant agen , and think you are another man , but if you be that valiant gentleman they call � her. whom ? what ? sec. that kill'd , i would not name him if i thought you were not pleas'd to be that very gentleman . her. am i betraid ? sec. the devil sha'not betray you here , kill me , and i will take my death you are the noble colonel ; we are all bound to you for the generals death , valiant hernando ? when my lady knows you are here , i hope 't wil fetch her wits agen , but do not talk too loud , we are not all honest i' th' house , some are the cardinals creatures . her. thou wert faithfull to thy lady , i am glad 't is night , but tell me how the churchman uses the dutchess ? enter antonelli . sec. he carries angels in his tongue , and face , but i suspect his heart , this is one of his spawns . signior antonelli . ant. honest antonio . sec. and how , and how � a friend of mine , where is the cardinals grace ? her. that will be never answered . aut. he means to sup here with the dutchess . sec. will he ? ant. we 'l have the charming bottles at my chamber , bring that gentleman , we 'l be mighty merry . her. i may disturb your jollity . ant. farewell sweet � sec. dear antonelli � a round pox confound you . this is court retorick at the back stairs . enter placentia . pla. do you know this gentleman ? sec. not i . pla. my lady presently dismist valeria , and bad me bring him to her bed-chamber . sec. the gentleman has an honest face . pla. her words fell from her with some evenness & joy . her grace desires your presence . her. i 'l attend her . exit . sec. i would this soldier had the cardinal upon a promontory , with what a spring the churchman would leap down , it were a spectacle most rare to see him topple from the precipice , and souse in the salt water with a noise to stun the fishes ; and if he fell into a net , what wonder would the simple sea-guls have , to draw up the o'rgrown lobster , so ready boild ? he shall have my good wishes , this colonels coming may be lucky . i will be sure none shall interrupt 'em . enter celinda . cel. is her grace at opportunity ? sec. no sweet madam , she is a sleep , her gentlewoman says . cel. my business is but visit , i 'l expect . sec. that must not be , although i like your company . cel. you are grown rich mr. secretary . sec. i madam , alas ! cel. i hear you are upon another purchase . sec. i upon a purchase ? cel. if you want any sum � sec. if i could purchase your sweet favour madam ? cel. you shall command me , and my fortune sir . sec. how 's this ? cel. i have observ'd you sir a staid , and prudent gentleman � and i shall want � sec. not me ? cel. a father for some infant ; he has credit aside . i th' world ; i am not the first cast lady has married a secretary . sec. shall i wait upon you ? cel. whither ? sec. any whither . cel. i may chance lead you then � sec. i shall be honour'd to obey , my blood is up , and in this humour i 'm for any thing . cel. well sir , i 'l try your manhood . sec. 't is my happiness , you cannot please me better . cel. this was struck i' th' opportunity . sec. i am made for ever . enter hernando , and dutchess . her. dear madam , do not weep . dut. y' are very welcome , i ha done , i wo'not shed a tear more till i meet alvarez , then i 'l weep for joy ; he was a fine young gentleman , and sung sweetly , and you had heard him but the night before we were married , you would ha' sworn he had been a swan , and sung his own sad epitaph ; but we 'l talk o' the cardinal . her. would his death might ransom your fair sense , he should not live to triumph in the loss , beshrow my manhood ; but i begin to melt . dut. i pray sir tell me , for i can understand , although they say i have lost my wits ; but they are safe enough , and i shall have 'em when the cardinal dyes ; who had a letter from his nephew too since he was slain . her. from whence ? dut. i know not where he is ? but in some bower within a garden he is making chaplets , and means to send me one , but i 'l not take it , i have flowers enough i thank him while i live . her. but do you love your governour ? dut. yes , but i 'l never marry him , i am promis'd already . her. to whom madam ? dut. do not you blush when you ask me that , must not you be my husband ? i know why , but that 's a secret ; indeed if you believe me , i do love no man alive so well as you , the cardinal shall never know 't , hee 'l kill us both , and yet he says he loves me dearly , and has promis'd to make me well again , but i 'm afraid , one time or other he will give me poyson . her. prevent him madam , and take nothing from him . dut. why , do you think 't wil hurt me ? her. it will kill you . dut. i shall but dye , and meet my dear lov'd lord , whom when i have kist , i 'l come again , and work a bracelet of my hair for you to carry him , when you are going to heaven , the poesy shall be my own name , in little tears , that i will weep next winter , which congeal'd i' th' frost will shew like seed-pearl , you 'l deliver it ? i know he 'l love , and wear it for my sake . her. she is quite lost . dut. i pray give me sir , your pardon , i know i talk not wisely , but if you had the burthen of my sorrow , you would miss sometimes your better reason ; now l 'm well , what will you do when the cardinal comes ? he must not see you for the world . her. he sha'not , i 'l take my leave before he come . dut. nay stay , i shall have no friend left me when you go , he will but sup , he sha'not stay to ly wi' me , i have the picture of my lord abed , three are to much this weather . enter plecentia . pla. madam , the cardinal . her. he shall sup with the devil . dut. i dare not stay , the red-cock will be angry , i 'l come agen . exeunt . her. this sorrow is no fable , now i find my curiosity is sadly satisfied ; ha ? if the dutchess in her stragled wits , let fall words to betray me to the cardinal , the panther will not leap more fierce to meet his prey , when a long want of food hath parch'd his starved maw , than he to print his rage and tear my heart-strings , every thing is fatall , and yet she talk'd sometimes with chain of sense , and said she lov'd me ; ha , they come not yet ; i have a sword about me , and i left my own security to visit death . yet i may pause a little , and consider which way does lead me to 't most honorably ; does not the chamber that i walk in tremble ? what will become of her , and me , and all the world in one small hour ? i do not think ever to see the day agen , the wings of night spread o'r me like a sable herse-cloath , the stars are all close mourners too ; but i must not alone to the cold silent grave , i must not ; if thou canst alvarez open that ebon curtain , and behold the man , when the worlds justice fails shall right thy ashes , and feed their thirst with blood , thy dutchess is almost a ghost already ; and doth wear her body like a useless upper garment , the trim and fashion of it lost . ha ? enter placentia . pla. you need not doubt me , sir , my lady prays you would not think it long , she in my ear , commanded me to tell you , that when last she drank , she had happy wishes to your health . her. and did the cardinal pledge it ? pla. he was not invited to 't , nor must he know you are here . her. what do they talk of prethee ? pla. his grace is very pleasant a lute is heard . and kind to her , but her returns are after the sad condition of her sense , sometimes unjoynted . her. they have musick . pla. a lute only , his grace prepard , they say , the best of italy that waits upon my lord . her. he thinks the dutchess is stung with a tarantula . pla. your pardon . my duty is expected . her. gentle lady . � a voice too ? song within . s. come my daphne , come away , we do wast the crystal day ; 't is strephon calls . da what says my love ? s. come follow to the mirtle grove , where venus shall prepare new chaplets for thy hair . d. were i shut up within a tree , i 'd rend my bark to follow thee . s. my shepherdess , make hast , the minutes slide too fast : d. in those cooler shades will i blind , as cupid , kiss thine ey . s. in thy bosome then i 'l stay , in such warm snow who would not lose his way . chor. we 'l laugh and leave the world behind , and gods themselves that see , shall envy thee , and me ; but never find such joys , when they embrace a deity . if at this distance i distinguish , 't is not church musick , and the air 's wanton , and no anthem sung to 't , but some strange ode of love , and kisses , what should this mean ? � ha , he is coming hither , i am betraid , he marches in her hand , i 'l trust a little more , mute as the arras my sword and i here . he observes enter cardinal , dutchess , antonelli , and attendants . car. wait you in the first chamber , and let none presume to interrupt us . ex. serv. she is pleasant ; now for some art to poyson all her innocence . dut. i do not like the cardinals humour , he little suspects what guest is in my chamber . car. now madam you are safe . dut. how means your lordship ? car. safe in my arms , sweet dutchess . dut. do not hurt me . car. not for the treasures of the world , you are my pretty charge , had i as many lives as i have carefull thoughts , to do you service , i should think all a happy forfeit to delight your grace one minute ; 't is a heaven to see you smile . dut. what kindness call you this ? car. it cannot want a name while you preserve so plentifull a sweetness , it is love . dut. of me ? how shall i know 't my lord ? car. by this , and this , swift messengers to whisper our hearts to one another . kisses . dut. pray do you come a wooing ? car. yes sweet madam , you cannot be so cruell to deny me . dut. what my lord ? car. another kiss . dut. can you dispense with this my lord ? alas i fear aside . hernando is asleep , or vanish'd from me . car. i have mock'd my blood into a flame , and what my angry soul had form'd for my revenge , is now the object of my amorous sense , i have took a strong inchantment from her lips , and fear i shall forgive columbo's death if she consent to my embrace ; come madam . dut. whither my lord ? car. but to your bed or couch , where if you will be kind , and but allow your self a knowledg , love whose shape and raptures wise poets have but glorified in dreams , shall make your chamber his eternall palace ; and with such active and essentiall streams of new delights glide o'r your bosome , you shall wonder to what unknown world you are by some blest change translated ; why d' e pause ? and look so wild ? will you deny your governour ? dut. how came you by that cloven foot ? car. your fancy would turn a traitour to your happiness ; i am your friend , you must be kind . dut. unhand me , or i 'l cry out a rape . car. you wo'not sure ? dut. i have been cozend with hernando's shadow , here 's none but heaven to hear me , help , a rape , car. are you so good at understanding then , i must use other argument . he forces her . her. go to , cardinal . strikes him . ex. dut. car. hernando , murder , treason , help . her. an army sha'not rescue thee , your blood is much inflam'd , i have brought a lancet wi' me , shall open your hot veins , and cool your fever ; to vex thy parting soul , it was the same engin that pinc'd columbo's heart . car. help , murder . enter antonelli and servants . anton. some ring the bell , 't wil raise the court , my lord is murder'd , 't is hernando . the bell rings . her. i 'l make you all some sport , � so , now we are even , where is the dutchess , i would take my leave of her , and then bequeath my curse among you . her. falls . enter king , dutchess , valeria , lords , guard . k. how come these bloody objects ? her. with a trick my sword found out , i hope he 's paid . lo i hope so to ; a surgeon for my lord cardinal . k. hernando ? dut. iustice , oh iustice sir , against a ravisher . her. sir i ha' done you service . k. a bloody service . her. 't is pure scarlet . enter surgeon . car. after such care to perfect my revenge thus banded out o' th' world by a womans plot ? her. i have preserv'd the dutchess from a rape , good-night to me and all the world for ever . dies . k. so impious . dut. 't is most true , alvarez blood is now reveng'd , i find my brain return , and every stragling sense repairing home . car. i have deserv'd you should turn from me sir , my life hath been prodigiously wicked , my blood is now the kingdoms balm ; oh sir , i have abu'd your ear , your trust , your people , and my own sacred office , my conscience feels now the sting , oh shew your charity , and with your pardon like a cool soft gale fan my poor sweating soul ; that wanders through unhabitable climes , and parched deserts ; but i am lost , if the great world forgive me , unless i find your mercy for a crime you know not madam , yet against your life . i must confess , more than my black intents upon your honour , y' are already poyson'd . k. by whom ? car. by me , in the revenge i ow'd columbo's loss , with your last meat was mixt a poyson that by subtle , and by sure degrees must let in death . k. look to the dutchess , our physicians ? car. stay , i will deserve her mercy , though i cannot call back the deed , in proof of my repentance , if the last breath of a now dying man may gain your charity , and belief , receive this ivory box , in it an antidote 'bove that they boast the great magistrall medicine , that pouder mixt with wine by a most rare and quick access to the heart will fortifie it against the rage of the most nimble poyson , i am not worthy to present her with it , oh take it and preserve her innocent life . lo. strange , he should have a good thing in such readyness . car. this that which in my jealousie and state trusting to false predictions of my birth , that i sh dy by poyson , i preserv'd for my own safety , wonder not , i made , that my companion was to be my refuge . enter servant with a bowle of wine . lo. her 's some touch of grace . car. in greater proof of my pure thoughts i take this first , and with my dying breath confirm my penitence , it may benefit her life , but not my wounds ; oh hasten to preserve her , and though i merit not her pardon , let not her fair soul be divorc'd k. this is some charity , may it prosper madam . valeria . how does your grace ? dut. and must i owe my life to him whose death was my ambition ? take this free acknowledgment , i had intent this night with my own hand to be alvarez lusticer . k. you were mad , and thought past apprehension of revenge . dut. that shape i did usurp , great sir , to give my art more freedom and defence , but when hernando came to visit me , i thought i might defer my execution , which his owe rage suppli'd without my guilt , and when his lust grew high , met with his blood . lo. the cardial smiles . car. now my revenge has met with you my nimble dutchess , i have took a shape to give my act more freedom too , and now i am sure she 's poyson'd , with that doze i gave her last . k. th' art not so horrid ? dut. ha! some cordiall . car. alas no preservative hath wings to overtake it , were her heart lock'd in a quarry , it would search , and kill before the aids can reach it ; i am sure you sha not now laugh at me . k. how came you by that poyson ? car. i prepar'd it , resolving when i had enjoy'd her , which the colonel prevented , by some art to make her take it , and by death conclude my last revenge ; you have the fatal story . k. this is so great a wickedness , it will exceed belief . car. i knew i could not live . surgeon . your wounds , sir , were not desperate . car. not mortall ? ha ? were they not mortall ? surg. if i have skill in surgery . car. then i have caught my self in my own engin . lo. it was your fate you said to dy by poyson . car. that was my own prediction to abuse your faith , no humane art can now resist it , i feel it knocking at the seat of life , it must come in , i have wrackt all my own to try your charities , new it would be rare , if you but waft me with a little prayer , my wings that flag may catch the wind , but 't is in vain , the mist is risen , and ther 's none to stear my wandring bark . dyes . lo. he 's dead ? k. with him dy all deceived trust . lo. this was a strange impiety . k. when men of gifts and sacred function once decline from virtue , their ill deeds transcend example . dut. the minute 's come that i must take my leave too . your hand great sir , and though you be a king , we may exchange forgiveness , heaven forgive , and all the world . i come , i come alvarez dyes . k. dispose their bodies for becoming funeral ; how much are kings abus'd by those they take to royall grace ? whom when they cherish most by nice indulgence , they doo often arm against themselves ; from whence this maxim springs , none have more need of perspectives than kings . exeunt .
epilogue . within .

mr. polla'd , wher 's mr. pollard for the epilogue ?

he is thrust upon the stage , and falls . epilogue . i am coming to you gentlemen , the poet has help'd me thus far on my way , but i 'l be even with him ; the play is a tragedy , the first that ever he compos'd for us , wherein he thinks he has done pretily , enter servant . and i am sensible ; i prethee look is nothing out of joynt ? has he broke nothing ? serv. nor sir , i hope . epi. yes , he has broke his epilogue all to peeces , canst thou put it together agen ? ser. not i sir . epi. nor i , prethee be gone , hum ? mr. poet , i have a teeming mind to be reveng'd . you may assist , and not be seen in 't now . if you please gentlemen , for i do know he listens to the issue of his cause , but blister not your hands in his applause , your private smile , your nod , or hum , to tell my fellows , that you like the business well ; and when without a clap you go away , i 'l drink a small-bear health to his second day ; and break his heart , or make him swear , and rage , he 'l write no more for the unhappy stage ; but that 's too much , so we should lose ; faith shew it , and if you like his play , 'ts as well , he knew it . finis .
a catalogue of the authors poems already printed tragedies . the traytour philip chabot admirall of france loves cruelty the maids revenge dukes mistri ; the cardinal . comedies and tragi-comedies . the school of complement the lady of pleasure hide-parke the constant maid . falsely ascribed to jo. fletcher . the coronation the changes , or love in a maze the gratefull servant the patron of ireland the humorous court the wedding the ball , or french dancing master the gamester the example the bird in a cage the royall master the opportunity the witty faire one the imposture the brothers the sisters .

a masque of the four honorable innes of court , presented before the king and queens majesty at whitehall in the banqueting house .

poems .

finis .
machine-generated castlist a -duchess a -hernando a -secretary a -cardinal a -king a -celinda a -colonel a -lord_ a -placentia a -columbo a -lord_ a -xxxx_ a -valeria a -xxxx_ a -yyyy_ a -alvarez a -antonelli a -alphonso a -xxxx_ a -yyyy_ a -captain_ a -xxxx_ a -xxxx_ a -epilogue a -servant a -ladies a -surgeon a -omnes a -soldier a -captain_ a -laddy a -gentleman a -multiple a -lord a -lords a -unassigned
textual notes

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when'ts troth i am out ; he said no more ; you then , when 'ts done , may say your pleasures gentlemen produest which doth all human matters sway , makes proudest things grow up into decay ; and when they excunt exeunt . �he and ceremonious black for him that died ; the times of sorrow are expir'd , and all the �he the times of sorrow are expir'd , and all the joys that wait upon the court , your birth �nd joys that wait upon the court , your birth , and a new hymen that is coming towards you , �nvite a new hymen that is coming towards you , invite a change . � ladies , i thank you both , i pray excuse a little melancholy that is �hat both , i pray excuse a little melancholy that is behind , my year of mourning hath not �o is behind , my year of mourning hath not so cleer'd my account with sorrow , but there �ome cleer'd my account with sorrow , but there may some dark thoughts stay , with sad reflections �o is but a sad remembrance : but i resolve to entertain more pleasing thoughts , and if grim -fac'd-honor ; his talk will fright a lady ; war , and grim-fac'd honor are his mistrisses ; he raves t�cticks : i have not long to practise these court tacticks . berray me , i have not a thought to tempt or to betray him , but secure the promise i first made mo tive or say , no matter by what art or motive he gives his title up , and leave me to ba�k mariage leave no thought at leasure to look back upon alvarez , that must wither for loss infolent she dares not be so insolent ! it is the dutchess hand ; how am i shrunk ��e serene , as i have seen the morning rise upon the spring , no trouble lo�es sir , the souldiers curse on him loues not our master . them to resolve you , madam , when he has paid the money . oney resolve you , madam , when he has paid the money . consess i must confess , sir , the dutchess has been pleas'd to casily madam , i easily discharge all my pretensions to your love colnmbo from me , by your strict commands to love columbo , where 'twas meant by heaven , and let mi�midons postures of the pike and musket , then dril your mirmidons into a ditch , where sterve , and stink u� for us ? why art thou any more than a blew mute excunt exeunt . celumbo lords , hernando ; ( they being set ) enter columbo , and five more in rich habits visarded mas quers the masquers lead in alvarez . excunt their habits , and having laid him down , exeunt . anvizard columbo points to the body , they unvizard it , & find alvar. bleeding . desence iland move in blood ; and where your great defence calls him to stand a bullwark , upon his atttend all my fortunes , and my love , shall not attend to guard thee . suatch frequent mention drawes this tear , a whirlwind snatch me to endless flames . recontil'd you since alvarez death , though we were reconcil'd . siain they fight , columbo's second slain . littie her fame ? that's nothing , a little stain , her wealth will fetch again the fe�ch nothing , a little stain , her wealth will fetch again the colour , and bring honour into cardival enter cardinal , dutchess , antonelli , and attendants salls her. falls . resuge , i made , that my companion was to be my refuge .
narcissus, or, the self-lover by james shirley. shirley, james, - . this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (wing s ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing s estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) narcissus, or, the self-lover by james shirley. shirley, james, - . [ ], p. printed for humphrey moseley and are to be sold at his shop ..., london : . reproduction of original in newberry library. eng a r (wing s ). civilwar no narcissus, or, the self-lover. by james shirley. shirley, james b the rate of defects per , words puts this text in the b category of texts with fewer than defects per , words. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - john latta sampled and proofread - john latta text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion narcissvs , or , the self-lover . by james shirley . haec olim — london , printed for humphrey moseley , and are to be sold at his shop , at the signe of the princes armes in st. pauls church-yard . mdcxlvi . narcissvs or , the selfe-lover . . faire eccho rise , sick-thoughted nymph awake , leave thy green couch and canopie of trees , long since the quiristers o th' wood did shake their wings , and sing to the bright suns uprise : cay hath wept o're thy couch , and progressed , blusheth to see faire eccho still in bed . . if not the birds , who 'bout the coverts flie , and with their warbles charm the neighboring aire , if not the sun , whose new embroiderie , makes rich the leaves that in thy arbors are , can make thee rise ; yet love-sick nymph away , thy young narcissus is abroad to day . . see not farre off cephisus sonne appeares , no nymph so faire in all diana's traine , when like a huntresse she for chace prepares ; his bugle-horne , tyed in a silken chaine , and mounted on a comely steed , which knowes what weight he carries , and more proudly goes . . pursue him timerous maid , he moves apace , favonius waits to play with thy loose haire , and helpe thy flight ; see how the drooping grasse courts thy soft tread , thou child of sound and aire , attempt and over-take him , though he be , coy to all other nymphs , he 'll stoop to thee . . if thy face move not , let thy eyes expresse , some rhetorick of thy teares to make him stay ; he must be a rock , that will not melt at these , dropping these native diamonds in his way : mistaken he may stoop at them , and this ( who knowes how soon ? ) may helpe thee to a kisse . . if neither love , thy beautie , nor thy teare invent some other way to make him know , he need not hunt , that can have such a deere . the queen of love did once adonis woe . but hard of soule , with no perswasions won , he felt the curse of his disdaine too soone . . in vaine i counsell her to put on wing , eccho hath left her solitarie grove , and in a vale , the palace of the spring , sits silently attending for her love ; but round about to catch his voice with care , in every shade and tree , she hid a snare . . now doe the hunts-men fill the aire with noise , and their shrill hornes chafe her delighted care which with loud accents give the wood a voice , proclaiming parley to the fearefull deere : shee heares the jolly tunes , but every straine , as high and musicall , she returnes againe . . rous'd is the game , pursuit doth put on wings , the sun doth shine , and guild them out their way : the deere into an o're-growne thicket springs , through which he quaintly steales his shine away . the hunters scatter ; but the boy o're-throwne in a darke part o' th' wood complaines alone . him , eccho lead by her affection found , joy'd ( you may ghesse ) to reach him with her eye ; but more , to see him rise without a wound , who yet obscures her selfe behinde some tree : he vext exclaimes , and asking , where am i ? the unseen virgin answers , here am i . . some guide from hence ; will no man heare , he cries ? she answers in her passion : o man heare . i dye , i dye , say both ; and thus she tries with frequent answers to entice his eare and person to her court , more fit for love , he tracts the sound , and findes her odorous grove . . the way he trod was pav'd with violets , whose azure leaves doe warme their naked stalks , in their white double ruffes the dazies jet , and primroses are scattered in the walkes : whose pretty mixture in the ground declares another galaxie emboss'd with starres . . two rows of elmes ran with proportion'd grace , like natures arras to adorne the sides , the friendly vines their loved barks embrace , while folding tops the checkerd ground-work hides here oft the tired sun himselfe would rest , riding his glorious circuit to the west . . from hence delight , conveyes him unawares into a spacious green , whose either side a hill did guard , whilst with his trees like haires . the clouds were busie binding up his head : the flowrs here smile upon him as he treads , and but when he looks up , hang downe their heads ▪ . not far from hence , neare an harmonious brook , within an arbour of conspiring trees , whose wilder boughes into the streame did look , a place more sutable to her distresse . eccho suspecting that her love was gone , her selfe had in a carefull posture throwne . . but time upon his wings had brought the boy to see this lodging of the aery queen , whom the dejected nymph espyes with joy , through a small window of eglantine ; and that she might be worthy his embrace , forgets not to new dresse her blubber'd face . . with confidence she sometimes would go out , and boldly meet narcissus in the way : but then her feares present her with new doubt , and chide her over-rash resolve away . her heart with over-charge of love must break , great juno will not let poore eccho speak . . ungentle queen of heaven , why was thy curse so heavie on this virgin ? jove comprest not her , and must her destinie be worse then theirs that met her flame ? thy angry breast holds not in all the list a blacker doome , better transforme the maid , then make her dumbe . . thy jealousie was sinne , above what she was guilty of : but she is wife to jove ; for that in heav'n must there no justice be ? or didst thou finde this cruelty , for her love to this coy lad , whom in the book of fate thou didst fore-see thy selfe shouldst love too late ? . thou tedious to thy selfe , not being faire , to whom thy wakefull jealousie succeeds a greater curse ; when mortalls jealous are , they 're cur'd to know their faith abus'd , what seeds for some act worse than hers , grow up in thee , at once to doubt , and know joves perjurie ? . but still this nymph was innocent , reverse thy rash decree , repentance is no sinne in heavenly natures ; but i vaine rehearse thy story of thy hate : it is not in poore eccho's pow'r to court the boy , with more than smiles or teares , and his last breath restore . . narcissus now collects his scattered sence , he findes himselfe at losse , drawne thither by imagin'd answers to his griefe , from whence that he may finde some surer guide , he 'll try his bugle-horne , whose found was understood , but drew no great compassion from the wood . . onely , so soon as he dispateh'd the aire , at her owne bow'r eccho receiv'd the noice ; every thing help'd to bring the message neare , and the winde proud to wait upon the voice ; when she return'd a cheerefull answer , knew the way agen , and with loud musick flew . . narcissus glad that such returne was made , and flattred by his over-busie eare , was soon directed to the virgins shade , without a thought to finde a faire nymph there : nor did he see the maid , for she , so soone as he appear'd , found passage to be gone . . the boy inquisitive looks round with feare , but could see none to make addresses to , nor observes any print of foot-step there , the flow'rs unprest his modest forehead view , and court his stay ; the trees and every thing give him a silent welcome to the spring . . amazed what this solitude should meane , and wondring at the sound that did invite him so late , to that faire desert , a new scene , with a most curious arbor doth delight him , who now to please his late surprized eyes ; whilst they doe gaze , downe on a banke he lies . . and now does every object shew what spell it hath upon his sences , too much sight deprives him of his eyes , a mist doth dwell about 'em , and by soft degrees invite the boy to slumber , which glad eccho spies , and while he dreames , keeps centry with her eyes . . in silence she approaches where he lay , with his armes chained crosse upon his breast ; his silken bonnet slilding , did betray a face , which all the nymphs did call the best . a banke his pillow was , the flowers his sheet , his blanket aire , the trees his coverlet . . sometimes the winde befriends a tender bough , part of his leavie canopie , which hides the subject of all wonder , his white brow , and helpes it nearer to obtaine a kisse : which once enjoy'd , away the twig doth skip , not daring to be taken at his lip . . while taller boughes hover about his head , and justle one another for their view ; the humble branches are enamoured , and have their short carresses with him too . thus all conspire , him severall waies to woe , for whose love onely they delight to grow . . eccho at every look feeles new desires , and wishes that he were endymion , for whom in her most glorious star attires , oft in her night-gown came the love-sick moon , to latmos sacred hill , when for his sake , whilst he did sleep , she 'd ever wish to wake . . but this she soon revokes , her love will beare no rivall thoughts , no competition . the queen of heaven must have no interest here ; this beauties empire must be all her owne : thus while she all embraceth , her desires conspire but to enlarge her funerall fires . . her eye takes in more flame now , than before , gazing improves her loves perfection , whose every part riseth a silent woer , and the most taking presence doth put on ; sweetly enticing her delighted sence , to lose her selfe in every excellence . . one while shee thinks all but a cozening dream , and him but some phantastick mockerie : 't is too much happinesse if he be the same , and she the nymph that she was wont to be : if she sleep not , who blessed more than she : yet if she dreame , awake she 'd never be . . how could his haire , so many finest threds of gold , but make a net to catch her sight ? how could she trace his brow ? or see those lids , whose either ivorie box shut up a light to travellers , more chearefull , than the starre that ushers in the day , but brighter farre ? . she with her danger doth these parts admire , but loves 'em more : another flame and art may praise , her love belongs to her owne fire , and is the office proper to her heart . but eccho has not done , for she pursues dangers , above what she at distance views . . sh'as yet but exercis'd her wondring eye upon his wealthy cheek , his brow , his haire , another sense the nymph will satisfie ; she thinks his heavenly lips forgotten are : which now she boldly tastes , and at first kisse , concludes , there is no other heaven but this . . the lips that will not open to praise his , she wishes may be clos'd eternally these freely touch'd , are able to entice the soule to lose its immortality . the gods may boast ambrosia alone , but she feeds on a dew above their owne . . oft doth she kisse , as often doth she see , a fresher blush dye o're his corall gate , whose close enjayles his tongue , and seems to be asham'd , the maid is so insatiate . but speake he cannot , though she doe him wrong , her doore , and his doe double bar his tongue . . but stay rash eccho , see what thou hast done ; his lips , that kiss'd themselves like two rose-leaves , grow pale o th' suddaine , thy impression , them of their blushing modesty bereaves . his bloud will be required of you , i feare ; and see some drops upon your lip appeare . . and wilt thou still ( forgetfull nymph ) pursue thy wanton touches ? all the bloud is gone : what of his cheek wilt thou be murtherer too ? thinking the others sanguine thither runne ? alas , there is but of its owne , a-part , feare hath sent back the rest unto his heart . . leave shamelesse eccho , leave a little here , another time to enrich thy lip withall ; for thy owne sake this cruelty forbeare , dost thinke the guilt of such a bloud is small ? but 't is the last she feares , and cannot tell better , than with a kisse to take farewell . . but use thy freedome , i le not blame thee now , thou know'st his stubborne dispostion , hasten thy kisses then , and take enow to serve thee for an age , ere thou hast done : and when thou hast took all but one , fore-see thou bee'st a taking that , eternally . . but eccho needs no counsell to proceed , fearing too soon narcissus should awake . shee plies his lips , as if to make them bleed , were to restore the colour she did take . but marke what followes this offence ? his eyes ope by degrees , and she thence guilty flies , . it was a cowardise to steale away , not daring to avouch what she had done ; fugitive lover , thou hadst better stay , the boy 's alone , and put fresh beautie on ; nor dost thou wisely maid pursue thy choise : for eccho seldome goes without a noisr . . but she is gone , and the faire youth is risse , suspitious that he felt some person there ; then busily he looks about the trees , whose boughes would guide him on the way to her ; directed by the winde , at last he found , the beauteous nymph laid carelesse on the ground . . amaz'd , that such a presence should remaine in such an unfrequented place , as this : he takes the wisest-counsell of his braine , in supposition she some goddesse is : and when he had devote submission paid to her , this with a trembling voice he said . . celestiall dweller , sure thou art no lesse , such brightnesse never knew mortalitie : or if thou be'st a mortall , i may ghesse there are no gods , nor heaven , if gods there be , thou dost excell ; and if a heaven , 't is cleare , that here it is , because thou art not there . . yet here it cannot be , for i am here conscious , that i am wretched , and alone : if this be heaven , i wish my selfe else-where ; all joyes inhabit heaven , but here are none ; for if true joy exceed the name of things , we must deduce them from the higher springs . . where am i then ? alas i cannot tell , whether in earth , or hell ; if earth it be , then it is both ; yet can it not be hell , for that cannot be capable of thee . beside , if sages doe not hell bely , in hell , i sure should have more company . . but i doe walk this labyrinth alone , and this addes to the languish of my heart , that in this sad consinements , i have none will joyne his misery , and take a part . i never yet provok'd the high heavens so , that they should marke me out alone to woe . . with many more , as late i hunting was in this unlucky wood , i know not where i lost my traine , ill fortune , and the place , conspiring with my horse to leave me there . since when endeavouring my selfe to finde , i might as well o're-take , and stay the winde . . faire goddesse , then informe me , where i am , and with thy kinde and safe direction , convey a lost man thither , whence he came : or if not thither , to a place more knowne : nay into any other wildernesse , there is a path from any place , but this . . then shall the nymphs , for they affect my name , build thee a glorious temple for this deed , wherein they shall a stately altar frame , which shall not with the tender first-lings bleed ; they shall present fresh chaplets , which their love shall set on fire , and their sighes incense prove . . eccho who all the while attentive sate , and heard the musick of his passion , but held first pittie due to her owne fate , yet knew not with what art is should be done , rallies her wiser thoughts , and while he staies expecting answer , to her selfe she saies ; . what shall poore eccho doe ? i want a voice to tell him what i am , how i have lov'd ; juno , thy curse was an unhappy choice , some other punishment thou mightst have prov'd . revoke this cruell doom , a power restore to my chain'd tongue , i le never aske thee more . . meane time , like a pale prisoner at the bar , oppressed more with feare , than his owne chaines , ( these of the feet , those the head troubles are ) suspecting much her silence , he complaines in smother'd sighes , and 'cause they not prevaile , look , and you 'll see a teare is breaking jaile . . the nymph in pitty of his griefe , put on her stock of smiles , and love in either eye , courts him to shine , the majestie is gone that frighted him ; and now a frestier dye , dawnes in his cheek , and his owne eye so neare , new burnisht drew up the complaining teare . . eccho now thinking she had won the prize , seeing all clouds cleare up , and in his brow the milkie path of heaven agen , his eyes sparkling out heavenly fire , which even now peep't through the brine of sorrow , came once more , boldly to kisle her convert paramour . . but eccho mist her aime , for he went back , and with his hand check'd her unruly one , as such addresses did good manners lack , she else perhaps might an embrace have stolne : angry he was , a second knowledge now appeares too plaine upon his rugged brow . . look how some infant by the parent beat , for having plaid the wanton with her breast , afraid to crie looks pale , some pearly wet , swelling to peep out of her watry nest , shrinking his pretty lip , hangs downe the head , his red to pale , his pale converts to red . . so far'd poore eccho in this extasie , whose trembling bloud although it had forsook her cheek , was ignorant yet where to be , feare had detrowr'd the beauty of each look , and had not some divine reliefe been sent , shee had setled there her owne pale monument . . but unexpectedly her tongue releast , by juno's owne compassion to the maid , whose sufferings in love her wrath appear'd , gave eccho a new life , who thought to have said within her heart ; proud boy , th'ast done thy worst ; but found her voice , a cleare one , as at first . . then wisely fearing to have call'd him proud , could be no argument to make him kinde , she thought to cure him with a palinode , saying her heart was of another minde : and thought him gentle , yet some spirits gain'd ; unto the boy , thus she at last complain'd . . mankinde , from henceforth must not nature call , an equall mother , fondly to bestow upon thee one , her beauties stock , her all , and others by her empty hand undoe . for though not eldest , she hath made thee heire , and thou , above thy numerous brethren , faire . . but too much sweetnesse is ill plac'd upon a stubborne heart : a panther and a dove ; cruell and faire , were never meant for one : resigne thy beauty , or else put on love . thou wert unkinde narcissus , to deny , thy selfe the office of a courtesie . . what was a kisse ? the rape of such a treasure what tyrant were he judge , would call a sin ? thou canst not loose thy lip , but finde a pleasure : come let us now , though late , loves warre begin ; and meet me boldly , for one kisse of thine i le give a thousand : lov's exchequers mine . . if thou bee'st scrupulous , i will not pay , thou shalt have halfe in earnest , if thou please : or if not so , i aske no longer day to number the whole summe , before i cease : and at the totall , if thy lip repine , i le trebble all , to have one more of thine . . but whither doth suspition draw thy eye ? thou maist commit thy selfe to silent groves , the listning trees grooms of my chamber be , this aire close secretary to our loves . be not too coy then to receive a kisse , thou mightst have kist me twenty times'ere this . . come sit thee downe upon this banke a while , and let us sport , as other lovers doe . the heav'n in gold , the earth in green doth smile , my heaven on earth , prethee doe thou so too . unwreath thy armes , and with an amorous twine . girdle my waste , whilst i in circle shine . . my shady province , wall'd about with trees , the wealthy currents that devide the land , shall give up all their treasure to thy eyes : pleasure it selfe shall spread at thy command , her most desired soule , and thou as free as aire , shalt move , and share all blisse with me . . if thou wilt hunt , the lion and the pard shall every morne unto the chace invite thee . the boare and panther when thou art prepar'd , shall play before thy speare , and never fright thee : bleed any beast , hunt what thou likest most , all wilde shall tame before thee as thou go'st . . see how the trees bow their exalted heads , and not a shrub but signe of gladnesse beares , which else would shrinke into their earthy beds , or through their barke break out in gummy teares ; and for thy absence weep out all their rinde , proud if they have for thee their soule resign'd . . the winde , thy herald flies about the groves , aloud proclaiming thee the wood-nymphs king , snatching up odours as be whistling roves , at thy hand to unlade them from his wing . the silvans friske about , while nymphs prepare a rosie garland to o're-top thy haire . . shepheards shall all the day new pastimes spring . a maske of satyrs shall beguile the night : the choisest birds shall to the anticks sing , the slarres grow brighter to behold the sight : yet these but shadowes of the mirth , wee 'll prove , if thou wilt stay , and be thy eccho's love . . i have a cloister over-looks the sea , where every morning we secure from feare , will see the porpise and the dolphins play , and all the wonders that in habit there , where many a barke into the clouds doth leap , while surges caper round about the ship . . lovely narcissus prethee stay with me , if thou doe thirst , from every spring shall rise divinest nectar , and thy food shall be the glorious apples of hesperides : a nymph shall be thy hebe , of thou need sha't have another for thy ganimede . . feele how my pulses beate , my breasts swell high : come , come be not so modest pretty one ; why dost thou turne that beavenly cheek from me ; who but thy selfe would such a blessing shun ? those frownes will discompose thy beauty quite , my lips doe blush in daring thee to fight . . prethes unlock thy words sweet treasurie , and rape me with the musick of thy tongue , but let no accent touch upon deny , this will thy beauty , and my passions wrong . i le rather praile thy silence , it may prove what lovers use t' expound , consent to love . the boy seems pleas'd , and here begins to break into a language , extasied the maid , by her owne hearts dictamen he did speak : and if she ask'd him love , he lov'd he said , she darts a glance , and he returnes a smile , she sees , and surfets on his lips the while . . but soon these sun-beames vanish'd , all his smiles were feign'd , to get some knowledge how to quit the wood when she not moved with those wiles , told him all information was unfit against her selfe ; at this swift as the winde , away he flies , but leaves his frown behinde . . eccho laments his absence , and in vaine calls him againe unto her amorous wars , she hath too sure a proof of his disdaine : she sighes and curses her malignant stars ; and while she chides the fate that gave her birth , her eyes make poore themselves , t' enrich the earth . . oh that i ne're had seen his face ( quoth she ) that ignorant of the sweetnesse , i mignt rest in supposition , what the blisle might be : my knowledge has betraid me to the best ; and by acquaintance with so much delight , i finde a new flame in my appetite . . justice , thou dreadfull queen ramnusia , punish with sorrow my contemners pride , and by some strange and most prodigious way , let him the weight of thy reverige abide . and since to me , his heart a rock hath prov'd , let him so love at last , and dye unlov'd . . eccho hath spent her sting , narcissus now hath got the top of an aspiring hill , whose site commands the countrey round to view some tract , to lead him from the place , but still in vaine he does employ his searching eyes , through thick embracing woods , no path he spies . . wounded with objects that no comfort bring , he might conclude his fortune at the worst , had he not seen hard by a goodly spring , and thither he descends to quench his thirst . o doe not taste ( narcissus ) hence will flow , what will thee more , thou thy past fate undoe . . thy eyes betray thee , and are sorrowes spies , containe thy feet , thy danger is beneath , run not quick-sighted to a precepice , a blinde man cannot misse his way to death . thy liberty was all thou lost before , the nymphs too soon may thus thy death deplore . . chuse any other fountaine : harke and feare , the birds are singing dirges to thy death ; does not a sooty raven strike thine eare from an high oake tuning her fatall breath ? a mighty cloud obscures the suns bright eye , not willing to behold thy tragedy . . and yet these move thee not , then reach the streame , and meet thy blacker destiny , the sun is bright agen , wrath burnes in every beame , and guilds the scene of thy destruction : each sullen winde is in his prison penn'd , least with their murmure it the spring offend . . no portion of a birds forsaken nest , fell from the bowes to interrupt the clame , no wither'd leafe did in his fall molest the stilnesle of it , smooth as setled balme ; but crystall lesse transparent . such a mirrour , so form'd could onely shew disdaine his errour . . and now narcissus humbled on the grasse , and leaning with his breast upon the brinke , looks into th' water , where he spies a face , and as he did incline his head to drinke ; as faire as countenance seem'd to meet with his , off'ring to entertaine him with a kisse . . giving a little backe , he doth admire the beauty of the face presented to him , thinking at first some water-nymph was there , and rising from her silver couch to woe him : yet court she cannot whom she did surprise , never from water did such flames arise . . his heart glowes in him . punishment fulfills : love leaps into full age , at the first houre , new wonders like the waves , with rouling hills follow his gazes ; all that lov'd before , have flung their gather'd flames into his breast , fit him for love , a sacrisice and priest . . but strucken with his owne , his burning eyes are onely thirsty now ; he drinks apace into his soule the shadow that he sees , and dotes on every wonder of the face . he stoops to kisse it , when the lips halfe way meet , he retreats , and th' other steales away . . he , mov'd at the unkindnesse which he took by his owne teaching , bowes himselfe againe , the other meets him in the silent brook , they spie agen , but he cannot refraine to court whom he desires , and at his talke , the lips within the water seem to walke . . and every smile doth send his owne agen , this cheeres him , but he cannot heare a sound break from the watrie prison , and he then complains a fresh , that his unhappy wound admits no cure , and as he beats his breast , the conflict under water is exprest . . what e're thou art , come forth , and meet me here he cries ; why dost deceive me with a look ? what meanes that that imitution ? come neare , leape from the depth of thy imprisoning brook , fold not thy armes like mine , or smile on me , unlesse i may enjoy thy company . . but whether is my wiser reason fled ? it is the shadow of my selfe , i see , and i am curst to be enamoured , where did i lose my soule ? or where am i ? what god shall pardon me this sin , if here , i must become my owne i dolater ? . thou fatall looking-glasse , that dost present my selfe to me , ( my owne incendiarie . ) oh let my eyes in love with their lament , — weep themselves out , and prove a part of thee : this i shall gaine , either my shade may fleet , or if it stay , i may want eyes to see 't . . under this burthen of my love i faint , and finde i am with too much plenty poore : wealthy i am in nothing but my want ; i have , and yet ( o gods ) want nothing more : mysteriously divided thus i stand , halfe in the water , halfe upon the land . . but sure it cannot be my selfe i love ; how with my selfe despaire i to agree ? by one example both must gentle prove , if i narcissus love , can he hate me ? it is no shade then doth my phansie slatter , but something that 's divine doth blesse the water . . essence , of all that 's faire , ascend to me ; to thy acceptance i present my heart : let not these elements our prisons be , i in a fire , and thou in water art ; o let a friendly kisse as we two meet , from thy coole water rise t' allay my heat . . this said , narcissus doth his hold secure , and with intention to receive a kisse , his lip descends to meet the other there , but hence his expectation cousned is ; for touching but the superficies , hee did too soon the frighted image leese . . th' offended water into circles ran . and with their motion so disturb'd the place , the lover could not see himselfe againe : then doth he call aloud unto this face ; thou bright-beam'd star , oh whither art thou gone ? but newly shewne thy head , and set so soon ? . or if a comet , thou hadst spent thy light , ( the matter gone , should feed thy flaming haire , ) thou art mistaken ; thy unnaturall flight is heaven : all meteors to the earth repaire , where i now mourne thy absence ; but i feare , i have some way prophan'd the waters here . . what god soever doth this fountaie owe , forgive me , and you naiades that l●ve your tresses here , trust me i did not know what sacred power , or president you have . my mother was a nymph , lyriope , oh for her 〈◊〉 some kinde one pitty me . . forgive disturbed water my rude touch , 't was not to rob thee of the smallest drop , in penitentiall teares i le pay as much as there can hang upon my lips cold top : o calme thy brow then , let thy frownes declare themselves at once finite , and circular . . in thy smooth bosome once more let me pray , a sight of that sweet figure i adore , unlesle to heaven return'd some other way ; and if it be , 't is not so farre before ; but i can dye , and off this flesh robe burl'd , i le overtake it in the other world . . now doth each swelling circle gently haste to be dissolv'd , and spread themselves to aire ; no polish'd marble seem'd more smooth , and fast ; the boy takes this a fruit of his owne prayer , yet ' ere he thank'd the gods , he thought it fit , to see his love , and seen , forgot them quite . . fearing to be depriv'd agen , he woes , as every sillable 〈…〉 a life , a sigh , at every clamorous period goes , with greater noise then it , but no reliefe . his aire of tongue , and breast , thus spent a look presents their 〈◊〉 , doubled in the brook . . but all in vaine , the face , he saw before , is in the same il'-shewing silence drest , chang'd to more sad , but not oneaccent more , deafe as the streame , and now he beats his breast , condemn'd agen to his more haplesse thought , he had but all this while his shadow sought . . this multiplies his griese into despaire , since his owne image doth procure the fire , and nothing left in nature to repaire his vext affections , that now grow higher ; that face , his owne , or whose so e're , was that , which took him first , to unlove is too late . . he beckens to the figure , that replies , taught by his postute how to call him thither ; to lift him from the water then he tries , but when their white hands should have met together , a new distraction fell upon the streame , and his ( because alone ) thenes weeping came . . when he to beare that company , le ts fall more teares than would have made another spring till griefe had not another drop to call , though to have cur'd his eyes , but will this bring the loved shade agen ? no ; every teare was both his owne , and t' others murderer . . but more then this must be ( narcissus ) borne , as a revenge for many nimphes that lov'd , and dy'd upon the torture of thy scorne ; and see his eyes that once so charming mov'd do loose their beames , and hasten to be dead in their owne hollowes , borne and buried . . see what a dotage on himselfe hath sent , that brow that challeng'd late the snow , for white veines that were made to shame the firmament , the cheek that so much wonder drew to it , the voice , when tun'd to love , might gods entice to change for earth their immortalities . . all , all is vanish'd nemesis have yet some pitty , let him live , he faints , he dies , 't were safer for the boy himselfe to hate , then if he love , to pay so deare a price . he did but love himselfe , and if he die , that loves , propose the haters destinie . . but nemesis irrevocable doom , must be obey'd though eccho late repent , who with a murmuring pace unseen was come to mourne for his , and her owne punishment . his groanes had thrild her soule , and at his death she comes to catch his fare-well taking breath . . and as a glimmering taper almost spent , gasping for moisture to maintaine its fire , after some darke cont●●●●●s , doth present a short-liv'd blaze , and presently expires : so he , collecting ebbing nature , cryes , oh youth , belov'd in vaine , farewell and dyes . . farewell poore eccho did repeat ; and fled with what wings sorrow sent , t' embalme the boy ; but looking carefully to finde the dead , she miss'd the shadow of her livelesse joy : his body , vanish'd ; by what mysterie convey'd , not found by her inquiring eye . . but in the place where he did disappeare , out of the ground a lovely flower betrayes his whiter leaves , and visibly did reare his tufted head , with saffron-colour'd rayes : upon a smooth stemme all this beauty growes ; this change to heaven the lost narcissus owes . . eccho with wonder turnes a statue now , yet not an idle figure ; for her eyes from her darke swelling springs doe over-flow , having no pow'r to check them as they rise : she thus presents a fountaine , as she were meant to refresh the new-borne tulip there . . to which , after some truce with teares , she sayes , art thou a pledge for the sweet boy i lov'd ? oh , take a voice , tell by what aërie wayes , the choisest flower of nature is remov'd . if in the blessed shades ? i can make room , through death to meet him in elysium . . assume the wings of love , eccho , away unto the stigian lake , goe , follow him , there thou maist finde him on a banke of clay , eying himselfe upon the waters brim : the sooty gods enamoured on him are , and round about him on his beautie stare . . but since he was unkinde alive to me , i must despaire to meet his love in death , and this remaining flower , another he , shall be preserv'd with my best use of breath . and though the obstinate deserv'd to dye , i will be just , and love his memorie . . but since his curse , though just upon his pride , hath made him this example for his sin : never shall dreame ease my distracted head , sleep shall forget his office , and within darkes shades , shut up from all societie , in rocks or caves i le undiscovered lye . . and to redeem the shame my folly had contracted , by preposterous woing man ; whose bolder nature was in order made to court our sex : juno take back againe thy gift ; from henceforth eccho will returne , but their owne words sent back againe in scorne . this said , she walketh to the fountaines side , where she no sooner did the streame survey , but her owne shadow in the glasse she spi'd , and cryed , some other witch-craft did betray that heavenly boy ; ô , perish in some wave ! be drown'd for ever , since thou wouldst not save . . it is not thee i seek , open thou streame , and shew me where that fairer strumpet is ; that , from whose sight the boies infection came , and from poore eccho did her soule entice . will no charme call it back ? poore eccho then , here cease to be the scorne of gods and men . . with that impatient , she threw her weight into the tempting stream , where now we leave her ; whom the proud waters did imprison strait , yet of her voice they did not quite bereave her , for when i ask'd aloud , is she not dead ? not dead distinctly , the nymph answered , of eccho now no more remaines to tell , but that i her , and she bid me farewell . finis . the traitor shirley, james this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text s in the english short title catalog (stc ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. martin mueller incompletely or incorrectly transcribed words were reviewed and in many cases fixed by nayoon ahn lydia zoells this text has not been fully proofread earlyprint project evanston il, notre dame in, st.louis, washington mo distributed under a creative commons attribution-noncommercial . unported license a .xml the traytor. a tragedie, vvritten by iames shirley. acted by her majesties servants. shirley, james, - . dpi tiff g page images university of michigan, digital library production service ann arbor, michigan october (tcp phase ) greg, ii, (a). stc ( nd ed.) . a

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 the traytor. a tragedie, vvritten by iames shirley. acted by her majesties servants. shirley, james, - . [ ] p. printed [by john norton] for william cooke, and are to be sold at his shop at furnivals inne-gate in holborne, london : .

in verse.

printer's name from stc.

signatures: a (-a ) b-k l (=a ).

reproduction of the original in the henry e. huntington library and art gallery.

 a shc the traitor shirley, james nayoon ahn lydia zoells play tragedy shc no a s (stc ). . b the rate of . defects per , words puts this text in the b category of texts with fewer than defects per , words. incorporated ~ , textual changes made to the shc corpus by hannah bredar, kate needham, and lydia zoells between april and july during visits, separately or together, to the bodleian, folger and houghton libraries as well as the rare book libraries at northwestern university and the university of chicago

the traytor . a tragedie , vvritten by iames shirley . acted by her majesties servants .

london : printed for william cooke , and are to be sold at his shop at furnivals inne-gate in holborne . .

to the right honorable , william cavendish , earle of new-castle , viscount mansfield , lord boulsouer and ogle .

my lord ,

the honour of your name , and cleerenesse of soule , which want no living monuments in the heart of princes , have already made the title of this poëme innocent , though not the author ; who confesseth his guilt of a long ambition , by some service to be knowne to you , and his boldnesse at last , by this rude attempt to kisse your lordships hands .

fame with one breath hath possessed the world with your lordships general knowledge , & excellēt nature , both , an ornament to your blood , & in both you stand the rare , and iustified example to our age . to the last , these cold papers addresse themselves , which if ( with truce to your richer contemplations ) you vouchsafe to read and smile upon , not onely they shall receive a life , beyond what the scene exactly gave them , in the presentment , rewarded with frequent applause , but your lordship shall infinitely honour him , whose glory is to be mentioned .

the humblest of your lordships servants ,

iames shirly .

to my friend maister iames shirley , the authour . friend , how i haste into that name ? my quill runs fraught with my whole soule , and feares to spill one drop before it ; proud to have men know the glory of the name thou didst bestow . and to derive eternity thereto from this learn'd worke , which marble could not doe : ambitious to posterity to send for light to both , thy traytor and thy friend . this , and i 've sayd ; for friend i stand not here to praise , or in thy quarrell spend my ieere on some third man , nor court i , i professe the humorous reader into gentlenesse : no friend , thou writ'st before , thy selfe , and when shirley is nam'd , praise is the same agen . will atkins of grayes inne .

the scene , florence .

the persons . duke of florence . lorenzo , his kinsman and favorite . sciarrha , brother to amidea . pisano , louer to oriana . cosmo , his freind . florio , sciarrhas brother . depazzi , a creature of lorenzos . frederico , noble-men . alonzo , petruchio , pisanoes servant . rogero , page to depazzi . gentlemen . servants . amidea , sciarrhas sister . oriana , beloved of pisano . morossa , her mother . lust . pleasure . furies .
the traytor .
actus primus . enter pisano and petruchio . pisano .

didst bid him come ?

pet.

i did .

pis. goe backe agen , and tell him , i am gone abroad . pet. hee 's here enter cosm. already sir . pis.

oh cosmo !

cos. deare pisano , that i could let thee neerer , into me , my heart counts this embrace a distance , yet , let us incorporate . pis. i was woing cosmo , my man , to tell thee , i was gone abroad , before thou cam'st . cos. how 's this ? your words and lookes are strange , and teach me to inferre i am not welcome , that on riper counsell , you doe wish my absence . pis. what for telling truth ? hee thus should ha but made thee fit to see thy friend , thou com'st with expectation to heare me talke sence , dost not ? cos.

yes .

pis. la now ! and to discourse as i was wont , of state , our friendship , or of women , no such matter . cos. this is more wild then usuall , your language i not so cleere as it was wont , it carries not the same even thread although some words may knit , the sence is scatterd . pis. right , right cosmo , the reason is , i ha straggled , and lost my selfe i know not where , in what part of the world , and would not this be showne as well in him , to ha prepar'd thee now ? cos.

what humour 's this pisano , i am yet to understand ?

pis. to understand ? why cosmo , had i not chang'd my dialect and method , what neede this tedious apology ? that 's it , i would have had thee knowne before , thou canst not understand me , yet thou hast a name in florence , for a ripe young man , of nimble apprehension , of a wise and spreading observation , of whom already our old men doe prophesie good , and great things , worthy thy faire dimensions . cos. this is an argument above the rest , pisano is not well ; for being temperate , he was not wont to flatter , and abuse his friend . pis. beside , there is another reason , thou shouldst discover me at heart , through all these mist , thou art in love too , and who cānot , that feeles himselfe the heate , but shrewdly guesse at every symptome of that wanton feaver , oh cosmo ! cos. what misfortune can approach your happy love in fairest amidea , you have beene long contracted , and have past the tedious hope , himen , doth only waite an oportunity to light his torch , which will burne glorious at your nuptiall : let jealous , lovers feare and feele what t is to languish , talke away their blood , and strength ▪ question their unkinde starres , you have game before you sir . pis. before mee where ? why dost thou mock me cosmo ? shee 's not heere : cos. it is no pilgrimage to travell to her lippe . pis.

t is not for you .

cos. how sir for mee ? y 'ave no suspition , i can be guilty of a treason , to our friendship , be so just , if malice have been busie , with my fame , to let me know — — pi. you hastily interpret , thy pardon i have onely errd , but not with the least scruple of thy faith , and honor to mee , thou hast a noble soule , and lou'st mee rather too well , i would thou wert my enemy , that wee had been borne in distant climes , and never tooke cement from our simpathies in nature . would wee had never seene , or knowne each other , this may seeme strange , from him , that loves thee cosmo , more pretious then his life . cos. love mee , and , wish this seperation ? pis. i will give thee proofe ; so well i love thee , nothing in the world thy soule doth hartily affect , but i doe love it too , does it not trouble thy beleefe ? i weare not my owne heart about me , but thine exchangd , thy eyes let in my objects , thou hear'st for me , talk'st , kissest , and enjoyst all my felicities . cos.

what meanes this language ?

pis. but what 's all this to thee ? go to oriana , and bath thy lips in rosy dew of kisses , renew thy eye that lookes as saturne hung upon the lid , take in some golden beame , shee 'le dart a thousand at one glance , and if at thy returne , thou findst i have a being in this vaine world , i le tell thee more . exit . cos.

but sir , you must not part so .

pet. not with my good will , i have no great ambition to be mad . cos. petruchio , let mee conjure thee , tell what weight hangs on thy masters heart ? why does he appeare so full of trouble ? pet.

d' ee not guesse ?

cos.

point at the cause , i cannot .

pet.

why he loves —

cos.

the beauteous amidea , i know that .

pet. some such thing was , but you are his friend , my lord , his soule is now devoted to oriana , and he will dye for her , if this ague hold him . cos.

ha .

pet. your doublet pinch you sir ? i cannot tel ; but nere a woman in the world should make me hang my selfe , it may be for his honour , hee 'le choose another death , hee is about one ; for 't is not possible without some cure , he should live long , he has forgot to sleepe , and for his dyet , h 'as not eate this se'night as much as would choake a sparrow , a flie is an epicure to him : good sir , doe you counsell him . so , so , it workes ; exit cos. this was my lord lorenzoes plot , and i ha' beene his engine in the worke , to batter his love to amidea , by praysing oriana to him , he is here , my lord . enter lorenzo attended . lor.

petruchio , where 's your lord ? how moves the worke ?

pet. to your owne wish my lord , he has throwne off the thought of amidea , and is mad for cosmo's mistris , whom by your instructions i have commended so — lor.

my witty villaine !

pet. cosmo is with him , to whom cunningly i ha discover'd his disease , and i beseech you interrupt 'em not . lor. this may have tragicall effects petruchio : for cosmo , we shall prune his fortune thus , oriana's wealth would swell him in the seate , he growes too fast already , be still ours . pet. my lord , you bought my life , when you procur'd my pardon from the duke . exit lor. enter pisa . and cosmo . pis. o friend , thou canst not be so mercifull , to give away such happinesse , my love is for some sinne i have committed , thus transplanted , i look'd rather thou shouldst kill me , then give away this comfort , t is a charity will make thee poore , and 't were a great deale better that i should languish still , and dye . cos. while i have art to helpe thee ? oriana and i were but in treaty , howsoever , i were not worthy to be calld his friend , whom i preferd not to a mistris , if you can finde dispensation , to quit with amidea , your first love , be confident oriana may be wonne , and it were necessary you did prepare the mother , be not modest — pis. each sillable is a blessing , harke petruchio . cos. there is an engine leveld at my fate , and i must arme , pis.

away .

exit pet. cos. this for thy comfort , although some complements ha past betweene me and oriana , i am not warme yet in the mothers fancy , whose power may assist you much , but loose no time , le ts follow . pis.

thou miracle of friendship !

exeunt . enter duke frederico , florio , and alonso . du.

letters to us ? from whom ?

al.

castruchio .

du.

the exile ? whence ?

al. sienna my good lord , it came inclos'd within my letter , which imposd my care and duty , in the swift delivery . fr.

the duke is pale oth suddaine .

du. a palsey does possesse me , ha ? lorenzo ? our cosen , the enemy of our life and state , my bosome kinsman ? not too loud , the traytor may heare , and by escape prevent our justice . flo.

what traytor ?

du. signior alonso , come you hither , what correspondency maintaine you with this castruchio ? al. none my lord , but i am happy in his election , to bring the first voice to your fafety . du. most ingratefull man ! turne rebell ? i have worne him in my blood . al.

t is time to purge the humour .

du. i will do ot . our guard , were he more precious , had he shar'd our soule , as he but borrowes of our flesh , this action makes him nothing , had i beene in heaven , i could have lent him my eternitie , he turne conspirator ? oh the fate of princes ! but stay , this paper speakes of no particular , he does not mention what designe what plot ▪ al.

more providence is necessarie ,

du. right , right , good alonso , thar' t an honst man and lov'st us well , what 's to be done ? al. t is best to make his person sure , by this you may discouer soonest who are of his faction du. and at our leasure study of his punishment , which must exceed death , every cōmon trespasse is so rewarded , first apply all tortures to inforce confession , who are his confederates , . and how they meant to murder us , then some rare invention to execute the traytor , so as hee may bee halfe a yeare a dying , will make us fam'd for justice . enter lorenzo depazzi . al. hee is heere , shal 's apprehend him ? lo. happy morning to my gratious soveraigne . du. good morrow cooze . can treason couch it selfe within that frame ? we ha letters for you . lo. letters , these dread sir have no direction to mee , your highnes is onely nam'd . du. they will concerne your reading , alonso now observe and watch him florio , depazzi come you hither , does lorenzo looke like a traitor ? dep.

how sir ? a traitor ?

du.

i sir .

dep. i sir , by my honour not i sir , i defie him that speakes it ; i am in a fine pickle lor.

i ha read —

du. no blush ? not tremble ? read agen the substance is , that you maintaine a vigilant eye over lorenzo , who hath threatned with your death , his countries liberty and other things , touching reducing of a common wealth . du.

i like not that .

dep. all 's out : a pox upon him for a traitor , hee has hedg'd meee in but i le confesse — du. what answere make you to this lorenzo ? lor. this o' th suddaine , sir i must owe the title of a traitor to your high favours ; envy first conspir'd , and malice now accuses , but what story , mentioned his name , that had his princes bosome , without the peoples hate , 't is sinne enough in some men to be great , the throng of stars the rout , and common people of the skie , move still another way then the sun does , that guilds the creature , take your honors back , and if you can , that purple of my veines , which flowes in yours , and you shall leave mee in a state i sh'anot feare the great ones envy , nor common peoples rage , and yet perhaps you may be credulous against mee . du.

ha!

all .

the duke is coole .

du. alonzo looke you prove . lorenzo what you say . all . i say my lord ? i have discovered all my knowledge sir : dep.

stand too 't —

lo. with licence of your highnesse , what can you imagine i should gaine by treason ? admit i should bee impious , as to kill you , i am your neerest kinsman , and should forfeit both name and future title to the state , by such a hasty , bloody disposition , the rabble hate mee now , how shall i then expect a safety ? is it reformation , of florence they accuse mee of ? suggesting i disaffect a monarchy , which how vaine and ridiculous would appeare in mee , your wisedome judge , in you i liue and flowrish , what in your death can i expect , to equall the riches i enjoy under your warm'th ? should i for the ayre , and talke of a new goverment , a common wealth , loose all my certainties ? and you above 'em all , whose favours have falne like the dew upon mee ? have i a soule to thinke the guilt of such a murder easie , were there no other torments ? or can i expect the people will reward your murderer with any thing but death , a parricide ? al.

so so the duke 's already in his circle .

lor. but i am tame , as if i had no sence nor other argument to vindicate my loyalty , thus poysoned by a paper , in my eternall fame , and by a slave ? call to my brow , some one that dare accuse mee , let him have honor , great as mine , to forfeit , or since your grace hath taken me so neere , your owne hight , that may seale may not expect such a proportion'd adversary , yet let him have name within his country , and allow him a soule , against which , i may ingage my more , then equall honor , then i le praise your justice but let him not be one condemnd already , a desperate exile — is it possible a treason hatcht in florence , gainst the duke should have no eyes at home to penetrate , the growing danger but at sienna , one must with a perspectiue discouer all ? aske this good councellor , or these gentlemen whose faiths are tryed , whose cares are always waking about your person , how have i appear'd to them , that thus i should be rendred hatefull , to you and my good countrie , they are vertuous and dare not blemish a white faith , accuse my sound heart of dishonor ? sir you must pardon my bold defence , my vertue bleeds by your much easinesse , and i am compelld to breake all modest limits , and to waken your memory ( if it be not to late to say you have one , ) with the story of my faire deservings , who sir overthrow with his designes your late ambitious brother hippolito , who like a meteor threatned a blacke and fatall omen ? du.

t was lorenzo .

lo. be yet as just , and say whose art directed a countermine to check the pregnant hopes of saluiati , who for his cardinals cappe , in rome was potent , and heere popular ? du.

none but lorenzo .

dep.

admirable traitor ?

lor. whose service was commended when the exiles one of whose tribe accuseth mee had raisd commotions in our florence when the hindga of state did faint under the burthen , and the people sweat with their owne feares , to thinke the souldier should inhabit their calme dwellings , who then rose up your safety , and crushd all their plots to ayer ? du.

our deere cozen lorenzo .

lor. when he that should reward , fogets the men that purchas'd his security , t is vertue to beast a merrit with my services i ha not staru'd your treasurie , the grand captaine gonzales accounted to king ferdinand , three hundred thousand crownes , for spies , what bills have i brought in for such inteligence ? dep. i doe grow harty all thy actions stand fresh before us , and confirme , thou art our best and dearest friend , thus wee assure our confidence , they love us not that feed one jealous thought of our deare cooze lorenzo new welcome to us all , for you alonzo give o're your paper kites , learne wit , t is time . where shall wee meet to night ? lo.

pardon mee sir i am a dangerous man .

du. no more a that i 'le credit my soule with thee , shall wee revell this night with amidea ? dep. the duke courts him , well go thy waies , for one of the most excellent impudent traytors — du. yet a murmuring of a traitor ? wee shall sooner suspect him , that thinkes lorenzo guilty . dep. i my lord , dare boldly sweare , his honor is as free — from any treason , as my selfe , i did prophisie this issue . duk. 't is an age till night , i long to fold her in my armes , prepare sciarrha , but be very wise in the discovery , hee is all touchwood . lor. i know he is her brother , leave the managing of things to mee . tu. still when we expect , our blisse , time creepes , but when the happier things call to enjoy , each sawcy houre hath wings . exeunt .
actvs secvndvs . enter sciarrha and lorenzo . sciarrha . my sister , though hee be the duke , he dares not , patience , patience , if there be such a vertue , i want it heaven , yet keep 't a little longer , it were a sinne to have it , such an injury deserves a wrath next to your owne , my sister ? it has throwne wild-fire in my braine lorenzo , a thousand furies revell in my skull , has he not sinnes enough in 's court to damne him . but my roofe must be guilty of new iusts , and none but amidea ? these the honours his presence brings our house ? lo.

temper your rage .

sci. are all the brothels rifled ? no queint peece left him in florence , that will meete his hot and valiant luxury , that we are come to supply his blood out of our families ? diseases gnaw his title off . lo.

my lord —

sci. he is no prince of mine , he forfeited his greatnesse , that blacke minute he first gave consent to my dishonour . lo.

then i 'me sorry .

sci. why should you be sorry sir ? you say it is my sister he would strumpet , mine , amidea ? t is a wound you feele not , but it strikes through , and through the poore sciarrah , i doe not thinke , but all the ashes of my ancestours doe swell in their darke urnes at this report , of amidea's shame : it is their cause as well as mine , and should heaven suffer the dukes sinne to passe unpunishd , their dust must of necessity conspire , to make an earthquake in the temple . lo. sir , you said you would heare me out . sci. why is there more behind ? lo. and greater master , your high blood till i conclude sciarrha , i accuse not your noble anger , which i have observ'd , is not on every cheape and giddy motion inflam'd , but sir , be thrifty in your passion , this is a petty trespasse . sci. has mischiefe any name beyond this ? will it kill me with the sound ? lo. my lord , though the dishonouring your sister , be such a fact , the blood of any other but alexander could no lesse then expiate , yet this sinne stretches farther , and involves with hers , your greater staine did you e're promise him ? yet why doe i make any question ? it were another crime , to thinke sciarrah could entertaine a thought , so farre beneath his birth , you stoope to such a horrid basenesse , then all the vertue of mankind would sicken , and soone take leave of earth . sci.

you torture me .

lo. what then could the duke finde , to give him any encouragement you would be guilty of an act , so fatall unto honour , what when you were least your selfe ? ( as we are all fraile compositions ) did appeare so wicked in you , he should conceave a hope , and flatter himselfe with possibility , to corrupt your soule to a deed so monstrous ? sci.

to what ?

lo. though all the teeming glories of his dukedome , nay florence state offerd it selfe a bribe ▪ and tempted the betraying of your name to infamy , yet to imagine , you would turne officious pander to his lust , and interpose the mercenary bewde to court your sister to his sinfull coupling : t is horrid , affrights nature , i grow stiffe with the imagination . sci.

hah !

lo.

yet this was his command i should impose .

sci. lorenzo , i doe want breath , my voice is ravisht from me , i am not what i was , or if i be , sciarrha thou hast talkt too , all this while looke heedfully about me , and thou maist discover through some cranny of my flesh , a fire within , my soule is but one flame , extended to all parts of this fraile building , i shall to ashes , i begin to shrinke , is not already my complexion alter'd , does not my face looke parchd , and my skin gather into a heape ? my breath is hot enough to thaw the alpes . lo. your fancy would transport you . sci. t is my rage , but let it coole , and then wee 'le talke o' something , something sir , shall be to purpose . lo. now the flame is mounted , my lord i have given proofe , although he be my duke , and kinsman , i abhorte his vices , how e're the world without examination , shoote their malicious noise , and staine my actions : t is policy in princes , to create a favorite , who must beare all the guilt of things ill mannag'd in the state , if any designe be happy , t is the princes owne . heaven knowes , how i have counsell'd this young man , by vertue to prevent his fate , and governe with modesty : o the religious dayes of common-wealths ! we have out-liv'd that blessing . sci. but i have thought a cure for this great state impostume . lo.

what ?

sci. to lance it , is 't , not ripe ? le ts draw cuts , whether your hand or mine shall doe an act for florence liberty , and send this tyrant to another world . lo.

how , i draw cuts ?

sci. coy it not thus lorenzo , but answere , by thy name and birth , you are his kinsman ; we all know it , that you dwell in 's bosome , great in favour , as in blood , we know that too , and let me tell you more : we know you but disguise your heart , and wish florence would change her title . lo.

how is this ?

sci. we know you have firme correspondence with the banisht men , whose desperate fortunes waite your call to tumult , in our streetes , all this , not to feed your ambition with a dukedome , by the remove of alexander , but to serve your countrey , and create their peace , who groane under the tyranny of a proud , lascivious monarch , is 't not true lorenzo ? my phrase is blunt my lord . lo. my genius and thine are friends , i see they have convers't and i applaude the wisedome of my stars , that made mee for his friendship , who preserves the same religious fire , i will confesse , when alexander left his pietie to florence , i plac'd him beneath my countrie , as we should all , but we have lost our soules ' or changd our active spirits , for a dull and lazie sufferance , let this secret bee an argument , how much i dare repose vpon sciarrahs honor , vertue witnesse , i chuse no other destinie , command lorenzo'es fate , dissolve me with your breath , i le either ive , in your exchange of faith a patriot , or dy my countries martir . sci. thou hast a fire beyound prometheus to quicken earth , thy flame is but a prophsie of that high paramide , the world shall build to thy immortall name : it was the glorie of romans to preferre their empires safety to their owne lives , they were but men like us , and of the same ingredients , our soules create of no inferiour substance ; ha ? lo. heaven knows i 've no particular designe to leape unto a throne , i will disclaime the priviledge of blood , let mee advance our liberty , restore the ancient lawes of the republicke , rescue from the jawes of lust your mothers , wives , your daughters , sisters , sci.

sisters .

lo.

from horrid rape las amidea :

sci. i am resolvd , by all that 's blest , hee dyes returne my willingnesse to be his pander , my sisters readinesse to meete his dalliance , his promises haue bought our shame , hee dyes , the roofe hee would dishonor with his lust shall be his toombe , bid him bee confident , conduct him good lorenzo , i le dispose my house for this great scene of death . lo.

be constant .

exit . enter florio , and his sister amidea . flo.

now brother , what newes brings the great lorenzo ?

sci. let me have truce vexation for some minutes , what newes ? preferments , honours , offices ; sister , you must to court . am.

who , i to court ?

sci. or else the court will come to you , the duke hath sent already for us amidea : o that i knew what happy starres did governe at thy nativity : it were no sinne to adore their influence . am.

what meanes my brother ?

flo.

hee 's transported .

am.

i shall suspect your health .

sci. i easily could forget i am sciarrha , and fall in love my selfe , is she not faire , exceeding beautifull , and tempting florio ? looke on her well , me-thinkes i could turne poet , and make her a more excellent peece then heaven . let not fond men hereafter command what they most admire , by fetching from the starres or flowers their glory of similitude ; but from thy selfe the role to know all beauty , and he that shall arrive at so much boldnesse , to say his mistris eyes , or voice , or breath , are halfe so bright , so cleare , so sweete as thine , hath told the world enough of miracle . these are the dukes owne raptures , amidea , his owne poeticke flames , an argument he loues my sister . ami.

love me ?

sci. infinitly , i am in earnest , he employ'd lorenzo , no meaner person in this embassie , you must to court , oh happinesse ! ami.

for what ?

sci , what doe great ladies doe at court i pray ? enjoy the pleasures of the world , dance , kisse the amorous lords , and change court breath , sing loose beleefe of other , heauen , tell wanton dreames , rehearse your sprightly bed-scenes , and boast , which hath most idolaters , accuse all faces , that trust to the simplicity of nature , talke witty blasphemy , discourse their gawdy wardrobes , plot new pride , jeast upon courtiers legs , laugh at the wagging of their owne feathers , and a thousand more delights , which private ladies never thinke of : but above all , and wherein thou shalt make all other beauties envy thee , the duke , the duke himselfe shall call thee his , and single from the faire troope , thy person forth , to exchange embraces with , lay siege to these soft lips , and not remoue , till he hath suck'd thy heart , which soone dissolv'd with thy sweete breath , shall be made part of his , at the same instant , he conveying a new soule into thy breast , with a creating kisse . ami. you make me wonder , pray speake that i may understand . sci. why will you appeare so ignorant ? i speake the dialect of florence to you , come , i finde your cunning ; the newes does please , the rolling of your eye betrayes you , and i see a guilty blush through this white veyle upon your cheeke , you wo'd have it confirm'd , you shall , the duke himselfe shall sweare he loves you . am.

love me ? why ?

sci. to court , and aske him ; be not you too peevish now , and hinder all our fortune ; i ha promis'd him to move you for his arme-full , as i am sciarrha , and your brother , more i ha sent word to him by lorenzo , that you should meete his high flame , in plaine italian love him , and — ami.

what for heaven , be the dukes whoore ?

sci.

no , no , his mistris , command him , make us .

ami.

give up my virgin-honour to his lust ?

sci.

you may give it a better name , but doo 't .

ami.

i doe mistake you brother , doe i not ?

sci.

no , no , my meaning is so broad , you cannot .

ami. i would i did then , is 't not possible that this should be a dreame ? where did you drop your vertue sir ? florio , why move you not ? why are you slow to tell this man ? for sure t is not sciarrah , he hath talk'd so ill , and so much , that we may have cause to feare , the ayre about 's infected . flo. are not you my brother ? sci. be not you a foole , to move these empty questions , but joyne to make her supple , and pliant for the duke , i hope we are not the first ha bin advanc'd by a wagtaile : no matter for the talke of musty people , looke up to the reward , thou art young , and skill'd in these court temptings , naturally soft , and moving , i am rough hewne , assist , wo't , with some queint charme , to win her to this game ? flo.

my sister ?

sci.

i , i .

ami. come not neere him florio , t is not sciarrha , sure my brothers nurse playd the impostor , and with some base issue cheated our house . sci. gipsy , use better language , or i le forget your sexe . flo. offer to touch her with any rudenesse , and by all that 's vertuous ▪ — sci.

why how now boy ?

flo. i doe not feare your sword , this with my youth , and innocence , is more defence then all thy armory , what divell has crept into thy soule ? sci.

you le not helpe ?

flo.

i le never kill thee .

sc. t is very well , have you consider'd better o' the motion ? am.

yes .

sci.

and what 's your resolve

am. to have my name stand in the ivorie register of virgins , when i am dead , before one factious thought should lurke within mee to betray my fame , to such a blot , my hands shall mutinie , and boldly with a poniard teach my heart to weepe out a repentance . sci , let mee kill thee my excellent chast sister , floria thou hast my soule , i did but trie your vertues , 't is truth , the duke does love thee , vitiously , let him , let him , he comes to be our guest , this night he meanes to revell at our house , the tarquine shall be entertained ; he shall , serv.

my lord , pisano is come .

sci. i had forgot his promise , looke up sister and shine with thy owne smiles , pisano's come , pisano thy contracted , honor'd freind , a gentleman so rich in hopes , wee shall enter a seruant . bee happy in 's alliance . enter pisano , cosmo , freder . welcome all , but you above the rest , my brother shortly , sister and florio entertaine your noble freinds , some few minutes , i am absent , wee must not forget prepare for the dukes comming , i le soone returne exit . am. you are not cheerfull sir . how i st my lord ? you were not wont to looke so sad when you came hither . pis.

i am not well amidea .

am,

oh my hart !

pis , bee you comforted lady let all greifs repaire to this , their proper center . flo.

sir how fare you ?

pis.

alterd of late a little .

fred. vertuous lady , i cannot chuse but pittie her , and accuse pisano's levitie . pis. wo'd hee were come backe , i might ha finishd ere he went , and not delay'd his businesse much , two or three words , and i had dispatch'd . am. how sir ? your language is another then you vse to speake , you looke not with the same brow upon mee . cos. las sweet lady , but who shall accuse mee ? pis. wee shall expect to long , lady i am come to render all my interest in your love , and to demand my selfe agen , live happier , in other choice faire amidea , t is some shame to say my hearts revolted . am.

ha .

pis. heere 's witnesse , all is cancel'd betwixt us , nay and you weepe — farewell . am.

hee s gone .

flo.

i am amazd .

pis.

now leade mee to my blessing .

exit . flo. shall a long suite and speeding in his love with the worlds notice , and a generall fame of contract too , just in the instant when a marriage is expected , bee broke off with infamy to our house . am. brother , if ever you lov'd poore amidea , let not this arive sciarrhas eare ther 's danger in his knowledge of it , this may be a triall of my affection flo. a tryall ; no it shewd too like a truth am. my teares intreate your silence flo. you have power to command it , dry your eyes then , hee 's return'd . enter sciarrha . sci. how now , weeping ? where is pisano , and his friends ? flo.

their gon sir .

sci

ha!

am. guesse by my eyes , you may somthing of sorrow hath befalne , no sooner you were departed , cut some strange distemper invaded him , wee might discerne a change in 's countenance , and though wee prayd him to repose with us , hee would straight back agen , so with frederico , and signior cosmo , he returnd . flo.

the alteration was strange and suddaine .

sci. las noble gentleman — but come cleere up your face agen , wee hope it wonot last , looke bright agen i say , i ha given order — enter gentleman . genu.

my lord the dukes already come .

sci. remoue , good amidea , and reserve thy person to crowne his entertainement , be not seene yet . exit am. enter duke lorenzo , alonzo , attendants . du.

sciarrah , we are come to be your guest .

sci.

your highnes doth an honor to our house .

du.

but wher 's thy sister , she must bid us welcome

sci.

she is your graces handmaid ,

du. for this night , let the whole world conspire to our delight . lorenzo — whisper . lor.

sir bee confident — and perish .

enter morosa , and oriana in the garden . mor. you shu'd not rashly give away your heart , nor must you without me dispose your selfe , pray give accesse to none — yet if pisano enquire , direct him to the garden , cosmo is young , and promising , but while lorenzo lives must expect no sun-shine . enter pisano , cosmo , servant . pis. there 's for thy paynes , they are now at opportunity cos. my lord , doe you prepare the mother , and let me close with oriana . pis.

what service can reward thee ?

cos. take occasion to leave us private , this houre be propitious , winne but the matron to you . pis.

she is prepard already

cos. loose no time take the other walke . exit pis. & mor. ori.

my deare cosmo :

cos.

my best oriana .

ori.

you have bin too much absent i must chide you

cos. you cannot sweet , i would i knew which way . to make thee angry , yes , that i might see how well it would become thee , i doe feare thou art some angell , and that sinne would bee an argument , to mee , that thou wert mortall i must suspect thy too much goodnesse else , and leave thee for the fellowship of saints , i am to wicked . ori.

you will make mee angry .

cos.

but you will love mee still , i feare .

ori. d' ee feare it ? i' st a misfortune ? cos.

what ?

ori.

my love

cos. your anger , and yet the tother often times may carrie an evill with it , wee may love to well and that 's a fault ori.

not where the objects good .

cos.

oyes : alwayes beware of the extreames .

ori. what meane you ? i affect none but my cosmo , nor him with too much flame . cos. if you should lady , 't were not nobly done . ori.

to love another ?

cos. yes , if there be cause , that may be call'd a vertue : for what have i to ingrosse the affection of any lady , if she can discerne a greater merit in some other man : wisedome forbid , but she command her smiles , to warme and cherish him . ori.

so we should be inconstant .

cos. why not , if our reason be convincd , that 's no such fault as the world goes : let us examine all the creatures , reade the booke of nature through , and we shall finde nothing doth still the same , the stars do wander and have their divers influence , the elements shuffle into innumerable changes , our constitutions varie , hearbs , and trees admit their frosts and summer : and why then should our desires , that are so nimble , and more subtill then the spirits in our blood , be such stayd things within us , and not share their naturall liberty , shall we admit a change in smaller of things , and not allow it in what most of all concernes us ? ori.

what ?

cos.

our loves ?

ori. have you a suspition i am changd , and thus would schoole me for it , or shall i imagine that you are alterd . cos. yes , i am , and therefore proclaime thy freedome , i doe love thee lesse , to shew i love thee more . ori.

what riddle 's this .

cos. i will explaine , upon maturity of councell oriana , i haue found i am not worthy of thee , therefore come to make thee satisfacton for my sinne of loving thee , by pointing out a way , and person , will become thy affection better . ori.

you have a pretie humour .

cos. what dost thinke of brave pisano , shall his merit pleade succession in thy chast thoughts ? ori.

i doe know him .

cos. thou canst not chuse , and i could study none worthy thy love but him . ori.

t is very likely you would resigne then .

cos. i to honor thee , his service will deserve thee at the best , and richest value . ori.

why it shall bee so .

cos. nay but be serious , and declare me happy that i may say , i have made thee just amends . i will thank thee . ori.

why sir i doe love him .

cos. oh when did cupid aime that golden shaft but dost thou love him perfectly with a desire , when sacred rites of marriage are past , to meet him in thy bed , and call him thy husband ? ori. why sir , did you ever thinke i was so taken with your worth , and person , i could not love another lord as well ? by your favour , there be many as proper men , and as deserving , you may save your plea , and be assurd i need no lesson to direct my fancie , i did love pisano , before , but for your sake , i meane to place him , a great deale neerer , sure he does but jeast . you did love mee . cos.

now by my heart . i love thee .

cos. this act shall crowne our storie oriana , thou dost not know how much thou honorest me , for hee s not in the common list of freinds , and he does love thee past imagination next his religion , he has plac'd the thought of oriana , hee sleepes nothing else . and i shall wake him into heauen , to say thou hast consented to be his . ori. pray tell me : but truely i beseech you , doe you wish pisano mine indeede ? are you jealous , and name him to accuse me ? cos. not by goodnes , but if there be a charme beyond thy innocence , by that i would conjure thee oriana , love him and make three happy , it shall be my blisse to call you his , let me but o wne a servant in your memory . ori. unkinde , and cruell cosmo , dost thou thinke it possible , i can love any but thy selfe ? thou wilt undoe my heart for ever . enter pisano and morossa . mor. you shall be ever most welcome , if i be her mother , shee must declare obedience , oriana — cos. goe cheerefully , thy mother calls , to him whose orator i have beene , alas poore lady , i halfe repent me since she is so constant : but a friends life weighes downe all other love ; beside , i thus secure my fate , lorenzo threatens my spring , he is my enemy . ori.

you le not compell affection ?

pis. no , but court it with honour , and religion , thus invite it , mor. i shall forget the nature of a parent , unlesse you shew more softnesse , and regard to what is urg'd , what promise could you make to cosmo without me ? or if you had — cos. here cosmo ' doth give up all title to it , i have no part in oriana now : ori. i 've heard too much , doe with me what you please i am all passive , nothing of my selfe , but an obedience to unhappinesse . exit . cos.

follow her pisano .

pis.

th' art all friendship .

cos. trace their warme steps , virgins resolves are weake . leave not her eyes , untill you see day breake . exeunt .
actvs tertivs . enter depazzi and rogero . depazzi .

rogero ?

ro.

my lord .

dep.

make fast the chamber-doore , stiffle the key-hole and the crannies , i must discourse of secret matters , dost thou smell nothing rogero ? ha ?

ro.

smell ? not any thing my lord to offend my nostrill .

dep. come hither , what do the people talke abroad of me ? answer me justly , and to the point what doe they say ? ro.

faith my lord , they say that you are —

dep.

they lie , i am not , they are a lousie impudent multitude , a many-headed , and many horned generation , to say that i am —

ro.

a noble gentleman , a just and discreete lord , and one that deserv'd to have his honours without money .

dep.

oh is that it ? i thought the rable would have sayd , i had beene a traytor , i am halfe mad certainly ere since i consented to lorenzo , t is a very hard condition , that a man must loose his head to recompence the procuring of his honours : what if i discover him to the duke , ten to one , if lorenzo come but to speake , his grace wonot ha the grace to beleeve me and then i runne the hazard to be throwne out of all atother side : t is safest to be a traytor , hum , who is that you whisperd to ?

ro.

i whisper ?

dep.

marry did you sirra .

ro.

not i good faith my lord .

dep.

sirra , sirra , sirra , i smell a rat behinde the hangings ? here 's no body , ha ? are there no trunkes to convey secret voices ?

ro.

your lordship has a paire on .

dep.

i doe not like that face i' th arras , a my conscience hee points at me , a pox upon this treason , i have no stomack too 't , i do see my selfe upon a scaffold , making a pittiful speech already , i shall ha my head cut off , seaven yeares agoe i layd my head upon a wager i remember , and lost it ; let me see , it shall be so , t is good policie to be arm'd , rogero , imagine i were a traytor .

ro.

how sir ?

dep.

i but say imagine , we may put the case , and that i were apprehended for a traytor .

ro.

heaven defend .

dep. heaven has somthing else to doe , then to defend traytors : i say , imagine i were brought to the barre . ro.

good my lord , you brought to the barre ?

dep. i will beate you , if you wonot imagine at my bidding : i say , suppose i now were at the barre to answere for my life . ro.

well sir .

dep.

well sir , that 's as it happens , you must imagine i will answere the best i can for my selfe , conceive i prithee , that these chaires were iudges most grave and venerable beards and faces at my arraignement , and that thy selfe wert in the name of the duke and state to accuse me what couldst thou say to me ?

ro.

i accuse your good honour ? for what i beseech you ?

dep.

for high treason you blockehead .

ro.

i must be acquainted with some particulars first .

dep.

masse thou saiest right : why imagine , d' ee heare ? you must but imagine , that some greatman had a conspiracy against the dukes person , and that i being an honest lord , and one of this great mans friends , had beene drawne in , for that 's the plaine truth on 't , t was against my will , but that 's all one : well , thou understandst mee , shew thy wit rogero , scratch thy nimble pericranium , and thunder out my accusation ex tempore : here i stand signior depazzi , ready to answer the inditement .

ro.

good my lord it will not become me , being your humble servant .

dep.

humble coxcombe , is 't not for my good ? i say , accuse me , bring it home , jerke me soundly to the quicke rogero , tickle me as thou lovst thy lord ; i doe defie thee , spare me not , and the divell take thee if thou bee'st not malicious ,

ro.

why then have at you , first signior depazzi , thou art indicted of high treason , hold up thy hand , guiltie , or not guilty ?

dep.

very good .

ro.

nay , very bad sir , answer i say , guiltie or not guiltie ?

dep.

not guiltie .

ro.

t is your best course to say so , well imagine i rise up the duke 's most learned in the lawes , and his nimble tongu'd orator , have at your signior .

dep.

come , come on sir , here i stand .

ro.

i will prove thou liest in thy throate , if thou deniest thy treason , and so i addresse my selfe to the most vnderstanding seates of justice , most wise , most honourable , and most incorrupt judges , sleepe not i beseech you , my place hath call'd me to plead in the behalfe of my prince and countrie against this notable , this pernicious , and impudent traitor , who hath plotted and contrived such high , hainous , and horrible treasons as no age nor historie hath ever mention'd the like . here hee stands , whose birth i will not touch , because it s altogether unknowne who begot him : he was brought up among the smal wares in the cittie , became rich by sinister and indirect practises , married a merchants wife at adventures , and was soone after advanc'd to be a head-officer .

dep.

why you rascall .

ro.

peace sirra , peace , nay your lordships shall finde him very audacious : this fellow not content to have his branches spread within the cittie , i speake it to his face , let him denie it , was afterward by the corruption of his confederate , and the meere grace of his highnesse raised to honour , received infinite favours from his prince of blessed memorie , yet like a wretch , a villaine , a viper , a rat of nilus , he hath practised treasons against the sacred person of the duke , for which he deserveth not onely to die , but also to suffer tortures , whips , racks , strapadoes , wheeles , and all the fiery brazen bulls that can bee invented , as i shall make it appeare to this honourable and illustrious court .

dep.

this rogues transported .

ro.

with all my heart i obey your lordships — thus then i passe from these circumstances , and proceed to the principall villanies that wee have to lay to his charge . imprimis thou signior depazzi didst offer to a groome a crownes to poyson his highnes hunting saddle .

dep.

did i ?

ro.

do not interrupt mee varlet i will proove it , his hunting saddle , and woe shall be unto thy breech therefore , and finding this serpentive treason broken in the shell , doe but lend your reverend eares to his next designes i will cut em off presently . this irreligious nay atheistical traitor , did with his owne hands poyson the dukes prayer booke , oh impiety ! and had his highnes as in former times , hee accustomed but pray'd once in a month , which by speciall grace hee omitted , how fatall had it beene to florence ? but as by justice his excellence did then , and by his owne want of devotion , prevent this assasinates purpose , so we hope in his owne discretion , and the councell of his state , hee will take heed how he prayes hereafter while hee lives , to which every true subject will say amen .

dep.

may it please your honors —

ro.

thou impudent brazen fac'd traitor , wilt thou deny it ? more over , and like your good lordships , hee hath for this fortnight or three weekes before his apprehension , walk'd up and downe the court with a case of pistols charg'd wherewith , as he partly confessed , hee intended to send the duke to heaven with a powder .

dep.

this rogue will undoe the divell at inuention , may it please this honorable —

ro.

these are but sprinklings of his treason .

dep.

will you justifie this ? did i any of these things you tadpole ?

ro.

hold your selfe contented my lord , he that is brought to the barre in case of treason , must looke to have more objected then hee can answere , or any man is able to justifie .

dep.

i confesse and please your good lordships .

ro.

marke , hee will confesse .

dep.

that 's the the way to be sent of a headles errand , indeed i confesse that i never intēded any treasō to his highnes , nor ever sought the princes life , true it is , that i heard of a conpiracie .

ro.

that that my lord hath overthrowne him , he saieth hee never sought the princes life , ergo he sought his death , besides he hath heard of treason , now he that heareth and discovereth not is equally guilty in fact : for in offences of this nature there are not accessaries , ergo hee is a principall , and beeing a principal traitor , hee deserveth condemnation .

dep.

shall i not speake ?

ro.

no , traitors must not be sufferd to speake , for when they have leave , they have liberty , and hee that is a traitor deserveth to bee close prisoner .

dep.

all that this fellow hath vtterd , is false and forgd , abhominable lyes .

ro.

i will speake truth , and i will be heard , and no man else in this place .

dep.

i never dre'mt of a hunting saddle , nor never had so much as a thought of any prayer booke .

ro.

you sit heare to do justice , i speak for the duke and the safety of the common wealth .

dep.

as for pistols , t is well knowne i could never indure the report one e'm , i defie powder and shot as i doe him that accuseth mee .

ro.

i defie al the world that wil heare a traitor speak , for himselfe , t is against the law which provids that no man shal defend treason , and he that speakes for himselfe being a traitor , doth defend his treason , thou art a capitall obstreporous malefactor .

dep.

thou art a madman :

ro.

go to you have playd the foole too much .

dep.

thou continual motion cease , a pox upon thee hold thy tongue .

ro.

the pox wonot serve your turne .

dep.

why then this shall .

beates him . ro.

hold , hold good my lord , i am sensible , i ha done , imagine i ha done , i but obeyd your lordship , whose batoone i finde stronger then my imagination , my lord you will answer this to stricke i' th court thus ?

dep.

i am as wearie — harke rogero one knocks , see , see ther 's to make thee amends see good

knockes rogero ,

and say nothing pray heaven it be no pursevant .

enter petruchio with a letter . ro.

petruchio my lord , pisanoes secretary .

dep.

but lorenzoes engine a very knave ,

pet.

my very good lord .

dep.

what 's here ? it can be no goodnesse :

reades . my lord i would not have you goe to bed to night , he wonot let me sleepe now , i dream't as much , something will be done to give florence liberty : in the depth of night you may cunningly disperse some rumours in the citty , that the duke is dead , the people must be distracted , in the common fright be not you wanting in your person to assist their feares , and speake well of lorenzo , speake well of the divell : my humble service to your lord , and say he has power to command me in all things . pet.

my very good lord .

dep.

no matter and you were both hang'd , rogero , shew him the wine-sellar : let me see , i must report the dukes death , i cannot abide this word death , yet he desires mee but to report it , hum , if it be false , why so much the better ; there will be the lesse harme in 't , if it should prove true , they will beleeve me another time : well i will drinke my selfe halfe drunke , and be fortified .

exeunt . enter duke , amidea , lorenzo , sciarrha , florio , &c. du. sciarrha , you exceede in entertainment , banquet our y●s too . lo.

he will feast all senses .

sci. onely a toy my lord , i cannot cal 't , a maske , not worthy of this presence , yet it speakes the freedome of my heart , and gratitude for this great honour . du.

amidea must sit neere us .

sci. lords your places , 't wonot be worth halfe this ceremonie , let 'em begin . enter lust richly apparreld , the pleasures attending . du.

whose the presenter ?

sci.

lust sir , pray observe :

lust . now let lust possesse the throne of love , and rule in hearts alone : you sweete tempters to my sinne , beauty , smiles , and kisses winne vpon fraile mortals , let them know there is no happinesse , but you shoot no arrowes tip'd with leade each shaft have his golden head : call no love , delude men still , through the flesh , their spirits kill , nor spend all your art to take common persons , greatnesse make by your potent charmes to bee subjects unto hell and mee , inflame but kings with loose desire , yee soone set all the world on fire . enter a young man in rich habit and crownd . du.

what 's hee ?

sci. a wild young man that followes lust , he has too much blood it seemes . du.

why lookes hee backe ?

sci. there is a thing cald death that followes him with a large traine of furies , but the syrens of lust make him secure , and now the hagge embraces him , and circles him with pleasures , the harpyes meane to dance too , hang his conscience it whines too much . lo.

this is too plaine .

sci. hee does not tremble yet , by an by sir you shall see all his tormentors joyne with 'em , ther 's the sport on 't . lo. mee thinks they should have beene first forth ' antimaske . lo. oh no! in hell they doe not stand upon the methode as wee at court , the ground maske and the glorie begin the revells , sister you doe ill to keepe the duke in talke , he cannot see the divell for you , and the whipps : does not that deaths head looke most tēptingly ? the wormes have kist the lips off . the furies joyne in the dance , and in the end carries the young man away . how does your highnesse like this dance ? du. my eyes so feasted here , i did not marke it , but i presume 't was hansome . sci. oh the lethargy of princes ! we ha kept you sir from bed : more lights . du. good night to all , to you the best : sciarrha binde us ever by performance . sci.

we are all yours .

du. and florence thine , once more — brightest of ladies . lo.

you are firme .

sci.

suspect not .

exeunt all , but amidea and florio . flo. i doe not like my brothers morall maske , the duke himselfe was personated , i wonder it did not startle him . am. i hope sciarrha does not meane so ill as that did promise , he 's return'd : his lookes are full . enter sciarrha . of threatning . sci. amidea , goe not to bed , and yet no matter , i can doo 't alone : take both your rest , and in your prayers commend the duke to heaven , t is charity ; has made his will already , and bequeathd his body to you sister , pitty his soule for 't , t is now within few minutes of departing . am.

how ?

sci. why this way i must helpe him in his groanes to bring his flesh a bed . am.

you wonot kill him ?

sci.

i am not of your minde .

am.

i know you cannot .

sci. you are not studied so perfect in his destiny i hope ; i will endeavour — am.

to kill your prince ?

flo.

what here ?

sci.

no , in his chamber .

am. shall it be read in stories of our florence , sciarrha first did staine his family with such a treason ? flo.

was he not invited ?

sci.

yes , by his lust .

flo. and in your crowned tables , and hospitality will you murder him ? sci. yes , and the reason wherefore he was murderd , shall justifie the deed to all posterity , he came to wrong my sister . flo. wanton heate , let youthfull blood excuse him . sci.

so it must .

flo. mistake me not , oh thinke but who he is , the duke , that word must needs awake your piety . am. how will good men in this remembrance abhorre your cruelty , that send to hell one with the weight of all his sinnes upon him . sci. it is too late to coole with argument my incensed blood , will you goe dally with him , and let him bord your pinace : i ha gon so farre in promise , if you claspe not with him , it will be dangerous if he out-live this night . am.

i ha thought on 't , send him to my bed .

sc.

ha ?

am. doe not question what i purpose , heaven witnesse to my chast thoughts . sci.

wot thou trust him ?

am. i will doe much sir , to preserve his life , and your innocence : be not you suspectfull at the worst , you can but respite your revenge . sci. dost thou not feare unhappy luenesse chance , or wretched philomels dishonour ? am. no : give me his life , and send your wanton to me ; i le to my chamber , feare me not sciarrha , have not one thought so bad , i sha' not prosper ; virgins in heaven will suffer with me . exit am. & flo. flo.

trust her ?

sci. t is but deferring of my justice , shee wonot kill him sure : draw on her soule the guilt shee hates in mine , if shee doe yeeld to the hot encounter : ha ? t will be just , that both their hearts weepe blood , to purge their lust . exit . enter florio and amidea . flo.

my ponyard ?

ami. i 've no blacke intent to stain 't with any blood . flo. take it , i know , thou art my vertuous sister , it were wickednesse to doubt thy purpose or the event . ami.

now leave me .

flo.

thou hast a guard of angels .

ami.

they are comming .

enter sciarrlia & duke . sci.

looke , there she is sir , you know how to undresse her .

du.

dearest sciarrha .

sci. to your recreation , here i le obscure my selfe , florio ? t is well . withdrawes behind the hangings . du.

lady you know me ?

am.

yes my prince .

du. i was so , till i saw thee , but i gave up that title , a conquest to thy beauty , which among her other wonders hath created me a subject and servant , and i shall be happier to be receiv'd yours by one of those names then duke of tuscany . am. oh take your selfe agen , use your greatnes to make the hearts of florence bow to you , and pay their duties thus . du. rise amidea , and since you have given my power backe , it will become me to command . am.

and me to obey .

du. i see thy noble brother hath bin faithfull to my desires , he has prepar'd thee with a storie of my love , which thou rewardst with too much humblenesse : thou hast a quarrell , and a just one with thy stars , that did not make thee a princesse amidea , yet th' art greater , aud borne to justifie unto these times a queene of love , venus was but thy figure , and all her graces prophesies of thine , to make our last age best ; i could dwell ever here , and imagine i am in a temple , to offer on this altar of thy lip , kisses her often . myriads of flaming kisses with a cloude of sighes breathd from my heart , which by the oblation would increase his stocke , to make my pay eternall . am.

what meane you ?

du. that question is propounded timely , hadst not interrupted me , i should ha lost my selfe upon thy lips , and quite forgot there is a blisse beyond it , which i came for : let others satisfie themselves to reade the wonders in thy face , make proud their eye , by seeing thine , turne statues at thy voice , and thinke they never fixe enough to heare thee . a man halfe dead with famine , would wish here to feed on smiles , of which the least hath power to call an anchorite from his prayers , tempt saints to wish their bodies on , thou dost with ease captivate kings with every beame , and maist lead them like prisoners round about the world , proud of such golden chaines ; this were enough , had not my fate provided more , to make me beleeve my selfe immortall in thy touches , come to thy bed , transforme me there to happinesse ; i le laugh at all the fables of the gods , and teach our poets after i know thee , to write the true elizium . am. good my lord , i understand you not , and yet i feare you doe not meane well , if you have brought with you a sinfull purpose which i may suspect . du. why lady , what doe yon imagine i came hither for ? am.

i know not .

du. how ? is 't come to that ? your brother gave you more . desirous of the sport , and brought me hither ripe for your dalliance , did you not expect me ? am.

yes .

du.

and to what other purpose ?

am.

to tell you that you are not vertuous .

du.

i 'm of your minde .

am. but i am not so wicked to bee of yours : oh thinke but who you are , your title speakes you neerest heaven , and points you out a glorious raigne among the angels , doe not depose your selfe of one , and bee of the other disin'herited . du. i would your brother heard you , prethee doe not wast this tedious divinity , i am resolvd to grapple with you . am.

keepe off .

shewes the ponyard . du. ha ? turnd amazon . am. prince , come not to neere mee . for by my honor , since you haue lost your owne , although i bow in dutie to your person , i hate your black thoughts , tempt not my just hand with violent approach , i dare , and will doe that will greeve you , if you have a soule . du.

thou dar'st not kill mee .

am.

true , but i dare die .

du.

bee thy owne murderer ?

am.

rather then you should be my ravisher .

du. thou can'st not be so mercilesse , uslesse sin to be unchast , i am thy prince , i prethee throw by that cruell weapon , let our warre de soft embraces , shooting amorous smiles , kill and restore each other with a kisse , i know thou canst not bee unkinde so long , then i command thee . am i must not obey to be your strumpet , though my hand be unskilfull , i shall soone finde my heart . du.

i le not beleeve —

am. let this deserve your faith , i dare be just , shee wounds her arme . this crimson river issuing from my arme . du.

hold .

am. never , it shall flow , and if this channell yeeld not enough , i le stricke another veine , and after that another , and not pittie the murmuring streame , till through a prodigal wound i have draind the fountaine : this doth weepe for you , and shall extoll my death , if it may teach you to correct your blood . du. there 's so much gone from mee i coole apace ; this action hath shot an ague through me ; amidea , pitty thy selfe . am. not , till you sweare repentance ; i doe not faint yet , t is somewhat about , but i can finde a neerer way , this does it . du. containe , i am sorry , sorry from my soule , trust me , i doe bleed inward , amidea can answere all thy drops : oh pardon mee , thou faintst already , dost not ? i am fearefull , the phoenix with her wings , when shee is dying can fanne her ashes into another life : but when they breath more sweete then all the spice that helps the others funerall , returnes to heaven , the world must be eternall looser : looke to thy wound . am.

may i beleeve you sir ?

du. i dare not thinke awry , agen i aske forgivenesse , in thy innocence i see my owne deformitie . enter sciarrha , hastily embraceth amidea , enter florio . sci. now a thousand blessings reward thy goodnesse ; thou deservst a statue , a tall one which should reach above the clouds . justle the moone , that people a farre off beholding it , may be invited hither in hope to climbe to heaven by 't , but apply betimes unto thy wound ; florio assist her . ex. am. & flo. and now my lord — du. sciarrah i le begin to bee thy lord , i brought intentions of dishonor to thee , and thy faire sister , but i am reconcil'd to vertue , and will studie how to satisfie for you and florence . sci. you will be more precious , then had you never fallen , i am all joy in your conversion . sci. lorenzo ? i think he has not said his prayers yet , but — du.

what ?

sci.

i cannot tel , may be , he does not use it .

du.

how ?

sci. my lord , you now are lovely , t were better you 'd forget him , hee 's not right at heart i feare . du.

feare nothing .

sci. to be plaine , you cherrish your disease in him , and are not safe while hee is neare you . du.

doe not envie him .

sci. then i must tell you sir he is a traitor , within my knowledge hath conspird your death . du.

with whom ?

sci. with mee , i should ha kild you sir this night , and every mineut hee expects to heare you numberd with the dead , i can demonstrate this , your pardon , but in truth , the injuries you meant us were severe , and he with as much violence did urge em to your destruction , but your pietie hath charm'd my purpose , and i looke uppon you with new obedience . enter florio . du.

possible .

sci. wee wonot shift the scene till you beleeve it , florio , intreate my lord lorenzo hither , step but but behinde the arras , and your eare shall tell you who 's the greatest traitor living , observe but when i tell him , you are slaine , how hee le rejoice , and call mee florence great preserver , blesse my arme that in your blood , hath given our groning state a libertie : then trust sciarrha , but obserue , i heere e'm enter lorenzo . lo.

whom talkd he too ?

sci.

t is done —

lo.

what good sciarrha ?

sci.

the duke is dead .

lo. wee are not left so miserable , heaven is more kinde to florence . sci. with this hand i made a passage for his soule . lo. defend omnipotence , what murder'd ? and by noble sciarrha ? how my eare abuses me ! sci.

did not wee plot it too ?

lo. how wee ? collect , i feare you are not well : pray tell mee why you talke thus ? wher 's the duke ? he hath a guard , an armie of heaven about him ; who in florence , dares be so blacke a divell to attempt his death . sci. this is fine cunning , why that diuell is lorenzo , if hee dars deny it , wee are in private , you need appeare no stranger to that 's done by your direction . lo. i in the practice ? then let me creepe into the earth , and rise a monster to affright man-kinde , sciarrha , i must abhorre thee for it , oh my prince ! my dearest kinsman , may thy hand rot off , treason , treason . sci. then my sword shall fetch as they draw , the duke interposes . another witnesse in thy heart du.

hold .

lo. tush , let him come , my royall lord , nay , let him kill mee now , ive so much joy and peace about mee , t were a sinne to wish my life beyond this minute . du.

put up i say .

sci. my lord , we are both cozend : that very smile 's a traitor . du. come , be calme : you are too passionate sciarrha , and mistooke lorenzo . lo. but i hold him noble : i see hee made this triall of my faith , and i forgive him . du.

yee shall be friends , you shall i say .

enter cosmo and alonzo . cos.

the duke —

alon.

where 's the duke ?

cos. my lord , we are blest to see you safe , report hath frighted all the cittie with your death : people forsake their beds , and seeking how to be inform'd , increase the wretched tumult . alon. there 's nothing but confusion : all men tremble as if some generall fire invaded florence . sci.

have comfort sir .

du.

what 's to be done ?

lo. depazzi has remembred , my lord there is no safety for the state , unlesse you personally appease 'em . du.

how ?

lo.

i hope thei le teare him , would he were dead any way .

alon.

he hath counselld well .

cos.

your presence onely hath the power to charme 'em .

du. i feare their rage : where is our guard ? alonzo , haste afore , proclaime our pardon , and that we live to give the offenders mercy . why are we borne to greatnesse , mockt with state , when every tumult staggers our proud fate ? sci.

our quarrell is deferd sir .

exeunt .
actvs qvartvs . enter lorenzo . my plots thrive not , my engines all deceive me ; and in the very point of their discharge recoile with danger to my selfe : are there no faithfull villaines left in nature ? all turn'd honest ? man nor spirit aide lorenzo , who hath not patience to expect his fate : but must compell it ? how sciarrha plaid the dog-bolt wo 'me , and had not j provided jn wisedome for him , that distresse had ruin'd me , his frozen sister amidea too hath halfe converted him ; but j must set new wheeles in motion , to make him yet more hatefull , and then cut him from his stalke , ripe for my vengeance : i le not trust the rabble confusion on the giddy multitude , that but two minutes ere the duke came at 'em , bellow'd out libertie , shooke the cittie with their throates , no sooner saw him but they melted with the hot apprehension of a gallowes : and when a pardon was proclaimd , ( a fine state-snaffle for such mules ) they turnd their cry to acclamations , and deaf'd heaven to beg his long and prosperous reigne , a suddaine rot consume this base heard , and the divell want , any cattle for his owne teeth , these are for him . enter a servant . ser.

sciarrha , my lord desires to speake with you .

lo. sciarrha , come neere — you understand , admit him . exit . ser. welcome my noble lord , enter sciarrha . you were not wont to visite me . sci.

nor meane ever to do ot agen .

lo. you bring frownes , j can be sullon too : what is your pleasure ? sci.

you have abus'd me .

lo.

you have injur'd me .

sci.

jn what ?

lo.

betraid me basely to the duke .

sci.

you deny'd then , you were a traitor .

lo. yes , j was no foole to runne my necke upon the axe , and give you such a cause of triumph , were it agen in question — sci. y' are a villaine sir . and i must have it certified under your owne hand to shew the duke . lo. you shall be humbled to confesse the contrary , nay subscribe that i am honest , and desire my pardon ; looke , i have a sword , and arme , and vigour dare fight with thee , didst ride upon a whirle-winde , provoke me on a rocke , in waves , in fire ? and kill thee without scruple , such a strength is innocence . sci. innocence ? dost not feare a thunder-bolt ? i shall be charitable to the world , and i cut thee in peeces ; and yet then i feare thou wo't come together againe : the divell does acknowledge thee on earth the greater mischiefe , and has a feare when thou art dead , he sha'not be safe in hell : thou wot conspire with some of his blacke fiends , and get his kingdome from him : didst not thou raile vpon the duke ? lo.

i grant it .

sci.

call him a tyrant ?

lo. more i doe confesse , i did exasperate you , to kill or murder him ; give it what name you please , with joy i brought him under the colour of your guest , to be the common sacrifice : all this i remember ; but is heavens stocke of mercy spent already , that sinnes though great and horrid , may not be forgiven , to the heart that groanes with penitence ? are the eternall fountaines quite seal'd up ? i was a villaine , traitor , murderer , in my consenting to his death , but hope those staines are now washt off . sci.

hast thou repented ?

lo.

trust me , i have .

sci.

the divell is turn'd religious , augment not thy dānation .

lo. as he was a lustfull duke , a tyrant , i had lost him in his returne to piety : he commanded my prayers , and fresh obedience to waite on him ; hee 's now my prince agen . sci.

this is but cunning to save your life .

enter divers gentlemen arm'd . lo.

my life ? within there , ha ? welcome .

my gracious lord .

wil t please your honour command my service ?

or me ?

or any ?

our swords and lives are yours .

sci. perhaps your lordship hath some businesse with these gentlemen , i le take some other time . lo. by no meanes good sciarrha : you visite seldome , those are dayly with me , men that expect imployment , that weare swords , and carry spirits , both to be engag'd , if i but name a cause : gentlemen , draw . sci.

my providence has betrayd me .

lo. now sciarrha , you that with single valour dare come home to affront me thus ; know ; but too late , thy heart is at the mercy of my breath : these swords can fetch it when i please , and to prevent your boast of this great daring : i beseech as you doe love and honour your lorenzo , no hand advance a weapon , sheath agen , and leave us ; i owe service to your loves ; but must not so dishonour you . all gentl.

we obey .

exeunt gentlemen . sci.

they 're gone : this is some noblenesse .

lo. you see i doe not feare your sword ; alone i have too much advantage , yet you may imagine how easily i could correct this rashnesse : but in my feare to offend gracious heaven with a new crime , having so late obtain'd my peace , i give you freedome . sci.

doe i dreame ?

lo. pray chide me still , i will be patient to heare my shame . sci. is this to be beleev'd ? doth not lorenzo counter this vertue ? hee does ? it is impossible he should repent . lo. why tell me sciarrha , and let us argue a while in cooler blood ; did not you once resolve to kill the duke too ? sci.

i confesse —

lo. to give him death with your owne hand ? methinkes it should be the same parricide in you , if not a greater ; yet you chang your purpose , why did you not goe through and murder him ? sci.

he was converted .

lo. good , that taught you mercy , & perhaps repētance for your intent . sci.

it did .

lo. why should not sir the same conversion of the duke possesse my heart , with as much pietie to him and sorrow for my selfe ? if i should say you are but cunning , is this shape of honesty , and still suspect your soule to be a traitor ? might you not blame my want of charitie ? sci. he saies but right , we are both men , fraile things : t is not impossible . lo. i am reconcild to heaven already , and the duke , if you be still unsatisfied , i am readie sin . sci. the circumstance considerd , i incline to thinke this may be honest . lo. come sciarrha , we are both hastie : pardon my rash language in the beginning , i will studie service shall make you love me : i ha bin too wicked , too full of passion , inexorable : my nature is corrected , at this minute : i 'me friends with all the world , but in your love shall number many blessing . sci.

i am converted .

enter petruchio . lo.

what 's the newes ?

pet. my lord depazzi prayes some conference in the next chamber we arrivd by chance together at your gate : i doe not like his talke sir . lo. hang him propertie , let him expect , thou art come i' the opportunitie : i could have wisht , be wise and second mee . sci. he waits upon pisano , whose health i may enquire , i ha not seene him since he departed sick , a fit occasion . lo. married to oriana : thou mistak'st , t is amidea , lord sciarrha's sister . pet. that contract 's broken , and the old lady morrossa is violent to have the marriage finished with her daughter . lo. sciarrha , i' st true pisano marries oriana the rich morassa's daughter . sci.

ha ?

lo. wee did expect to here your sister should have beene his bride : has he forsaken amidea ? sci.

do not you serve pisano ?

pet.

yes my lord .

sci. and dare you talke hee 's to be married to oriana ? pet. if they live till to morrow : ther 's great provision to my knowledge and — sci.

take that , & learne to speake a truth hereafter .

lo. that blow shall cost his life , it is not possible hee dares affront you thus ; the world takes notice of a contract , hee 's much to blame if he should wrong so sweet a lady as amidea , now by hymen . t is not so honorable hee neede not scorne , such an alliance . pet. i am not to give account for my lords actions , let him answere and justifie his honor : but my lord since j am provoked , j must declare he has call'd back his vowes to amidea , given her freedome , and does meane to use his owne , and this he dares publish . lo.

what , disclaim'd a lady of her birth and glorious merit ?

sci.

th' art a villaine ,

lo my lord he is not worth your anger , hee declares but what his master hath committed , t is none of his fault . pet. it becomes my dutie to take correction my lord , from you , i am a servant , a poore gentleman . sci.

shall i suspect the circumstance at his departure ?

lo.

it is strange you knew not this before .

sci.

i must examine if he dares —

lo.

be patient .

sci. teach fooles and children patience , the dogs eate up sciarrha ; let me live the prodigie of sorrow , die a death that may draw teares from scithians , if pisano leade o're his threshold , any soone wonne dame to be my sisters shame : i am calme now ; one false , heaven why should thy altars save ? t is just that hymen light him to his grave . exit lo. a thousand furies swell his rage , although pisano bleed , this is the safest killing ; wisemen secure their fates and execute invisibly , like that most subtle flame that burnes the heart , yet leaves no path or touch vpon the skinne to follow or suspect it : farewell dull passionate foole , how this doth feede me ? kill and be lost thy selfe ; or if his sword conclude thy life both waies i am reveng'd . petruchio , thou didst hit my instructions rarely , and i applaude thee ' : now send in depazzi , and visit me anon . pet.

i shall my lord .

exit . lo. some polititian that is not wise , but by a president , would thinke me weake for using such an instrument , as this depazzi ; but i know by proofe , such men whom feare and honour make our creatures , doe prove safe engines , fooles will still obey , when cunning knaves our confidence betray . enter depazzy and rogero . dep.

my lord , i would speake a word or two in private .

lo.

you may .

dep.

is no body within hearing ? all cleere behind the arras ?

lo.

make no doubt sir .

dep.

my lord the truth is , i am very fearefull : is your lordship sure there are no eves droppers .

lo.

what needs this circumstance ? i pray come to the point .

dep.

t is not unknowne to your lordship , that you have bin my very good lord , neither am i ignorant , that i am your humble servant , you advanc'd men , brought me into the number of the nobles , and i brought you a reasonable number of crownes : i am not the first wise cittizen that hath bin converted into a foolish courtier , but my lord , i beseech you pardon mee : it will out .

lo.

what 's the matter ?

dep.

i am ready to burst .

lo.

with what ?

dep.

treason , treason , now 'ts out , and i feele my bodie the lighter for t alreadie : the last plot did not take you see , and i would humbly intreate your lordship to excuse mee , and get some body else hereafter to be your traitor in my stead .

lo.

how sir ?

dep.

if you did but know the tendernesse of my constitution , or feele the pangs and convulsions that i suffer , you would pittie mee : i fall awaie you see , i cannot sleepe for dreaming of an axe , i have caus'd , my hangings of holefernes to be taken downe in my dining roome , because i dare not looke upon a head that is cut off in it , something of my complexion : my wisedome tels mee i am a foole to be so fearefull , but my conscience tels me i am a greater foole if i ha not wit enough in my pare to keepe my head on my shoulders , i beseech your lordship take mee into your consideration , i am but a mortall , though i bee a lord , every man hath not the like gift of impudence , i have a weake stomacke , and treason is phisicke to mee , and although i do not vomit up your secrets they may out some other waie .

lo.

you wonot betraie mee .

dep.

but alasse in such a case i may soone bewray my selfe , and then your lordship may soone be smelt out : to prevent therefore some mischeefe that may happen , i desire to leave off while i am well , end that your lordship may know i meane plainely : i ha brought you all your letters , i durst not trust any other place with 'em for feare of state rats , i have unript my bosome to you , and there they are to a title — now i may safely sweare i have no hand with your lordship .

lo.

this is very strange .

dep.

mistake not my good lord , j am still your creature , but i have a great minde to bee honest a little while , among the weaker sort of nobilitie : yet thus much perswade your selfe , i will ne'er wrong your lordship in a sillable , should you tell me of a thousand treasons , and stratagems , j will never reveale any , j scorne that , but your lordship must pardon mee , j will be a traitor no longer , that 's certaine , j will be honest , and the rather because nobody shall hit mee in the teeth after j am dead , and say looke were depazzi carries his head very high , and my lord the more to induce your lordship to dismisse mee — rogero .

ro.

my lord .

dep.

giue me the gold , i have brought crownes more .

lo.

wherefore ?

dep.

that j may have my lordships good will , to leave my office before it be taken from mee , and preferd to a worse , t is halfe the price j paid for 't , j loue peace and a litttle honestie , j know your honor will finde an able man for it , and it is fit j should pay for my quietus .

lo.

and what doe you resolve ?

dep.

to returne to the dunghill from whence j came , for though j was borne in the citie , j have some land in the countrie durtie acres , and mansion house , where j will be the miracle of a courtier , and keepe good hospitalitie , love my neighbours , and their wives , and consequently get their children , bee admird amongst the justices , sleepe vpon every bench , keepe a chaplaine in my owne house to be my idolator , and furnish me with jests ; and when i have nothing else to doe , i will thinke of the court , and how much i have bin oblig'd to your lordship : my lord i may doe you service with a leading voice in the countrie , the kennell will cry a my side if it come to election , you or your friend shall carrie it , against the common wealth .

lo.

well sir , since you have express'd your selfe so freely , i will not councell you against your disposition to stay at court , you may goe when , and whither you please ; and though at parting j have nothing worth your acceptation , i will bestow these crownes upon your servant .

dep.

thou shalt give 'em mee agen .

ro.

indeed my lord j love a little honestie , t is his lordships bountie , it will bee a stocke to set mee up , for my selfe at court , when your lordship is retir'd into the countrie , i humbly thanke your lordship : and take my leave of yours .

exit . enter a servant ser.

the duke my lord .

exit servant . dep.

how the duke ?

du.

signior depazzi .

lo. he has bin earnest with mee , and please your highnesse to be his humble suitor , he may have freedome to leave the court . du.

hee shall be banisht

dep.

how ?

lo.

what time will your grace allow to provide ?

du.

two howers .

dep. i had rather loose my head at home , and save charges of travaile , i beseech your grace . du.

well t is granted , let him not trouble us .

lo.

enjoy the countrie , and returne when the duke sends for you .

dep.

i hūbly thanke his highnes , and wil pray for your increase of grace .

exit . du.

lorenzo , are wee private ?

lo.

yes my lord .

du.

i am very melancholie .

lo.

j know the cause , t is amidea .

du.

right .

lo.

i doe not wish her dead .

du.

it were a sinne .

lo. not in heaven sir , yet there be ladies , that would thinke it a promotion . du. it were pittie she should leave the world , till she hath taught by her example the neerest way lo.

i am very confident shee 's yet honest .

du.

yet lorenzo ?

lo. i sir , but i 'me not of opinion it is impossible to know a change . du.

take heed .

lo. i must confesse shee has beene very valiant , in making you remove your seige , and shewd prettie dexteritie at the ponyard , see her selfe bleed : but this a mortall virgin might doe , and not be adord for 't : other weomen have gone as farre , or else false legends have beene thrust upon the easie world : some say there have bin creatures that have killd themselves , to save their sullen chastities ; but i have no strong faith that way , yet you were startled to see her strike her arme , and grew compassionate . du. i was not marble , we breake adamant with blood , and could i be a man , and not be moov'd to see that hastie eb be of life for my sake ? lo. i have read some aged stories : what thinke you of lucrece ? shee is rememberd . du.

chastities great example .

lo. how the world was cozend in her ? shee knew of tarquin first , and then suspecting she should never meete agen the active gentleman , having determin'd of his death , with well dissembled sorrow did stab her selfe , in hope to meete the gamester in elizium , amidea , you will allow beneath this roman dame . du. lorenzo had the burning ravisher , made this attempt on amidea , shee would have compelld his penitence , to quench his fire with holy teares . i had a body refin'd to aire , or i was borne up by a thousand wings : methought i could have flowne and kiss'd the cheeke of cynthia , thence with ease have leapt to uenus starre , but i was wounded , and the gay feathers , in whose pride i had my confidence , serv'd now but with their waight to hasten me to earth . lo. ascend agen , and fixe in your lov'd orbe , he brings this comfort that can assure it , if you have not lost a heart to entertaine with love and pleasure the beauteous amidea . du.

ha ?

lo.

you shall enjoy her .

du. enjoy faire amidea ? doe not tempt , or rather mocke my frailtie with such a promise . lo. shake off your melancholie slumber , i have heere decreed you shall possesse her : she be sent submissive to your armes , and you be gracious to accept what she made coy of . du.

is this in nature ?

lo. thus : sciarrhas life and fortunes are alreadie growing forfeit these braines have plotted so : your mercy shall purchase what you can wish , for , in his sister and hee acknowledge rifling of her honour , a faire and cheape redemption . du. doe this , and i le repent the folly of my penitence , and take thee to my soule , a neerer pledge then blood or nature gave mee : i 'me renewd , i feele my naturall warmth returne , when , where , is this to be expected ? i grow old , while our embraces are deferd . lo. j goe , to hasten your delight , prepare your blood for amorous game : sciarrhas fate is cast firmer then destinie . du.

thou art my prophet , i le raise thee up an altar .

lo.

trust these braines .

du.

thou mak'st my spirit caper in my veines .

exit . cosmo and two gentlemen above . gen.

this way they passe .

cos.

j would not see 'em .

gen.

why ?

gen.

what melanchollie o' the suddaine ? it is now past cure .

cos. j know it is , and therefore doe not desire to witnesse their solemnitie , should oriana see me to day .

what then ?

cos. the object j feare would be too prodigious .

we dispute not those nice formalities .

enter alonzo , piero , pisano , oriana , morossa ,

she has spied you already .

cos.

i am sorry for 't .

oriana faints . mor.

how is 't my childe ?

pis. my dearest oriana , shee faints , what griefe is so unmannerly to interrupt thee now oriana ? mor.

daughter !

pis. will heaven divorce vs ere the priest have made our marriage perfect ? we in vaine hereafter shall heare him teach , that our religion binds to have the churches ceremonie , she returnes . oria. why were you so unkinde to call me from a pleasing slumber ? death has a fine dwelling . pie. this shewes her heart 's not yet consenting , t is her mothers fierce command . ori.

something spake to me from that window .

pis.

there is nothing .

ori.

nothing now .

pis.

set forward .

alon. i doe not like this interruption : t is ominous . enter amidea . am. not for my sake , but for your owne , go backe , or take some other way , this leads to death my brother . pis.

what of him ?

am. transported with the furie of revenge for my dishonour , as he conceives ; for t is against my will : hath vowd to kill you in your nuptiall glory . alas i feare his haste , now good my lord , have mercy on your selfe , i doe not begge your pittie upon me , i know too well you cannot love me now , nor would i rob this virgin of your faith , since you have pleas'd to throw me from your love : i doe not aske one smile , nor one poore kisse , enrich this maide created for those blessings : but agen , i would beseech you , cherish your owne life , though i be lost forever . alon. it is worth your care my lord , if there be any danger . pis. alas her griefe hath made her wilde poore ladie : j should not love oriana to goe backe , set forward , amidea , you may live to be a happier bride : sciarrha is not so irreligious to prophane these rites . am. will you not then beleeve me ? pray perswade him , you are his friends . lady , it will concerne you most of all indeede : feare you le weepe to see him dead as well as j. pis. no more , goe forward . am. j have done , pray be not angry , that still j wish you well , may heaven divert all harmes that threaten you , full blessings crowne your marriage : j hope there is no sinne in this ; jndeed j cannot choose but pray for you , this might have beene my wedding-day . ori. good heaven j would it were , my heart can tell , j take no joy in being his bride , none in your praiers , you shall have my consent to have him still : j will resigne my place , and waite on you , jf you will marrie him . am. pray doe not mocke me , but if you doe , j can forgive you too . ori. deare amidea , doe not thinke j mocke your sorrow ; by these teares that are not worne by every virgin on her wedding day ; j am compelld to give away my selfe : your hearts were promisd , but he ne're had mine : am not j wretched too ? am. alas poore maide , we two keepe sorrow alive then , but j prithee when thou art married , love him , prithee love him ; for he esteemes thee well , and once a day give him a kisse for me , but doe not tell him , t was my desire , perhaps 't will fetch a sigh from him , and i had rather breake my heart , but one word more , and heaven be with you all , since you have led the way , i hope my lord that i am free to marrie too . pis.

thou art .

am. let me beseech you then , to be so kinde after your owne solemnities are done , to grace my wedding , i shall bee married shortly . pis

to whom ?

am. to one whom you haue all heard talke of , your fathers knew him well : one , who will never give cause i should suspect him to forsake mee , a constant lover , one whose lips though cold distill chast kisses , though our bridall bed be not adorn'd with roses , t will bee greene , we shall have virgin laurell cipresse , ewe , to make us garlands , though no pine do burne , our nuptiall shall have torches , and our chamber shall be cut out of marble , where wee le sleepe free from all care for ever : death my lord i hope shall be my husband , now farewell , although no kisse , accept my parting teare , and give me leave to weare my willow here . exit . enter sciarrha , lorenzo , aloofe with a guard . al.

sciarrha ! then i prophesie —

sci.

pisano , where 's pisano ?

pis. here , sciarrha . i should have answerd with lesse clamor . sci. but i would not lose my voice , i must be heard , and does concerne you , i professe no augurie , i have not quarterd out the heavens , to take the flight of birds , nor by inspection of entrailes made a divination . but i must tell you , t is not safe to marrie . pis.

why ?

sci. t will be fatall , hymen is gone abroad , and venus , lady of your nativitoe , is found by wise astrologers this day i' th house of death . pis.

this must not fright me sir , set forward .

sci. one cold word you are a villaine , i doe not flatter . pis. i am patient : this day i consecrate to love , not anger ; wee le meet some other time . sci. deride my furie ? then to thy heart i send my owne revenge stabs him with a ponyard . and amideas . pis.

i am murderd .

mor.

help , murder gentlemen , oh my unhappines !

enter lorenzo with a gaurd . pis.

bloody sciarrha .

lo.

hold .

sci. come all at once , yet let me tell you , my revenge is perfect , and i would spare your blood , if you despise my charitie — lo. no man attempt his death , i le give yea reasons , this attempt deserves an exemplarie justice . sci. i am above your politicke reach , and glory in the wound that punish'd our dishonor : is he dead ? i would not be so miserable , not to ha sped him for the empire . enter cosmo . cos.

oh my friend , poore oriana .

lo. disarme him : returne and comfort one another , some exeunt all but lorenzo , sciar. & guard . remoue pisanos bodie , while i make it my care sciarrha scape not . sci.

none of all give mee a scrach ?

lo

you have forc'd him with descretion .

sci.

now what must i expect ?

lo.

you are my prisoner .

sci.

j am so .

lo.

and be confident to finde that favour .

sci.

favor .

lo. be at distance , more my lord , j am sorrie for your great misfortune and if you can but studie how i may assist you , you shall soone descerne my love my readinesse to serve you . sci.

ha , this honest ?

lo. i would deserue your faith , a freind but in affliction justifie his heart and honor , i durst run some hazard , might i secure your fate , name something to me that may declare my friendship . sci. be still safe , and teach the world repentance , for mistaking thee i pittie not my selfe , but envy thy heroick honors . lo. i will impose no more restraint , then your owne house , you 'r honorable : you have many severe enemies , the duke look'd gratiously upon pisano , but — . sci. you shanot loose the smallest beame of favor , to buy a man so desperate , i never thought death the monster , that weake men have fanci'd , as foile to make us more in love with life , the divels picture may affright poore foules into their bodies palenesse , but the substance too resolute : man 's a shadow , and cold sweat dare not approach his forehead , i am arm'd to die , and give example of that fortitude shall shame the lawes severitie : my sister may now give backe pisano his false vowes , to line his coffin , one teare shed on mee 's enough , the justice i ha done , shall make my memorie belov'd . lo. i ha thought a way . to recover you , if you incline too 't , dare you consent ? sci. to any thing that 's noble , although i never fear'd to suffer ; i am not so foolish to despise a life . lo. there is no difficultie attends it , listen , the time will not permit much circumstance : the duke you know did love your sister . sci.

vitiously .

lo. her vertue did but coole him for the present , as sprinklings on a flame , hee 's now more passionate to enjoy her . sci.

ha ?

lo. if shee consent to meete his soft embrace , with his first kisse , he seales your pardon , then the act upon pisano appeares a true revenge , when none dares question it : beside addition of state and fortune , to you and amidea , waigh your danger , and what a trifle shee gives up , to save your life , that never can be valued , lesse recompenc'd ; the duke may be so taken with her returne to his delight , who knowes but he may marrie her , and discharge his dutchesse with a quaint sallet , you doe apprehend mee . sci. and repent more , i had one good thought of thee , then i had kild a thousand : save my life and prostitute my sister , though i have no weapon , i will looke thee dead , or breath a dampe shall stifle thee , that i could vomit consuming flames , or stones like aetna , make the earth with motion of my feet shrinke lower , and take thee in alive , oh that my voice could call a serpent from corrupted nile , to make thee part of her accursed bowels , is this noble freindship ? readinesse to save my life ? let malice reade all stories famous for crueltie , awake dead tyrants , or be instructed by their ghosts with tortures , such as will make a damned furie weepe onely to see inflicted , i would beare 'em , and wearie my tormentors , ere consent in thought to thy temptation . lo. i ha done , and praise your heathen resolution of death , goe practice immortalitie , and tell us when you can get leave to visit this world agen , what fine things you enjoy in hell , for thither these rash passions drive thee , and ere thy body hath three daies inhabited , a melancholly chamber in the earth , hung round about with skuls and dead mens bones , ere amidea have told all her teares upon thy marble , or the epitaph belie thy soule , by saying it is fled to heaven : this sister shall be ravish'd , mauger thy dust and heraldry . sci. ha , ravish'd ? when i am dead , was 't not so ? oh my soule , i feele it weepe within me , aud the teares soften my flesh : lorenzo , i repent my furie . lo.

i advis'd you the best way my wisedome could direct .

sci. i thanke you for 't , you have awak'd my reason , i am asham'd i was no sooner sensible : does the duke affect my sister still say you ? lo.

most passionately .

sci. she shall obey him then , upon my life : that 's it , my life ; i know she loves me dearely . i shall have much adoe to winne her too 't , but she shall come , i le send her . lo.

performe this ?

sci. i wonot onely send her , but prepar'd not to be disobedient to his highnesse : he shall command her any thing . lo. doe this , and be for ever happie , when these have onely for forme but waited on you home : this disingages 'em . sci. my humblest service to the duke i pray , and tell him , amidea this night shall be at his dispose , by this . lo.

i 'me confident , farewell ; attend sciarrha .

sci. pittie the sea-man , that to avoide a shelfe , must strike upon a rocke to save himselfe . exeunt .
actvs qvintvs . enter sciarrha and amidea . sci. the doores are fast , enough is wept alreadie for pisano : there 's something else that must be thought on , and of greater consequence : i am yet unsafe , that for thy sake am guiltie of his blood . am. though all my stocke of teares were spent alreadie upon pisanoes losse , and that my braine were banquerout of moisture , and deni'd to lend my griefe one drop more for his funerall ; yet the remembrance that you have made a forfeit of your deare life is able to create a weeping spring within my barren head : oh my lost brother , thou hast a cruell destinie , my eies in pittie of thy fate desire to drowne thee . the law will onely seeke thee upon land , hid in my teares , thou shalt prevent the stroake kills both our name and thee . sci. i know thou lov'st me poore girle . i shall desire to cherrish life jf thou lament me thus : so rich a comfort will tempt me , wish i might delay my journie to heaven . am.

good heaven that we might goe together .

sci.

that must not be .

am.

then let me goe before .

sci.

how ?

am. make my suite unto the prince , my blood may be your ransome ; let me die , sciarrha my life is fruitlesse unto all the world , the duke in justice will not denie this : and though i weepe in telling thee , i shall smile on the scaffold . sci. how my honour blushes to heare thee amidea ? in this love thou woundst me more , then thou desir'st to save : suffer for me ? why thou art innocent : i have provok'd the punishment , and dare obey it manly ; if thou couldst redeeme me with any thing but death , i thinke i should consent to live , but i 'de not have thee venture all at one chance . am. nothing can be too precious to save a brother , such a loving brother as you have beene . sci. death 's a devouring gamester , and sweepes up all : what thinkst thou of an eye ? couldst thou spare one , and thinke the blemish recōpenc'd , to see me safe with tother ; or a hand , this white hand , that hath so often with admiration trembled on the lute , till we have prayd thee leave the strings awhile , and laid our eares close to thy ivorie fingers , suspecting all the harmonie proceeded from their owne motion , without the neede of any dull or passive instrument . no amidea , shalt not beare one scarre to buy my life : the sickle shall not touch a flower that growes so faire upon his stalke : thy tother hand will misse a white companion , and wither on thy arme ; what then can i expect from thee to save me ? i would live and owe my life to thee , so 't were not bought too deere . am. doe you beleeve i should not finde the way to heaven : were both mine eyes thy ransome , i shall clime up those high and rugged c●iffes without a hand . sci. one way there is , if thou doest love with that tendernesse . am. pronounce it , and let no danger that attends , incline you to make a pause . sci.

the duke thou knowst did love thee .

am.

hi ?

sci. nay doe not start alreadie , nor mistake me ; i doe not as before , make triall of thee , whether thou canst , laying aside thy honour , meete his lascivious armes but by this vertue i must beseech thee to for goe it all , and turne a sinfull woman . am.

blesse me !

sci. i know the kingdomes of the world containe not riches enough to tempt thee to a fall that will so much undoe thee : but i am thy brother , dying brother ; if thou lov'st him therefore , that for thee hath done so much ; died his pale hands in blood to revenge thee , and in that murder wounded his owne soule almost to death , consent to loose thy innocence : i know it makes thee grieve , but i shall live to love thee better for it : wee 'le repent together for our sinnes , and pray and weepe till heaven hath pardon'd all . am.

oh never , never .

sci. doe but repeat thy words , to save my life , and that will teach compassion : my life , our shame , the staine of all our familie , which will succeede in my ignoble death , thou washest off . am.

but staine my selfe for ever .

sci. where ? in thy face , who shall behold one blemish , or one not more in thy whole frame , thy beautie will be the very same , thy speech , thy person weare no deformitie . am. oh doe not speake so like a rebell to all modestie , to all religion , if these arguments spring from your jealousie that i am falne , after a proofe you did so late applaude . sci. i had not killd pisano then : i am now more spotted then the marble , then my head did owe no forfeiture to law : it does ake now , then i but tried thy vertue . now my condition calls for mercy to thee , though to thy selfe thou appeare cruell for 't : come we may live both if you please . am. i must never buy my poore breath at such a rate , who has made you afraide to die : i pittie you , and wish my selfe in any noble cause your leader , when our soules shall leave this dwelling , the glory of one faire , and vertuous action is above all the scutcheons on our tombe , or silken banners over us . sci. so valiant , j will not interpose another sillable to entreate your pittie say your prayers , and then thar' t ripe to be translated from the earth , to make a cherubine . am.

what meanes my brother ?

sci.

to kil you .

am.

doe not fright me good sciarrha .

sci.

and i allow three minutes for your devotion .

am.

will you murder mee ?

sci.

d' ee tremble ?

am. not at the terror of your sword , but at the horror will affright thy soule , for this blacke deed : j see pisanos blood is texted in thy forehead , and thy hands retaine too many , too many crimson spots already make not thy selfe , by furthering of thy sister all a red letter , sci.

you shall be the martir .

am. yet stay , is there no remedie but death , and from your hand ? then keepe your word , & let me use one short prayer . sci.

j shall relent .

am. forgive me heaven , and , witnesse j have still kneels . my virgin thoughts , t is not to save my life , but his eternall one . sciarrha give me leave to vaile my face , rises . j dare not looke uppon you and pronounce , j am too much a sister , live , hereafter i know you will condemne my frailty for it . i will obey the duke . sci.

darst thou consent .

wounds her . am. oh let me see the wound she unvails . t is well , if any other hand had done it : some angell tell my brother now , i did but seeme consenting . sci.

ha but seeme ?

am.

you may beleeve my last breath .

sci.

why didst say so ?

am. to gaine some time , in hope you might call in your bloody purpose , and prevent the guilt of being my murderer ; but heaven forgive thee . sci. agen , agen , forgive me amidea , and pray for me , live but a little longer , to heare me speake , my passion hath betraid thee to this wound , for which i know not whether i should rejoyce , or weepe , since thou art vertuous : the duke , whose soule is blacke agen , expects thee to be his whoore : good death be not so hastie . the agent for his lust , lorenzo , has my oath to send thee to his bed : for otherwise in my deniall , hell ; and they decree when i am dead , to ravish thee : marke that , to ravish thee : and i confesse in teares , as full of sorrow , as thy soule of innocence , in my religious care to haue thee spotlesse , i did resolve , when i had found thee ripe , and nearest heaven , with all thy best desires to send thee to thy peace : thy faind consent hath brought thy happinesse more earelie to thee , and sav'd some guilt , forgive me altogether . am. with the same heart i beg heaven for my selfe , farewell . sci.

thou shalt not die yet amidea sister .

florio knockes . i cannot come : but one word more : oh which way went thy soule ? or is it gone so farre it cannot heare me ? florio breakes ope the doore . flo. looke , here 's our sister ! so , so , chafe her : she may returne ; there is some motion . flo.

sister ?

sci. speake aloud florio , if her spirit be not departed , i will seale this passage up : i feele her breath agen , here 's florio would faine take his leave ; so , so , she comes . flo.

amidea , how came this wound ?

am. i drew the weapon to it : heaven knowes my brother lov'd me : now i hope the duke wo'not persue me with new flames . sciarrha , tell the rest , love one another the time you live together : i le pray for you in heaven , farewell , kisse me when i am dead ; you else will stay my journie . she dyes . sci. didst not heare an angell call her ? florio , i have much to tell thee , take her up ; stay i will talke a little more with her , she is not dead , let her alone ; nay then shee 's gone indeede . but hereabouts her soule must hover still : le ts speake to that , faire spirit . flo.

you talke idly .

sci. doe you talke wisely then ? an excellent patterne as she now stands for her owne alablaster : or may she not be kept from putrifaction , and be the very figure on her tombe : cannot thy teares and mine preserve her florio ? if we want brine , a thousand virgins shall weepe every day upon her , and themselves in winter , leaning round about her monument , being moist creatures , stiffen with the cold , and freeze into so many white supporters . but we loose time , i charge thee by thy lo to this pale relique , be instructed by me , not to thy danger ; some revenge must be , and i am lost alreadie ; if thou fall , who shall survive to give us funerall ? exeunt . enter lorenzo and petruchio . lo.

petruchio ?

pe.

my lord .

lo.

th' art now my servant .

pe.

i ever was in heart your humblest vassall .

lo. th' art faithfull , i must cherish thy desert , i shortly shall reward it , very shortly ; next morning must salute me duke ; the sunne and i must rise together . pe. i shall pray your glory may out-shine him in your florence , and when he sets , we may enjoy your sun-beame . lo.

t is hansome flattery , and becomes a courtier .

pe.

j flatter not my lord .

lo. then th' art a foole : no musicke to a great man chimes so sweetly : and men must thrive , come hither , how many hast thou killd ? pe.

but one my lord .

lo.

but one ?

pe. and j must owe my life to your lordship , i had beene hang'd else . lo. but one ? waite at the doore , he is not fit to kill a duke , whose hand is guiltie but of a single murder ; or at least not fit alone to act it : j ha beene practis'd already , and though no man see 't , nor scarse the eye of heaven , yet every day i kill a prince , appeare thou tragicke witnesse . hee discovers the dukes picture , a ponyard sticking in it . which though it bleed not , i may boast a murder : here first the duke was painted to the life : but with this pencill to the death : i love my braine for the invention , and thus confirm'd , dare trust my resolution . i did suspect his youth , and beautie might winne some compassion when j came to kill him : or the remembrance that he is my kinsman , might thrill my blood : or something in his title , might give my hand repulse , and startle nature : but thus j have arm'd my selfe against all pittie , that when j come to strike , my ponyard may through all his charmes as confidently wound him , as thus j stab his picture , and stare on it . me thinkes the duke should feele me now : is not his soule acquainted ; can he lesse then tremble when j lift up my arme to wound his counterfeit ? witches can persecute the lives of whom they hate , when they torment their sencelesse figures , and sticke the waxen modell full of pinnes . can any stroke of mine carrie lesse spell to wound his heart , sent with as great a malice ? he smiles , he smiles upon me : j will digge thy wanton eyes out , and supply the darke and hollow cells with two pitch burning tapers : then place thee porter in some charnell house to light the coffins in . enter petruchio . pet.

my lord .

lor.

the duke 's not come alreadie .

pet.

signior florio desires to speake with you .

lor. this must retire agen into my closet : admit him . enter florio . welcome , how does sciarrha ? flo. he commends his service to your lordship , and hath sent — lor.

his sister ?

flo. much adoe he had to effect it : he hopes his grace will quickly signe his pardon . lor.

it shall be done .

flo.

i have a suite my lord .

lor.

to me ?

flo. my sister would intreate your honour she may be admitted privately , and that i may have priviledge to prepare her chamber : she does retaine some modestie , and wo'd not ! trust every servant with her shame : their eies are apt to instruct their tongues . lor.

i wonot see her my selfe , command what you desire .

flo.

y' are gracious .

lor. i le give directions instantly : poore ladie , this is the dukes hot blood , but heaven convert him , follow me good florio . flo.

i attend my lord .

lor.

things shall be carried honourably .

flo.

we are all bound to you .

exeunt . recorders . amidea discoverd in a bed , prepar'd by two gentlewomen .

this is a sad imploiment .

the last wee 're shall doe my ladie .

enter florio . flo. so , now you may returne , it will become your modest duties , not to enquire the reason of this strange service , nor to publish what y 'ave bin commanded ; let mee looke upon ex. gentlewomen . my sister now , still she retaines her beautie , death has beene kinde to leave her all this sweetnesse . thus in a morning have i oft saluted my sister in her chamber , sate upon her bed , and talkt of many harmelesse passages , but now t is night , and a long night with her , i neere shall see these curtaines drawne agen untill wee meet in heaven . the duke already . enter duke and lorenzo . du.

may i beleeve ?

lo.

trust me my lord hereafter .

du. call mee no more thy lord , but thy companion i will not weare that honor in my title , shall not be thine . whoe 's that ? lo.

her brother florio .

du.

she is a bed .

lor. the readier for your pastime . she meanes no make a night on 't . flo. this shall declare thee to posteritie the best of sisters — what of that ? and is not a brothers life more precious then a trifle ? i prithee doe not sigh : how many ladies would be ambitious of thy place to night ? and thanke his highnesse ? yes , and virgins too . du.

he pleades for me .

lo.

he will deserve some office 'bout your person .

du.

with what words shall i expresse my joy ?

lo. i leave you sir to action , florio is soone dismist . exit . flo.

hee 's come : good-night —

du.

florio ?

flo.

your slave .

du.

my friend ! thou shalt be neere our bosome .

flo.

pleasures crowne your expectation .

exit . du. all perfect , till this minute , i could never boast i was happie : all this world has not a blessing to exchange , this world ? t is heaven ; and thus i take possession of my saint : asleepe already ? 't were great pitty to disturbe her dreame , yet if her soule be not tir'd with the bodies weight , it must convey into her slumbers i waite here , and thus seale my devotion — what winter dwels kisses . upon this lip ? t wa's no warme kisse , i le try agen — the snow is not so cold , i have drunke ice , and feele a numbnesse spred through my blood at once — ha ? let me examine a little better ; amidea , she is dead , shee is dead ! what horror doth inuade me ? helpe lorenzo ; murder , where is lorenzo ? enter lorenzo and petruchio . lo.

heere my lord .

du. some traitor hid within the chamber , see my amidea 's dead . lo. dead ? t is impossible , yet , sh 'as a wound upon her breast . du. i prethee kill mee : they wound him . ha wilt thou murder mee , lorenzo , villaine ? oh spare me to consider , i would live a little longer : treason . lo. a little longer say'ee ?ee it was my duty to obey you sir . pet.

le ts make him sure my lord .

lo. what would you say ? no cares but ours can reach his voice , but be not tedious . du. oh spare mee , i may live and pardon thee : thy prince begs mercy from thee , that did never deny thee any thing ; pittie my poore soule , i have not prayed . lo. i could have wish'd you better prepard , but let your soule e'en take his chance . wounds him agen . du. no teare prevaile ? oh whither must wander thus caesar fell by brutus . i shall tell newes to the world i goe to , will not bee beleevd , lorenzo kild me . lo. will it not ? i le presently put in security . du. i am comming amidea , i am comming for thee inhumane murderer , expect my blood shall flie to heaven , and there inflam'd , hang a prodigious meteor all thy life . and when by some as bloody hand as thine thy soule is ebbing forth , it shall descend in flaming drops upon thee : oh i faint ! thou flattering world farewell : let princes gather my dust into a glasse , and learne to spend their hower of state , that 's all they have ; for when that 's out , times never turnes the glasse agen . dies . lo. so lay him beside his mistresse , hide their faces , the duke dismist the traine came with him . pe.

he did my lord .

lo. run to sciarrha , pray him come , and speake wo'mee , secure his passage to this chamber , haste , exit pet. hee 's dead ; i le trust him now , and his ghost too ; fools start at shadowes , i 'me in love with night and her complexion . enter petr. pe.

my lord , hee 's come without your summons .

lo.

already ? leave us .

enter sciarrha , and florio . welcome , let embraces chaine us together , noble florio welcome : but i must honor thy great soule . sci.

where 's the duke ?

lo.

they are a bed together .

sci.

ha ?

lo. hee 's not stirring yet : thou kildst thy sister , didst not ? sci.

i preserv'd her .

lo.

so it was bravely done .

sci.

but where 's the wanton duke ?

lo.

a sleepe i tell you .

sci.

and hee shall sleepe eternally .

lor.

you cannot wake him , looke you .

sci.

is he dead ?

lo. and in his death we two begin our life of greatnesse , and of empire , nay hee 's dead . sci.

that labour 's sav'd .

lo. now i pronounce sciarrha , thy pardon , and to recompence thy losse , the share of florence , i le but weare the title , the power wee le devide . sci. i like this well : you told a tale once of a common wealth and libertie . lo. it was to gaine a faction with discontented persons , a fine tricke to make a buzze of reformation . my ends are compas'd : hang the ribble rabble . sci. shall wee sweat for the people ? loose our breath to get their fame ? lo. i le have it given out the duke did kill thy sister . sci.

excellent .

lo. having first ravish'd her , he cannot bee too hatefull ; it will dull the examination of his owne death , or if that come to question — sci. what if i say , i kild him in revenge of amidea ? they will pittie mee . beside , 't wil be in your power to pardon mee altogether . lo.

most descreetely thought on .

sci.

the divell wonot leave us o' the suddaine .

lo. rare wit : how hastily hee climbs the the precipice , from whence one fillup topples him to ruine : wee two shall live like brothers . sci. stay wee two — now i consider better , i have no minde to live at all — & you shanot , i le give you proofe , if you but make a noise , you gallop to the divell . lo.

i 'me betraid .

sci. to death inevitable , brother be you spectator onely . lo.

this is somewhat noble .

sci. thanke mee not lorenzo , i le not engage his innocence to blood , thy hands are white , preserve e'm florio , and unlesse my arms grow feeble , doe not interpose thy sword i charǵe thee . lo.

none to assist mee ? helpe petruchio , helpe .

they fight , enter petruchio , who offering to runne at sciarrha , is intercepted by florio , petruchio , runs in crying helpe , florio makes fast the doore . lo. reach thy jawes wider villaine , cry out murder , treason , any thing ; hold — oh . lo. fals . sci

will you not fall colosus ?

flo.

are not you hurt ?

sci. i know not . ha ? yes he has prick'd me somewhere but i le make sure of him ; now must i follow : i le fight with him i' th tother world — thy hand , florio . farewell . dies . flo. hee s dead too : t is in vaine for me to fly within breake open the dores . flo.

you shanot neede .

enter petruchio , cosmo , allonso , frederico , with guard . al.

disarme him .

cos.

lorenzo , and sciarrha slaine ?

al.

where is the duke ?

pet.

looke heere my lords .

al.

what traitor ?

fre.

see amidea murderd too .

cos.

i tremble , heere is a heape of tragedies .

al.

wee must have an account from florio .

flo.

he can informe you best that brought you hither .

al.

lay hands upon petruchio , disarme him .

cos.

what blood is that upon his sword ? t is fresh .

pet.

i 'me caught .

cos.

to tortures with him .

pet. spare your furie , know t was the best blood in florence , i must quit young florio ; lorenzo , and my selfe , are onely guilty of the princes death . al.

inhumane traitors ?

co.

but who kild amidea ?

flo. the dukes lust : there was no other way to save her honor , my brother has revengd it heere , but fate , denyde him triumph . al. i never heard such killing stories , but t is meet , wee first settle the state , cosmo you are the next of blood to challenge florence . cos. pray deferre that till the morning , drag that murderer to prison : florio , you must not expect your liberty , til all things be exam'nd . lorenzo , now i am above thy malice , and will make satisfaction to oriana . t is a sad night my lords , by these you see there is no stay in proud mortality . exeunt .
finis .
machine-generated castlist a -sciarrha a -lorenzo a -duke a -amidea a -depazzi a -cosmo a -florence a -pisano a -rogero a -petruchio a -oriana a -alexander a -morosa a -alonso a -unassigned a -xxxx_ a -servant a -xxxx_ a -frederico a -all a - _gentleman a -xxxx_ a - _gentleman a -xxxx_ a -xxxx_ a -lust a -gentleman a -
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▪ london : printed for william cooke , and are to be ▪ will atkins of grayes inne . ▪ backe agen , and tell him , i am gone abroad . tounder to understand ? why cosmo , had i not chang'd stand to understand ? why cosmo , had i not chang'd my dialect gloriousat oportunity to light his torch , which will burne glorious at your nuptiall : let jealous , lovers s●ate , oriana's wealth would swell him in the seate , he growes too fast already , be still ▪ our soule , as he but borrowes of our flesh , this action makes him nothing , had i beene floence expect a safety ? is it reformation , of florence they accuse mee of ? suggesting i disaffect sgainst within his country , and allow him a soule , against which , i may ingage my more , then equall mu t , the growing danger but at sienna , one must with a perspectiue discouer all ? aske this overthrw the story of my faire deservings , who sir overthrow with his designes your late ambitious brother ▪ hindga of state did faint under the burthen , and the people sweat with their owne feares forspies ferdinand , three hundred thousand crownes , for spies , what bills have i brought in for off●rd glories of his dukedome , nay florence state offerd it 〈◊〉 a bribe ▪ and tempted the betraying 〈◊〉 his dukedome , nay florence state offerd it selfe a bribe ▪ and tempted the betraying of your ●ribe dukedome , nay florence state offerd it 〈◊〉 a bribe ▪ and tempted the betraying of your name ▪ court your sister to his sinfull coupling : tis horrid , affrights nature , i grow stiffe ▪ yet this was his command i should impose . ▪ building , i shall to ashes , i begin to shrinke , is not already my complexion alter'd , does kuow and birth , you are his kinsman ; we all know it , that you dwell in's bosome , great ●n and lazie sufferance , let this secret bee an argument , how much i dare repose vpon sciarrahs 〈◊〉 dyes , the roofe hee would dishonor with his lust shall be his toombe , bid him bee confident comm●nd then heaven . let not fond men hereafter command what they most admire , by fetching from r●le glory of similitude ; but from thy selfe the role to know all beauty , and he that shall 〈◊〉 ●o similitude ; but from thy selfe the role to know all beauty , and he that shall 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 role to know all beauty , and he that shall arrive at so much boldnesse , to say his mistris 〈◊〉 boldnesse , to say his mistris eyes , or voice , or breath , are halfe so bright , so cleare ●reath boldnesse , to say his mistris eyes , or 〈◊〉 , or breath , are halfe so bright , so cleare , so 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 breath , are halfe so bright , so cleare , so sweete as thine , hath told the 〈◊〉 enough of miracle 〈◊〉 cleare , so 〈◊〉 as thine , hath told the world enough of miracle . these are the dukes o●e 〈◊〉 enough of miracle . these are the dukes owne raptures , amidea , his owne poeticke flames 〈◊〉 employ'd lorenzo , no meaner person in this embassie , you must to court , oh happinesse ! o● person in this 〈◊〉 , you must to court , oh happinesse ! fortun● you too peevish now , and hinder all our fortune ; i ha promis'd him to move you for his lorenz● your brother , more i ha sent word to him by lorenzo , that you should meete his high flame , br●ad no , no , my meaning is so broad , you cannot . flori● dreame ? where did you drop your vertue sir ? florio , why move you not ? why are you slow to wagtai●e we are not the first ha bin advanc'd by a wagtaile : no matter for the talke of musty people o●the tis very well , have you consider'd better o'the motion ? 〈◊〉 register of virgins , when i am dead , before one factious thought should lurke within 〈◊〉 f●tious of virgins , when i am dead , before 〈◊〉 factious thought should lurke within 〈◊〉 to betray 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 factious thought should lurke within mee to betray my fame , to such a blot , my sucha should lurke within 〈◊〉 to betray my fame , to such a blot , my hands shall mutinie , and boldly rep●tance with a poniard teach my heart to weepe out a repentance . ser●ant enter a seruant . ▪ bee happy in's alliance . hith●r were not wont to looke so sad when you came hither . 〈◊〉 oh my hart ! gr●ifes bee you comforted lady let all greifs repaire to this , their proper center . iuvaded were beparted , cut some strange distemper invaded him , wee might discerne a change in's countenance m●●lose lord , doe you prepare the mother , and let me close with oriana . ▪ title to it , i have no part in oriana now : ● the most vnderstanding seates of justice , most wise , most honourable , and most incorrupt ●ath judges , sleepe not i beseech you , my place hath call'd me to plead in the behalfe of my t● your selfe contented my lord , he that is brought to the barre in case of treason , must looke ▪ the the way to be sent of a headles errand , indeed i confesse that i never intēded strickei'th imagination , my lord you will answer this to stricke i'th court thus ? 〈◊〉 you exceede in entertainment , banquet our y●s too . menstill have his golden head : call no love , delude men still , through the flesh , their spirits pesons kill , nor spend all your art to take common persons , greatnesse make by your potent charmes 〈◊〉 lo. . gr●und stand upon the methode as wee at court , the ground maske and the glorie begin the revells , florenoe shall it be read in stories of our florence , sciarrha first did staine his family with hagon with him , and let him bord your pinace : i ha gon so farre in promise , if you claspe ▪ just , that both their hearts weepe blood , to purge their lust . 〈◊〉 on smiles , of which the least hath power to 〈◊〉 an anchorite from his prayers , tempt 〈◊〉 smiles , of which the least hath power 〈◊〉 call an anchorite from his prayers , tempt saints 〈◊〉 anchorite from his prayers , tempt saints to wish their bodies on , thou dost with ease 〈◊〉 ●ase saints 〈◊〉 their bodies on , thou dost with ease 〈◊〉 captivate kings with every beame , and aptivate their bodies on , thou dost with ease 〈◊〉 captivate kings with every beame , and maist lead icoole there's so much gone from mee i coole apace ; this action hath shot an ague floreuce and will studie how to satisfie for you and florence . eunning this is fine cunning , why that diuell is lorenzo , if hee dars dog-boltwo'me must compell it ? how sciarrha plaid the dog-bolt wo'me , and had not j provided jn wisedome sci▪ sci. neck● yes , j was no foole to runne my necke upon the axe , and give you such a cause tum'd the divell is turn'd religious , augment not thy dānation . ●raw engag'd , if i but name a cause : gentlemen , draw . ▪ but right , we are both men , fraile things : tis not impossible . 〈◊〉 feede me ? kill and be lost thy selfe ; or if his sword conclude thy life both waies i am conv●sions my constitution , or feele the pangs and convulsions that i suffer , you would pittie mee : i ▪ gift of impudence , i have a weake stomacke , and treason is phisicke to mee , and although bo for feare of state rats , i have unript my bosome to you , and there they are to a title — athousand lordship in a sillable , should you tell me of a thousand treasons , and stratagems , j will wilpray i hūbly thanke his highnes , and wil pray for your increase of grace . li●e not be moov'd to see that hastie eb be of life for my sake ? ▪ cosmo and two gentlemen above . pi●e cipresse , ewe , to make us garlands , though no pine do burne , our nuptiall shall have torches ▪ i hope shall be my husband , now farewell , although no kisse , accept my parting teare el●mor sciarrha . i should have answerd with lesse clamor . ▪ augurie , i have not quarterd out the heavens , to take the flight of birds , nor by inspection ▪ there is no difficultie attends it , listen , the time will not permit much circumstance sci▪ sci. d●ad ha , ravish'd ? when i am dead , was't not so ? oh my soule , i feele it r●cōpenc'd couldst thou spare one , and thinke the blemish recōpenc'd , to see me safe with tother ; or a hand lu●e so often with admiration trembled on the lute , till we have prayd thee leave the strings 〈◊〉 , i shall clime up those high and rugged c●iffes without a hand . ▪ one way there is , if thou doest love with that tendernesse tria●l nor mistake me ; i doe not as before , make triall of thee , whether thou canst , laying aside ▪ to death , consent to loose thy innocence : i know it makes thee grieve , but i shall wee 〈◊〉 i shall live to love thee better for it : wee'le repent together for our sinnes , and t●at repeat thy words , to save my life , and that will teach compassion : my 〈◊〉 , our shame com●assion words , to save my life , and that will teach compassion : my 〈◊〉 , our shame , the staine of all 〈◊〉 life , and that will teach compassion : my life , our shame , the staine of all our familie wi●l shame , the staine of all our familie , which will succeede in my ignoble death ▪ thou washest ▪ , which will succeede in my ignoble death , thou washest off . ●ot face , who shall behold one blemish , or one not more in thy whole frame , thy beautie will bann●rs all the scutcheons on our tombe , or silken banners over us . ●urthering crimson spots already make not thy selfe , by furthering of thy sister all a red letter , ●ister make not thy selfe , by furthering of thy sister all a red letter , yetstay yet stay , is there no remedie but death , and ▪ j shall relent . ●till forgive me heaven , and , witnesse j have still k●eels kneels . ●ave my virgin thoughts , tis not to save my life , but his eternall one . sciarrha b●t ha but seeme ? vass●ll i ever was in heart your humblest vassall . ▪ hansome flattery , and becomes a courtier . ▪ your honour she may be admitted privately , and that i may have priviledge to prepare ▪ does retaine some modestie , and wo'd not ! trust every servant with her shame : their ineere now tis night , and a long night with her , i neere shall see these curtaines drawne agen 〈◊〉 trust me my lord hereafter . shal● my friend ! thou shalt be neere our bosome . say●ee a little longer say 'ee it was my duty to obey you sir . e'entake wish'd you better prepard , but let your soule e'en take his chance . gr●tnesse and in his death we two begin our life of greatnesse , and of empire , nay hee's dead . havingfirst having first ravish'd her , he cannot bee too hatefull arm● white , preserve e'm florio , and unlesse my arms grow feeble , doe not interpose thy sword ▪ for me to fly within breake open the dores . cos●o enter petruchio , cosmo , allonso , frederico , with guard . ▪ spare your furie , know twas the best blood in florence , i
the brothers shirley, james this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (wing s ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. martin mueller incompletely or incorrectly transcribed words were reviewed and in many cases fixed by melina yeh lydia zoells yixin xiao this text has not been fully proofread earlyprint project evanston il, notre dame in, st.louis, washington mo distributed under a creative commons attribution-noncommercial . unported license a .xml early english books online. the brothers, a comedie, as it was acted at the private house in black fryers: written by james shirley. never printed before. shirley, james, - . dpi tiff images (displayed as gif) and xml-encoded text (displayed as html). university of michigan library ann arbor, michigan november (tcp phase ) a wing (cd-rom, ) s greg ii, (unm) e

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 the brothers, a comedie, as it was acted at the private house in black fryers: written by james shirley. never printed before. shirley, james, - . [ ], p. printed for humphrey robinson at the three pigeons, and humphrey moseley at the prince armes in st. paul's church-yard, london : . reproduction of original in the folger shakespeare library, washington, d.c.. eng a shc the brothers shirley, james melina yeh lydia zoells yixin xiao play comedy shc no a r (wing s ). . b the rate of . defects per , words puts this text in the b category of texts with fewer than defects per , words. incorporated ~ , textual changes made to the shc corpus by hannah bredar, kate needham, and lydia zoells between april and july during visits, separately or together, to the bodleian, folger and houghton libraries as well as the rare book libraries at northwestern university and the university of chicago

the brothers , a comedie , as it was acted at the private house in black fryers .

written by james shirley .

never printed before .

london , printed for humphrey robinson at the three pigeons , and humphrey moseley at the prince armes in st. paul's church-yard . .

to his truly noble friend tho : stanley esq sir ,

the memory and contemplation of good offices received , which , by their own nature , and impulsion , have inclined other men to bee active in their returnes , have not wrought me into so much boldness ; for when i considered my obligation to your favors i was still deterred by their greatness and number ; for in my poverty i had thoughts not without ambition to reach them with some merit , but when i was studying to proportion my gratitude , i fell much lower than when i was the object of your mercy . the way to releeve my self , is no more to look at what you have confer'd , but on the bestower , for i have now learn'd to separate you from your benefits , and to convey my self into your pardon , by the exercise of your charity . thus in place of cancelling my former debts , i put your vertue to a new disbursment : witness this composition , which after its birth , had in my thoughts a dedication to your name , although it but now took the boldness to wear it in the forehead both as an ornament and preserver . you were pleas'd to grace it with your fair opinion , when it was represented , and though it appear not in that naturall dress of the scene , nor so powerfull , as when it had the soul of action , yet your smile upon it now will give it second animation ; by which i shall derive after so long a silence , a confirmation of my happiness , in being still received

sir your most humble servant james shirley .
the brothers .
act i. enter francisco , jacinta , felisarda . francisco . i take my leave jacinta , and cannot wish you more happiness than you possess . jacin. you must dissemble , or it is within your wishes to make your self , francisco , mine , which would be a fair addition to me , in my faith of that most noble love you have profest . fran. when you but dare to own me , i am past the fear of any destiny that can enter don carlos and servant divide us � but your father . your own virtue be still your guard . i do not like this watch upon our meeting , pretty felisarda . exit car. tel signior francisco i would speak with him i do not like his frequent visites : though his birth and generous parts deserve to march with men of honorable name , i am without ambition to sacrifise my daughter to his pension for life . enter francisco fran. your pleasure sir ? car. hath hitherto francisco been to affect you in the list of those i held my freinds . fra. i hope no forfeit made by me , hath lost that good opinion you plac'd upon me . car. i cannot tell how you may be transported with desires above my thoughts t' allow , i would not have my silence , and the free access y' have had to my house , ( which still is open to wise guests , ) betray me , or my daughter to the mirth and talk of men i' th' plassa , my estate doth walk upon sound feet , and though i make no exception to your blood , or person , sir , the portion i have fixt upon jacinta , beside the wealth her liberall aunt bequeath'd her , is more than your thin younger brother's fortune should lay a siege , or hope to . i am plain . fr. and something passionate ( if i understand you ) without a cause . i am a gentleman , with as much sense of honor , as the proudest don that doth ride on 's foot cloth , and can drop gold to the numerous minutes of his age and let me not be lost for want of that , deserves not to be nam'd to fill the ballance against true honour � let me tell you sir , virtue and blood are weigh'd against themselves , you cannot know the price of these , when either scale is not poiz'd with things of the same nature car. y' are very right , and therefore i do weigh my daughters wealth against your fortunes sir , i take it they are things in the same specie , and find it easie to distinguish , yours can hold small competition , and by a consequence that fathers use t' infeire , as little hope to equall in affections . sir i must tell you i esteem jacinta fit every way to meet your elder brother , whose birth will intrest him so much in that full fortune which your father now is lord of , your expectations may prompt you look without much curiositie for a bride , fran. i shall believe thy soul is made of atomes , that placeth so much happiness in dust . aside sir , i can quit your jealousie , my thoughts levell beneath your daughter , and shall be happie if you consent i may devote my applications to felisarda , your neece . car. is it my neece ? i ask your pardon . nay then be welcome , and t' encourage you , although her father a poor gentleman my brother , by the malice of the sea and winds , have lost what might have rank'd him even with some that ride upon their reverend mules , i 'l find a portion for her , if you strike affectionate heartes , and joy to call you nephew . pray be not angry , that i take a care to place my own , where i may see it answerd with state , as well as family . fran. you shew a provident father . i shall not then b' indanger'd to your scruple , if i address my services to her , whose humble fortune , in the relation to your blood , and nobleness , is wealth enough to me ? car. i wish it prosper . fra. you have much honor'd me . exit , car. that scruple 's vanish'd . these are considerings , with which parents must timely prevent the folly , and the fall of children , apt to lose themselves in shadowes and gaudy apparitions . enter servant . ser. your son is come from salamanca sir . car. i hope philosophy hath by this time tam'd his wildness , i have been carefull not to feed his riots . hee 's welcome ; my next studie is to choose a wise for him , servant , with him a gentleman . that seems of noble quality . enter luys and alberto . luys . your blessing , next vvhich 't vvil be a happiness , if you embrace this noble gentleman don , alberto , to whose affection i have been engag'd . alber. our studies grew together , and our loves . car. you do an honour to us . lu. if he thrive upon his fair intents fir to my sister , whose character he ha's took delight to hear from me sometimes , it will enlarge our honor . car. he has improved in language � his estate ? lu. six thousand ducats fir per annum clear in his possession , beside the legacie of a granam when she dyes that ha's outliv'd . cats within their family . car. this tasts again of the old humor , hee 's not setled yet . lu. your pardon fir , i cannot with any patience think of an old woman , they are agues to my nature , she that lives to three score is a witch , and fit for fuell by the civill law . i hope my mother's well . sir i beseech you , be not you mistaken , i am not what i was , i 'm strangely alter'd from the wild garbe , and can discourse most gravely of any thing but old and toothless women . do not you think it fit , she should be burn'd fir , that lives within an hospitall till the roof consume to dust , and no more left for covering than is kept up in one continued cobweb , through which the birds may see her when she creeps under a spiders canopie ; what think you ? speak your own conscience . car. a young wife will cure this angry heat of blood . you are most welcome , command my house , and if you can affect my daughter , for whose love ( as my son here prepares me ) you took this paines , i shall make equall propositions . i knew your father well , don roderigo , who gave up his life with honor 'gainst the moores . once more y' are welcome : son luys shew the way to your sister , and bid her entertain your friend with all the love her modesty , and my commands may prompt her to . alber. you much oblige my services . lu. remember don conditions , if my sister and you join your coppiholds , i have a life must be maintain'd till the old man dye , hang his pension , 't wo'not keep me in salads . i 'le conduct you . exe. alb. & luys . car. i like his person well , and his calm gesture speakes for his other composition . the estate is competent , my daughter is obedient , which rich parents call a blessing , whose wisdom is to advance their name , and fortunes . enter don ramyres my son is all my studie now , my noble don ramyres , you look cheerfull . ramy. 't is a good omen , i ha' buisness w' ee such as cannot despair your entertaiment ; you have a daughter . car. i would you had one ; i should be willing to translate a son , and by his mariage be most proud to call your daughter mine . ramy. you are next a prophet , signior , and but the sexes differ , speak my thoughts ; t is harmony on both fides ; to be short for let our gravities not waste time , and breath in our affaires , give the young leave to court and spin out dayes in amorous circumstance ; my son fernando , i need not call him heir , his birth concludes it , i would commend to fair jacinta : 't can be no dishonour to your family to mix with mine . car. t is an addition will add a luster rather to our blood . ramy. t is my affection to you daughter , which confirm'd by observation of her virtue , makes me wish this tye between 'em ; i may safely expect you will assure a portion that his fortunes will deserve , who must enjoy what i possess , unless you disaffect his person , or decline his education , which hath not spar'd my coffers to advance him in the best form of gentleman . car. i want abilities of tongue to answer this your freedome , and the bounty of your nature , towards my daughter , and so far am from exception to fernando , there 's no cavalliero in spain i wish to thrive so well in her opinion . ramy. t will be his encouragement , if he entrench upon no others interest , i mean not to except , how well he can deserve her nobly from a rivall , if her heart be not contracted , this were to engage 'em both to loss of peace , and honor , perhaps betray a life . car. you argue nobly , she is yet mistris of her thoughts , and free , while her obedience doth keep in trust her heart ; till i direct it , which shall be to love , and choose your son to live within it . have i said home ? ramy. you have . when they have met we may conclude the doury , and confirm our mutuall assurances , till then farewel . exit . car. i like this well ; ramyres has a fortune for a grande . don alberto must now excuse me , if my vote preferre fernando , whom my daughter must accept or forfeit me . the new guest is not warm in his access , and sha'not feel with what soft art , and subtle wayes , i steer her passion ; yet were alberto's state ten maravides above ramyre's , i should place him first . fame is an empty noise , virtue a word there 's not a jew will lend two ducate ; on . he is return'd , i must prepare jacinta . exit . enter ramyres and fernando . fer. i hope my past life hath not sir so ill deserv'd , you should be jealous of my duty when you command , although in things of this high nature , man being nothing more concern'd , next the divine considerations , than in the choyce of her that must divide the joyes and sufferings of his life , a son may modestly insist upon the privilege that love by his great charter hath conferr'd on every heart , not to be forc'd , yet i freely resign my will , and what men call affection , to that object you present me . ramyr. apply your self then to don carlo's daughter shee 's young , fair , rich , and virtuous , and i 've had full treatie with her father , who expects your visit . fer. young , fair , rich , and virtuous , four excellencies seldom met in one ; she cannot sure want servants , that commands under so many titles . i could wish , ( so much i have ambition to be thought obedient sir , ) she were but one of those . ramy. she is all , and one . fer. my duty were not less if i forgave my self a happiness to perfect your comands ; sir , i am ready , to try my fortune . ramy. there is no fear of thy repulse , and when thou dost confirm her gain'd to thy affection , my greatest act , and care of life is over . go on and prosper . exit fer. he is passionate , and like the fury of the winds , more loud by opposition ; such a providence may be mine one day when i am a father , and he for whose advance my cares are meant , like me , may with a fair and formall shew disguise his thoughts too , yet i am to blame , for my affection to a dream , a thing with which my eyes only converst , to hazard a fathers love , and the rich peace it brings ; enter francisco . i 'l uncreate the face i dote upon and be my self , or � what ? my brother ? now francisco , you met my father ? fran. yes , and he lookes as some newes had much exalted him . you are not so merry in the face , what is 't ? ferd. nothing . fran. you held no controversies with him ? ferd. no . fran. i cannot guess he was angry by his smiles ; how did you part ? ferd. exceding kindly . fran. what changes your complexion ? ferd. th' art deceived . pre'the' how do men look that are in love ? fran. why ? as they did before ; what alteration have you observ'd in me ? ferd. you have then a mistris , and thrive upon her favours but thou art my brother , i' deliver thee a secret , i was at st. sebastians last sunday at vespers . fran. is it a secret that you went to church ? you need not blush to tell your ghostly father . ferd. i pre'thee leave thy impertinence ; there i saw so sweet a face , so harmless , so intent upon her prayers , it frosted my devotion to gaze on her , till by degrees i took her fair idea through my covetous eye , into my heart , and know not how to ease it since of the impression . fran. so , proceed . fer. her eye did seem to labour with a tear , which suddenly took birth , but overweigh'd with it's own swelling , drop'd upon her bosome , which by reflexion of her light , appear'd as nature meant her sorrrw for an ornament ; after her looks grew chearfull , and i saw a smile shoot gracefull upward from her eyes , as if they had gain'd a victory o'r grief , and with it many beames twisted themselves , upon whose golden threads the angells walk to and again from heaven . fran. i do beleeve by all these metaphors , you are in love ; i see you have a fancie , but proceed , and be not melancholy . ferd. i have told thee all . fran. this is indeed a vision ; you have but seen her all this while , if i may counsell you you should proceed , her face is nothing when you have perus'd the rest . ferd. t is dangerous . fran. you must excuse me brother , there can be no hurt in a handsome woman , for if her face delight so much , what will the enjoying of so sweet a pile of beauty ? ferd. thou hast infus'd a confidence , i will embrace this counsell , you shall with me brother , and see how i behave my-self , the lady is not far off . fran. with all my heart , i 'e pawn my life you shall enjoy her ; what is she of flesh , and blood , that will deny , when she is fairly courted ? may i know the name of this lov'd mrs ? you may clear your thoughts , i dare have no design to wrong your love . ferd. what think you brother of the fair jacinta ? fran. don carlo's daughter ? ferd. to that happy coast i now am sayling ; we lose time , clap on more wings thou feather'd god ; thou hast put fire francisco into my drooping thoughts , and as they had already bargaind with the wind , they are aloft , and chide loves lazie motion . fran. a word before you fly ; but is jacinta your mistris then ? ferd. the beautifull jacinta . dost think i sha'not prosper ? what is she of flesh and blood , that can deny , when she is fairly courted ? add to this my happiness , that shee 's the mistris , whom , from all her sex my father hath made choice of for my courtship ; he hath already treated with don carlos , and 't was his last command , i should address my present visit to her . fran. very well ; if this be truth , you need not trouble wings to overtake this lady , to my knowledge ( i 'm serious now ) she has bestowd her heart vpon a friend , who has already fortified himself against the world , that would oppose his title to 't . ferd. from what intelligence have you gaind this ? her father knows it not . come , these are but subtle pretences scattered by some , who cunningly thus hope to make themselves a victory , by cutting off more fruitfull expectations , this must not disingage me , prithee walk . fran. i can produce my author , here , fernando . and with my blood defend that interest she gave me , with intent i should preserve it . ferd. how , is she yours francisco ? fran. mine , if hearts have power to make assurance . ferd. t is some happiness i have no stranger to oppose , whose high and stubborn soul would not release this treasure but make me force it through his blood . francisco and fernando are two rillets from one spring , i will not doubt he will resigne , to make me fortunate ; or should his will be cold and some close thoughts suggest i had no privilege by eldest birth , but came a slie intruder upon his right of love , there is a tye of nature and obedience to a father will make him give this blessing from his bosom , and strip his amorous soul of all his wealth that may invest my wishes . fran. i read not this in any of the reverend casuists ; no inequality being in our blood the law of nature meant we should be equal ; it was first tyranny , then partiall custome , made you more capable of land . would you be lord of us , because you are first born , and make our souls your tenants too ? when i 've nam'd you my elder brother , i exclude all servitude ; justice that makes me love you carries an equall law to both ; nay i can love you more if i consider you ( without the chain of blood ) a freind , than all the bonds of nature can enforce me to ; in both relations give me leave to love you as much as man , but not resign my mistris . you ascend higher , and perswade by what obedience is owing to a father , they give us life , a good son keepes it for him , and every drop bled in their cause , a glory ; i can acknovvledge this , and sacrifise life , fortunes , a poor recompence to lose ( were they all multipli'd ) to shew my duty ; but these are things may be resign'd , a mistris is not a vvealth in ballance vvith the vvorld , but much above the poize of all it's happiness , and equall vvith our honor , riveted into our soul , it leaves her not , vvhen death hath shook this body off , but flies vvith it more svvift , to love it in the other vvorld . ferd. you are very passionate . fran. i am very just , and you shall find it brother e'r you tvvine with my jacinta , mine , if vovves may give possession of each other's soul . ferd. no more may she be worthy of thy heart , till mine do entertain a treason to divide you ; but i , to satisfie my father , must present my self , and trust me , will so manage my love to her , as thou shalt have no cause to interpret me a rivall o francisco our loves are of a kindred , for mine is devote to felisarda , to her cosen poor felisarda . fran. theodoros daughter ? ferd. we never yet chang'd language , nor doth she imagin with what thoughts i honour her ; but here is the distraction , thou canst not expect more opposition from don carlos , than i must from my father , if he knew where i have plac'd my heart . fran. let us assist each other then , till time , and some kind starres mature our love . ferd. let fathers look at wealth , t is all their saint : hearts are freeborn , and love knows no constraint . exeunt
act ii. enter luys and jacinta . luis how do you like alberto sister ? is he not a gallant gentleman ? jacin. for what good brother ? cannot judge his intellectualls , but we have plentie of more proper men in spain . luys he is an excellent scholar , he was still emperour in the schooles , and since he studied logick and philosophy , he was the flow'r of 's time at salamanca . iacin. t is pittie he should be gather'd then . lu what be gather'd ? ja the flower you talk on . lu. if you affect him sister , he may grow , and you may keep him still for seed please you . ja. and sell him out at sowing time to gardners . lu. come , you must love him . ja. ha's he the black-art ? i know not how magick or philters may prevail , and yet he lookes suspitiously . lu. you think y' are witty now , d' ee hear , you must affect him for my sake . ja. now you speak reason ; i may for your sake dote upon him , brother , this is a conjuration may do much . lu. well said , thou art my sister , this good nature shews it . and now i 'le tell thee , i ha' promis'd him as much as mariage comes too , and i lose my honor , if my don receive the canvas . he ha's a good estate , and i have borrow'd considerable monies of him sister , peeces of eight , and transitory ducats . ja. which must be paid . lu. not if you marry him ; conditions have been thought on . ja. how ? conditions ? lu. and some revenew was convenient to do things like a gentleman , i may tell you , my father is a litle costive , purse-bound , his pension cannot find me tooth-picks , i must live till he dye 't is fit you know ; alberto ha's an exchequer , which upon thy smiles will still be open . ja. very good ; then you upon the matter have sold me to him to find you spending money ? lu. no , not sold ; w' are at no certain price ; summes have been lent in expectation , or so , and may again . ja. you deserve brother i should hate you now . lu. 't is all one to me , so you love him ; for my part i defire but my expences . ja. what if another man supply your wants upon the same conditions of my love ? lu. i am indifferent , so i have my charges , my necessary wine and women paid for , love where you please your self ; i am but one , i would not see him want that 's all , because my father is not yet resolv'd about his going to heaven . ja. well sir , for don alberto , you shall be his advocate no more , and there 's a fee to bribe your silence in his cause . lu. why , thank you sister , � will you dye a virgin ? ja. why do yo ask ? lu. i would speak for somebody , tell me but whom you have a mind to , and i 'le plead for him , and if he be a don he will consider it ; you may give me what you will , besides . ja. when i resolve , you shall be acquainted . lu. but d' ee hear , untill you do resolve , i would lose no time , 't is good keeping a freind , and a warm client ; you may look lovingly upon alberto , and let him hope at all adventures , in two moneths you may be otherwise provided and he may hang himself , i' th meane time some favours now and then to the poor gentleman will doe him good , and me no hurt , besides you 'l please my father in 't , whose vote is for him , and that 's a thing materiall . i am to meet with don alberto , and some gentlemen , i will preserve his confidence , and tell him i ha' talkd with thee . have you any more of this complexion ? cause i know not what occasions i may have to keep my credit with men of mark and honour , vvhere i am going ; you are my fathers darling , and command his yellovv ingots ; tother doblon d'oro . ja. so i may bring a rent-charge upon my self . lu. the tother drop of orient mercie , come . ja. you care not vvhat accounts i give my father . lu. thou hast tvventy vvayes to cosen him , vvedge it into the next bill , he vvears spectacles , and loves to read � item for pious uses . can it be less to help a brother ? vvell said . ja. let not this feed your riot . luys by no means . i am for no carthusians to day . enter carlos , fernando , francisco , and felisarda . farevvell dear sister � vvho is that ? ja. my father lu. i cannot indure that old mans company . exit . car. i am past complement , and must acknovvledge your fair intentions honor us , she is no goddess of beauty sir , but let me without pride boast my self blest , fernando , in her virtues , and that which crowns em all obedience . jacinta , entertain this gentleman with all becoming thoughts of love , his merit ( out of no rash , but mature judgement , ) hath prevaild with me , to name him to the first and noblest place within your heart . ferd. untill this hour i never had the considence more than to think of love , and hide a flame that almost hath consum'd me . you may think it worth a smile , and that i flourish to shew my vanity of wit or language , but when you understand that i bring hither no young affection , but a love took in long since at my ambitious eye , it may beget your gentle thought , or will , to cure me . jac. pardon me , if the more you strive to print a truth on this short story of your passion , the more i find my self inclin'd to wonder , since you seem to inferre , you took in the disease at sight of me , i cannot be so ignorant , as not to have receiv'd your name and character , but never knew before , when you did grace us with a visit , and how then at such distance you contracted a danger so consuming , is above my knowledge , not my pittie , if you could direct me to the cure with virgin honor . car. so , so , i leave you to the amorous dialogue , presume you have my voice . jac. sir , with your pardon , you lead me to a wilderness , and take your self away , that should be guide ; do you engage me to affect this don fernando in earnest ? car. yes . jac. you did direct my love to don alberto . car. i dispence with that command ; you may by fair degrees , and honor , quit his addresses , and dispose your self mistris and bride to don ramyres heir . felis. it does not thus become you sir , to mock a virgin never injur'd you ; he is your elder brother , i am here beneath the levell of his thoughts , i' th' nature of a servant to my cosen , and depend upon my uncles charity . fran. may i be curst in my own affections , if i delude thee , though to atchieve our best desires we seem to dissemble thus before don carlos . this is a secret yet to poor jacinta . car. you have my will ; obey it . ja. hath francisco broken his faith already ? car. may you both joy , where you have plac'd your loves . you apply close francisco . exit fran. with your good favour , i fairly hope . ford. your father 's gone jacinta . ja. i should be equally pleas'd if you would leave me too . felis. this is a change . ja. unkind francisco hear me . fran. t is my meaning . brother i ha' prepard your story there with felisarda ; lose no time . ferd. jacinta , clear your thoughts agen , and pardon that i took a shape to fright you ; i shall not grieve to see francisco prosper , and merit all your favours , since my hopes must thrive , or have their funerall here . ja. are we so blest francisco ? th' ast a noble brother . ferd. i may suppose my brother , felisarda , hath made it now no secret , that i love you ; and since our stars have so contriv'd , that we have means to assist our mutuall ambitions , do not you make their influence unprofitable ; t is the first boldness i ere tooke to visit you , although my eyes have often with delight and satisfaction to my heart observ'd you . felis. you seem a noble gentleman , and can take but litle glory to undo a maid , whose fortunes cannot bring you any triumph . ferd. how mean you fairest ? felis. not to be flattered sir into a sin , to cure my poverty ; for men whose expectations are like yours , come not with honour to court such as i am , ( lost to the world for want of portion ) but with some untam'd heat of blood . fer. i dare with conscience of my pure intent , try what rudeness you find upon my lip , t is chast as the desires that breath upon my language . i began felisarda to affect thee by seeing thee at prayers , thy vertue wing'd loves arrow first , and 't were a sacrilege to choose thee now for sin , that hast a power to make this place a temple by thy innocence . i know thy poverty , and came not to bribe it against thy chastity ; if thou vouchsafe thy fair and honest love , it shall adorn my fortunes , which shall stoop to serve it in spight of friends or destiny . fran. my brother knows my whole interest in thee , to whom my fathers care directed him , but we thus mutually resolve to aid each other . ja. this must be wisely manag'd of all sides ; parents have narrow eyes . fran. our meeting thus will happily secure us from their jealousie ; our fathers must not know this countermarch . enter carlos . car. ha ; i like not this ; fernando at busie courtship with felisarda , and francisco so close with my daughter . jac. las we are betrai'd . felis. my unkle . ferd. you are her kinswoman , and of her bosom , i prethee in my absence , plead to fair jacinta for me ; as an earnest of my gratitude , accept this trifle from me . car. ha , 't is a jewell . felis. without this reward i should solicite sir your cause , and do my duty to ton carlos , who desires it . ferd. i take my leave . fran. madam , i shall be proud to call you sister , but you will prepare another happiness if you vouchsafe to speak for me to pretty felisarda , she 's bound to hear your counsel and obey it , if i may owe this favour to your charity . jacin. your goodness will deserve more . fran. i must follow him . exit . car. do you take notice felisarda , that you live here on the bounty of an unkle ? your father had but ill news from the indies . felis. sir , as your goodness wants no testimony , i shall attend it with all humble services . car. how durst you in the presence of my daughter , maintain such whispers with fernando , ha ? felis. sir , he was pleas'd � car. no more , i here discharge you . jacinta , i 'l provide one to attend you with less relation to your blood . i 'l hear of no defence , away � out of my dores . go to your father signior teodoro : his ships may rise agen were sunk by th' hollander , and fleet from st. thome , he may prefer you to some rich don , or who knows but you may , born on the plumes of his estate , be made in time a proud condessa , so adios mui illustre sennora felisarda . exit . ja. thus have i heard a tall ship has been wrack'd by some strange gust within the bay : his passion admits of no dispute . o my poor cose , i fear my turn is next to be an exile , thy absence must deprive me of francisco , who can no more glad his jacintas eyes , with a pretence to visit thee . felis. t is not my fear to suffer want so much afflicts me , as that i must lose you , but he returnes . enter carlos with a letter , and servant . car. don pedro de fuente calada comming hither , with don alberto , and my son ? serv. yes sir , the count desires to see jacinta whom your son has so commended , and sent me to give you notice . car. ha iacinta , retire to your closet , and put on your richest jewels , a count is come to visit you ; felisarda there may be some more art us'd in her dress , to take the eyes of greatness . iac. sir you speak as i were meant for sacrifice , or sale ; the count don pedro � car. no reply ; be carefull , and humble in your office felisarda , and you may live , and eat here , till iacinta provide another servant to attend her , which may be three whole dayes ; my anger is not everlasting ; bid my wife come to me . enter alsimira . i expect an honourable guest , the count don pedro , to see our daughter , whom i have commanded to appear with all her riches to attract him . alsi. if his intents be honourable , i have heard don pedro loves a hansom donna . car. he had better cool his hot blood i' the frosen sea , and rise thence a rock of adamant to draw more wonder to the north , than but attempt to wrong her chastity . enter don pedro , luys and alberto . this from don pedro is an honor binds the service of our lives . ped. noble don carlos . alsi. if we had been prepar'd , we should have met this grace with more becoming entertainment . ped. t is fair , and equall to my wishes , � she does smel of rosted garlick ; this your sister ? he kisses al. enter jacinta and felisarda . luys that is my mother , here is jacinta sir . ped. she has a tempting shape , i now am pleas'd . i use to kiss all ; hum a pretty thing ? to phelis . car. i like not his busie eyes on felisarda . alber. you will be faithfull to me ? luys who , i faithfull ? how shall i live else ? car. son luys . alber. madam . ped. will you be pleas'd admit don pedro , by the title of your servant , to presume somtime to wait upon you . jacin. it were pride and sawcy ambition sir in me , to think you can descend so much from your great birth , to own a name , and office so beneath you . ped. i that before thought women easie trifles , and things which nature meant only to quench high flames in man , am taken with this lady . luys thou hast wrong'd the fair jacinta , thy praise was thyn , and cold , spain is not rich enough to boast her equall : and i love her . luys oh she will be to proud to know it sir . ped. proud , she must be , whose eyes have such command . she has a pretty servant too , luys , i like 'em both . luys . how , both ? ped. they will do well , one for a wife , the other for a concubine . luys it will becom your high blood . ped. say i kiss her white hand , and present her with these pearls ? luys your honor shall command . ped. your daughter has a most magnetick face , and i pronounce her happy , your consent confirmes her mine . car. ther 's nothing in my blood , or fortune , but don pedro shall command . i was propheticall ? come hither alsimira , wouldst imagine ? hee 's taken with jacinta , and hath praid already my consent . alis. believe not all that great men speak are oracles , our daughter � car. if she be stubborn , uncreates her self , be you wise , and counsell her to this ambition , or thus i loose you all ; ha turn away , that faery shee s a witch , the count talks with her . alb. i hope you hold me not sir less deserving than when you gave me free access to plead my service to your daughter � if that don � car. sir you too much prejudicate my thoughts i must give due respects to men of honor , nor is it fit i should impose upon the freedom of jacintas love . alb. y' are noble . car. my lord . alb. i do not like this don . luys th' art of my mind , i do not like him neither , and yet the blackbirds in the bush , see what present be would give my sister . alb. did she refuse it ? luys i never mean she shall , what wrong my friend ? yet i 'l take all , and let him hang himself ; embraces him : if he would send his eyes , i would undertake to carry 'em to the ieweller , they would off , for pretty toadstones . have no fear , my mother is for you too , you must fee both your advocates . car. jacinta . jacin. sir . luys she takes her self much honor'd . ped. you oblige . luys let me alone to carry things . be confident to trust me with your honor , if it would pawn for any thing . [ aside ] iac. i 'm not perfect how to neglect alberto yet , and must i throw off fernando , but new entertain'd by your command ? the world will consure strangely . car. the world will praise thy wisdom , & my care ; or if some giddy tongues condemn what 's good , must wee be servile to that fear , and lose that which will make us judges of their folly , and damn it with a frown of state ? they 'r fooles that dote upon those shaddowes , idle talk , the slime of earth-worms , that doth shine to cosen infants , 't is fit wee raise our thoughts to substances . jac. let modesty and nature plead a little , if i appear not fond to entertain him . i may collect more strength by time and counsell , and for your satisfaction dare profess my lord hath too much grac'd the low jacinta with a pretence so noble , but i should be held not worth his person , and too light at his first breath of courtship to fall from my virgin strength , and give my self his captive . car. i shall alow that ceremony ; the count makes an address . ex alsi. felisard . ped. i must use thrift in my delight , my eyes are prowd , and must be taught by absence how to value such a mistris . i do miss the chambermaid . car. it will become me to attend . ex. alber . & jacin . ped. your pardon . i 'l take it for an honor , if your sonne be pleas'd � but to my coach ? luys . oh my good lord ! so much i am your creature , if you knew but where to match me , i would be your coach-horse . exe. pedro & luys . car. so , so , iacinta's starres do smile upon her , 't wil be a match , were but my son as fair in expectation of a bride , i 'd write nil ultra to my cares , he is to aery and volatile , a wife would timely fix him , and make him fit to manage my estate . enter luys . but he returnes , i 'l feel his pulse . luys , thou seest how near iacinta is to happiness . luys i did some office in 't , she may thank me . i first inspir'd his lordship . car. such a providence to build thy self a fortune by some brave and noble mariage would become thy study , and make thy father willingly resign his breath , with confidence to know thee wise to govern what my industry hath gatherd ; what think'st thou of a wife ? luys . i think little sir . what should i do with a wife ? car. imitate me , and study fame , and wealth to thy posterity . have i with care acquir'd such an estate , that must not last two generations ? luys . the way to make it last , is not to think of wiving ; for my part ( sir with your pardon , if i may speak freely ) i had opinion once i was your son , but fearing by your narrow exhibition you lov'd me not , i had a controversie within my thoughts , whether i should resolve to geld my self , or turn a begging frier . car. a begging frier ? luys t is as i tell you sir ; this last i fixt upon , and ha' been studying where i conveniently might raise a sum to compass a hair shirt sir , to make triall before i thrust my self point blank into the order . car. thus wild sons interpret still a prudent father ; but you may discharge your jealousies , unless it be your own devotion to be chast , and live a recluse . luys for that i can be ruld ; i ha' not liv'd after the rate of hating any women but i can hear of mariage , if it be your pleasure : but these wives sir are such tickle things , not one hardly staid amongst a thousand ; beside , unless you finde one very rich a man may cast a way himself , and get a bundle of beggeries , mouths , that day and night , are open like hell gates , to feed ; i would not hazard my freedom , and the blessings heaven has lent you sir , upon a wife with nothing . car. thy pension doubles for that word ; in earnest , how much i like this wisdom ; take this purse , i will have no account , and find me out a wealthy maid or widdow , but not ugly . luys no ? not ilfavourd sir , if she be rich ? a little old or crippel'd ? car. i wo'not ha'thee mary a crooked , deform'd thing , because she may have children � luys not , unless she have an infinit wealth to make 'em strait sir ; i 'le marry a witch so she have mony sir . car. no , on no terms a monster . luys then i wo'not . and now it comes into my mind , they talk of a young rich widdow , donna estifaniar , what do you think of her ? car. thou hast nam'd one to my own desires , she lives a widdow still , but she has refus'd many brave dons . luys . no matter , i like her sir the better . car. she gives good entertainment . luys i will have her if you but say the word . i wear a charm to catch a widdow ; but this purse will hardly last till we finish , i must do things with honor . car. thou shalt be furnish'd like my son ; kneel down and ask me blessing , i do long to give it thee . luys i have your blessing here . car. i le find thee out some jewells to present thy mistris too . luys 't wo'not be much amiss , the gold will go the farther sir . i know not how this exit car. came about , unless don pedros coming to my sister ha' made him mad , & wrought this miracle . how carefull he was i should not mary one deform'd , i ha' chose the hansomest things thus far , and i mary with a witch at these years , let the devill ride my wild mare to death ; and now i consider on 't i wo'not have the widdow , for fear o' th' worst , yet i 'l to her , and make a business on 't to keep the old mans baggs in motion ; this with some good husbandry , and no play , may last a fortnight , t is very gold : yes , it will pay some scores , maintaine my negro , and a brace of whores . now fiddles do your worst . exit .
act iii . enter ramyres , fernando . ramy. how , no success ? where lies the opposition ? don carlos equall with my self profest his free desires , and to dispose his daughter to meet thee with all loving entertainments . what can she argue to thy birth , or person , attended with so plentifull a fortune ? i must believe thy courtship dull and faulty : when i was at thy years and spring of blood i wound my self like air among the ladies , commanding every bosom , and could dwell upon their lips like their own breath , their eyes doubled their beams on me , and she that was of hardest composition , whom no love could soften , when i came with charm of language , her frost would strait dissolve , and from her eyes her heart came weeping forth to woo me take it . ferd. yet you that did with a magnetick chain attract so many , could possess but one ; i came not to don carlos house with cold or lukewarm thoughts , but arm'd with active fire that would have melted any heart but hers , bound up with ribs of treble ice against me , by which i found there is another fate that governs love , against whose secret doom in vain is eloquence or force . ra. so obstinate ? ferd. nothing that i could say in my own cause , could make her tongue or looks promise an expectation to thrive by any after service , this disdain i did resent , as it became my honor , and now confirm'd against her pride , have thought of somthing , that with your consent , may tame her scorn , or punish it to her repentance . ra. name it . ferd. she has a kinswoman lives with her , felisarda daughter to signior teodore , a trade fall'n merchant , brother to don carlos , this felis. that now lives on the charity of her uncle , half servant , half companion to iacinta , and fair , i would pretend to love , observe me sir , and in their presence court her as my mistris ; me thinks i see already how iacinta doth fret and frown . ra. i like it well . ferd. to see her cosen so prefer'd , it is the nature fir of women to be vext when they know any of their servants court another , and that love they thought not worth their own reward , will sting 'em to the soul , vvhen ti 's translated where it meets with love , and this will either break her stubborn heart , or humble her . ra. but what if this pretence , by such degrees convay avvay your heart , that when jacinta comes to sense , you cannot retrive your passion from the last , or say felisarda should believe you , and give up her heart to your possession , when you are by your first desires invited back , what cure for felisardas wound , if you affect her not ? although i like that part of your revenge , i would not have my son carry the hated brand of cruelty , or hear fernando broke a ladies heart ; but live upon his clear , and honest truth , and if jacinta have not valued him , find his own estimation in some other by fair and noble courtship ; virtue is above the gaudy shine of gold ; and if my son love where his honor cannot suffer , the want of dower , i can forgive . ferd. you now , read exc'lent charity , and like a father , it is the harmony i would hear , i chide my fears that did suspect you would prefer wealth in a bride ; there is no beauty , or estate , compar'd to that resulteth from the soul ; i dare now ope this narrow closet , and present the name i love above the world , it is sir felisarda , equall in her blood , within whose vertuous poverty more treasures are containd , than in those veins of earth , which opend by our slaves , do bleed such floods of gold into the lap of spain . pardon my long concealment of her name , t was sin against your virtue , and once more speak in that blessed language , i may hope to call this virgin mine . ra. how long have you been taken with this female holiness ? ferd. before jacinta was propounded , this took firm possession of my faith . ra. thou hast discoverd thy destruction , foolish boy . was this your policy to be reveng'd upon jacinta , whom my providence elected to preserve our name and family , to dote upon a begger ? thou hast flung a fire into my brain ; either resolve to perfect my commands , and throwing off that trifle thou hast prais'd , prefer jacinta to the best seat within thy hart , and marry her or live a stranger to me , and divested of all those rights ; which nature , and thy birth have flatter'd thee with hope to find ; expect not alive , the stipend of a groom to feed thee , nor dead , the naked charity of a shroud to hide thee from the worms . ferd. o sir , call back that murdering sentence , it were sin to let this passion dvvell upon you , nor vvould heaven , whose eyes survey our frailty , suffer so vvild a rage possesse you . ra t is vvithin thy ovvn obedience to divert it . ferd. when you have heard vvhat i can say more , you vvill chide your fierce command . ra. what riddles this ? ferd. jacinta is already made anothers , and my force upon her vowes , can be no less than sacrilege . ra. this is some nevv pretence . ferd sir , not to vvast your patience , she hath given her self by holy contract to francisco . ra. thy younger brother ? ferd. this i knovv vvill calm your fury , and those eyes that threatend lightning vvith smiles applaud franciscos fate , and praise my disobedience . ra. franciscos mistris ? ferd. his wife confirm'd by vows , & change of hearts , i had it from themselves , when either strove whose circumstance should credit most their story , her tear or his conclusive groan , to seal their mariage , but both were equall sir , what curse had i deserv'd , that should divorce this innocent pair of lovers ? ra. all this talk which foolish thou interpret'st thy defence , hath but inlarg'd thy folly , and that act which in francisco i commend , upbraides thy own degenerate baseness : shall thy brother who carries all his portion in his blood look high , and carefull of his honor aim at fortunes , and with confidence atchieve his glorious end , and shall his elder brother ingag'd by nearest tye to advance his name , lye beating in the common tract of guls , and sacrifice his birth and expectations to a cozening face , and poverty ? instead of adding mon'ments , that to the world should be his living chronicle , to bury his own , and all the antique honors ( he ne'r sweat for , but were cast into his blood ) within a dunghill ? thou hast forfeited thy birthright , which francisco shall inherit , nor shall the loss of my estate be all thy punishment ; hear and believe with horror , if thou renounce not her that hath bewitch'd thy heart , felisarda , and by such a choice i shall affect , redeem this scandall nobly , fernando from this minute i pronounce heir to his fathers curse ; be vvise or perish . exit . ra. ferd. why does not all the stock of thunder fall ? enter francisco . or the fierce winds from their close caves , let loose , now shake me into atoms ? fran. fy noble brother , what can so deject your masculine thoughts ? is this don like fernando ! whose resolute soul so late was arm'd to fight with all the miseries of man , and triumph with patience of a martyr ? i observ'd my father late come from you . ferd. yes francisco , he hath left his curse upon me . fran. how ? ferd. his curse , dost comprehend what that word caryes shot from a fathers angry breath ? unless i tear poor felisarda from my heart , he hath pronounc'd me heir to all his curses . does this fright thee francisco ? thou hast cause to dance in soul for this , t is only i must lose , and mourn , thou shalt have all , i am degraded from my birth , while he affects thy forward youth , and only calls thee son , son of his active spirit , and applauds thy progress with jacinta , in whose smiles thou maist see all thy wishes waiting for thee , whilst poor fernando for her sake must stand an excommunicate from every blessing , a thing that dare not give my self a name , but flung into the worlds necessities , untill in time with wonder of my wants i turn a ragged statue , on whose forehead each clown may carve his motto . fran. will it call his blessing back if you can quit your love to felisarda ? she is now a stranger to her unkles house , i met one of his servants who told me on some jealous apprehension , don carlos had discharg'd and banish'd her . ferd. he could not be so barbarous . fran. you know her fathers poverty . ferd. and her wealth of virtue . fran. it is worth your counsell , to examin what you may preserve , if wisely you could perswade your heart to love some nother � ferd. what was 't francisco said ? fran. whose equall birth , and virtues , may invite a noble change . ferd. do not you love jacinta ? fran. most religiously . ferd. if you can but contrive your hearts at distance and in contempt of honor , and your faith sacred to heaven , and love , disclaim your mistris , i may be happy yet , what say ? i know jacinta's wise , and when she understands how much it will advance , her charity � fra. our case is not the same with your's good brother wee have been long acquainted , to contract affections , if i understand , your loves are young , and had no time for growth . ferd. do not wound me . t is false , by love it self thou hast deserv'd ' i should forget thee now ; dost thou consider love , ( that doth make all harmony in our soul , and seated in that noblest place of life , the heart ) with things that are the slaves of time , and that like common seedes , thrown into earth , it must have leisure to corrupt , and after much expectation , rise to name and vigor . love is not like the child that grows , and gets by slow degrees perfection , but created like the first man , at full strength the first minute , it makes a noble choice , and gains from time to be call'd only constant , not increas'd . preserve thy own affections , and think mine noble as they , i shall suspect thy love to me else ; prethee leave me . fran. i 'l obey , and study how to serve you . exit . enter felisarda . ferd. ha , t is felisarda . felis. turnd out like one that had been false , where shall poor felisarda wander ? were it not to ask a fathers blessing , i would visit some wilderness , e'r thus present my self his burden and his sorrow . enter pedro . ped. had you no relation to jacinta pretty one ? felis. i was her servant . ped. come , you shall be my mistris ; they have us'd thee scurvily , i will provide thee a lodging . felis. i shall not use your bounty sir for that . ped. thou art a hansom dona , here 's a pistolet , meet me i' th' evening , wot ? felis. where , and for what ? ped. the where , at thy own choice , the what , thy honor . felis. you are not noble . ped. don pedro will embrace thy buxom body . ferd. you must unhand this virgin . felis. for goodness sir , add not your anger to my sufferings . unhappy felisarda . ped. is she a friend of yours signior ? ferd. she is not for your sinfull knowledge don . ped. baser los manos , adios signiora . diabolo ! my blood is high and hot , unless i marry timely , i must seek out a female julip . exit . felis. don carlo's fear of you was my first error , but i accept my banishment , and shall humble my self to my poor fathers fortune ; you will be sir dishonour'd to be seen wich such a walking mistry . ferd. thy unkle hath plaid the tyrant with thee , but lose not thy vertuous courage ; how our stories meet and challenge kindred in affliction ! oh felisarda ! i do suffer too , and for thy sake , thou shalt know more ; til i salute thee at thy fathers house , preserve good thoughts of thy fernando , and accept this litle gold , no bribe against thy honor . felis. my best return must be , my prayers . exit . ferd. farewell . t is not impossible my father may retract his cruelty , and by time , and some discreet wayes yet be wrought to like , what now his passion wo'not let him see , her virtue . how many seas are met to wrastle here ? exit . enter jacinta and alberto . iac. i love you sir so well , that i could wish you were a witch ; alb. a witch , your reason lady ? ja. then t were within the circle of your art by some device to rid me of don pedro , or if you could by any spell but get my father disaffect him � alber. a witch ? that 's a way about , i were best cut his throat a little . jac. you 're much beholding to my brother sir , he still commends you ; such an advocate deserves his fee . alb. unles my cause succeed he has been feed too much ; your brother , lady , preserves a noble friendship ; if i were sure you would be mine jacinta , i could tarry till your father dye iac. but how can you procure don pedro to have patience so long , whom my father pleads for and prefers ? alber. there , ther 's the mischief , i must poison him ; one fig sends him to erebus , t is in your power and wit to spin out time , i may invent a means for his conveyance . ha! enter carlos , estefania , luys . ia. the lady estefania . car. welcome again , this is an honour to us , where 's iacinta ? salute this noble lady . ha , luys , hast thou prevail'd already ? luys i 'm i' th' way you see , she has not been observ'd they say to walk so freely with some men that boast more favour . enter pedro . ped. what makes the lady estefania here ? i like not their converse , this day is ominous . exit . car. was 't not the count don pedro that retird ? vvhat object here displeas'd him ? alber. ha , ha , didst see the don ? car. preserve your mirth � i must be satisfied . exit . luys i 'l lay a thousand ducats that my costive don has been tampering with my vviddow , i observ'd ( when i by chance let fall discourse ) how much he was an amorous servant to iacinta , she chang'd her colour and did make such business how my sister did affect him , that i may guess , though i make use on 't otherwise to the old man , to keep the pulses of his purse in play , she came to examin chiefly how matters here proceeded ; well , if she love him � alber. shee is thy mistris . luys my mistris ? yes , but any man shall mary her . alb. how ? luys . she is a widdovv , don , consider that , has buried one vvas thought a hercules , tvvo cubits taller , and a man that cut three inches deeper in the say , than i , consider that too , she may be cock a tvventy , nay for ought i knovv she is immortall . alb. what dost vvith her ? luys faith nothing yet , and have but little hope , i think shee 's honest . alb. do's she love thee ? luys at her ovvn perill , vv' are not come to articles ; there is no vvit in vviving , give me a vvhore ; but that i ovv thee money , thou shouldst never marry my sister neither ? alb. not jacinta ? luys no , nor any other simpering piece of honesty , if i might counsell thee , vvhile any vvench were extant , and the stewes inhabited ; is 't fit , a freeborn gentleman should be chain'd tenant for life to one ? hang mariage shackles , ty the tovvn buls to 'th stake , vve must have concubins . jac. don pedro vvas too blame , and trust me madam he shall find nothing here t' advance his triumph . estef. you are virtuous jacinta ; i presum'd when i should land my sufferings on your knovvledge , you vvould excuse my unexpected visit . jac. my brother has been just in the relation hovv he pursues my love , but i shall be happy to serve your justice , and must tell the noble estefania , my heart , by all that love can teach to bind a faith , is plac'd vvhere it shall never injure vvhat your mutuall vovvs contracted ; i smile not with mine ovvn eyes upon him , 't is my fathers severe command to love him , but this story cleer'd to my father vvould secure us both . estef. if any faith or service in me can deserve this goodness , cheerfully employ it . jac. i will be confident to use your virtue . enter carlos . estef. i will refuse no office . jac. my father comes most aptly . alb. ha , ha , ha , have pitty on my spleen , i shall crack a rib else , ha , ha , ha . car. you are very mery , don alberto ; son , you may be of the counsell too , this house is mine i take it , i advise you would frequent it less . alb. how sir ? car. i do not like your visits , and to remove the cause , my daughter is already sir dispos'd , to one above your birth and fortune , so fare-you-well . you understand , now laugh and pick your teeth . daughter � alb. did you hear this luys ? luys i , the old man raves . alber. must not frequent his house . luys would 't were in a flame , so his mony and i were out on 't . alb. but thy sister � luys would be refin'd i' th' fire , let her burn too . alb. my friend , if i have not jacinta , there are certain sums of money � luys i am not of your mind don , the sums are most uncertain . come , you did laugh too loud , my father is a stoick , but despair not ; go to your lodging , i 'l see thee anon , and either bring thee money or else some reasons why i do not bring it , we won't go to law , i 'l pawn the widdow rather than thou shalt want ; go say thy prayers , and shew thy teeth no more , till i come to thee . now the business here ? exit alber . car. wee have agreed jacinta , and he to morrow privately will at the church expect thee ; t is an age till i salute the bride to this great don , whose thoughts are wing'd t' enjoy thee , and resolve no more delay , prepare to meet this honor . luys to morrow ? this must be crost . car. my next ambition madam will be perfect to call you by some nearer name ; my son � est. is a most noble gentleman , i know not where lives so clear a merit . luys . oh sweet madam . car. jacinta . luys i have a sute to you . est. to me ? luys only that you would not dote too much upon me , a gentle easie sober pace in love goes far , and is much better than a gallop ; if you please we may hold one another in hand , and love this seaven yeares , without sealing and delivering . est. with all my heart . luys you 'l do me a pleasure madam . est. you instruct well . luys this courtship is not common . est. i confess it . car. son luys . luys sir . car. let her not cool . luys and she do , i know the way to heat her again . est. i will not yet reveal my abuse iacinta , and if you please to favor a design , i have a plot may serve to both our happiness . jac. i 'l obey . there is a trembling in my heart . car. you must not leave us yet madam . est. you may command me . luys my don so rampart , ther 's somthing in this pannier shall spoil your match to morow ; don alberto , when i disclose , shall worship me : be drunk , cancell arreers , and beg to lend more money . exe :
act iv. enter ramyres , francisce & notarie . ra. 't is most exactly done , and firm . notar. i could , omiting or inserting but a word , or particle , trouble the whole conveyance , and make work for the law till doom's-day : but � fran. is 't possible ? notar you do not know the quirks of a scrivano , a dash undoes a family , a point , an artificiall accent i' t'h wrong place , shall poyson an estate , translate your land in spain now into either of both indies , in less time than our gallions of plate are sayling hither ; but you are my friend , and noble benefactor . ramy. ther 's more for your reward . notar. i humbly thank you signior . su criado . fran. farewell . notar. su servidor . exit . ramy. this deed makes thee my heir francisce , and will like a powerfull spell upon don carlos , whose soul is superstitious upon wealth , win his consent to make iacinta thine . fran. sir , i cannot say my duty shall deserve it since nature , and religion , without all this bounty challenges my best obedience . enter fernando . ramy away , thy sight is my disease . fer. your blessing sir i kneel for . ramy. what impudence is this ? wilt thou subscribe to take off mine , thy curse on felisarda ? for i do hate her heartily ; disclaim all promise , contract , or converse for ever , i 'm else inexorable . fer. sir . ramy. his eyes shoot poyson at me , ha ? he has bewitched me sure , what coldness thus invades me ? ther 's somthing creeping to my heart . franscisco ? ha ? possess this gift of thy inheritance ; convey me to my chamber , oh � fernando , if thou dost hope i should take off my curse , do not approach my sight , unless i send for thee . fran. forbear good brother ; diego , roderigo , your hands t' assist my father , one go for his physician . enter two servants . fer this turn is fatall , and affrights me , but heaven has more charity than to let him die with such a hard heart , 't were a sin , next his want of compassion , to suspect he can take his eternall flight and leave fernando this desperate legacie , he will change the curse into some little prayer i hope , and then � enter servant and physician . serv. make hast i beseech you doctor . phys. noble fernando . fer. as you would have men think your art is meant not to abuse mankind , employ it all to cure my poor sick father . phis. fear it not sir . ex. phys. serv. fer. but there is more than your thin skill requir'd to state a health , your recipes perplex't with tough names , are but mockeries , and noise , without some dew from heaven , to mix and make 'em enter servant . thrive , in the application : what now ? ser. oh sir , i am sent for the confessor , the doctor fears him much , your brother saies you must have patience , and not enter sir ; your father is a going , good old man , and having made him heir , is loth your presence should interrupt his journey . exit . fer. francisco may be honest , yet me thinks it would become his love to interpose for my access , at such a needfull hour , and mediate for my blessing , not assist unkindly thus my banishment . i 'l not be lost so tamely , shall my father dye and not fernando take his leave � i dare not . if thou dost hope i should take off this curse , do not approach untill i send � 't was so , and 't is a law that binds above my blood . enter confessor and servant . make hast good father , and if heaven deny him life , let not his charity dye too . one curse may sink us both , say how i kneel and beg he would bequeath me but his blessing ; then though francisco be his heir , i shall live happy , and take comfort in my tears , when i remember him so kind a father . confes. it is my duty . exit . fer. do your holy office . those fond philosophers that magnifie our human nature , and did boast wee had such a prerogative in our rationall soul , converst but little with the world , confin'd to cells , and unfrequented woods , they knew not the fierce vexation of community , else they had taught , our reason is our loss , and but a priviledge that exceedeth sense , by nearer apprehension , of what wounds , to know our selves most miserable . my heart enter physician and francisco . is teeming with new fears � ha , is he dead ? phy. not dead , but in a desperate condition , and so that little breath remaines wee have remitted to his confessor , whose office is all that 's left . fran. is there no hope of life then ? phys. none . fer. is he not mercifull to fernando yet ? no talk of me phys. i find he takes no pleasure to hear you nam'd : francisco to us all he did confirm his heir , with many blessings . fer. and not one left for me ? oh take me in thou gentle earth , and let me creep through all thy dark and hollow crannies , till i find another way to come into the world , for all the air i breath-in here is poyson'd . fran wee must have patience brother , it was no ambitious thought of mine to supplant you ; he may live yet , and you be reconcil'd . fer. that was some kindness yet francisco ; but i charge thee by the nearness of our blood , when i am made this mockery , and wonder , i know not where to find out charity , if unawares a chance direct my weary and wither'd feet to some fair house of thine , where plenty with full blessings crowns thy table , if my thin face betray my want of food , do not despise me , cause ' i was thy brother . inter confessor . fran. leave these imagin'd horrors , i must not live when my brother is thus miserable . fer. ther 's somthing in that face looks comfortably . confes. your father sir is dead , his will to make francisco the sole master of his fortunes is now irrevocable , a small pension he hath given you for life , which with his blessing is all the benefit i bring . fer. ha , blessing ; speak it agen good father . confes. i did apply some lenitives to soften his anger , and prevail'd ; your father hath revers'd that heavy censure of his curse , and in the place bequeath'd his prayer and blessing . fer. i am new created by his charity . confes. some ceremonies are behind , he did desire to be interr'd within our covent , and left his sepulture to me , i am confident your pieties will give me leave � fran. his will in all things i obey , and yours most reverend father ; order as you please his body ; wee may after celebrate with all due obsequies his funerall . fer. why you alone obey ? i am your brother : my fathers eldest son , though not his heir . fran. it pleas'd my father sir to think me worthy of such a title , you shall find me kind , if you can look on matters without envie . fer. if i can look on matters without envie ? fran. you may live here still . per. i may live here francisco ? enter a gentleman with a letter conditions ? i would not understand this dialect . fran. with me , from madam estefania ? gent. if you be signior francisco . fer. sleighted ? i find my father was not dead till now . croud not you jealous thoughts so thick into my brain , lest you do tempt me to an act will forfeit all agen . fran. this is jacintas character [ reads ] � fail not to meet as you timely will prevent the danger of my rape . my soul ! estefania can instruct you all particulars � my service to your lady , say i shall obey her commands . exit gent. fer. is that an inventory you peruse ? fran. fernando you must pardon me , ther 's somthing of essence to my life , exacts my care , and person , i must leave you , we may seasonably confer of things at my return . jacinta . exit . fer. t is clear i am neglected , he did name jacinta too , in triumph , and is gone , big with his glories to divide 'em there , and laugh at what my constant love hath made me . my heart is in a storm , and day growes black , ther 's not a star in heaven will lend a beam to light me to my ruine . felisarda ! that name is both my haven , and my shipwrack . exit . enter alberto and luys . alb. excellent . luys you 'l give me now a generall release for all the sums i ow you ? alb. thou hast blest me . luys . i was born to do you good ; about it presently now you know where to ambush , away i say and get comrads : jacinta and my mother is all the carriage , you may know the coach by the old womans cough ere it come neer you . she has a desperate malice to one tooth left still in her gums , till she has shook that out ; you wo'not need a warning peece , farewell . alb. farewel , why what 's the matter ? you shanot leave me ; thy mother wo'not know thee in a visard . luys . you must excuse me friend , i would joyn w' ee i' th ' surprise , but that � alb. what i prethee ? luys . i have extraordinary business , that concerns me as neer as life . alb. may not i know 't ? thou art going to the widdow now , thy mistris . lu. t is a business of more consequence ; dost think i would leave thee , and there were not such a necessity ? alb. for what ? luys . and there were no more sisters in the world , you must excuse me . alb. nay , nay , we must not part , unless i know this mystery , some reason vvhy you leave me . luys . if you vvill needs knovv , there 's a vvench staies for me , the toy i told thee on ; farevvell alberto . alb. but vvill you leave such business and a friend ? luys . business ? art thou a gentleman & vvouldst have me leave a ladie i ha'not seen this three year for business or a friend ? i must to her ; if i had a heart ten tun of iron , this female adamant vvould dravv it to her , i feel it going ; i do tell thee don , there is no business so materiall in nature as a vvench , and if thou art my friend thou vvouldst leave my sister novv in such a cause and bear me company , i must be drunk , and she must pick my pocket too , that is another secret vvhen vve meet together that never failes . alb. why art thou desperate ? dost not thou fear thy body ? luys a wench is physick my body has been us'd too , leave thy prating , and let me take my course . alb. and you be so resolute � luys i must give you one advice before you go ; vvhen my sister 's in thy custody , observe the time and place , and things convenient , and stand not fooling about ceremonies but put her to 't . alb. thou wouldst not have me ravish her ? luys . yes but i would , shee 's no sister of mine if she cry out for such a business , she has more wit . alb. vvas ever such a mad-cap . luys i 'l not pray for thee . alb. i sha'not prosper if thou dost . luys thy hand , i le drink thy health , & hang thy self . farewell . exeunt . enter iacinta and estefania . iac. you tell me wonders madam , don ramyres dead , his son fernando disinherited , and young francisco made his heir ? fstef. i took franciscos word . jac. t is strange . estef. your stars smile on you . iac. yet i much pitty the poor gentleman . est. busie your thought about your own , francisco � ia. hath promis'd not to fail ? est. he waits where he can easily observe how soon the coast is clear to visit you . ja. so , so , thus hooded the day cannot distinguish our two faces , and for your voice , you know how to disguize it by imitation of my cold and hoarseness , and when you come to church � este. let me alone , there i 'l produce the contract , which will surprise don pedro , and your father , to see me challenge him , i ha' prepar'd the priest too , whose holy eloquence may assist , how ever this will give you opportunity to perfect your wishes with your servant , put the rest to fate jacinta . jac. i hear some approach , retire into my closet . � enter carlos and pedro . car. jacinta . jac. sir . car. not thy voice recover'd ? ja. a violent cold � car. count pedro must salute you ere we go . pedro. impute it to devotion , that i make such hast to be within thy armes , one kiss and i shall carry with me another soul , and count with joy the minutes i am to expect this happiness . car. jacinta you follow with your mother in the coach ; my lord i wait you . ped ther 's heaven upon her lip . iac. he has kist , and took his leave i hope . enter estefania . i must owe all my happiness to you sweet madam , i had been lost without your art to help me . este love wo'not leave his votaries . cough within . exit . iac. i hear my mothers cough , i ha' finish'd and you must act your part : enter alsimira . als. come are you ready daughter ? the coach stayes . esty. i attend alsi. don pedro will cure your cold before the morning . enter francisco and takes away iacinta . enter teodore and felisarda . teo. what duty felisarda shall we pay to heaven for this last care of us ? let not thy eyes , although thy grief become 'em , be in love with tears , i prophesie a joy shall weigh down all our sufferings , i see comfort break like day , whose forehead chears the world ; if don fernando love thee , he is a gentleman , confirm'd in all that 's honorable , and cannot forget whom his own vertue hath made choice to shine upon . felis. unless my innocence , apt to believe a flattering tongue , see not the serpent couch , and hide his speckled brest among the flowers ; but it were sin to think he can dissemble , father , and i know not , since i was first the object of his charity , i find a pious gratitude disperse within my soul , and every thought of him engenders a warm sigh within me , which like curles of holy incense overtake each other in my bosom , and enlarge with their embrace his sweet remembrance . teo. cherish those thoughts , and where such noble worth invites , be bold to call it love . felis. it is too much ambition to hope he should be just to me , or keep his honor , when i look on the pale complexion of my wants ; and yet vnless he loves me dearly , i am lost , and if he have but mock'd me into faith , he might as well have murdered me , for i shall have no heart to live , if his neglect deface what my affection printed there . teo. there is no feare of his revolt , lose not his character . i must attend some business . if don fernando visit thee , preserve his fair opinion , and thou maist live above thy uncles pitty . felis. will you leave me ? teo. my stay shall not be long ; the garden will with smiling flowres encourage thee to walk , and raise thy drooping eyes , with hope to see a spring like theirs , upon thee . exit . felis. why should i give any entertainment to my fears ? suspicions are but like the shape of clouds , and idle forms i' th' air , we make to fright us . i will admit no jealous thought to wound fernandos truth , but with that chearfullness , my own first clear intents to honour him can arm me with , expect to meet his faith as noble as he promis'd � ha! t is he . enter fernando . my poor heart trembles like a timerous leaf , which the wind shakes upon his sickly stalk , and frights into a palsey . fer. felisarda ! felis. shall i want fortitude to bid him welcome ? sir , if you think there is a heart alive that can be gratefull , and with humble thoughts , and prayers reward your piety , despite not the offer of it here ; you have not cast your bounty on a rock , while the seeds thrive where you did place your charity ; my joy may seem ill drest to come like sorrow thus , but you may see through every tear , and find my eyes meant innocence , and your hearty welcome . fer. who did prepare thee felisarda thus to entertain me weeping ? sure our soules meet and converse , and we not know 't ; there is such beauty in that watry circle , i am fearfull to come neer , and breath a kiss upon thy cheek , lest i pollute that cristall , and yet i must salute thee , and i dare with one warm sigh meet , and dry up this sorrow . felis. i shall forget all misery ; for when i look upon the world , and race of men , i find 'em proud , and all so unacquainted with pitty to such miserable things as poverty hath made us , that i must conclude you sent from heaven . fer. oh do not flatter thy self poor felisarda ; i 'm mortall , the life i bear about me is not mine , but borrow'd to come to thee once again , and ere i go , to clear how much i love thee � but first i have a story to deliver , a tale will make thee sad , but i must tell it , there is one dead that lov'd thee not . felis. one dead that lov'd not me ? this carries fir in nature no killing sound ; i shall be sad to know i did deserve an enemy , or he want a charity at death . fer. thy cruell enemy , and my best friend , hath took eternall leave and 's gone , to heaven i hope , excuse my tears , it is a tribute i must pay his memory , for i did love my father . felis. ha! your father ? fer. yes felisarda , he is gone , that in the morning promis'd many years , but death hath in few hours made him as stiff , as all the winds , and winter , had thrown cold upon him , and wisper'd him to marble . felis. now trust me , my heart weepes for him , but i understand not hovv i vvas concern'd in his displeasure ; and in such height as you profess . fer. he did command me on his blessing to forsake thee ; was 't not a cruell precept , to inforce the soul , and curse his son for honest love ? felis. this is a wound indeed . fer. but not so mortall ; for his last breath was balsom pour'd upon it , by which he did reverse his malediction ; and i that groan'd beneath the weight of that anathema , sunk almost to despair , where night and heavy shades hung round about me , found my self rising like the morning star to view the world . felis. never i hope to be eclips'd agen . fer. this was a welcom blessing . fe. heaven had a care of both ; my joyes are mighty . vouchsafe me sir your pardon if i blush and say i love , but rather than the peace that should preserve your bosom , suffer for my sake , 't were better i were dead . fer. no , live . and live for ever happy , thou deserved'st it . it is fernando doth make hast to sleep in his forgotten dust . felis. those accents did not sound so cheerfully . fer. dost love me ? felis. sir . fer. do not , i prethee do not , i am lost , alas i am no more fernando , there is nothing but the empty name of him that did betray thee , place a guard about thy heart be time , i am not worth this sweetness . felis. did not fernando speak all this ? alas he knew that i was poor before , and needed not despise me now for that . fer. desert me goodness when i upbraid thy wants . 't is i am poor , for i ha' not a stock in all the world of so much dust , as would contrive one narrow cabin to shroud a worm ; my dying father hath given away my birthright to francisco , i 'm disinherited , thrown out of all , but the small earth i borrow , thus to walk on ; and having nothing left , i come to kiss thee , and take my everlasting leave of thee too . farewell , this will perswade thee to consent to my eternall absence . felis. i must beseech you stay a little sir , and clear my faith . hath your displeased father depriv'd you then of all , and made francisco the lord of your inheritance , without hope to be repair'd in fortune ? fer. 't is sad truth . felis. this is a happiness i did not look for . fer. a happiness ? felis. yes sir , a happiness . fer. can felisarda take delight to hear what hath undone her servant ? felis. heaven avert it . but 't is not worth my grief to be assur'd that this will bring me nearer now to him whom i most honor of the world ; and t is my pride , if you exceed me not in fortune , that i can boast my heart , as high , and rich , with noble flame , and every way your equall , and if you be as poor as i fernando , i can deserve you now , and love you more than when your expectation carried all the pride and blossoms of the spring upon it . fer. those shadowes will not feed more than our fancies ; two poverties will keep but a thin table ; and while wee dream of this high nourishment , wee do but starve more gloriously . felis. 't is ease . and wealth first taught us art to surfet by ; nature is wise , not costly , and will spread a table for us in the wilderness ; and the kind earth keep us alive , and healthfull , with what her bosom doth invite us to ; the brooks , not there suspected as the wine that somtime princes quaff , are all transparent , and with their pretty murmurs call to tast 'em . in every tree a chorister to sing health to our loves , our lives shall there be free as the first knowledge was from sin , and all our dreams as innocent . fer. oh felisarda ? if thou didst own less virtue , i might prove unkind and marry thee , but being so rich in goodness , it becomes me not to bring one that is poor , in every vvorth , to vvast so excellent a dower , be free , and meet one that hath wealth to cherish it , i shall undo thee quite , but pray for me , as i , that thou maist change for a more happy bridgroom ; i dare as soon be guilty of my death , as make thee miserable by expecting me . farwell , and do not wrong my soul , to think that any storm could separate us two , but that i have no fortune now to serve thee . felis. this will be no exception sir , i hope , when wee are both dead , yet our bodies may be cold , and strangers in the winding sheet ; we shall be married when our spirits meets . exeunt .
act v. enter carlos , pedro . pe. your daughter does not use me well don carlos . car. i know not what to think , some great misfortune must be the cause . ped. not yet appear ? they might , and they had crept like tortoyses , ariv'd before this time . car. there is some strange disaster . ped. the coach orethrown , and both their lives endanger'd , can but excuse 'm . enter alsimira . oh my lord , don carlos . ped. the tragick voice of women stricks mine eare . car. alsimira ? ped. madam . car. where is our daughter ? alsi. my fear almost distracts me , she is gone , stoln , ravish'd from me . ped. ha . alst. an armed troop in visards forc'd her from my coach ; and heaven knows where they have hurried the poor jacinta . car. a troop of armed devils . ped. let them be a legion , they are all damn'd . al. nay they were men and mortall sure . ped. i w'on'ot leave one soul amongst them all . car. mine is in torment . i' th' hope & height of my ambition to be thus cros'd ! how scap'd you ? alsi. alas i was not young enough , i offer'd my self to bear her company , and suffer as much as she did , but one boysterous fellow with a starch'd voice , and a worse vizard , took me just here above my sciatica , and quoited me into the coach agen upon my head , i had alarum in 't for half an hour , and so i scap'd with life . ped. did they use her with any rigor ? alsi. to say truth they were gentle enough to her . ped. that mollifies . and they may live . car. hell overtake 'em , le ts return , they had better committed incest , than this rape . ped. they had better ravish'd proserpine before don lucifer's own face . i am all fury . exeunt . enter alberto and estefania . alb. pardon my dear jacinta , it was love that threw me on this act , i had no patience to see thee forc'd into a mariage by a covetous father , whose devotion is only wealth and title ; i esteem no danger , if at last the fair jacinta smile and allow this duty ; let not silence deprive me longer of thy voice , whose every accent will please , though it pronounce my sentence ; there 's death in this eclipss too , sweet dismiss thy ungentle veil , and let thy eyes make bright this melancholy air , that droops and dies for want of thy restoring beams . est. now sir , what think you of your mistris ? al. you are the lady estefania i take it . est. yes , you did take me from the coach alberto but by a consequence i find , you thought jacinta in your power , i could have told you , had you discover'd sooner what you were , where to have found your mistris , but shee 's now above your hope , and by the priest ere this made wife to don francisco . alb. to don pedro ? est. it was not fir impossible that i ( had not your violence prevented me ) ( by a plot between jacinta and my self , to take her place and person in the coach ) had by this time been married to count pedro , whom i have povver and justice sir to challenge if contracts carry weight . al. have i so long ly'n beating at the bush , and is the bird fled to francisco ? est. i should shew i had a passion sir , and sense of this captivity , but that i find 't was error , and not will lead you to this ; and your own loss now made irreparable , helpes to tye up my anger . al. madam , i must confess a wrong , and dare submit to let your anger punish me , for i despise my self , now i have lost my expectation , and if you please to think i had no malice in this act to you , you can propose no satisfaction i shall esteem a penance to repair you , as far as my poor life , if you 'l direct it . est. 't is nobly promis'd sir . you shall redeem in my thoughts what is past , if you be pleas'd to make my stay no longer here ; i have no desperate aim to make don pedro yet know how to right me , or make publick what should bind his honor to perform . al. was not luys madam entertain'd your servant ? est. i shall make known the story if you walk but to don carlos house . al. you shall command me . exeunt . enter carlos , alsimira , and servant . car. no newes yet of jacinta ? al. none . car. he must not live in spain , nor in the world , if my revenge can overtake him , that has stoln my daughter ; could you not by voice or habit guess at the ravisher ? ye are traitors all . alsi. now i consider better , i suspect alberto one of the conspiracie , some voice did sound like his . you know he lov'd her . car. ha! alberto ? alsi. and how he might engage some ruffians to cross don pedro . car. 't was he , where 's luys ? i do not like his absence , thei 'r both guilty ; my own blood turnd a rebell ? send for the alcaides , they shall both trot like theeves to the corrigidor . where is count pedro ? alsi. gon in search of his lost mistris . car. when all things were ripe , the very priest prepar'd to seal our ioyes , a work my brain did labour for , and sweat with hope to see accomplish'd , undermin'd ? and in a minute all blown up ? alsi. have patience she may be found agen . car. but how my lord may be inclin'd to accept her foil'd , or wounded enter luys drunk . in fame � alsi. luys is here . car. borachio , here 's a spectacle ! more affliction ? where is your sister , what 's become of jacinta ? lu. my sister and jacinta are gone together . i know all the business . alsi. where is she ? lu. she is very well , i know not where she is . but don alberto is an honest gentleman , and has by this time done the feat . car. confusion � lu. you think you had all the wit , it was my plot . you may thank heaven that you are old , and ugly , to alsimi you had been no mother of this world . but sir , i have some newes would be deliver'd privately . mother of mine , avant . car. th' art not my son . was ever man so miserable ? away thou spunge ; get him to sleeep , alsi. i dare not medle with him . ex sist lu. in sobriety a word . car . where is alberto ? lu. where every honest man should be abed , with my , old man , i ha' consider'd o' the former mater we talk'd on and would do things like a dutiful son , but i find that a wife is not altogether so convenient for me as a � car. will none deliver me ? lu. they are somewhat slug , now i have found out an excellent tumbler ,

that can do the somerset , please you to be acquainted with her , and give me your opinion , she shall play with all the stews in christendome , for all you are worth , if i live , and yet she is but there 's a periwinkle , i had a gemini , before i went to travell , and i am bound in conscience , if you think fit , to see her well provided for �

car. with whips , i 'l have her skin flead off . lu. her skin fled off ? dost thou know mortal man what thou hast said ? i tel the don , nothing can come neer her in the shape of an officer , she is a very basilisk & wil kill em with her eyes score yards point blank , but you may talk , & do your pleasure with her , for i came a purpose to bring her to your lodging , if you love me , do but see her , it shall cost you nothing , you shall be my friend , hang money ? car. thus will my state consume , vexation ! what shall i do ? when you have slept luys i 'l tell you more , attend him to his chamber and make his door fast . luys you vvill consider on 't , upon those terms , i vvil go sleep at vvinckling . exit . car. and vvo'not all this take a vvay my senses ? my son is lost too , this is all a curse for my ambition and my avarice . enter alsimira and a servant with a letter . als. nevvs don carlos from our daughter . car. ha , a letteri 't is iacintas hand . alsi. knovv'st vvhere she is ? ser. yes madam , and her resolution carl. reads . to attend her father , with my master don francisco if don carlos please to admit 'em , the matters done . alsi. what matter ? ser. they are as fast as any priest can make em . car. wife to francisco , now his fathers heir ? that 's some allay , if it be true , she writes , don pedro was contracted to estefania , who supplied her person in the coach � t was not jacinta was ravish'd then , don pedro was not noble , after he had made faith , to intangle my iacinta . hum , say they shall be welcome . ser . they are present fir . enter francisco and iacinta . car. i am nor yet collected , but' if this paper be justified , i receive you both . peruse those wonders alsimira . iacin. sir , though by the tye of nature you may challenge all duty , this is done so like a father it exceeds all your care . fran. let this confirme , i bring a fortune not to be despis'd , but were i master of the world , i should at price of all my wealth , think this a treasure purchac'd too cheap . car. my blessing and my prayers , i 'm new created , and bow to that great providence ; all joy spread through your soules ; this is not much amiss . fran. but what 's become of madam estefania that took iacintas place ? alsi. forc'd from the coach by don alberto , thinking her my daughter iacin. that part of our plot fail'd , but my intents were fair , and to assist this injur'd ladie ser. don pedro sir . enter servant . car. you shall for some few minutes . withdraw into that chamber , in his passion he may be violent , leave me to moderate . fra. i shall obey you fir . exit enter pedro . fed. was ever man of my great birth and fortune affronted thus ? i am become the talk of every picaro and ladron , i challenge a reparation of my honor ; where 's jacinta ? t is a plot , a bace contrivement to make my name ridiculous , the subject of every scurrill language . car. my lord with pardon of your altesa , y' are not injur'd here , unless i have been faulty in too much observance , and desires to serve your person , vvith almost sacrifice of my daughter . ped. ha! too much to me ? car. i would you had remembred how much your honor was engag'd before , by contract to another , when you mock'd the innocent jacinta , now not mine . ped. vvho hath traduc'd my fame , or mention'd me vvith that dishonour ? i disclaim all contracts . the unconfin'd aire 's not more free , than i to all the world , except your beauteous daughter . car. do you know the lady estefania ? ped. dares she make saucie claim ? my breath dissolves it if every lady whom we grace with our converse should , challenge men of my nobility � car. i wish my lord you could evade it , for the honor of my family ; if your conscience or art can nullifie that ladies sinterest i am resolv'd � my son luys shall aside . then marry with that widdow , i have no other ambition . ped. you are wise , and i am fortified to clear my self thought-free enter alberto , fstefania with a letter . from any promise to that sullen madam . ha! t is jacinta , and she wears the jewell i did present , conspicuously ; i ask no reason for thy absence , let me chain my darling in this amorous curl , t is happiness enough to repossess thee , not the policie and power of hell shall separate us agen . fste. it is but justice sir . ped ha! estefania . alb. do you know her sir ? este. do you know this character ? ped conspiracy . est. when this is read don carlos you will imagine he has wrong'd your daughter . car. is this your hand count pedro ? ped. mine � t is counterfeit upon my honor , and i thus dissolve thy insolent claim . este. nothing can bind i see a false heart car. this must give you freedom madam , if you release his hasty vow . este. faith cannot be compeld sir . ped. these are all impostures ; i take my self into my self . alb. what shall become of her my noble count ? ped. i pitty her but cannot cure her wound , and if you be her friend , advise her to contain her passions , and wisely love one that can entertain it . alb. you hear this madam ? este. and can smile upon his violated fath . car. now for luys , to strike in with the widdow . servant . hee 's a sleep . car. i le wake and quicken him . exit . este. hadst thou bin worth my love , i should have held thee worth my anger shadow , of a lord . thy greatness i despise , and think thee now too poor for my revenge , and freely give thee back thy barren promises , and when i read in story , one that has been perjur'd , i 'l write don pedro in the place of him that brok his faith , and thank my fate t' have mist thee . alb. if you please madam , while he is i' th' humor of being base , i 'l make him gather up these paper reliques , which he shall make him self up into rolls , and having swallowed 'em for pills , thank you , his physick was so gentle . este. it will be too much time & breath lost on him . alber. it will become me madam to attend you . exit este . ped. so , she is taken off ' and my path free to carlos daughter . enter carlos and luys . luys . contracted to don pedro ? say . car. she was , where is estefania ? ped. gone with alberto ; proud to wait upon the lady i neglected . car. follow 'em luys ? i do not like he should insinuate now she is free , and his hopes desperat in jacintas love . luys how long have i slept sir ? car. thou dost dream still , persue the widdow now or never look at such a fortune . luys is she gone with alberto ? what if i say , i have lain with her , and that shee 's with child by me ? car. that would stain both your fames ; away and welcom when thou return'st , and she confirm'd . luys i le confirm her , or confound somebody , no more , i am awake , this is don pedro i 'l talk with him first , vvill you justefie , the widdovv is a widdovv still , and sweet for all your contract , that you have not been my rivall as they say after the flesh , and that you did not knovv i had a mind , or not a mind , to do the deed of matrimony ? ped. not i upon my honor . luys you are vvitness � novv to alberte . car. manage the bufiness temperatly . luys let me alone to be temperate , if i do not cosen some body , let me never drink sack agen . exit . car. what think you of jacinta novv my lord ? ped. as on the saint i pay my chief devotions . enter fernando . fer. i come to seek one , that i late call'd brother , but he hath forfeted that name , and justice weary of such a prodigy in nature hath arm'd me thus in her revenge , don carlos , obscure him not , no darkness can protect him , my svvord shall forrage every room like lightning , no cave but it shall visit , and through ribs of steel compell my passage to his heart , although i meet him in his mistris armes , the lovers sanctuary , i dare force francisco , and vvith my svvord cut the embrace that chains him , rather then he shall glory in my ruines , and revell out , those honors , vvith her , he took from my blood . enter francisco with a parchment . fra. it shall not need fernando . ped. hum , here is like to be a bloody business , i 'l not disturb 'em . exit . car. as you are brothers , by your fathers dust that should sleep quiet in his urne , by her dear name that gave you life , that novv prayes for you , chide this unnaturall furie . fra. vvhat demands fernando ? fer. my inheritance wrought from me by thy slie creeping to supplant my birth , and cheat our fathers easie soul , unvvorthily betraying to his anger for thy lust of wealth , the love and promise of two hearts , poor felisarda and fernando now wither at soul , and rob'd by thee of that should cherish virtue , like to rifled pilgrims met on the way , and having told their story , and drop'd their even teares for both their loss , wander from one another . fra. t is not sure fernando , but his pasion ( that obeys not the counsel of his reason ) would accuse me , and if my father now , since spirits lose not intelligence , but more active when they have shook off their chains of flesh , would leave his dwelling , and visit this course orbe agen : my innocence should dare the appeal , and make fernando see his empty accusations . fer. he that thrives by wicked art , has confidence to dress his action with simplicity , and shapes to cheat our credulous natures , t is my wonder thou durst do so much injury francisco as must provoke my justice , to revenge , yet wear no sword . fra. i need no guard , i know thou darst not kill me . fer. dare i not ? fra. and name thy cause , t is thy suspition not franciso hath wrought thee high and passionate , to assure it , if you dare violate , i dare possess you wit hall my title to your land . car. how is that ? will you resign the interest to such a fair estate , and wrong my daughter sir ? fra let him receive it at his perill . fer. ha! fra. it was my fathers act , not mine , he trembled to hear his curse alive , what horror will his conscience feel , when he shall spurn his dust , and call the reverend shade from his blest seat , to this bad world again , to walk and fright him ? car. i am abus'd fer. can this be more than dream ? fra. sir you may cancell it , but think withall how you can answer him that 's dead , when he shall charge your timorous soul for this contempt to nature and religion , to break his last bequest , and breath , that seal'd your blessings ? car. these are fine fancies . fer. here , and may it prosper , where my good father meant it , i 'm orecome . forgive me , and enjoy it , i may find some earth that is not thine , where i may dy and take up a dark chamber , love jacinta , and while i seek out where to be forgotten live happy , and devide the spring between you , enter ramires , felisarda , and teodoro , aloof . fra. so , so , all 's well agen . ram. fernando stay . fer. ha , my father and felisarda ? car. don ramyres and my neece ? fer. are they both dead ? fer. kneels . i dare kneel too , they do converse . don carlos do not you know that shape ? 't is wondrous like your neece . car. and that your father , ha ! fer. how long hath felisarda been a sad companion to the shades ? i did not think to find thee in this pale society , of ghosts so soon . felisar. i am alive fernando , and don ramires still , thy living father . fra. you may believe it sir , i was o' th' counsell . fer. it is a joy will tempt me , wish to live here , without more ambition to change for blessings of the other world ; and is my father willing that wee both should live ? car. men thought you dead . ramir. it lay within the knowledge of francisco and some few by this device to advance my younger son to a mariage with jacinta sir , and try fernando's piety and his mistris vertue , which i have found worth him , and my acceptance , with her i give thee what thy birth did challenge . receive thy felisarda . fer. 't is a joy , so flowing , it drowns all my faculties , my soul will not contain i fear , but lose and leave me in this extasie . car. i am cheated . ra. not so , what dower you add above that fortune , descends upon her by your sisters legacie francisco shall deserve , with a proportion enter francisco and jacinta . out of my state ; live , and be happy both , you shall not want a father in my care . our children thus increas'd don carlos , 't is our shame if we neglect 'em ; teodore you now may call me brother . thes. i 'm honor'd . car. well , take my blessing too , love her francisco . my bounty is to come , and if my son but finish with his mistris � hee 's return'd , enter luys . where is the widdow ? lu. sure enough . car. and don alberto . lu. i ha made him sure too , i ha pepper'd him . car. how ? lu. in your ear , i ha cut his throat , do none persue car. i hope thou hast not kil'd him ? ha ! lu. you hope to late , i could not help it , you said he was my rivall . car. not to loud . lù. where , where shall i obscure me , the alcaides will be here presently , and search for me . i left him giving up the ghost , at a cranny i made into his side , through which a man might see into his midriff . car. art thou desperate ? lu. beside one window that did look into his lungs , from whence his wind came strong enough , in six hours sail to dispatch a carrack to the straightes . car. i 'm mad . lu. i should neglect my life , but 't would not sound well with your honor that don carlos son was hang'd , or put into the gallies ; are they not come yet ? car. i am undone , there is no safety here , make fast those doors , and by the postern gate thou maist escape , take the best horse , away . lu. i shall want money sir . car. come follow me ? this accident i fear will quite distract me . lu. you must dispatch me quickly sir , there is no staying to tell the money , gee 't me in lump , i 'l count it afterwards , good sir make hast . exit . lu. & car. ra. something hath hapned that doth fresh perplex him . fra. where is don pedro ? enter pedro . fer. hee 's here . ped. the storm is over sure , i hear no noise , toledos are asleep , jacinta ? have i found my love ? fran. here 't was lost indeed , i must allow no such familiarity with my wife . ped. how ? married ? ja. 't is most true my lord . ped. you have not us'd me thus ? fra. it had been impious to divorce your heart from estefania ; my good lord , wee know your lordship is religious in your promises . ped. i defy all estefanias , lady you are civill . to felis . fer. it will become my care so to preserve her my honorable count . ped. honorable ? it appeares not by these contempts . ramyr. your lordship cannot want a female furniture . enter alberto and estefania . ped. i must have some body now i 'm prepar'd , my blood will take it ill , would i had estefania ; shee 's here , madam i hope you have a better faith than to believe i was in earnest , don pedro is only at your service . este. 't is too late sir , this gent. is witness , of your surrender , and is now possest of all that 's mine . al. it was your noble bounty , for which i cannot study a return more apt than to resign to your good lordship , my interest in jacinta , give you joy count . such a rich widdow serves my turn . ped. so so , if i consider well this is but justice . enter carlos . car. ha , are not you don alberto : fetch back luys . al. the very same sir , and this lady is my wife , please you salute her . enter luys . luys sir for the credit of your wisdom talk not , the man you see 's alive and married too , with my consent , alas i ow'd him mony , that widdow has paid all , i must be honest , i had no heart to leave you so unsatisfied , these sums must go for other debts , my debts do clog my conscience , and are better when they are timely paid sir , then let run with their long teeth to bite your state hereafter , and if when i am free you dare but trust me � ��� was ever father cheated thus , come hither , h ��� thou be so impudent ? ��� ��� cannot help it sir , unless you dye ��� me better means , i shall make bold ��� devices , you are my father sir , ��� bound � car. to cosen me ? car all must be mine , and if i pay my self a little before the day , you be no loser when you come to reckon , this sha'not make a breach twixt you and i , they are honest men i ow this money too , when i am cleer prescribe me any method and rank me like your son , i will deserve y shall forget my wildness , and acknowledge me a convert without blemish to your family . rami i must be intercessor . jacin and we all . car. i 'l think upon 't . ped. since i cannot have jacinta , i desire i may have her brother . lu. not in marriage . ped. i like his wit , his spirit , and his humor , do not you love a wench ? lu. yes sir . ped. thou sha't never want . lu. wenches ? ped. wee 'l live together , and if thy father be not bountifull , thou shalt command my fortune . lu. you speak nobly . ped. ladies , i ask your pardon unless you hold me desperate , disdaine not that i may this day wait upon your triumph , and to each bride offer some guift to expiate my folly and offence . rami. you are too bountifull . car. y' are all my guests to day . rami. i beg your next remove may place the scen of joy with me , my house shall be much honor'd , lead the way with verse and wine let poets crown this day . exeunt omnes .
epilogue . pedro. so so , your dangers over , and the state secure , as when our fleet in eighty eight was fir'd and scatter'd , to confirm it true here is don pedro taken prisoner too , i 'm at your mercy gentlemen , and i confess without a rack conspiracy , so far as my poor part i' th' play comes too , but i am innocent from hurt to you , and i dare quit the rest from any plot meant but to please , if you believe it not i dare make oath , your hands can do no less than certifie your friends what i confess .
finis .
machine-generated castlist a -carlos a -fernando a -francisco a -luys a -jacinta a -pedro a -alberto a -luigi a -felisarda a -ramires a -estifania a -alsimira a -servant a -unassigned a -physician a -confessor a -notary a -teodoro a -don a -gentleman a -estefania
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couvey separate you from your benefits , and to convey my self into your pardon , by the exercise forehean but now took the boldness to wear it in the forehead both as an ornament and preserver . you pelisarda like this watch upon our meeting , pretty felisarda . outliy'd legacie of a granam when she dyes that ha's outliv'd . cats within their family . dechne possess , unless you disaffect his person , or decline his education , which hath not spar'd my t will twill be his encouragement , if he entrench upon vifit treatie with her father , who expects your visit . withall with all my heart , i'e pawn my life you shall enjoy custo me equal ; it was first tyranny , then partiall custome , made you more capable of land . would �n , but we have plentie of more proper men in spain . anexcellent he is an excellent scholar , he was still emperour houor much as mariage comes too , and i lose my honor , if my don receive the canvas . he ha's �n no certain price ; summes have been lent in expectation , or so , and may again . confider plead for him , and if he be a don he will consider it ; you may give me what you will , besides i� hast tvventy vvayes to cosen him , vvedge it into the next bill , he vvears spectacles ��� you may think it worth a smile , and that i flourish to shew my vanity of wit or language fairty with your good favour , i fairly hope . �elis. felis. betrail'd las we are betrai'd . teodo�o out of my dores . go to your father signior teodoro : his ships may rise agen were sunk by th' i�weller eyes , i would undertake to carry 'em to the ieweller , they would off , for pretty toadstones coadstones the ieweller , they would off , for pretty toadstones . have no fear , my mother is for you too t�me of somthing , that with your consent , may tame her scorn , or punish it to her repentance � ; virtue is above the gaudy shine of gold ; and if my son love where his honor cannot fla�ter'd rights ; which nature , and thy birth have flatter'd thee with hope to find ; expect not alive brothe� our case is not the same with your's good brother wee have been long acquainted , to contract jacima friendship ; if i were sure you would be mine jacinta , i could tarry till your father dye dyc. jacinta , i could tarry till your father dye withall with all my heart . criade i humbly thank you signior . su criado . o� he not mercifull to fernando yet ? no talk of me �s francisco the sole master of his fortunes is now irrevocable , a small pension he hath �s given you for life , which with his blessing is all the benefit i bring . �f of such a title , you shall find me kind , if you can look on matters without envie . �'th must excuse me friend , i would joyn w'ee i'th ' surprise , but that � voicerecover'd not thy voice recover'd ? ha'finish'd i hear my mothers cough , i ha' finish'd and you must act your part : despife thoughts , and prayers reward your piety , despite not the offer of it here ; you have not excunt exeunt . �gen sciatica , and quoited me into the coach agen upon my head , i had alarum in't for half excunt exeunt . de�r pardon my dear jacinta , it was love that threw me on this excunt exeunt . alsini to alsimi ��� where every honest man should be abed , with my , old man , i ha' consider'd o'the former ha'consider'd man should be abed , with ��� , old man , i ha' consider'd o'the former mater we talk'd loft all this take a vvay my senses ? my son is lost too , this is all a curse for my ambition alsimra enter alsimira and a servant with a letter . �o to attend her father , with my master don francisco prancisco to attend her father , with my master don francisco if don carlos please to admit 'em , the �f her father , with my master don francisco if don carlos please to admit 'em , the matters thiuk world , i should at price of all my wealth , think this a treasure purchac'd too cheap . reasor i did present , conspicuously ; i ask no reason for thy absence , let me chain my darling viol ated and can smile upon his violated fath . hae's hee's a sleep . �ste. este. pearo one that has been perjur'd , i'l write don pedro in the place of him that brok his faith mistr is to his heart , although i meet him in his mistris armes , the lovers sanctuary , i dare force itill body now i'm prepar'd , my blood will take it ill , would i had estefania ; shee's here estefaenia , my blood will take it ill , would i had estefania ; shee's here , madam i hope you have a w ��� debts do clog my conscience , and are better when they ��� are timely paid sir , then let run with ��� do clog my conscience , and are better w they are timely paid sir , then let run with �o�g timely paid sir , then let run with their long teeth to bite your state hereafter , a ��� a ��� long teeth to bite your state hereafter , and if when i am free you dare but trust me ��� long teeth to bite your state hereafter , a if when i am free you dare but trust me � ��� car ��� all must be mine , and if i pay my self a little before the day , ��� be no ��� and if ��� self a little before the day , you be no loser when you come to reckon , ��� ��� ��� be no loser when you come to reckon , this sha'not make a breach twixt you and i , m�. {gap- _chunk} rami j�c�n jacin d� like his wit , his spirit , and his humor , do not you love a wench ? n�t wee'l live together , and if thy father be not bountifull , thou shalt command my fortune
andromana, or, the merchants wife the scæne iberia / by j. s. j. s. approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing s estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; :e , no ) andromana, or, the merchants wife the scæne iberia / by j. s. j. s. shirley, james, - . sidney, philip, sir, - . arcadia. [ ] p. printed for john bellinger..., london : . ascribed by some to james shirley, apparently without justification. cf. schelling, elizabethan drama; dnb; camb. hist. of eng. lit., v. , p. . founded on the story of plangus in sidney's arcadia. reproduction of original in thomason collection, british library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - ali jakobson sampled and proofread - ali jakobson text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion andromana : or the merchant's wife . the scaene , iberia . by j. s. london . printed for iohn bellinger , and are to be sold at his shop in cliffords-inn-lane in fleetstreet , . names of the actors . ephorbas , king of iberia . plangus , his son . eubulus , three lords , and counsellors to the king . anamedes three lords , and counsellors to the king . rinatus three lords , and counsellors to the king . inophilus , son to rinatus , and friend to the prince . zopiro , captains . nicetes , captains . aramnes , captains . artesio , an informing courtier . andromana , a merchant's wife . libacer , her servant . messenger . captains , and souldiers . the tragedy of andromana . or , the fatal and deserved end of disloyalty and ambition . actus i. scaena i. enter nicetes . aramnes . nic. i have observed it too , but the cause is as unknown to me as actions done in countries not found out yet . ara. some wench , my life to a brasse farthing . nic. as like as may be : we souldiers are all given that way ; especially when our blood boils high , and pulses beat alarums to cupid's battels ; we 'r apter to sally on a young flaming girl , then on an enemy that braves it before our trenches . ara. i ask it not to know his privacies ; for if his freedom doth not acquaint me with them , let them be secret still — yet i could wish an opportunity to tell him , a little circumspection would be handsom , and set a gloss upon all . times might be chosen of less publick notice : it looks so poorly in a prince to be thus careless of his own affairs : men do so talk on 't — here comes inophilus ; if any body knows , it must be he . enter inophilus . ino. your servant , captains ; saw you the prince to day ? nic. not we : we hop't to hear of him from you . ino. 't is strange a man adorn'd with so much wisdom , should on the sudden fall off from the care of his own fame ! i am his friend , and so i know are you ; but to speak plainly to you , he 's grown my wonder now , as much as other mens . i that have found a sweetness in his company beyond what ever lovers dream of in a mistris , that as he spoke , methought have smelt the air perfum'd ; nor could have wish't a joy greater then living with him , next those of heav'n , and those prefer'd the more , because i knew plangus would be there . i say , even i of late am grown out of love with any thing that 's mortal ▪ since i have found plangus so far beneath , ( i will not say my expectations ) but the assurances all good men had of future gallantry . hee 's melancholly now , and hath thrown off the spirit which so well became him , and all that sweetness which bewitcht men's hearts is grown so rugged , so incompos'd to all commerce , men fear hee 'l shortly quarrel with himself . nay more , he doth not answer the fondness of his father's love with half that joy he us'd to do . ara. 't is now about a week i have observ'd this alteration ; it shakes him like an ague once in two dayes ; but holds him longer then a fit o th' gout : they whisper about the court as if the king had chid him for it , and now at length found his thaunts . ino. a poor discovery ! who might not find 'em out that would be so uncivil : i was about to follow him , but thought it an ignoble way , beneath the name of friendship , and so desisted . about four dayes ago , meeting him i th' long gallery , i ask't him how he did ; taking me by the hand , he wrung it , and after a sigh or two , told me , not very well — but he had business , and so we parted . i saw him not agen in twenty hours after ; and then i askt him where he had been so long : he told me ( as if he was ashamed to deny me such a poor request ) i must not know ; and when i told him , his often absence was observ'd . is it , saith he ? i cannot help it ; but it shall no more be so ; and at the last he stole away : since when i saw him not . nic. o this wicked peace : inophilus ! is there no hopes of warre ? to lye at home to see our armours rust ; we could keep the prince sober and merry too , if he would but exchange his court for a camp . ino. the king is old , and dotes upon his son . is loth to venter him to danger : yet at this time there is occasion . the argives have refus'd to pay their tribute , and are for certain preparing for invasion : some say they have got into iberia already . ara , nay then there 's hopes : if we could but find the prince with a buff coat again , i should be once more merry . exeunt . scaen. ii. enter ephorbas the king , rinatus , eubulus , anamedes , three lords . eph. see the embassadors entertain'd with such an evenness , as should be us'd to men we neither fear nor love ; let neither too much obsequiousness teach them insolency , nor any ill usage brand us with incivility : stay you rinatus . he sighs . exeunt eub. anam . — open thy bosom and receive torrents of sorrow , that lie like rocks of lead upon my soul ; honest rinatus ; experience bids me trust thee with a mighty secret . thou canst not choose but know , my son of late is much retired . i do not like that youth should be thus melancholy : let them enjoy themselves , for age will come , whose impotency will deny all pleasures . i do believe he loves me . hah ! rin. yes , doubtless , better then sickmen health , or those who are pen'd up in darkness love the sun . eph. i speak not as if i thought he did not ; for thou know'st i humour him , afford him liberty enough ; i never chide him , nor express the least dislike of any action . am not i a gentle father ? me thinks were i a son again , to such a father , i should not think he liv'd too long shouldst thou , rinatus ? rin. no more doth he , upon my soul : one command of yours would make him venter upon lightning , nay almost make him act a sin , a thing he fears to name , eph. i do believe thee : but yet , me thinks , should he be grown so impious , there might be found excuses . a crown is a temptation ; especially so near one : 't is not with princes as with other sons ; and i am old too ; hath not my hand the palsie ? doth a crown become gray hairs ? to be a king might make some men forswear all conscience . but i know plangus hath far nobler thoughts ; and yet an empire might excuse a parricide . rin sir ! sure you are a stranger to your son ; for give me leave to say , your fears are vain : so great a virtue as the princes , cannot anticipate his hopes by any sin : honour and duty have been acquainted with him now too long to be divorct . some sycophants there are ( such creatures still will haunt the court ) i know love not the prince , because he loves not them . sir , shut your ears to them , they will betray you to your ruine . jealousy 's a disease should be below a king , as that which seizeth on the basest spirits ; oh shut it from your soul , one may read in story what dire effects the fury hath brought forth : kings make away their onely sons , and princes their fathers , and when they have done , they may dispair at leisure . eph. i do not think plangus hath plots , or on my crown , or me ; he was virtuous alwaies , and is still , i hope : but why is he so much from court then , and alone too ? i do but ask the question . rin. it can be no design , believe me , sir ; for crowns are won by other courses . aspirers must grow popular , be hedg'd about with their confederates ; then would he flatter you , be jolly still , as if no melancholy thought were in him . a guilty conscience would then teach him policy , and he would seek to take suspition from all his carriages ; innocence makes him careless now . eph. thou hast almost resolv'd me ; the tempest in my soul is almost laid , and wants but time to calm it . youth hath its whimsies , nor are we to examine all their paths too strictly . we went awry our selves when we were young . rin. sir ! eph. thou maist be gone , rinatus , exit . rinat . scaen. iii. ephorbas , solus . — the blessing of an honest servant ! this rinatus is truer unto me : he loves the king as well as i ephorbas ; and may i live but to reward him ; for hee 's too honest for a court ! enter artesio . how now artesio ? thy looks speak strong amazement ; i am with child to hear the news : prethee be quick in the delivery . art. the prince an 't please your majesty — eph. what of him artesio ? art. i have observ'd is much retir'd of late . eph. so have i too ; this is no news . art. and i can whisper in your ear the cause . 't was chance , no policy of mine , betrayed his privacies : ill offices are not the engines i desire to rise by ; only love to the young prince makes me reveal them . eph. nay , nay , without apology ; if it vvere treason , it should not go dovvn the sooner for all the guilded preparation . nor am i of so feminine a humour , as to mistrust affection delivered bluntly : plain meaning , should be plainly told ; bad wares may have false lights ; good can abide the day . art. but i know the nature of my office ; though kings still hug suspition in their bosoms , they hate the causers ; love to hear secrets too , yet the revealers still fare the worse , being either thought guilty of ends or vveakness . and so esteem'd by those they tell them to ▪ either unfit or dangerous to be trusted , perhaps , sir , vvhen the prince and you are friends again , you 'l tell me , that had my love been real , i should have whispered the princes errors to himself — eph. without a syllable of prologue more — or i shall verifie your fears . art. in this brave city ( take it as brief as may be ) there lives a beauty fit to command them that command the world , and might be alexanders mistris , were he yet alive , and had added empires as large as his desires : she 's but a private merchant's wife ; yet the prince is so far gravel'd in her affection , i fear . — eph. then there is hopes i may recall him : love is a childish evil , though the effects are dangerous ; a princes errors grown publick , will be scandalous . poor boy ! perhaps the jealous husband may commit a murder , i would not have him cut off so young : love should be princes recreation , not their business . what physick must we give him for his cure ? art. i dare not counsel you ; but in my poor judgement some gentle fatherly perswasions will work upon so good a nature . eph. could'st thou but possibly effect how i might take him napping ? art , that is beyond my skill : but i can shew you the house , and time he walks from hence in , which will be about an hour hence ; for then her husband comes home from the ryalto . eph. time will not tarry for a king ; let 's go . exeunt . scaen. iv. inophilus . ino. what is become of this young prince ? or where doth he bestow himself ? doth he walk invisible ? where have i been to look him ? the horses are in the stables . his page and i at home too , that us'd to be as inseperable companions . enter nicetus , aramnes . ram. well met gentlemen , where is the hermit plangus ? nic. we cannot tell , nor have we been to seek him . if at the court , we should hear presently ; if not , we might be too officious in his search , and our enquiry might make his absence but so much the more notorious ; and i 'me confident he 's well : his virtue guards him still from all mischances . ino. though his company 's the dearest thing i love ▪ yet for his good i could digest his absence , but that i doubt a mighty mischief might spring from this small grain of indiscretion the king is old , and there are knaves about the court that ( if he knew it not ) would tell him so : and men conscious to themselves of a defiancy ▪ are still most jealous of a growing worth ▪ perhaps a thinking father ( for plodding is old age's sickness ) may take notice of his son's retirement , and misconstrue it so : nothing is impossible — heaven send it otherwise . ara. this care becomes you sir ; but i dare swear 't is needless : the king is but an ill dissembler ; and had he but the least thought of such a thing , hee 'd hide it less then the sun conceals his brightness : besides , a man as great euphorbus is , whose rule of living hath been directed by the line of virtue , cannot mistrust that vice in his own son , of which himself was never guilty : had 's younger years been tainted with inordinate desires , or had his crown been the effect of some audacious crime , perhaps his guilty conscience might have mistrusted ; but 't is impossible where there is no guilt , to fear a punishment . ino. you speak my hopes : but this for certain , gentlemen , the king who was admired for his matchless sleeping , whose night no noise disturb'd , and it was difficult to wake before his hour , sleeps but unquietly of late , will start at mid-night , and cry plangus : is greedy after news , and walks unevenly , and sometimes on the sudden looks behind him ; and when one speaks to him , scarcely marks one syllable . surely the mind of some distemper shakes his soul into this looseness . enter messenger . mess . my lord , the prince desires to meet you half an hour hence i' th' gallery . ino. me ? mess . yes my lord . ino. i shall . your servant , captains . all . yours , my lord . [ exeunt at several doors . ] scaen. v. plangus , andromana . pl. it cannot be so late . an. believ 't , the sun is set , my dear ; and candles have usurp't the office of the day . pl. indeed methinks a certain mist like darkness , hangs on my eye-lids . but too great lustre may undo the sight : a man may stare so long upon the sun , that he may look his eyes out ; and certainly t is so with me ; i have so greedily swallowd thy light , that i have spoyl'd my own . an. why shouldst thou tempt me to my ruine thus ▪ as if thy presence were less welcome to me , then d●y to one , who ( t is so long ago 〈…〉 the sun hath forgot what light is ▪ 〈…〉 of thy presen●● makes me wish this absence , 〈…〉 himself must suffer an eclips , 〈…〉 are still ●oyles to the brightest splendor : some short departure will ( like a river stopt ) make the current of our pleasures run the higher at our next meeting pl. alas my dearest ! tell those so , that know not what it is to part from blessing ; bid not him surfeit to taste health's sweetness , that knows what 't is to groan under a disease . an. then let us stand and out-face danger , 〈◊〉 you will have it so ; despise report , and contemn scandals into nothing , which vanish with the breath that utters 'um ; love is above these vanities . should the innocent thing my husband take thee here , he could not spight me but by growing jealous ; and jealousies black effect would be a cloyster perhaps to kill me too : but that 's impossible , i cannot dye so long as plangus loves me : yet say this piece of earth should play the coward , and fall at some unlucky stroake , love would transport my better half to its center , plangus heart , and i should live in him . but sir , you have a fame to loose , which should be a princes onely care and darling , which should have an eternity beyond his life : if he should take that from you , i should be kill'd indeed ▪ pl. why dost thou use these arguments to bid me go , yet chain me to thy tongue , while the angel-like musick of thy voice entring my thirsty ears , charms up my fears to immobility . t is more impossible for me to leave thee , then for this carkass to quait away its grave-stone , when it lyes destitute of a soul to informe it . marriners might with farre greater ease hear whole sholes of syrens singing , and not leap out to their destruction ; then i forsake so dangerous a sweetnesse . andr. i will be dumb then . pla. i will be deaf first . i 've thought a way now , i 'le run from hence and leave my soul behinde me : it shall be so : and yet it shall not neither ; what shall a husband banish a prince his house for fear ? a husband ? 't is but an aery title , i will command there shall be no such thing , and then andromana is mine , or his , or any man's shee will her self . these ceremonies fetter the world , and i was born to free it . shall man , that noble creature , be afraid of words , things himself made ? shall sounds , a thing of seven small letters , give check to a princes will ? an. did you not promise me , dear sir ? have you not sworn too , you would not stay beyond the time ? have oaths no more validity with princes ? let me not think so . pla. come , i will goe , thou shall not ask in vain . but let us kisse at parting , it may be our last perhaps . — i cannot now move one foot , though all the furies should whip me forward with their snakes . woman thou stol'st my heart , just now thou stol'st it . a cannon bullet might have kiss't my lips and left me as much life . the king having listned comes in softly . — are we betrayd ? what art , speak , or resolve to dye . k. a well-wisher of the prince . pl. the king ? — it cannot be ! he starts . k. though thou hast thrown all nature off , i cannot what 's my duty . ungratious boy , had'st been the off-spring of a sinfull-bed , thou might'st have claym'd adultery as inheritance ; lust would have been thy kinsman , and what enormity thy looser life could have been guilty of , had found excuse in an unnatural conception . prethee hereafter seek another father : ephorbas cannot call him son that makes lust his diety . had i but knowne . — ( but we are hoodwink't still to all mischances ) i should have had a son , that would make it his study , to embrace corruption , and take delight in unlawfull sheetes , i would have hugg'd a monster in mine arms before thy mother — good o heavens ! what will this world come to at last ! when princes that should be the patterns of all virtue lead up the dance to vice . what shall we call our owne , when our owne wives banish their faith , and prove false to us . have i with so much care promis'd my self so pleasing a spring of comfort ? and are all those blossoms impt , and buds burnt up by the fire of lust and sin ! — have i thus long labored against the billowes , that did oppose my growing hopes ? and must i perish in the havens mouth ? no gulfe but this to bedevour'd in ? could not you th's inclination , find out another rock to split it selfe upon ? had'st thou hugg'd drunkennesse , the wit or mirth of company might have evcus'd it . prodigality had beene a sin a prince might have beene proud in , compar'd to this . or had thy greener yeares incited the to treason and atteempt a doubting father's crown it had beene a noble vece . ambition runs through the veines of princes . it brings forth acts great as themselves and it . spurs on to honour , and resolves great things . but this , this leachery is such a thing sin is to brave a name for'● , a prince ; i might say my son ( but let that passe ) and dare to show himself to nought but darknesse , & black chambers whose motions like some planet are all excentrick , not two houres together in his owne sphere , the court . but i am tame to talke thus ; be gone with as much speed as a coward would auoyd his death . and never more presume to looke upon this woman , this whore . thou losest both thy eyes and me else . plangus is going out , but comes again . pl. sir , the reverence that i ow my father , and the injury i have done this gentlewoman had charmed me up to silence but i must speak something for her honour : when i have done , command me to the altar , whilst ( i confesse ) you tainted me with sin , i did applaud you and condemn my selfe ; it look't like a fathers care . — but when you us'd that tearm of whore to her that stands there , i would have given ten thousand kingdomes you had had no more relation to me , then hath the northerne to the southerne pole . i should have flown to my revenge swifter then lightning , but i forbeare , and pray imagine not what i had done . k. upon my life shee is very handsome . aside . pl. to be a whore is more unknowne to her then what is done in the antipodes ; she is so pure she cannot think a sin nor ever heard the name to understand it . k. no doubt these private meetings were to read her moral lectures , and teach her chastity . pl. nay , give me leave sir , i do not say my addresses have been all so virtuous ; for whatsoever base desires a flaming beauty could kindle in a heart , were all alive in me ; and prompted me to seek some case by quenching : burnings hotter then aetna . imagine but a man that had drunk mercury , and had a fire within his bones ; whose blood was hotter then the melted ore , if he should wish for drink , nay steal it too could you condemn him ? ep. marry'd do they say ? aside . pl. i did endure a heat s● as could not cool . it would have kill'd a salamander . then taught both impudence and wit : i singled out my foe , used all the arts that love could thinke upon , and in the end found a most absolute repulse . k well , plangus , youth excuses , the first fault , but a relapse exceeds all pardon . ex. king . pl. scaena . vi . manet andromana . an. curst be old age , and he that first number'd fourscore : what devil has betray'd us both to a doating fool ? did i but now promise my selfe what hopes ambitious thoughts could reach ; and shall i sink down to my first foundation without the pleasure of a tasted greatnesse . death and disgrace , i dare provoke the utmost of your malice . after the sweetnesse of some sharp revenge . libacer . madam , my master . enter servant in haste . an. you may both hang together . lib. why this it is , if a man should kill his father for you , be should be thus rewarded as soon as your turns served , i may be hang'd that did it . an. since he is dead ; how was it done ? lib. vvhy nothing ; onely as he was taking water at the ryalto , his foot slipt a little , and he came tumbling in the sea ; whence he was taken up , but not alive . an. heav'n prospers not these courses , i see it plainly , let them be acted with as much closeness , or to what end soever , they never thrive . libacer , we are undone , undone ; the king hath found his son here , and i have lost him to eternity . lib. you women are the shallowest creatures ; you never look beyond the present ▪ rome was not built in one day , madam ; greatness is never sweet that comes too easily . should plangus be a fool now , and obey his father : ' pox o' this vertue , it spoyls most men living . we have hopes yet ; revenge is something , and if my old trade fail not , princes are mortal as well as other men ; yet my soul inspires me with half a confidence that leon hath not dy'd in vain . i use to see as far into a mischief as another : i 'le go to him , and if i bring him not within this half hour , as hot and eager on the scent as e're he was , take me and hang me at my coming home . lib. madam , here is as he is going out he meets artesio . a messenger from court . an. if from thence , i may be bold to ask , how plangus the noblest prince alive doth ? art. madam , as well as souldiers can that are sick for honour , i suppose by this time h'ath left the court , and is gone in quest for glory , which he intends to ravish from young argoe's brow , the valiant leader of the argive's army . an. i 'me confident then sir , your business is not to me , if any body else hath sent you ; sir , be pleas'd to spare the message , and tell them , i neither have learnt the trick o th' court , nor yet intend it ; i want no new gowns , and have heard men forswear themselves in better language , and to better purpose then gaining of a lady's honour . art. madam , my business is from the king , who doth intreat you would be pleas'd to bless the court , this afternoon with your fair presence , and bring an answer , i must not stay for one . exit art. an. now we do see an end of all our mischiefs ; the prince is gone from court , and the king hath sent for us ; doth not the name strike terrour to thy curdling blood . lib. no by my troth not at all , as far as i see you 're better then you were . i le lay my life the old man would turn gamester : take my counsel , play deep or not at all : not an ace under a kingdome . your grace i hope will remember your poor friends . an. if i do finde any such thing , let me alone to melt his ice , go get me mourning with all hast . exit lib. let froward fortune do her worst , i shall create my greatness , or attempting fall : and when i fall i will deserve my ruine . exit . act ii. scaena . plangus , nicetes , aramnes . ni. what sir , and are you melancholy when fate hath showr'd a happiness so unexpected on us ? this ugly sneaking peace is the souldiers rock , he splits his fortunes on . bawdry 's a vertue to 't . p — o' these beaver-hats they make ones head ake worse then a cap of steel , and bear not off a knock the tenth part so well . pl. you 're mad for fighting , gentlemen , and we shall have enough of it . the argives fifty thousand strong , have like a whirlwind born down all before 'um ; and i with . that remain yet undisbanded of the last expedition , have command to fight that multitude of old tough souldiers : while ours in a month or two won't have pickt up that valour that in this idle time hath slipt from 'um ; they have forgot what noise a musket makes , and start if they but hear a drum ; are these fellows either enow or fit , on whom a kingdome 's safety should be built : indeed were they to encounter some mistress , or storm a brothel-house , perhaps they 'd venture ; but for my part , i yeeld ; nor will i oppose my father : if he sees good we perish , i am already sacrifiz'd ▪ yet our enemies shall dearly purchase their victory . pray look to your charge , nicetes , and you aramnes with all care and speed ▪ and when you come into the field ; then let me see this countenance , that frowning smile , and i shall like it . i love a man runs laughing upon death ; but we lose time in talk . ex. nic. aram. enter inophilus . scaena . ino. your servant captains . sir , pray a word with you . pl. prethee be short , inophilus , thou knowst my business : ino. sir , i am mad to see your tameness : a man bound up by magick is not so still as you , nothing was ever precipitated thus , and yet refus'd to see its ruine . pl thou art tedious , i shal not tarry . ino. you are made general . pl. i know it : ino. against the argives . pl. so. ino. with men , no more sir . pl. i am glad on 't , the honour is the greater : ino. the danger is the greater ; you will be kill'd sir , and lose your army . pl. is this all , i care not . ino. but so do i , and so do all your friends . i smell a rat sir , there 's jugling in this business , i am as confident of it as i am alive . the king might within this twenty four hours have had peace on fair conditions . ( pl. but dishonourable ) in. and would not . on a sudden useth the ambassadors scurvily and provokes the argives , yet himself in no posture of defence . pl. but — ino. pray give me leave sir , after this you are on a sudden created general , and packt away with a crowd of unhewn fellows , whose courage hangs as loose about them as a sluts petticoats . sir , he had other spirits in the court created for such perils ; excuse me , i know you fear not to meet destruction , but where men are sure to perish , ' ● were well the persons were of less concernment . he might have let you stay'd till you had gather'd an army fit for your command , and sent some petty things upon this expedition , whose loss would have been nothing , and of whom it might have been recorded in our story as an honour , that they dyed monuments of the kings folly . but let that pass ; you 'l say perhaps , you only have a spirit fit for such undertakings — i wish you had not , your want then would not be half so grievous . but here 's the prodigy , you must fight them presently . come , 't is a project put into the kings head by some who have a plot on you and him . pl. it may be so , imphilus , and i beleeve all this is true you tell me , and it might startle a man were less resolvd then i. but danger and i have been too long acquainted to shun a meeting now ; i am engag'd , and cannot any wayes come off with reputation . hadst told me this before , perhaps i might have thought on 't : and yet i should not neither . if the king thinks i am grown dangerous , t is all one to me which way he takes me from his fears , he could not do it handsomer then thus ; it makes less noise now . — but come , i must not fear such things , inophilus : the king hath more vertue and honour then to do these actions , fit only for guilty souls ; nor must i fear when my inophilus sights by me . ino. troth sir , for all your complement , if you have no valour but what ows it self to my company , your'e like to make cold breakfast of your enemies : i have other business then to throw away my life , when there is so much odds against it : i le stay at home , and pray for you , that 's all sir . pl. how ! wilt not go then , inophilus ? ino. the time hath been i thought it better sport to bustle through a bristly grove of pikes . when i have courted rugged danger with hotter desires then handsome faces , and thought no women half so beautiful as bloody gaping wounds : but sir , to go and cast away my self now , would not be gallant , nor an action worth my envy : 't is weakness to make those that seek my ruine , laugh at my folly with jaws stretcht wider then the gulph that swallows us . i know when honour calls me , and when treason counterfeits her voice . pl. well , stay at home and freeze , and lose all sense of glory in a mistress arms . go perish tamely , drunk with sin and peace , and mayst thou , since thou darest not dye with them , out-live thy noble friends . ino. i thank you sir , but i cannot be angry . scaena . nicetes , aramnes , with some captains and souldiers . ni. yonder 's the bones o th' army rally'd up together , but they look'● rather as if they came home from being soundly beaten . methinks such tatter'd rogues should never conquer , victory would look so scurvily among 'um , they 'd so be-dawb her if she wore clean linnen . cap. sir , we wear as sound hearts in these torn breeches as ere a courtier of them all . we are not afraid of spoyling our hands for want of gloves , nor need we almond butter when we go to bed . and though my lieutenant is pleas'd to be a little merry , you shall see us dye as handsomely in these old cloaths as those wear better , and become our wounds as well , and perhaps smell as sweet when we are rotten . pl. we hope it , captains and fellow souldiers , we are proud of this occasion to try your valours , you shal go no farther then your prince doth , i 'le be no bringer up of rears . let not the number of the foe affright you , the more they are , the more wil the honour be . the lion scorns to prey upon a hare , nor is the blinking taper fit to try eagles eyes ; the weight of glory makes our danger light , when victory comes easily t is half a shame souldiers shout , and exeunt . to conquer . ino. i le stay at home and grieve , that so many daring souls should dye on such advantage . ino. exit . scaena . king solus . her husband 's dead too : fates let me dye , i am too happy to remain long thus without a ruine great as the height i fell from ▪ plangus was my only obstacle , but him i have remov'd : but love commanded , his presence would have countermanded all attempts , i need not fear his magick at this distance . his looks and actions were one entire enchantment , and powerful over a lady's heart . i sent for her , but she 's not come yet . who waits without ? enter artesio . there 's a mourning lady sir would speak with the king . k. admit her , and be gone . enter to him andromana in mourning , with a hood over her face , which she throws up when she sees the king . scaena . k. so riseth phaebus from the gloomy night , ( while pale-fac't dian maketh hast to hide her borrowed glory in some neighbouring cloud , envying the beauty of the new born day ) when darkness crouds into the other world . madam , why kneel you ? she kneels . you , at whose name monarchs themselves might tremble , and mortals bow with reverence great as they pay to altars : scepters should break in peeces and adore you ; at whose sight the sun and moon should blush themselves to blood and darkness , and falling from their sphere brush the audacious world to atomes , for daring to behold a lustre so much greater then their own . an. sir , give me leave to wonder what sin i have committed which calling down the vengeance of the gods , hath made me author of all this blasphemy . sir , i beseech your majesty if you are angry with your creature , speak some cruel word and blast me . scorn me not into the other world , where i have sins enow of my own to blush for , and shall not need to dye his cheeks for other mens offences . k. lady , though parthian darts are not so sharp as are those killing words , yet that breath which utters them , is sweeter then the morning dew . i le be dumb , for praises cannot adde , but rather diminish andromana's worth . an. i wonder now no longer at this language , 't is such as kings are bred in ; but i beseech you sir , if there be ought you will command your servant ; if andromana must do or suffer any thing for great euphorbas , lay by your self a minute , and remember a merchant's wife must hear you ▪ k. your husband leon's dead , i hear lady . she weeps . nay spare those pearls , madam , cast not away such treasure upon the memory of one who , if the best of men , deserves them not . come , come , forget these sorrows lady , and wear not mourning weeds before the world's destruction ; hide not those fair eyes , whose splendor would enrich our court : madam , though none there be in court can merit such a beauty , yet i my self have taken pains to search a husband for you ; what think you of my self ? an. great sir , your care is like your self , all noble , but suits with me no better then phaebus horses did with phaeton , ruin'd the world and him : first , sir , you do debase you self to honour her , whose worth is less considerable then lovers oaths : my husband's ashes are scarce cold yet , and would your majesty have me forsake my honour , and his memory so soon ? i have not payd oblations due to his ashes yet . k. you complement away the worth we know you have andromana , what say you to the prince ? an. i say he is the the prince , and great ephorbas son , he 's plangus , and if you think there yet remains a title that can be either better or greater , i think him worthy of it . k. but do'st think him worthy andromana ? an. o heavens ! is iove worth heaven , or doth the sun deserve to be a light to all the world , can vertue deserve honour ? or labour , riches : can gods merit altars ? it might have been a puzling question to them whose ears have not been blest with plangus worth . but this 't is so below him . k. but say he loves thee ▪ an. i dare not say so : for when i think a prince pretends to such poor things as i am , i feel an ice run through my veines , and my blood curdles into flakes of snow , and bids me fear him , not with an awe or reverence but as a spotted sinful thing which is the worse for being great . t is such a fear as i should conceive against an armed ravisher . k. these things may be expected lady , i confess from blood that boyls in flames hot as the sun in scorching libra , or sturdy hercules when he unmayden'd fifty in one night ; but from a man whose years have tam'd those vices . whose love is dotage , and not lust , who doth adore a handsome vertue , and payes his vowes to 't , you should have other hopes . plangus is young , a souldier , and by consequence something which youth excuses . but ephorbas hath left those toyes behinde him when he shook off his youth . and. sir , now my fears are out . o virtue ! are there just powers which men adore , and throw away their prayers upon , that lend their eyes to humane actions , or was the name of heaven invented to still petty sinners ? sir , sure i am mistaken you are not great ephorbas sir , whose virtue is a theam of wonder to all neighbour nations ; pray help me to him , i would see that angel ; the kingdom's honour , and good men's sanctuary . but if you are the man , whom i have pray'd for oftner then i have slept ; pray sir , belye not a vertue which i have hitherto admired . k. i see you are a stranger , lady ( give me leave to say so ) to ephorbas ; but if a lady of thy melting years can love this grayness , i vow my scepter , throne , kingdome , and my self are thine ; tha'rt fit to be a queen . she starts back . an. a queen ! sir , have your subjects anger'd you ? have they rebell ▪ d , or done some sin that wants a name ? he cleave to th' pavement till i have begg'd a vengeance great as their crime ; but this you mention is a punishment , which your subjects must study years to curse you for ; no sin deserves it . you would blinde my eyes with throwing gold befor'um , or set me up so high on the steep pinacle of honour's temple , that you would have me not be able to look down on my own simplicity . you can create me great , i know sir , but good you cannot ; you might compel , entice me too perhaps to sin ; but can you allay a gnawing conscience , or binde up bleeding reputation : i did never hear that physick could afford a remedy for a wounded honour . ep. th'art a fool , andromana ▪ you must be mine , consider on 't . an. sir , you may command your vassail , k : that 's kindely said . and. but — i humbly take my leave , goodness protect you . scaena . enter to him , rinatus , eubulus , and aramedes . eph. wait on that lady forth . rin. would there were not a woman in the world so we had our prince again . sir , are you mad ? or have forgot you are a father ? you have undone us all . eph. why what 's the matter ? rin. o sir , the prince . eph. he is not dead , rinatus , is he ? rin. sir , if he be , 't is you have murd'red him : was it for this you were so jealous tother day ? may my inophilus never pretend to virtue , i le teach him a more thriving art . come to the window a little sir , and hear how the good people curse you ; as cold weather as it is , some are so hard at it they sweat again . eph. prethee unriddle ; hast thou drunk hemlock since i saw thee last ? rin. i would not be in my wits for any thing i' th world , my grief would kill me if i were ; he 's mad that will speak sense or reason , now you have thrown away our prince thus , whose innocence was clearer then his own eyes : can you think how you have murdred so much vertue , and not blush your self to death ? eph. i think indeed i sent him general against the argives , but 't was his own desire . rin. 't was not his own desire sir , to have but men , sir was it ? was that army fit to oppose great argo ? there came a messenger just now , that saw the prince not sixteen miles from hence ( for thither is the foe marcht ) draw up his men to engage the enemy . eph. for heaven's sake rinatus , post him back again , bid him retreat ; command my son from me , not to go on till greater forces follovv him , if it be possible redeem the error ; i 'de give my kingdom , life , or any thing it vvere to do agen . rin. i 'me glad to see this novv , heaven send it ben't too late . eph. nay stand not prating . a horn within . rin. t is from the army sir , o heaven i fear ; enter mess. eph. if from the army , prethee put on better looks . mess . your son , nay more , your dying son , commanded me to bring you word , he dy'd true to his honour , king , and country-men , nor let me stay to see the brightest lamp go out that ever grac't this orb . the king faints . rin. o heaven , the king ! vvhy this is worse sir then the other , let not us lose you both . eph. let me but hear how t was he made his exit , and then my glass is run , i will not live one minute longer . mess . sir , thus it was — t is scarce three hours ago since the brave plangus marcht from ●axa with an army , whose souls were richer then their cloaths by far , though their valour had put on all the bravery that souldiers ever vvore . the prince vvhose presence breath'd nevv fire into these flaming spirits , resolv'd to meet the enemy vvith his handful , and vvith a vvinged speed , fell dovvn to the elean straights , determining there to try it with him . his souldiers also true sons of war , conteming so great odds , when victory and their country was to crown the conquerors , whetted their eager valours with impatient expectation of the enemy , who trusting to his multitude came on wing'd both with scorn and anger , to see that paucity should dare dispute victory against their odds . plangus who though he saw , yet could not fear destruction , and scorn'd to avoid it when the king commanded him to meet it , marshal'd his army to the best advantage , and having given zopiro the left wing , the body to evarness , himself chose out the right , because he would be opposite to argo . and keeping a reserve as great as could be hop't for from so small a company not above five hundred men , he gave the command of them to zenon , who with his fellows took it ill they should be so long idle , and had not the honour to be thought worthy to dye with the most forward , and would no question have refus'd the charge ; but that the smiling prince promis'd them they should have time to dye . words here were needless nor had he time to use them . rin. what was inophilus idle all this while ? mess . i only heard the prince wish just as he spur'd his horse against the valiant argo , he had had fewer by a thousand men so he had inophilus . rin. o trayterous boy ! mess . the prince and argo met ; and like two mighty tydes encountred . here death put on her sable livery , and the two gallants whose valour animated each army , bandyed a long time with equal force , 'till at last great argo fell ; and on a sudden multitudes of men accompani'd him , so that the wing went presently to rout and execution . zopiro also , and evarnes having slain their opposite leaders , breath death and destruction to their reeling foes . thus flusht with victory , and blood the iberians , revel'd through the flying field 'till there came on the enemies reserve of twenty thousand men , who fresh and lusty , grinded their teeth for anger at their fellows overthrow , and powring on our weary souldiers , turn'd the stream of victory . but the princes valour , and good fortune soon overcame this opposition , and having rallied his broken troops , went to relieve his friends who had far'd worse ▪ when presently he saw evarness who had pil'd up enemies about him , as an obelisk of his own death and victory , fall bleeding at his foot , and having kiss't it with his dying lips , intreated him to save himself for a more happy day , and dyed . 't was not long after the gallant zenon ( who had performed that day deeds of eternal fame , and with his few spight of opposition , thrice charg'd and routed some thousands of the enemy ) expir'd , which when the prince beheld , weeping for anger , he flew among'st his enemies , sustain'd only by the greatness of his courage , for blood and strength had both forsook him ; he spent that spark of life was left in him , in slaughter and revenge , when leaning on his weapons point that dropt with blood as fast as he , he then conjur'd me with all speed only to tell the king . i saw him dye worthy of his father , and himself . a horn without , eph. o heaven ! what means these acclamations ? a shout , what do the iberians welcome their bloody a shout again conqueror ▪ with so much joy . scaena . . enter to them plangus , inophilus , zopiro , captains . eph. oh! oh! he faints . rin. o cowardly boy , for that base word includes all baseness ; doth not shame kill thee , or fear chill thy dastard blood to an ice , at sight of that most noble injur'd ghost ? 't is well , dear plangus ( if thy divinity deserve not a more lasting name ) that thou art come to take revenge on that most traiterous son , in 's father's presence , who detests his baseness more then thy self can do . — pl. excuse us dear renatus , that wonder froze us to such a silence , if when we expected such a welcome as had that roman son whose mother dy'd for joy to see him , we found so cold an entertainment , something made us look't upon so ike an inconvenience , that we could not but put on some small amazement . eph. and do i hear thee speak agen , and see thee , or only dream a happiness , whose reality stars , and my genius deny me ? or art thou plangus angel come to rowse me from despair . pl. sir , pray beleeve it ; and be not backward in th'entertainment of these souldiers , if you esteem it a happiness ; in a word , you are a conqueror : and the audacious argive have paid their lives as sacrifices to your offended sword . eph. a messenger of comfort to a despairing lover is a less acceptable thing , then this thy presence , if what you fellow told me were untruth , thy welcome sight hath amply made amends for those tormenting fears he put me to ▪ but if it were not , let me know what chance redeem'd you . pl. if you have hear'd how things then went when i sent away that messenger . — eph. yes , i have heard it : pl. then know when death and our own fates had sworn our ruine , and wee like some strong wall that long resists the iron vomits of the flaming cannon , at last shakes it self into a dreadful ruine to those who throw it down ; so had the iberians with valour great as the cause they fought for strove with a noble envy ; who should at first out-go his fellow in slaughtering the argives ; at last oppress'd with multitude and toyl , we sunk under the unequal burden ; then was our emulation chang'd , and who before strove to out-do each other , now eagerly contended to run the race of death first . sir , there it was i ( and many other braver captains ) fell , being one wound from head to foot . o then it was inophilus came in with about twenty other gallants , and with what speed the nimble lightning flyes from east to west redeem'd this bleeding trunk , which the insulting argive had encompas't blown up with victory and pride ; he with a gallantry like none but great inophilus , being bravely backt by his own souldiers , whose actions spoke them more then men , had not inophilus been by , redeem'd the honour of a bleeding day . and thus were our troops as little now as their valour great enrich'd with victory , blood , and jewels , of which the opposite army wanted no store , returnd with the renown of an atchievement as full of glory and honour to the conquerors as ruine to the argives , ino. my liedge — had this action , and my merit been so great as our prince would make it , i then might own it , and expect reward . — but it was so small , so much below my duty , that i must upon my knees beg pardon that i came no sooner . eph. this is a prodigy beyond what ever yet was wrote in story . inophilus , we have been too backward in cherishing thy growing vertue , we will hereafter mend it and , dear rinatus , be proud of thy brave son , and let the people honour the remaining army , we shall esteem it as a favour done to us ; we have a largess for your valours captains , you have not fought in vain . this day let our court put on its greatest jollity , and let none wear a discontented brow ▪ for where a frown is writ , vvee 'l think it reason to say , that face hath characters of treason . exeunt . act. iii. scaena . enter plangus and inophilus talking to him . ino. but sir , when you consider she 's a woman — pl. o dear inophilus ! let earth and heav'n forget , there are such things ; or if they ever name them , let it be with a curse heavy as are the ills they act ; a mandrakes note would ring a better peal of musick in my ears , then those two syllables pronounc't agen ▪ ino. pray sir , put off this humour , this peevish pet , and reason tamely ; sir , you have lost a wench , and will you therefore lose your self too ? hear me but patiently a word or two . pl. prethee go teach the gally-slaves that word , things that dare own no thought beyond their chains , and stand in fear of whipping , and wanting bread : bid them be tame and patient that fry in sulphur , 't is a word i have forsworn to know the meaning of , or if i must , 't is but to shun it , and hate it more . oh! were thy wrongs as great as mine , inophilus , or didst thou love me half so well as thou dost plangus , thou would'st instill into me the poyson of revenge , and puff me up with thought of vengeance , till i did burst , and like a breaking cloud spread a contagion on those have injur'd me . ino. why this were handsome in some country-fellow , whose soul is dirty as the thing he 's mad for ; 't were pretty in a lady that had lost her dog , but — pl. i know what thou wouldst say , but for plangus : oh t is for none but him to be so . those that have injur'd me are persons i once held dearer then my eyes , but how much greater was my love , so much the more is the offence ; wounds from our friends are deepest . had any but my father — and yet me thinks that name should have protected me . or was it made only to secure offenders ? my life was his , he gave it me , my honour too i could have parted with ; but 'las my love was none of mine , no more then vows made to a deity , and not performd — and for that creature , who must be lost for ills through which i must make way to my revenge , had she betrayd my honour to any thing but him that gave me being , she had made me half amends , in that my way to vengeance had been open ; now i am spurr'd forward to revenge by fury , and yet held in by the rein of a foolish piety , that doth no man good but them that use it not : t is like the misers idoll , it yeelded him no gold till he had broke the head off . nay , inophilus , one secret more , and the horror of it blow thee from earth to heaven , where there are no such things as women , t will turn thy soul the inside outside outward . i cannot get it out . prethee what is 't inophilus ? ino. alas ! i know not , sir . pl do but imagine the worst of ills earth ever groan'd under ; a sin nothing but woman , nay such a woman as andromana durst think on ; and it is that . ino. how revenge transports you ! princes have lost their mistresses before , nay , and to those have not such right to them as hath ephorbas to what plangus hath ; who could command her , if not ephorbas . pl. but i have — oh inophilus — i burst — yet it will out — dost thou not see it here unbuttons his doubles . oh i have known andromana as ephorbas did last night . — ino. why sir , the sin done by your father is not yours if you could not help it . — pl. why there it is : t is that which gnaws me here ; but i swore by all the gods that she vvas as innocent from my unclean imbraces , as is the new faln snow , or ermines that will meet ten deaths before one spot : i made my father think the thoughts of angels were less innocent then she . no it was i betray'd him ; his vertue was too great , not to have suspected it . how do i look inophilus . in. like some blest man that griev'd for other sins , and could out of a good nature part with half his own whiteness to purge the others stains . pl. now thou sooth'st , and like some flattering glass presents me to advantage . i am in short , one born to make iberia unhappy . had i as black a face as is my soul , you 'd finde in respect of it aegyptians were snow white . me thinks i hear heaven tell me i am slow , and it is time i had begun revenge . ephorbas has done him wrong who lov'd him more then heaven or his happiness , and would have run out of the world to have left him free , what ever he would lay claim to but andromana ; nay she also had been his , so 't could have been without a sin , but she knew the sin she acted , and yet did it , and lives free from the stroke of thunder . is there such such a thing as heaven , or such a one as justice dwells there ? and can i ask the question ? o the tameness of a conscience loaded with sin ! which reasons and talks when it should do . but i will be reveng'd , and thus i begin , inophilus , he draws . be sure when i am dead to meet my ghost , and do as that instructs thee ; 't will tell all the particulars of my revenge , who must dye first , who last , and what way too ; i have my lesson perfect . he leans the pummel on the ground to fall on it . inoph . kicks it by with his foot . ino. is this the revenge befits great plangus ? pl. had this been done two dayes ago — thou durst as well have met the lightning naked , as have oppos'd my will thus . ino. hear me . he draws . ask me no questions , nor answer me , — or if you do , by heav'n i 'le never speak more . it is revenge you 'd have , and t is a great one , a very noble one to kill your self ▪ be confident your greatest foes wish nothing more when after ages come to hear your story , what will they say ? just as they did of cato , he durst not look great caesar in the face ; so plangus was afraid and dyed : a very pretty story , and much to a man's credit ; for shame , dear plangus ( let friendship use that title ) shew your great soul the world beleeves you 're the master of ( and i dare swear you are ) in this action . nay rally up your self , and fight it stoutly , shake from your minde revenge , and having lay'd that passion by , put on that vertue the world admires in you , 't is now the time to shew it : the sun broke from a cloud doubles his light , and fire the more resisted flames more bright . andromana has injur'd you scorn her therefore , and shew she had done nothing ; i 'de not do her the favour to have one thought for her , or could be troubled at that she did , — as for your father , sir , besides the tye of nature , he knows not he hath wrong'd you : or if he doth , t is love that caus'd him ; a word that once made an excuse with plangus for what offence soever . pl. thou hast wrought upon me , and i am resolv'd to live a day or two more : but if i like it not — well , i will go to try to sleep a little — perhaps that may — i 'me strangely melancholy — prethee lye down by me inophilus , i 'me safe while in thy company . exeunt . scaena . enter plangus as from sleep . pl. lord ! how this spirit of revenge still haunts me , and tempts me with such promis'd opportunity , and magnifies my injuries ▪ sometimes it calls me coward , and tells me , conscience in princes who are injur'd like my self , is but an excuse they finde for that is in truth poorness of spirit ; or something baser ; it tells me t is a sin to be good when all the world is bad . it makes me look upon my self , whilst wearing this garb of vertue , like some old antiquary , in cloaths that are out of fashion in iberia . but i will not yeeld to it , i know it is a greater glory to a mans self ( and he that courts opinion , is of a vulgar spirit ) to disobey then satisfie an appetite which i know is sinful . good heaven guard me , how am i tempted . enter androm . to put on my former temper , but thus i fling it from me . throws away his sword . scaena . and. why how now prince ? if you part with your darling so easily , there is small hopes but you have thrown all love behind you . pl. heaven , how she 's alter'd ! i that once swore , iove from the well-tun'd sphere ne're heard such harmony as i did , when she spake ; me thinks i can now in comparison of her voice count scritch-owls musick , or the croaking toad . and. who is 't you speak of sir ? pl. tempt me not , madam , with another word , for by heav'n you know i 'me apt being incenst — wake not those wrongs that bellow louder in my soul then wretches in the brazen bull , or iove who speaks in thunder ; those wrongs my goodness had half lay'd aside . or if you do , i have a soul dare what you dare tempt me to . and. sir , i must speak though iove forbad me with a flash of lightning . you think perhaps sir , i have forgot my plangus . but sir , i have infinitly in ur'd you , and could not satisfie my conscience , ( if i should say my love too , i should not lye ) till i had ask't your pardon . pl. madam , the fault 's forgiven and forgotten , without you move me to remember●t with a worse apology . live and enjoy your sins , and the angry gods : nay the severest plague i wish you , is , that you may dye without one cross ( for afflictions commonly teach vertues to them that know them not while prosperous ) secure without one thought or sense of a repentance . and. me thinks you have a steely temper on , to that which the other day you wore , when you were more soft then down of bees ; but sir if you but knew the reason why i have done the action , which you perhaps call treason to our loves , you would forbear such language . pl. reason ! no doubt the man that robs a church , or prophanes altars , hath reason for what he doth ; to satisfie your lust , you have that reason madam . and. that i have loved you once , i call heav●n , my own heart , and you to witness ; now by that love , by all those vows have pass't betwixt us , hear me . pl. o heaven ! is that a conjuration ! things you have broke with as much ease as politicians do maxims of religion . but i will hear to know you , and to hate you more . speak on . and. you know whilst leon liv'd , whose due they were , i out of love resign'd my love and honour unto you . pl. lust , madam . and. i knovv not sir : your eloquence gave it that title then . how many dangers walkt i fearless through to falsifie your pleasures ? your very will . nay more your word , nay if i thought by sympathy a thought of yours , that i imagin'd you might blush to speak , i made it straight my own , and waked and studied as much to put it into act , as doth a gamester upon loss to compass mony . at last we vvere betray'd sir , to your father's spies , who deny'd us aftervvards those opportunities we stole before , be friended by my husband's ignorance . novv vvas i brought to that vvhich is the vvorst of ills , a seeing , but not en●oying of that vvhich i held dearest . to see you daily , and to live vvithout you , was a death many degrees beyond my ovvn . i knevv the love vvas great , so great i durst not ovvn it . nay more i knevv t vvas noble too , so noble i knevv my husband being dead you vvould not stick to ask your fathers leave for publick marriage . pl. heaven and the gods can vvitness i intended it . and. nay farther yet , i knevv your fathers love , which vvould not have denyd you any thing , would also have granted that . pl. madam , you riddle strangely . and. when i had forecast these easie possibilities , lyet foresavv one thing that crost our designs , that vvas a sense of honour i had in me . me thoughts in honour i could not condescend , you should debase your self so low . it pleas'd me better to be your mistress , then your queen . and stoln imbraces without the scandal of a publick eye , were sweeter then those which might bring upon me for rising greatness is still envy'd ) the rancour of the people , and consequently distasts against their prince . sir now we may act safely what might have been less secure . your fathers name gives a protection ▪ or if that startle you , wee 'l call him husband . pl. are you in earnest ? and. as serious as love can be . pl. then i want words to tell you how i hate you : i would sooner meet megaera 'tween a pair of sheets . and can you think i should have so small piety , as to be false unto my fathers bed ? that i lov'd you once , i confess with shame , and that i should have done so still , had you preserv'd those flames i think with horror , but for those sins , and whatsoever else i must repent , i shall no doubt have great occasion , when i shall see the kingdome enveloped in those swarms of plagues your sins call down , and feel a share of them my self . for heaven's sake , madam ! for my father's sake , nay for my own too , if that have any interest , learn now at last a vertue , that may make us as happy as much as hitherto unfortunate , and render your story to posterity so burnisht with your shining goodness , that their eyes may not perceive the errour of your former years . perhaps i then shall have a reverence for you , as great as any son hath for a fathers wife . you wonder , lady , to see me talk thus different from what you saw me half an hour ago . i look't upon my self as one that had lost a blessing — but heaven hath been happier to me , for i am now so far from thinking you one , that i look upon you as a pla●●e , no sin of good ephorbas could deserve , but love to you — and. sir , — pl. answer me not in words , but deeds ; i know you alwayes talkt unhappily . and if your heart dare do what 's ill , i know it can well teach your tongue excuses . exit plangus . scaena . manet andromana . and. and is my love then scornd ? the chaos of that eternal night possess my breast , that it may not see to startle at any undertakings , though they would make medusa's snakes curle into rings for fear . if greatness have inspird me with thoughts of a more brave revenge ▪ they shall be acted . a husbands murder was such a puny sin , i blush to speak it ; but it was great enough for a merchants wife : a queen must be more daring in her revenge , nor must her wrath be pacify'd under a whole kingdomes ruine . enter libacer . scaena . and. my better genius thou art welcome , as a draught of water to a thirsty man , i ne're had need of thee till now . muster those devils dwell within thy breast ; and let them counsel me to a revenge , as great as is my will to act it . lib. madam , leave words . the rest you take in breathing makes your anger cool . out with it , and if i do it not , if i startle at any ill to do you service , though it be to kill my mother , let me be troubled with the plague of a tender conscience ; and lye sick of repentance a half year after . and. what need i tell thee more ? plangus must dye , and after him ephorbas , because he is his father . lib. madam , he shall . but give me leave to ask you , how he , for whom alone of all the world you had a passion , is now become an object of the hatred , so great , as others must dye because they have relation to him . and. the aire is hot yet with those words i profferd him in satisfaction . and he refus'd it , what need i speak ? is 't safe that he should live knows so much by us ? lib. he had been happy had he never known what vertue meant . i wonder that paltry thing is not banisht earth , it neer did any good yet . beggeries a blessing to 't ; who ere grew rich by vertue ? madam , wee are not troubled with it . but to our business , i have thought a vvay . you knovv his father loves him , t is he shall ruine him , and lets alone for him . and. pish , pish , that cannot be . lib. these women are alwayes with their cannots , what cannot be ? have you but read the sophy ? you will finde that haly ( oh how i hug that fellow's name ) ruin'd great mirza by his father , and his father by his son . the great politician while all the court flam'd round about him , sat secure and laught , like those throw fire-works among the waving people , that have nothing but fire and smoke about them , and yet not sindg one hair . indeed he fell at last ; 't is true , but he was shallow in that part oth'plot . what have we his example but to learn by it ? praise plangus to ephorbas then so far , that first he may fear for his kingdome , and if you do proceed till he grow jealous of his bed , 't will do the better . the king coming , i must be gone , exit lib. manet and. scaena . enter ephorbas to her . eph. how fares andromana ? i 'me glad this greatness sits so well about thee ; my court was blest that hour i knew thee first . wee 'l live and still grow happy ; we shall flourish like some spreading tree that shall n're cease , till its proud height o're look the skies , i hope i bad fair for a boy to night . how happy should i count my self , could i but leave my kingdome something that had thy image in 't . and. sir , never think iberia can be happy in another son , when such a prince as plangus lives the heir . who is the subject of all men's prayers , nay the deserver too . there 's not a man or woman in the kingdome hath one good wish within their breast , but they strait bestow it upon plangus , a prince whom mothers shew their little children , as something they should learn betime to worship and admire . eph. i know , andromana , but — and. sir , vertues perfection is at the height in him . what ever after ages bear i give the name of worth to , must if compar'd to him be but as foyles to set his glory off the brighter . nor are the men only thus taken with him . there 's not a lady in the land but sighs with passion for him , and dreams on him anights . husbands grow jealous of him , yet with joy that they are plangus rivals . eph. all this is nothing . men talk't as loud of me when i was young . and. yea but they say sir , you were not half so mincing in your carriage , nor so majestick . besides — eph. i hope they do not make comparisons . starts . and. and. sir , i thought we could not have discourst on a more welcome theam then what is full of plangus . ep. no more you cannot . let him as a less star enjoy his splendor , but ' ●must not be so great to darken me . but prethee do they compare us then ? an. you 're discompos'd sir , i have done . eph. nay nothing but the remembrance of a foolish dream . what say they ? an. why sir , some went so far , to say , they wondred a lady of my years could marry the father , though a king , when i might have had plangus himself . ep. they did not — an. then i confess i blusht , and had been out of temper , but that i thought it might be the court fashion to talk boldly . ep. this story jump't just with my dream to night ; me thought i saw him threatning to kill me , 'cause thou hadst marry'd me ; but the young sawcy boy shall know , i hold my scepter strong enough to crush him into atomes did they not name inophilus ? an. i think they did . he had some share of praises too , but it was so , as gleanings to a lading cart , they sometimes fell beside . ep. then i am satisfy'd , t is an aspiring youth . t is something that unites plangus and him so . i must be speedy in resolves . exit eph. scaena . manet andromana . an. who waits without there ? enter libacer . oh art thou come ? stay , let me breathe , or else , lib nay spare your pains ; i know it all , i saw him drink it with as great greediness , as usurers do unthrift , lands , or jealous husbands confirm their cuckold-ships by ocular testimony . an : it took most rarely , beyond our hopes . i 'le leave the rest to thee , thou art so fortunate in all designs . go on and prosper . lib. and i 'le attend for an opportunity to meet with plangus , and betray him to ruine as great as unavoydable . exeunt . act. iv. scaena . ephorbas solus . eph. for ought i know my bed may be the next , men are not bad by halves , nor doth one mischief stop a man in his carreir of sin . there 's as much reason ith'one , as the other . doth he affect my kingdome 'cause , ●●me old ? no , that 's not it ; he knows i must dye shortly . t is not a desire of rule and glory of their bending knees , makes him forget his duty — he may as well covet andromana 'cause she 's handsome , he satisfies a lust alike in both ; well let him be my rival in the kingdome , 't is but what he was born to , and i must leave it him ; but for my wife he must excuse me , nay he shall — he pawseth . yet now i think on 't better , the grounds are slender , and my suspicions slight ; no evidence against him but the peoples love , and that 's no fault of his unless deserving be a crime . who 's without there ? go call in plangus , and bid him stay , enter libacer . for i must speak with him . exit king . scena . manet libacer . lib. nay then all 's dasht , if once it comes to parly . i must not have them talk . but here he is . enter plangus . scaena . all health and happiness attend the prince . pl. pray tell me if you saw the king ; be short , for i am very melancholy . lib. he parted hence just now , but with such a fury revelling in his looks , there had been less danger in a basillsk . pl. went he this way . lib. yes sir , he is going out but turns short . pl. but thou dost not know what mov'd him ? lib. i heard some such words as these . my rival in the kingdome — there 's evidence against him — the people's love — deserving is a crime — and somewhat else my fear made me forget . pl. who was there with him lately ? lib. i cannot tell , but about a quarter of an hour ago he askt for you , and every time he nam'd you , he seem'd angry pl. named me ? thou art mistaken . lib. i had almost forgot sir , i have message to you from andromana . pl. i will not hear one syllable . lib. no , so she told me , but she charg'd me speak it , or dye , for it concerned your life , which she held dearer then her own . pl. i value it not , but speak the mystery . lib. when first her lips began to move , a blush oreflow'd her face , as if her heart had sent her tainted blood to seek a passage out . then with a showre of tears she told me , how inordinate desires had made her but this morning , tempt you to th' acting of a sin she would not name ; and that your vertue had so wrought upon her she had not left one thought unchang'd . she loves you still , but with affection that carries honour , and converted thoughts ; and next she bad me whisper in your ear , ( for time was short ) that if you loved her , or your self , or did intend to cherish the peoples growing hopes , you shou'd not come when the king sent for you . for something had incenst him so highly against you , that there was mighty danger in it . she bad me hast , for time would not permit her to say more . i was scarce out o th' chamber , when your father came and askt for you , and bad me seek you out with speed sir , i should be most proud to serve you . pl. i thank thee friend , but prethee tell thy mistress , innocence knows no fear : t is for guilty souls to doubt their safety . if she would have me safe , my only way is by present appearance to clear my self , for i beleeve my false accusers wish nothing more , then that i should be absent . lib. the devil 's in him sure , he guesseth so right . aside . she told me so sir , and would have wisht you to it , but that there was a way to serve you better by . she saith ephorbas told her a few minutes hence , hee 'd call a councel , where they 'd consult about you . the place is hang'd so that behinde the wall sir , you may stand secure , and hear what passeth , and according to what they determine , you may provide for your safety , only for more security she wisheth you would arm your self — sir , pray resolve , she 'l pacifie the king , that you appear not presently , pl. well , i will be perswaded : tell her , i 'me resolv'd , i will not come . lib. happiness attend you , half an hour hence , exit lib. i 'le wait upon you . pl. we shall reward thee . scaena . manet plangus . pl. whence should this kindness come ? and on a sudden too ? a strange alteration . she who a day ago forgot the vows her soul was fetter'd in , and but this morning tempted me to a sin , i can scarce think on without fear , should on an instant be careful for my safety , and that from a principle of vertue too . scena . enter to him inophilus . ino. who was that with you sir just now ? pl. an honest fellow certainly ; but one i know not . ino. an honest fellow call you him . if he have not rogue writ in great letters i●'s face , i have no physnomy . pray sir , what was his business to you ? pl. a message from andromana , who out of love desires me not to go to my father , because something hath put him in a fume against me . ino. did the king send for you ? pl. he did so . ino. but upon her intreaty you forbore to go ? pl. what then . ino. then you are mad sir , and tacitly conspire to your own ruine . do , take an enemies advice , and dye the object both of their joy and scorn . where are your senses sir ? or pray whence springs this friendship of andromana's ? alas you should not measure her malice by the smalness of your own . she has injur'd you , she knows it sir . and though at present she enjoyes her treachery , she may soon fall beside it ; ephorbas's not immortal , nor can she promise to her self security when you have power to call her ills in question . were 't nothing else , her safety would make her to plot your death . i hinder you in talking , but pray be gone , and when you see your father , speak boldly to him , or you are gone for ever . pl. i tell thee once again inophilus , since i have said i would not go , both heav'n and thee shall want a motive to make me stir one foot , were danger just there before me , running with open jaws upon me , and had my word been giv'n to remain here , i would be forc't from life , before my place . ino. here is a bravery now would make a man for swear all gallantry , to fool away your life thus in a humour — i met the court just now sir , as full of whispers , every man's eyes spoke strong amazeme● my father 's sent for with two other lords , eubulus and anamedes ; and the court gates are lock't . resolve sir , and command me something , wherein i may have an occasion to serve you . pl. then i resolve to do as i am caution'd ; walk , in i 'le tell thee more . scaena . ephorbas , libacer . eph. what was his answer then ? lib. tell him , i am resolv'd i will not come . those were the very words sir . eph. ' ●was very pretty resolute methinks . if he be grown so stubborn already , the next we must expect is action . lib. but yet he bid me if you askt why he came not , to finde some excuse or other . eph. he could finde none himself then : call in the lords , we must be sudden in our execution : but prethee one thing more , who was there with him ? lib. no body , but i met going to him young inophilus . and heard one servant tell another in great haste their lord would speak with some oth'captains of the army . exit . scaena . enter to the king , rinatus , eubulus , anamedes . eph. sit down my lords ; we have a business with you , requires your hands and hearts , both speed and counsel ; our danger 's such , that i could wish 't had flown upon us without warning , for so cross the fates are , our safety must be bought at such a price , that we must lose what is as dear to us almost as it . t is plangus death or mine must secure the others life ; nay startle not . if i am grown as wearisome to you as to him , your calling is in vain , my lords ; nor shall i labour longer to preserve a life denied me by the gods and you . but if there 's any here who hath a son brought to these years with so much care and love as mine hath been ; think what a grief it is to lose him , and shed one tear with me . but for that son to plume kimself with feathers pluckt from his fathers wings , would melt ones eye-balls . yet plangus who hath vizarded his ends with vertue , finding it useless now , hath thrown it from him , and openly attempts my crown and life . when mischiefs wheel once runs , how fast it speeds , headlong to put in act the blackest deeds ! were my crown his , had he my life to give , though he would let me i would scorn to live . eub. sir , we are cal●'d upon a great affair , and if 't be true , the speed of our resolves shall be as great as it . your majesty hath reign'd so happily , and long , we will not think a time beyond it . and such , so great your vertue still hath been , strangers have been enamoured and admired it . our enemies that could have wisht it less , have yet sate down with envy , not attempted ought against you , knowing ( i 'me codfident ) by such injustice the gods would be their foes . me thinks t is therefore much less likely that plangus , who hath hitherto been found a miracle of filial piety , and one that we may say was born the heir to all your vertues , all your goodness , as well as kingdom ; who counts it glory as much to be an honest man , as a great prince . i say for him , whom as he is your son , and as we hitherto have found him full of worth and honour , we cannot but behold as him in whom the spreading hopes of all iberia grow , and promise to themselves a still green happiness , that ne're shall knovv what autumne , or a naked winter means . for him that hath scarce yet put off those cloaths which still wear the badges of the great danger he was in , not for himself , my liedge , but you and us ; for had he wish't the ruine of his father and his country , the argives would have done that for him , and he not have been call'd in question . but when we must remember with what wings he flew to meet the torrent , both against the counsel of his friends , and his own hopes ; how love to you and us spurr'd him on forward to those impossibilities , which nothing but love and valour durst have attempted . why then methinks 't is strange , yea very strange thus in a moment t'have flung all nature off , and all religion ; and that sir against you , whom we all know and think with fear ( but our fading hopes spring fresh from plangus ) must shortly pay your tribute to the grave . not that we doubt your majesty hath cause to apprehend a danger , only 't is wish't those who inform'd you were examin'd strictly , and plangus sent for to answer for himself . slanders like mists still vanish at the sight of innocents , who bring their lyes to light . eph. if an oration could have made him clear , no doubt my fears are vain , and we shall lye still sleeping in security , as great and lasting as plangus , and his complices can wish upon us , nor wake till we are bound in the securest chains , death's fetters . that i am old is true , and plangus knows it , he would have catch't a cannon bullet sooner else , between his naked hands ; then have provok'● my fury ; but age hath froze me to an icy numness , yet shall he know my veines have fire as well as his , and when incen●● , my eyes shoot as much poyson too . what you alledge about his battel 'gainst the argive as an excuse , it is a proof against him , though theeves rob others , yet they ●ight themselves , for those that rob when strangers set on them , and all unite against a common enemy . had plangus private interests not held him to us , no doubt had left us naked of all defence ; but an intestine fury , to see the argives bear away the fruits of all his labours , all his treasons , shot him into despair , and made him play a game was almost lost , rather then give all over . besides , that action hath endear'd him to the people ; gain'd him the souldiers hearts with so great ease , the danger 's nothing in respect o th' rise he takes from thence to climb up to his ends . and for the vertue that hath gull'd us all , i 'de blush to speak it , that a son of mine should ever be so base to seek a cloak for what he doth , but that i have disclaim'd all my relations to him , and would adopt a cannibal sooner for son then he the evidence we have is what we wish were less , then might i hug my plangus and he me , but since the fates and his own ills deny that entercourse ; what can remain , but that we should proceed to sentence speedy as themselves , and stop the ill , which may strike when 't is night , or while t is call'd to day . he knows his guilt too well , and hath deny'd to come , that so he might be justify'd . once disobey'd as father , the next thing will be rebellion to me as his king . scaena . enter to them liba●er . rin. as sure as death this is one of the rogues that hath his roguery to act , and comes in like something that brought news in the latter end of a play . now shall we have some strange discovery — how the rogue stares . lib. no sooner had we shut the gates , my liedge . then an uncertain rumour spred among the people that plangus was in danger ; when if your ever saw a hive of bees . how if you stir but one , the whole swarm moves , and testifie their anger ; so strait whole crowds of people , the greatest half not knowing what they came for , swarmed to the gates , and with confused cryes , hindred themselves from being understoood ; till some having divers times cryed plangus , some their prince , all with one note made up a common voice , and so continued till some captains with one or two selected troops made up to them , and having promised them they would secure the prince , desired them to withdraw . and when they came so nigh as to be heard , they did in earnest what the other had attempted with so much noise and failed in ; ●or they told the porter in plain souldiers language , they would either see plangus safe , or force the gates upon him . he in this exigent hath sent to know your pleasure . eph. how say you now my lords , where is the innocence , the love to you and us ? for my part i will meet the danger ; tame expectation is beneath a king , only let me intreat you to see my queen safe . 't is pity she should smart who hath no sin to answer for , but calling me husband . plangus — iberia shall be thine — but he goes to stab himself , rin. stayes him . with the curses of the angry gods , and a kinde injur'd dying father . rin. heav'n bless you sir , what a despair is this ? because you hate a hangman , you will be your executioner your self . beleeve me , that which presents so great danger to you i look upon with joy : there is no subject that loves you or the prince , but must be glad to see the zeal iberians bear to a true vertue , when bending under an unjust oppression . no doubt their love had been as great to you , had you been in like danger . — besides , my lord , you are not sure 't is with the prince's consent the souldiers do this . my life for yours you will be safe , let the worst come — let us go meet your fears . they begin to rise when at the instant . scaena . andromana enters undrest , and in a fright . an. happy am i my lord , she weeps . this sudden fright hath rescued me from being made the subject of some villains lust , who with his sword drawn just now was forcing me to lewd imbraces , if you command to search the court , he cannot be far hence , for he ran that way . rin. o impudence ! plangus stirs behinde the hangings . rinatus draws and runs at him . that durst attempt a sin ( darkness and woods have too many eyes for ) in the open court . i shall be with you — the devil hath armor on — eph. drag him to torture — they fetch him out . my son ! why have i liv'd to see this ! away with him to death , the air will grow infectious , why stay you ? scaena ▪ enter zopiro , inophilus , with souldiers . soul . unhand the prince , or else by heav'n he treads into his grave that moves a foot to touch him . ino. madam , though plangus noble self was blinde , and could not see the deep black darkness of your hellish actions ; his friends had eyes about them . was this your love ? this your repentance ? this your advice , your counsel ? i must confess had i , and these his noble friends here , been rul●d by him , e're this he 'd been a sacrifice to your revenge and you . why stand you mute sir ? vvant you a tongue to justifie your innocence , our svvords and vve maintain . and novv , my liedge , vve turn to you , whom vve have serv'd as truly as ever subjects did any prince alive , and vvhilst you 're worthy , vve vvill do so still , but vvee 'l be no mans slaves alive , much less be his that is another's , vvhile this base witch , for so she is , constrains you to do actions children vvould blush at , and vvise men laugh at , which vvill after leave you both to repentance and despair . this beggar , vvhom to ther day you took up as some lost thing , gave your honour to , and in that our safety , that knew less to be good then devils do , and hath ills lodg'd in her , that would make a hell beyond that the furies dwell in . banish her hence , send her to some place , where murders , rapines , or sins yet unheard of , do inhabit , and where she can do us no mischief . do you betake your self to your former vertue , and restore the prince to those affections you once had for him , we then perhaps may live to see iberia happy . eph why am i forc't thus to declare his shame , which at the bound strikes me , and is made my own . you know not how well plangus can dissemble , he is an hypocrite , i need not tell you more , those three syllables comprehend all ill . my queen just now scap't from his base attempt wherein he would have forc't her to have damn'd herself and him , and dishonour'd me . what mean't that armour on , and why so guarded ? where was a danger threat'ned him ? or doth he think his conscience could not sting him through it ? i wish that he might live , my lords , but as nature that as he is my son bids me preserve him ; so honour which pleads to the king stronger then nature can ▪ tells , me for that very reason , i can less pardon him then something born a stranger to my blood . — but i deserve to dye as well as he ; if he be grown a burden to the earth , i am so too , that gave the monster being . wherefore let me be dravvn to execution too , for fathers are guilty of their childrens ills . ino. would plangus then have forc'●andromana ; yes , so would daphne have ravish't phoebus , i 'le undertake goats are less salt then she — but for his armor — can any man that breathes one common air with her not need an armour ? brass walls cannot be security enough . why speak you not sir ? are you dumb too ? pl. it is for them to speak are sure to be beleev'd , and not for him that is condemn'd as guilty ; words can excuse slight faults . if mine are esteem'd such , that all my actions , a speaking duty of one and twenty years speak not enough to clear me , silence shall . i have no more to say therefore , but to bid you do your duty to the king , and ask him pardon for the intemperate zeal , heav'n knows i wish't it not , nor would i buy my safety at one of my father's angry thoughts much less his fears , for those i fall by . obey my father , and if ye love me , gentlemen , shed not one tear for plangus : for i am timely taken from those plagues this womans crying sins must bring upon iberia , and make you wish that you had dy'd as soon and innocent as i. an. that i was nothing i confess , that what i am i owe to ephorbas ; nay , that the greatness i am now in , tells me it is too high to be secure , my fears bear witness . i wish my life would excuse plangus his , at least my blood wash off the blackness of his guilt , heav'n knows it should not be one minute ere he should be restord to his former vertues , but since it cannot be , i 'le in and weep , not for my self but him . exit . ino. millions of plagues go with thee sir , you shall along with us , we will not trust you , or to the king , or her . exeunt . act. v. scaena . liba●er solus . lib. what politician was there ever yet who swimming through a sea of plots & treasons , sunk not at last i th' very havens mouth ? and shall i do so too ? no , my thoughts prompt me , i shall be told in story as the first that stood secure upon the dreadful ruines he had thrown down beneath him . yet i am nigh the precipice i strive to shun with so much care . i have betray'd plangus tis true , and still have found a growing fortune , but so long as jealousie binds up ephorbas thoughts from searching deeper deeper ; t is not well that plangus lives at all , though he be disgrac't h'has friends enow about the king , and they will finde a time to pacifie him , which will be my undoing , he must not therefore live . andromana is of that minde too ; but how to compass it — or when perhaps i have , what will become of me ? nothing more usual then for those folks who have by sinister means reach't to the top o th' mountain of their hopes , but they throw down and forget the power that rais'd them ; indeed necessity enforceth them , lest others climb by the same steps they did , and ruine them . i must not therefore trust her woman-ship , who though i know she cannot stand without me now , yet when she 's queen alone fortune may alter her , and make her look upon me as one whose life whispers unto her own guilt ; it is not safe to be the object of a princes fear . then she will finde others will be as apt to keep her up , as i to raise her ; i will prevent her first . time is not ripe yet , but when it is ( for i must walk on with her a little farther ) i will unravel all this labyinth e'ne to the king himself . then let her accuse me , though she should damn her self to hell , i know shee 'l be beleev'd no more , then plangus hath been hitherto . thus shall i still grow great , though all the world be to a dreadful ruine madly hurld . exit . scaena . plangus solus . pl. i can no longer hold , t is not i th' power of fate to make me less ; bid me out-stare the sun , out-run a falling star , feed upon flames , or pocket up the clouds , and so burn up a land with plagues , the son of flaming heat , for want of rain to cool the yawning chaps of the dry earth ; or if there be a task mad iuno's hate could not invent to plague poor hercules , impose it upon me , i 'le do 't without a grudge : condemn me to a gally , load me with chains , whose weight may so keep me down , i can scarce swell under my burden to let out a sigh . i would o'recome all were there a deity that men adore and throw their prayers upon , that would lend just ears to humane wishes , i would grow great by being punished , and be a plague my self , so that when people curst beyond invention , to their prodigious rhetorick this epiphonema should be added , become as miserable as wretched plangus . i have been jaded , basely jaded , by those tame fools honour and piety , and now am wake't into revenge , breathing forth ruine to those first spread this drowsiness upon my soul . a woman ! o heaven ! had i been gull'd by any thing had born the name of man ! but this will look so sordidly in story ▪ i shall be grown , discourse for grooms and foot-boyes , be ballated , and sung to filthy tunes . but do i talk still ? well i must leave this patience : and now ephorbas since thou hast wrought me to this temper , i le be reveng'd with as much skill as thou hast injur'd me . i●e to these presently , for my hour-glass shall not return ten minutes longer , and having kill'd my self before thee , i le pluck my heart out , tell thee all my innocence , and leave thee hem'd in with a despair thicker then aegyptian darkness . i know thou canst not choose but dye for grief , but here he is . scaena . ephorbas solus . eph. riddle upon riddle : i have dreamt this night plangus was cloathd like innocence , all white ; and andromana then methoughts was grown so black , nothing but all one guilt was shewn . what shall i do ? shall i beleeve a dream ? which is a vapour born along the stream of fancy , and sprung up from the gross sumes of a full stomach , sent to the upper rooms o th' brain by our ill genius to spoyl our sight , and cloud our judgements like a misty night . why do i doubt ? t is ominous to stay demurring when the way is plain : is day or night best to judge colours ? shall i stand trying the waters soundness , when the land pre●●nts firm footing ? truth by day appears , and 〈…〉 ●apers hope to find my fears 〈…〉 and yet ●e thinks 't is very strange 〈…〉 should suddenly thus change , 〈…〉 his nature off , i did not so 〈…〉 young i am res●lvd to know 〈…〉 ●ear this mist from fore my eyes , i● 〈…〉 be done by care , by gold , or spies ▪ exit . scaena . andromana sola . andr. so badgers dig the holes and foxes live in them : of all factors state-factors are the worst , and yet least to themselves of a●l their labour . this libacer is wading to the throat in blood to do me service , and i le reward him with a halter . tame fool , can he imagine i remove a husband and a son , to suffer him to live still and upbraid my ills . lib. it is resolv'd . enter libacer ▪ but here she is , i must speak fairly for a while : an. how doth it succeed now , my darling ? shall we be great ? great alone ? lib. as great as pride and fulness of revenge can swell us . hark in your ear , madam , i le tell you all our plot , but softly , for perhaps the jealous walls may eccho back the treason ▪ they whisper . scaena . enter plangus with his sword drawn . pl. i bore whilst i could , but no t is grown too great to be contain'd in humane breast , and it shall out , though hoopt with walls of brass . are they at it ? i stood once a listning at their intreaty , this time at my own i 'le stand and hearken . steps aside . an. it is impossible . lib. i tell you no , i le aggravate the injuries , and tell him how basely poorly it was for a father to betray his son so . an. his piety will never — lib. but his fury shall , i le stab the king my self , and bring those witnesses shall swear 't was plangus . pl. nay then t is time to strike ; there , carry thy intents to hell . he stabs libacer . an. help , murder , murder , a rape , a rape . ep. what dismal note was that ? an. sir , there you see your martyr , whose force being too vveak to save my honour , his fidelity vvas greater , and dy'd a loyal sacrifice offerd by the impious hand of that vile man . eph. o heaven ! doth not the earth yet gape and svvallovv thee . thy life shall be my crime no longer ; i gave it thee and thus resume it vvith a thousand curses . he stabs plangus . pl. sir , i at length am happy to the height of all my vvishes . i am a going suddenly — from all faints . my troubles all your fears — but i vvill tell my story first — hovv you have vvrong'd , and been vvrong'd your self . this vvoman — to be short — hath tvvin'd like ivy vvith my naked limbs before she marryd you — — and vvould — oh — in spight of death i vvill go on — have tempted me to bed her since — upon refusal she turnd her love to hate , and plots my ruine — and — next your death — i can no more — i kill'd the instrument — farevvel — — forgive me — dyes . ep. can this be true andromana . an. do you beleeve it ? ep. i vvish i had not cause — an. sir every syllable vvas true he told you ; whose vvords i thus confirm she takes plang . dagger , flings it at ephorbas , and kills him . ep. i me slain , mercy heaven , an. you should have come a little sooner . enter inoph . in. do i see vvell ? or is the prince here slain ? an. he is , and cause you love him , carry that token of stabs ino. my love to him , i knovv hee 'l take it kindly that you take so long a journey only to see him . in. it vvas the devil strook sure , a vvoman could not do it — plangus oh — dyes . scaena . enter to them rinatus , eubulus , anamedes . rin. heaven defend us ! vvhat a sight is here ? the king , the prince both slain ? vvhat and my son too ? only this vvoman living ? speak out scritch-ovvl , witch , hovv came they by their deaths : an. by me , hovv else ? rin. le ts torture her . an. i can prevent you , i vvould not live a minute longer , unless to act my ills again , for all iberia . she stabs herself . i have lived long enough to boast an act , after vvhich no mischief shall be nevv — dyes . rin. le ts in , and vveep our vveary lives avvay ; when this is told , let after ages say , but andromana none could have begun it , and none but andromana could have done it . exeunt . finis . notes, typically marginal, from the original text known defects for a .xml defect summary missing or defective tokens duplicate missing known defects on page a - -a untranscribed duplicate on page -a, word known defects on page a - -b untranscribed duplicate on page -b, word known defects on page a - -a incomplete or missing word on page -a, word : d●y incomplete or missing word on page -a, word : presen●● incomplete or missing word on page -a, word : ●oyles known defects on page a - -b incomplete or missing word on page -b, word : for'● known defects on page a - -a incomplete or missing word on page -a, word : s● known defects on page a - -a incomplete or missing word on page -a, word : ● known defects on page a - -a incomplete or missing word on page -a, word : look'● known defects on page a - -a incomplete or missing word on page -a, word : ●axa known defects on page a - -a incomplete or missing word on page -a, word : remember●t incomplete or missing word on page -a, word : heav●n known defects on page a - -b incomplete or missing word on page -b, word : en●oying known defects on page a - -a incomplete or missing word on page -a, word : pla●●e known defects on page a - -a incomplete or missing word on page -a, word : ●must known defects on page a - -b incomplete or missing word on page -b, word : ●●me known defects on page a - -a incomplete or missing word on page -a, word : i●'s known defects on page a - -b incomplete or missing word on page -b, word : amazeme● incomplete or missing word on page -b, word : ●was known defects on page a - -a incomplete or missing word on page -a, word : cal●'d known defects on page a - -a incomplete or missing word on page -a, word : provok'● incomplete or missing word on page -a, word : incen●● incomplete or missing word on page -a, word : ●ight known defects on page a - -b incomplete or missing word on page -b, word : liba●er known defects on page a - -a incomplete or missing word on page -a, word : ●or known defects on page a - -b incomplete or missing word on page -b, word : rul●d known defects on page a - -a incomplete or missing word on page -a, word : forc'●andromana known defects on page a - -a incomplete or missing word on page -a, word : liba●er known defects on page a - -a incomplete or missing word on page -a, word : i●e known defects on page a - -b incomplete or missing word on page -b, word : pre●●nts incomplete or missing word on page -b, word : ●apers incomplete or missing word on page -b, word : ●e incomplete or missing word on page -b, word : res●lvd incomplete or missing word on page -b, word : ●ear incomplete or missing word on page -b, word : i● incomplete or missing word on page -b, word : a●l the politician shirley, james this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (wing s ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. martin mueller incompletely or incorrectly transcribed words were reviewed and in many cases fixed by madeline burg this text has not been fully proofread earlyprint project evanston il, notre dame in, st.louis, washington mo distributed under a creative commons attribution-noncommercial . unported license a .xml the politician, a tragedy written by james shirley. shirley, james, - . dpi tiff g page images university of michigan, digital library production service ann arbor, michigan july (tcp phase ) wing s . woodward and mcmanaway . wrenn iv . a

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 the politician, a tragedy written by james shirley. shirley, james, - . [ ], [i.e. ] p. printed for humphrey moseley ..., london : .

"presented at salisbury court by her majesties servants."

reproduction of original in bristol public library, bristol, england.

 english drama -- th century. a shc the politician shirley, james madeline burg play tragedy shc no a r (wing s ). . b the rate of . defects per , words puts this text in the b category of texts with fewer than defects per , words. incorporated ~ , textual changes made to the shc corpus by hannah bredar, kate needham, and lydia zoells between april and july during visits, separately or together, to the bodleian, folger and houghton libraries as well as the rare book libraries at northwestern university and the university of chicago

the polititian , a tragedy , presented at salisbury court by her maiesties servants ;

written by james shirley .

london , printed for humphrey moseley and are to be sold at his shop at the princes armes in st. pauls church-yard . .

to the very much honored walter moyle , esq sir ,

though the severity of the times took away those dramatique recreations ( whose language so much glorified the english scene ) and perhaps looking at some abuses of the common theaters , which were not so happily purg'd from scurrility , and under-wit , ( the onely entertainment of vulgar capacities ) they have outed the more noble and ingenious actions of the eminent stages ; the rage yet hath not been epidemicall , there are left many lovers of this exiled posie , who are great masters of reason , and that dare conscientiously own this musicall part of humane learning , when it is presented without the staines of impudence and profanation .

among these persons , sir you deserve an honorable inscription . for my own part ; this is the last which is like to salute the publique view in this kind , and i have onely to say , that i congratulate my own happiness to conclude with so judicious a patron .

to make a doubt of your fair receiving this piece : were to dishonor your character , and make my self undeserving . read at your leisure , what is humbly presented to your eye and judgment , while i preserve my confidence in your vertue and good thoughts upon

sir , the most humble honorer of your worth james shirley
the names and small characters of the persons . king of norway , easie and credulous in his nature , and passionately doting upon queen marpisa . gotharus , the polititian , active to serve his pleasures and ambition , a great favorite of the queen . turgesius , the prince , of a gallant disposition , and honoured by the souldier . duke olaus , the kings uncle , old , cholerique and distast'd with the court-proceedings , disaffected to gotharus , and the queen , but resolute , and faithfull to the prince . haraldus son to marpisa , young , of a sweet and noble disposition , whom gotharus would form more bold , and ambitious for the greatness he had design'd . reginaldus , aquinas captaines . hormenus , cortes two honest courtiers . sueno , helga a couple of court-parasites . souldiers . rebells . attendants . marpisa the queen , a ' proud subtle and revengefull lady , from the widow of count altomarus , advanc'd to royall condition , by the practise of her creature and confident , gotharus . albina , wife to gotharus a vertuous but suffering lady , under the tyranny of an imperious , and disloyall husband .

scene norway .

the polititian .
act. . enter cortes and hormenus . cor. it was a strange and suddaine marriage . h. could he not love her for the game , and so forth , but he must thus exalt her ? no lesse title then queen , to satisfie her ambition ? co. 't is a brave rise ! h. i did not prophesie , when the honest count her husband altomarus liv'd , she would bring us on our knees . co. i hope she 'l love the king for 't . h. and in his absence , gotharus the kings minion , her old friend , he has done this royall service ; beside , what rests on accompts in her old husbands dayes . i do suspect her son haraldus was got with more heat , and blood , then altomarus age could assure her , but hee 's dead . co. � be with him ; although i wo'not make oath for her chastity , that boyes good nature is an argument to me , gotharus had no share in him : hee 's honest , of a gentle disposition , and on my conscience does pray sometimes . enter gotharus reading a letter . ho. no more , we have a wolfe by 'th' eare , what news from hell ? he cannot want intelligence , he has so many friends there � he 's displeas'd , there is some goodness in that letter , i will pawne my head , that makes him angry . enter some with petitions , gotharus frowns upon 'em , they returne hastily . how his frown hath scatterrd 'em like leaves , they fly from him as nimbly , as their bodyes had no more weight then their petitions ; i would give an eye-tooth , to read but three lines . go. curse upon his victory ! i meant him not this safety , when i wrought the king to send him forth to warre , but hop'd his active spirit would have met some engine to have translated him to another world ; he 's now upon return . exit . ho. would i had but the harrowing of your skull ; my genius gives me � that paper is some good news of the prince , i would i knew it but concern'd him . co. 't was my wonder , the king would send his son abroad to warres , the onely pledge of his succession . ho. he had a councellor , this polititian , that would prefer the prince to heaven , a place his lordship has no hope to be acquainted with ; the prince , and his great uncle duke olaus , would not allow these pranks of state , nor see the king betrai'd to a concubine ; therefore it was thought fit they should be engag'd to forraigne dangers . enter albina , and her waiting woman . 't is madam albina , our great mans wife . co. the king did seem to affect her , before he married her to his favorite . h. dost think she 's honest ? co. i le not stake my soul on 't , but i believe she is too good for him , although the king and she have private conference . h. she looks as she were discontent . exit al. co. she has cause in being gotharus wife , some say she lov'd him most passionately . h. 't was her destiny ; she has him now , and if she love him still , 't is not impossible she may be a martyr , his proud and rugged nature will advance her patience too 't . enter helga and sueno . hel. avoid the gallery . su. the king is coming , oh my lord , your pardon : ho. nay we must all obey . co. i near lik'd this fellow . h. he is one of fortunes minions � the love of the choice ladyes of the landry , that 's one that draws in the same team , but more inclin'd to 'th knave ; he is a kind of pendant to the kings ear , an everlasting parasite : the king ? albina return'd with him . exit . enter king and albina . k. leave us . y' are most unkind to your self in my opinion , you know well who i am , and what i have advanc'd you too ; neither in virgin state nor marriage , to allow your king a favour ? al. sir , let the humble duty of a subject , who shall with zealous prayers solicite heaven for you , and your fair queen � k. had you been wise , that might have been your title , but the god of love had with his arrow so engraven gotharus in your heart ; you had no language but what concern'd his praise , scarce any thought at liberty ; i did imagine , when i had compassion of your sufferings , and gave thee a fair bride to my gotharus , you would not lose the memory of my benefit , but ( now in state , and nature to reward it ) consented to returne me love . al. be pleas'd to excuse the boldnesse of one question . k. be free albina . al. do not you love my husband ? k. there wants no testimony , beside the rest , my giving thee to him , dear to my thoughts , is argument i love him . al. would you take me back agen ? you but betraid his faith , and your own gift , to tempt me to forsake him . k. you are more apprehensive , if you please he shall possesse you still , i but desire sometimes a neere and loving conversation , though he should know 't , considering how much i may deserve , he would be wise enough to love thee near the worse ; he 's not the first lord that hath purchas'd offices by the free surrender of his wife to the kings use , 't is frequent in all common-wealths to lend their play-fellows to a friend . al. oh do not think gotharus can be worth your love , to be so most degenerate , and lost to honour ; you have a queen , to whom your vow is sacred , be just to her , the blessing is yet warm pronounc'd by holy priest , stain not a passion to wander from that beauty , richer far then mine ; let your souls meet and kiss each other , that while you live , the examples of chaste love ( most glorious in a king and queene ) we may grow up in vertue by the spring of yours , till our top-boughs reach heaven . ki. you are resolved then we must be strangers , should my life depend on the possession of your bosome , i should languish and expire , i see . al. good heaven will not permit the king want so much goodness , to think the enjoying of forbidden pleasure could benefit his life , rather let mine ebbe at some wound , and wander with my blood by your command ta'ne from me , on my knee � k. rise , i may kiss albina � go. ha! enter gotharus . k. 'thas shot another flame into me , come you must � alb. what ? k. be a woman , do 't , or i le complain . alb. to whom ? k. thy husband . go. horror ! k. think upon 't . exit . al. what will become of miserable albina ? like a poor deere pursu'd to a steep precipice , that overlooks the sea , by some fierce hound ; the iust of a wild king doth threaten here , before me , the neglects of him i love , gotharus my unkind lord , like the waves , and full as deafe affright me . go. how now madam ? come , can you kiss ? alb. kiss sir ? go. what difference between his touch and mine now ? his perhaps was with more heat , but mine was soft enough . what has he promis'd thee , but that 's no matter , thou wo't be wise enough to make thy bargain , i father all , onely the king shall give it a name , he 'l make it master of a province . al. what means my lord : go. thou thinkst i am jealous now , not i , i knew before he doated on thee , and it is to be presum'd , having a veile to hide thy blushes , ( i do mean our marriage ) thou maist find out some time to meet , and mingle stories and limbs , it may be necessary ; and 'cause i will be dutifull to the king , we will converse no more abed , i le be thy husband still albina , and weare my buds under my haire close like a prudent statesman ; but 't were not much amisse , as i advis'd before , and these new premises consider'd , you appear abroad with a less train , your wardrobe will make you more suspected , if it be too rich ; and some whole dayes to keepe your chamber , will make the king know where to find you certain . al. will you have patience my lord to hear me ? go. the world doth partly think thee honest too , that will help much , if you observe good rules and dyet , without tedious progresses , and visiting of ladyes , expert in night revels , masks , and twenty other torments to an estate ; your doctors must be left too , i wo'not pay a fee to have your pulse felt , and your hand roll'd up like wax , by one whose footcloth must attend , while he makes leggs , and every other morning comes to tell your ladyship a story out of aretine , that can set you a longing for diseases , that he may cure you , and your waiting-woman , whose curiosity would taste your glister , commend the operation from her stomack . should you be sick , and sick to death , i wo'd not counsell you to physick ; women are fraile things , and should a cordiall miscarry , my conscience would be arraign'd , and i might be suspected for your poisoner . no , no , i thank you , y' are in a fine course to ease me wife ; or if you must be loose , i' th spring and fall , let the king bear the charges . he will , if you apply your selfe . al. i am wretched ; why do you without hearing thus condemn me ? the lady lives not with a purer faith to her lov'd lord , then i have ; nor shall greatness , nor death it selfe , have power to break it . go. come , these are but painted teares , leave this , have you prepar'd your last accompts ? al. they are ready sir ; never was lady slav'd thus like albina , a stipendary , worse , a servile steward , to give him an accompt of all my expences . go. i 'le have it so in spight of customes heart , while you are mine ; accountless liberty is ruine of whole families : now leave me , exit al. we may talk more anon , i have observ'd this privacy before , search here gotharus , 't is here from whence mutinous thoughts conspiring with witty melancholly , shal beget a strong born mischiefe , i 'le admit she be honest , i love her not , and if he tempt her to sinne , that 's paid him back in his wives loosness ; from whom i took my first ambition , and must go on , till we can sway the kingdom , though we clime to 't o're many deaths . i first practise at home , my unkindness to albina , if she do love me must needs break her heart . enter haraldus . ha. my honour'd lord . go. most dear haraldus welcome , preciously welcome to gotharus heart . ha. the queen my mother , sir , would speake with you . go. how excellently do those words become thee , 't is fit haraldus mother be a queene , th' art worth a princely fate ; i will attend her . ha. i le tell her so . go. 't is not an office for you . ha. it is my duty sir , to wait upon my mother . go. who i' th court is not your servant ? you doe not exercise command enough , you are too gentle in your fortunes sir , and weare your greatnesse , as you were not born to be a prince . ha. my birth sure gave me not that title , i was born with the condition to obey , not govern . go. do not wrong those starres , which early as you did salute the world , design'd this glorious fate ; i did consult , and in the happy minute of thy birth , collect what was decreed in heaven about thee . ha. those books are 'bove my reading , but what e're my stars determine of me , 't is but late i heard my mother say , you are on earth , to whom i am most bound for what i am : go. 't is a shrewd truth , if thou knew'st all . ha. you have been more a father then a friend to us . go. friend to thy mother , i confess in private , the other followes by a consequence , aside . a father my haraldus ? i confess i was from thy nativity inclin'd by a most strange and secret force of nature , or sympathy to love thee like my owne ; and let me tell thee , though thy mother had merit enough to engage my senses ; yet there was something more in thee consider'd , that rais'd my thoughts , and study to advance thee to these pregnant hopes of state , methinks i see thee a king already . ha. good sir , do not prompt me to that ambition , i possess too much already , and i could , so pleas'd my mother , travell where i should not hear of these great titles , and it comes now aptly , i should entreat your lordship to assist me in a request to her , i know she loves you , and will deny you nothing ; i would faine visit the university for study , i do lose time methinks . go. fie haraldus , and leave the court ? how you forget your selfe ? study to be king , i shall halfe repent my care , if you permit these dull and phlegmatick thoughts to usurpe , they 'l stifle your whole reason , catch at the sunne , devest him of his beame , and in your eye wear his proud rayes ; let day be when you smile , and when your anger points , shoot death in every frowne : covet a shade , affect a solitude , and books , and forfeit , so brave an expectation ? ha. of what ? go. of norwayes crown . ha. could there be any thought within me so ambitious , with what hope could it be cherished , when i have no title ? go. i that have thus farre studied thy fortune , may find a way . ha. the king � go. is not immortal while he has physitians . ha. what 's that unsaid ? the king is happy , and the whole nation treasure up their hopes in prince turgesius , who with his great uncle valiant olaus . go. are sent to 'th warres , where 't will concerne 'm , to think of fame , and how to march to honour through death . ha. i dare not hear him . go. or if they return � ha. they will be welcome to all good mens hearts , and next the king , none with more joy congratulate their safeties , then your selfe : i am confident my lord you will remember to see my mother , and excuse me if to finish something else i had in charge , i take my leave , all good dwell with your lordship . exit . go. but that i have marpisas faith , i could suspect him not the issue of my blood , he is too tame , and honest , at his yeers i was prodigiously in love with greatnesse ; or if not mine , let him inherit but his mothers soule , she has pride enough , and spirit to catch at flames , his education has been too soft , i must new form the boy into more vice , and daring , strange , we must study at court , how to corrupt our children � enter marpisa . the queene ! ma. my expectation to speak with thee gotharus , was too painfull to me ; i feare we are all undone ; dost hear the news ? the prince is comming back with victory , our day will be o're-cast . go. these eyes will force a brighter from those clouds ; are not you queene ? ma. but how turgesius , and his bold uncle wil look upon me . go. let 'em stare out their eyeballs , be you mistress still of the kings heart , and let their gall spout in their stomack , we 'l be secure . ma. thou art my fate . go. i must confesse i was troubled when i heard it first ; seem not you pale at their return , but put on smiles to grace their triumph ; now you have most need of womans art , dissemble cunningly . ma. my best gotharus . go. they shall find stratagems in peace , more fatal then all the engines of the war ; what mischiefe will not gotharus fly to , to assure the fair marpisa's greatness , and his own , in being hers ( an empire 'bove the world ) there is a heaven in either eye , that calls my adoration , such promethean fire , as were i struck dead in my works , shouldst thou but dart one look upon me , it would quicken my cold dust , and informe it with a soul more daring then the first . ma. still my resolv'd gotharus . go. let weak statesmen think of conscience , i am arm'd against a thousand stings , and laugh at the tales of hell , and other worlds , we must possess our joyes in this , and know no other but what our fancy every minute shall create to please us . ma. this is harmony , how dull is the kings language , i could dwell upon thy lips ; why should not we engender at every sense ? go. now you put me in mind , the pledge of both our hopes , and blood , haraldus , is not well bred , he talks too morally , he must have other discipline , and be fashion'd for our great aims upon him ; a crown never became a stoick , pray let me commend some conversation to his youth . ma. he is thine . enter helga . ge. he shall be every way my own . hel. the king desires your presence madam . ma. i attend , you 'l follow � exit . go. thee to death , and triumph in my ruines for thy sake , a thousand forms throng in my braine , that is the best , which speeds , who looks at crowns , must have no thought who bleeds . exit .
act. . enter king , hormenus , cortes , sueno . k. this musick doth but add to melancholly , i le hear no more . co. he 's strangely mov'd . ho. i cannot think a cause , you were wont to fool him into mirth ; where 's helga your dear companion ? no device between you to raise his thoughts ? su. i am nothing without my fellow , musick is best in consort . h. your buffonry is musical belike . co. your juglers cannot do some o' their tricks without confederacy . su. i 'le try alone . if please your majesty there is � k. that for your unseasonable and saucie fooling . strikes him . ho. that was a musical box o' th' ear . ki. leave us . co. 't is nothing without a fellow , he knows musick is best in consort . exit . su. would you had your parts ? k. hormenus you may stay . ho. your pleasure sir . ki. men do account thee honest . h. 't is possible i may fare the worse . k. and wise ; canst tell the cause why i am sad ? ho. not i sir . ki. nor i my self , 't is strange i should be subject to a dull passion , and no reason for it . ho. these things are frequent . ki. sometimes ominous , and do portend . ho. if you enjoy a health , what is in fate ? ki. i am king still , and i not ? ho. we are all happy in 't , and when time shall with the consent of nature , call you an old man from this world to heaven , may he that shall suceed you , prince turgesius , the glory of our hope , be no less fortunate . ki. my son , i was too rash to part with him . ho. we should have thought his stay a blessing , and did wish you would not have expos'd such tender years to the rough warre ; but your commands met with his duty , and our obedience . ki. it is very strange , we of late hear no success , i hope this sadnesse is not for his loss , he has a kinsman with him , loves him dearly , 't is the queen . enter queen and helga . i feel my drooping thoughts fall off , and my clouds fly before the wind , her presence hath an infusion to restore dead nature . my sweet , my dear marpisa . mar. you sent for me . ki. i am but the shadow of my selfe without thee . enter cort. sueno . no wonder i was sad , my soul had plac'd all her delight in these fair eyes , and could not but think it selfe an exile in thy absence , why should we ever part , but chaine our selves together thus ? su. he 's in a better humour i hope ; i do not think but his majestie would cuffe well , his hand carryes a princely weight . he. a favour . su. would you might weare such another in your eare . ki. come hither � on this side . su. you were on that side before . ki. wo'dst not thou lose thy life , to do a service my queen would smile upon ? su. alas , my life is the least thing to be imagin'd , he is not a faithful subject would refuse to kill his wife and children , after that to hang himselfe , to do the queen a service . ki. come hither helga . hel. royal sir . ki. what would affright thy undertaking , to deserve the least grace from my queen ? he. i cannot tell , but i 've an opinion , the devill could not ; my life is nothing fir , to obtaine her favour , i would hazard more ; i have heard talk of hell , so farre she should command me . hor. bless me goodness ! what wretched parasites are these ? how can the king be patient at 'em ? here is flattery so thick and grosse , it would endure a hand-saw . co. his judgement 's i fear stupified . hor. come hither , which of you can resolve , what serpent spawn'd you ? su. you are pleasant . he. my good lord , it hurts not you , there is necessity of some knaves , and so your lordship be exempted , why should you trouble your selfe , and murmur at our courses ? enter aquinus hastily . a. the king . he. peace . su. your businesse ? aq. news from the field . su. good ? a. good . he. how ? su. how prethee ? aq. the day , the field , the safety , o the glory of warre is norwaies , letters to the king � he. give 'em to me . su. or me . he. trust not a fool with things of consequence , he 's the kings mirth , let me present the news . su. sir , i should know you ; this is a knave , would take to him all the glory of your report ; if please you , let me present the letters . he. my leige ! su. my soveraigne ! he. news ! su. good news ! he. excellent newes ! su. the prince � he. the prince is � su. the enemy is � o'rethrown . he. they have lost the day . su. defeated utterly . he. and are all slain . su. madam , will you hear the news ? ki. say on , what is 't you would relate ? he. one of my creatures sir hath brought you letters , aquinus delivers the letters . my servant sir , one strengthened to your service out of my maintenance , an instrument of mine , so please you to consider my duty in his service . aq. why hark you gentlemen , i have but mock'd your greedy zeals , there 's no such matter in those letters as you have told ; we have lost all , and the prince taken prisoner , will you not stay for the reward , you know i 'm but your creature , i look for nothing but your courtly faces to pay my travel . he. we wo'not appear yet � exit . aq. how the rats vanish . ki. read here my best marpisa , news that makes a triumph in my heart , great as the conquest upon our enemies ; hormenus , cortes , our son will prove a souldier , was my sadnesse omen to this good fate ? or nature fear'd the extasie of my joy would else o'recome me ? they are return'd victorious . ho. thanks to heaven ! ki. and some reward is due to thee ; wear that for the kings sake . aq. you too much honour me . ki. but something in marpisa's face , shews not so clear a joy as we express , forbear , exeunt . wait till we call ; can this offend my queen , to hear of happinesse to my son ? o let thy eyes look bright , there shine hath force to make the wreath of laurel grow upon his temples ; why dost thou weep ? this dew will kill the victory , and turn his bay to cipresse . ma. witnesse heaven , there 's not a teare that mourns for him , his safety and conquest is most welcome , and he shall have still my prayers , he may grow up in fame , and all the glorious fortunes of a prince : but while my wishes fly to heaven for blessings upon his head , at the same time , i must remember in what miserable condition my stars have plac'd me . ki. what can make thy state guilty of such a name , and so deject thy nobler thoughts ? am not i still the king ? and is not fair marpisa mine by marriage ? crown'd here my queen immortally . m. though i be by royall bounty of your love , possest of that great title sir , i have some fears . ki. you amaze me , speak thy doubts at large . m. the prince ( dear to your love , and i still wish him so ) ( dear to your peoples hearts ) i fear , will think our marriage his dishonour , and olaus your passionate uncle , no good friend of mine , when he shall see to what a height your love and holy vow hath rais'd me , most unworthy , will but salute marpisa with his scorn , and by his counsell , or some waies of force unchain our hearts , and throw me from your bosome to death , or worse , to shame ; oh think upon me , and if you have one fear that 's kin to mine , prevent their tyrannie , and give me doom of exile e're their cruelty arrive : i le take my sentence kindly from your lips , though it be killing . ki. let my son or uncle , dare but affront three in a look , i shall forget the ties of nature , and discharge 'em like the corruption in my blood . m. i can submit my selfe to them , and would you please to allow my humblenesse no staine to what you have advanc'd me to , i can be their servant , and with as true a duty wait upon 'em � ki. thou art all goodnesse , twenty kingdoms are too little for thy dowry ; who attends ? enter horm . and cortes . thus every minute i will marry thee , and wear thee in my heart , vanish the thought of all thy sex beside , and what can else attempt our separation : th' art obscure , and liv'st in court but like a masking star , shut from us by the unkindnesse of a cloud when cynthia goes to revels : i will have a chariot for my queen richer then er'e was shewn in roman triumph , and thou shalt be drawn with horses white as venus doves , till heaven it selfe in envy of our bliss , snatch thee from earth to place thee in his orbe , the brightest constellation . co. he dotes strangely . k. hormenus , cortes , i would have you all search your inventions to advance new joyes ; proclaime all pleasures free , and while my fair queen smiles , it shall be death for any man i' th court to frown . exeunt . ho. you ha' not so much love i' th court aquinus . co. how do you like the queen ? aq. why she 's not married , he does but call her so . ho. and lyes with her . aq. the prince yet knows it not . ho. hee 'l meet it coming home . go. aquinus ? enter gotharus . aq. sir . go. you brought letters from the camp . aq. i did my lord . ho. what in the name of policy is now hatching ? i do not like those fawning postures in him , how kind they are . go. that souldier is thought honest . ho. but if he cringe once more i shall suspect him , that leg confirms he is corrupt already . go. how does he like his fathers marriage ? aq. we had no fame on 't there when i set forth . go. 't was strange and suddain , but we are all happy in the good princes health and victory ; the duke olaus too i hope is well . aq. he was design'd at my departure , to be here before the army . go. he will be welcome : you shall accept the price of a new armour , and wherein any power of mine can serve you i' th court , command . aq. i am your lord-ships creature . exeunt . ho. they are gone , i long to see the prince � how do you think his highnesse will behave himself to his new mother queen ? will it be treason not to aske her blessing ? co. i am confident his uncle , brave olaus . enter haraldus . wo'not run mad for joy of the kings marriage ? ho. let them look to 't , there may be alterations . ha. they talk sure of my mother and the king . ho. secure as they account themselves , the prince must be receiv'd spight of marpisa's greatnesse , and all the tricks of her incarnate fiend gotharus , who both plot i fear , to raise that composition of their blood , haraldus � ha. how was that ? ho. the strange effect of their luxurious appetites , though in him poor innocence , suspecting not their sin , we read no such ambition . ha. oh my shame ! what have my ears receiv'd ? am i a bastard ? 't is malice that doth wound my mothers honour ; how many bleed at once ? yet now i call to memory , gotharus at our loving late conference , did much insult upon the name of a father , and his care of me by some strange force of nature : ha ! my fears shoot an ice through me , i must know the truth although it kill me . exit . co. who was that haraldus ? ho. i hope he did not hear us , again gotharus . and the two squirrels ; more devices yet . enter gotharus , sueno , and helga . su. let us alone my lord , we 'l quicken him . go. you must use all your art to win him to 't . he. let us alone to make him drink , we are the credit of the court for that , he 's but a child alas , we 'l take our time . enter olaus attended with captains . ol. hormenus . ho. my good lord olaus , i joy in your safe return , how fares the prince ? ol. well , where 's the king ? ho. kissing his new made queen marpisa . ol. ha! the king is married then . exit su. & ho. go. away , the duke olaus , sir � ol. i am too stiffe for complement , my lord , i have rid hard � exit . go. he has met the intelligence , and is displeas'd with me the state of things at home ; this marriage stings him , let it , we must have no trembling hearts , not fall into an ague , like children at the sight of a portent : but like a rock when wind and waves go highest , and the insulting billowes dash against her ribs , be unmov'd . the king must be saluted with other letters , which must counterfet the princes character , i was his secretary and know the art , malice inspire my brain to poyson his opinion of his son ; i le form it cunningly . ha! 't is haraldus . enter haraldus . he looks sad . ha. i dare not aske my mother , 't were a crime , but one degree beneath the sinfull act that gave me life to question her , and yet to have this fright dwell in my apprehension , without the knowledge of some truth , must needs distract my poor wits quite ; 't is he , i will take boldnesse and know the worst of him , if i be what i am already charactred , he can resolved my shame too well . go. how is 't my lord ? ha. never so ill sir . go. art sick ? ha. most dangerously . go. where ? ha. here , at heart , which bleeds with such a wound , as none but you , can cure . go. i le drop my soul into it , shew me how i may be thy physitian , to restore thy blood i will lose all mine , speak child . ha. this very love is a fresh suffering , and your readinesse to cure my sorrow , is another wound ; you are too kind , why are you so ? what is or can be thought in me fit to deserve it ? go. thou dost talk wildly ; to accuse me thus for loving thee , could the world tempt me here , and court me with her glories to forsake thee , thus i would dwell about thy neck , and not be bought from kissing thee for all her provinces : there is a charme upon my soul to love thee , and i must do 't . ha. then i must dye . go. forbid it gentler fates . ha. if i could hear you wish me dead , i should have hope to live ; although i would not willingly deserve your anger , by any impious deed , you do not know what comfort it would be to heare you curse me . go. he 's mad ; haraldus , prethee do not talk so . ha. or if you think a curse too much to help me , yet rail upon me , but do 't heartily , and call me go. what ? ha. vilaine , or bastard , sir , the worst is best from you . go. thou dost amaze me . ha. will you not for me ? then for my mothers sake if you do love her , or ever did esteem her worth your friendship , let me entreat you draw your sword , and give me something to wear in blood upon my bosome ; write but one letter of your name upon my brest , i le call you father , by your love ; do something that may make me bleed a little . go. by that i dare not , thou hast nam'd haraldus a father . ha. i but call you so , i know you are a stranger to my blood , although indeed to me your great affection appears a wonder ; nor can nature shew more in a parent to a child ; but if i be . go. what ? ha. i shall blush sir to pronounce it , there 's something that concerns my mother , will not give it a name ; yet i would be resolv'd , that i might place my duty right ; if i must answer to your sonne , you may imagine i shall no more aske you a reason , why you have been so kind to me ; and to my mother . go. thou hast said it , th' art mine own , 't was nature in me , that could not hide the actions of a father . ha. i am your base seed then . go. stain not thy self with such a name , but look upon thy mother now made a queene . ha. you made her first a strumpet , and it would aske the piety of her sonne , to dye upon that man that stole her honour : why did you so undo us ? why did you betray my mother to this shame ? or when she had consented , why should both your lust curse my unsinning heart , oh i must be for your vice scorn'd , though innocent . go. none dare � ha. i should not by your vertue have been sav'd , where shall i hide my life , i must no more converse with men � go. thou art too passionate . ha. i will entreat my mother we may go into some wildernesse , where we may find some creatures that are spotted like our selves , and live and dye there , be companion to the wild panther , and the leopard , yet they are too good for their converse , we are by ours , defil'd , their spots do make them fair . exit . go. 't is time that sueno and his companion , dispers'd these clouds ; now to the king , with whom if the queens beauty keep her magick , then our engine mount , and day grows bright agen . exeunt .
act. . enter king , queene , olaus , reginaldus , aguinus , helga . k. uncle , i am glad to see you . ol. i am not glad to see you sir . ki. not me ? ol. consorted thus . k. if olaus be forgetfull of good manners , i shall forget his years , and blood ; be temperate . ol. there 's something in your blood that will undoe your state and fame eternally , purge that , you know i never flatter'd you , that woman will prove thy evill genius . ki. y' are too saucy . ol. do not i know her , was she not wife to the count altomarus a weak lord ? but too good for her , charm'd by the flattery and magick of her face , and tongue , to dote and marry her , born of a private family , advanc'd thus , she grew insolent , and i fear by pride and liberty , and some trick she had , broke her good husbands heart . ma. sir , you much wrong me , and now exceed the priviledge of your birth to injure mine . ol. we all know you can plead your own defence , you have a womans wit , heaven send you equall modesty , i am plain . ma. it would be held an insolence in others , and saucy boldnesse in the sacred presence thus of the king , to accuse , whom he hath pleas'd to take companion of his bed ; and though it would become the justice of my cause and honour , to desire these black aspersions may be examin'd further , and the author call'd to make proof of such a passionate language , ( which will betray his accusation was but envy of my fortunes ) i remember y' are the kings uncle , and 't is possible you may be abus'd by some malicious tale fram'd to dishonour me , and therefore i beseech you humbly sir , to let this passe but as an act in him of honest freedom , beside what else may give you priviledge being a souldier , and not us'd to file his language , blunt and rugged wayes of speech becoming your profession . ol. very good ! although we ha' not the device of tongue and soft phrase madam , which you make an idol at court , and use it to disguise your heart , we can speak truth in our unpollish'd words , thou art � m. what am i ? ol. not the queen . k. she is my wife olaus . ol. i must never kneel to her , nor the good prince your son , the hope of war , and peaces darling , honour of our blood , and worth a better kingdom then he 's born to � k. what of him ? ol. must never call her mother . k. dare you instruct him against his duty , leave us . ol. you have lost more honour in those minutes you were married , then we have gain'd in months abroad , with all our triumph purchas'd for you with our blood ; is this the payment , the reward for all our faith ? when thy young son , whose springing valour and name , already makes the confines tremble , returns like young augustus crown'd with victories ; must a stepdame first salute him , and tread upon his laurel ? k. leave the court . ol. may it not prove an hospital , 't is i' th way to change a title , lust and all the riots of licence reeling in it , by th' example of one should least prophane it , i am still o laus , and your fathers brother . aq. my lord . k. take heed you do not talk your head off , we have scaffolds , but the old man raves , come my marpisa . ol. then i will talke , threaten my head , command that parasite that dares do most in wickednesse , to shew himselfe your servant ; give him his engine , and his fee for hangman , let him take boldness but to move one hair that withers on my head out of his posture , he shall have more hope to o'recome the devil in single duel , then to scape my fury . aq. sir � ki. our guard . ol. look you , i 'le bring no danger to your person , i love you too well ; i did alwayes use to speak , your father lik'd me near the worse . and now i am coole againe � you say you are married � ki. we are . ol. then between you , and i , and let none heare us , to make your selfe , your son , and kingdome prosper , be counsel'd to a divorce . ki. not , not to save thy soule , my sonnes life added to thine , and lives of all the army shall be divorc'd from this world first , you are my fathers brother , and if you love my sonne , your pupil , so hopeful in your thoughts , teach him to come more humbly to us , without thought to question our marriage , or i 'le find a chastisement for his rebellious heart , we will . exit . ol, you must not ; i wo'not leave him yet . exit . re. this freedome may engage his life to danger , he is too passionate . aq. he has said too much , i le venter speaking to him . exit . he. he 's alone , now to him . su. noble sir � i have a suit to you . re. a courtier aske a suit of a souldier ? you 'l wear no buffe nor iron ? su. i come very impudently , and i hope to thrive the better for 't ; this gentleman my friend , a man of quality , and in some grace with the king , hath laid a wager with me of two hundred crowns , i dare not pull a haire from your most reverend beard : now if you please to give me leave , i 'le win the crownes , laugh at him , and drink your health at supper . re. a hair from my beard ? su. but one hair , if shall please you . re. come , take it . su. i have pul'd three noble sir . re. 't was more then your commssion , there 's one kicks him . that 's another , and that will make you an upright courtier . strikes him . h. ha , ha . su. sir , i beseech you � re. beg modestly hereafter , take within your bounds , you have small beard to play upon . 't is fit my fist should make an answer to your wit . su. i have it to a hair , the cholerick duke agen ? i am gone . exeunt . ent. ol. & aqui. aq. sir , you have been too blame . ol. how dare you talk to me sir ? aq. 't is my duty , and i must tell you , y 'ave built too much upon him as a kinsman , and have forgot the king . ol. take that for your impudence . exit . strikes him with his cane . aq. i have it , and i thank you . enter king , reading of letters , queen . h. they are gone sir , but have left prints of their fury , the angry duke has broke aquinus head , for speaking dutifully on your behalfe ; to'ther mute man of war stroke sueno sir . su. i heare his language humming in my head still . k. aquinus ? strike so near our presence ? su. nay these souldiers will strike a man , if he doe not carry himselfe to a hairs breadth , i know that . k. they shall repent this impudence , look up my dear marpisa , there 's no tempest shall approach to hurt thee , they have rais'd a storm to their own ruines . enter a souldier . so. sir , if you 'l bring me to 'th king . you shall do an office worth your labour , i have letters will be welcome . he. you must give me leave sir to present 'em from the prince : most excellent , sir , my soveraigne . su. letters ? if you have a chaine of gold � he. go hang thy selfe . souldier gives helga the letters , & exit . he. i am most fortunate to present you sir with letters from the prince , and if your majestie knew with what zeale i tender these . k. ha! he. he frowns , where 's the soldade ? you 'l goe my half . ki. who brought these letters ? where 's the messenger ho. he was here but now , he 's vanish'd . ki. vanish thee too , and creep into the earth . h. i shall sir . ki. the impudence of children , read marpisa , more letters from the proud ambitious boy , he dares to give us precepts , and writes here , we have too much forgot our selfe and honour , in making thee our queen , puts on his grace a discontent , and sayes , the triumph he expected , the reward of his young merit , will be ungloried in our suddaine match , and weak election . m. this was my fear . ki. he threatens us , if we proceed with his command and power i' th army ; raise new forces to oppose 'm , and proclaime 'm rebels , trayters � m. sir , i beseech you for the generall good , temper your rage , these are but words of passion , the prince will soon be sorry for 't , suspect not his duty , rather then disgrace your son , divide me from your heart , the people love him . ki. i 'le hate him for 't , gotharus ; where 's gotharus , exit . m. this letter tast's of his invention , he 's active , it concerns us both . albina . enter albina . nay , you may forward madam . a. i beseech your pardon , i did hope to have found my lord gotharus here . m. the king ask'd for him , and is but new retyr'd , who i presume if he had known of your approach , w'od not have gone so soon . al. i have no businesse madam with the king . m. come do not disguise it thus , i am covetous to know your suit ; but i am confident he will deny you nothing , and your husband is of my opinion lately . al. by your goodnesse madam , let me not suffer in your thoughts , i see there is some poison thrown upon my innocence , and t is not well done of my lord gotharus , to render me to your suspition so unhappy , 't is too much he has withdrawn his own heart , he will shew no seeds of charity , to make all others scorn me . m. if he do , you can return it , but take heed your wayes be straite to your revenge , let not my fame and honour be concern'd with the least wound . al. i understand not what you mean . m. i cannot be patient , to hear the king commend your lip . al i am betraid . m. my phrase is modest , do not you love the king ? al. yes , with the duty � m. of one that wants no cunning to dissemble her pride , and loose desires . al. you are the queen . m. what then ? al. i should else tell you , 't is ill done to oppresse one that groans beneath the weight � of griefe already , and i durst take boldnesse to say , you were unjust . m. so , so . a. i can contain no longer , take from my sad heart what hitherto i have conceal'd , ( in that you may call me dissembler of my sorrows ) i am weary of my life , and fear not what your power and rage can execute ; would you had no more guilt upon your blood , then i have sinne in my accounts that way , my lord gotharus would not be so unkind to me . m. what 's that you said so impudently albina ? al. what i did think should have consum'd me here in silence , but your injuries are mighty , and though i do expect to have my name in your black register design'd for death , to which my husband will i know consent ; i cannot thus provok'd , but speak what wounds me . yet here agen i shut the casket up , never to let this secret forth , to spread so wide a shame hereafter . m. thou hast wak'd a lyonness . al. death cannot more undo me , and since i live an exile from my husband , i will not doubt but you may soon prevaile , to give my weary soul a full discharge some way or other ; and i' th minute when it takes her flight to an eternall dwelling , i will forgive you both , and pray for you , but let not your revenge be to long idle , least the unmeasur'd pile of my affections weigh me to death before your anger comes , and so you lose the triumph of your envies . m. you sha'not be forgotten , feare it not , and but that something nearer doth concern us , you should soon find a punishment . the king . ex. enter king , gotharus , with a letter . ki. he struck aquinus , helga saw him bleed . go. these are strange insolencies , one goe for aquinus . did olaus bring these letters ? ki. no , some spirit , for he soon vanish'd . i have given my sonne to the most violent men under the planets , these souldiers . go. and they 'l cling to him like ivie , embrace him even to death . ki. like brees to cattel in summer , they 'l not let him feed . go. but make him fling , unquiet . ki. most repineful , spleeny . go. ready to break the twist of his allegiance . ki. which they fret every day � go. these put upon his young blood discontents . ki. dangerous � go. extreamly dangerous . ki. swell him up with the alluring shapes of rule , and empire � go. and speak his strength with a proud emphasis ; yours , with a faint cold-hearted voice ; was ever such peremptory lines writ to a father ? ki. thy counsell , while the dangers yet aloofe . go. aloofe ? take heed , hils in a piece of landskip may seem to stand a hundred leagues , yet measure , there 's but an inch in distance ; oh ambition is a most cunning , infinite dissembler , but quick i' th execution . ki. thy counsell . go. he that aspires hath no religion , he knows no kindred . k. i aske for thy advice . go. have you not seen a great oke cleft asunder , with a small wedge cut from the very heart of the same tree ? ki. it frights me to apply it ; oh my mis-fortune , this is torment , not a cure . enter aquinus go. aquinus , speak him gently sir , and leave me to encourage him in a service worth his attempt , and needful to your safety . noble aquinus , our good king has sence of the affront you suffered from his uncle , and as he is inform'd , for speaking but the duty of a subject . aq. this is true sir , i wear his bloody favour still , i never took any blow so long on trust . ki. i know thy spirit 's daring , and it shal become my justice to reward thy suffering ; a storm now hovers o're my kingdom , when the aire is clear , and our sky fair agen , expect , nay challenge , we shall recompence what thou hast suffer'd for us , with a bounty worth all thy merits , i' th mean time apply thy selfe to my gotharus , and be counsel'd . exit . a. my duty . go. th' hast no alliance to my blood ; yet if thou think'st i do not flatter thee , i feel a friendly touch of thy dishonour , the blow , 't was not well done of duke olaus . aq. you great men think you may do what you please , and if y'have a mind to pound us in a morter we must obey . go. that law is none of natures , and this distinction of birth and royalty is not so firme a proofe , but there are men have swords to pierce it through , and make the hearts of those that take this priviledge from their blood , repent they were injurious . aq. my sword was quiet when he beat me . go. he did not , could not beat thee . a. 't was worse , he cudgel'd me , i feel it yet , nor durst i strike agen . go. it could not be a tamenesse in thy spirit , but quick thought that 't was olaus , not , that in thy heart there was no will to be reveng'd , for he is false to nature , loves his injury , but that there was no safety to return thy anger on his person . aq. y' are i' th right , that frighted me . go. for he is not reveng'd , that kills his enemy and destroyes himselfe , for doing his own justice , therefore men that are not slaves , but free , these we receive born , and bred gentlemen in fair employments , that have , and dare bid high agen for honour , when they are wrong'd by men 'bove them in title , as they are thought worthy a personall wound , in that are rais'd and level'd with the injurer ; and he that shall provoke me with his weapon , by making me his enemy , makes me equal , and on those terms i kill him : but there is another caution to wise men , who ought to cast and make themselves secure , that when they have return'd full payment for their sufferings in fame , they may be safe without a guard . aq. that sir is the prudence . go. yet i can direct thee to be reveng'd with safety unto this , what if i add therein , thou shalt do service that will oblige the common-wealth , that groans with fear of innovation , and make the king thy friend by one expence of courage ; and having nam'd the king thus , it must make thy thoughts secure from future losse , and in the present act no danger . a. sir , be cleere , make good what you have promis'd , and see if i be frighted , i have help'd many give up the ghost . go. olaus us'd thee basely , how much would the kingdome suffer if he were dead and laid into his tombe , perhaps a year sooner then nature meant , to make his bones fit . aq. i dare kill him sir , if i were sure the king would pardon me , that in my own revenge , and any other whom he calls enemy without exception , to this i am bound in conscience ; sir , there needs no conjuration for this , nor art to heighten me , let me but hear the king will have it , and secure me . go. thou deserv'st him , and maist a statue , for our great deliverer , yet , now i have thought better on 't , we may save trouble in olaus tragedy , and kill him through another . aq. whom ? go. one that sits heavier on the kings heart , and dwels in 't such a disease , as if no resolute hand cure him . aq. i 'le be his chyrurgion . go. when i name him , one that has had no will to advance thee to thy deserts in wars , for all thy former and thy late services , rewarded with a dull command of captain , but incenst by olaus now who rules his heart , lesse hope to be repair'd in fortune . al. let him be the prince . go. 't is he . a. it honours my attempt ; and while his father holds him disobedient , i think him lesse then subject . go. disobedient ? look there . shews a letter . aq. this is the princes hand . go. but read his heart . aq. impious ! above the reach of common faith . i am satisfied , he must not live ; the way : they would not trust me with his cup to poyson it , shew me the way � the king and queen . go. le ts study . enter king and queen . q. you have a faithful servant in gotharus . k. upon his wisdome we depend . go. i have it , he shall dye like a souldier , thus � whispers . qu. their malice doth onely aime at me , and if you please to give me up a sacrifice to their fury . k. not for a thousand sons , my life and honors must sit with thine marpisa . aq. sir , 't is done . go. this act shall make thee great , the king and queene look cheerefull royal sir , and think of honour to crown the merit of this captain , let no trouble shake a thought , he will deserve your bosome sir . k. he shall possesse it ; how my gotharus ? go. pray leave it to me , it is not ripe yet for your knowledge sir . k. we 'l trust thee , come marpisa . go. dearest madam ! come aquinus . aq. i attend your lorship . exeunt . enter haraldus , sueno , helga , at a banquet . su. my lord , you honour us . hel. if we knew how to expresse our duties . ha. no more ceremony , your loves engage me , if some discontents make me not seem unpleasant ; yet i must confesse i was more prompted to th' acceptance , in hope to cure a melancholly . h. with your pardon , it does too much usurpe on your sweet nature , but if your lordship please , there is a way to banish all those thoughts . ha. i would call him doctor that could assure me that . su. i am of his opinion sir , and know the best receipt i' th world for sadness . ha. prethee what ? su. good wine . ha. i have heard 'em talk so , if i thought there were that operation � he. try sir . su. my humble duty � 't is excellent wine ! ha. helga . he. your lordships servant . ha. 't is pleasant . drinkes . su. it has spirit , will you please another tryall , that prepares more sweetness , health to the queen . ha. i thank you . he. with your pardon , fill to me , your grace should have it last . ha. she is my mother . su. she is our royall mistress , heaven preserve her ; does not your lordship feel more inclination har. drinkes to mirth , there is no spell 'gainst sorrow , like two or three cups of wine . he. nothing believ 't , will make your soul so active , take it liberally . ha. i dare not trust my brain . su. you never tryed . he. you 'l never know the pleasure then of drinking i have drunk my selfe into an emperour . su. in thy own thoughts . he. why is 't not rare , that wine taken to the extent , should so delightfully possess the imagination , i have had my queens and concubines � ha. fine fancies . he. the kings health , give me 't in greater volum , these are acorns sueno to thee , i 'me sprightly but to look out . su. what rare things will the flowing vertue raise , if but , the sight exalt you ? to your grace , the kings health . ha. let it come , i 'le trespasse once . he. that smile became you sir . ha. this cup doth warm me , drinkes . methinks i could be merry . su. will your grace have any musick ? ha. any thing . he. strike lustily . musicke . ha. i have begun no health yet gentlemen . su. now you must honour us . ha. health to the prince . he. that is your title sir , as you are sonne to a queene , ha. my father was no king , father ? i 'le drown the memory of that name . drinkes . he. the prince turgesius health . su. he 's not far off by the court computation � happinesse now to prince haraldus mistress . he. with devotion . ha. alas , i am too young to have a mistress . he. sir , you must crown it . ha. these are complements at court , where none must want a drinking mistress . su. methinks loud musick should attend these healths � ha. so , shall we dance ? drinkes . he. we want ladies . ha. i am as light , thou shalt go for a lady . su. shall i ? dance . is not this better , then to sigh away our spirits now ? ha. i 'me hot . he. a cup of wine is the most naturall cooler . ha. you are my physitians gentlemen . su. make it a health to my lord gotharus . drinks : i 'le pledge it as heartily as he were my father . ha. whose father ? throws wine in sueno's face . su. mine , i said . ha. cry mercy . su. nay , 't is but so much wine lost , fill 't again . ha. i 'le drink no more . he. what think you of a song ? song . su. a catch , to 't boyes . ha. shall we to bed gentlemen ? i did not sleep last night . he. if your grace desire to sleep , there 's nothing to prepare it like to'ther cup . ha. a health to both your mistresses . drinks su. you do us grace . he. there 's hope of his conversion � ha. i am nos well , what wheels are in my brains ? philosophy affirms the earth moves not , 't is here me thinks confuted , gentlemen , you must be faine to lead me to some couch , where i may take a nap , and then i 'le thank you , i 'le come agen to morrow . su. every day for a twelve-month . he. that will make you a good fellow . exit . enter prince turgesius , reginaldus , souldiers marching , olaus meets , they salute and whisper . p. you tell me wonders . ol. 't is all truth , we must stand on our guard , 't is well we are provided . p. is it not some device to make us feare , that at our entertainment we may find our joyes more spatious . ol. there is some device in 't . p. it is not possible a father should be so unkind to his own blood and honour . ol. my life was threatned . p. who durst threaten it ? ol. the king your father . p. oh say not so good sir . ol. and if you please him not with your behaviour , your head may be soon humbled to the axe , and sent a token of his love , to your stepdame the queen , i trifle not . pr. for what sinnes hath angry heaven decreed to punish norway , and lay the scene of wrath in her own bowels ? i did suspect when none came forth to meet our victory , to have heard of some mis-fortune , some prodigies engendring : down with all our pride of war , the garlands we bring home will but adorne us for the sacrifice ; and while our hairs are deck'd with flowers and ribbands , we shall but march more gloriously to death . are all good women dead within the kingdom , there could be found none worth my fathers love , but one whose fame and honour is suspected ? ol. woulst they were but suspected . p. marpisa ? ol. her preferment was no doubt gotharus act , for which 't is whisper'd , she payes him fair conditions , while they both case up the kings eyes , or confine him to look through such cunning opticks as they please . p. i 'le have his heart . ol. but how will you come by 't ? he 's safe in the kings bosome , who keeps warm a serpent , till he find a time to gnaw out his preserver . p. we had dyed with honour by the enemies sword , something might have been read in such a fall , as might have left no shame upon our story , since 't is chance of war , not want of valour , gives the victory ; this ship-wracks all , and eates into the soule of all our fame , it withers all the deeds is owing to our name . entter cortes . co. health to the prince , ol. cortes , welcome , what news ? co. these letters will inform his highness . ol. sent , from the king cortes ? has he thought upon 't ? are we considerable at last , and shall the lady geugaw , that is pearch'd upon his throne , be counsell'd not to take too much upon her ? will gotharus give us leave to be acquainted with the king agen ? ha ! co. these letters came sir from aquinus . ol. how ? i hope he mentions not the broken pate i gave him , and complains on 't to the prince , i may be apt to make him an amends with such another . pr. sir . ol. what 's the matter ? p. read , i am planet-stroke , cursed gotharus ! what would the traytor have ? ol. 't is here , i take it , he would have you sent yonder , and has tooke order with aquinus for your conveyance hence , at both their charges ; but now you know the plot , you wo' not trust your life as he directs . p. not trust aquinus ? ol. you are desperate , hark you , i do suspect him , and i ha' cause , i broke his head at court for his impertinent counsell , when i was in passion with the king , you sha'not trust him , this may be cunning to revenge himselfe , i know he has a spirit , come you sha' not be cheated of your life , while i have one to counsell you . p. uncle , i am unmov'd , he is a souldier , to that name and honour i 'le trust a princes life , he dares not be a traytor . ol. i have read that one prince was so credulous , and scap'd , but alexander , though he were great , was not so wise a gentleman , as heaven in that occasion might have made him , the valiant confidence in his doctor , might ha' gnawn his bowels up , and where had been my gallant macedonian ? come you shall consider on 't . p. i am resolv'd already , march to the city , every thought doth more confirm me , passion will not let you see , good uncle with your pardon , the true worth and inside of aquinus , he is faithfull , should i miscarry , 't is my single life , and 't is obedience to give up our breath , when fathers shall conspire their childrens death exeunt .
act. . enter king , gotharus . go. you may surrender up your crown , 't will shew brave on turgesius temples , whose ambition expects it . ki. nay gotharus � go. has my care cast to prevent your shame , how to preserve the glories you possesse , by cutting off a canker that would eat into your trunck , and hinder your fair growth , and do you make a scruple to be cured ? ki. i did but mention , and nature may excuse , he is my son . go. the more your danger , when he dares be impious , the forfeit of his duty in this bold and hostile manner to affright your subjects , and threaten you with articles , is already the killing of your honour , and a treason nature abhors , a guilt heaven trembles at , and you are bound in care of your own province , to shew your justice , and not be partiall to your own blood ; but let your kingdome suffer , her heart be torn by civill wars ; 't is none of mine , and let him in the blood of many fathers , be made a king , your king ; and you that now command , be taught obedience , creep to your child , exchange your pallace for a prison , and be humbled till you think death a preferment , i have but a life � ki. which i will cherish , be not passionate , and i consent to all thou hast contained ; thou art my friend . go. i would be sir , your honest chyrurgion , and when you have a gangrene in your limb , not flatter you to death , but tell you plainly if you would live , the part so poyson'd must be cut from your body . ki. and i wo'not shake with horror of the wound , but meet my safety and thank my best preserver ; but art sure aquinus will be resolute ? go. suspect not , he is my creature . enter hormenus . ho. the prince your sonne � ki. is a bold traytor . and they are rebels joyne with him . go. what of the prince hormenus ? ho. he is very near the city with his army . ki. are the walls fortified ? ho. they are ? ki. we wo'not trust him , nor the ruffian olaus , that incendiary . go. the queen . enter marpisa . qu. o sir . ki. there are more wounds in those sad accents , then their rebellion can give my kingdome . q. my boy , my child , haraldus . ki. what of him ? qu. is sick , is dying sir . go. forbid it heavens , he was in health � qu. but if i mean to see him a live , they say i must make hast , the comforts of my life expire with him . exit . go. the devils up in arms , and fates conspire against us . ki. mischiefes tumble like waves upon us . ho. sir , it will be necessary you lend your person to direct , what shall be further done i' th city , aquinus hath charge of the gate and walls , that offer the first view to the enemy . ki. he is trusty , and a daring souldier ; what at stand gotharus ? go. i was thinking of the queen sir , and haraldus , and grieve for the sweet child . ki. some feaver , would my son were in his state , but soon we shall conclude his destiny , if aquinus prosper ; but to the walls . go. i attend , my very soule is in a sweat , hormenus . ho. i wait on you . exeunt : enter prince turgesius , olaus , cortes , reginaldus , souldiers . pr. the gates are shut against us souldiers . ol. let our engines teare 'em , and batter down the walls . pr. good uncle , your counsell i obey'd i' th wars abroad , we did there fight for honour , and might use all the most horrid formes of death to fright our enemies , and cut our way to victory : but give me leave to tell you sir , at home our conquest will be losse , and every wound we give our country , is a crimson teare from our own heart , they are a viperous brood gnaw through the bowels of their parent , i will rather dye without a monument , then have it bear my name , to have defaced one heap of stones . enter gotharus on the walls , ho. aqui. cor. gotharus on the walls ? ol. hormonus and aquinus ? now a speech , and 't were at gallowes would become him better . go. thus from my master , to the prince of norway , we did expect , and had prepar'd to meet your victory with triumphs , and with garlands due to your fate and valours , entertain'd you � nor has your army sacrific'd so many warm drops of blood , as we have shot up prayers that you might prosper , and return the pledge of all our hope and glory . but when pride of your own fames , and conquest in a war , hath poyson'd the obedience of a sonne , and tempted you to advance your sword , new bath'd in enemies blood 'gainst your countries bosome ; thus we receive you , and declare your pietie , and faith lost to your country , and your father . pr. my lord , all this concerns not me , we have but done our dutyes , and return to lay the trophies at his feet , whose justice did make us victorious more then our own valour , and now without all titles but his sonne , i dare hells accusation , to blast my humble thoughts . go. sir , give us leave to feare , not your own nature , calme as the soft aire , when no rude wind conspires a mutiny � ol. leave rethorique , and to 'th point , why do not the gates spread to receive us ? and your joyes shoot up in acclamations ? i would have thy house give good example to the city � and make us the first-born fire . go. good heaven knows , how willingly i would sacrifice my selfe , to do a grateful service to the prince : and i could wish my lord , you were less passionate , and not inflame his highnesse gentle spirit to these attempts . pr. i am ignorant gotharus of what you mean , where is the king my father ? aq. where a sad father is , to know his sonne bring arms against his life . pr. how now aquinus , ol. dare you be saucy ? o that gentleman is angry , his head akes with the remembrance of my truncheon . aq. 't was a valiant act , and did become the greatness of olaus , who by the priviledge of his birth , may do a wrong and boast it . ol. shall these groomes affront us ? pr. have you commission to be thus insolent , they do not know us ? go. yes , and in our hearts bleed , that our fears of your unjust demand , compell us to this separation . pr. demands ? is it injustice for a sonne to aske his fathers blessing ? by thy duty gotharus , i command thee , tell my father his sonne desires access , let me but speak with him . go. i have not in your absence sir neglected , what did become my service to your highnesse , to take his anger off . pr. what riddles this ? go. but let me with a pardon tell your grace , the letters that you sent , were not so dutyfull , you were to blame , to chide and article so with a king and father ; yet i said , and pawn'd my conscience 't was no act of yours , i mean intyre , but wrought and form'd by some rash spirits , to corrupt you with ambition , feeding your youth with thought of hasty empire to serve their ends , whose counsell all this while did starve that sweetness in you we all hop'd for . ol. devices ! more devices ! pr. i am amaz'd , and if the king will not vouchsafe me conference , i shall accuse thy cunning to have poyson'd my fathers good opinion . enter king . go. innocence may thus be stain'd , pray let your justice clear me . ki. what would our sonne ? pr. thus pay his filiall duty . k. 't is but counterfet , if you bring no thought to force our blessing in this rude manner , how dare you approach ? dismiss your souldiers . ol. not the meanest knapsack , that were a way to bring us to the mercy of wolves indeed , gotharus grinds his teeth already at us . ki. we shall talk with you sir hereafter , i command thee by thy duty thou ow'st a father and a king , dismiss your troops . pr. i will . ola. you shall not , that were fine , so we may run our heads into their noose , you give away your safty . pr. i will not dispute my power , let my intreat prevaile for their dismission . ol. you may dismiss your head and mine , and be laugh'd at , these men are honest , and dare fight for us . pr. i know their loves , and will rewait ; dear , dear uncle . go. how he prepares his tragedy aquinus , let not thy hand shake . aqu. i am resolute . go. and i , for thy reward , 't is done , the souldiers disperse already . ol. if any mischiefe follow this , thank your credulitie . pr. may i now hope for access ? ki. descend gotharus and aquinus to meet the prince , while he containes within the piety of a son , we shall imbrace him . pr. when i degenerate , let me be accurst by heaven and you . ol. are you not pale to think on 't . pr. it puzzels me to think my father guilty . ol. i do not like things yet . as the prince is going forth , a pistoll is discharged within , he falls . pr. o i am shot , i am murder'd . ol. inhumane traytor , villaine . olaus wounds aquinus . go. so , so , his frend has saved my execution , 't is not safe for me to stay , they are both sped rarely . exit . ol. o my dear cousin , treason , treason . ki. where ? ol. in thy own bosome , thou hast kil'd thy sonne , convey his body , guard it safe , and this perfidious trunke i 'le have it punish't past death , and scatter his torn flesh about the world to affright mankind , thou art a murthdrer , no blood of mine � go. 't is done , and all the guilt dyes with aquinus , falne by olaus sword most happily , who but prevented mine , this act concludes all feare . ki. he was my sonne , i must needs drop a teare . exeunt . haraldus discovered sicke , queen , doctors . qu. it is not possible , he����ch a feavor by excess of wine ? he was all temperance . do. he had a soft and tender constitution , apt to be inflam'd , they that are most abstemious , feel the disorder with more violence . qu. where , who assisted him in this mis-fortune ? he had some company . do. he was invited he sayes by sueno , and helga , to a banquet , where in their mirth , they careless of his health , suffered him drink too much . qu. they poyson'd him , go apprehend the murtherers of my child , if he recover not , their death shall wait upon haraldus ; but pray you tell me gentlemen , is there no hope of life , have you not art enough to cure a feavor ? do. we find madam , his disease more malignant by some thought or apprehensions of griefe . qu. what griefe ? y' are all impostors , and are ignorant but how to kill . ha. is not my mother come ? qu. yes my deare sonne , and here shall weep my selfe till i turne niobe , unlesse thou givest me some hope of thy own life . ha. i would say something were you alone . qu. leave us ; now my haraldus , how is it with my child ? hal. i know you love me , yet i must tell you truth , i cannot live , and let this comfort you , death will not come unwelcome to your sonne , i do not dye against my will , and having my desires , you have less cause to mourne . qu. what is 't has made the thought of life unpleasant , which does court thy dwelling here with all delights that nature and art can study for thee , rich in all things thy wish can be ambitious of , yet all these treasures nothing to thy mothers love , which to enjoy thee would defer a while her thought of going to heaven . ha. oh take heed mother , heaven has a spatious eare and power to punish , your too much love with my eternal absence , i begge your prayers and blessing . qu. th' art dejected , have but a will and live . ha. 't is in vaine mother . qu. sinke with a feavour into earth ? look up , thou shalt not dye . ha. i have a wound within you do not see , more killing then all feavors . qu. a wound ? where ? who has murder'd thee ? ha. gotharus � qu. ha! furies persecute him . ha � oh pray for him ! 't is my duty , though he gave me death , he is my father . qu. how ? thy father ? ha. he told me so , and with that breath destroy'd me , i felt it strike upon my spirits ; mother , would i had neer been born ! qu. believe him not . ha. oh do not add another sinne to what is done already , death is charitable to quit me from the scorn of all the world . qu. by all my hopes gotharus has abus'd thee , thou art the lawful burden of my wombe , thy father , altomarus . ha. ha ? qu. before whose spirit long since taken up , to meet with saints and troops angelicall , i dare agen repeat thou art his sonne . ha. ten thousand blessings now reward my mother ! speake it againe , and i may live , a stream of pious joy runnes through me , to my soule y 'ave stroke a harmony next that in heaven ; can you without a blush , call me your child , and sonne of altomarus ? all that 's holy dwell in your blood for ever , speak it once , but once agen . qu. were it my latest breath , thou art his and mine . enough , my tears do flow to give you thanks for 't ; i would you could resolve me but one truth more , why did my lord gotharus call me the issue of his blood ? qu , alas , he thinks thou art � ha. what are those words ? i am undone agen . qu. ha ? ha. 't is too late to call 'em back , he thinks i am his son � qu. i have confess'd too much , and tremble with the imagination , forgive me child , and heaven , if there be mercy to a crime so black , as i must now to quit thy fears , say i have been guilty off , we have been sinful , and i was not unwilling to oblige his active braine for thy advancement , by abusing his beliefe thou wer 't his own , but thou hast no such staine , thy birth is innocent , or may i perish ever , 't is a strange confession to a child , but it may drop a balsome to thy wound ; live my haraldus , if not for this , to see my penitence , and with what tears i 'le wash away my sinne . ha. i am no bastard then . qu. thou art not . ha. but i am not found while you are lost , no time can restore you , my spirits faint . qu. will nothing comfort thee ? ha. my duty to the king . qu. he 's here . enter king . ki. how is 't haraldus ? death sits in 's face . ha. give me you blessing , and within my heart i le pray you may have many , my soul flyes 'bove this vain world , good mother close mine eyes qu. never dyed so much sweetnesse in his years . ki. be comforted , i have lost my sonne too , the prince is slaine , how now . enter officers with helga . qu. justice upon the murderer of my sonne , this villaine helga , and his companion sueno , have kil'd him , where 's the other ? offi. fled madam , but helga does confesse he made him drunk . he. but not dead drunk , i do beseech you madam . ki. look here what your base surfet has destroy'd . he. 't was sueno as well as i , my lord gotharus gave us commission for what we did . qu. again gotharus , sure he plotted this . ki. hang him up straight . he. i left no drink behind me , if i must dye let me have equall justice , and let one of your guard drink me to death sir ; or if you please to let me live till sueno is taken , we will drink and reele out of the world together . ki. hence , and hang him . exeunt . enter hormonus . ho. sir , you must make provision against new danger , discontent is broke into a wild rebellion , and many of your subjects gather in tumults , and give out they will revenge the princes death . ki. this i did feare , where 's gotharus ? o my fright , my conscience , has furies in 't , where 's gotharus ? � ho. not in the court . ki. i tremble with confusions . exit . qu. i am resolv'd , my joyes are all expir'd , nor can ambition more concern me now , gotharus has undone me in the death of my loved sonne , his fate is next , while i move resolute i 'le command his destiny . exit . enter gotharus . ho. how are we lost , the prince turgesius death is of no use , since 't is unprofitable to the great hope we stored up in haraldus , it was a cursed plot directed me to raise his spirit , by those giddy engines that have undone him , their souls reel to hell for 't how will marpisa weep her selfe into the obscure shades , and leave me here to grow a statue with the wonder of our fate . enter albina . al. sir . go. do not trouble me . al. although i am not partner of your joyes or comfort , yet let your cruelty be so mindfull of me i may divide your sorrows . go. would thy sufferings could ease me of the weight , i would empty my heart of all that 's ill , to sinke thee , and bury thee alive , thy sight is hatefull , aske me not why , but in obedience fly hence into some wildernesse . the queeen . enter queene . exit alb. go. great queen , did any sorrow lade my bosome , but what does almost melt it for haraldus , your presence would revive me , but it seems our hopes and joyes in him grew up so mighty , heaven became jealous , we should undervalue the bliss of th' other world , and build in him a richer paradice . qu. i have mourn'd already a mothers part , and fearing thy excess of griefe , present my selfe to comfort thee , tears will not call him back , and 't will become us since we two are the world unto our selves , ( nothing without the circle of our arm 's precious and welcome ) to take heed our griefe make us not over soon , like him that dead , and our blood useless . go. were you present madam , when your sonne dyed ? qu. i was . go. and did you weepe ; and wish him live , and would not heaven at your wish , return his wandering ghost agen ? your voyce should make another out of atomes ; i do adore the harmony , and from one pleasant look , draw in more blessings then death knows how to kill . ma. he is recovered from his passion . go. what 's this ? ha ? qu. where ? go. here , like a sudden winter struck on my heart , i am not well o' th sudden , ha ? qu. my lord , make use of this , 't is cordial , gives him a box of poyson . i am often subject to these passions , and dare not walk without this ivory box to prevent danger , they are pleasant , 't is a most happy opportunity . go. let me present my thanks to my preserver , enter albina . and kiss your hand . qu. our lips will meet more lovingly . al. my heart will break . qu. your lady , we are betray'd , she see us kiss , and i shall hate her for 't . go. does this offend your vertue ? alb. y' are merciless , you shall be a less � tyrant sir to kill me , injurious queen ! qu. shall i be here affronted ? i shall not think gotharus worth my love , to let her breath forth my dishonour , which her passion hath already dared to publish , nor wanted she before an impudence to throw this poyson in my face . go. i 'le tame her . exit . alb. i wo'not curse you madam , but you are the cruel'st of all woman kind , i am prepared to meet your tyrannies . enter gotharus with a pistol , at the other doore , a servant . ser. my lord , we are undone , the common people are in arms , and violently assault our house , threatning your lordship with a thousand deaths , for the good prince , whose murther they exclaime contriv'd by you . go. the frends of hell will shew more mercy to me , where shall i hide me ? qu. alas they 'l kill me too . se. there 's no staying , they have broke the wall of the first court , down at some window sir . albina takes up the pistoll . go. helpe me , o help me , i ' me me lost . within � down with the doors , this way , this way . enter rebels . al. he that first moves this way comes on his death , i can dispatch but one , and take your choise . . alas good madam , we do not come to trouble you you have sorrow enough , we would talk with my lord your pagan husband . . i , i , where is he ? . that traytor . . murderer of our prince . al. y' are not well informed , aquinus kill'd the prince . . but by my lords correction we know his heart , and do meane to eat it . therefore let him appeare , knock down the lady you with the long bill . al. how dare you runne the hazard of your lives and fortunes , thus like out-laws , without authority to break into our houses , when you have done , what fury leads you to 't , you will buy too dear repentance at the gallows . . hang the gallowes , and give us my lord your husband . enter servant . ser. he 's escap'd madam , now they may search . enter more rebels . al. but where 's the queene , she must not be betrai'd . . this way , this way , he got out of a window , and leap'd a wall , follow , follow . within � follow , follow , follow . al. o my poor gotharus . enter queen . al. madam , you are secure , though you pursued my death , i wish you safety , qu. i have been too cruell , but my fate compell'd me to 't . exit . al. i am become the extreamest of all miseries . oh my unhappy lord . exit . enter sueno . su. helga is hanged , what will become of me ? i think i were best turn rebel , there 's no hope to walk without a guard , and that i shall not want to the gallowes , heathen halberdiers are used to have a care , and do rejoyce to see men have good ends . enter gotharus . go. i am pursued . su.

my lord gotharus ? worse and worse , oh for a mist before his eyes .

go. you sha'not betray me sir . su. hold my lord , i am your servant , honest sueno . go. sueno , off with that case , it may secure me , quickly , or � su. oh my lord , you shall command my skin , alas poor gentleman , i 'm glad i have it to do your lordship service . go. nay , your beard too ? su. yes , yes , any thing : alas my good lord , how comes this ? go. leave your untimely prating , help , you 'l not betray me . su. i 'le first be hanged . vvithin � follow , follow . go. hell stop their throats ; so , so , now thy reward su. it was my duty , troth sir i will have nothing . go. yes , take that , and that , for killing of haraldus . vvounds him . now i 'm sure you will not prate . su. o murther . vvithin � follow , follow . go. i cannot scape , oh help invention . he bloodies himselfe with sueno's blood , and falls down as dead . enter rebels . . this way they say he went , what 's he ? . one of our company i think , . who kil'd him ? . i know not . . le ts away , if we can find that traytor , he shall pay for all � . oh that i had him here , i 'de teach him � . this way , this way . su. oh . . stay , there 's one groans . su. oh � . nay 't was here abouts , another dead ? . he has good cloathes , gotharus ? the very cur . . 't is gotharus , i have seen the dog . . 't is he , 't is he . su. oh . exit gotha . . now 't is not he , if thou canst speak my friend � su. gotharus murdered me , and shifted cloathes , he cannot be far off , oh . . that 's he that lyes dead yonder , o that he were alive againe , that we might kill him one after another . . he 's gone : . the devill he is , follow , follow . . this way , he cannot scape us , farewell friend , i 'le doe thee a courtecy . follow , follow . exit . enter olaus , prince , aquinus . ol. so , so , in this disguise you may to 'th army , who though they seem to scatter , are to meet by my directions , honest aquinus , you you wait on the prince , but sir � whispers . cor. were you not wounded ? aq. i prepared a privie coat , for that i knew gotharus would have been too busie with my flesh else , but he thinks i 'm slaine by the duke , and hugges his fortune in 't . pr. you 'l follow . ol. and bring you news , perhaps the rabble are in hot pursuite after the polititian , he cannot scape them , they 'l teare him like so many hungry mastives . exit . pr. i could wish they had him . ol. lose no time , cortes stay you with me , not that i think my house will want your guard . cor. command me sir . ol. whas ever such a practise by a father , to take away his sonnes life ? pr. i would hope he may not be so guilty , yet i know not how his false terrors multiplied by the art of this gotharus may prevaile upon him , and win consent . ol. aquinus has been faithfull , and deceived all their treasons , but the prince is still thought dead , this empty coffine shall confirme the people in his funerall , to keep their thoughts revengeful , vvithin . follow , follow � till we are possest of him that plotted all . cor. the cry draws this way , they are excellent blood-hounds . enter gotharus . go. as you are men , defend me from the rage of the devouring multitude ; i have deserv'd your anger , and a death , but let not my limbs inhumanely be torne by them , o save me . vvithin . follow , foll � ol. blest occasion . go. i am forced to take your house , and now implore your mercy , but to rescue me from them , and be your own revenger , yet my life is worth your preservation for a time , do it , and i 'le reward you with a story you 'l not repent to know . ol. you cannot be safe here , their rage is high , and every doore must be left open to their violence , unlesse you will obscure you in this coffin , prepared for the sweet prince that 's murder'd , and but expects his body which is now imbalming . go. that , o y' are charitable . vvithin . follow , fol � go. their noise is thunder to my soul , he goes into the coffin . so , so . enter rebels . ola. how now gentlemen , what means this tumult , do you know that i possesse this dwelling ? reb. yes my lord , but we were told my lord gotharus entred , and we beseech you give him to our justice , he is the common enemy , and we know he killed the prince . ol. you may search if you please , he can presume of small protection here , but i much thank you for your loyalties , and service to the prince , whose bloodless ruines are there , and do but wait when it will please his father to reverse a cruell sentence , that keeps him from a buriall with his ancestors , we are forbid to do him rights of funerall . . how , not bury him ? . forbid to bury our good prince ? we 'l bury him , and see what priest dare not assist us . . not bury him ? we 'l do 't , and carry his body in triumph through the city , and see him laid i' th great tombs . not bury our prince ? that were a jest indeed . cor. 't is their love and duty . . we 'l pull the church down , but we 'l have our will . . deare prince , how sweet he smels . . come countrymen march , and see who dares take his body from us . cor. you cannot helpe . ol. they 'l bury him alive . cor. he 's in a fright . ol. so may all traytors thrive . exeunt .
act. . enter king and queene . ki. oh i am lost , and my soul bleeds to thinke by my own dotage upon thee . qu. i was curst when i first saw thee , poor wind-shaken king ! i have lost my sonne . ki. thy honour impious woman , of more price then a sonne , or thy own life , i had a sonne too , whom my rashness sent to another world , my poor turgesius , what sorcery of thy tongue and eyes betraid me ? qu. i would i had been a basilisk , to have shot a death to thy dissembling heart , when i gave my selfe up thy queen ; i was secure , till thou with the temptation of greatness and flattery , didst poyson my sweet peace , and shall thy base feares leave me now a prey to rebels ? ki. i had been happy to have left thee sooner , but be gone , get to some wildernesse peopled with serpents , and engender with some dragon like thy self . qu. ha , ha . ki. dost laugh thou prodigie ? thou shame of woman ? qu. yes , and despise thee dotard , vex till thy soul break from thy rotten flesh , i will be merry at thy last groan . ki. o my poor boy ! my sonne ! his wound is printed here , that false gotharus , your wanton goat i feare , practis'd with thee his death . qu. 't was thy own act and timerous heart , in hope to be secure , i glory in the mention thou murderer of thy sonne . enter hormenus . ho. oh sir , if ever , stand upon your guard , the army which you thought scattered and broke , is grown into a great and threatning body , lead by the duke olaus your lov'd uncle , is marching hither , all your subjects fly to him . exit . qu. ha , ha . ki. curse on thy spleene , is this a time for laughter , when horror should afflict thy guilty soule ? hence mischiefe . qu. not to obey thee , ( shadow of a king ) am i content to leave thee , and but i wo'not prevent thy greater sorrow and vexation , now i would kill thee coward . k. treason , treason . qu. i , i , who comes to your rescue ? ki. are all fled ? qu. slaves do it naturally . ki. canst thou hope to scape ? qu. i am mistress of my fate , and do not feare their inundation , their army comming , it does prepare my triumph , they shall give me libertie , and punish thee to live . ki. undone , forsaken , miserable king ! exeunt severally . enter prince , olaus , cortes , aquinus , souldiers . pr. worthy aquinus , i must honour thee , thou hast preserv'd us all , thy service will deserve a greater monument then thanks . aq. thank the duke , for breaking o' my pate . ol. i know 't was well bestow'd , but we have now proof of thy honest heart . aq. but what with your highness favour , do you meane to do with your father ? pr. pay my duty to him , he may be sensible of his cruelty , and not repent to see me live . ol. but with your favour , something else must be considered , there 's a thing he calls his queen , a limbe of lucifer , she must be rosted for the armies satisfaction . aq. they 'l ne'r digest her , the kings hounds may be kept hungry enough perhaps , and make a feast upon her . pr. i wonder how the rabble will bestow the coffin . ol. why , they 'l bury him alive i hope . pr. did they suppose my body there ? ol. i 'm sorry , he will fare so much the better , i would the queen were there to comfort him , oh they would smell , and sweat together rarely . aq. he dare as soon be damn'd as make a noise , or stirre , or cough . ol. if he should sneeze . cor. 't is his best course to go into the ground with silence . pr. march on , stay , what trumpets that ? enter rebels with a trumpet before the coffin marching . ol. they are no enemies , i know the coffin . aq. what rusty regiment ha' we here ? ol. they are going to bury him , he 's not yet discovered ; oh do not hinder 'em , 't is a work of charity : yet now i do consider better on 't , you may do well to shew your selfe , that may be a meanes to waken the good gentleman , and make some sport before the rascall smell , and yet he 's in my nostrill , he has perfum'd his box already . om. reb. 't is he , 't is he , the prince alive ! hey . they see the prince throw downe the coffin , and runne to kneele and embrace him . aq. what would he give but for a knife to cut his own throat now ? om. rebel . our noble prince alive ? pr. that owes himselfe to all your loves . aq. what ? what trinkets ha' you there ? reb. the duke olaus told us 't was the princes body , which we resolv'd to bury with magnificence . aq. so it appeares . ol. 't is better as it is . . reb. there 's something in 't , my shoulder is still sensible , le ts search , stand off � ol. now do you sent him gentlemen ? he wo'd forgive the hangman to dispatch him out o' th way ; now will these masties use him like a cat , most dreadfull rogues at an execution : now , now . . reb. 't is a man , ha gotharus , the thing we whet our teeth for . om. reb. out with the traytor , and with the murderer , hey , drag him . ol. i told you . reb. hold , know your dutie fellow renagades , we do beseech thee high and mighty prince , let us dispose of what we brought , this traytor he was given us by the duke , fortune has thrown him into our teeth . ol. and they 'l devour him . om. we beseech your highness . ol. i doe acknowledge it , good sir grant their boone , and try the caniballs . . i le have an arme . . i le have a legge , i am a shoomaker , his shinbone may be useful . . i want a signe , give me his head . pr. stay , let 's first see him , is he not stifled ? . i had rather my wife were speechlesse . ol. the coffin sir was never close . pr. he does not stirre . . we 'l make him stir , hang him , he 's but asleepe . . he 's dead , hum . ol. dead ? then the devill is not so wise as i took him . pr. he 's dead , and has prevented all their fury . aq. he was not smother'd , the coffin had aire enough . ol. he might ha' liv'd to give these gentlemen some content . reb. oh let us teare his limbs . pr. let none use any violence to his body , i feare he has met reward above your punishment . . let me have but his clothes . . he is a taylor . . onely to cut out a sute for a traytor by 'em , or any man , my conscience would wish hang'd . . let me have a button for a relique � pr. no more . ol. there is some mystery in his death . enter king . the king ? obscure a little nephew � ki. to whom now must i kneel ? where is the king ? for i am nothing , and deserve to be so , unto you uncle must i bow , and give my crown , pray take it , with it give me leave to tell you , what it brings the hapless wearer , beside the outside glory : for i am read in the miserable fate of kings . you thinke it glorious to command , but are more subject then the poorest payes you dutie , and must obey your fears , your want of sleepe , rebellion from your vassals , wounds even from their very tongues , whose quietnesse you sweat for , for whose dear health you waste , and fright your strength to palenesse , and your blood into a frost . you are not certaine of a friend or servant , to build your faith upon , your life is but your subjects murmur , & your death their sacrifice ; when looking past your selfe , to make them blest in your succession , which a wife must bring you ; you may give up your libertie for a smile as i ha' done , and in your bosome cherish more danger then a warre or famine brings , or if you have a sonne � my spirits faile me at naming of a sonne . pr. oh my deare father . ki. ha! do not fright me in my tears , which should be rather blood , for yeelding to thy death , i have let fall my penitence , though i was counsel'd by him whose truth i now suspect , in the amaze and puzzle of my state � pr. dear sir , let not one thought afflict you more , i am preserv'd to be your humble sonne still , although gotharus had contriv'd my ruine , 't was counterplotted by this honest captaine . ki. i know not what to credit , art turgesius ? pr. and do account your blessing , and forgiveness ( if i have err'd ) above the whole worlds empire � the armie sir is yours . ol. upon conditions � pr. good sir � and all safety meant your person � ol. right , but for your gipsie queene , that cocatrice . ki. she 's lost . ol. the devil find her . ki. she 's false . ol. that gentleman jack in a box , if he could speake , would cleare that point . ki. forgive me gentle boy . pr. dear sir no more . aq. best dismiss these gentlemen . ol. the princes bountie , now you may go home ; and d' ee heare , be drunk to night , the cause requires it . r. we 'l shew our selves good subjects . om. heaven bless the king and prince , and the good duke . exeunt . ki. my comforts are too mighty , let me poure more blessings on my boy . pr. sir , i am blest � if i stand faire in your opinion . ki. and welcome � good olaus . ol. y' are deceiv'd , i am a ruffian , and my head must off to please the monkey madam that bewitch'd you , for being too honest to you . ki. we are friends . ol. upon condition that you will � ki. what ? ol. now have i forgot what i would have , oh that my ladie circe that transform'd you , may be sent � whether ? i ha' forgot agen , to the devil , any whether , far enough : a curse upon her , she troubles me both when i think on her , and when i forget her . enter albina . ki. gotharus wife , the sorrowful albina . al. if pittie dwell within your royal bosome , let me be heard ; i come to find a husband , i le not believe what the hard hearted rebels told me , that he is dead , ( they lov'd him not � and wish it so ) for you would not permit his murder here . you gave me , sir , to him in holy marriage , i 'le not say , what sorrow my poor heart since hath been acquainted with , but give him now to me , and i 'le account no blessing like that bountie ; where , oh where is my poor lord ? none tell me ? are you all silent , or deaf as rocks ? yet they sometimes do with their hollow murmurs , answer men . this does increase my fears , none speak to me ? i aske my lord from you sir , you once lov'd him , he had your bosome , who hath torne him thence ? why do you shake your head ? and turn away ? can you resolve me sir ? the prince alive ? whose death they would revenge upon gotharus . o let me kisse your hand , a joy to see you safe , doth interrupt my griefe , i may hope now my lord is safe too , i like not that melancholly gesture ; why do you make so dark your face , and hide your eies , as they would shew an interest in sorrow with me . where is my lord ? can you or any tell me where i may find the comfort of mine eies , my husband ; or but tell me that he lives , and i will pray for you � then he is dead indeed i feare . pr. poor ladie . aq. madam be comforted . al. why that 's well said , i thank you gentle sir , you bid me be comforted , blessing on you , shew me now reason for it , tell me something i may believe . aq. madam , your husband 's dead . al. and did you bid me sir be comforted for that ? oh you were cruel � dead ? who murdered him ? for though he lov'd not me in life , i must revenge his death . pr. alas you cannot . al. no ? will not heaven heare me think you ? for i 'le pray that horror may pursue the guiltie head of his black murderer , you doe not know how fierce and fatall is a widowes curse ; who kil'd him ? saie . aq. we know not . al. y' are unjust . pr. pursue not sorrow with such inquisition ladie . al. not i ? who hath more interest ? ki. the knowledge of what circumstance depriv'd him of life , will not availe to his return ; or if it would , none here know more , then that he was brought hither dead in that inclosure . al. where ? aq. in that coffin ladie . al. was it charitie made this provision for him ? oh my lord now may i kisse thy wither'd lip , discharge upon thy bosome a poor widowes tears ; there 's something tempts my heart to shew more dutie , and wait on thee to death , in whose pale dresse thou dost invite me to be reconcil'd . ki. remove that coffin . al. y' are uncharitable ; is 't not enough that he is rob'd of life among you , but you 'l rob me of his bodie ? poor remnant of my lord ; i have not had indeed so many kisses a great while , pray do not envie me , for sure i sha'not die of this surfet , he thought not i was so neare to attend him in his last and long progresse , that built this funerall tenement without a roome for me ; the sad albina must sleepe by her dead lord , i feel death coming , and as it did suspect , i durst not look on his grim visage , he has drawn a curtaine of mist before my eies . ki. look to the ladie . pr. look to albina , our physitians , there is not so much vertue more i' th kingdome : if she survive this passion , she is worth a prince , and i will court her as my blessing . say , is there hope ? phy. there is . pr. above your lives preserve her . phy. with our best art and care . exit with albina . ol. she has almost made me woman too ; but come to other businesse . enter queene . aq. is not this the queene ? ol. the queen of hell , give her no hearing , but shoot , shoot her presently without more repentance , there is a leacherous devil in her eye , give him more fire , his hell 's not hot enough , now shoot . pr. be temperate good sir . qu. nay let his cholerick highness be obey'd . aq. she is shot-free . qu. the prince alive ? where is gotharus ? ol. your friend that was . qu. it is confest . ol. your stallion . qu. he has more titles sure . ol. let but some strangle her in her own haire . qu. the office will become a noble hangman . ol. whore � qu. i le not spend my breath upon thee , i have more use on 't , does gotharus live ? aq. you may conjecture madam , if you turn your eyes upon that object . qu. it has wrought then . ki. what has wrought ? qu. his physick sir , for the state megrim . a wholsome poyson , which in his poor feares , and fainting when the rebels first pursu'd him , it was my happinesse to minister in my poor boyes revenge , kil'd by his practise . pr. poyson'd . ol. she is turn'd doctor . qu. he becomes deaths pale complexion , and now i 'm prepar'd pr. for what ? qu. to die . ol. prepar'd to be damn'd , a seven years killing will be too little . qu. i pitty your poor rage , i sha'not stay so long , nor shall you have the honour sir to kill me . ol. no , let me trie . qu. ha , ha . ol. dost thou laugh helcat ? qu. yes , and scorne all your furies , i was not so improvident , to give gotharus all my cordiall , you may trust the operation , here 's some to spare , if any have a mind to taste , and be assur'd , will you my lord ? 't will purge your choler rarely . ol. i le not be your patient i thank you . qu. this box was ever my companion , since i grew wicked with that polititian , to prevent shameful death , nor am i coy to pleasure a friend in 't . ol. devils charity . qu. it works with method , and doth kill discreetly without a noise , your mercury is a rude and troublesome destroyer to this medicine ; i feel it gently seize upon my vitals , 't is now the time to steale into my heart . ki. hast thou no thought of heaven ? qu. yes , i do think sometimes , but have not heart enough to pray ; some vapour now rises 'twixt me and heaven , i cannot see 't , lust and ambition ruin'd me : if greatnesse were a priviledge i' th other world , it were a happiness to die a queene , i find my conscience too late , 't is bloody , and full of staines , oh i have been so wicked , 't were almost impudence to aske a pardon , yet for your own sakes pitty me ; survive all happie , and if you can , forgive , forgive . moritur . ki. those accents yet may be repentance . pr. see's dead . ki. some take their bodies hence . pr. let them have buriall . ki. 't is in thee turgesius to dispose all , to whom i give my crown ; salute him king by my example . pr. stay , upon your dutie staie , will you be traytors , consent your lawful king should be depos'd ? sir , do not wound your son , and lay so great a staine upon his hopeful , his green honour , i now enjoy good mens opinions , this change will make 'em think i did conspire , and force your resignation , were it still by justice and your selfe , it shall not touch my brow , till death translate you to a kingdome more glorious , and you leave me to succeed , better'd by your example in the practise of a kings power and dutie . ki. this obedience will with excess of comfort kill thy father , and hasten that command thou wouldst decline . pr. receive this captain , and reward his faith to you and me . ki. be captaine of our guard . and my good uncle , to your eare i leave the souldiers , let the largesse speak our bountie and your love . ol. i , this sounds well fellow souldiers , trust me beside your pay for the kings bountie . within sol. heaven preserve the king and prince . ol. not a short prayer for me ? om. sol. heaven bless the duke , heaven bless the duke . ol. why so , money will do much . ki. a bright daie shines upon us , come my sonne , too long a stranger to the court , it now shall bid thee wellcome , i do feel my years slide off , and joy drown sorrow in my tears . exeunt omnes .
finis .
machine-generated castlist a -gotharus a -king a -olaus a -haraldus a -queen a -turgesius a -sueno a -aquinas a -helga a -albina a -hormenus a -marpisa a -cortes a -xxxx_ a -xxxx_ a -xxxx_ a -reginaldus a -xxxx_ a -servant a -yyyy_ a -doctor a -all_rebels a -physician a -rebel a -omnes a -soldier a -unassigned a -all_soldiers a -officer a -yyyy_
textual notes

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marvisa marpisa the queen , a ' proud subtle and revengefull se����es thy mother had merit enough to engage my senses ; yet there was something more in thee consider'd lordshp it comes now aptly , i should entreat your lordship to assist me in a request to her , i know vnsaid what's that unsaid ? the king is happy , and the whole nation o'th'ear that was a musical box o'th' ear . maskquing obscure , and liv'st in court but like a masking star , shut from us by the unkindnesse of aqninus you ha' not so much love i'th court aquinus . upom , and give me something to wear in blood upon my bosome ; write but one letter of your to'ther sleep , there's nothing to prepare it like to'ther cup . egendring heard of some mis-fortune , some prodigies engendring : down with all our pride of war , the garlands dimission power , let my intreat prevaile for their dismission . dimiss you may dismiss your head and mine , and be laugh'd at , trayton inhumane traytor , villaine . murthdren the world to affright mankind , thou art a murthdrer , no blood of mine � kign my duty to the king . oversoon welcome ) to take heed our griefe make us not over soon , like him that dead , and our blood tarytor onely to cut out a sute for a traytor by 'em , or any man , my conscience would suject thinke it glorious to command , but are more subject then the poorest payes you dutie , and must saf interrupt my griefe , i may hope now my lord is safe too , i like not that melancholly gesture moritun moritur .
the ball shirley, james this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text s in the english short title catalog (stc ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. martin mueller incompletely or incorrectly transcribed words were reviewed and in many cases fixed by hannah bredar lydia zoells this text has not been fully proofread earlyprint project evanston il, notre dame in, st.louis, washington mo distributed under a creative commons attribution-noncommercial . unported license a .xml the ball. a comedy, as it vvas presented by her majesties servants, at the private house in drury lane. written by george chapman, and iames shirly. shirley, james, - . dpi tiff g page images university of michigan, digital library production service ann arbor, michigan march (tcp phase ) stc ( nd ed.) . greg, ii, . a

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 the ball. a comedy, as it vvas presented by her majesties servants, at the private house in drury lane. written by george chapman, and iames shirly. shirley, james, - . chapman, george, ?- . [ ] p. printed by tho. cotes, for andrew crooke, and william cooke, london : .

in fact probably by james shirley alone.

in verse.

the authors' names are bracketed together on the title page.

signatures: a-i .

reproduction of the original in the henry e. huntington library and art gallery.

 a shc the ball shirley, james hannah bredar lydia zoells play comedy shc no a s (stc ). . b the rate of . defects per , words puts this text in the b category of texts with fewer than defects per , words. incorporated ~ , textual changes made to the shc corpus by hannah bredar, kate needham, and lydia zoells between april and july during visits, separately or together, to the bodleian, folger and houghton libraries as well as the rare book libraries at northwestern university and the university of chicago

the ball .

a comedy , as it vvas presented by her majesties servants , at the private house in drury lane .

written by george chapman , and james shirly .

london , printed by tho. cotes , for andrew crooke , and william cooke . .

the persons of the comedy . lord rainebow . sir ambrose lamount . sir marmaduke travers . coronell winfield . mr. bostocke . mr. freshwater . mr. barker . mounsieur le friske . gudgin . solomon . confectioner . servants . lady lucina . lady rosamond . lady honoria . mistresse scutilla . venus . diana .
the ball .
actus primus . enter sr. marmaduke travers , and mr. bostocke . bos.

whether so fast sr. marmaduke , a word .

mar. my honorable blood ? wod i could stay to give thee twentie , i am now engag'd to meete a noble gentleman . bos. or rather a gentlewoman , let her alone , and goe with me . ma.

whether .

bo.

i le shew thee a lady of fire .

ma.

a lady of the lake were not so dangerous .

bo. i meane a spirit in few words , because i love thee , i le be open . i am going to see my mistresse . ma. i le dispence with my occasion to see a hansome lady , i know you 'le chuse a rare one . bo. she is a creature worth admiration , such a beauty , wit , and an estate besides , thou canst not chuse but know her name , the lady lucina . ma.

is she your mistresse ?

bo. mine , whose but mine ? am i not nobly borne , does not my blood deserve her ? ma. to tell you truth , i was now going thither , though i pretended an excuse , and with a complement from one that is your rivall . bo.

does she love any body else ?

ma. i know not , but shee has halfe a score upon my knowledge are sutors for her favour . bo. name but one , and if he cannot shew as many coates . ma. he thinkes he has good cards for her , and likes his game well . bo. be an understanding knight , and take my meaning , if he cannot shew as much in heraldry . ma. i doe not know how rich he is in fields , but he is a gentleman . bo. is he a branch of the nobilitie , how many lords can he call cozen ? else he must be taught to know he has presum'd to stand in competition with me . ma.

you wonot kill him .

bo. you shall pardon me , i have that within me must not be provok'd , there be some living now that ha beene kill'd for lesser matters . ma.

some living that ha beene kill'd !

bo. i meane some living that ha seene examples , not to confront nobilitie , and i am sensible of my honour . ma. his name is sr. ambrose . bo. lamount a knight of yesterday , and he shall die to morrow , name another . ma.

not so fast sir . you must take some breath .

bo. i care no more for killing halfe a dozen knights of the lower house , i meane that are not descended from nobilitie , then i doe to kicke any footeman , and sr. ambrose were knight of the sunne , king oberon should not save him , nor his queene mab . enter sr. ambrose lamount . ma.

vnluckily hee s her'e sir .

bo. sr. ambrose how does thy knighthood ? ha . am.

my nimph of honour well , i joy to see thee .

bo. sr. marmaduke tells me thou art sutor to lady lucina . am. i have ambition to be her servant . bos. hast , thar' t a brave knight , and i commend thy judgement . am.

sr marmaduke himselfe leanes that way too .

bo. why didst conceale it , come , the more the merrier , but i could never see you there . ma. i hope sir we may live . bo. i le tell you gentlemen , cupid has given us all one livery , i serve that lady too , you understand me , but who shall carry her , the fates determine , i could be knighted too . am. that would be no addition to your blood . bo. i thinke it would not , so my lord told me , thou know'st my lord , not the earle , my tother cozen , there 's a sparke his predecessors have match'd into the blood , you understand he put me upon this lady , i proclaime no hopes , pray le ts together gentlemen ; if she be wise , i say no more , shee shanot cost me a sigh , nor shall her love engage me to draw a sword , i ha vow'd that . ma.

you did but jest before .

am. t were pitty that one drop of your heroicke blood should fall toth ' ground , who knowes but all your cozen lords may die . ma.

as i beleeve them not immortall sir .

am. then you are gulfe of honour swallow all , may marry some queene your selfe , and get princes to furnish the barren parts of christendome . enter a servant solomon . sol. sir marmaduke in private ? my lady wod speake with you . am. t is her servant , what 's the matter ? bo.

i hope he is not sent for .

sol. but come alone , i shall be troubled with their inquiries , but i le answer 'em . am.

solomon ?

sol.

my lady would speake with you sir .

am.

mee ?

sol.

not too loude , i was troubled with sr. marmaduke .

mar.

this is good newes .

bo.

i doe not like this whispering ,

sol.

forget not the time , and to come alone .

am.

this is excellent .

bo.

solomon , dost not know me ?

sol. my businesse is to you sir , these kept me off , my lady lucina has a great minde to speake with you , little doe these imagine how she honours me . bo. if i faile , may the surgeon when he opens the next veine , let out all my honorable blood , there 's for thy paines , what thou shalt be hereafter time shall declare , but this must be conceal'd . exit . am.

you looke pleasant .

ma.

no , no i have no cause , you smile sr. ambrose .

am.

who i ? the coronell .

enter the coronell . ma.

but of our file , another of her suitors .

am.

noble coronell .

co.

my honored knights , and men of lustie kindred .

bo.

good morrow .

co. morrow to all gentlemen , i le tell you who is return'd ? am.

from whence .

co.

a friend of ours that went to travell .

ma.

who , who ?

co. i saw him within these three minuts , and know not how i lost him agen , he 's not farre off , d ee keepe a catalogue of your debts . bo.

what debts ?

co. such dulnesse in your memory , there was about sixe moneths ago a gentleman that was perswaded to sell all his land , and to put the money out most wisely , to have for one at his returne from venice , the shotten herring , is hard by . am.

iacke freshwater , i le not see him yet .

bo.

must we pay him ?

co. it will be for your honour , marry wee without much staine , may happily compound , and pay him nothing . enter freshwater , and mounsieur le friske . here comes the thing with what formalitie he treades , and talkes , and manageth a toothpicke like a statesman . am.

how hee 's transform'd ?

ma.

is not his soule italian ?

bo.

i le not bid him welcome home .

am.

nor i .

ma.

what 's the tother rat that 's with him ?

co.

d ee not know him , t is the court dancing weesill .

ma.

a dancer , and so gay .

co. a meere french footeman sir , does he not looke like a thing come off o th' saltsellar . ma. a dancer ? i would allow him gay about the legges , but why his body should exceede decorum , is a sinne o th' state . fre. that 's all . i can informe you of their dance in italy , marry that very morning i left venice , i had intelligence of a new device . mon.

for the dance mounsieur .

fre. si signior , i know not what countryman invented , but they say there be chopinoes made with such rare art , that worne by a lady when she meanes to dance , shall with their very motion sound forth musicke , and by a secret sympathy with their tread strike any tune that without other instrument , their feete both dance and play . mon. your lodging mounsieur , that when i have leasure i may dare present an humble servitor . fre. i do ly at the signe of dona margaretta de pia in the strand . gud.

at the magget a pie in the strand sir .

mon.

at de magdepie boon adieu serviteur . exit .

am.

he wonot know us .

gud.

d ee see those gentlemen .

fre.

thou platalone be silent .

co. i le speake to him , y are welcome home sir . fre.

signior . exit .

co. he wonot know me , this is excellent , he shall be acquainted better , ere i part with any sommes . am.

next time wee le not know him .

bo.

would all my creditors had this blessed ignorance .

ma.

now coronell i 'le take my leave .

bo.

i am enga'd too . exeunt .

co.

well .

bo. i shall meete you anon , i am to waite upon a cosin of mine . co.

a countesse .

bo.

my lord ? enter lord rainebow and barker .

lor.

cosin .

bo.

your lordship honours me in this acknowledgement .

lo.

coronell .

bo.

d ee not know me sir ?

ba. y are not a proclamation that every man is bound to take notice on , and i cannot tell who you are by instinct . lo.

a kinsman of mine franke ?

co.

good morrow to your lordship .

lo.

coronell ? your humble servant , harke you franke .

bo. you are acquainted with my lord then , is he not a compleate gentleman ? his family came in with the conqueror . co.

you had not else beene kinne to him .

bo.

a poore slip , a syens from that honourable tree .

co. he is the ladies idoll , they ha not leasure to say their prayers for him , a great advancer of the new ball . bo.

nay hee 's right , right as my legge coronell .

co.

but tother gentleman you doe not know his inside .

bo.

i ha seene him , he lookes philosophicall .

co. who ! hee 's the wit , whom your nobilitie are much oblig'd to for his company , he has a railing genious , and they cherish it , fling dirt in every face when hee 's i th' humour , and they must laugh , and thanke him , he is dead else . bo.

will the lords suffer him .

co. or lose their mirth , hee 's knowne in every science , and can abuse em all , some ha suppos'd he has a worme in s braine , which at some time o th' moone doth ravish him into perfect madnesse , and then he prophesies , and will depose the emperor , and set up bethalem gabre . bo.

hee 's dead , i hope he wonot conjure for him .

co. his father shanot scape him nor his ghost , nor heaven , nor hell , his jest must ha free passage , hee 's gone , and i lose time to talke on him , farewell , your countesse may expect too long , farewell coronell . exeunt . enter lady rosomond , and lady honoria . ros.

why doe you so commend him ?

hon. does he not deserve it ? name a gentleman in the kingdome , so affable , so moving in his language , so pleasant , witty , indeede every thing a lady can desire . ros. sure thou dost love him , i le tell his lordshippe when i see him agen , how zealous you are in his commendation . hon. if i be not mistaken , i have heard your tongue reach higher in his praises madam , how ere you now seeme cold , but if you tell him my opinion , as you shall doe him no pleasure , you can doe me no injury , i know his lordship has the constitution of other courtiers , they can endure to be commended . ros. but i prethee tell me , is not love whence this proceeds , i have i must confesse discourst of his good parts , desir'd his company . ho.

and had it ?

ros.

yes , and had it .

ho.

all night .

ros. you are not i hope jealous , if i should say all night i neede not blush , it was but at a ball , but what of this ? ho.

ene what you will

ros. i hope you ha no patent to dance alone with him , if he ha priviledge to kisse another lady , she may say he does salute her , and returne a cursie to shew her breeding , but i le now be playner , although you love this lord , it may possible he may dispose his thoughts another way . ho.

he may so .

ros. who can helpe it , he has eyes to looke on more than one , and understand perhaps to guide , and place his love upon the most deserving object . ho. most deserving , this language is not levill with that friendship , you have profest , this touches a comparison . ros. why doe you thinke all excellence is throng'd within your beauty . ho. you are angry lady , how much does this concerne you to be thus officious in his cause , if you be not engag'd by more than ordinary affection . i must interpret this no kinde respect to me . ros.

angry , ha , ha .

ho.

you then transgresse against civilitie .

ros. good madam why ? because , i thinke , and tell you that another lady may be as hansome in some mans opinion , admit i lov'd him too , may not i hold proportion with you , on some entreaty . enter lord . lor.

they 're loude , i le not be seene yet .

ros. what is it that exalts you above all comparison ? my father was as good a gentleman , and my mother has as great a spirit . ho.

then you love him too .

ros. t will appeare no greater miracle in me i take it , yet difference will be , perhaps i may affect him with a better consequence . ho. your consequence perhaps may be denied too , why there are no such wonders in your eye which other composition doe not boast of , my lord no doubt hath in his travells clapt as modest cheekes , and kist as melting lippes . ro.

and yet mine are not pale .

ho.

it may be they blush for the teeth behinde them .

ro. i have read no sonnets on the sweetnesse of your breath . ho.

t is not perfum'd .

ro. but i have heard of your tongue exalted much , highly commended . ho. not above your forehead , when you have brush'd away the hairie pentehrush , and made it visible . lo. i le now interrupt 'em . they le fall by the eares else presently . ho.

my lord .

lo.

what in contention ladies ?

ro.

oh my lord you 'r welcome .

lo. expresse it in discoverie of that made you so earnest , i am confident you were not practising a dialogue to entertaine me . ho.

yet it did concerne you .

ro.

do not you blush , fie madam .

lo. nay and you come to blush once , and fie madam , i le know the secret , by this kisse i will , and this . ho. you were kis'd first , discover now at your discretion . ro.

my lord we were in jest .

ho. it might ha turn'd to earnest , if your lordship had not interpos'd . lo.

come out with it .

ro.

we had a difference .

lo

well said .

ro.

about a man i th' world , you are best name him .

ho.

you have the better gift at telling secrets .

lo. yet agen , come i le helpe it out , there is a gentleman i th' world , some call a lord . ro.

did your lordship over-heare us ?

lo. nay nay , you must stand too 't , one , whom you love , it will appeare no greater miracle in you i take it , one no doubt that hath travel'd , and clapt as modest cheekes , and kis'd as melting lippes , thus farre i me right , but what name this most happy man doth answer too , is not within my circle . ho.

yet you know him .

ro. not to retaine your lordship i th' darke , confident you 'le not accuse my modesty for giving you a truth , you shall not travell beyond your selfe to find his name , but doe not triumph my lord . lo. am i so fortunate , then love i doe forgive thee , and will cherish the flame i did suspect would ruine me , you two divide my love , onely you two , be gentle in your empire heavenly ladies , no enemy abroad can threaten you , be carefull then , that you maintaine at home no civill warres . ho.

how d ee meane my lord ?

lo. you are pleas'd to smile upon me gentle lady , and i have tooke it in my heart more than imaginary blessings with what pleasure could i behold this beautie , and consume my understanding to know nothing else , my memory to preserve no other figure . ro.

my lord , i am not worth your flatterie .

lo. i flatter you ? venus her selfe be judge , to whom you are so like in all that 's faire , t were sinne but to be modest . ro.

how my lord ?

lo. do not mistake me , t were a sinne but to be modest in your praises , here 's a hand , nature shew me such another , a brow , a cheeke , a lip , and every thing , happy am i that cupids blinde . ro.

why happy ?

lo. if he could see , he would forsake his mistresse to be my rivall , and for thy embraces be banish'd heaven . ho.

my lord i le take my leave .

lo. if you did know how great a part of me , will whither in your absence , you would have more charitie , one accent of unkinde language from you , doth wound me more than all the mallice of my destinies , oh deare madam , you say you 'le take your leave of your poore servant ; say rather , you will dwell for ever here , and let me stay and gaze upon your heavenly forme . ho. i can be patient to heare your lordship mocke me , these are but a course reward for my good thoughts . lo. this t is to use plaine dealing , and betray the inside of our hearts to women , did you thinke well of me so late , and am i forfeited already , am i a christian ? ho.

yes i hope my lord .

lo. make me not miserable then , deare madam , with your suspition , i dissemble with you , but you know too well what command your beauty has upon me . ho. give me leave my lord to wonder you can love me , with such a flame you have exprest yet shee , your mistresse ? lo.

you are both my mistresses .

ro.

i like not this so well .

lo.

there is no way but one to make me happy .

ho. i wish my lord i had the art to effect what you desire . ro.

or i .

lo. it is within your powers . ho.

speake it my lord .

lo. since it is so that i me not able to determine which my heart , so equall unto both , would chuse , my suite is to your vertues , to agree betweene your selves , whose creature i shall be , you can judge better of your worths than i , my allegiance shall be ready if you can conclude which shall ha the supremacie ; take pitty on your servant gentle ladies , and reconcile a heart too much divided , so with the promise of my obedience to her that shall be fairest , wisest , sweetest of you two , when i next present a lover , i take distracted leave . exit . ho.

why , this is worse than all the rest .

ro. hee 's gone , and has referr'd himselfe to us . ho. this will aske counsell . ro. and some time i would be loth to yeeld . ho.

and i , cupid instruct us both . exeunt .

actus secundus . enter barker , freshwater , and gudgine . bar. and what made you to undertake this voyage , sweete signior freshwater . fr. an affection i had to be acquainted with some countries . gud.

give him good words .

ba. and you returne fraught home with the rich devices , fashions of steeples , and the situations of galouses , and wit no doubt a bushell , what price are oates in venice ? fr. signior i kept no horses there , my man , and i ba.

were asses .

fr.

how signior ?

gud.

give him good words , a poxe take him .

ba.

had not you land once ?

fr.

i had some durrie acres .

gud.

i am his witnesse .

fr. which i reduc'd into a narrow compasse , some call it selling . gud.

he would sell bargaines of a childe .

fr.

and t was a thriving pollicie .

ba.

as how ?

fr. it was but two hundred pound per annum sir , a loane revenew . ba.

and did you sell it all ?

fr. i did not leave an acre , rod , or perch , that had beene no discretion , when i was selling i would sell to purpose , doe you see this roll , i have good securitie for my money sir , not an egge here but has five chickens in 't , i did most pollitickely disburse my summes , to have five for one at my returne from venice , and now i thanke my starres i am at home . ba. and so by consequence in three moneths your estate will be five times as much or quintupled . fr. yes signior quintupled , i wonot purchase yet i meane to use this tricke seaven yeares together , first i le still put out , and quintuplie as you call 't , and when i can in my exchequer tell two , or three millions , i will fall a purchasing . ba.

kingdomes i warrant .

fr. i have a minde to buy constantinople from the turke , and give it the emperour . ba. what thinke you of ierusalem ? if you would purchase that , and bring it nearer , the christian pilgrimes would be much oblig'd to yee , when did you wash your sockes ? fr.

i weare none signior .

ba. then t is your breath , to your lodging , and perfume it , you 'le tell the sweeter lies to them that will lose so much time to aske about your travell , you wonot sell your debts ? fr.

sell 'em , no signior .

ba. have you as much left in ready cash as will keepe you and this old troule a fortnight longer , die , and forgive the world , thou maist be buried , and ha the church-cloth , if you can put in securitie , the parish shall be put to no more charge , dost thou hope to have a penny of thy owne money backe , is this an age of five for one , die ere the towne takes notice , there is a hidious woman carries ballets , and has a singing in her head , take heed and hang thy selfe , thou maist not heare the time , you remember coriate . fr.

honest tom odcombe .

ba. wee 'le ha more verses o' thy travells coxcombe , bookes shall be sold in bushells in cheape side , and come in like the pescods , waine loads full of thee , and thy man apple iohn that lookes as he had beene a senight in the straw a ripening for the market , farewell rusiting , thou art not worth my spleene , doe not forget my counsell , hang thy selfe , and thou go'st off without a sessions . exit . fr.

fine , i me glad hee 's gone , gudgine , what dost thou thinke .

gud.

i thinke y' are well rid of railing madcap .

fr. nay , nay hee 'le not spare a lord but were not i best call in my moneyes gudgin , my estate wonot hold out , i must be more familiar with my gentlemen . enter lord . lo.

iacke freshwater wellcome from venice .

fr.

i thanke your honour .

lo.

was it not franke barker that parted from you ?

fr.

yes my lord .

lo.

what 's the matter ?

fr.

there is a summe , my lord .

lo.

where is it signior ?

fr. there was a summe my lord delivered from your poore servant freshwater . lo. i remember , but i have businesse now , come , home to me , the monie 's safe , you were to give me five for one at your returne . fr.

i five ? your lordship has forgot the cinquepace .

lo. something it is , but when i am at leasure we will discourse of that , and of your travell , farewell signior . exit . fr. i st come to this ? if lords play fast and loose , what shall poore knights , and gentlemen ? hum , t is he . enter coronell . co.

a poxe upon him , what makes he in my way .

fr.

noble coronell .

co.

que dite vous mounsieur .

fr.

que dite vous ?

co. a wy , ie ne pa parlee anglois , there were five english peeces . co. ie ne parle anglois , me speake no word english , votre seviteur . exit . fr. adiew five peeces , gudgin gape , i st not he ? they wonot use me o'th is fashion , did he not speake to me i th' morning ? gud.

yes sir .

fr. i thinke so , but then you would not know him in italian , and now he will not know you in french . fr. call you this selling of land , and putting out money to multiply estate ? gud.

to quintuply five for one , large interest .

fr.

five for one , t is tenne to one if i get my principall .

gud.

your roll is not at the bottome , yet try the rest .

fr.

i ha , signior farewell . exeunt .

enter scutilla and solomon . scu.

didst speake with the coronell ?

sol. i met him opportunely after all the rest , and told him how much it would concerne his livelihood to make haste . scu. he must not be seene yet , you know where to attend for him , give him accesse by the garden to my chamber , and bring me nimbly knowledge when he is there . sol.

i shall forsooth . exit .

enter the dancer , lady rosomond , lady lucina , and lady honoria . dan. very well an dat be skirvy you run trot , trot , trot , pisha , follow me , fout madame , can you not tell so often learning � madam you foot it now pla it ill . another lady dances . excellent , better den excellent pishaw � you be laughed when you come to do ball ; i teach tree hundred , never forgot so much , me sweat taking paine , and fidling ladies . luc.

fidling ladies , you molecatcher .

dan. purquoy for telling you dance not well , you commit fat , and beate me for my dilligence becar you dance your pleasure . ho. no mounsieure le friske put not up your pipe , my lady was but in jest , and you must take it for a favour . dan. i veare no favours in dat place , should any gentleman of england give me blow , diable me teach him french passage . ro. nay you shanot be so angry , i must have a coronte , pray madam be reconcil'd . luc.

come mounsieur i am sorry .

dan. sorre , tat is too much par ma foy , i kisse tat white hand , give me one two tree buffets , aller , aller looke up your countenance , your english man spoile you , he no teach you looke up , pishaw , carry your body in the swimming fashion , and deu allei moy moselle ha , ha , ha , so for boon excellent becar . dance . luc. nay a country dance scutilla , you are idle , you know we must be at the ball anon , come . dan.

where is the ball this night .

luc.

at my lord rainebowes .

dan. oh he dance finely becar , he deserve the ball of de world , fine , fine gentleman , your oder men dance lop , lop with de lame legge as they want crushes begore , and looke for argent in the ground pishaw , they dance a new country dance . hah , hah , for boone . ro.

now madame we take our leave .

luc.

i le recompence this kind visite : does your coach stay ?

ho. yes madam , your ladiship will be too much troubled . luc.

i owe more service .

scu.

mounsieur you 'le begone too .

dan.

i have more ladie , my schollers .

sciu.

is that the way of your instrument .

dan. all a murdu france , fit , fit adiew madam votre serviteur , adiew demy mounsieur . exeunt . enter solomon and coronell . scu.

sir , you are welcome .

co.

i thanke you ladie .

scu. the tim 's too narrow to discourse at large , but i intend you a service , you have deserv'd it in your owne noblenesse to one i call a kinsman , whose life without your charitie had beene forfeit to his generalls anger , t was not without his cause you after quit your regiment . co.

he was my friend , forget it .

scu. you were sent for by the lady lucina . co.

whose command i waite .

scu. t was my desire to prepare you for the entertainement , be but pleas'd to obscure your selfe behind these hangings a few minuts , i heare her , you may trust me . co.

without dispute , i obey you lady .

enter lady lucina . luc. now scutilla we are ripe , and ready to entertaine my gamesters , my man said they promised all to come , i was afraid these ladies in their kinde departure wo'd not bequeath me opportunitie , and the mirth doth in the imagination so ticle me , i wo'd not willingly ha lost it for a jewell of some valew . scu.

then your purchase holds .

luc. if they hold their affections , and keepe touch , wee le ha some sport . enter solomon . sol.

sr. marmaduke travers .

luc. away scutilla , and laugh not loud betweene our acts , wee le meete agen like musicke , and make our selves merry . scin.

i waite nere you .

enter sr. marmaduke . luc. sr. markmaduke i thought i should have had your visite without a summonds . ma. lady you gave one feather to the wings i had before , can there be at last a service to imploy your creature ? luc.

something hath pleaded for you in your absence .

ma. oh let me dwell upon your hand , my starres have then remembred me agen . luc. how doe the fennes ? goes the draning forward , and your iron mills ? mar.

draning , and iron mills ? i know not madam .

luc. come , you conceale your industry , and care to thrive , you neede not be so close to me . ma.

by this hand lady , have i any iron mills ?

luc. i am abus'd else , nay i doe love one that has wind-mills in his head . ma.

how madam ?

lu. projects , and proclamations , did not you travell to yarmouth to learne how to cast brasse buttons , nay i like it , it is an age for men to looke about 'em , shall i trust my estate to one that has no thrift , a fellow but with one face ? my husband shall be a ianus , he cannot looke too many wayes , and is your patent for making vineger confirm'd : what a face you put upon 't nay , nere dissemble , come i know all , you 'le thanke that friend of yours , that satisfied my inquirie of your worth with such a welcome character , but why doe i betray my selfe so fast ? beshrow his commendations . ma. how is this ? some body that meant me well , and knew her appetite to wealth hath told this of me , i le make use on t ; well madam , i desir'd these things more private till something worth a mine , which i am now promoving had beene perfect to salute you , but i perceive you hold intelligence in my affaires , which i interpret love , and i le requite it , will you be content be a countesse for the present . luc. i shall want no honour in your love . ma.

when shall we marry ?

luc.

something must be prepar'd .

ma. a licence , and say no more , how blest am i , doe not blush , i wonot kisse your lip , till i ha brought it . exit luc.

ha , ha , scutilla .

scu.

be secret still .

luc.

canst thou not laugh ?

scu. yes madam you have kept your word , the knights transported , gone to prepare things for the wedding . luc.

how didst thou like the iron mills .

scu. and the brasse buttons rarely , have you devices to jeere the rest . luc.

all the regiment on 'em , or i le breake my bowstrings .

sol.

sr. ambrose lamount .

luc.

away , and let the swallow enter .

enter sr. ambrose , and solomon . luc. why sirra , did i command you give accesse to none ? but sr. ambrose lamount ? whom you know i sent for , audacious groome . sol.

it is sir , madam .

luc. it is sr. ambrose coxcombe , is it not , cry mercy noble sir , i tooke you muffled for one that every day sollicites me to bestow my little dogge upon him , but you 'r welcome , i thinke i sent for you . am. it is my happinesse to waite your service lady . luc. i heare say you have vow'd to die a batchellor , i hope it is not true sir . am.

i die a batchellor ?

luc.

and that you 'le turne religious knight .

am.

i turne religious knight , who has abus'd me ?

luc. i would onely know the truth , it were great pittie , for my owne part i ever wish'd you well , although in modesty i have beene silent , pray what 's a clocke ? am.

howe 's this ?

luc. i had a dreame last night , me thought i saw you dance so exceedingly rarely , that i fell in love . am.

in love with me .

luc.

with your legges sir .

am.

my legge is at your service to come over .

luc. i wondred at my selfe , but i considered , that many have beene caught with hansome faces , so my love grew . am.

vpwards .

luc. what followed in my dreame i ha forgot . am.

leave that to finish waking !

luc. since the morning i finde some alteration , you know i have told you twenty times i would not love you , but whether t were your wisedome or your fate you would not be satisfied , now i know not if something were procur'd , what i should answer . am.

a licence , say no more .

luc.

would were my estate were doubled .

am.

for my sake .

luc.

you have not purchas'd since you fell in love ?

am.

not much land .

luc. revells have beene some charge to you , you were ever a friend to ladies , pitty but he should rise by one , has fallen with so many , had you not a head once ? am.

a head ? i have one still .

luc. of haire i meane , favours ha glean'd too much , pray pardon me if it were mine , they should goe looke their bracelets , or stay till the next crop , but i blush sir to hold you in this discourse , you will perhaps conster me in a wrong sence ; but you may use your owne discretion till you know me better , which is my soules ambitions . am.

i am blest .

cor. cunning gipsie shee 'le use me thus too when i come too 't ? am.

lady i know your mind , when i see you next . exit .

luc.

you le see me agen , ha ha ha , scutilla .

scu. here madam almost dead with stifling my laughter , why hee 's gone for a licence , you did injoyne him no silence . luc. i wou'd have 'em all meete and brag o' their severall hopes they wonot else be sensible , and quit me o' their tedious visitation , who 's next ? i would the coronell were come , i long to have about with him . sol.

mr. bostocke madam .

luc.

retire , and give the lay admittance .

enter bostocke . bo.

madam , i kisse your faire hand .

luc.

oh mr. bostocke ,

bo.

the humblest of your servants .

luc. two not become your birth , and blood to stoope to such a title . bo. i must confesse deare lady , i carry in my veines more precious honour then other men , blood of a deeper crimson , but you shall call me any thing . luc. not i sir , it would not become me to change your title , although i must confesse i could desire you were lesse honourable . bo. why i prethee , i st a fault to spring from the nobilitie ? there be some men have sold well favour'd lordships , to be ill favoured noblemen , and though i weare no title of the state , i can adorne a lady . luc. that is my misfortune , i would you could not sir . bo. are you the worse for that ? consider lady . luc. i have considered , and i could wish with all my heart you were not halfe so noble , nay indeede no gentlman . bo.

how lady ?

luc. nay , if you give me leave to speake my thoughts , i would you were a fellow of two degrees beneath a foote man , one that had no kindred , but knights o th' post , nay worse , pardon me sir , in the humour i am in , i wish , and heartily , you were a sonne o th' people rather then . bo.

good madam give me your reason .

luc.

because i love you .

bo.

few women wish so ill to whom they love .

luc.

they doe not love like me then .

bo.

say you so .

luc. my wealths a begger , nay the title of a lady which my husband left , is a shadow compar'd to what you bring to innoble me , and all the children you will get , but i out of my love desire you such a one , that i might adde to you , that you might be created by my wealth , made great by me , then should my love appeare , but as you are , i must receive addition from you . bo. no body heares , why harke you lady , could you love me , if i were lesse honourable ? luc. honourable ? why you cannot be so base as i would have you , that the world might say my marriage gave you somewhat . bo. say you so , vnder the rose , if that will doe you a pleasure , the lords doe call me cosin , but i am . luc.

what ?

bo.

suspected .

luc.

how ?

bo. not to be lawfull , i came in at the wicket , some call it the window . luc.

can you prove it .

bo.

say no more .

luc. then i preferre you before all my suiters , sr. ambrose lamount , and sr. marmaduke travers are all mountibankes . bo.

what say to the coronell .

luc. a lanse pre sado , how my joy transports me , but shall i trust to this , doe not you flatter ? will not you fly from that , and be legitimate , when we are married , you men are too cunning with simple ladies . bo. doe but marry me , i le bring the midwife . luc. say no more , provide what you thinke necessary , and all shall be dispatch'd . bo. i guesse your meaning , and thus seale my best devotion . exit . scu.

away now and present your selfe .

luc. oh scutilla , hold me , i shall fall in peeces else , ha ha , ha . scu. beshrow me madam , but i wonder at you , you woond him rarely up . luc. have not i choise of precious husbands ? now and the coronell were here , the taske were over . scu. then you might goe play , madam the coronell . enter coronell . lue.

is he come once more ? withdraw , bid him march hither .

co. now is my turne madam . luc. y are welcome sir , i thought you would have gone , and not grac'd me so much as with a poore salute at parting . co.

gone whither ?

luc.

to the warres .

co. she jeares me already , no lady i 'me already engag'd to a siege at home , and till that service be over , i enquire no new employments . luc.

for honours sake what siege ?

co. a cittadell , that severall forces are set downe before , and all is entrench'd . luc.

what cittadell ?

co.

a woman .

luc.

she cannot hold out long .

co. ostend was sooner taken then her for t is like to be for any thing i perceive . luc.

is she so well provided ?

co. her provision may faile her , but she is devilish obstinate , she feares nor fire nor famine . luc.

what 's her name ?

co.

lucina .

luc. ha ha ha , alas poore coronell ; if you le take my advice remove your siege , a province will be sooner wonne in the low countries , ha ha ha . co.

lady , you sent for me .

luc. t was but to tell you my opinion in this businesse , you 'le sooner circumcise the turkes dominions , then take this toy you talke off , i doe know it , farewell good souldier , ha ha ha , and yet t is pittie , is there no stratagem , no tricke , no undermine ; if she be given so desperate , your body had neede to be well victuall'd , there 's a citie and suburbes in your belly , and you must lay in betimes to prevent mutinie among the small guts , which with winde of venge else will breake your guarde of buttons , ha ha ha come wee le laugh , and lie downe in the next roome scutilla . exit . co. so so , i did expect no good , why did not i strike her , but i le doe something , and be with you to bring before you thinke out , mallice and mercurie assist me . exit .
actus tertius . enter lord and barker . ba.

so so , yau'e a precious time on 't .

lor. who can helpe it franke , if ladies will be wilde , repentance tame 'em , for my part i court not them , till they provoke me toote . ba.

and doe they both affect you .

lo. so they say , and did justifie it to my face . ba.

and you did praise their modesty .

lo. i confesse i prais'd 'em both when i saw no remedy . ba.

you did , and they beleev'd .

lo.

religiously ?

ba. do not doe not beleeve it my young lord , they le make fooles of a thousand such , they doe not love you . lo.

why , and shall please your wisedome ?

ba. they are women , that 's a reason , and may satisfie you , they cannot love a man . lo.

what then ?

ba. themselves , and all little enough , they have a tricke to conjure with their eyes , and perhaps raise a masculine spirit , but lay none . lo. good cato be not over-wise now , what 's the reason that women are not sainted in your calender , you have no frosty constitution ? ba.

would you were halfe so honest .

lo. why a woman may love thee one day . ba. yes when i make legges and faces like such fellowes as you are . lo.

mounsieur la friske . enter mounsieur la friske .

moun.

serviteur .

lo.

nay franke thou shat not goe .

ba.

i le come agen when you ha done your iygge .

moun.

a mounsieur .

lo.

come you shall sit downe , this fellow will make thee laugh .

ba.

i shall laugh at you both , and i stay .

lo. harke you mounsieur , this gentleman has a great minde to learne to dance . moun. he command my service , please your lordship beginne tat he may see your profit alkey � hah . lo.

how like you this franke ?

ba. well enough for the dogge-dayes , but have you no other dancing for the winter , a man may freeze and walke thus . moun. it be all your grace mounsieur , your dance be horseplay begar for de stable not de chamber , your ground passage hah never hurt de backe mounsieur , nor trouble de legge mush , hah plait ill you learne mounsieur . lo.

for mirth sake , and thou lovest me .

moun. begar i teach you presently , dance with all de grace of de body for your good , and my profit . ba.

pardon me my lord .

moun.

oh not pardonne moy .

lo.

doe but observe his methode

ba.

i shall never endure it , pox upon him .

mo. t is but dis in de beginning , one , two , tree , foure , five , the cinquepace , alley mounsieur , stand upright an begar . lo.

let him set you in toth posture .

mo. my broder my lord know wel for de litle kit he fiddle and me for de posture of de body , begar de king has no too sush subjects hah , dere be one foote , two foote , have you tree foote , begar you have more den i have den . ba.

i shall breake his fiddle .

lo.

thou art so humerous .

moun. one , beene two hah , you goe to fast , you be at dover begar , and me be at greenwish , tree toder legge pishaw . ba.

a poxe upon your legges , i le no more .

moun.

purquoy .

lo. ha ha ha , i wod some ladies were here to laugh at thee now , you wonot be so rude to meddle with the mounsieur in my lodging . ba.

i le kicke him to death , and bury him in a base-violl iackalent .

mo. iackalent , begar you be iackenape , if i had my weapon you durst no affront me , i be as good gentleman , an for all my fiddle as you , call me a iacke a de lent . lo.

raile upon him mounsieur , i le secure thee , ha ha ha .

moun. because your leg have de poc , or someting dat make em no vell , and friske , you make a foole of a mounsieur . my lord use me like gentleman , an i care no rush for you , be desperate , kill me , and me complaine to de king , and teach new dance , galliarde to de gibbet , you be hang'd in english fashion . exit ba.

goe , yar'e an impertinent lord , and i will be reveng'd

lo. ha , ha , good diogenes , come mounsieur , you and i wonot part yet . moun. my lord , if you had not beene here , me wod hav broken his head with my fiddle . lo.

you might sooner have broke your fiddle , but strike up .

moun.

allei hah boone . they dance in .

enter bostocke . bo. i spie sir marmaduke comming after me , this way i le take to avoide his tedious questions , hee le interrupt me , and i ha not finish'd things fit for my designe . enter sr. ambrose . am. t is mr bostocke , little does he thinke what i am going upon , i feare i shanot containe my joyes . bo.

good fortune to sr. ambrose .

am. sir you must pardon , i cannot waite vpon you now , i ha businesse of much consequence . bo. i thought to have made the same excuse to you , for at this present i am so engag'd . am.

we shall meete shortly .

both .

ha ha ha .

bo.

poore gentleman how is he beguil'd .

am. your nose is wip'd , hum , t is sr. marmaduke , enter sr. marmaduke . i must salute him . bo.

the coronell ? there 's no going backe .

ma. what misfortun 's this ? but t is no matter , noble sir how i st ? am.

as you see sir .

co.

as i could wish noble mr. bostocke ,

bo.

your humble servant coronell .

co.

nay nay a word .

ma. i shannot forbeare jeering these poore things , they shall be mirth . co. what all met so happily ? and how my sparkes of honour ? am. things so ticle me , i shall breake out . co.

when saw , you our mistresse lady lucina .

am. my suite is cold there , mr. bostocke carries the lady cleane before him . bo.

no no not , it is sr. marmaduke .

ma.

i gleane by smiles after sr. ambrose .

co. none of you see her to day ? i may as soone marry the moone , and get children on her , i see her not this three dayes , t is very strange , i was to present my service this morning . ma.

you le march away with all .

co. i cannot tell , but there 's small signe of victory , and yet me thinkes you should not be neglected , if the fennes goe forward , and your iron mills . ma.

has she betraid me ?

co. some are industrious , and have the excellent skill to cast brasse buttons . ma.

coronell softly .

co. how will you sell your vineger a pint , the patent something sawcie . am.

the coronell jeeres him .

bo.

excellent , ha ha .

co. had not you a head once , of haire i meane , favours ha glean'd too much , if ladies will ha bracelets , let 'em stay till the next croppe . am.

hum , the very language she us'd to me .

bo.

does he jeere him too , nay nay , prethee spare him . ha , ha .

co. you may doe much , and yet i could desire you were lesse honourable , for though you have blood of a deeper crimson , the good lady out of her love could wish you were a thing beneath a foote man , and that you had no kindred but knights o th' post . bo.

good coronell .

co. nay pardon me , in the humour i am in , i wish , and heartily , you were a sonne o th' people . bo. coronell , how the devill came he by this ? co. vnder the rose there was a gentleman came in at the wicker , these are tales of which the greekes have store , faire hopes gentlemen . mar.

how came you by this intelligence .

co. nay i le no whispering , what i say to one will concerne every man , shee has made you coxcombes . am.

it does appeare .

co. and more then does appeares yet i had my share . bo.

that 's some comfort , i was afraid .

co. but you shall pardon me , i le conceale the particulars of her bountifull abuses to me , let it suffice i know we are all ieer'd most abominably , i stood behinde the hangings when shee sign'd your severall passes , and had my owne at last worse than the constables , that this is true , you shall have more than oath , i le joyne wee in revenge , and if you wonot , i will doe 't alone . ma.

she is a devill .

am. damme her then , till we thinke on something else , le ts all goe backe , and raile upon her . bo.

agreed , a poxe upon her .

ma.

we cannot be to bitter , shee s a hell cat .

am. d ee heare , listen to me our shames are equall , yet if we all discharge at once upon her , we shall but make confusion , and perhaps give her more cause to laugh , let us chuse one , to curse her for us all . co. t is the best way , and if you love me gentlemen , engage me , i deserve this favour for my discovery , i le sweare her into hell . ma.

troth i ha no good veine , i me content .

bo. gentlemen , noble coronell as you respect a wounded branch of the nobilitie , make it my office , she abus'd me most , and if the devill doe not furnish me with language , i le say he has no malice . co.

if they consent .

mar. am.

with all our hearts .

bo.

i thanke you gentlemen .

co. but le ts us all together , i le not be barr'd , now and then to enterpose an oath , as i shall finde occasion . bo. you le releeve me when i take breath , then you may helpe , or you , or any to confound her . co.

let away .

bo.

never was witch so tortur'd . exeunt

enter freshwater , gudgin , and solomon . sol.

noble mr. freshwater welcome from travell .

fr,

where be the ladies ?

so. in the next roome sir ; my lady rosomond is sitting for her picture , i presume you will be welcome . fr.

an english painter ?

so.

yes sir .

fr.

prethee let me see him .

he gives freshwater accesse to the chamber and returnes . sol, this way , honest gudgin , how , and the matters abroad , a touch of thy travell , what newes . gud. first , let me understand the state of things at home . so. we have little alteration since thou went'st , the same newes are in fashion , onely gentlemen are faine to ramble , and stumble for their flesh since the breach o th' banke side . gud.

is my aunt defunct .

so. yet the viragoes ha not lost their spirit , some on 'em have challeng'd the field , every day where gentlemen have met 'em , oh the dogge-dayes bit shreudly , t was a vilanous dead vacation . gud.

is pauls alive still ?

sol. yes , yes , a little sicke o th' stone , she voides some every day , but she is now in phisicke , and may in time recover . gud.

the exchange stands ?

sol. longer than a church , there is no feare while the merchants have faith ; a little of thy travells , for the time is precious , what things have you seene or done since you left england ? gud. i have not leasure to discourse of particulars , but first my mr. and i have runne france through , and through . so.

through and through , how is that man ?

gud. why once forward , and once backward , that 's through and through . sol. t was but a cowardly part to runne a kingdome through backeward . gud.

not with our horses solomon , not with our horses .

enter freshwater and lady rosomond . fr. madam , i did not thinke your ladiship had so little judgement so.

as how signiour ?

fr. as to let an english man draw your picture , and such rare mounsieurs in towne . ro.

why not english ?

fr. oh by no meanes madam , they ha not active pensiles . ros.

thinke you so .

fre. you must incourage strangers while you live , it is the character of our nation , we are famous for dejecting our owne countrymen . ros.

is that a principle .

fre.

who teaches you to dance ?

ros.

a frenchman signior .

fre. why so , t is necessary , trust while you live the frenchman with your legges , your faces with the dutch , if you mislike your faces , i meane if it be not sufficiently painted , let me commend upon my credit a pretious workeman to your ladyship . ros.

what is he .

fre. not an english man i warrant you , one that can please the ladies every way , you shannot sit with him all day for shaddowes , he has regallias , and can present you with suckets of foureteene pence a pound , canary , prunellas , venice glasses , parmisan , sugars , bologuia , sausages all from antwerpe ; but he will make ollepodredos most incomparably . ros. i have heard of him by a noble lady told me the tother day , that sitting for her picture , shee was stifled with a strange perfume of hornes . fre.

a butcher told me of 'em , very likely .

ros. when i have neede of this rare artist i will trouble you for my directions , leaving this discourse , how thrives your catalogue of debtors signior . fre.

all have payd me , but ;

ros. you shannot name me in the list of any that are behind , beside my debt a purse for clearing the account . fre. you are just madam , and bountifull , though i came hither with simple intention to present my service it shall be crost . gudgin remember too , her ladiships name . sol. my cosin has the same provision for you . enter barker , and lady honoria . gud.

sir , master barker .

fre. madam i le take my leave , i le finde another time to attend my lady , there 's no light , i cannot abide this fellow . exit with gud. hon. madam , master barker hath some designe which he pretends concernes us both . ros.

hee 's welcome , what i st ?

bar.

my lord commends him to yee .

ros.

which lord sir ?

bar. the lord , the fine , the wanton dancing lord , the lord that playes upon the gitterne , and sings , leapes upon tables , and does pretty things , would have himselfe commended . ros.

so sir .

bar. he loves you both , he told me so , and laughs behind a visard at your frailtie , he cannot love that way you imagine , and ladies of the game are now no miracles . hon. although he use to raile thus , yet we have some argument to suspect his lordships tongue has beene to liberall . ros. i finde it too , and blush within to thinke how much we are deceived , i may be even with this may-lord . exit . hon. but does his lordship thinke we were so taken with his person . bar.

you wod not , and you knew as much as i .

hon.

how sir ?

bar. i ha beene acquainted with his body ha knowne his baths and phisicke . hon. i st possible , i am sorry now at heart . i had a good thought on him , hee shall see 't , for i will love some other in revenge , and presently if any gentleman ha but the grace to smile , and court me up too 't . ba.

hum ?

ho. a buble of nobilitie , a giddy phantasticke lord , i want none of his titles , now in my imaginations he appeares ill favoured , and not any part about him worth halfe a commendation , wod he were here . co.

you l make more on him .

ho. that i might examine , and doe my judgement right betweene you two now � how much he would come short , you have an eye worth fortie of his , nose of another making ; i saw your teeth ene now compar'd to which , his are of the complexion of his combe , i meane his boxe , and will in time be yellower , and aske more making cleane , you have a shew of something on your upper lippe , a witch has a philosophers beard to him , his chinne has just as many hounds as haires that ever my eyes distinguish'd yet , you have a body and unpromising in his slashes , one may see through him , and for his legges they both would but make stuffing for one hansome stocking , th' are a lords i will be sworne , i dote upon him , i could wish somewhat , but i me sworry sir to trouble you so much , all happie thoughts possesse you . exit ba. how is this , if i have wit to apprehend , this lady does not hate me ? i have profest a cinicke openly , this language melts , i le visite her againe . enter honoria . ho.

sir , i have a small request to you .

ba.

lady command .

ho. if you thinke i have power or will to deserve from you any courtesie , pray learne to dance . ba.

to dance ?

ho. at my entreatie sir to dance , it was the first thing tooke me with his lordship , you know not what may follow , fare you well . exit . ba. what pretends this to dance , there 's something in 't , i 've reveng'd my selfe already upon my lord , yet deeper with my lady is the sweeter , something must be resolv'd . exit . enter lady lucina and scutilla . luc. enough enough of conscience , le ts reserve part of the mirth to another time , i shall meete some other hot worships at the ball ; vnlesse their appehension prompt 'em , earlier to know their folly in pursuing me . enter solomon . sol. madam , the gentlemen that were here this morning in single visits are come all together , and pray to speake with you . luc.

they 've met already give 'em accesse .

scu.

i wonder what they 'le say .

enter bostocke , lamount , coronell , and travers . co.

be confident she shall endure it .

bo. so so , how d ee gentlemen , yar'e very wellcome . am. t is no matter for that we doe not come to be welcome , neither will we be welcome , speake mr. bostocke . bo.

we come to mortifie you .

luc.

you will use no violence .

bo. but of our tongues , and in the names of these abused gentlemen , and my selfe i spit defiance , stand further off , and be attentive , weepe or doe worse , repentance wet thy linnen , and leave no veine for the doctor . luc.

they 're mad .

scu. there is no danger madam , let us heare 'em , if they scold we two shall be hard enough for 'em , and they were twenty . bo.

thou basiliske .

luc.

at first sight ?

bo. whose eyes shat fire , and poyson , malicious as a witch , and much more cunning , thou that dost ride men . luc.

i ride men ?

bo. worse than the night mare , let thy tongue be silent . and take our scourges patiently , thou hast in thy owne selfe all the ingredients of wickednesse in thy sexe , able to furnish hell if it were insufficiently provided with falshood , and shee feind of thy owne making circe that charm'd men into swine , was not so much a jew as thou art , thou hast made vs asses , dost thou heare ? am.

he speakes for us all .

bo. but it is better we be all made such , than any one of us be monstred worse to be an oxe thy husband . scu.

luc . ha ha ha .

bo.

dost thou laugh crocadile ?

co.

that was well said .

bo. spirit of flesh and blood i le conjure thee , and let the devill lay thee on thy backe i care not . ma.

admirable bostocke .

co.

that spirit of flesh and blood was well inforc'd .

bo. you thought us animales insensible of all your juglings did you prorsepnie ? am.

i come to that .

bo. and that we lov'd , lov'd with a poxe your phisnomie , know we but tried thee beldam , and thou art thy selfe a sonne o th' earth . am.

how , shee a sonne ?

bo. t was a mistake , but she knowes my meaning , i beginne to be a wearie gentlemen , i le breath a while . co. t is time , and that you may not want encouragement take that . bo.

gentlemen coronell , what d ee meane .

co. you shall know presently , dare but lift thy voyce to fright this lady , or but aske thy pardon , my sword shall rip thy body for thy part , and naile it on her threshold , or if you , the proudest offer but in lookes to justifie the basenesse of this wretch your soules shall answer 't . ma.

howe 's this ?

co. oh impudence unheard , pardon madam my tedious silence , the affront grew up so fast i durst not trust my understanding that any gentleman could attempt so much dishonour to a lady of your goodnesse ; was this your project to make me appeare guilty of that i hate beyond all sacriledge , was it for this you pray'd my company , you todpoles ? t is your presence charmes my sword , or they shall quickly pay their forfeit lives , no altar could protect 'em . am.

we are betray'd .

ma.

was it not his plot to have us raile ?

co.

say , shall i yet be active ?

luc. by no meanes , this is no place for blood , nor shall any cause engage to such a danger . co. live to be your owne vexations then till you be mad , and then remove your selfe with your owne garters . you shannot goe before i know from whose braine this proceeded , you are the mirth , was ever civill lady so abus'd in her owne house by ingratefull horseleeches ? could your corrupted natures finde no way but this to recompence her noble favours , her courteous entertainements , would any heathens done like to you ? admit she was so just to say she could see nothing in you worthy her deerer thoughts as to say truth , how could a creature of her wit and judgement not see how poore and miserable things you are at best ? must you impudent in such a loud , and peremptory manner , disturbe the quiet of her thoughts and dwelling gentlemen rather hinds scarce fit to mixe , vnlesse you mend her manners with her drudges . luc.

this shewes a noblenesse , dost not scutilla ?

bo.

why sir , did not you tell us ?

co.

what did i tell you ?

bo.

nothing .

co.

be gone , least i forget my selfe .

bo. i have a token to remember you a palsie upon your fingers noble coronell . ma.

was this his stratagem ? we must be gone . exit .

luc. sir i must thanke yee , and desire your pardon , for what has past to your particular . co. ya 've more than satisfied my service in th' acknowledgement : disdaine cannot provoke me to be so insolent . luc.

againe i thanke you .

co. i can forget your last neglect , if you thinke me not too unworthy to expect some favour from you . luc.

how d ee meane .

co. why as as a servant should that is ambitious ? to call you mistresse , till the happier title of wife crowne his desires . luc. i must confesse , this has wone much upon me : but two words to such a bargaine , y' are a gentleman , i me confident would adventure for me . co.

as farre as a poore life could speake my service .

luc. that 's faire and farre enough , i make not any exception to your person . co. body enough i hope to please a lady luc.

but .

co.

to my fortune .

luc.

to that the least , i have estate for both .

co. though if hold no comparison with youre , it keepes me like a gentleman . luc.

i have a scruple .

co. you honour me in this , there 's hope , if i can take a way that care , you may be mine . luc. sir can you put me in securitie that you have beene honest ? co.

honest , how d ee meane ?

luc. beene honest of your body , you are gentlemen , out of the warres live lazie , and feede high , drinke the rich grape , and in canary may doe strange things , when the wine has wash'd away discretion . co.

what is your meaning lady ?

luc. i doe not urge you for the time to come . pray understand , have you beene honest hitherto and yet because you shannot trouble friends to be compurgators , i le be satisfied ; if you will take your owne oath that you are . co.

honest of my body ?

luc. yes sir , it will become me to be carefull of my health , i le take your owne assurance , if you can cleare your body by an oath , i le marry none but you , before this gentlewoman . co.

your reason why you use me thus ?

luc. i wonder you will aske , doe not i heare how desperate some ha beene , what paine , what phisicke . co.

this is a tale of a tubbe lady .

luc. you rid no match without a shirt , to shew the complexion of your body , i ha done sir when you resolue to sweare y' are honest , i vow to he yours , your wife : i am not hastie , thinke on 't , and tell me when we meete againe anon , to night , to morrow , when you please ; so farewell noble coronell , come scutilla . exeunt . co. i st come to this ? i am jeer'd agen , i st possible to be honest at these yeeres , a man of my complexion , and acquaintance ? was ever a gentleman put to this oath before a this fashion ? if i ha the grace now to forsweare my selfe , something may be done , and yet t is doubtfull shee le have more trickes , if widdowes be thus coltish , the devill will have a taske that goes a woing . exit .
actus quartus . enter lord and bostocke . bo. svch an affront my lord , i was asham'd on 't , a meere conspiracie to betray our fames , but had you seene how poorely they behav'd themselves , such carven knights , a paire of drone-bees i th' midst o' my vexation , if i could forbeare to laugh , i ha no blood in me , they were so farre from striking that they stood like images , things without life and motion , feare could not make so much as their tongue tremble , left all to me . lo.

so so , what then did you .

bo. the lady laugh'd too , and the coronell increas'd his noise , to see how she derided the poore knights . lo. leave their character and proceede to what you did . bo. you shall pardon me my lord , i am not willing to report my selfe , they and the lady , and the coronell can witnesse i came on . lo.

but how came you off cosin ? that must commend you .

bo, i ha my limbes my lord , no signe of losse of blood you see , but this was fortune , how the coronell came of t 's uncertaine . lo.

doe not you know ?

bo.

no , i left him , i thinke t is time .

lo.

you did not kill him ?

bo. vpon my faith my lord i meant it not , but wounds fall out some time when the swords in , these are poore things to bragge on , i ha sav'd my selfe you see . lo. if it be so i le call you cosin still , my satinist enter barker . harke you shall beate this fellow . bo.

shall i my lord without cause ?

lo. he shall give you cause presently , how now gum'd taffata . ba. i pay for what i weare my sattaine lord ? your wardrobe does not keepe me warme , i doe not runne o th' ticket with the mercers wife , and leacher out my debts at country houses . lor.

there 's something else you doe not .

ba. i doe not use to flatter such as you are , whose bodies are so rotten , they le scarce keepe their soules from breaking out , i write no odes vpon your mistresse to commend her postures , and tumbling in a coach towards padington , whether you hurry her to see the phesants , and try what operation the egges have at your returne , i am not taken with your mightie nonsence , glean'd from heathenish playes , which leave a curse upon the author for 'em , though i have studied to redeeme you from the infection of such bookes , which martyr sence worse than an almanacke . lo. excellent satire , but lash not on , stop here , or i shall kicke your learned worship . ba.

but doe not , i advise you doe not .

lo.

why doe not ?

ba. it will fall heavy o'some body , if your lordship kicke me , i shall not spare your cosin there . lo.

on that condition what doe you thinke o'th at ?

ba.

what doe you thinke ?

bo. excellently well followed by my troth la , hee le pitch the barre well , i warrant , he does so follow his kicke . ba.

let it goe round .

bo.

good , right as my legge againe .

lo.

your legge , t was hee that kickt you .

bo.

d ee thinke i doe not feele it ?

lo.

why d ee not use your toes then ?

bo. what for a merry touch , a tricke , a turne upon the toe , d ee heare sir y are good company , but if thou lovest me . ba. love you ? why d ee heare sir , i , i , what a poxe should any man see in you , once to thinke on you ? love a squirte ? shall i tell thee what thou art good for ? bo.

i .

ba.

for nothing .

bo.

good againe , my lord observe him , for nothing .

ba. yes thou wot stop a breach in a mudde wall , or serve for a priapus in the garden to fright away crowes , and keepe the corne , beane shatter , thou wot . bo.

ha ha ha .

ba. or thou wot serve at shrove tide to ha thy legges broken with penny trounchens in the streete , t is pitty any cocke should stand the pelting , and such a capon unpreferr'd . bo.

ha ha ha .

ba. cry mercy y' are a kinsman to the lord , a gentleman of high and mighty blood . lo.

but cold enough , wonot all this provoke him ?

ba. dost heare ? for all this i will undertake to thrash a better man out of a wench . that travells with her butter milke to market betweene two dorsers , any day o th' weeke , my twice sod taile of greene fish , i will do 't or loose , my inheritance , tell me , and doe not stammer , when wert thou cudgell'd last ? what woman beate thee ? bo.

excellent barker .

ba. thou art the towne top , a boy will set thee up , and make thee spinne home with an eeleskinne , do not marry , doe not , thy wife will coddle thee , and serve thee up in plates with sugar and rose water to him that had the grace to cuckold thee ; and if pythagoras transmigration of soules were true , thy spirit should be tenant to a horse . bo.

why to a horse ?

ba. a switch and spurre would doe some good upon you , why dost thou enterfare , get the grincomes , goe , and straddle like a gentleman that wod not shame his kindred , but what doe i lose time with such a puppie ? bo. well , goe thy wayes i le justifie thy wit at my owne perill . ba. i would speake with you , be not too busie with your lordships legges , i le tell you somewhat . lo.

speake toth ' purpose then .

ba. i bestow'd a visite on the ladies which you wot on , they have their wits still , and resolve to keepe 'em , they wonot hang themselves for a young lord , nor grow into consumption , other men have eyes , and nose , and lippes , and hansome legges too : so fare you well lord , my i left your kicke with your cosin buy buy otter . exit . lo. very well . but harke you cosin bostocke , you have a minde and modest constitution , i expected you wod have lifted up your legge . bo. to kicke him , why , and you wod ha given a thousand pound , i could not do 't for laughing , beside , he was your friend my lord . lo. did you spare him for that consideration ? bo. howsoever , what honour had it beene for me to quarrell ? or wit indeede , if every man should take all the abuses that are meant , great men would be laughed at , some fooles must ha their jests , had he beene any man of blood or valour , one that profes'd the sword , such as the coronell , lesse provocation would ha made me active . enter sr. ambrose , and sr. marmaduke . lo. the eagles takes no flies , is that it , how now sir ambrose , and my honor'd friend sr. marmaduke ? you are strangers . ma.

your lordships pardon , mr. bostocke .

bo.

now shall i be put too 't , this taking will undoe me ?

lo.

prethee tell me ? is the coronell alive still ?

am.

alive my lord , yes yes , hee 's alive .

bo.

did your lordship thinke absolutely he was dead ?

lo.

but he is shrewdly wounded .

am. no my lord , he is very well , but t was your kinsemans fortune . bo.

prethee nere speake on 't .

lo.

what ?

ma.

to have a blow , a boxe o th' eare .

lo.

how ?

ma.

with his fist , and an indifferent round one .

bo. yes , yes he did strike me , i could ha told you that , but wherefore did he strike , aske 'em that . ma. if you would know my lord , he was our orator to raile upon the lady for abusing us , which i confesse he did with lung and spirit , which in the conclusion , the coronell stroke him toth ' ground . bo.

he did so t is a truth .

lo.

and did you take it ?

bo. take it : he gave it me my lord , i asked not for it . but t is not yet reveng'd . am.

t is truth we suffer'd

a little , but the place protected him . bo.

it was no place indeed .

ma. now since you had the greatest burden in the affront . bo.

the blow ?

ma. right , wo wod know whether your resolution be first , to question him , for our cause appeares subordinate , and may take breath till you ha call'd him to account . bo. i proclaime nothing , and make no doubt the coronell will give me satisfaction like a gentleman . am.

we are answer'd , and take our leave my lord .

lo.

we shall meete at the ball anon gentlemen .

ma.

your lordships servants : now to our designe . exeunt .

bo.

my lord i take my leave too .

lo.

not yet cosin , you and i ha not done .

bo.

what you please cosin .

lo.

you have cosen'd me too much .

bo.

i my good lord ?

lo. thou most unheard of coward , how dare you bost relation to me ? be so impudent as to name , or thinke upon me , thou staine to honour , honour ? th' art beneath all the degrees of basenesse : quit thy father , thy suppos'd one , and with sufficient testimony , some servingman leapt thy mother , or some iuggler that conjures with old bones , some womans tailor , when he brought home her petticoate , and tooke measure of her lose body , or i le cullice thee with a bottome . bo.

good my lord .

lo. be so baffoul'd ? in presence of your mistresse , t is enough to make the blood of all thou knowest suspected , and i le ha satisfaction . bo.

my lord .

lo. for using of my name in ordinaries , i th' list of other whom you make your priviledge , to dominere , and winne applause sometimes with tapsters , and thread-beare tobacco merchants , that worship your gold lace , and ignorance stand bare , and bend their hammes , when you belch out my lord , and tother cosin in a baudihouse , whom with a noyse you curse by iacke and tom , for failing you at fishstreete , or the still-yard . bo.

my very good lord .

lo.

will you not draw ?

bo.

not against your honour , but you shall see .

lo. and vexe my eyes to looke on such a land-rat , were all these shames forgotten , how shall i be safe in honour with that noble lady , to whom i sinne fully commended thee , though t were not much , enough to make her thinke i am as base as thou art , and the coronell , and all that have but heard thee call me cosin , what cure for this you malt-worme ? oh my soule how it does blush to know thee , bragging puppie , d ee heare me thunder , and lightning , what nobilitie my predecessors bosted , or any man from honours stocke descended ; how many marquesses and earles are numbred in their great family ? what coates they quarter , how many battells our forefathers fought ? t is poore , and not becomming perfect gentry to build their glories at their fathers cost , but at their owne expense of blood or vertue , to raise them living monuments , our birth is not our owne act , honour upon trust , our ill deedes forfeit , and the wealthy summes purchas'st by others fame or sweate , will be our staine , for we inherit nothing truely but what our actions make us worthy of ; and are you not a precious gentleman , thou art not worth my steele , redeeme this love some generous way of undertaking , or thou shalt be given up to boyes , and ballets , the scorne of footeman , a disgrace more blacke than bastard , goe to the coronell . bo.

i will my lord .

lo. but now i thinke on t t will be necessarie , that first you right my honour with the lady , you shall carry a letter , you will do 't ? bo.

i le carry any thing .

lo.

expect it presently . exit

bo. such another conjuring will make me beleeve i am illigitimate indeede , this came first keeping company with the blades , from whom i learnt to roare and runne away : i know t is a base thing to be a coward , but every man is not borne to be a hercules , some must be beate that others may be valiant . exit . enter rosomond , and honoria whispering , sr. marmaduke , and sr. ambrose following . ro.

let it be so , they will else be troublesome .

ma. this cannot i hope displease you lady , t is no new affection i protest , although this be the first occasion i tooke to expresse it . ro. you did ill in the impression , although your bashfulnesse would not permit you to speake in your owne cause , you might have sent your meaning , i can make a shift to read a scurvie hand , but i shall tell you sir . ma.

prethee doe .

ho. i st possible your heart hath beene tormented in loves flame , and i the cause . am. your beauty hath the power to melt a cithians bosome , those divine beames would make soft the earth , when rugged winter hath seal'd the cranies up with frost , your eye will make the frigid region temperate , should you but smile upon 't : account it then no wonder if it turne my brest to ashes . ro. i see you are in love by your mention , and cause i pitty a gentleman should lose his passion i le acquaint you with a secret . ma.

the lady honoria ?

ro. what misfortune t was you did not first apply your selfe to her that can reward your love , and hath a heart spacious to entertaine you ; she does love you vpon my knowledge strangely , and so commends you in your absence . ma. say you so lady ? pardon i beseech you the affection i profest to your ladiship , t was but a complement , i am sorry i protest . ro. oh t is excus'd sir , but i must tell you , perhaps you wonot finde her now so tractable vpon the apprehension she was slighted ; but to prescribe you confidence were to suspect your art , and bold discretion . ho. t is as i tell you sir , no lady in the world can speake more praises of your body ? shee knowes not yet your minde . am.

i st possible ?

ho. and yet because she saw your complements directed so unhappily to me , i know not how you le finde her on the sudden , but t is not halfe an houre since you possest the first place in her thoughts . am. shall i presume , you will excuse the love i did present your ladiship ? it was not from my heart , i hope you will conceive so . ho.

a slight error .

am.

i am a sham'd on 't .

ho. t is sufficient that you recant no more neglect . ro.

you are pleasant .

am. be you so too ; i le justifie thou shalt have cause . ro.

to wonder at you , what 's your meaning sir ?

am. sweete lady , what thoughts make sad your brow ? i have observ'd your eyes shoote clearer light . ro. you are deceiv'd , i am not melancholy . am. be for ever banish'd the imagination of what can happen to cloud so rare a beautie , y' are in love . ro.

in love , who told you so ?

am. but that 's no wonder , we all may love , but you have onely power to conquer where you place affection , and triumph ore your wishes . ho. i love you , y' are strangely sir mistaken , put your devices on some other lady , i ha beene so farre from my affection to you , that i ha laboured i confesse to unsettle the opinion of my lady rosomond , who i confesse loves you , and that extreamely . mar.

how ? she love me ? then i ha made fine worke .

ho. what cunning shee is mistresse of to hide her strange affections , or what power she has , she does flie into your armes i know not . ro. are you so dull ? why , this was but to try your constancie , i have heard her sweare you are the proprest knight , the very adonis : why , she has got your picture and made it the onely saint within her closet , i blush at your credulitie . am. i st e'ne so ? i have undone my selfe with her already , pardon me gentle madam , i must leave you . ro.

with all my heart .

ho. we are reliev'd , enter mounsieur . mounsieur le friske . moun. tres humbla serviter madam , me sweate with de hast to waite upon your ladiships ; i pray give me do leve dispatch presently , for i must figaries to be done . ro. gentlemen let your passions breath a while , a little musicke may correct the errour , and you may finde your selves . moun.

aller .

am. with all my heart sr. marmaduke le ts helpe to exercise the ladies . ma.

a good motion .

moun. and begar noting in de world mor profet your body den de motion all a more de france . ma.

i am for any friske .

moun. ha de friske you jumpe upon my name , and begar you have my nature to de right , hey , and all de world is but friske . ho.

a country dance then .

moun. hah , mounsieur madam aller , they dance . forboone , tres excellent begar , so i crave your patience madam , gentlemen , you be at de ball , mofoy you see dat was never in dis world . ro.

what mounsieur ?

moun. what doe you thinke dat is , me tell you , begar you see me play de part of de cupid . ho.

a french cupid .

moun. begar french cupid , why ? dere is no love like de french love , dat is cupid , love is hot , and de french is hot ro.

how comes it to passe that you are to play cupid moun .

mo. my lord give me co�mand me have device , & de masque for de ladies , and me no trust little iacknape to play young cupid but my selfe . ho.

cupid is a childe , you have a beard mounsieur .

mo. me care not de haire for dat , begar de little god may have de little beard , venus his moder have de mole , and cupid her shild may have the blacke mussell . ho. but mounsieur , we read cupid was faire , and you are blacke , how will that agree ? mo. cupid is faire , and mounsieur is blacke , why mounsieur is blacke den , and cupid is faire , what is dat ? a faire lady love de servant of the blacke complexion de ban eur , the colour is not de mush , vulcan was de blacke smith , and cupid may be de blacke gentleman his sonne legitimate . am.

t is de way to make cupid the boy no bastard .

mo. but doe you no publish this invention , me meete you at de ball armed with quiver , and de bow . ho.

you wonot shoote us , i hope you le spare our hearts .

mo. begar me shit you if me can , and your arts shall bleed one , two , tree , gallowne adieu madame serviter gentlemen tresemble . am. adieu mounsieur , now madam with your favour , i must renew my suite . ho. yad better buy a new one , nay then we shall be troubled . exit . am. you le withdraw , i le follow you . ma.

come , come i know you love me .

ro. you may enlarge your folly my deare knight , but i have pardoned you for love already . ma. this shannot serve your turne , i came hither not to be jeered , and one of you shall love me . exit . enter bostocke , lady lucina and scutilla . luc.

oh impudence dares he returne .

scu.

it seemes so .

bo. most gracious madam , my cosin your lord loveall commends himselfe in blacke and white . luc.

to me ?

bo.

d ee thinke t is from my selfe .

scu. you might ha dont in blacke and blew . bo. scutilla how does thy poore soule , thou hast no husband nor children to commend me to . scu. the poore soule 's well , i hope your body is recover'd , dos not your left cheeke burne still , we ha so talkt on you ? luc. i am sorry any gentleman that has relation to me should be so forgetfull of your honor , & his own , but though he have forfited opinion , let me continue innocent in your thoughts ? i have sent you a small jewell to expiate my offence for commending him , i expect your ladiship at the ball , where you shall make many happie to kisse your hand , and in their number the true admirer of your vertue , my lord is honourable . bo.

a slight jewell madam . loveall .

luc.

i am his servant .

bo. nay faith my lord is right , i ha not met the coronell since you know when . sc.

you ha more reason to remember .

bo.

i would be so bold to aske you a question .

luc. in the meane time give me leave , we are none but friends , i know y' are valliant . bo.

no , no , you doe not know 't , but i know my selfe .

scu.

that 's more .

luc.

but will you answer me ? why did not you strike him agen ?

scu.

that might ha caus'd blood .

bo.

y' are i th right .

luc.

you did not feare him .

bo. but blood are not a like , termes were not even , if i had kill'd him there had beene an end . luc.

of him .

bo. right madam , but if he had wounded me , he might ha kill'd , heaven knowes how many . scu.

strange ?

bo. d' ee not conceive it ? so many drops of mine , so many gentlemen , nay more , who knowes which of these might ha beene a knight , a lord . luc.

perhaps a prince .

bo. princes came from the blood , and should i hazard such a severation against a single life , t is not i feare to fight with him by these hills , but what wise gamester will venture a hundred pound to a flaw'd sixe pence ? scu.

madam , the coronell .

bo. and he were ten coronells , i le not endure his company , sweete lady , you and i le retire . scu.

and were lesse honourable .

bo.

he should not seeke me then .

sc.

he should rather hardly find you , i me your servant . exit

enter coronell . luc. i was wishing for you sir , your judgement of these diamonds . co.

the stones are pretty .

luc. they were a lords , sent me for a token , you cannot chuse but know him , the lord loveall . co.

so , so , so , i am like to speede .

luc.

is not he a pretty gentleman ?

co.

and you are sure hee 's honest ?

luc. as lords goe now adayes that are in fashion ; but cry you mercy , you ha put me in minde , i did propound a businesse to you sir . co.

and i came prepar'd to answer you .

luc.

t is very well , i le call one to be a witnesse .

co. that was not i remember in our covenant , you shannot neede . luc.

i le fetch you a booke to sware by �

co. let it be venus and adonis then , or ovids wanton elieges , aristotles problemes , guy of warwicke , or sr. beavis , or if there be a play booke you love better , i le take my oath upon your epilogue . luc.

y' are very merry , well , sweare how you please .

co. in good time , you doe expect now i should sweare i me honest ? luc. yes sir , and t is no hard condition , if you reflect upon my promise . co.

what ?

luc. to marry you , which act must make you lord of me and my estate , a round possession , some men have gone to hell for a lesse matter . co. but i wonot be damn'd for twenty thousand such as you are , and every one a million , and i the authoritie of a parliament to marry wo'yee all , i wod not buy this flesh now i ha sworne . luc. i thinke so coronell , blesse me ? twenty thousand wives , t wo'd nere come to my turne , and you 'd not live to give the tithe benevolence . co.

they would finde pages , fooles , or gentlemen-vshers .

luc. then upon the matter , you being not willing sir to take your oath , i may be confident you are not honest . co. why looke upon me lady , and consider with some discretion what part about me does looke so tame you should suspect me honest , how old d ee thinke i am ? luc.

i guesse at thirty .

co. some i th' world doubted me not so much , at thirteene i was ever plumpe and forward , my drie nurse swore at seven , i kist like one of five and twenty , setting that a side , what 's my profession ? luc.

a souldier

co. so examine a whole army , and finde one souldier that hates a hansome woman , we cannot march without our bagge and baggages , and is it possible , when we come home where womens pride , and all temptation to wantonesse abounds we should lose our activitie ? lu.

you souldiers are brave fellowes .

co. when we have our pay , we vow no chastitie till we marry , lady t is out of fashion indeede with gentlemen to be honest , and of age together t is sufficient , we can provide to take our pleasures too , without infection , a sound body is a treasure i can tell you , yet if that would satisfy you , i should make no scruple to sweare , but otherwise you must pardon us as we must pardon you . luc.

vs sir .

co. yes you , as if you ladies had not your fagaries , and martiall discipline , as well as we , your outworkes , and redoubts , your court of guard , your centries , and perdues , sallies , retreates , pasties , and stratagems , women are all honest , yes , yes , exceeding honest ; let me aske you one question , i le not put you to your oath , i doe allow you hide-parke , and spring-garden , you have a recreation called the ball , a device transported hither by some ladies that affect tenice , what d ee play a set ? there 's a foule racket kept under the line , strange words are bandied , and strange revells madam . luc.

the world imagines so .

co.

nay , y' are all talk'd of .

luc. but if men had no more wit , and honesty , they wod let fall their stings on something else , this is discours'd , but when corantaes faile , or newes at ordinaries , when the phlegmaticke dutch ha tane no fisher-boates , or our cole-ships land safe at new-castle , y' are fine gentlemen , but to conclude of that we met for your honesty , not justified by an oath , as i expected , is now suspended , will you sweare yet . co. why , i thought you had beene a christian ? widdow have i not told you enough , you may meete one will forfeit his conscience , and please you better , some silke-worme o th' cittie , or the court , there be enough will sweare away their soule for your estate , but i have no such purpose , the warres will last i hope . luc. so so , scutilla . enter scutilla . you were present when i promis'd the coronell , to be his wife upon condition . he could secure my opinion by his oath , that he was honest , i am bound in honour not to goe backe , y ave done it , i am yours sir , be you a witnesse to this solemne contract . co.

are you in earnest lady , i ha not sworne .

luc. you have given better truth , he that can make this conscience of an oath assures his honesty . co.

in minde .

luc. what 's past i question not , if for the time to come your love be vertuous to me . co. most religious , or let me live the souldiers dishonour , and die the scorne of gentlemen , i ha not space enough in my heart to entertaine thee . luc.

is not this better than swearing ?

co.

i confesse it .

luc.

now i may call you husband ?

co.

no title can more honour me .

luc.

if please you i le shew you then my children .

co.

how , your children ?

luc.

i ha sixe that call me mother .

co.

hast , faith ?

luc. the elder may want softnesse to acknowledge you , but some are young enough , and may be counsell'd to aske your blessing , does this trouble you ? co. trouble me ? no , but it is the first newes lady of any children . luc. nay , they are not like to be a burden to us , they must trust to their owne portions left 'em by their father . co.

where .

luc. but of my estate , i cannot keepe any thing from 'em , and i know you are so honest , you 'd not wish me wrong the orphans , t is but sixe thousand pound in money coronell among them all , beside some trifling plate and jewels worth a thousand more . co.

no more ?

luc. my ioynture will be firme to us , two hundred per annum . co. is it so ? and that will keepe a country house , some halfe a dozen cowes , we shall ha cheese and butter-milke , one horse will serve me , and your man to ride to markets . luc.

canst be content to live i th' country coronell ?

co. and watch the pease , looke to the hay , and talke of oates and stubble , i ha beene brought up too 't , and for a need can thrash . luc.

that will save somewhat .

co. i th yeere , beside my skill in farrowing pigs , oh t is a holsome thing to hold the plough , and wade up to the calfe i th' dirty furrowes , worse than sleeping in a trench , or quagmire , you ha not heard me whistle yet . luc.

no indeede .

co. why ? there 's it , shee does counterfeit , well lady , be you in jeast or earnest , this is my resolution i le marry you , and y 'ad forty children , and not a foote of land to your ioynture , heaven will provide for , and we doe our endeavours , where be the children , come how many boyes . luc.

as many as can get sir .

co.

how ?

luc. no more . since y' are so noble , know i tried your patience , and now i am confirm'd , my estate is yours without the weight of children or of debts , love me , and i repent not . co. saist thou so ? i wod we had a priest here . luc.

there remaines to take away one scruple .

co.

another gincracke .

luc. i have none , t is your doubt sir , and ere we marry you shall be convinc'd some mallice has corrupted your opinion of that we call the ball . co.

your dancing businesse .

luc. i will intreate your company to night , where your owne eyes shall leade you to accuse or vindicate our fames . co.

with all my heart .

scu. madam , mr. bostocke expects within . luc.

you shall be reconcil'd to him .

co. with bostocke willingly , then toth ball , which for your sake i dare not now suspect , where union of hearts such empire brings , subjects methings are crown'd as we as kings . exeunt .
actus quintus . enter mounsieur and servants with perfume . moun. bone for bone here a little , dere a little more , my lord hire dis house of the citie merchent , begar it smell musty , and he will have all sweete for de ladies , perfume , perfume every corner presently for dere is purpose to make all smoke anon begar ; enter lady rosomond and honoria . treshumble serviter madam . ho.

where is my lord ?

moun.

hee waite on you presently mounsieur de freshwater .

fr. mounsieur le friske these ladies were pleas'd to command my attendance hither . moun. welcome to de ball , par ma foy you pardon mounsieur , i have much trouble in my little head , i can no stay to complement , a vostre service . exit . fre. in all my travells , i have not seene a more convenient structure . ro. now you talke of your travells signior , till my lord come you shall doe us a speciall favour to discourse what passages you ha seene abroad . ho.

were you ever abroad before signior .

fre. i hardly ever was at home , and yet all countries lost wiseman are his owne ? did you never travell ladies , ro. we are no ladies errant , t is enough for such as you , that looke for state employment . fre. yet there be ladies ha your languages , and married to great men prove the better statesmen . ro.

we have heard talke of many countries .

fre. and you may heare talke , but give me the man that has measur'd 'em , talkes but talke . ho.

have you seene a fairer citie than london ?

fre.

london is nothing .

ro.

how nothing ?

fre.

to what it will be a hundred yeares hence .

ro.

i have heard much talke of paris .

ho.

you have beene there i me sure . enter lord .

fre. i tell you madame , i tooke shipping at gravesend , and had no sooner past the cantons , and grissons , making some stay in the valtoline , but i came to paris a pretty hamlet , and much in the scituation like dunstable , t is in the province of alcontora , some three leagues distant from civill , from whence we have our oringes . lo.

is the fellow mad ?

ro.

i have heard civill is in spaine .

fre. you may heare many things , the people are ciuill that live in spaine , or there may be one towne like another , but if civill be not in france , i was never at civill in my life . ho.

proceede sir .

fre. doe not i know paris , it was built by the yongest son of king priam , and was call'd by his name , yet some call it lutetia , because the gentlewomen there play so well upon the lute . lo.

what a rascall is this ?

fr. here i observ'd many remarkeable buildings , as the vniversitie , which some call the loure , where the students made very much of me , and carried me to the beare-garden , where i saw a play on the banke-side , a very pretty comedy call'd martheme , in london . ro.

i st possible ?

fre. but there be no such comedians as we have here , yet the women are the best actors , they play their owne parts , a thing much desir'd in england by some ladies , innes a court gentlemen , and others , but that by the way . ho.

see sir .

fre. i had staid longer there , but i was offended with a villanous sent of onions , which the winde brought from st. omers . ro.

onions wod make you sleepe well .

fre. but the sent t is not to be endured , i smelt on 'em when i came to rome , and hardly scap'd the inquisition for t . ho.

were you at rome too signior .

fre. t is in my way to venice , i le tell you madam i was very loth to leave their country . ro.

which country ?

fre.

where was i last ?

ho.

in france .

fre. right , for i had a very good inne , where mine host was a notable good fellow , and a cardinall . ro.

how a cardinall , oh impudence .

fr. oh the catches we sang , and his wife a pretty woman , and one that warmes a bed one o th' best in europe . ho.

did you ever heare the like .

ro.

i did before suspect him .

fr.

but mine host .

ho.

the cardinall .

fr. right , had a shrew'd pate , and his eares were something o' th longest , for one upon the oath of a w � walloune that � from spaine to the low - countries , and the other from lapland into germany . ro.

say you so ?

fr. a parlous head , and yet loving to his guests , as mine host bankes , as red in the gills , and as merry a � but anger him , and hee sets all christendome together by the eares , well shortly after i left france , and sayling along the alpes , i came to lombardy , where i left my cloke , for it was very hot travelling , and went a pilgrim to rome where i saw the tombs , and a play in pompeys theater , here i was kindely entertain'd by an anchorite , in whose chamber i lay , and drinke cider . lo.

nay , now he is desperate .

ho.

doe not interrupt him .

fre. what should i trouble you with many stories ? from hence i went to naples , a soft kinde of people , and cloth'd in silke , from thence i went to florence from whence we have the art of working custards , which we call florentines , millan a rich state of haberdashers , permount , where i had excellent venison , and padua , famous for the pads , or easie saddles which our physitions ride upon , and first brought from thence when they commenst doctor . ro.

very good .

fr. i see little in mantua , beside dancing upon the ropes , onely their strong beere , better than any i ever drunke at the trumpet , but venice of all the champion countries , do not mistake they are the valiantest gentlemen under the sunne . ro.

is that it ?

fr.

o the catazaners we turn'd there .

ho.

who was wee yee ?

fr. two or three magnifico's grandees of the state , we tickled 'em in the very pialto , by the same token two or three english spies told us they had laine leger three moneths to steale away the piatzo , and ship it for covent . garden , a pretty fabricke and building vpon the � but i was compell'd to make short stay here by reason of the dukes concubines fell in love wee me , gave me a ring of his , out of a solide diamonde , which afterwards i lost washing my hands in the salt water . ho. you should ha fish'd for t , and as good lucke as she that found her wedding ring in the haddocks belly . fr. no , there was no staying , i tooke post presently for genoa , and from thence to madrill , and so to the netherlands . ro.

and how sped you among the dutch ?

fr. why , we were drunk every day together , they get their living by it . ho.

by drinking ?

fr. and making bargaines in their tippling , the iewes are innocent , nay the devill himselfe is but a dunce to 'em , of whose trade they are . ho.

what 's that ?

fr. they fish , they fish still , who can helpe it , they have nets enough , and may catch the province in time then let the kingdomes looke about 'em , they can't be idle , and they have one advantage of all the world , they le ha no conscience to trouble 'em , i heard in whispered they want butter , they have a designe to charme the indies , and remove their darie , but that as a secret , shall goe no further ; i caught a surfet of bore in holland , upon my recovery i went to flushing , where i met with a hansome froe , with whom i went to middleborough , by the � and lest her drunke at roterdam , there i tooke shipping againe for france , from thence to dover , from dover to gravesend , from gravesend to queene - hive , and from thence to what i am come to . lo.

and noble signior you are very welcome .

fr.

i hope he did not over-heare me .

lo.

i am much honor'd ladies in your presence .

fr. absence had beene a sinne my lord where you were pleas'd to invite . enter mounsieur . moun.

fie , fie , my lord give me one eare .

he whispers with my lord . lo.

interrupt me no more good moursieur .

fr. mounsieur la friske , a word , a word , i beseech you , no excuser moy . exit fresh . and moun. lo. have you thought ladies of your absent servant ? within whose heart the civill warre of love , ro.

may end in a soft peace .

lo.

excellent , lady .

ho.

we had armies too my lord , of wounded thoughts .

lo. and are you agreed to which i must devote my loving service , and which is wisest , fairest , is it concluded yet ? ho. you did propound a hard province , and we could not determine as you expected , but if your flame be not extinct , we have devis'd another way . lo. you make my ambition happy , and indeede i was thinking t was impossible that two such beauties should give place to either , and i am still that humble notary to both your loves . ro. then this we have made lots , that what we cannot , fate may soone divide , and we are fixt to obey our destinie , there is but two , one and your wishes guide you . lo.

and will you satisfie my chance .

ho. we should be else unjust . lo.

what method shall we use ?

ro. your hat my lord , if you vouchsafe the favour ? ho.

dare you expose your head to the ayre so long ?

lo.

most willingly put in .

ro.

there is fortune �

ho.

that draw which quickly tell how much i love you .

lo. so , so now let me see , i commend your device , since i am uncapable of both , this is a way indeede , but your favour . ro.

le ts have faire play my lord .

lo. what foole is he ? that having the choise of mistresses will be confinde to one , and rob himselfe , i am yet the favorite of both these , is no policy , i could make shift with both abed . ro.

you are merry ?

lo. in troth , and so i am , and in the minde i am in , will give my selfe no cause toth ' contrary , d ee see ? i le draw you both . ho. how ? both . you cannot otherwise be reconcil'd , i le be content to marry one , and doe service to th' others peticote , i must tell you , i am not without president . ho.

there you triumph .

lo. within the name of venus , � ha a blanke , by this light nothing , neither name nor marke . both .

ha , ha , ha .

lo.

this is a riddle yet .

ro. t is quickly solv'd , your lordship was too confident , we never were at such a losse my lord , as with the hazard of our wit or honour to court you with so desperate affection . ho. by our example know , some ladies may commend , nay love a gentleman , and yet be safe in their owne thoughts , and see as farre as modesty , and honour will allow us , we are still servants to your lordship , lo. say so ? why looke you ladies that you may perceive , how i can be temperate too ; first , i thanke you heartily , and to recompence your wit ; present another lottery , you shannot suspect i have a thought that will betray your innocence to scandall , let me intreate you take your chance too , this for you madam , and this is left your fortune , doe me honour to weare these paire of iewells for my sake , so with a confidence of your happy pardon , to what is past hereafter i shall pay to your true vertues , better service then so unnecessary trialls . ro. and to shew we are not coy my lord , wee le weare your iewell . lo. and be their ornament . enter rainebow , coronell , bostoke . co. all happinesse to your lordship , your cruells are not full set noble ladies . lo. your presence will so ne make us active , madam i was bold . bo.

she has your diamond my lord .

lo.

and can you pardon ?

ro. nay , nay , we are friends , are we not madam ? luc.

i were else unmercifull .

bo.

the coronell too has given me satisfaction .

co.

i thinke you had enough .

bo. as much as i desir'd , and here 's my hand , while i can draw a sword command me . co.

what ?

bo. to put it up agen , all friends , all friends , a poxe a quarrelling . co.

i kisse your hand sir .

bo.

kisse my hand , kisse my � noble ladies here .

co. why is musicke silent all this while ? has it no voyce to bid these ladies welcome ? a golden ball descends , enter venus and cupid . ve. come boy now draw thy powerfull bow , here are ladies hearts enough to be transfixt , this meeting is to ruffle ladies , and to kisse , these are my orgies , from each eye , a thousand wanton glances flie ; lords , and ladies of the game , each brest be full of my owne flame : why shootes not cupid ? these are all , met in honour of my ball , which paris gave to ida hill , i le maintaine these revells still : why stayes cupid all this while . dia.

venus doth her selfe beguile .

ven.

diana here goe backe againe .

dia. these are none of venus traine , no sparke of this lacivious fire , dwells in their bosomes , no desire , but what doth fill diana's breast , in their modest thoughts doe rest . venus this new festivall , shall be still diana's ball : a chaste meeting ever here , seeke thy votaries other where . ven. you 're chast indeede , doe not we know , you to your sweete-heart nightly goe , envying one is not kist , no you on his face but let fall dew ; some may wonder what doth ayle , your lippes but kisses made them pale me thinkes the moone should blush , dia. i doe some times , but t is for such as you : then hide my selfe within a mist , for shame to see thee clipt and kist . ven. draw cupid , shall thy mother be brand by a huntresse , let me see i want one shaft . cu. moder not so , you may quickly breake my bow , here diana doth command , my bow is frozen to my hand , beside , the ladies breasts are here , such proofes against my shafts i feare , each arrow would to our disgrace , breake , or rebound in my owne face ; moder , flie hence or you will be , if you le stay , made as chaste as she . ve. can her magicke charme them so , then t is time that venus goe to seek her owne more choice delight , against my will , enjoy this night . dia. cupid if you meane to stay , throw your licensious shafts away , then you are love , then be embrac't , love is welcome while he 's chast ; now some other straine to show , what pleasures to this night we owe . a dance . enter barker , like a satyre dancing . fre. my lord , my ladies , will you see a monster , i have not met such another in all my travailes . luc.

what have we here a satyre .

bo.

no , t is a dancing beare .

lo.

what is the deviso .

bar. wonder that a satyre can put off wildnesse and turne man , love , such miracles can doe , but this owes it selfe to you bright lady . ro.

keepe the goblin from me gentlemen .

ba.

you le know me . omnes , barker .

ba. no more , the cynicke , i protest you have converted me . ro.

your meaning sir .

ba. i am the man you did incourage madam to learne to dance , i shall doe better shortly , your love will perfect me , and make me soft , and smooth as any reveller . ro. ha , ha , ha , my love , i am not mad to love a satyre , for that 's thy best condition , judgement all , how scurvily this civility shewes in him . faith raile , and keepe your humour , still it shewes excellent , does he not become the beast , the lords allow you pension . omnes ,

ha , ha , ha .

ba. you are a witch , i le justifie it , and there is not one honest thought among the whole sex of you , d ee laugh , loose witted ladies , there are not in hell such furies , that 's a comfort yet to him that shall goe thither , he shall have lesse torment after death then he findes here . lo.

why barker ?

ba. your wit has got the squirte too , i le traduce your ball for this , and if there be a post , that dares write mischiefe , looke to be worse then executed . exit . lo. he will come to himselfe agen , when he hath purg'd freshwater . enter sir stephen , and sir lionell . ste.

madam your servants begge this favour from you .

ro.

what i st ?

ste. that since your resolutions will admit no change of hearts you will not publish how we ha beene jeer'd . ro.

not jeer'd , but you came on so desperate .

ho. we love our owne when we preserve , gentlemens honour . co.

then le ts tosse the ball .

lo.

signior freshwater ,

fr.

mercy and silence as you are honourable .

lo.

may it concerne these gentlemen .

fr. why if i must gentlemen , you imagine i ha beene at venice , but i staid at gravesend all this summer expecting a winde , and finding it so uncertaine , will deferre the voyage till the spring , i am not the first whom the windes , and seas have crost . ste.

then you have crost no sea ?

fr. if you please , i le require but my principall , and for your good company , i le stay at home for good , and all to be merry . lo. nay , nay , you shall goe your voyage , we wod not have you lose the benefit of travell , when you come home , you may summon your debters by a drumme , and shewing your bagge of certificates . bo. receive your money when you can get it , and be knighted . fr. i thanke you gentlemen , i am in a way now , i have sold my land , and put out my mony to live i see my heart wonot dance to night , i may to gravesend in the morning , i can be but pickled in salt water , and i le venture one drowning to be reveng'd agen , agen , set , set . a dance . luc.

what thinke you of all this ?

co.

to my wishes , an innocent , and generous recreation .

lo. ladies and gentlemen , now a banquet waites you , be pleas'd to accept , t will give you breath and then , renew our revells , and toth ' ball agen . exeunt omnes .
finis .
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� conceale it , come , the more the merrier , but i could never see you there . empeorr then he prophesies , and will depose the emperor , and set up bethalem gabre . � possible he may dispose his thoughts another way . � , you two divide my love , onely you two , be gentle in your empire heavenly ladies � you'le take your leave of your poore servant ; say rather , you will dwell for ever here � betweene your selves , whose creature i shall be , you can judge better of your worths than � and what made you to undertake this voyage , sweete signior freshwater . � returne fraught home with the rich devices , fashions of steeples , and the situations � then tis your breath , to your lodging , and perfume it , you'le tell the sweeter � , did i command you give accesse to none ? but sr. ambrose lamount ? whom you know � enter mounsieur la friske . � him too , nay nay , prethee spare him . ha , ha . deoper honourable , for though you have blood of a deeper crimson , the good lady out of her love canfusion discharge at once upon her , we shall but make confusion , and perhaps give her more cause to laugh vilard both , he told me so , and laughs behind a visard at your frailtie , he cannot love that way � enter lady lucina and scutilla . � , a meere conspiracie to betray our fames , but had you seene how poorely they behav'd oft's this was fortune , how the coronell came of t's uncertaine . � oder god may have de little beard , venus his moder have de mole , and cupid her shild may have bettter beavis , or if there be a play booke you love better , ile take my oath upon your epilogue . gentlemen-vshens they would finde pages , fooles , or gentlemen-vshers . � wade up to the calfe ith' dirty furrowes , worse than sleeping in a trench , or quagmire gintracke another gincracke . corruted marry you shall be convinc'd some mallice has corrupted your opinion of that we call the ball . forbone bone for bone here a little , dere a little more � excellent , lady . � within the name of venus , � ha a blanke , by this light nothing , neither name nor � you heartily , and to recompence your wit ; present another lottery , you shannot suspect � kisse , these are my orgies , from each eye , a thousand wanton glances flie ; lords , � kist , no you on his face but let fall dew ; some may wonder what doth ayle , your lippes