The famous history of the rise and fall of Massaniello in two parts / written by Mr. Tho. D'Urfey.

The Famous HISTORY OF THE RISE and FALL OF MASSANIELLO .

In Two Parts .

WRITTEN By Mr. THO. D'URFEY .

LONDON : Printed for Iohn Nutt , near Stationers-Hall . 1700.

Dramatis Personae . DON Tiberio , Prince of Bissignano , Duke of Mataloni . Don Peppo d● Caraff● , his Brother . Cardinal Fillomerino , Arch-Bishop of Naples . Massaniello , al●as Thomas Annello of Amalsi . First a Fisherman , and after made Captain-General of the Neapolitans . Pedro di Amalfi , his Brother — a Ruffian . Iulio Genovino , — a Jesuit , his Counsellor . Perone . A famous Banditti ; at first , accomplice with Massaniello , afterwards brib'd against him by Mataloni's Faction . Rock Brasil● . A Roguish Insolent Scrivener ; afterwards made Secretary and Adjutant to Massaniello . Bartallo — a Butcher . Principal of the Mob , belonging to Massaniello . Valasco — a Taylor . Principal of the Mob , belonging to Massaniello . Ia●●mo — a Miller . Principal of the Mob , belonging to Massaniello . Gaspar — a Smith . Principal of the Mob , belonging to Massaniello . Scipio . — a Cobler . Principal of the Mob , belonging to Massaniello . WOMEN . Dona Aurelia — the Vice-Queen . Belleraiza — her Sister . Dutches of Mataloni . Blowzabella — Wife to Massaniello . Belvidore — a Tanner's Wife . Ursula — Wife to Pedro ▪

A Servant Wench , with other Women , Wives , Sisters , &c. belonging to the Mob ; together with Suitors , Priests , Choristers , Singers , Dancers , and Attendants .

The Scene , Naples ; the Time , Four days .

To the Right Honourable THOMAS Lord LEIGH , OF Stone-Leigh , in the County of Warwick . My Lord ,

WHen the Great Atticus retir'd from Rome , to employ his happy Hours amongst Rural Pleasures , tho his Contentment by that resolution , might be judg'd most Dear to him , at a distance from the Town 's Hurry and Noise , to indulge with the charming Quiet , and sweet Diversions of the Country , yet nevertheless , the Merit and Vertue of such a Patron being too highly Celebrated , to let any envious Space be a Bar to their Addresses ; Horace , Ovid , and the rest , never fail'd in their Poetical Correspondence , nor in often Dedicating to so great a Judge , their choicest of Labours .

'T is from this Scien , my Lord , that my present Ambition Sprouts and Grows ; and tho the Work I present , is not so worthy as it ought to be ( aspiring to this Honour ; ) and likewise tho my Acquaintance and Knowledge of your Lordship , is scarce old enough to warrant this Presumption , yet you have so large an Interest in Fame , that I am well assur'd , your unquestion'd Reputation will Dignify the one , and your offer'd Courtesie , and generous Affability , Excuse and Pardon the other .

The most material part of other Dedications , I am sensible , are generally stuff'd with the Patron 's Praises , and tho my Lord , your generous Hospitality , your admirable Temper of Mind , and many other flourishing Vertues , which the World owns you to be Master of , may justly exact from a Poet his best Skill in an Encomium , yet fear to Offend , or lessen the value of a Modest Courtesie , which in its own Nature , is above all that I can Write to Extol it , makes me desist from a Theme fit to Inspire the best of Pens , and Improve the richest of Fansies .

'T is doubtless the depraved Quality of the present Times , which makes that often appear Flattery , which considering the real Merit of the Person , may properly be but Iustice. The greatest Wits of former Ages , I am sure , were of this Opinion , that never spar'd with their highest Elegance , to Illustrate the Character of their Patrons , who in return , with their choicest Favours , express'd their Gratitude , without Blushing , or believing that to be a Compliment , which was Naturally a due belonging to their Merit .

When Sacred Virgil by Augustus sate To read the Work he was to Dedicate , The Praises ev'n Extravagant did seem , Yet Caesar did not think he Flatter'd him .

But this in our Adulterated Age , is now looked on as an Offence , and consequently the Meritorious miss of their Plaudit . Be pleas'd therefore , My Lord , to believe , I Think what I dare not Write ; and if your Lordship will be pleas'd to accept of this way of introducing my self into your Favour , it will be as well the greatest Happiness , as highest Honour ,

My LORD , To Your Lordship 's Eternally Obliged , And Most Humble Servant , Tho. Durfey .

PROLOGUE By Mr. Pinkethman , [ holding a Paper with Prick'd Notes , in his Hand . ] IF I 'm of Age , to know what 's Good from Bad , I must declare our Patentees are Mad ; They 've known my Comick Humour all along , And yet this Morning sent me here — a Song , A nimble dapper Dancing-Master too , And bids me chuse , for nothing else will do . Mad , Mad , stark Mad. Let 's see , Sol la , me , sol . Sings . Zooks , how like Midnight Screeker shall I howl ; For can they ever think I will comply — I Dance , I Sing ; * Capers awkerdly . they 'd as good bid me Fly , For as toth ' first , my English Bulk's not made ; I want an Air for Monsieur's Capring Trade : And for the next , — If they expect , I 'll be a Capon for 't , I 'd have 'em know , my Salary's too short ; I 'd do much for Diversion of the Town , But not do something to lose all my own . Ah , Sirs , you are the cause of these our Streights , You still have been our dire malignant Fates : By your lewd Humours first , which when we follow'd Our Smutty Plays out of our Doors were Hollow'd , And Zealous Spirits 'gainst our Function Bellow'd . And then besides , your Critick Quality , Makes such a wretched Drug of Poetry , That we are forc'd , to help our Withering Bays , Strangers to Hire , of Sigismundian Race , At Price so dear , we purchase Voices Killing , They 're Laughing at us , when we think 'em Trilling . Oh , what va●t Sums , since our late Vein of Plotting , Have both our Houses paid , for Quavering and for Cutting : So much , that I in Melancholy Case , With looking Gravely , have quite spoil'd my Face : They may be Merry , as their Gains provoke , Bu● I , a Lose● have forgot to Ioak . I was a taking Fool some time ago , But now as out of Fashion as a Beau ; My Trade's quite spoil'd , I cannot vend my Ware , Ah , would to Heav'n I were a Dancing Bear , Or any other Monster , but a Player , A singing French Baboon , just come from Lorrain , A Hedg-hog , giv 't but out that I am Foreign , I 'll draw the City Fops , and Suburb Whores , And Cheat the Town by Sixes , and by Fours . But since our Poet is resolv'd to day , Once more to entertain you with a Play , A famous Story , and known lately True , Mixt with good Humour , and good Musick too , Which there is in it , give the Devil his due : I 'll once more hope too , it will please your Fansies , As well as if it were all Songs and Dances . And if some Foes their Malice should pursue , Let but our Friends do generous Iustice too , We 'll Criticks fear no more , those Play degraders , Than Wise Men did of late the new Invaders . The first , our Heroes of sharp Vnderstanding , On Wit 's fair Island , shall oppose from Landing . Th' last , which some say , meer Courtesie retards From coming , being Civil to our Guards , Should , e'er their Hot-brain'd Frenzy hither call 'em ; Oh , how our Terrible Train'd-Bands would maul ' em .

EPILOGUE , By Mrs. Rogers . FOr fear ill-Humour in tour Hearts should reign , And that you should be in the Damning Vein , At my Suit , that am not oft so bold , Suspend your Iudgment , till the Tale be told . A Rebel's Rise , we only now Present , The next Part shews his Fall and Punishment ; And Vnjust Iudges you may well be thought , That Sentence , e'er you have heard out the Fault . For my own part , plagu'd with no envious Fury , Were I to sit among the Poet's Iury , He should come off , and have a Plaudit free , For th' Character of my kind Lord and me : A Husband vent'ring so to save his Wife , And she , for his sake , slighting her own Life ; Our good Example , is enough to day , Were there no Merit else to save the Play : Turtles whom Love , so mutually does Wound ; Such Rarities — where are they to be found ? Therefore Gallants all , that your Spouses love , Pleas'd with the Subject , must our Scenes approve : And you , fair Ladies , that have Husbands dear , Concern'd must in the Poet's Cause appear ; Nor let the Virgin Stars forget to shine , As they expect a Lover like to mine . As for the rest that slight these solid Matters , The wild Town Doxies , and the Marriage haters , If them you cannot Convert , you can Confound ; Give but your Hands , and let Consent go round , Their Hisses soon will in your Claps be Drown'd .

The Famous HISTORY OF THE Rise and Fall of Massaniello .

ACT I.

SCENE I. Noise within of Shouting , and crying Down with the Gabells ; Down with Mataloni , and Viva , Viva Massaniello ; Viva Massaniello . Then Enter Genovino Solus . Genov. SHout on , ye Sons of Clamour , louder still , And fright the Grandees with obstreperous Noise , Whilst I secure in Darling Policies ▪

Am pleas'd with the success of my Designs against this vile ungrateful City Naples . Did ever Jesuit Wrong'd die Unreveng'd , if he had power to effect it ? No , the working Brain would burst quite through the Skull , with the excess of Boiling Rage fermented , sooner than leave that Scandal on our Order , That we forgive those that Affront the Priesthood . They lately chose Philomerino Cardinal , and the officious Nobles throng'd the Conclave to shut out my Deserts from being President , as I so long Expected ; which to revenge , — I 've subtilly wove my self into the Councels of the new Rais'd Plebeian , Massaniello , who tho a Fish●rman , — has yet a Spirit of unmatched Force ; a Head too as well turn'd for Mischief as this her● — and who now with Resolution and Sense , not found before in such Course Breeding , has stirr'd the People to put down the Gabells ; some Numbers are already rose , and — Mataloni and his Confederates , the Marks they shoot at . That Bow I 'll help to bend ; — Oh! — here 's the Idol Cardinal and the Great Duke — They Plot their own Affair ; I 'll to the Rabble and do Mischief there . Exit .

Enter Cardinal , Duke di Mataloni , Don Peppo and Attendants . Mat.

Five hundred Boys , let 'em not Fright your Eminence , Switch●s and Rods will ●end 'em Home agen .

Card.

My Lord , I am not Frighted , yet let my Caution be of some use , if only to prepare Your Grace to take into consideration the danger of such sudden Insurrections .

Don Pep .

What Danger can there be ? These Hot-brain'd Youths that march about with Weapons made of Canes , I 'll undertake at th' sight of a Whip and Bell , Like ●oisting Curs , shall skulk into their Corners .

Mat.

The hungry Mice are hunting after Cheese , a Cat will scare 'em all ; — besides the number is Inconsiderable .

Card.

They encrease hourly , and Men begin to follow 'em ; not only so , but Headed , as I hear , by a Bold Fellow , who tho but a Fisherman , has yet strange Courage and uncommon Parts ; one who I 'm told , has , when his Net lay Idle , sat often down to read in Politicks , and in his spare time study'd to catch Men.

Don Pep .

Yes , Chapmen , — my good Lord , — Men for his purpose ; Stewards of Families , or Clerks of Kitchens , Men proper to buy up his F●sh .

Ma● .

Ha , ha , ha , ha . I hear indeed a Ruffian , one Massaniello , is the Ringleader of a Rout of Beggars , Fellows that wear half Breeches and no Stockings , cry out against me , chosen by the Vice-Roy , and th' rest that Farm 'em , for imposing Gabells on their Commodities : Your Grace no doubt , has heard too That I grow Rich — with such Oppressions .

Card.

The Rabble's Voice , My Lord , can give no Scandal . 'T is bruited so indeed .

Don Pep .

Tripe-eating Rogues .

Card.

My Lord , my holy Function does oblige me to preach up Moderation , and to counsel those I want Power to Govern — And I could wish Your Grace would make your self more lov'd by th' People , who , I confess , cry loudly on th' Exactions you late have crush'd 'em with : Nay , they now spare not to say the King 's Abus'd , — and that your Avarice puts all these Fetters on ' em .

Mat.

My good Lord Cardinal , you were just now for preaching Moderation ; but now methinks your Talk seems byass'd Interest , and as the Rabble Dictate .

Card.

I must be plain .

Don Pep .

And Sincere , good my Lord : And since that word has scap'd your Lips so Gravely , I must beg leave as plainly too to tell your — humble Eminence , that this upstart Humility of yours , is of too new a Date to gain great Credit ; your Scarlet Robe wore late a blushing Dignity , more us'd to awe the Rabble , than to sooth ' em .

Mat.

Were the Church Slander'd , then what Chains , what Irons ▪ what new Device in th' terrible Inquisition , must plague the Heretick People ?

Card.

Nay , my Lords , Let not your Passion so far blind your Reason , as to m●●take me , since my only aims are to promote Peace among us , — which I fear the People mean to hinder .

Don Pep .

Damn the People .

Card.

Observe my Lord , that Curse has Echo'd back again into your Ears , and only hurts you , not the People . Shout within .

Ma● .

Hah — let 's hear him , his Eminence is Preaching .

Card.

Some Instructions I think in truth are proper ; therefore Historically take this with you , my Lords , an●● have done . What greater Plague can there befall a City , than a Disunion and divided Interest ? What destroy'd Carthage , but two mighty Factions , the Barchiniani and th' Hanoniani ? What maintain'd War in France for Sixty Years , but Jars 'twixt th' House of Burgundy and Orleans ? Or what late brought to England Desolation , and caused so many several bloody Battles , wherein were Eighty of their Nobles Slain , but th' Faction of the Houses , York and Lancaster ? And nothing , be assured , can urge our Ruine so soon as that in Naples . — A City is like a Ship , Divisions are her Leaks , — and whilst the Mariners fight , the Sea runs in and drowns all . — I have done , only one word more — The Neapolitans , as I 've observ'd 'em , are not like a Top , — they will not sleep with Scourging . Farewell my Lords .

Exit Cardinal . Duke .

This dreaming Churchman , pamper'd and grown rich , fears every little Gust will blow his House down .

Don Pep .

Ay , that 's the Moral of his History — his Bags ; the Cardinal quakes even at the thought of Plunder .

Duke .

How now G●rvasio , what 's the News ?

Enter Gervasio . Gerv.

The Rogues are gathering still , they 're now Two Thousand .

Don Pep .

What Boys or Men ?

Gerv.

Both now , and roar like Thunder .

Duke .

Mushromes bred out of Dunghills . Brother , stay here whilst I go to the Vice-Roy to demand some of his Guards to quell this Petty Hydra : In the mean time , if any more of the Rascals straggle this way — speak not in Rage , but fright 'em with Whips and th' Gallies , — I 'll be with ye strait . Exit Mat.

Don Pep .

Fright 'em , ' yes , faint-hearted Brother , Timorous Mataloni , I would do more than fright 'em , for your Office — which if my Plo●s are prosperous , — I shall not long despair of ; fright 'em , Confound ' ●m , I shall ne'er have Patience to let the Villains waste their Garlick Breath in answering me a word — I shall thrust their Souls out .

Massaniello within , crying his Fish.

Roches , Roches ; come buy my Flounders , come buy my Flounders .

Gerv.

That 's he , my Lord , that 's Massaniello ; that 's their plaguy Ringleader — I know his Voice .

Don Pep .

The Rascal comes upon us ; stand back Gervasio ; let 's observe 'em a little .

Enter Massaniello , cloath'd like a Fisherman , with a long Pole and a Basket of Fish hanging at 's Back ; with Bartallo , Valasco , Jacomo , Gaspar , and Scipio , cloath'd like their F●nctions . Massan .

Buy my Flounders , come buy my Flounders . — Bartallo , where 's Perrone , my Brother Pedro , — and the People ?

Bart.

Taking down the Arms of the Emperor Charles the Fifth , my Glorious Boy , according to thy Order , to carry to the Market-place .

Massan .

'T is well , those Arms are Badges of our future Freedom , for it shall come to that , my Lads ; be well assur'd it shall , now we are up .

Gerv.

How the Rogue swells and battens in his Impudence ; Gad I don't like him , he has a devilish Look .

Don Pep .

Peace , we shall take down his Swelling presently , — let 's hear a little more .

Massan .

Well , my bold Brethren , and how d' ye like Proceedings ha ?

Omn●s .

Bravely , bravely ; beyond Expectation .

Massan .

The Gabells shall all down , Boys , there 's my Hand on 't ; never shall more Exactions be in Naples .

Omnes .

A Massaniello ; a Massaniello .

Massan .

How many Butchers are come to day , my noble Brother of the Cleaver , hah ?

Bart.

Threescore and five , my Child of Thunder — all brave Fellows , Rogues us'd to knock out Brains hourly , without Consideration , and paddle in Blood up to the Elbows ; — there 's ne'er a one of 'em but shall take an Enemy by the Lugs , — stick a Knife in 's Gullet like a Calf , and hang him up with a Hook in 's Nostrils — say but thou the word , my brave Backsword Man.

Don Pep .

Here 's a rare Rascal for ye .

Gerv.

Ay , they are curiously match'd indeed , if the whole Pack are such Beagles , Heav'n defend me from being the Game they Hunt for .

Massan .

And what says my Vulcan , my Fire-drake here , how many Anvils want their Hammers to day , ha ?

Gasp.

Fifty and odd , and more a coming too ; woe be to the Gabellers if any of these meet 'em , — or a thing call'd a Steward to any of 'em , — such a sort of a Rogue , let him look to his Sconce I faith .

Gerv.

Oh Lord ! Gervasio Starts .

Gasp.

There will be a score of red-hot Forks in his Guts , before he can get out so many words to beg their Pardon .

Gerv.

Oh bloody minded Hell-hounds , what an Ague have they given me —

Valasc.

The Princes of the Thimble will be there in shoals too , following a Colours of their own making .

Iacomo .

No Grinding will be neither , the Mill-stones rest in Peace this day .

Scipio .

And all old Shoes soak Water ; — every Cobler leaves off his Work , and runs to stitch the Government : — Not one Profession , but brings in Numbers : — So that by to Morrow , the City will scarce hold ' em .

Massan .

Rare rare News — Sirs , and merrily strait we 'll meet 'em , and then go hunt for this Leviathan here , the Farmer of the Gabells , — Duke of Mataloni , — and when we have found him —

Don Pep .

And what when ye have found him — you Mouth of these Herring eaters ? — What stinking Fish would you present his Grace ?

Massan .

Stinking Fish ; — here if your Lordship's Nose be sound , smell to my Basket.

Scipio .

His Lordship ; — Who is 't Iacomo , can'st tell ?

Iacomo .

Ay , ay , a rank Enemy , I know him well enough , 't is the Duke of Mataloni's Brother , Don Peppo di Caraffa .

Bart.

Don Peppo , Don Pimpo ; — what if he be a Don , — Hem , here are those dare look him in the Face , for all his Titles .

Valasco .

Ay , Ay , 't is not his Whiskers there that can fright us , Neighbours .

Massan .

Well , what thinks your Lordship now , are they Sweet or no ? — I confess , they don't smell of Musk , as your Jacket does there ; but for the true scent of wholsom Fish , I dare vouch for ' em .

Don P●p .

Sirrah , Sirrah , for this Sawciness , expect the Lash , and for the next , the Gallies : — Go Gervasio , and take account of his Fish ; — demand the Gabell , if he denies it , Seize ' em .

Gerv.

The Dog has a plaguy surly Look , — I am half afraid to venture on him : Come Friend , let 's see , let 's see your Fish ; come , come , nay quickly , you had best .

Massan .

What would you see Friend ? — Hum , dost love Flounders ? Can'st eat one raw , H●m . Slaps one in his Face .

Gervas .

My Lord , d' ye observe this ? — Did ye see the sawcy Rascal ?

Don Pep .

Monstrous ! Is your Insolence then gr●wn to such a height , that in the Person of the Great Duke of Mataloni's Steward , ye dare affront the Government 's Decrees , ordering all Gabells duly to be haid .

Massan .

We dare ; and to prove it , the said Governmen●'s Decree , and Great Duke's Order , I Massaniello , Gudgeon Catcher of this City of N●ples , and Friend to the People , Order , henceforth to be Null and Void .

Scipio .

And we 'll stand by thee ; — one and all Boys , one and all .

Omnes .

Ay , ay , one and all , one and all .

Don Pep .

You , most impudent of Scoundrels , — you Order ; why what are you ?

Massan .

Why faith , one that has formerly sold Fish for Money , but my Generosity being provok'd by these your civil Commands ; I will , for once , give 'em your Lordship's Tarrier here free Cost . Flings one at Gervasio .

Don Pep .

Hah , — is it possible ? — Well , here are those coming I hope will ●o me Justice , — Lays his hand on his Sword. Shout within .

Massan .

That there will indeed , — you hear they are very near ye ; in the mean time , no Drawing , my Lord — no shewing Weapons , If your Sword peeps , your Throat will be in danger —

Gasp.

No , nor no Gabells and please ye , but as much Fish and like your Rogueship , as you will — there 's a delicate Roach To Gervasio

Bart.

And there 's a couple of Flounders , as good as e'er Tooth was put in .

Iacom.

Nay faith , let 's make 'em up a Dish . They pelt Gervasio with Fish.

Shout within . Valasco .

Ay , ay , the Gabell Monger shan't say we grutch him .

Scipio .

No , no , he shall be frankly us'd .

Don Pep .

The Rabble here , nay , then 't is in vain to stay for the Guards , I must run for t , — Exit , they Pelting him .

Bart.

No , no , hold , a word with you first , good Mr. Steward .

Enter Perone , Pedro , Genovino , Rock , Brasile , and the Rabble , Perone bearing the Arms of the Emperor Charles the Fifth . They Seize Gervasio . Pedro.

How now Brother , what 's the matter ?

Massan .

Not much , I have only been playing the rough Game a little , told part of my Mind to Don Peppo di Carraffa , and given a dish of Fish of my own Dressing , to Mr. Steward there ; I mean with the Sawce about his Ears or so , that 's all .

Bart.

And troth , since I am come so luckily to know his Worship's Title here — I mean to give him a desert of my own preparing too — when my Knife is sharp enough . — You have an ill Voice Friend , and can sing the Duke your Master's Praises but Hoarsly , yet — I 'll make you an admirable Choirister presently . Whetting his Knife .

Gerv.

You will not use a Gentleman and a Scholar Rudely , I hope .

Rock .

Rudely , no not in the least ; why look ye , Friend , I 'll tell ye how we 'll use ye ; First , because you say you 're a Gentleman , and so consequently a Cuckold Maker , and as probably would play upon occasion , your Game at Hot-cocles with our Wives , Sisters , and Daughters — you shall only be sequestred , sweet Sir , you understand me , that 's all . And Secondly , As being likewise a Scholar , — and no doubt , a Wit , — a Poet , and so forth , — the Waters of Helicon shall sprinkle your Clod-pate — hey to the Pump , to the Pump with him Neighbours .

Rabble .

Ay , ay , Pump the Gentleman , Pump the Gentleman .

Genov.

No , no , hold Friends , and hear me a little , I 'll take him aside and Examin him — work upon his fear and hopes of Liberty , till he speaks Treason against the People , or mould him till he abuses the Church , then Impeach him and deliver him up to 'em , to knock out his Brains .

Peron .

There 's the true Humour of a Iesuite to a hair — d' e hear Sir Priest — can you think of no Punishment for a Delinquent , but knocking out of his Brains presently ?

Genov.

None so effectual , Friend , as the Case stands now with the People , who have been often oppressed by the effects of this Fellow's Office ; and understanding Corporal limited Punishment , I have cautiously observ'd , has ran the risque of future Revenge ; — but when the Brains are fairly out , you may be satisfied the Understanding can do no Mischief .

Peron .

This Fellow's Roguery outvies the worst even of my Inclinations — that have been bred a Banditto from my Child hood , I find I am a Novice in Mischief to this Priest here . Aside .

Massan .

Brother , thou say'st well , it shall be so , let the Gentleman's Courtly Courage be washed away at the Pump , — then uncase him like a Rabbet , — to bring him as near as can be to the mode and fashion of the People — and when his Furr is off , and one Ear lest in Pawn for his good Behaviour , turn the Crop-ear'd Rascal loose — to complain to his Fellows ; for now I think on 't , to make a Capon of him — will be too much Honour , we 'll do that for his Master when we catch him — and so away with him Boys .

Gerv.

O Tempora ! O Mores !

Pedro.

Mores , mores . — What , you speak Latin , to affront our Learning , ye Rascal , do ye ; — go , go , away with him Boys , sowse him and his Mores together .

Omn.

Ay , ay , — come away Mores , — jog on Mores ; we 'll have no Mores amongst us .

Peron .

Hold , hold , Sirs , not so fast — his Master was once my Patron , and did me an especial Favour , therefore this once pray let my Interest free him .

Massan .

Your Interest ▪ — why how now Perone , dare you pretend to Interest , when I have given my Orders ?

Rock .

We 'll have no Interest nor Orders , but Massaniello's ; therefore once more I sa● , away with the Gentleman , Pump the Gentleman , Crop the Gentleman , I say .

Omn.

Ay ay , — away with him , away with him . Ex. some with Gervas

Peron .

No Interest but Massaniello's , have my Life and A●tions been so worthless , and is my Character ●o Insignificant , that he m●● or●e● all — I have been thought a Person fr —

Massan .

For what ? To rob a Marketwoman of her Butter ?

Per.

And sp●● your Fish , you mean , for by that deed p●rhaps your Cods-head might want Sawse , hah .

Massan .

Or at ●he head of thy Bandi●ti's Troop , hast thou Attack'd a poor ●●●nerant Taylor , and Robb'd him of his Thim●●e and h●● Bodk●n ?

Per.

I 've something sharper th●n a Bodkin her● , shall m●ke m● Party good — 'gainst any Grig-bobber or Trou● ca●cher in Naples , if he da●es . They Draw upon one anether .

Pedro.

How now Villain , dare you assault my Brother ?

Bart.

Part 'em , part 'em , keep 'em as●under .

Peron .

I rob a Taylor , a fusty Dog fish .

Val●s● .

Look ye Friends — not too much upon the Taylors d' e see ; a Taylor is not a thing to be too much Joak'd upon ; a Taylor can cut a hole in a Coat , as well as stitch it up d' e see ; and therefore Mum , there 's no more to be said of a Taylor '

Massan .

Let me come to him , and I 'll paunch the Rogue , I 'll use him as he does a Rifled Traveller , bore out a Gut , and peg it to a Tree , then wh●p him round till he has spun his Soul out .

Rock .

Hey day , what is the Devil in us all on th' sudden — why my Masters , are ye Bewitch'd ; what a pox , have ye forgot the Proverb , That when Thieves fall out — why sure you can't forget the Proverb — come , come , for shame put up ; why how the Devil wil● ye Plunder other Folks Houses , if ye destroy your own Tenements before hand ?

Genov.

Come , come , rest thee quiet , Friend , and let 'em try one another , there may be good Policy in 't , — for dost hear , if one of 'em Fall , — we are sure 'tother has Mettle , and is certainly a brave Fellow .

Rock .

Hum — a fine Counsellor indeed , so there be but Mischief done , this Rogue cares not how it comes about .

Pedro.

Brazile's i' th' right ; Is this a time for Fewds ? And shall desire of being Chief , spoil all ? — you know by this time the City 's all in Uproar , the Court Alarm'd too , and shall our Jangling grind Swords for our own Throats , that so late swore to wher 'em for our Enemies Destruction ? Come , come , let me propose to heal this Difference : — Will ye both consent the People shall decide it , that he who they make Choice of shall Command ?

Massan .

What I've already done , was for the People , and therefore you are sure of my Cons●nt .

Peron .

I 'm for the Publick good as much as any , and therefore never will oppose their Choice .

Rock .

Why , that 's well said , — for look ye my Masters , pray remember the Faggot in the Fable , — If we hold together , the Devil cannot break us , but if we unbind and lie assunder , every Addle-pate will snap us like so many Switches ; — therefore prick up your Ears , ye Sons of Sedition , and elevate your Voices strongly ; — which will ye have for your Captain-General — a Perone , or a Massaniello ?

Omnes .

A Massaniello ; a Massaniello .

Genov.

'T is most fit and properly Chosen ; I think I have made him my Creature . Aside . For who can be more fit to lead you on , than he who first propo●'d your means of Freedom ? Proceed therefore my Son , and Cramp these Courtiers , and what my weak Brain can assist thee in , be sure of and command . I 'll do 't for Conscience sake , not worldly Profit , for Heav'n knows , I only hope to be —

Rock .

Arch-Bishop of Naples — or so , that 's all .

Genov.

Recorded in the Chronicle of Time , for carrying on so good a Work.

Per.

Rare Dog still ; — if Dissimulation had the effect of Poyson , how that Fellow's Belly had been swell'd by this time ; Hum — has this many-Headed Monster deserted me too ? — Well , since it must be so , I 'll work by Cunning , and seem to join with them , in acknowledging their Doughty General here , till I have means and power to Revenge — and then pour on his Head with fiercest Rancour . Aside Well Sir , since I see the People find ye worthy of this Honour , To Massaniello . and that I may ne'er be counted hinderer of this Great Work we aim at — I am content to submit to your Command — and to prove it , thus shew my Homage ; Shout then once more with me , Friends , and cry , Long live Thomas Annello of Amalfi , alias Massaniello , Captain-Geneneral of the N●apolitans .

Omnes .

Long live Thomas Annello of Amalfi , alias Massaniello , Captain-General of the Neapolitans . — They Shout .

Massan .

My Friends , I thank ye , and my brave Perone , live henceforth in my Bosom as my Brother ; and first then , to endear my self the better , I 'll give thee my Commission for my Major — Joynt with my Brother in Command and Love. Next my brave Ajax , I appoint thee Captain . To Bartallo . My exquisite Man-maker , thou shalt be Lieutenant . To Valasco . And Stichite cum Stampo , my brave Cobler , Ensign ; all my Boys , all shall have Offices fitting your Worth and Bravery of Souls ; particularly thou , my witty Currier of the Law , my Quarrel-Broker , thou Pen and ink Man , as my Bosom Favourite , I create my Secretary and Pillar of the State. To Rock .

Rock .

Thank your good Lordship ; — nay , I knew 't would come to this , for the Crown of my Head has itch'd damnably of late , a certain Sign of approaching Dignity : — I knew I should be a Great Man , — Secretary o' th' People , — rare rare Place ! Gad I 'll make the Money stick to my Fingers bravely , as soon as ever I come into 't .

Massan .

Raise high the Arms of the Emperor Charles the Fifth , who b● his Charter , granted Naples Freedom , without curs'd Gabels , or these late Ex●ctions ; Then let us send a Message to the Palace of Don Tiberio , Prince of Bissignano , who I design to be our Emissary between the Vice-Roy and our dear lov'd People ; and Trusty Rock , I appoint to Summon him : If he comply with us and our Interest , he 's Safe ; if not , immediate Ruine seizes h●m . Follow me , Friends all , To the great Cathedral , Where we 'll hear Mass with shew of high Devotion ; And as we pass along , be this our Cry , Let the King Live , but the ill Government Die : Then th' Saints Invoke , — and to do all things well , First we will say our Prayers ,

Genov.

And then Rebel — Exeunt .

The End of the First Act.

ACT II.

SCENE I. The Cathedral dedicated to the Holy Virgin of Carmine , where Massaniello is discover'd lying a Sleep under the Altar , the People Guarding him : Dialogue Sung between Fate and * St. Genaro , at a distance : Then Musick is heard , and a Song , expressing Revolutions to come ; which ended , Massaniello rises and Speaks .

SONG between Fate and St. Genaro . Fate . FRom Azure Plains , blest with Eternal Day , Celestial flowry Groves , that ne'er decay ; From Lucid Rocks that Sol's bright Rays let in , Where with unclouded Brow , I sate and view'd the Deeps below , And saw my Female Drudges Spin ; I Fate am come , thy Courage to improve , 'T is the Eternal's Doom Engrav'd in Adamant above ; And oh ! thou drowsie Deity , That dost in Slumbers bind The Body of Mortality , And calm the stormy Mind ; No more , no more his Brain possess With the soft Charm of gentle Peace ; He must awake to bloody Wars , Unbounded Fury , civil Iars , And is by Heav'ns decree , for wondrous deeds design'd . St. Genaro Protector of Naples , descends and Sings . St. Gen. To mighty Fate all must obey , And conq'ring Hero's greatest Kings , Amongst the rest of human things , Yield to his dreadful Sway. Yet view thy Book of Dooms once more , Thou there wilt find one happy hour , When Naples shall be free from Rebel power ; 'T is sure as the revolving year , And I her darling Saint appear , To stop thy Fury , lest it should exceed , And tell thee , tho' permission of this ill Is Sacr'd Mystery and th' Eternal's Will , Yet he that does the Deed , For doing it must bleed . Fate . Hear each Neighbouring Destiny , Who the Souls of Mortalsfree , Hear my Voice , and strait obey , Heav'n commands , the Work must stay . Such a number and no more , Must encrease your fatal store , And he must die , the task being o'er : Remember all 't is so decree'd , That he that does this mighty Deed , For doing it must bleed .

Massan .

Miraculous Vision ! O Celestial Deity ! Thou that inspir'st my heart to undertake by Mystick words dress'd in harmonious Sound , things that surpass Experienc'd Understanding ; as with thy blest Idea in my Dream I have been Extasi'd — so teach me now Kisses his Medal . the way to act , the Sense to comprehend these Wonders , meant for the relief of Naples ; with Sacred Power , Charm my plebeian Soul ; let but my Country's Freedom crown the Period , my threaten'd Fall I 'll then despise and Laugh at . Mount o'er all Dangers that would stop my way , And make the proudest of our Foes Obey . Shout within . Here comes my Jesuit , my new Church Engine , us'd to encourage Fires , not to quench 'em , whose Head and Counsels till I 'm six'd , I yi●ld to ; but when the Sword I grasp with Power Supream , I 'll trust a Prie●t no longer with my Politicks .

Enter Genovino . Massan .

How now , my Brain 's Inspirer , what 's the News ?

Genov.

News that will make the Vice-Roy quake , my Son : we 're now full twenty Thousand , Arm'd and Resolute , and e'er th● Sun p●unges in Western Seas — 't is well believ'd , shall double twice the number : The eager People throng us .

Massan .

What meant that Shout ?

Genov.

They are burning now the House of Don Rocella , Farmer of the Gabells , with all his costly Furniture and Plate , huge Coffers too , pregnant with Gold and Jewels , pursuant to your Order lately made , enrich the Flame , and dazle the Beholders : Then as each wealthy Burthen is thrown in , the People shout their Joy.

Massan .

'T is as I 'd have it .

Genov.

Now will I sound him in my own Affair , the time is apt , Aside . Troth my brave Son of Flame , I must deal plainly , — I confess my Heart was mov'd with some Compassion at the Sight .

Massan .

Your Eyes were only dazl'd too , that was all .

Genov.

Zeal for the Cause , my Son , may be too strong , that rashly throws away the precious means that can impower and arm the Cause-defenders to prosecute their pious Undertaking .

Massan .

Honest Intention must impower and arm us , and the despoiling of Delinquents Treasure , will let the world know , 't is th' impulse of Conscience , and not of Gain , that rights the injur'd People .

Genov.

Call it not Conscience , say Necessity , the word will do as well : — Th' impulse of Conscience ; What is 't you mean , good Son ?

Massan .

I did believe , that word would suffocate his Understanding . Aside .

Genov.

Conscience is but our tendrest part of Reason ; and Reason urging our Self-preservation , shews it must be too by the goods of Fortune : The Church is Indigent , which might be help'd by sharing Wealth , thus — strangely thrown away .

Massan .

The Church is rich in Grace .

Genov.

Grace — Grace is no Glebe to gratify the Body , tho it may feast the Soul : — Grace buys no Cassocks for one , tho 'tother shine with spiritual Cloathing ; therefore I say , these Treasures might be sav'd for pious uses ; my self I mention not , tho my needs perhaps are urgent , but for the Church , for if the Church wants Necessaries , its Flock will want Instruction .

Massan .

Oh your Charity binds ye to that for your reward Celestial .

Genov.

Our Charity ! and for reward Celestial : Our Charity ! why certainly he 's Craz'd , he would else know a Jesuit ne'er had any . Aside .

Massan

But now I think on 't , you have clear'd my sight , and from henc● forth I shall discern much better ; for who e'er understood the worth of Gold , or like the black Robe , with such sense can praise it ? Since then you have inspir'd me with such Knowledge , I am resolv'd to prize the gaudy Mammon , rake up large heaps , and build my self a Fortune , too strong for Fate to Level : — This is thy Policy I know , my Machiavil , to have me Rich , then consequently Great — and it shall thrive as thou hast forg'd it ; — for thy self , I know thou art so Temperate — so Religious , Devotion and the luxury of Prayer , is thy delicious Banquet ; — feed on my Father , Feast and grow fat with thy Scraphick Toils Whilst I regale upon these golden Spoils . Exit .

Genov.

Whilst he regales upon 'em — very good , this snagged Sword-fish Banters me — 't is plain ; he 'll rake up heaps and build himself a Fortune — as I have Plotted — hum — that was not my meaning ; and since he will not understand me right , perhaps I 'll make the meaning — his Destruction ; this fruitful Brain can work the other way ; can , nay , I now resolve on 't , it shall do 't , since he 'll afford me nothing but Devotion to fatten with , I shall not court his Keeping ; he says , I feast on Prayers , Seraphick Joys ; but I know he 's a Dunce , and now he 's gone , — he lies .

Rock .

Valasco .

Valasc.

Sir. Enter Rock and Valasco .

Rock .

Come , bring a Table , a great Chair , Pen , Ink and Paper , — quickly , come stir , stir — and don 't think to sit still Cross-leg'd at your Work , as you did when you were a Taylor ; remember you are a Clerk now — and in place to mend the State — not with a Needle , but a Pen , ye Rogue .

Valas.

Well , well , d' e see , your Worship knows well enough how I us'd to flourish my Shop-Bills — I put down all our Trade for Flourishing , that all our Parish knows — I made the best M's , O's and B's d' e see of any o● our Trade ; M , for Stay-Tape , O , for Lockram , and B , for Canvas ; I out-did 'em all cleverly , therefore I warrant ye your Worship need not doubt my Clerkship . Rock reads a Paper , Exit to fetch the things .

Genov.

Oh! here 's that impudent Scoundrel , his new Favourite ; this Fellow must have Office and Preferment , when I must be neglected , 't is very well , let me consider a little .

Enter Valasco with a Table , &c. Rock .

Hum , let me see a list of the Delinquents : their number , Thirty two : — Ah. How every one of these will bribe me , to save their Houses from burning , which sha'n't be obtain'd with a little , that I resolve on ; rare , rare Fortune ! gad I 'm Transported at it .

Genov.

Oh , now I have it , P●rone must be my Engine ; his late disgust against this proud Fish-General — is but hid over with some subtle Embers , the Fire will soon break out agen , and shall not want for blowing .

Rock .

How now , what makes this Priest here , with a clowdy Low'r upon his Forehead too , as if the Devil and his Conscience had been just quarrelling about some State Stratagem — hum , this houshold Pagod , with a Breath like an Easterly Wind , this Reverend Caterpillar shan't spoil my Fruit I 'm resolv'd on 't . D' e hear there , 't is the General 's Pleasure , that all forbear this Place , appointed for Examination of Delinquents . — Oh , is your Reverence there , I cry you Mercy , — but you must excuse me , I must know my Place . Sits down to the Table .

Genov.

Your Place , Sir.

Rock .

Yes , my Place , Sir , — nay , nay , don't think to fright me with your Picture of the Inquisition there , your terrible Phiz in Frowns , I say , I say agen , I know my Place , Sir.

Genov.

And I mine , Sir , is not this the Church ?

Rock .

The Church — good Domine , what then , was the Church made for no more uses than yours ? Was the Church built only to roost the Rooks , I mean the Jesuits — Pish , don't ye see we make a Garrison on 't . How now , Captain . Enter Bartallo .

Bart.

We have seiz'd on the Horses , and please you , for the General 's use , where must they be put ?

Rock .

Hum — stay a little — put , — why put 'em up in the North Isle , just by the Pulpit .

Genov.

Here 's fine Management ! bl●ss me , is that a place for Horses ?

Rock .

Horses , yes , Sir , and why not for Horses ? — gad , as things go now , I think 't is fill'd with a better sort of Cattle , than with your Tribe , by much ; for if a Horse can't do the General better Service than a Jesuit , my Politicks are very barren . — Well , what now , Lieutenant .

Enter Scipio . Scip.

Why and like your good Honour , Mr. Sec. Sec. Secar —

Rock .

Well , well , Mr. Secretary ; I know what thou would'st say ; what apox , does my Title stick in thy Throat ?

Scip.

Ay , ay , Mr. Secretary , and please ye , there 's the great Don — within , Don — Don — why look now , if my Brain ben't as spungy as an old Shoe Soal , Don — Don — wheigh — why what a Dickins ails my Pate now ? I us'd to be as sharp as an Awl , wheigh — the Great great Man and please ye , that you sent the Writing — the what d' e call 't , the Sammon to this Morning .

Rock .

The Sammon , the Summons , ye Block-head you ; ah , this Fellow will never make a Statesman : — Oh I know him now , 't is the Great Prince of Bissignano , Don Tiberio , whom I have frighted hither by the General 's Order . Valasco , — go you and introduce him — and d' e hear , put on your face of Business and look Grum upon him — 't will draw his Pur●e the sooner .

Valasc.

I warrant ye — I 'll look upon him d' e see , as another great Don us'd to look upon me , when I went to carry in my Bill .

Exeunt Scipio and Valasco . Rock .

Come , come , Sir , no more of your Chancel Grimaces , your Brow Lectures now , — here 's matters of State going forward , which I know you all long to have a finger in , — but Mum for that , my good Mass Iohn — some wiser than some ; therefore Presto I say , — and let your Learning please to withdraw it self instantly in●o your Study ; — shew , shew your Back side , I beseech ye , Sir.

Genov.

I shall , Sir , and shew it whole too , which yours shall not be long , if Whips with Wyre , retain their lashing faculty , if it do's , then say this Brain 's fit only to make Sawce on ; and so I give ye to old Belzebub ; now my intention's right , you may depend on 't . Ex. Genov.

Rock .

Pox on him , what a Jerk the Rogue has given my Apprehension , for tho I know I 'm now too Great to be in danger of such a Punishment , — yet his words have made me as uneasie — as if the Cat with Nine-tails were just coming cross my Shoulders . — I have deserv'd Whipping , and worse than Whipping , I confess , in many Passages of my Life , but I think that 's more than he knows ; I was thirteen Years together bred up under a Roguish Pettifogger , where I learn'd to be a Law-Cheat , to take all Advantages by the fore-top that afforded Money , and bid perpetual defiance to Honesty and Conscience , yet still I ' scap'd — and now the Dice run higher , I think my self in a Post rather to cause others to be Whip'd , than to be Flaug'd my self . Oh here 's the Prince — hum , now for a sullen morose Look , a damn'd ill-natur'd Phiz — like a City Magistrate pronouncing Sentence of Death upon a young lusty Highway-man , that he was satisfy'd a little while before , had made him a Cuckold .

Enter Don Tiberio with a Purse , and Valasco . D. Tib.

Well my mighty Sir in Office — now I have given ye your Fee , which by your Signs you taught my Apprehension , what progress will you make in my Affairs ? Where must this Summons lead me ?

Valasc.

Why yonder , d' e see , Sir , — yonder 's the Secretary , and as keen at his Business as a pair of Sheers upon a Cutting-board : — Hark ye , Sir , I must tell ye he 's plaguy deaf of this hithermost Ear — and the Drum on 't is not to be penetrated , unless by the chink of Money ; that Purse perhaps may stand your Friend , or else it will be a hard matter to make him hear , yet I 'll try him ; — Sir , Sir , — here 's the great Don — the Prince you sent for , come to —

Rock .

The Duke of Cavano's House too — noted , that burns to Morrow .

Don. Tib.

By Heaven , my Kinsman , one of our Houses Principals — and if I heard the Gorgon Head speak right , he said his House — must burn to morrow — hear ye , you Sir , you Minister of Fate and deeds of Horrour , what said you of the Duke of Cavano ? — he will not answer me , or hears me not .

Valasc.

Oh I told ye , Sir — he was very thick of Hearing .

Don. Tib.

And yet my Pur●e can cure it .

Valasc.

Hum — the Purse has a particular Vertu● indeed ; Gold has its precious faculty — for Ears as well as Eyes , Gold will do it cleverly .

Don Tib.

Thou art a very Rogue , through all thy Senses .

Rock .

The n●xt , the Duke of Mataloni .

Don Tib.

Hah — my Friend too — Hear me thou — Son of Mammon , I charge thee answer me , — and for a Bribe , take here this golden Offering — but speak , I conjure thee . Gives the Purse .

Rock .

Valasco , — set the Gentleman a Chair .

Don Tib.

What must befall my Friend , my Bosom Intimate , dear as its innate Guest , my Heart — my Matalo●i .

Rock .

He is Proscrib'd , his Wife is to be Seiz'd , and their House burnt and Plunder'd .

Don Tib.

When , when , thou Author of damn'd News ?

Rock .

At Seven this Evening ; — and now , Sir , no more Questions , you 've had your Penniworth ; — nor is it usual with me to afford such rich Discoveries so cheap .

Don Tib.

At Seven , curst Chance , how much it wants of that now , I know not , nor how to be Resolv'd , for here am I , on forfeit of Estate and Life , Summon'd to attend the General of the Rabble — and so incapable to aid my Friend — yet stay , some Notice might be given : — Dost hear , my Friend , what Hour is 't think'st thou now ? Curse on his sordid Soul , he 's Dumb agen . to Valasco , he Grimaces , but won't speak . This damn'd mercenary Rogue expects Money — only to tell what a Clock 't is ; well there , there 's another Sop , good Cerberus — now wilt thou tell me ?

Valasc.

I on my Conscience , think it may be Five , — and pray Sir , be Patient , you 'll be hear'd presently , the General d' e see , is coming .

Don Tib.

These are rare Rogues in Office , they use a Nobleman like a Dog-whipper : — Hark thee , Friend , one thing more , if your speaking Clock be not quite run down , I must request , and there 's all I have to purchase it , which is , to call one of my Servants hither , for I have forgot a Paper at home , which concerns me extreamly .

Valasc.

It shall be done , and cleverly . taking the Money . Exit .

Don Tib.

I 've yet , I hope , time enough to set down in my Tables their horrible Resolves , and to forewarn the Duke of his approaching Danger . Writes in his Tables .

Enter Valasco , with a Servant . Valasc.

Come hither with thy best speed , convey these Tables to the Duke of Mataloni — run as thy Life were in thy haste concern'd — he will Reward thee well .

Servant .

I Fly , my Lord. Exit Servant .

Rock .

Are the Chandlers Wives dispatch'd to the Hospital , to Rave there , whose Husbands were Hang'd this Morning ?

Valasc.

All , all , and please ye — I saw a Dozen of 'em roaring together in a Flock ; and 't will be a warning to the rest , I 'll warrant ye , how they use false Weights and Scales .

Rock .

Nay , I doubt not but we shall bring things to some order in time . Adso — my Lord the Prince , what are you here still ? — Alas , my Head is so busied with things of Imp●rtance , that I p●otest I had forgot your Highness ; — well I suppose you would fain know the General 's Business with ye — but as for that matter , without —

Don Tib.

Without , if he means more Gold , he must Coin it , for on my Honour , I 'm drawn dry already .

Rock .

Without , I say , the Means to procure the Secret , it will , I suppose , be Impossible : — Hem , hem — Times are alter'd , my Lord , they were yours once — hem — hem , now we come in for our share . — Hum , — Odzooks , here comes the General himself — Pox on him , this was a little too soon tho , or I had had that Ring on his Finger there for another Discovery .

Enter Massaniello , Perone , Bartallo , Scipio , Jacomo , and the Rabble . Massan .

The Houses I Proscrib'd , let 'em all down , but on your Lives , no more , without my Order ; the Plunder too , I will consider on — and henceforth , remember , without the form of Speaking , to understand your Duty by my Motion .

Iacom.

We shall , most Noble Sir , wag but your Hand , Thumb , Finger , or but Nod , — 't is done as quick as Lightning .

Massan .

Begin you at St. Carlo , — throw your Brand at Cavano's Palace ; and my Favourite Captain , bes●re you singe the Traitor Mataloni , let not a post remain to bear his Structure , but let your fury burn his Goods as greedily as late he suck'd the Life-blood of the People — away . —

He waves his Hand , they start out . Omnes .

We 're gone , brave General .

Massan .

There 's Discipline ; this looks like a Commander . — Hah , yonder 's the Prince , Perone , a word with thee . — Thou see'st that Lord there — he is the only Man I 'd chose 'mongst all the Court , to negotiate Matters between us and the Vice-Roy ; — within this Paper is my Will contain'd , — I 'm positive here , and so I would have thee , If he denies what there is offer'd to him — tell him he shares the Fate of Mataloni ; — go , take him aside , pretend I 've weighty Business , and cannot hold Discourse with him my self ▪

Perone .

Leviathan Impudence , but I 'll smother all yet , let him swell on , ●nd he will burst himself — Aside . My Lord , the General 's Head being full of Business , has order'd me to unsold his Pleasure to ye .

Enter Pedro , and whispers Massaniello . Don Tib.

His Pleasure , — insolent Slave , — this is another upstart Devil , he look● too as if he all his Life had smoak'd in Pluto's K●●chen ; not deign — a word , Sir , what is his Mightiness so cram'd —

Perone .

Softly , my Lord , he has quick Ears , and then — come , no more words , but follow me .

Don Tib.

I vex in vain — 't is madness to oppose ' em . Oh! Fortune , Fortune , whither wilt thou hurry me ? Exit with Perone .

Massan .

What are the Women up too , say'st thou , Brother , and Blowzabella my Wife , at their Head ?

Pedro.

Most Captain like Ifaith — my Spouse is got amongst 'em too for Company ; these at the head of Numbers , strut in the Streets , and Arm'd with such variety of Weapons , 't would e'en puzzle Arithm●tick ; — they 're ready for an Attack too , an Attack .

Massan .

Hah , Hah , hah . — What Goose or Turky wall'd round with powerful Crust , are they for Storming ?

Pedro.

' Zooks , they talk of battering Castle-walls , and I know not what ; and my Sister Blowze is so wrapt up with the thought of Plundring the Dutchess Mataloni of her Jewels , that her very words are nothing but Pearl and Diamonds . — Hark'e , here they come I●aith — now observe and wonder .

Shout , and strange Sounds made within . Enter Blowzabella , Ursula , and Rabble of other Women , dress'd Ridiculously , and Arm'd with several sorts of Weapons , bringing in three Prisoners . Blowz.

Bring in the Prisoners , and keep your Ranks — Close my Lasses , — Wheel to the Right , to the Right , to the Right about ; there see now — Where 's the General ? Where 's the brave Tomazo ? — Oh , art thou there my Scanderbeg , come Kiss me , and then tell me — how dost thou like me , — hah ?

Massan .

Like thee , hah , hah , hah , why this is Wonderful ; prithee Wife , what mean'st thou ? — What Work hast thou been cutting out , hah ?

Blowz.

Plundring , Plundring , My Lad , Plundring , Stripping Lace off of Petticoats , and pulling Gold Rings off of Fingers . — In short , I have been Bobbing for a sort of Female-Grigs — they call forsooth your Gentlewomen , — could'st thou imagin , whilst thou wert fishing for Courtiers , that I would sitidly at home sleaing of Eels ? — No , no , Child , I rose as thou didst , own'd and carry'd the Cause ; then gath'ring my She Swash-bucklers together , Arm'd instantly , and wheree'er we saw a Silk-worm crawl , we Seiz'd her ; see , here 's one of 'em , this , this is forsooth a Gentlewoman , and as I 'm told , belong'd to the Vice-Queen : — You may suppose the Dress I have put her in , has somewhat alter'd her , but upon the Honour of a Fish-wife , she 's a Gantlewoman every inch of her .

Massan .

Why Faith that may be , but her Air seems to have very much of the Vulgar in 't at present .

Ursula .

This is the supe●fine Madam de Rocell , Wife to the Prior , Farmer of the Gabells , she had Brooches of Diamonds about her when I met her first , and Bobs of Pearl in her Ears as big as Pears ; alas — what pity 't is , that Madam should be strip'd , but Madam , I hope you 'll Excuse it , we are rude Common-People Madam — your Servant good Madam , in Troth 't is great Pity —

Pedro.

My Spouse there may shew her sham Pity as she pleases , but if I had met Madam in a bie Place — I believe I should have made bold to have stript her a little further — Gad she has a dainty Face for all her Rags , and puts me so in mind of a plump black-ey'd Beggar-wench I had once .

Massan .

But what 's the 'tother there ?

Blowz.

And this here is one of the Marrow-puddings of Trade , a Citizen's Wife , a sleek , fine , fat , little finical thing , that would melt in a Courtier 's Mouth like a Comfit : I took her Oagling at her Shop-door , and truss'd her up under my Wing like a Gizard : — she had her Gems and her Pearls too , — besides a fine golden Gown , that her Cuckold bought her by Cheating the People , at Twelve i' th' Hundred ; — there she is a little moody , I see , at her odd Rigging ; — her Husband may take his Tortoise again , if he pleases , but for her Shell — that 's dispos'd of .

Massan .

Bradamant — why ye all have done Gloriously — gloriously — and what 's to be the next Exploit , dear Wedlock , hah ?

Blowz.

The Dutchess of Mataloni ; we have contriv'd it , therefore leave it to our Management , and if before to Morrow Noon , thou see'st me not trick'd in her Jewels like an Indian Queen , — then say , which some believe impossible — a Woman's Mischief has Miscarried . — And to shew thee that we are capable of doing greater things than you imagin , you shall see us Exercise , and pray observe what Diligence has learn'd , Handle your Arms there .

A Dance here , shewing their Exercise . Massan .

'T is well , and Soldier-like — go on then , my Bellona , and you , Brother , to the Gate of San Lorenzo ; March with your Troops , and as you pass , still cry , Let the King Live , but the ill Government Die. Ex. severally .

SCENE II. Enter Mataloni , Dutchess , and a Servant , the Duke holding the Tables in his Hand . Dutch.

Oh , I can never bear it , my dear Lord , that moment you depart , my Life-blood follows .

Matal .

Why then , let Fate contrive its bloodiest Scene , I 'll stay and dare all Accidents , grasp thee thus — within the circle of my eager Arms , and smile on the grim Hell hounds that would part us .

Dutch.

Could I go with thee , Heaven , what would I venture ! what Walls would I climb , or what vast Deeps would I plunge ! for tho I shew a Woman in my Tears , my Courage — yet for you would hazard Wonder● .

Matal .

I know thou could'st , thou quintessence of Goodness , do more than Woman ; — but Oh , I must not suffer thee ! I know thou would'st , with me , leap from the Window into the Moat , as I must , for my Safety , but I 'll not do 't to hinder thee , — no , 't is but Death , if I stay here — and 't will be that without thee .

Dutch.

Oh , name not Death , I had forgot that Horror !

Matal .

Give Friend , your Lord , my best Acknowledgment , but tell him , I 'm resolv'd to stand my Fortune .

Dutch.

Not for the World — Oh , pardon me dear Life , my Womanish Folly , I had forgot your danger , you are proscrib'd to D●e if you are found , yet I would keep ye here : Oh , racking Torture , was e'er Misery so truly great as mine ? — Go , go , my Lord , my Doom in those curst Tables , is but trivial Imprisonment , and perhaps a daily Basting by the Rabble , Village Curs , or Cold , or Hunger , matters of nothing , — but yours is Death , my Lord , Life's deprivation ; — the full gust of Horror blows with that word , upon me — endless Woe , Despair , and all the Miseries of Humanity fall then at once upon my wretched Head , And make me , that so late implor'd your stay , Distracted beg ye now to haste away .

Matal .

Great Providence , whose all-controlling Will , hast for our Crimes , sent down this Plague on Naples , and mak'st the sparks of bright Nobility , lie hid in the vile Ashes of the Rabble , behold with pity , Beauty in distress , with Vertue join'd , than that more Charming far ; Oh , let her still thy Care peculiar be , And always blest , what e'er becomes of me .

Dutch.

Oh , hear me too — thus low with bended Duty , I beg the Power that taught us first to Love , to look on him most perfect in that Passion , and best deserving it in its Perfection : To guard his Life , Celestial care employ , And I shall find all Blessings in my Joy.

Matal .

One dear Embrace then , and so part . She Weeps . What yet again ? Nay , I must Chide ye now , we both have Pray'd , and must not doubt Success .

Dutch.

Oh , pardon me , within my Breast is such a Sea of Sorrow , some must o'erflow the Banks , I cannot help it .

Matal .

I 'll make the Fences stronger with fresh hopes of our quick Meeting and repeated Joy , so once more Adieu , Sweet .

Dutch.

My Life 's sole Joy , Farewel .

Matal .

Come , bear up boldly , and now to the fatal Window , through which my Brother is already gone , unseen by the Blood-hounds that have us in the Wind , and stop all other ways and avenues : One kind Look more , and turn that way , Sweet . Thus when o'ercome by fierce Diseases power , The sad Physician gives his Patient o'er . Thus does the Tyrant of our Lives , controll , And thus divides the Body from the Soul. Exeunt .

The End of the Second Act.

ACT III.

SCENE I. Enter Perone and Genovino . Genov.

YOU may believe me .

Peron .

And may be abus'd ; you have not yet enough , Sir , clear'd your Credit .

Genov.

You shall have further proof , my venturous Actions shall henceforth justify my Inclination , and back the force of these bold Words , which are , That from my Heart , I loath this Upstart Fellow ; This headstong Fool ; this Mushroom , Massaniello .

Peron .

You say enough ; but may one trust a Jesuit , knowing his Principles ?

Genov.

When the trust propos'd relates to his Revenge , be sure you may .

Peron .

Nay , Sir , I will be sure ; for to deal plainly , I have not yet been bred with any Candor for Persons of your Order .

Genov.

I believe it , and will not stick to say , perhaps with reason , the People generally , have strange Notions of us , and you , I see , are biass'd by Opinion . — 'T is true , Church-Interest , and the forward Zeal we use to prop its Power , raises u● many Enemies , some whereof , burst into rude and vilifying Terms , and in plain words , Abuse us .

Peron .

Yes indeed , I have often heard 'em deal so plainly with ye , to say , You 're all a p●ck of Rogues .

Genov.

Ha , ha , ha , — 't is likely — but you must know then , Sir Captain , these were all Sophisters .

Peron .

How , how , Sophisters ?

Genov.

Even so , you may depend on 't ; I know it by their word of double meaning — for Rogue was meant no more than Polititian , a witty Rogue , a subtile Rogue , a rich Rogue ; the word is ost mistook , but means no harm ; why Knave , 'cause ' ti● obsolete , is now Corrupted , which meant of old , a Servant , and no more : Then , Sir , as you may be a Knave , yet Honest , so we two may be Rogues , and yet no Villains .

Peron .

At this rate , this Fellow will make it out , that a Son of a Whore may have an honest Woman to his Mother .

Genov.

But come , Captain , pray be particular — a little more ; — What noted Crime are we found guilty of ?

Peron .

Ah — numbers , numbers , Sir , more than your Beads can furnish ye with Prayers to make atonement for , but one among the rest most Scandalous ; they say , you 'll set your Penitents a Gaming for Masses for their Souls , and that the Fortunate delivering you that still sit by , his Winnings , has his si●s Pardon'd him for his luck at Cribbage .

Genov.

Why look'e , as to Penitents dole for Masses , truly there may be something in 't , and practicable , but that we play at Cribbage , is a Story , our Game is always Putt , we know no Cribbage .

Peron .

Oh , with your Reverence's leave , I know you 'll vouch all Games , rather than lose the Stakes : But come , toth ' Point . Suppose thou art Sincere in this Affair , what 's to be done with Massaniello ? What shall we Murder him — ha Boy ?

Genov.

Convey a Bullet cleanly through his Head , — not Murder him , no , no , that were Undecent .

Peron .

Nay , nay , I know he uses the Church scurvily , that is he denies 'em Money , and that 's a Damning Sin.

Genov.

Oh , past hope of Pardon .

Peron .

And if I should Murder him —

Genov.

Why ye should have Absolution , the thing is excellent Service , but the word grates .

Peron .

And what Security for no Betraying ?

Genov.

The sacred Word and Honour of the College , who all will join in the Confederacy , to animate the giddy Hot-brain'd People , and in his stead , to make you General : Come , Captain , 't is in vain longer to hide your close Design , a Jesuit's Head is waking , when others are in Dreams ; we have found out your Correspondence with Carraffa's Faction , and know you are Intrigu'd with Mataloni : — Since then we know this , yet make no discovery , — you see the Danger 's equal , therefore may trust — let us be Rogues , or otherwise , 't is no matter .

Peron .

And you will bring your Brethren to vouch this .

Genov.

Go with me and be satisfi'd , however the World taints us for Treacheries , we are true to one another ; — come , be Wise , resolve on Massaniello's Fall — then Rise .

Peron .

Well , Sir , lead on , and as I find this real , a Throat may soon be Cut.

Genov.

I ask no more . Be then our General , and take the Church's Blessing .

Crosses him . Exeunt . Enter Massaniello Guarded , and Don Tiberio . Petitioners waiting with Papers . Massan .

My Lord , I lately sent you my Decree , have you resolv'd upon 't ?

Don Tib.

What Sir , to negotiate the Peoples Business .

Massan .

With the Vice-Roy ; yes , 't was set down so .

Don Tib.

In what Sir , with my Honour I can serve 'em , I 'll ne'er re●use to do my Country good , provided 't is no blemish to Nobility .

Massan .

My Lord , you so much Idolize Nobility , that you 'd even make the very word a Scare-Crow , but we are no such Children to be frighted ; Nobility , — what 's that but Power and Riches , the Will to Govern , and the Means to do so ; a Titular Nobleness , is vacant Air , a trifling Sound of no Validity : What care I how the Herald's Art can Blazon , since I 've Power and Riches , I 've Nobility , or good my Lord , what am I in your Fancy ?

Don Tib.

You are I know not what , something that 'mongst all Tongues , must want a Title ; you are beyond Prodigious , Language fails and Reason's at a loss , that would Expound ye ; your Pardon Sir , I am but newly practis'd in the Trade of Flattery and Dissimulation .

Massan .

What , and yet a Courtier ! Damnation ! is that Possible ? Did ever Creature breath in that rank Air , that was not skill'd in both those Qualities ? — Not Flatter nor Dissemble , say not Live ; for riotous Meat and Drink , nor gawdy Cloaths , Hounds , Horses , Whores , your constant Properties in their Perfection , are not half so natural as Flattery and Dissembling to a Courtier .

Don Tib.

I shall not make this good , Sir.

Mass. Shall ye Comply ? Enter Rock and Petitioners , who give Papers to Mass. Come , come , you must , 't is Death , if you deny . Don. Tib.

Was ever Plague so mortally Severe ? Had ever Kingdom so debas'd a Curse ? the Noble Blood of my great Ancestors boils in my Veins with Anger and Disdain , and yet the Frown of this Plebeian Fellow , spight of my Nature , Aws me ; sure 't is th' effect of Witch-craft , Hell i● just setting up a Common wealth , and all the Devils conspire against Nobility .

Rock .

Your Wife Sir , with the Dutchess Mataloni Rifl'd and Plunder'd , are just coming in ; — she's as good as her word Faith , she has stuck her self all over with Jewels , as thick as a Sir-loyn of Roast-Beef is with Rosemary at Christmass , — I had a fling at her Grace too , I told her a Lye , and had a Diamond-Ring worth a hundred Ducats for 't . — Rare , rare doings , Sir , — gad little did I think of ever living to see such blessed days .

Enter Blowzabella , awkerdly dress'd and deck'd with Iewels ; then Dutchess Mataloni , led by Ursula , and the Dutchess in mean Habit , Weeping . Massan .

Attend all to Morrow Morning , and ●'ll give ye Hearing to Petitioner●

Don Tib.

Bane to my Eyes — who would thank Providence for that dear Gift , that was confin'd to see such dismal Sights as these ?

Ursul.

Why Sister , you don't mind my Brother there .

Blowz.

Oh — I look the Greater for that , ye Fool , Husbands and Wives should be careless of one another ; — besides , what have I Trick'd up my self thus for , but that every Body should see me now , and I see no Body ; besides , this is nothing — the next time I Dress , the Son , Moon , and Seven Stars — shall look like Farthing-candles to me . Sister , prithee mind Tomaz now , do but see how he stares at me ; I 'll take no notice of him , but pretend to be full of Business , as he does .

Massan .

She thinks she 's Fine , I warrant , 'sDeath and Hell , — was ever any thing so Monstrous — as course Deformity in gawdy Trappings , I nauseate it , but must not shew it now . — Hah , what was that ! methought a Dart shot from that Mourning Beauty — pi●rc'd through my Soul ; my Soul , tho of a piece with my course Body , yet feels the smart , obeys the power of Beauty , and makes me say aloud — She 's Admirable .

Dutch.

No more , my Lord , let my Misfortunes hide me for ever from your sight , and I do be●eech ye , leave me .

Don Tib.

Thou Beauteous Partner of my dearest Friend , thou charming Form that now mak'st Sorrow amiable ; I will , but yet believe , thou Shrine of Vertue , 't is only that I may the better serve thee ; my Stars have here condemn'd me to their Interest , an Interest that I hate as I love Honour ; and if that metamorphos'd Female Brute there , has any spark of Womanish softness in her , she shall in spite of Nature , use ye well . They Whisper .

Blowz.

Carry the Prisoner to the place I order'd — What say ye , Sir , would ye speak with me ? — Hum , w●ll , what is 't ?

Massan .

She goar 's and wounds me still ; and now methinks the whole , composure of my Frame , is alt●r'd — I tremble and am asham'd to know my self . — Hah , what did I say I Trembl'd , 't is impossible , can my H●art tremble , that is steel'd with Power ? Trembling implies a Fear ; what can I ●ear , that have unquestion'd Power to command all , and can enjoy what e'●r ●hat Power possesses : — Agen — there 's no looking on her , I 'm all o'er Flame o'●h ' sudden : — Well , 't is but ask and have , I 'll send her word I like her , and if she prove peevish , fright her a little with her Lord's Proscription and she yields presently . — Rock , come hither , Thou saw'st that weeping Woman there .

Rock .

Who , Sir , the Dutchess ? Ay , she 's a delicate bit faith , — gad I like her very well .

Massan .

You do so .

Rock .

Yes , Sir , under favour , I intend — I intend —

Massan .

What is 't you intend — hah ?

Rock .

Why Sir , I intend , I intend to —

Massan .

Sir —

Rock .

I say Sir , I intend to make her do your Excellency Justice .

Massan .

You shall do so , go get her for me presently .

Rock .

Get her , What does your Honour mean ? — Have you a Paper ready ? VVould you have her Sign any thing ?

Massan .

Yes , Sir , and Seal too . — Therefore good Monsieur Secretary , I would advise you to practise your Employment , and make her supple d' hear ? Supple for me , fit to take my Impression , and let your Liking flag , Sir Ink-Bottle ; these are your Ears yet I suppose —

Rock .

They are so , I suppose my Lord , I have had 'em a pretty while .

Massan .

'T is well ; i● you would have 'em so remain , be Diligent ; you understand me . Exit Massaniello and Guards .

Rock .

Hum — sits the VVind there — understand ye ? Yes , yes , a Pox on ye , ye have given us all occasion to understand ye ; we know now what he means by a pinch by the Ear , a tweak by the Nose , as well as if he had spoke Spanish : — He , I find , has a mind to the Dutchess himself , and I as princip●l Officer in Trust , must sollicite her for him ; 't is so , there 's no avoiding it , if I design to keep my Place , this must be done ; and I see now , 't is in vain to think to make my self a Great Man , without being a Pimp into the bargain . Exit .

Don Tib.

VVill it please you to give me an Answer to my Suit , Madam ?

Blowz.

VVhy look'e Sir , cry Mercy — I think you are a Prince tho .

Don Tib.

And your Ladyship 's Humble Servant .

Blowz.

Hum , that may not be much a-miss , as things may happen , Od'sfish , the Man 's well made —

Don Tib.

'T is Madam , in favour of the Dutchess , let me desire —

Blowz.

Oh , gad ●o , the Du●chess my Prisoner ; and you desire — why look , my Lord , if we should all have our Desires , what would the VVorld come to ? VVhy you may desire one thing , and I may desire another thing , when as things may happen , you can neither have y●●r thing , nor I have my thing ; oh my word , this is a great thing to consider of — and you must think I know my Post , my Lord , what I must do ; great things now .

Don Tib.

Pox on her , has she forgot already the great things she us'd to do , when she sold Sprats at the Castle-Gate ? — Ah , how the State-Mack●rel Surveys me ; it may chance , that I may have a Hook for her , if it be so , the Dutchess shall gain her end I 'm sure .

Blowz.

VVell , I swear , I think I have not seen a more likely Person , t●e Man truly has , as one may say , a mighty promising Countenance ; well , he has so , a●d he has a Suit to me , good agen ; and perhaps I 've a Business for him to do , very well still ; why the World is alter'd now , and things are chang'd from what they were , and Odsfish , I must not be as I have been — what , I must do great things now .

Don Tib.

I 'm still in hopes , Madam , you are thinking how to gratify my request .

Blowz.

My Lord , you speak well , gratify ; you would be Gratify'd you say , and desire my Prisoner may be tenderly us'd , and have Servants about her ; well , my Lord , and how , pray , would you gratify for such a Favour ? — Come , you are a Courtier , I am at present dispos'd to see a little of those Finicals ; — How d' e begin ?

Don Tib.

Why , first , Madam , with all respect imaginable , ● approach —

Blowz.

Odsfish , is that approaching ? Why , my Lord , you stand stock still .

Don Tib.

At a respectful distance , Madam , always when we address to Great Persons . With Familiars ; 't is true , we often approach to the Lips.

Blowz.

Ay , ay , to the Lips — Odsfish , that 's better by half , if you must approach , approach as you should approach , to the purpose , my Lord.

Don Tib.

Madam , this Favour is too great .

Blowz.

Puh , — never speak on 't , my Lord , I am not so strait-lac'd , but I can be familiar with my Equals upon occasion , and if you have an inclination to approach once agen , my Lord —

Don Tib.

The Devil — this is worse than her refusal ; — Oh , how I hate an Oyster that opens of its own accord — but come , once more for the Dutchess's sake , I 'll defy Garlick —

Blowz.

So , my Lord , and now what think ye of my Person and Appearance ? Pray be a little curious — here 's no Rumper above , my Lord , nor no crooked Legs below .

Don Tib.

Oh , Madam , your Person , like the rest , must be Admir'd

Blowz.

'T is true , Fortune us'd me a little coursely formerly , as to sell Fish , or so — but as to a Person , bring me any of your fine Ladies to discourse with me , or so , and Gads-fish , then you shall see .

Don Tib.

Ah , you are so very exact by Nature , that methinks those Jewels might well be spar'd —

Blowz.

Why truly Nature has not been niggardly , but by giving me these Jewels , Fortune I see , designs to be honest , and be out of my Debt , and I must use her now she 's in Humour .

Don Tib.

How the Dowdy has stuck her self in the dear Dutchess's Ornaments , and how like a Devil midst the Starry Region — does she appear : But hush — I must at her agen — Aside . Come , Madam , do but dispatch this Grant , and then you bind me ever .

Blowz.

Well , my Lord , let 's walk in , and as I find your Reasons are substantial — I shall incline the more . — A handsom Man I 'll be sworn he is — and approaches very well — why look'e things are alter'd now , and if my Husband should chance to be a Cuckold , why 't is no more than what 's in Fashion ; I must not be as I have been , what , I must do great things now — Come , my Lord. Exeunt .

Enter Dutchess , Rock whispering Ursula at a distance . Dutch.

How near are those poor Wretches to despair , who dare too nicely scan the Acts of Providence ! And , Oh , how grosly vile is poor Mortality , when it too highly values its Weak Reason , and ●ansies Heav'n has done its Merit wrong — if I should number all my past Offences , can they deserve this Scourge , this worst of Misery ? Yes , if Heaven thinks so : Let me then be Obedient , and like Great Cato's Daughter , bear Misfortunes with more than Roman Constancy ; yet if Grief grows too strong , here is the Means , this dear Reliever Rescues me for ever , Shews a Viol Yonder are my Persecutors , and some new Plague I find , is hatching now between 'em : Fate do thy worst , let my dear Lord but 'scape 'em , these Mischiefs I 'll contemn , and seem as Merry — as if their Villanies were my Diversion .

Rock .

Once more I tell ye , you must deliver up your Charge to me , I have Business with her from the General , things of Importance Women , weighty Matters ; there is a pressing Affair going forward — you must give way too , therefore be gone I say , your Husbands are yonder , toaping a full Bowl for joy of the good Plunder , at the Duke of Caivano's ; go , go , and colour your Gills there , and leave this Lady to my management .

Ursul.

Ay , with all my Heart , methinks I long to see how my Husband Pedro looks in his fine Golden Coat . Adsheartlikins , I warrant he 's as proud as 't were any Don himself . Exeunt .

Rock .

Hem , hem , Madam , in short , you must know , Madam , that is , Madam , if you don't know already , that I am his Excellency's Secretary .

Rock pulls off his Hat awkerdly . Dutch.

His Excellency's Secretary ! bless me , how can I deserve this Honour ? please ye , Sir , to take a Chair . He sits down .

Rock .

You have very favourable Stars — Madam , for as you say , this Honour is not bestow'd on every one — especially without Money . Aside .

Dutch.

But how comes it , I beseech ye , Sir , that I am made thus Happy ?

Rock .

Why , you must know , Madam , that the General , who neither sees , says , nor does any thing without me , thought sit to take my hint of Commendation of that Forehead , Nose and Mouth of yours , after which too , to speak Unvulgarly , I express'd my self in praise of the Lilies and Roses in your Cheeks , your white Neck , and so forth , and at last , gave him signification , that you were altogether a very tolerable Person .

Dutch.

Thou art in all Significations Intolerable I 'm sure . Aside . Indeed , Sir , you oblige me extreamly , and I can't forbear saying , that I am not a little proud , setting aside the General 's liking , Sir , of the obliging Applause of a Person of your Merit and great Office.

Rock .

Hum , 't is so , I must be the Man I see , she begins to be sweet upon m● already . Aside . Why faith , Madam , I must needs think those that ar● Wise , will always distinguish a P●rson of Place and Trust ; you may Cringe and Compliment Kings and Keyzars , if you please , but to us you must come , if you 'd have your Business done .

Dutch.

True , Sir , I know it very well — and therefore since I 've th' honour of your liking , what 's matter what the General says or doe● ?

Rock .

Ah , what a bewitching Smile was there — she has charm'd me so I cannot speak a word , and I must be a Traytor in spite of my Teeth . —

Dutch.

Besides , to shew my self grateful , Sir , — and give ye Praise for Praise , in my fancy now , that Chesnut Phiz of yours , but especially that Nose , prognosticating strange Events , is wondrous Taking .

Rock .

I have her fast , for if she likes my Nose once , the rest follows in course . — But hark'e Madam , is this in Earnest ? Am I so fine a Person faith — I should be glad to have some favour from ye as a proof .

Dutch.

A Favour , you shall , take this Cordial and drink my Health — 't is a warm Philtre will encrease your Flame : To shew you too 't is an especial Favour , I 'll use it with a Gust , when there 's occasion ; come , Sir , take six Go-downs .

Rock .

Hum — what a Plague does she mean ? It can't be Poison sure — Gad , I don't like the colour on 't ; why faith , Madam , I must beg your Pardon , I an 't dry at presen● .

Oh , Luxury ! Great Men , Sir , are always Thirsty ; — come , you must take it .

Rock .

But Madam , I have sworn never to drink between Meals .

Dutch.

How , Sir , know then , since you such Grace refuse , Fortune thus flies ye , and Revenge a Rogue pursues . Exit Dutchess .

Rock .

That is , she 'll tell the General , and he shall Hang me — gad I must after her and prevent that tho , for all my Fooling . Exit .

SCENE II. Enter Cardinal and Mataloni . Matal .

My Lord , if ever humble Penitence yet influenc'd a Heart , believe , mine feels it ; Oh , let me kneel and kiss your sacred Robe , thus low beg Pardon for my past Offence , then from my Soul thank you for this Discovery .

Card.

'T is too much , my Lord , pray rise , Heav'n knows , how the vast bulk of your Misfortunes oppress my Heart , deep sense of which , and pity to your Lady , who is involv'd too in the general Ruine , has made me willing to divulge this Secret , which a bigotted Jesuit , craz'd with the Pl●t even forc'd into my Bosom .

Matal .

Hell of Barbarity ! a Brother do this , a Brother plot my Ruin and my Wif●'s , for in her Death , is mine , with greatest Horror , and this too only for ambitious Vanity , to forge another Plot — without my knowledge , even as his Hot-Brain pleas'd .

Card.

There 's th' Arch-Contrivance , he knew your tender Passion for your Lady , a Prisoner now in Massaniello's House , would ne'er give your consent to act revenge by Fire ; and therefore to effect his double Plot , you and Perone were to be Ignorant , for different Ends , you on your Lady's score , and he as being design'd a Sacrifice with Massaniello , who , they give out , shall fall by Sword or Pistol ; but 't is indeed resolv'd by firing Mines under the Market-place , and when the Throng is most , to ●low up both , and to accompany 'em , your Lady and a hundred thousand Vulgar .

Mat.

Prodigious Villany !

Card.

Of Powder for this Action , fifty Cantara's — are stow'd in several Places under Ground , enough to shake all Naples into Ruines , and glut Revenge with such a horrid Massacree — no Age could ever Parallel .

Mat.

My Flesh trembles and Blood grows cold , even at the apprehension : Unnatural Viper ! for a Brother's Name from henceforth I renounce , as also a Brother's Nature , by thy accurst Example , for 't is past doubt , that with my Wife and the rest , when this most dreadful Blow had once been given ( had not your gracious Clemency sav'd me by this Discovery ) I too had shar'd this Ruin.

Card.

That 's not unlikely , for your Brother's aim , compacted with some Dons of his rank Faction , we find , is now for setting up himself , when Massaniello and the rest were Dead , Chief Farmer of the Gabells in your stead .

Mat.

I see it now , plain as the Sun at Noon , thou venerable Parent of my Life , for this Discovery gives me all that can be call'd in Life a Blessing , saving her who is much dearer than my Life , my Soul : How shall I pay my Thanks ? How po●r out my full Heart ? And how Adore thee ?

Card.

Calm , calm your self , my Lord , and — cease this Rapture , I 'm paid in the good Action .

Mat.

May all Stains be wip'd for ever from that Honourable Scarlet , for this your Piety — Oh , this base Carraffa ! this bloody Brother ! But yet 't is no more than what the Scheme of his past Life has promis'd , a Nature ever prompt to Cruelty , hardn'd in Ill , he ost would set me on to plague the People , and do things Unnatural , of which the Gabells late imposed , was one , — and which being too severe , has now Undone us .

Card.

My Lord , I see your Sense is now serene , and therefore I should be most Uncharitable to twit ye with your former rash neglect : Oh! what a sacred Tutor is Affliction ? T' instruct Humanity , and give erring Nature the means to know it self . — Farewell , my Lord , excuse Paternal Love and honest Care , if it now sound too harshly in your Ear ; — the Lot is cast , you must divert this Stratagem , or she you love amongst the common Crowd is lost for ever ; they are now coming hither to their last Consultation ; I was Invited , but made shift to excuse it ; indeed I lik'd it not , I wish the Rebels quell'd , but cannot wish that way ; — but you must stand the brunt , and countenance 'em , say as they say , and work your Ends the better : Be Wise then , 't is the Crisis of your Fate , One Hour lost now , the rest come all too late . Exit Card.

Mat.

How have I been mistaken in this Man ; this Great , and yet this good Man ? This is indeed a Churchman — studied in Morals too , and has a Conscience : If the Body of the Roman Priesthood were like him , just in Actions as in Words , Preaching no more than they would Execute , nor busied but in case of general Good , how many Converts would approach the Altars , Suck up their hallow'd Breath , and Kneel and Pray ? That now neglect , and heed not what they say .

Enter Gervatio . Gerv.

Oh , my Lord , is your Grace here ? That 's well , your Brother and the rest of the Cabal , are just upon Entring , Perone too with the Banditti , and a whole bundle of Iesuits following — gad the Mischief will thrive , I 'm sure , because they have a hand in 't : We shall broil this King of Herrings now I'saith — I han't forgot the Rascal's Fish-Treat ; a Pox on him , he has made me hate the name of Fish ever since .

Matal .

This Rascal is my Brother's Creature too , a Bear-Cub , that he could lick into what Shape he pleas'd . — Well , suck your Paws , d' e hear , and grow Fat with hopes of your Revenge , but leave me to my Thoughts . Oh , here they come ; Now rank Dissimulation , act thy Part , Tongue , hush my Rage , and Looks disguise my Heart .

Enter Don Peppo , Perone , and several Banditti . Gervas .

The Jesuits are coming , — and one bold daring Fellow among 'em , who says , he 'll begin first and fire the Train under the Upstart's House .

Don Pep .

Hush , my Brother 's here — not a word more now , bid him — do 't , and tell him he shall be great as his own Wishes — Aside to him .

Mat.

Well , are all things in a readiness ? — Who fires the happy Piece at this proud Fellow ?

Don Pep .

Who but the brave Perone , the Soul of Naples ; his Harquebuss is Charg'd , and his Heart willing .

Per.

Ay , ay , my Lord , let me alone to fire him .

Mat.

I heard the t'other Rascal talk of firing a Train as they came in ; 'sDeath , the Scoundrels quibble with me — and can ye aim well , Sir ?

Per.

I think I can , my Lord — I have kill'd Black-Birds without a Rest before now ; but if I should fail , here are some more will second me , what say ye , my bold Lads , hah ?

1 Band.

Why Captain , give but the word of Command , your Enemy lies there , look'e , be it who ' twill .

2 Band.

Captain — I 'll not only kill who you have a mind to , d' e mark me , but if you command me , I 'll Eat him afterwards .

Per.

There 's a brave Fellow now , my Lord.

Mat.

A prodigious brave Fellow indeed — Damnation ! what Devils have I about me ? But what are these ? Enter Genovino and other Iesuits .

Don Pep .

Oh , these , Brother , these are Friends , woven in our Plot , Fathers of the Church , who with the rest of 'em , resolve to assist us .

Mat.

Nay , then 't must be a Powder-plot , I 'm sure . — Hah , I have it now , and Death shall never alter me . — But first , for a Decoy ; well , Gentlemen , this Undertaking will be Dangerous , and therefore requires Wariness and Diligence — you 'll find me ready at a Minute's warning , but first , I must Disguise my self , which done , Believe , ye all command my Head and Heart — Villains , to Ruine ye , not take your part . Aside . Exit Mataloni .

Peron .

Methought the Duke your Brother went out Cloudy .

Don Pep .

No , no , his Head is only busie about his Disguise — he has some reason tho , if he knew all . — Aside . Your Reverence is Welcome ; these Fathers , I suppose , come from the rest , all sworn Friends to our purpose .

Genov.

All , all resolved , my Lord — they 'll first assist with Prayer , and then with Powder , all sworn to quell the Church's Enemies , — And now , my brave Captain , since I 've so well perform'd the trust you gave me , I hope you 'll think a Jesuit may be Honest.

Per.

Honest , yes , to his promise to do Mischief , I never doubted that ; but come , I 'm glad to see you here however .

1 Ies.

When the Laity Rebell against the Church , the Mischief that comes of it , lies on their Heads , tho the Church Execute it .

Don Pep .

There 's Sophistry for ye — he calls the non payment of Church Masses , Rebellion against it — but let him talk , he 's a sure Rogue of my side ; — he is to fire the Market-place . To Gervasio .

Gerv.

A gad , and I 'll warrant he 'll do 't — he has a Face like a very Salamander it self .

2 Ies.

Oh , bloody-minded Villains ! If my Discovery to the Cardinal , put no stop to this Business — I shall ne'er Sleep agen : — Oh , Conscience , Conscience . Aside .

Genov.

My Sons , be then Couragious , and go on — to do a deed will gain perpetual Glory ; and to excite the Cause , pray hear this Fable ; The Birds and Beasts , had once a fierce Dispute , how both their Kinds should make one Government ; — this side set the Lyon up as Monarch o'er 'em , but th' Feather'd Kind were for Democracy ; both Parties daily strong Excursions made , but neither for long time , the Conquest had — till at the last a sly old Politick Fox spoke to his Comerades thus ; — My Friends , this Iar must end by Stratagem , and not by War. I 'll undertake when next the Birds appear , To catch a Hundred Thousand in a Snare — And then the rest must yield , the Case is clear . — I think , my Sons , this needs no Application , therefore go on .

Don Pep .

The Father speaks like an Oracle , let 's Embrace , and then go on .

Omnes .

Ay , ay , let 's go on , let 's go on . Embrace all .

Per.

Away then , each to his several Charge — and when the cheerful Sun begins to gild the Market-place to Morrow , in all his Pride I 'll fell this Giant down .

Omnes .

And we 'll to the utmost Second brave Perone . Exeunt all but D. Pep .

Don Pep .

Now soar my well plum'd Hopes , and — gracious Fortune once fix thy Wheel , and on the highest Spoke set me but up ; if I fear falling , Scorn me : Methinks my Heart 's grown larger since my Plot. — Into what a Labyrinth of knotty Mischief have I involv'd these over-heated Fools , who severally believe they gain that Prize , which they all work for me , to their Destruction ; for at that very Instant that bold Perone hunts Massaniello's Life , so to succeed him — his own , with all the rest , fly up in Fumo : The Jesuits too are Tools ; for that once done , some Troops of Spanish Dons already rais'd , — Confederates all in our intended Greatness , shall crush those Moles to nothing . — But hold , — my Brother and his Wife , whose Fate are both inevitable — there 's the worst twinge — but what are Brother , Sister , Kindred , or Friends , to him , that bold Ambition onward guides . Ambition that made Angels once Rebel , And from Celestial Throne , sink down to Hell. Exit .

The End of the Third Act.

ACT IV.

SCENE I. Pedro , Bartallo , Jacomo , Gaspar , Scipio , Ursula , and Belvidore , sitting at a Table as Feasting .

The Fisherman's SONG . OF all the World's Enjoyments , That ever valu'd were , There 's none of our Employments with Fishing can compare : Some Preach , some Write , Some Swear , some Fight ; All Golden Lucre courting , But Fishing still bears off the Bell , For Profit or for Sporting . Then who a Jolly Fisherm●n , A Fisherman will be , His Throat must wet Just like his Net , To keep out Cold at Sea. II. The Country Squire loves Running A Pack of well-mouth'd Hounds ; Another fancies Gunning For Wild-Ducks in his Grounds : This Hunts , that Fowls ; This Hawks , Dick Bowls , No greater Pleasure wishing , But Tom that tells what Sport excells , Gives all the Praise to Fishing . CHO. Then who , &c. III. A good West●alia Gammon , Is counted dainty Fare ; But what is 't to a Salmon Iust taken from the Ware ? Wheat-Ears and Quails , Cock● , Snipes , and Rayles , Are priz'd while Season's lasting , But all must stoop to Crawfish Soop , Or I 've no Skill in Tasting . CHO. Then who , &c. IV. Keen Hunters always take too Their Prey with too much pains ; Nay , often break a Neck too ; A Penance for no Brains : They Run , they Leap , Now High , now Deep , Whilst he that Fishing chuses , With ease may do 't , Nay more , to boot May entertain the Muses . CHO. Then who , &c. V. And tho some envious Wranglers , to jeer us will make bold , And laugh at patient Anglers , who stand so long i' th' Cold : They wait on Miss , We wait on this , And think it easie Labour , And if you 'd know , Fish profits too , Consult our Holland Neighbour . CHO. Then who a Jolly , &c.

Ped.

COme , let 's have another Song , my Jolly Lads , a●d then 'tother Brimmer , which shall be once more , Confusion to all Gentry .

Gasp.

Ay , come , away with 't — but I think we have their Heads upon the Anvel pretty well now , Neighbour .

Bart.

Ay , ay , we may lay by our Hammers and our Cleavers ; now Broth●r , — the Sword is the Tool of Confusion now , ●nd so let 's drink about .

Iacom.

Gad , I was so fine , my Wife did not know me to day ; I gave her a Buss at the Mill-door , and Odzokers , the Jade took me for a Courtier , ha , ha , ha .

Gasp.

'T is a sign a Courtier has been about your Hopper then , Brother , some body or other has been taking Toll in your Absence ; wha● , the Mill must go round , Brother , the Mill must go round , ha , ha , ha .

Scip.

Ay , ay , tho the Soal be rent from the Upper-leather , as the saying is , That work must go forward — gad , would my Neighbour would drop once and give the Crow a Pudding , as the saying is , that I might take a Stitch with her , she 's a rare fresh crummy Lass ; — she 's no Pin-buttock , not she Ifaith .

Bart.

Why well said , Neighbour , — faith I 'm of thy mind — I 'd give a dish of Marrow-bones , — nay , all the new Rigging of my Captain-ship here , to beat up with her for a Voluntier .

Scip.

Come , Colonel Pedro , let 's have Madam Ursula's Health round , and give you Joy of your new Title , good Madam , and then to Madam Belvidore there — Health to your good Ladyships both .

Pedro.

Why , well said , Lieutenant , — come with all my Heart .

Ursula .

And I 'll yours in Rhenish-wine and Sugar ; what we must drink Costly now , I 'm a Lady , and then we 'll hear another Song ; this Musick with Drinking , is very pretty .

Belvid .

'T is so , Sister ; but for my part , I love a Song that raises the Spirits and makes one merry .

Pedro.

Why well said , my Lass of Mettle , this was a notable Ditty Ifaith : Prithee Iacomo do but observe my Wife in her new Rigging there ; a Pox on her , she looks for all the World like thy Mare when she has a Martingal on .

Gasp.

Come , come Boys , strike up there while the Iron 's hot , let 's have a Song and a Dance — come . Song and Dance .

Enter Rock hastily . Pedro.

Oh Mr ▪ Secretary , Welcom — but why so late , my man of Politicks ? why thou' rt six Bumpers behind at least .

Rock .

Ay , a Pox on 't , and shan't have time neither now I 'm come , to drink one of ' em . — Odsheartlikins , you must leave off Junketing immediately , for the General 's just coming hither to hear Causes ; I brought a damn'd Fellow to him this Morning , a lowring , horn-fac'd Banditti Rogue , who pretended earnest Business , that has put him so upon the fret with some Discovery , that there 's no speaking to him , he snaps and snarls at one just like a Dog in a Coach-box — Oons , he call'd me Pimp and Clod-pate just now , only for telling him what a Clock 't was , tho he ask'd me the question . Table taken off .

Bart.

Adso , away with the Bottles then .

Pedro.

Do so , and let 's talk of some new Intelligence to find out the Duke of Mataloni , — that will put him into Humour — presently .

Rock .

Here he comes , and that Devil Banditti with him still ; I wonder who he is — 't is a plaguy poor Rascal — and I 'm sure , had not a Penny about him , because he gave me no Fee — for which I would have kept him from the General — but 't was such a surly Dog , and those damnable Whiskers struck such an Awe into me — that Egad he made me do what he would , in spite of my Teeth .

Enter Massaniello , and Mataloni , disguis'd like a Banditti . Massan .

Thou hast well deserv'd thy Life ; and thy Discovery is of such weight , as makes me still thy Debtor .

Matal .

Have you given Order to Secure Carraffa ?

Massan .

'T is done , and Spies are likewise on Perone , to watch his Motion● , who at this Instant , I hear , waits for Admittance .

Matal .

'T is well ; and all the Avenues that reach the Powder , are they taken care of ?

Massan .

All , all , with strictest Diligence . — My better Genius , how shall I pay my Gratitude — tell me thy Circumstances , that I may reward thee — for saving me , and two Thirds of the People : Whence , and what art thou ?

Matal .

One of Fortune's Bubbles , blown up and down a while about the World , and when I break , am Nothing : My Race and Birth-right , if you can believe me , perhaps are yet too good for what I seem , but that may be my Pride , so heed it not : If you 'd have more know me then by my outside , which in the Figure I at present bear , expresses me — a Rogue .

Rock .

Pithy and short ; it does so indeed .

Massan .

This Male contented slander on thy self , — bears yet a relish of some hidden Honesty ; thou shalt be mine , and such a Trust I 'll give thee , a● by its Profit shall reward this Service .

Matal .

Pray , Sir , not too much of your Trust , I may deceive ye ; for what I have done , perhaps I had my Reasons , but if you burthen me with Place and Office — I shall do like most of the rest in such Cases ; I shall serve my self in the first place , I tell ye that before hand .

Massan .

Oh , this Bluntness better recommends thee to me , it shews thou art no Courtier , no favourer of accursed Mataloni , nor the damn'd Gabellers , therefore observe me , some of the Traitors are by this time Seiz'd , and rash Perone attends his certain Ruin. — Withdraw a while , till I dispatch some Business , which done , we 'll discourse farther ; in the mean time , I tell thee , I am pleas'd with thee .

Matal .

And I , if my Design succeed , most happy . Exit Mataloni .

Massan .

Brother , I order'd you to burn the Plunder , but you will have your way , I see . — What my Bull's-head Captain and the Cobler , Embroider'd too — and the Women foisting here too , pshaw , pull off your Trappings , and send those things away , — we have no Smock business now .

Pedro.

Smock-business , — gad if I had said as much , the Tanner's Wife there would have broke my Head I 'm sure ; — what a Devil ail● him .

Bart.

Why , Whiskers that went out there , has bewitch'd him , I believe .

Pedro.

D' e hear Spouse , I see he 's in a damn'd ill Humour , therefore prithee be gone .

Ursula .

Marry gap , what 's he too good to speak to us Civilly .

Mass.

How now , What Noise is that ?

Rock .

The People are mad , I think , they throng the Market-place so , that they ride upon one another's Backs ; the Jesuits Horse one another like wild Stallions ; — Perone's Exalted too , and to my thinking , would fain get foremost .

Mass.

Brother , and the rest of ye , keep here this Post , and on your Life , observe my Motions . — Are any yet let in , Sits down at a Table .

Rock .

Yes , three or four Delinquents , who were Try'd this Morning by the Court your Lordship set up for such Causes , and who now are sent to you to receive Judgment ; They are a Baker and a Fisherman : But in the Rear of these , — appear two Ghosts or ●tarv'd Skelitons , whom the Prince of Bissignano sends hither to plead their Ca●se themselves to you , strange fleshless Creatures , I would not have you see ' ●m Faith ; their Bones rattle as they walk like a Bag of Chess-men , and these accuse a Lawver , — a rich Lawyer , a Freind of mine , my Lord , of Roguery — poor Ideots , they are like to get much b●'t .

Massan .

We 'll admit 'em all , but let Perone keep at distance till they 're dispatch'd .

Rock .

Valasco , — d' e hear . Whispers Valasco .

Valasc.

It shall be done — Exit Valasco .

Enter Baker , Fish-monger , and two Women Ragged and Disfigur'd , with shagged Hair about their Ears , and looking pale and lean , as if just Starv'd ; then enter the Lawyer , who Whispers Rock . Rock sits down and looks over Papers . Massan .

Read the Bills of Accusation against these Delinquents severally , then let me know each Man particularly . — First , What 's he ?

Rock .

So please ye , a Baker — Try'd and Convicted in your Lordship's Court of Justice — For that he not having the fear of any thing before his Eyes , and a world of such formal Stuff , my Lord , sold Bread to the Poor sixteen Ounces in six and Thirty too Light — and that too most of it Dough bak'd — to lie heavy on his Customers Stomachs , that they might not find out his Cheat.

Massan ▪

Hum — for Bread Dough-bak'd , and too light sixteen Ounces , well , let his Oven be hea●ed presently , and in it bake that Baker ; bake him , d' e hear , to a Crust — then dole him round in Parcels of sixteen Ounces weight to all the Poor that are Injur'd .

Baker .

Oh , that ever I was Born — Mercy , my Lord , Mercy .

Massan .

Away , Bake him , I say — on your Lives see it done . Proceed , who 's the next ? Exeunt some with the Baker .

Rock .

A Fisherman , who brags he is Related to your Lordship , his Crime is , That being sent by a poor Labourer , who works by the Week abroad , to his Wife , lying in with Twins , with some Fish proper for her condition , she pulling out her Purse to pay him , he robb'd her of it , for want of which , she and her too Infants are since Starv'd .

Massan .

Pshaw , is that all , — why if they are Dead , the Parish is eas'd of an Incumbrance ; Ods me , and now I look on him better , this honest Man is a Relation of mine indeed , for if I han't forgot —

Fish.

Oh lack a day , Master Thomas Annello — why sure you can't forget your Cousin Bobber the Smelt-man — why I am your Si●●er's Son , and please ye ; and you may remember , how Merry we were last Lammas at the H●rring catching — well gads bobs , Cousin , I 'm huge glad of your good Fortune .

Massan .

Thank'e , thank'e — good Cousin ; a Chair ●●ere for my K●nsman .

Fish.

Hem , Hem — A Chair brought and he sits down .

Massan .

W●ll , Cousin , and prithee what is this foolish Busi●ess about this Purs● — wha● I warrant thou took'st it Joakingly , didst not — thou hadst occasion ●or a little Money — for some Frolick or so , I warrant .

Fish.

Ha , ha , ha , ha . — Why in Troth Cousin , I had so , you have nick'd it ; Gads bobs , you know I was always given to Frolicks and to play Arch-tricks , — and I think this was pretty enough : — You shall hear how ' t was . — The Woman you must know , Cousin , was newly brought to Bed , and lay grunting for Fish , and the Fool her Husband , had no more wit than to send me to her , when she might as well have come to Market her self , if all be true as I have heard of 'em — well — in came I — out came her Purse — and whip , says Iethro , I had it in a Moment , so scowr'd off — and over a Brimmer Laugh'd heartily afterwards , with my Brother Topers , a● the dissembling Carrio● — and faith ; as you say , Cousin , I think there was good Service done in 't , for the D●m a●d her Cubbs , would have certainly incumber'd the Parish — and to deal plainly , — I hear I have prevented that , for they 're all Dead — ha , ha , ha , she 'll want no more Fish in haste , nor her Brats squall no more for the Sucking-bottle , ha , ha , ha .

Mass.

So — and for this notable good Service , this same pretty Joak , Cousin , these foolish Lawyers have Convicted the● .

Fish.

Senseless Law-Rogues , they have in troth , Cousin — but I knew I had a sure Card of you ; nay , the Pimps thought to fright me with Raw-head and Bloody-bones too , and told me , that my Blood drop for drop , should be shed for theirs , and that the liquor in my Veins , who am one of the Family of the famous Annello's of Amalfi should run through the Streets , like the Kennels in a Rainy day : — What says the brave top of our House , shall it , shall it , hah , Cousin .

Massan .

No not a drop Cousin — there 's my Hand on 't — let the bold Spirits of my noble Kindred , Kill , Starve , or Drown , or Poison whom they please , must knavish Law or foolish Justice controll 'em in this Juncture too , when they hope to be Preferr'd ? No , 't is enough that they are ●in to me — and why am I in Power , but to Exalt ' em ?

Fish.

Right , my dear Cousin , right — Gads bobs , I could kiss thy Foot , hem ! hem ! Oons , I 'll be reveng'd of those Law-Rogues that Try'd me , as soon as ever I 'm Preferr'd . Aside . Well , well , and dear Cousin , you were talking of Exalting — when , when must I be Exalted — hum — I am nearest Related of any — I am your Sister's Son , you know .

Massan .

Why Cousin , within this Hour .

Fish.

Shall I faith , Gads bobs — I will kiss thy Foot now Falls down and kisses his Sh●oe . But where , where , dear top of the renowned Annelli of Amalfi — where ?

Mass.

Why , upon a Sign-post .

Fish.

A Sign-post — ha , ha , ha , — well , well , Cousin , — I know you 're a rare Joaker ; a Sign-post , very pretty faith , ha , ha , ha . They Seize him .

Massan .

Go some of ye , and Exalt my Cousin , tha● is , Hang him instantly upon a Sign-post .

Fish

Ah Cousin , dear Cousin , you carry the Jest too far now , you do I'saith .

Massan .

Hang him in Chains — but l●t no Blood be spilt upon your Lives , he is my K●●man , and I 've given my Word ; and so adieu good Cousin — d' e hear , besure you do it decently , and let him be with Ceremony Exalted . — Come , the next , the next .

Fish.

Exalted , O Lord ! why are ye in Earnest then ? Why Cousin Thomas , sure you Joak — dear Cousin Thomas — sure you Joak . They drag him out .

Massan .

Away , I say . —

Lawyer .

Hum , this is somewhat odd , my Friend .

Valasc.

Oh — a poor Rogue — I knew he 'd be Hang'd , for all the General 's Joaking .

Lawyer .

Well , my good Friend — take care d' e hear , and there 's your Fee — I have given the Secretary a hundred Ducats already .

Valasc.

Why look'e , Sir , — you have given me two Ducats here , if you don't come off d' e see , as cleverly as a husk from a roasted Chesnut , why then my two Ears are at your Service : — I heard the Secretary say as much just now — and he , he can do any thing ; you shall see him wind the General about his Hand like a skein of Silk . The two Women give Massaniello a Paper .

Massan .

What monstrous things are here , that freez my Blood with Horror of the Crimes , and make me mad with Wonder ! — bless me , what Figures too , I 'll read agen — the Prince of Bissignano's Letter .

Your Excellency is to know , your Suiters are a Widow and her Daughter ; the Widow's Husband , some seventeen Years since , Dying , left his Brother a Lawyer , his Executor , to pay her sixteen hundred Ducats for her Dowry , and as much for her Daughter's Portion , instead of which , to defraud both , he hath Villanously and Unnaturally Immur'd 'em between four Walls in a Cave , giving out ▪ They were Dead , and ever since fed 'em there with Bread , roots and Water ; their Miseries will appear visible before ye , and your Iustice on the Offender be Nobly Remarkable , —

Bissignano .

Incomparable Villany , I 'm amaz'd at it ; come forward Wretches , and Express your selves — Which is the Widow of you , and which the Daughter ?

Pedro.

If thou wilt Marry now Captain , here 's a rare Bargain for thee — here 's one won't be proud of her Bills and Bonds — this Widow will go off cheap enough — and the Maiden Daughter too — I believe , would hardly stand priming and mincing upon such an occasion , she has a Skin there would make a rare pair of Fox-hunting Boots .

Bart.

Are they Birds or Beasts , I wonder — and of what World are they ? For ours , in all appearance , they 're utter Strangers to — I warrant that Scoundrel the Lawyer , is in a smoaky Sweat now — Ods bobs , this Cause of his looks but scurvily .

Widow .

If Misery extream can deserve Pity — or injur'd Innocence can hope Redress , give ear to my sad Story , and do Justice , for all that Paper mentions , is most true , full Seventeen Years forced by that barbarous Brother , we have told the Hours in that loathsom Prison , fed with the dross of Earth , unwholsom Roots , Bread candied o'er with Mould and stinking Water , all that could make Calamity grow dreadful , and yet not Kill us , we have suffer'd daily ; The damp cold Earth our Beds , hard Stones our Pillows , and nightly visited with roapy Snails , that crawl'd upon our Faces , big swolen Spiders , the scream of Weezels , Rats , and Croaking Toads in Consort joined , was still our hateful horrid Musick , whilst dismal Darkness added to the Horror .

Lawyer .

My Lord , I beseech your good Lordship , let her prate no longer she was Mad my Lord — she was Mad — And 't is true , I kept her a little Hardly — but 't was only to bring her to her Wits agen — Hark'e , Friend , I would the cretary would put in a word now . To Gervatio . Aside .

Gerv.

O no matter , no matter , he 'll bring ye cleverly off at last , whether he does or no , Man ▪

Massan .

Go on there — What say you ?

Daughter .

The Summer's choaking heat , and Winter's cold , both which with their alternate Misery torturing our Bodies , have quite changed our Natures , our Skins like barks of Trees , our Hair like Furies , with Eagles Talons on instead of Nails , and Savage all , but in doleful Sound , breathing from our numb'd , starv'd and tormented Bodies — our Voices , that cry out aloud for Justice , for Justice , that our wretched Trunks may feel one Hour's Pleasure , tho we die the next .

Massan .

You shall have Justice , sound substantial Justice , as the Fact merits . or your Revenge could ask ; Go take that Lawyer there , that rank rich rascal , that common Murderer of Common-Pleas , that Capias , that foul blotted Writ of Error — take him , d' e hear , and strip him first Naked , then Immure him between those very Walls where these have lain , let his Food be Wax and Parchment , and his Drink , the Liquor that has Damn'd his Soul , his Ink ; And whilst the Widow his Estate enjoys , Let him Rave , Groan , and Languish till he dies .

Law.

Mercy on me , why Friend , Friend , the Secretary don't speak a word for me .

Valasc.

Hum — why faith your Business does not come off so cleverly as I thought it would , and I can't part with my Ears very well neither ; but d' e hear , Sir , let 'em Starve ye if they dare , let 'em take your Estate , I warrant he 'll maul 'em when you 're Dead cleverly , never fear , Man.

Law.

When I 'm Dead , Oh miserable Comfort ! have I Cheated so many to be a prey to Cheats my self at last ; Oh , Lawyer , Lawyer , what will become of thy Soul ?

Enter Bissignano , Perone , Banditti . Ped.

Brother , the Prince attends to speak with ye . Exit with Law. and Women .

Massan .

Is Execution done then ? To Bissignano .

Bissig .

I saw it all perform'd , — and with Alacrity ; Carraffa and his Faction all are Dead , the Jesuits also , only Genovino , who , as it seems , intending to discover 'em , has sav'd himself , but all the rest have Suffer'd ; the eager People gave a loose to Cruelty , their Heads and Hands cut off , and stuck upon Posts , adorn the Market-place , and all their Bodies mangled and torn to pieces by the Rabble .

Massan .

'T is well ; — your Ear , my Lord Whispers 'T is most certain so , therefore stand still and mark th' Event .

Bissig .

I am Amaz'd . —

Massan .

Fellows in Arms , especially Perone , the chief of my bold Undertakers : Hear me ; some Plots are late found out against my Life , the Authors of it Seiz'd and Executed , and since for the People's good , I think my Safety — may be material , let all stand at distance but those I appoint , till I Explain my self ; What says the brave Banditti's Captain there ? Is it not reasonable ?

Per.

Your singling me out , Sir , to ask that Question , is somewhat odd methinks — but let us stand as you please — I think I all along have kept my Distance as well as any , I grutch ●e no Respect that I know of

Massan .

Surly , but yet my Friend , you know , he 's Honest , honest as his damn'd Brethren in a Robbery — you 'll find it so , let Honesty be try'd ; Seize him and Search him instantly , and those Banditti's there , the Villains come to Murder me . They seize Perone .

Per.

Ah , surpriz'd just in the Minute ; Oh damn'd ill Fortune !

1 Band.

Fate , guide my Hand , have at thee . Shoots a Pistol , but misses him .

2 Band.

And mine —

Massan .

Hah — have they miss'd me ; then thanks to Providence , and thou , dear Figure of my blessed Angel , that still defends my Life against all Danger , go drag 'em to their Deaths ; tear 'em to pieces , and let their Heads be fixed among the rest .

Per.

I was a Fool , or thine had grin'd there first . Death I deserve for that , and so Confusion seize ye Perone and Banditti are carry'd off .

Ped.

The Rascals hid their Arms under Cloaks , and by that trick dec●iv'd us .

Massan .

'T is well remembred ; be it Order'd instantly , on pain of Death , no Man to wear a Cloak or upper Garment , of what degree ●oever , they shall have no more coverings for their Knavery ; From High , to L●w , Let all Men walk in Querpo . Go see my Commands obey'd , and strictly , as their Lives will answer it .

Rock .

Ay gad , and with all my Heart — for I know a plaguy r●ch Cardinal that wears a huge long red Coat , and if he does not B●ibe me well , ●'ll strip him ●o his Shirt in the first place ; ' sdheart , this new Order will bring in a Tun of Money , — and I 'll about it instantly — Gervatio — come Exeunt Rock and Gervatio .

Bissig .

This happy chance , which I Congratulate , shews the Divine Powers hold ye in regard ; Respect them , Sir , and cease your rigid Violence , Burning and Plunder ; the Vice-Roy greets ye fair too , and now agrees to grant , for th' Peoples good , Great Charles th' Emperor's Charter ; my self last night was at a Consultation with him , and the good Cardinal Fillomarino — who has besides the Grant , a Present for ye .

Massan .

I 'll Visit him this Moment ; he has a Character 't is said , beyond the Title even of Go●dness — Honest and Conscientious , yet a Cardinal ; 't is wondrous , and I scarce believe it true .

Bissig .

Truth , may good Angels guide ye to pursue . Exeunt .

SCENE II. Cardinal Solus , Reading . Card

Immortal Seneca , whose sacred Morals inflame the Sense , and ease the troubled Minds of those that can discern and taste thy Learning , how valued were 't thou in these sad Times , to Naples , if every one were skill'd in those rich Jewels , which in their value , are Ines●●m●ble ; but as the Peoples Plague is Ignorance , so the d●re want of thy Philosophy , makes still more sharp to them , the darts of Fortune — What Noise is that within ? Good Heav'n defend me ! — ●he State 's Distress , makes every little blast appear a Whirl-wind — It comes nearer still , this must be of some Moment .

Enter Rock and Valasco . Rock .

Bring up the Guards to th' door , ye sawcy Slaves , how dare ye contradict the General 's Order ? — Is it your Pleasure , my Lord Scarlet-Cap , to affront the Supream power — hoh ▪ —

Card.

What mean ye , Sir ?

Rock .

What mean I , Sir , you shall know presently , Sir , — Valasco — strip him — if you can read without your Spectacles , there 's my Warrant for it . gives a Paper .

Card.

Well , Sir , I see your Power and my Patience , as in other things , must also appear in this Valasco takes off his upper Robes But pray how far does your Commission tend ? Not to my Skin , — I hope .

Rock .

No , no , my Lord — to your Shirt only — I 'll proceed no further , I will not shew the Church●s Nakedness — tho some of you give her but Tinsel Cloathing . — To your Shirt , to your Shirt — no further .

Card.

My Shirt — alas , Sir , Age has so craz'd my Body — and long Infirmity so weaken'● me , should you proceed so in this cold bleak Season , 't would Kill me ; — have you quite forgot Humanity ?

Rock .

Oh , my Lord , I know you can Talk — I know you have a large capacious Wit , my Lord , and a large Purse too ; my Lord , if you would save your shrivel'd Carkass , then let that speak for ye , that 's the Philosophy confu●es me always , the rest is paltry , paltry .

Card.

My Purse is the Rhetorick must save me ! no , to bribe Barbarity , is to indulge the sin — I will not give a Penny.

Rock .

Come , come , Uncase , uncase then , the fine Weather will make you chatter your Repentance shortly , I make no doubt on 't . Enter Massaniello .

Valasco goes to strip him further . Massan .

Hah , hands off there — What are ye doing , Villains ?

Rock .

Oons , the G●n●ral — we were only zealous in executing your Order , and please ye — and because the old Bishop was obstinate , we thought to fright him a little , that was all .

Massan .

Avant , ●e Scoundrels , whose Souls have more of Dirt than th' basest Dung hills ; my Orders were to wear no upper Garments , but you will stretch , you will ; put on his Robe agen , Rogues , and then be gone . they dress him agen .

Rock .

He is particular ; be gone — ah , y' are a rare Fellow to call a Great Officer Scoundrel , but come — Valasco , a pox on him , we must go . Exeunt .

Mass ▪

He bears an awful Aspect — Gravity with Wisdom join'd , appear in every Feature , and seem to force a Reverence — well , what then , Looks do dec●ive us often .

Card.

Is this the Prodigy , the Instrument of Heaven , and Scourge of Naples ? He has a daring Front , quick Eye , and a Vivacuy uncommon in such Me●●ness , Fatal , and through th' who●e Physiognomy is something strangely Terrible .

Mass. Th' Outside 's Aw●u● , — th' Inside now I 'll try , And want of Learning — Reason shall supply .

Well , Reverend Sir , you have survey'd my Figure now sufficiently , would you know ought besides .

Card.

If the strange Frenzy the Age is swav'd with , would permit your Temper to Re●son calmly — I confess I wou●d , Sir.

Mass.

Proceed then , I 'am Calm , let us sit down . They sit . And to the purpose now , — what would you know ?

Card.

What you think of your self ?

Mass.

Why of my self I think — but yet may Err — as you do of Religion — Good I intend I 'm sure — tho in my Practice perhaps are Mistakes .

Card.

But we have no Perhaps , Religion is a firm and solid Basis , a sure Foundation , and the Matter good too we put in Practice .

Mass.

So you Preach indeed , but should we come to seek a Heavenly dwelling amongst your Schisms and Artful Heresies , your Pro and Con , your intricate Church Sophistry , instead of Pious plain Soul-saving Doctrine , which with sound Truths should give us safe Retreat , not Babel in all its height of monstrous Jarring , e'er shew'd such strange Confusions .

Card. The Church cannot Err ; — Some of her Mortal Sons through frailty may . Mass.

And those cause all their Flock to go Astray . Your Learning only serves to guild your Fallacies ; your Words and Deeds are never of a Piece ; You prate of Heav'n , tho 't is Earth you love , Your Hearts are here , tho Eyes are fix'd Above . Seven deadly sins blot out the Cardinal Vertues ; rank Avarice , abhorr'd Hipocrisie , sharp Tongu'd Detraction , and inveterate Envy , hot Leachery , and Charity quite frozen ; with your dear darling sin , King-killing , Murder , nest in the Bosom of your Politick Conclave .

Card.

I am Amaz'd , a Fisherman to talk thus , 't is most Miraculous . Aside .

Mass. Crimes of all Natures , That ever did or shall Infest the Globe , Lie close and brood under your Scarlet Robe . Card.

Nay , now your Passion is predominant , you break your Promise .

Mass.

Only a little Zealous for my Cause — I give you the same liberty , speak boldly .

Card.

So I shall , and Honestly , and therefore must take leave to ask a Question .

Mass.

Do , I will Answer .

Card.

Are not you a Rebel ?

Mass.

I know not by my Soul — 't is a State Title which yet I want a Definition of , but I will ask the People — their Logick shall discuss it , and then I 'll tell ye : — In the mean time , to answer with a Question , resolve me Cardinal , are not you a Hypocrite ?

Card.

My Conscience prompts me to reply to that without delay , or more demurring , — No.

Mass. Well should I grant you once it may be so , I 'm sure your Tribe can't such another show . Card.

A Hypocrite , — Oh let these bubling drops that outwards force their way from their old Fountains , through very shame , that my unhappy Age should be affronted with so vile a Question , declare my detestation of that Crime — you do not know me , Sir.

Mass.

Perhaps nor my self neither . Now I have Answer'd ye ; those Tears have shock'd me , I relent o' th' sudden . Aside .

Card.

Then I will teach ye , Sir , to know your self , for should I fail to speak for fear of Death , or stand in awe of your unweildy Power ; or as you have disgrac'd my Sacred Function , by stripping off my Robe , tho my Life were next , yet should I Sue or Flatter ye , to save it — poorly beg Pity , then I were a Hypocrite , then you might think me a corrupt Time-server , then you might brand me ; no , no , rash young Man , a Good Man never fears to die , his Sands are still before his Eyes , he sees 'em run , — and all his pious Deeds proportion'd to 'em — this makes me dauntless ; this controuls your power , — and spite of Tortures , strengthens me to tell ye you 're a Rebel .

Mass.

Very good — go on .

Card.

A most notorious Rebel ; a vile Name that bears the greatest and most odious I●famy , breaker of Laws , contemner of Religion , Author of Murders and unnatural Riot , Fire , Plunder , and most horrid Devastation . Are not you this ?

Mass.

In part , yet not a Rebel — I love the King , and for him and my Country , have undertook this dangerous Enterprize ; the People were opprest with loading Gabells , and in th' Oppression , the King's Honour tainted , which I resolve to abolish , tho I die for 't — and so I do this , so by my Labour I give ease to Naples , so the grieved People are by me Enfranchised , may I be torn in pieces by the Rabble , my Head be mounted on a Pole , my Body dragg'd through the goary Streets , whilst each vein spouts Blood out like a Conduit , I am happy , proud of my Fortune , shall contentedly die , and gladly yield my Soul without a Sigh .

Card.

Miraculous still — the more I hear him speak , the more I wonder .

Mass.

If my design to quell some of the Court — whose Avarice cramp'd us all , be call'd Rebellion — or justly punishing of those , be Murder . — To palliate that , I 've only this to say , it is the Times Distress that causes it ; uncommon Crimes have forc'd down Heaven's Vengeance , — and suppose me , tho unworthy , chose the means to work its Ends by .

Card.

You must not suppose it , — 't is Impious and the height of Arrogance ; 't is making Judgment of Eternal Wisdom , and Heaven the Author of the Ills you do — you rather ought to think , nay and believe Vengeance will fall on you if you repent not .

Mass.

My Heart melts strangely , my hard stubborn Heart ; Oh , what a power has Piety —

Card.

What sacred Vision or Inspiring Prophet gave you commission to be Tyrant here ? — suppose the People Wrong'd , are you Omnipotence to scourage the Wrongers , and anticipate Heaven's Justice , through proud Will and rash Presumption — come , come , Repent , cast down your Usurp'd Power — and reverence Heaven , that thus far suffer'd ye , — and turn'd to Benefits foul Disobedience , but cease from future Ill.

Mass.

This is a good Man , Deceit can never have such fair Appearance ; his words have turn'd my Eyes into my Soul , and his sound Reason changed my very Nature : — Thou Reverend best Instructer of my Soul , thou hast convinced me , and I now am Penitent : and if my Actions since for th' general Good , may be forgiven by Heav'n and the Vice-Roy , this to perform , by all that 's Sacred , Carmine's bless'd Virgin , and your holy self — soon as the Articles of Charles the Emperor are Ratify'd to th' People — to renounce all my Command and Power , and return to my poor Occupation , Fishery ; There with my peaceful Nett my days pass o'er , And never dream of proud Ambition more . —

Card.

Now thy good Genius prompts , — 't was spoke Divinely ; perform this Vow , and yet be bless'd for ever ; — and from the Vice-Roy , I have here Commission to say , those Articles shall all be Ratify'd , and Gabells quite Abolished — besides a Present from him to your self .

Mass.

Oh , let me kiss the Feet of my Director , — and beg his Pardon for th' Irreverend Sin late acted , in the rudeness to Disrobe him — I am a Dog , a sordid gross Plebeian , untutor'd in Humanity , a vile clod of Earth , and you should Spurn Falls at 's Feet . me hence , left I defile ye — but Pardon , I beseech ye , lest Distraction make me commit an Outrage on my self .

Card.

'T is all forgiven , and forgot ; thus from my Heart I give ye Absolution : And now pray rise , and hear what I'm in Charge of from the Vice-Roy , who as a forerunner to his future Favour , presents ye with a Suit of rich Apparel — and will himself meet ye at your appointment , there to confirm the Articles .

Mass.

I 'll meet him with all Joy , but for his rich Present , alas , my gracio●s Father , I 'm unworthy — for a poor Fisherman these I have on , are rich enough in Conscience .

Card.

Your Person indeed , that goes each day Cloath'd with Renown , Apparel can ne'er Imbellish more ; but yet 't is proper now , not as a Fisherman , but Captain-General of the Neapolitans ; th' Honour of which , obliges ye to wear a Garb befitting ; besides your condescension to the Vice-Roy .

Mass.

I am convinc'd , and now will act a Courtier , since you will have it so .

Card.

Hark , the Cathedral Bell Rings , I must attend , will you be there ?

Mass.

I 'll wait upon your Eminence , and after meet the People , who desire some Musical Diversion , for joy of my late 'scape : I 'll first be Fine , and then receive their Kindness . — Thus till the Charter is confirm'd , I 'll Revel in fluttering Gayety and frollick Mirth : Which done , the gawdy Trash away I 'll spurn , And to the Canvas I now wear , return .

The End of the fourth Act.

ACT V.

SCENE I. Mataloni Solus . Mat.

OH , mighty Love — how is thy wondrous Power shewn in the dangerous round of my hard Fortunes , and what a narrow Isthmus stands between my future Comfort , and my present Ruin , led on by thee , tho almost in Despair — to free my Soul's best Joy , my Belleraiza ; I 've ' twix● the Paws of a fierce Monster ven●ur'd , whose rancorous Heart thirsts for my Life ; whose Hatred , would make a Feast of Cruelty upon me , and gorge my Blood with Woolvish Appeti●e — yet for my Love , my Wife , I venture all — and only now want glorious Opportunity to bring it to Perfection — my late Discovery has fix'd me in the Heart of this bold Fellow — this bold , nay , I may say , this wondrous Creature ; for is it not a Prodigy in Nature , that a base Boy , poor , ragged , and bar●-footed — nay , even the lowest of the wretched Vulgar , should in an Instant , as by Inspiration , be qualified to hold Dispute with Cardinals , negotiate State Affairs of grand Importance ; draw out a powerful Army to Rebel , Command 'em , and with a Nod , a Beck , an uncontroll'd Motion , subject all Naples ; Naples , the Queen of Cities , Mother of Hero's — Metropolis and Rendezvouz of Princes , and in her full six hundred Thousand Souls , as Absolute a● any natural Monarch — t is above Wonder — Let me wait Heaven's Pleasure then , for now it i● not in my power to crush him , but with the Ruin of my self , and Love ; here is his Ring , which gives me powerful Trust , and Privilege to pass the Guards at any time — This may be of great use to my Design ; besides , he treats me now as his best Friend — and Spy upon his Enemies — I 'll feed him with such hopes — hark , they are coming from Mass — in Pomp , I hear , and a Solemnity is made to entertain him — well , let him mount , Ambitious Fool , dash'd by the turn of Times , The harder falls , the higher that he climbs .

Enter Trumpets , Kettle-Drums , and Hautboys , a Martial Symphony , Cardinal , and Mas●aniello in a Fishing Habit ; then Don Tiberio leading Blowzabella stuck with Iewels ; then Pedro leading Ursula , then Bartallo , Rock , Valasco , Jacomo , Gaspar , Scipio ; they stop , and Massaniello speaks . Mass.

Let twenty Troops be drawn up round my House ; then let two Thousand Halberts line the Gate-way , and on their Lives , no Noise — nor none press further . If it were proper your Eminence could taste a little of our Entertainment , I should be happy , but since Religious Temperance obliges otherwise , I cease my Suit — Is there ought else , my Lord , you would Command ?

Card.

Only your Licence for an Hour , to Visit Sir , the Dutchess Mataloni .

Massaniello starts . Mass.

My Lord , you shall have Licence . How her very Name , spite of my Resolves , does kindle my late Flame . Come hither — Rock — what said the Dutchess to my Suit ? Aside to him .

Rock .

Why , Sir , at first , she was at her Hums and Haws a little , but I manag'd her so , that her Stomach began to come down apace .

Mass.

Oh , she is sweeter than Arabian Odours .

Rock .

Ay , Sir , and whiter than the new fallen Snow .

Mass.

She is so , but prithee praise her not , it Tortures me .

Rock .

Not Praise her , why , Sir , is there any harm in 't , or if you should Enjoy — her , is that such a Miracle ?

Mass.

Enjoy her , 'sDeath , that word has shot me through — no more , I charge ye — my late made Vow of Honesty and Vertue , and the awful Look there of that Holy Man — they shall , they must restrain me , but then Beauty and such a sweet Revenge on Mataloni — Oh , how my Veins swell !

Rock .

Pshaw , pshaw , Sir , I hope you a' nt scrupulous — why , I 'll make her as supple as a Glove for ye , there shall be no need of Courting .

Mass.

Well , I 'll think further on 't , in the mean time , you must go wait on my Lord Cardinal to her .

Rock .

The Cardinal — what a Devil , must I Pimp for him too — pray my Lord , consider my Place , good my Lord.

Mass.

Oh , his is only a Visit , and no more .

Rock .

A Visit — gad I don't like him — he 's Gray , but not very Good , I believe .

Mass.

My new Banditto Friend there , shall go with ye too — Grasso , come hither , thou seest the Love I bear thee , and the Trust I have imposed ; take then a Secret from me ; go with the Cardinal , to Visit the young Dutchess ; the Ring I gave thee , gets admittance to her — then plant thy self cunningly ●o hear their Talk — and afterwards let me be a partaker — hah , wilt thou be diligent ?

Mat.

Nay , if ye doubt me , y' had best employ another .

Mass.

Enough — I do not , my good Lord Cardinal , these will direct ye to the Dutchess's Lodging .

Card.

Sir , you Oblige me — Exeunt Cardinal , Mataloni and Rock .

Musick sounds , and a Banquet set out here Blowz.

Well , my Lord , I am mightily pleas'd — you like my Dres● so well , and I think , tho I ha'n't been bred at Court , and perhaps may want a little of their Air , as they call it — yet these Jewels don't disfigure me . Odsfish , this upon my Breast here , cost a thousand Ducats , and this upon my Rump here , as much more . Turns round and shews her Iewels .

Don Tib.

Oh , Madam , and adorning so graceful a Person too , they receive an extraordinary Advantage — I wonder those she Plunder'd of 'em , should tell her the Price . Aside .

Blowz.

Humh — Adorning my Person — Well , my Lord , you have the prettiest words pop out now and then to oblige me — Od●fish , you have , that I could hear ye all day methinks : But come , let 's hear the Musick , and Eat and Drink , and be Merry .

Pedro.

What , my Brother is not in the Dumps still , I hope .

Ursul.

No , no , but State Affairs lie a little heavy you must think — Why truly I find my self a little Graver since I was a Lady , than I was before .

Blowz.

Come , my Lord General — Odsfish , what are ye posing on the Musick , and Banquet stays for us — you act a Courtier rarely indeed ; why , you are as dull as if you were a Gudgeon-catching ; come away , and seat your self for shame — what , we must do great things now .

They Seat themselves , and then follows a comical Entertainment of Singing and Dancing ; which ended , Enter Genovino and Soldiers , with the Heads of Carraffa and Perone on Poles , another bearing Mataloni 's Habit.

A Dialogue between two Fish-Wives . 1 st . Fish. HOw comes it now good Mrs. Sprat , You are so Impudent of late ? ● ' endeavour to forestall my Wares , And thrust your Nose in my Affairs , What is 't you would be at ? 2 d. Fish. What means the Blowz ? my actions shew , I scorn both your Affairs and you ; I hope my Trade is not so small , To help it , I should yours forestall , Sure 't is not come to that ? 1 st . Fish. Come , come , I know you carry 't high , But yesterday the Neighbours swore That you did all the Herrings buy , That I had bargain'd for before . 2 d. F. They lye , I am the very'st Iade That e'er at door a By-blow laid , If I did any Herrings buy , I 'd have ye know , Ye filthy Sow , I 've other Fish to fry . 1 st . F. Come , come , you did , you did , ye Quean , And in the Ale-house cross the Green , To Breakfast drill'd my Husband by . Both Sing together . 2 d.

I 'd have ye know .

1 st .

Ye did , ye Quean .

2 d.

Ye filthy Sow .

1 st .

Ye did , ye Quean :

2 d.

And drill'd my Husband by .

1 st .

I 've other Fish to fry .

2 d. F. Ye dirty Mawks — would I but go To graft my spouse a Horn or so , I 've Customers of Lords or Knights , Would be my Friends both days and nights , And take it for a favour too . 1 st . Fish. Thou long hast brag'd of this I own , When only Scowndrels of the Town , Were still employ'd to till your Ground . 2 d. F.

Of which your Husband 's one .

1 st . F. He was , but he soon found his dangerous case , He knows thou art not Sound . 2 d. F. Not sound — you Trollop — by this light , To vex thee , now I 'll tell the truth in spite ; He does love me , thy Husband 's mine , Our Hands , our Lips , our — we join ; And when we sit and Sing , and Play , Has wish'd thee Hang'd a hundred times a day 1 st . F.

I 'll slit that Nose .

2 d F. He says , that Mouth Is like the Pole , 't will reach from North to South And if your there so wide You know full well , The Tales men tell , What they suspect beside . 1 st . Fish.

Ye Carrion .

2 d. Fish.

Ye Mawkin .

1 st . Fish.

Ye Slattern .

2 d. Fish. Ye Puss. Both together . I 'll teach you to slander me thus , thus & thus . I 'll teach you to Cuckold me thus , thus & thus .

Genov.

THis 't is to bear a Brain — so well I 've Plotted , I am unsuspected of the late Conspiracy — and now have formed another Protean Plot , to seat my self securely .

Mass.

What mean those Objects ?

Genov.

The Heads of your two Mortal Enemies — Carraffa and Perone , the People bring to add to your Diversion ; and Mataloni had not Hell aided him , had never escap'd ; I was so near him , that I reach'd his Skin he●e , but the Snake crawl'd away .

Mass.

Damn the Jilt Fortune , — had I hook'd him too , my Heart had been at Ease ; Oh , with what pleasure could I employ this sword to rip him open , these Teeth to bite his Heart , these busie Fingers , to tear the Beard from off his hated Face , as now from this Curs'd Traitor , damn'd Carraffa .

Pulls off the Beard from Carraffa 's Head. Genov.

I hunted hard , tho I miss'd my Game ; and tho some of my Brethren were found Tardy — of which some twenty six being since Impeach'd — I have seen Executed — yet I hope the General heard of my Diligence .

Mass.

I did , my Politick Father , thou art Honest.

Genov.

Thou art a Coxcomb , and I 'm satisfy'd . Aside .

Mass.

But this Mataloni still goads my Heart — hah , have I no way to Revenge my self ? — Yet now I have it — his Wife , his Wife must do 't , I 'm now resolv'd on 't — I 'll send this Priest to fright her further , and then Attack my self — A Bottle or two more , will make me fit — the Prince there must know nothing — I 'll leave him therefore here — Go once more , mount the Traitors Heads . And , Brother — and you my Officers , I invite ye to my Closet for an hour , to drink a private Brimmer — come along Boys , we 'll have one Glass before we part , Success to our next meeting in the Cathedral .

Omnes .

Bless the General , Bless the D. Exeunt all but Don. Tib. Blowzab . &c.

Don Tib.

' dsheart , they are all gone , and have left me to be Baited . Aside .

Ursul.

Gadslid , did ye ever see such Sneaks as the General and my Major ar● , ●if they ha'n't flinch'd from the Glass , to go and parboil their Guts with Coffee now — there 's no Spirit in Spanish , poise on 't , I hate such Trifling — if we come to be Merry , let 's go through stitch ; where do's the Prince's Health stand ? Blowzabella sits and throws Pellets at the Prince .

Belv.

Here 't is , and o'e● the Left-hand Thumb it comes to himself ; here 's your Health , my Lord — would I had him in one of our Tan-pits at home . Aside .

Blowz.

Ah , he 's a precious one — Pelts him .

Don Tib.

I must get out some way or other , this rampant Fish-Wife will pelt my Eyes out else .

Blowz.

My Lord , I think I heard you say , you were never Married , and truly you deserve to be Priz'd for 't extreamly — Odsfish , a Batchelor has such a peremptory sort of way with him to Married Men ; Oh , faugh , a Married Man's quite another thing , I know 't by my Husband .

Don Tib.

So , if Cuckolding this Fish General now were a Revenge sufficient for the Nobility — I think I 'm in a fair way to Oblige ' em .

Belv.

Madam Ursula , what thinks your Ladiship of another Song ?

Ursul.

Why truly Madam , very well , if your Ladiship will oblige us .

Belv.

Nay , Madam , the best Voice must be preferr'd always .

Blowz.

Nay , nay , — rather than let both your Ladyships bustle about it , I 'll do it my self — my Lord the Prince , prithee come and sit nearer me — and don't lie glaring at me with your Twinklers , but come and hear my Song , 't is a merry one I 'll promise ye ; now how d' e like it . Sings here .

Don Tib.

Oh , 't is most Ravishingly well , Madam — thus am I oblig'd to Lye two or three times a day at least to keep my self in Favour . ' dsDeath , there 's no getting off : Oh , I think I have it — Pulls a out Paper Odso , I had forgot a business of Importance , which the General should have seen before ; I beg your Prrdon , Ladies , I must be abrupt and go seek him .

Blowz.

Pshaw , not yet , my Lord , not yet , 't is time enough to seek him come , come , pray let our Business be done here first .

Don Tib.

Oh , Madam , 't is from the Vice-Roy , and of prodigious Consequence : Curse on my Fortune , that envy's me this pleasurable Minute , bu● I 'll dispatch and return , Ladies , with all haste imaginable .

Blowz.

Well , you know my Closet , my Lord — and since you must go , pra● dispatch quickly — and you shall find us there ; we 'll go and settle our Stomachs with a dram or two of my Water ; for you must know , my Lord , I mak● such Water , such heavenly Water , it will make a young Fel●ow ●●isk up to th● Moon , and an old Fellow's Heart dance the Canaries .

Don Tib.

I am instructed , Madam , your Humble Servant : 'T is well I fou● this Excuse — I should have been Drunk too , if I had staid , I find . Ex. D. Ti●

Blowz.

Well , Odsfish , he 's the Prince of a Man every way — and we 'll hav● his Health agen before we part , I'faith ; Come , let 's enjoy our selves , we 'll think no more of the sneaking and pinching of our former days , but hug Fortune , and take Pleasure in by Belly-fulls ; come along , Lasses : What , we must do great things now . Exeunt .

SCENE II. Enter Mataloni and Rock . Rock .

She 's in her private Alcove there — and the Cardinal 's gone to her , I suppose to help her in her secret Devotion , these Churchmen are rare Terriers , they can hunt in a dark Corner rarely . Od , she 's a lushious Cr●ature , Friend , hast ever seen her ? When he 's gone , I 'll try if I can Ferret her my self .

Mat.

Curst Imp of Beelzebub , what does he say ? But d' e hear , Friend , I 'm order'd here unseen , to observe their Actions , let us withdraw then — the General at yonder door would have you to wait his coming — and then give me Notice .

Rock .

Well , Sir , I hear ye ; I do most damnably hate this Fellow , and yet I dare not quarrel with him — and yet the Rascal interlopes upon my Business — and I find , creeps into the General 's Favour every day more and more — and must Ruin me in time ; say you so , why then be wise , Friend , and Ruin him first — send him packing , and if thou hast not two penny worth of Courage , Oons , buy two penny worth of Rats-bain , and that will do 't every whit as well . Ex. R.

Mat.

I 've sent that Fellow on a trivial Errand : because he should not hear the approaching Passages , and see where my dear Belleraiza comes ; Oh , how my Heart pants with uncommon Joy which my hopes give me of my good Success — she Weeps , hah , and looks pale — and talks with Passion ; perhaps these Devils may have wrong'd her Vertue — Oh , Hell , if that be so , I 'm lost for ever ; I am afraid to hear , and yet must listen .

Enter Cardinal and Dutchess . Dutch.

Thus every hour they torture me , first , they fright me with my Lord 's being Taken , and then follows the Villain 's Brutal Love.

Card.

Let your kind Heart with this assurance rest , he yet is free and safe .

Dutch.

Blest be that Tongue , the pangs and hourly sorrows I must suffer for him , now I shall bear the better — for I expect this Evening a fresh Onset , another odious Love-sollicitation , and now I am prepar'd .

Mat.

Prepar'd for it ! how my Impatience burns me — I 'll go forward and try her now my self .

Card.

Oh , this persidious wi●ked faithless Wretch ! he swore to me , and bound it also with solemn Vows and serious Protestations , to be the Author of no more vile Actions ; he promis'd to lay down Arms too , and then take up his old Mechanick Occupation — but his unbala●c'd Head forgets it ; thus want of Honour in all base Born Creatures , make 'em so little value things so Weighty .

Dutch.

Yonder another of his Engines comes — Oh , how I hate that horrid baneful Face , and the more horrid purpose he 's Employ'd in , which rather than consent to , or be forc'd , I 've yet a means left in my power to help me , one dear , dear R●medy I 've yet obtain'd , to keep my Faith to my dear Lord , and free me . Shews the Viol of Poison .

Card.

Take heed best Daughter — how you offend the Deity , or doubt the aid of Providence , by using Violence on your self , you have heard self-Murderers Punishment .

Dutch.

Oh , preach it not , good Father — Heaven were unmerciful ; cruel Extent , to expect gen'rous Vertue should wa●t to the last Moment for a Miracle .

Card.

Heaven guard ye sooner , I do not doubt it will — your Business seems with us , Sir — what 's your Commission ?

Matal .

The General expects a private Conference with the Lady — the Business is not proper for your Ear , my Lord.

Card.

If 't is a sin Affair , as I suspect , it is most proper that I should be near , with holy Admonitions to prevent it .

Mat.

Prevent the sallies of hot Love , my Lord , with cold Divinity , 't is vain , vain Labour , good your Grace retire — to you Madam , I am to tell this News — your Lord is Taken , and by the General 's Order , Dies to Morrow , unless to night your beauteous Charms repeal it .

Dutch.

Peace , horrid Screech-Owle — Oh , for a Basilisks Eyes to blast the Author of the dreadfulest Tydings that e'er forc'd through the Ear into the Heart . Weeps What think ye now , My Lord , of patient Virtue , waiting for Champion Guards sent down from Heaven , one Hours delay may cause the brave Intention too late to be effected ; the Ravisher's coming , Hells Gates are open , and he rushes in , methinks I hear him already , no more hope of Divine help then — but be sudden . Apart .

Mat.

My Lord , your Absense will be very requisite .

Card.

My Presence is much more — I will not still — but with my Bosom bare , oppose the worst that Lust and Rage can offer to her Chastity . Oh , thou bright Mirrour of Celestial goodness , thou Pattern in perfection of blest Women , think not I e'er will leave thee till I 'm Dead , no , we 'll both die e'er Villainy shall Prosper ; then when the Beams of Immortality have ra●ified this Clod we wear below , The glorious Stars of Piety and Love , Shall we mount upwards , and be fix'd Above .

Mat.

Madam , you see the Cardinal 's Old and Obstinate , I hope you will consider better .

Dutch.

It is , it is resolved , I 'll do it with a Smile , and calm as Infants in a Lethargy — and so prevent the Death of that good Man — that honest Bishop , for he 's one I 'm sure . — I have consider'd , Sir , To Mataloni .

Mat.

Now hold my Temper — well , Madam , what 's the result ?

Dutch.

Why , Sir , Extremity conquers all Resolves — my Husband's Death and my own Misery , are things of Weight — pray take aside the Cardinal , and mould him but to give me Absolution , only to satisfie a scrupulous Conscience , and then I 'll give an Answer satisfactory .

Mat.

Tho that dire Answer gives me Life or Death — my fatal Curiosity must hear it . — A word , my Lord Goes to the Cardinal — then she pulls out the Viol.

Dutch.

Now aid me , Love — ye Powers that value Honour , strengthen my Heart and Hand . Is preparing to drink .

Card.

Away — hold , noblest Daughter da●h the Poison down , famish Despair , still let us trust to Providence .

Mat.

Hah — the Poison — Almighty Powers , what had I like to have done ! Oh , thou sweet Angel. Rushes to Embrace .

Dutch.

Stand off , blackest Devil . She pushes him back .

Mat.

Off my Disguise — Oh , let thy sight be free , whilst to thy panting Heart , I give thy Husband — thy Love , thy Mataloni .

Dutch.

Mataloni , Is 't possible ! Oh , thou Extream of Joy ! Embraces him eagerly .

Mat.

My Wife , my Soul , my dearest Belleraiza — forgive my late Curiosity , which but for this good Lord's preventing it , had damn'd me past Redemption — Oh , thou best of Women .

Card. This is th' exactest work of Providence . The sacred Grace was here ev'n to a Miracle . Mat.

How I 've adventur'd , and what Dangers pass'd , I 'll tell at better leasure , let it suffice now — this Ring gives means for your delivery , which we 'll this Instant put in Execution .

Dutch.

New Joy so crowds my Heart , I cannot bear it .

Mat.

Hark'e , some body 's coming sure .

Mat.

'T is so ; here 's th' Secretary — hah , and that Villain Jesuit that broac'd the late Conspiracy — stand still , my Love , I 'll get but th' Wind of 'em — and then we are safe enough . Goes behind the Door .

Enter Rock and Genovino . Rock .

Look'e , they 're together still — I think the Devil 's in these Cardinals — when once they get a Woman into their Clutches , they 'll never let her go .

Genov.

Why , Sir , I hope you don't doubt but we can distinguish Blessings Sir , of which a Woman is not I think , the meanest , when she is Beautiful and Kind which this must be through meer necessity , she knows she 's in the Trap.

Mat.

And so are you — good Pole-cat , and your Fellow Vermin there . draws .

Genov.

Horror — who is 't I see — the Duke of Mataloni .

Rock .

The Devil .

Mat.

Stir not a Foot , Villains — for if you do , your Souls follow the Motion ; and tho your Crimes deserve immediate Hell , yet from the noble hand of Mataloni — thus grovelling down , your baseness keeps ye safe . — Come my fair Love , and my most honoured Father , this is our happy Moment , let 's pursue it . On my Disguise once more , and in my Chamber I 've one for thee , my Blessing ; then through the Guards we 'll haste to th' Vice-Roy's Castle , and leave those lock'd up close to plot new Mischief . They lock Rock and Genov.

Card.

Heaven's Care , admir'd Mataloni — go lead on . in , then Exeunt .

Dutch. Thus does just Heav'n atone for cares of Life , With the best Husband , Mat.

And most Charming Wife .

Rock .

We have made a rare hand on 't ; a Plague on your Mouse-trap , you ominous Vermin , let 's see now if you can Conjure us out here : let 's hear your Sophistry ; break open the Lock there , with a Pox t'e .

Genov.

I might as well Curse your dull Pate , Sir Scribler , to let a slight Disguise out-Wit ye thus — how came he into Trust ?

Rock .

Why the Devil ow'd me a spight ; I brought him to the General first , 't is true , mistaking him for a Banditto — and finding him even bloated with a Discovery ; — but what 's that to the present purpose ? What business had you there with the Dutchess ? 'T was to know that , drew me hither after ye , I had been safe else .

Genov.

I had particular Order , I was to Pump her .

Rock .

Were ye so , Timothy Transub — were ye so indeed ; and for which pumping Design , there 's a good Thump for ye Rascal : d'sheart , another Interloper in my Business , come on Rogue , are ye good at Procuring , as soon as ever ye have got into the Bobtail'd Mode , a swell'd Nose and a black Eye , are proper for ye ; I 'll make ye look a right Ba●d presently . They Fight .

Genov.

This Purse shall do me Justice instantly — I 'll be reveng'd , nay , tho I loose the Money , the Spirit moves now , and thou shalt feel my Anger .

In the Scuffle puts a Purse into Rock 's Pocket ; they fight on . Enter Massaniello with a Key . Mass.

Heated with Wine , and fit now for the purpose ; Where is this Charming Dutchess , whose bright Beauty e'er since I saw her , has inflam'd my Heart ; my Heart , that has possession of all Pleasures that Greatness brings in its full range of Power , shall Sate its Wishes with one Bliss beyond it , the best and dearest , a fair Ladies Love , then I may boast , I have been truly Happy . — The Cardinal is gone hence , but where 's the Lady ; and where my Creatures , Rock and Genovino .

Rock .

Ah , he 's Fluster'd , I see — we shall have a rare time on 't — would I were any where , but where I am , tho 't were in an Oven that had just been heated , I could not be in a greater Sweat I 'm sure .

Mass.

Hah , are not these they — or do my Eyes deceive me ? Is not that Rock ?

Rock .

The Ghost of Rock , and please ye , but not the real Substance , that was frighted away with an Apparition of the Duke of Mataloni , that was here just now .

Mass.

How he tortures me — what , Mataloni , Dog-bolt .

Rock .

Why Sir , in short then , since it must out , the Banditto Captain that you have Entertained and Trusted — was that Devil , Duke of Mataloni in Disguise .

Mass.

Hell blast thy Tongue , and where , where 's the Lady , Rascal ?

Rock .

Gone , gone , Sir , gone — he threatn'd to Murder us if we cry'd out or stirr'd , and then took her away , and Lock'd us in — and by virtue of the Ring you gave him — they 're past the Guards by this time .

Mass.

How my Rage Choaks me — I could tear my self , dash my besotted head , and with these hands pull from their Socke●s these dull useless Lights — that could not guide my sense in such an Exigent — Sense , Death and Hell , I had no Sense — no Soul ; for had I either , or my Sight , or Feeling — I must know what my Nature so Abhorr'd — through the meer force of strong Antipathy . Hah , but now I think on 't Dog , 't was your Officious Villany first brought him to me — how came it ? Answer that Slave .

Rock .

Alack , by chance , my Lord — meer chance ; he said , he had great Business with ye .

Genov.

Ah , Mr Secretary , no more Deceits , respect your Conscience , good Mr. Secretary .

Mass.

What say'st thou , art thou privy to any thing ? Does he play Fals● with me ?

Rock .

Not I , my Lord , upon my Soul. What does that Rascal mean ?

Genov.

My Lord , though I see his Conscience is quite ●ear'd , yet I must ease my own — the Man is Guilty — Accomplice with Carraffa and their Faction — and brib'd to assist the Dutchess's Escape .

Mass.

Oh , monstrous Hell-hound .

Rock .

Here 's a damn'd Rogue , for ye , here 's a Priest for the Devil — I hope your Excellency won't believe him — for may I be Parboil'd , or Roasted upon a Grid●Iron my Lord , if ever I saw Carraffa .

Genov.

Oh , vile , vile Sinner , — dar'st thou look in my Face and say this ?

Rock .

Look in thy Face — why thou confounded Villain — I confess , thy Impudence does dazle me — but I beseech ye , my Lord don't believe him .

Genov.

Not believe me , why , my Lord , he own'd it a little before you came , upon which , my Choler being rais'd , we had a Bustle and some Blows , which is the occasion of this my disorder both of Head and Habit : — But for a more convincing Proof , search him , my Lord , and without doubt , you may find Carraffa's Purse , in which the Golden Bribe is now about him .

Rock .

Search me , Satan — send all thy Imps to do 't , I fear 'em not — but come , I 'll do 't my self — I 'll make a plain Discovery , my Lord , Empty my self before ye — Oh , Murder , Treason . Pulls out the Purse .

Mass.

The very Purse , by Iove — and with Carraffa's Cypher on 't ; Oh , damn'd , damn'd Traitor .

Genov.

You have made a very plain Discovery , in Troth , Mr. Secretary .

Mass.

I will be so reveng'd . — Here Father . Gives him the Purse .

Rock .

I am Bewitch'd — I 'm not able to speak — Oh , Dog , Dog , Dog.

Mass.

This Key unlocks all the Doors — where are my Guards there .

Rock .

I beseech your Lordship , hear me but a word . He unlocks the Door .

Mass.

Away Contagion — Seize that Traitor there , Whip him round the Market-place , then Hang him in Chains , for Crows and Daws to feed on .

Enter Bissignano , Pedro , Bartallo , Jacomo , Gaspar , Scipio 2 d : Jesuit and Guards . Genov.

I think now , Friend , I am better than my Word — I only promis'd ye a Whipping , you know — and now have added something more .

Rock .

Oh , that my hands were at Liberty , Devil .

2 Ies.

Alack , is he th' occasion of thy Sentence ? have Patience a little , and my tender Conscience shall help thee to a Revenge — My Lord , be pleas'd to read that Paper . Gives Massaniello a Paper .

Mass.

What 's here ! a List of the Conspirators in the Powder-Plot , and Genovivino's hand amongst the foremost — 'T is so , I know his Character , and this the Fellow that the Cardinal spoke of , who made the first Discovery — Guards , take that Jesuit too , and use him like the other —

Genov.

Oh , Devil , hast thou deserted me at last ?

Rock .

So , so come along Priest ; — we shall see now how that sleek Back of yours can bear the Lash — and your Neck become a Halter — and now you may give your self to the Devil too , if you please .

Genov.

Well , the gaping Rascals shall not hear me confess any thing ; however , I 'll be true to our Order — who I know , will all vouch my Innocence , pray my Soul out of Purgatory , and make me a Saint for ●ver into the bargain .

Exeunt Guards , with Rock and Genovino . Don Tib.

These were both Rogues , and have deserved their Punishment . But now , Sir , to some Business of more Weight ; the Vice-Roy and Great Colateral Council — have caus'd the Art●cles to be Engraved like those of Old of Charles the Fifth and Ferdinand , all that your Heart can wish ▪ to free the People — is there Inscrib'd with care and diligence . A Marble Monument is Erected likewise , where in large Golden Letters is Decyphered the Infranchisement of Naples from all Gabells — by Great Massaniello . — You are desir'd therefore to meet in the Cathedral Church to Morrow , where after high Mass and Celestial Musick , the Deed 's to be on both sides Sealed and Ratifi●d .

Mass.

I 'll hear no more of trifling Business now , my Head contains a Tempest , my Brain burns fiercer than AEtna or Vesuvius's Mounts — I 'm mad with Rage , and therefore let all Nature , like me , be in Confusion ; he that speaks of Order and discretion in Affairs , is my Foe ; my hour , shall be Mankind's , and in that moment when I Wisely act , let them be struck with endless Lethargy : — am I not here Supream ? I am ; and yet my Soul Wish●s to Sway the rest — and that the Globe obey'd my Will — I would confine the Winds — stop the due course of Seas , and make the Sun influence the World by my peculiar Order ; but since that cannot be , let this suffice — That with a Nod , vast Legions I Command , And from Tyrannick Yoaks have freed the Groaning Land.

Pedro.

My Lord , You must not mind what he says now . Exit Massaniello . Love , Anger and Claret , have made him at present a little out of Order , but you shall see he 'll quickly come to himself again .

Bart.

He talks none of the Wisest now , 't is true , but for all that , I 'll wage a fat Bullock against one of thy Sacks of Meal , Neighbour , that he goes to Church as soberly to Morrow as the Cardinal himself .

Iacom.

Oh , no doubt on 't , no doubt on 't .

Scip.

Where 's Valasco ? I warrant now his Master 's gone to be Hang'd , that poor Rascal will be out at Elbows agen .

Gasp.

Ay and out at heels too , if thou out of thy Noble Compassion do'st not help to mend him , Cobler .

Don Tib.

Well , Friends , you 'll put the General in mind then , you know 't is a Business of Concern .

Iacom.

We will , we will , my Lord.

Don Tib.

He has sworn to lay down Arms , and yet I doubt him , for Power , like n●w Wine , in so young a Head , may well intoxicate and turn the Brain — yet not to do 't , ushers his certain Ruin ; for let Rebellion revel for a while , and by th' Almighty's Suffrage — plag●e a Kingdom , there will be yet an hour mark'd out for Vengeance ; this then I Prophecy for Massaniello ; Though high on Fortune's Wheel he 's seated now , A time soon comes , when he must fall as low . Curtain falls

The End of the First Part.

THe First and Second Collections of Mr. D'urfey's Comical Songs : Printed for Henry Playford , at his Shop in the Temple-Change , Fleet-street , and sold at most Musick-Shops in Town .

THE FAMOUS History and Fall OF MASSAINELLO OR , A FISHERMAN A PRINCE .

The Second PART .

Written by Mr. DURFEY .

LONDON : Printed for I. Nutt near Stationers-Hall , 1699.

PROLOGUE to the Second Part. AS some stale Luckless Mis●ress of the Town , With former Lovers out of Favour grown ; Tries Art in vain new Appetite to raise , And bring into fresh Play her slighted Face : In such forlorn condition now are Plays . The Muses Grace no longer can perswade , We find their Beauty , or your Taste decay'd . The Season too our Interest does oppose , Warm Weather and May-Fair are Martial Foes ; For whilst th' Great at th' Park in Coaches Loll , And Dames of humbler Fortunes foot the Mall , And Citts divert themselves at Miller's Droll . We strut alas , who cease no Pains nor Care , To empty Boxes , and to Benches bare : Hear what a Dismal sound from Hollow Walls , Fills our sad Ears when a fierce Hero bawls . Thus when y' are absent our own Knells we Toll , And loss of you is our departed Soul : Hard Fate too , that the Sun that brings us Flowers , And cheers the Nation round with Genial Powers , Should to all Harvests be a friend but ours . Yet thus it is , when as their Zeal's inclin'd To praise his Beams , we pray for Rain and Wind : In Rain to Marrobone no Bowler goes , And Wind the Ladies from the Circle blows : But when the Sun shines cle●r , then all are fled , Whilst we like Cattle in a Parch'd-up Mead , Condemn'd to one poor Barren spot of Ground , Run to next Covert , where cool Draughts are found ; There chew the Cud our Audience turn'd away , And drink to better Fortune the next day . This your hard usage oft has forc'd us to ; You will not sure such Rigour always shew ; Our Second Part needs must indulge your Taste , 'T is th' Rebels Fall , much shorter too than th' Last . Let a regard to both , your Humour sway , Let some be for the Park , some for the Play. As for you Bowling Sparks can you find here No other sport as good this time ●'th ' Year , Is Side-Box quite forgot , and the Masqu'd Dear ? Nay then we must despair we shall prevail , All Hopes are gone , when Wit and Wom●n fail ▪

DRAMATIS PERSONA .

DON Rodrigo Pons de Leon , Viceroy of Naples and Duke of Arcos . Don Tiberio Prince of Bissignano . Guiseppe Duke de Caivano . Cardinal Fillomarino , Archbishop of Naples . Duke di Mataloni . Massainello , General of the Neapolitans . Pedro di Amalfi , His Brother a Ruffian . Pimponio , A Villain and Parasite , but Witty and Comical , Gentleman-Usher to Blowzabella . Cosmo and Pietro Two Young Lewd Fellows Companions to Massainello . WOMEN . Dona Aurelia , The Vice-Queen . Dona Beleraiza , Dutchess of Mataloni . Dona Felli●ia , Daughter to the Duke di Caivano and her Niece . Blowzabella , Wife to Massainello . Ursula , Her Woman .

Suitors , Musicians , Masquers , Singers , Dancers , and Attendants .

The Scene Naples , the Time Four Days .

THE FAMOUS History and Fall OF MASSAINELLO .

ACT I.

SCENE I. Viceroy , Caivano , Cardinal , Mataloni . Vice.

STILL does Heaven's Anger reign ; still is poor Naples crush'd by the weight of proud Rebellious Power : Nature , and the whole Face of Things are alter'd , and seem to yield the sway to Mad Confusion : Yet in the Hurry of our strange Misfortunes , methinks I feel a spark of Joy , my Lord , * To Mataloni . to see you safe , and having heard your Story , at once rejoyce and wonder .

Mat.

I humbly thank your Highness ; and declare amongst the Plunder of the Harassed Nobles , tho' I have felt the worst Barbarity , Rebels could act , or Malice make inveterate ; Yet my relieving my dear Belleraiza , tho' my ●nnatural Brother lost his Life for 't , has clearly wip'd off Fortune's Injuries , and made me once more happy .

Caiv.

And to Parallel your Joy , my Lord , let me exert my own : I have a Daughter dear to me as Health , or the Life-blood that warms my Aged Heart ; Train'd up in good by an Indulgent Mother , and ever since Kind , Vertuous and Obedient ; she by your timely notice Scap'd from Outrage , and e're the Horrour of my Houses Burning , was sav'd with me to bless you for the Deed.

Card.

Almighty Powers , what horrid sounds are these ! Plunder and Burnings are the dismal Knels that Toll perpetually ! Black Horrour , Revels , and Ruin Triumphs in the Streets of Naples ; whil'st in the Viceroy's watry downcast Eyes , we read the baleful Tidings of Distress : But yet , my Lord , we must not drink Despair ; that Draught let me throw by , and dash the Goblet , urg'd by the Fiends to hinder future Blessings .

Vice.

No , my Good Lord , my Courage is my Antidote against Despair , and keeps the Poyson from me ; yet to a Soul less great than mine to see , the strange Revolves of Fate , the Court's Dishonour , the Ruin of our best Nobility , the danger of our Starving ; all Provisions on pain of Death , being hindred to come near us ; and this comman●ed by a Beggar 's Brat ; A base Plebeian moulded from a Dunghill ! This to a Heart less brave , my Lord , might shock and force the Soul from her Religious Ward , to prompt a desperate Action .

Card.

Therefore , Faith , and it's Twin-sister , Hope , must rule your Reason .

Vice.

Therefore it does so ; but my Wife , I fear , has other Sentiments ; her noble Spirit , bred from the Princely Race of the Medinae , to be block'd up , and as it were Imprison'd by the Rabble , breeds a ferment in her Breast , not easie to be quel●●d .

Mat. She is brave and Royal — and disdains to sue , A Soul Divine , and only worthy you . — Caiv.

Though her Confinement must be Irksome to her , being block'd up at Land — yet th' Sea is open ; which poor Advantage tho' of slight regard is , as I understand , now her best Comfort ; for every Evening in her Rich Felluca , accompanied by my Daughter , who to please her , sings to her Lute , and Charms the Neighb'ring Ecchoes , between the Castle-Port , and the Wide Ocean , she Rows to take the Air.

Enter a Servant . Serv.

So please your Excellence , the Vice-Queen in hast desires to have Audience .

Enter Aurelia , Belleraiza and Fellicia . Vice.

Tell her she 's Welcome . — More ill News , I fear , has reach'd her knowledg , for her Cloudy Brow seems to foretell a Storm . Now Madam — What 's the Matter ?

Aur.

Matter of Death , — Nay , more , Damnation , were it in my power : Oh that as my just Anger makes my Breath vent out these loud Complaints , it had the power to blast this Monster with Eternal Plagues , — this Skreeking Mandrake , this vile Earth-born Clod , that dares Prophanely thus send Sawcy Missives to blast the Eyes , and grieve the Hearts of Princes . Shews a Letter .

Vice.

From Massainello ?

Aur.

He ! — the ill-bred Rebel ! Writes in a Stile as if he were my Equal , Advice to me — that I should speak to you , to you my Lord , as you expect his Favour , — his Favour , Oh Gygantick Impudence ! would make Hell blush , and every Fiend wear Crimson ▪ To send him back the Dutchess Mataloni !

Mat.

Audacious Slave !

Aur.

His Ruffian Brother too would see my Neice , — my dear Fellicia here too as a Suitor : Oh how a Noble and August Disdain warms every Sinew ! — How the Active Blood Burns in my Veins , and makes my Heart all flame , So eager am I to revenge this shame .

Card.

Have Patience , Gracious Madam .

Aur.

'T is impossible : Such Injuries are past all Moderating : He says , the Duke there basely stole his Wife , whom he design'd to keep there as a Hostage , till th' Articles were Seal'd ; and if Submission does not attone , and is not made on th' Instant , she too sent back together with my Neice . He ends his Scrowl with a vain-glorious Rant , that he 'l send Power to ●etch her back by force ; and beat the Castle-walls about our Ears .

Bell.

Oh that my Sorrows had but force enough to lay me in my Grave , that I might rest !

Mat.

I hope my Love does wish too , I should be with her there .

Bell.

Or that you and I were Villagers , born in some far remote and peaceful Land , that War's Confusion ne'er did understand ; where we instead of Greatness had been blest , with darling Comforts from our daily Labour ; where Love still exercis'd his Charming Power , and sweet Contentment made us wish no m●re ; Where Anxious Cares of State could ne'er return , But happy Joys succeed each Night and Morn .

Fell.

But how shall poor Fellicia hope for Comfort , if from her Father she is forc'd away ? Oh let me stand the worst of Fortune's Malice , rather than from my Life 's Original , be parted till I 'm dead : Besides , to toll me of a Ru●fian's Love , — tortures Kneels . my Heart so , I e'en hate my self for giving him occasion but to name it . Love , as I 'm told is the Soul 's choicest Blessing ; the greatest Joy that can reward the Brave ; or Beauty joyn'd with Vertue can expect . A Sacred charming and peculiar Grace ; and e'er that 's forc'd , which Merit should enjoy , by Rebel-power , good Heaven let me die .

Ca●v .

Thou Living Mirrour of thy Mother's Sweetness● in whom I now behold by kind reflection , the former Joy that us'd to warm my Heart , take this Assurance from a tender Father , — never to separate thy Duty from me , nor yield thee up for fear of any Torture that Cruelty can threaten .

Vice.

And what say you , my Lord ?

Mat.

When I consent to send the Panting Heart from out my Bosom , I mean its dearest Guest , my Belleraiza , — a Hostage to Rebellious Insolence ; may the curst Rabble , like a Flock of Vultures , tear me to pieces as a common Prey .

Card.

Nor will I e'er advise it , — Villany is still most slily couch'd with a pretence most specious : The Relapse of this uncurb'd Plebeian — wounds my Breast , with such a hated sense of his Impiety , that I abhor all Motions he can make , therefore let 's trust in Heaven and our Arms.

Vice.

Your Eminence has spoke my Heart ; let 's fortifie , and to his Face send back his Insolent Message , with a resolv'd denial ; then relie on Heaven's relief , or bravely sighting die .

Aur.

Die ! — 't is a Pleasure to my Soul to think on 't , so we may die reveng'd — or at least frustrate , the barbarous Plots of base Plebeian Mischief .

Caiv.

'T is what shall Crown our Souls with Endless Bliss for a Pain Momentary .

Caiv.

Which Infants hardly shrink at .

Aur.

Learn of me ye withering Blossoms of distress'd Nobility , how to defie the Ills of Destiny , and worst of Fortune's , Malice . Steel your Hearts with Honour first ; then with Generous Resolution ; and let Aurelia nobly guide your Steps into the Temple of Perpetual Glory , by a brave Deed irksome to our soft Natures : Yet Portia and Great Sophonisba were our fam'd Examples , and when Lawless Power , and Savage fury threatens with Captivity , - when that hour comes , mark me ye Twinns of Vertue when you behold my Conquer'd Spirits faint , with a bright Dagger drench'd in my warm Gore , or my Eyes languish with some Poysonous Draught , which my own hand has nobly ministred . — Then chuse your fate equal in each degree , Scorn poor Rebellious Rage , and die like me . Exit with Bell. and Fell.

Card.

Thus when a noble Heart inspir'd with Honour is fill'd with the sharp sense of smarting Wrongs — thus still it vents its Sorrow , — I must follow her . And tho' I see Grief's Fever rages high , perhaps with care , good Reasons may abate it .

Vice.

Stay , good my Lord , a moment , for I think I see the Noble Bissignano coming .

Mat.

'T is he , my Lord , and in his Cheerful Countenance , I hope I read good News . Enter Bissignano .

Vice.

Pray Heaven it prove so .

Biss.

Health to the Viceroy — and to all the rest , my Gracious Lord , and you my Noble Kinsmen .

Vice.

My good Lord , as well as Wretches who are hourly frighted with Cannons Battering , or Proscription 's Terrour , as well as those whom a close Siege has rendred incapable of getting Necessaries , or as well as those by Hunger almost pin'd or grip'd by pinching Sorrow , can bid you welcome , we return your Courtesie . And now desire to know our several Dooms ; You are Fate 's Minister ; the Tongue of Destiny ; — What Order bring you now ? what dreadful Thunder , since his revolt of Sealing th' Articles , and his damn'd Message to send back the Dutchess ; must we leave our half-starv'd Bodies ? Hah ! what says th'Leviathan ? Who 's to be swallow'd next ?

Biss.

Himself , my Lord , into the deepest Pit of the Infernals , sooner than such fear'd harm , should touch your Highness : No , no , my Lord , I bring ye better News ; the Wind is chang'd , and his Intoxicated Brain reliev'd by Rest , which the full Bowls before distemper'd , he now resumes his Sense , and seems asham'd of his late breach of Promise to the Cardinal .

Vice.

Is 't possible ! can he relent !

Biss.

He does wi●h great Concernment ; owns too his late rude Message to the Vice-Queen ; and says , the Duke's Escape with his fair Lady was noble and well-plotted .

Mat.

This looks too sudden , I fear a Snake lurks underneath these Flowers ; — prepar'd to sting . — But what concerning th' Articles — Does he intend —

Biss.

There lyes the best and chiefest of my Embassie , — his Head grown sober now , and the hot Fumes of Drinking being abated , with a Look that pictur'd Gravity with Awker'd Grace : — He bid me thus express him : Tell his Excellence , Don Roderick Pons de Leon , Duke of Arcos , Viceroy of Naples under great King Philip , that I the General of the Neapolitans — Tomas — but vulgarly call'd Massainello , after my shame for late Miscarriages , which my Intemperance urg'd , do beg his Pardon , — and will , as I late gave my word , to morrow , meet him in the Cathedral , there to Seal the Articles of Infranchisement o' th' People from Gabels , and all heavy Impositions pursuant to Great Charles the Emperor's Charter ; and that it may last in perpetual memory , a splendid Monument shall be erected , with an Inscription writ in Golden Characters , This wondrous A●tion famous to Posterity .

Caiv.

B●est Turn of Fortune ! now the Air clears agen , — and th' Sun begins to clear our droop●ng Plants by Sorrow numb'd and blasted . — But will this Humour hold ?

Biss.

Most certainly , — his Orders are given out — Then you my Lord * to the Cardinal . he spoke of next with mighty Reverence ; he stil'd you — wise , his good and Gracious Father : And tho' he knew your Eminence's Charity so great , you would Absolve him ; yet his fhame would hardly let him beg it .

Mat.

This is wonderful ! — But owing all to my Good Lord Cardinal's management , whose Sacred Wit , and Influencing Reasons , with a Seraphick power of Spiritual Vertue , have charm'd a human Soul into this Clod , and made him melt before the Beams of Piety .

Card.

My Lords , my Heart is full of Joy to find kind Heaven at last has blest my happy Labour , — with such fair hopes of a full Crop hereafter ; — and now I hold it an especial action that th● Vice-Queen be instantly inform'd of this great Act of Providence ; 't will calm her . — Hush , the rough Billows that now wildly Rowl , And quell the storm that Rages in her Soul.

Vice.

It shall be so , I 'll instantly go to her , and then prepare for the Great Deed to Morrow : — And since the Change of Empire and of States are done by Heaven's Immutable Decree , and human Power opposes it in vain ; No more the Sacred doom let us withstand ; Reason directs , the Powers above Command . Exeunt .

SCENE II. Enter Blowzabella and La Poop , the first in her Nigh●-dress drinking Chocolate . Blowz.

Who 's there , La Poop ? — Where are ye ?

L. Poop .

A vot Service , Madam — vill you please to be dressé ?

Blowz.

No , no , wait a little longer — this is but my first Pot of Chocolate , I have drank but ●ix of my Ten Dishes yet .

L. Poop .

Ah bless your Ladiship — you have de ver leetell Stomach — you soop , soop , soop — de pauvre quantity de Chocolate in de Morning , but you Eat noting all de day long , besides dat is considerable . Ma foy you vill never put your shape in de fashion , if you piddle , piddle — at dis rate .

Blowz.

Shape ! — Odsfish , I Cram my self so every day , that I 'm ready to break my Stayes — I can't tell — what thou wouldst have me do more to make my shape fashionable .

L. Poop .

Ah Madam , de down-right Trute of de ting is you must wear no Stay at all : — 'T is below de Womans of Qualitee , — I mean dat is marry — to pinsh — de Hip or de Belly . — See dat be no marry , expect de Husband must pinsh a leetle , — and reason good . — But de Wife must let all ting be looses , — and shew full , plump , — wid shild , or widout shild , dat is all one , plump , plump , 't is de ver graceful fashion mafoy .

Blowz.

Plump , — nay , if I am taken for one of the Lean ones , the Looker on sees double , and the Devil made the Spectacles ; I 'm sure I han't felt any Ribs I have this Ten years : And I weigh , * Sups her Chocolate . let me see I weigh just three and fifty Stone , and two Pound .

L. Poop .

Aw dat is noting — dere is one Relation of mine in France , dat is call Madamoselle La Poope , dat weigh tre hundred Stone : But see Madam here come de Lady your Sister , — and your new Gentleman Usher wid her , who come to Comb your Head ; I hear he is born in England — but is bred in France , — or else he be no fit for your Service , Mafoy .

Enter Ursula and Pimpwell with a Combing Cloth. Blowz.

Oh Madam Ursula — how fares thy Ladiship 's Body ? Come Prithee sit thee down , — and take a dish of Chocolate , whilst I have my Head order'd , by my new Fellow here : the great Ladies I hear use Men for their Morning Service ; and now our Condition is alter'd , we must follow the Mode : What we must do great things now .

Ursul.

'T is a good handsome Black Fellow * Ursula's Dish is fill'd by L. Poop . , and perhaps has no stinking Breath .

Pimp .

Which is more than she can say for her self to my knowledge ; I found that out by her whispering me just now . Aside .

Blowz.

Well Friend , and Prithee what is thy Name , I have , I think , never ask'd thee that yet , did I ?

Pimp .

Humh — not above forty times , Madam ; but 't is natural for Great ●adies to forget .

Blowz.

Ay , 't is so . —

Pimp .

What Essence will your Ladiship use to day , Iessamine , Tubarose , or Amber ?

Blowz.

The dearest , the dearest always : — But as I was saying , Humh — Prithee what was 't , I ask'd thee just now : Ha ?

Pimp .

Oh very well , Madam , that looks mighty great indeed ; why you ask'd me my Name , and you must know , Madam , that in England I was Christned , Dick Pimpwell , — but am Dignified since I came hither with the Title of Signiour Ricardo . I 'm of a Family , Madam , that carried no ordinary Reputation there , if you ever knew any thing of the English Court , you must have heard of the Pimpwells I'm sure .

Ursul.

Yes , yes , we hear frequently both of your Courtiers and Citizens too , and sometimes have great diversion with ' em .

Pimp .

In History , I suppose Madam .

Ursul.

No , but in Ballads , — and I think that 's the better way by much .

Pimp .

' Gad she 's in the right , for the Histories of our former Kings and Nobles are better done in Ballads , than in any Chronicle I ever saw yet there .

Blowz.

Well , and — dost hear me , — What humour are your young Town-fellows of , how do they wear the day out to divert themselves ?

Pimp .

Why in the Morning they cherish two of their Senses , Madam , Seeing and Smelling : Seeing by the Court they make to a great Looking-Glass ; Smelling by Covering themselves from Head to Foot with sweet Powder ; and then at Night they Indulge the other three , — Hearing with the Noise of Fiddles ; and Tasting and Feeling with a Whore and a Bottle .

Ursul.

A good merry sort of a Scoundrel , this — I warrant this Fellow has been a Player there , or some such thing : — Well , but I hear they have the name of Rakehells amongst 'em , and are so horribly given to scandal , that they 'l abuse all Woman-kind , as well those they have to do with , as those they have not ; and rather then not have the pleasure of Tatling , by their Good will they 'l say any thing . —

Pimp .

Ah — there I must beg your Pardon , Madam , I can name you one thing that by their Good-will they never say .

Blowz.

What 's that , Prithee ?

Pimp .

Their — Prayers , Madam .

Blowz.

No — why I thought they were most horrible Sticklers for Religion .

Pimp .

Right , Madam , — they are horrible ones indeed , and 't is as natural to 'em as to Slaves in the Mines to Dig their Ore ; and like that too is generally manag'd , — for he that toils and labours most about it Ten to one knows the least of the matter .

Ursul.

And , Ha , ha , ha , well — as to Generation , and that sort of diversion , what are — they are very prone to Coupling , at what Age do they Marry ?

Pimp .

Why the Males never by their Good-will , — but as to the Females , by their Good-will , as soon as they can speak .

Blowz.

Ha , ha , ha , ye Rascal , well , and as to your State-affairs , we hear there are great feuds amongst ye as well as here ; tho' the King has done great things for 'em , and they say — is a very brave Man.

Pimp .

Ay , he is so , Madam , — but you must know that we English have some Affinity with the nature of some Dogs we have there , We never receive a good Bone but we snap at our Benefactor 's Fingers .

Ursul.

Ha , ha , why Sister — this is an Arch Rogue , this Fellow has more about him than we see .

Pimp .

Ah , a great deal more , I assure ye , Madam , — your Ladiship shall find I have notable Parts upon occasion .

Blowz.

Ha , ha , ha , why Sirrah , you 'r an Arch Rogue indeed , as she says * Patting him with her hand . : But dost hear ; My Fellow , La Poop , told me thou hast been in France too : What didst learn there , Prithee , ha ?

Pimp .

Aw , Madam , there I learnt the most material things in the whole World , which are , to tye a Muff on with an Air , and to make a huge Back-Perruke for a great Lord , that shall reach down to his Hams : But above all to use like a Gentleman the Comb and the Puff , in the Lady's Service ; as thus , now Madam thus , thus * Puffs her Face all over . : This Powder has such vertue , that it will take away all the Freckles — and make the Face as Beautiful at Fourscore as at Five and twenty .

Blowz.

Odsfish it has a notable scent with it indeed .

Ursul.

And will it take away Freckles , say'st thou ? Well , I 'm resolv'd to try the Experiment then to Morrow . — I 'le be Pufft all over , for I 've a world of 'em about me .

Blowz.

Wert thou ever in Holland ?

Pimp .

Yes , Madam , just long enough to spoil my Stomach .

Ursul.

Why don't they dress Meat well ?

Pimp .

Yes , if you can allow the General Sawce , for there is but one sort there .

Blowz.

And what 's that , Prithee ?

Pimp .

Butter , Butter , Madam , — if you have a cold Jowle of Salmon , and not a Dish of Melted Butter with it , you affront the Constitution of the Country .

Ursula .

But of what Humours are they , Prithee ?

Pimp .

Why they are greater Lovers of good Bargains than good Breeding ; they sight well when there 's occasion ; and drink largely whether there is or no : — In fine , they are the best Skeyters in a great Frost , but the worst Dancing Masters in Christendom .

Enter Pedro Hastily . Pedro.

Come , Hey where 's my Sister Blowze ? Oh are ye here ! My Brother the General wants ye to give Orders for the Ceremony to Morrow at the Signing the Articles : Your Massainello has carried it now I'faith ; he 's at the Top , and we 'l keep him there in spite of his Scruples of Conscience ; he would have you likewise invite the Vice-Queen and her Ladies to a Musick-feast . A Ball I think they call it . — 'T is the Mode amongst Great People . — Come , come away , and you shall know more .

Blowz.

Odsfish , Brother — but my Hair is not done up , you see , nor my Face quite Patch'd , is it ?

Pimp .

No , Madam , not half : Besides , — here 's two delicate ones , — that will take a great deal of time to place wel● ; I brought 'em from France , and call 'em Venus and Adonis : — The one is for the upper Lip , and t'other for the under , and the witty fancy to have 'em there is — that they may be perpetually kissing one another .

Blowz.

Well , well , ye witty Rogue , let 'em kiss one another in the next Room then — for I must go to my Husband Massainello . — But d' ee hear , Sirrah , I 'll prefer ye . — Stick to me close ; d' ee hear ?

Pimp .

Zooks , Madam , but here 's my Cupid , this must sit Enthroned upon your Ladiship 's Nose , or I 'm undone .

Sticks a great Patch on her Nose . Blowz.

Ha , ha , ha , — Well , Odsfish I like this Fellow strangely , Well Sirrah , — sti●k close to me , and I 'll do your business ; d' ee hear , — Hah ! times are not as they have been : What , we must do Great Things now !

Pimp . In this New Lottery I can't miss a Prize , When Nobles fall , Valet de Chambers rise . — Exeunt .

ACT II. The Outer Isle of the Cathedral . Enter Aurelia , Belleraiza , Fellicia , Mataloni , Caivano , and Attendants . Aur.

WHat ? they are coming then .

Mat.

Yes , and in Pomp , I hear ; the Dunghill-Upstart stress'd in Glittering Tissue — with his Sword drawn comes foremost of the Band , and proudly at the Head of fifty Thousand , even Justles with the Viceroy .

Aur.

The Crawling Snake — warm'd by hot Popular Vapours of Applause , now shews his Sting , and would be thought a Dragon : Oh why permits th' avenging power his Thunder , to cleave the Oaks , and shatter Marble Rocks , yet leaves this Prodigy to walk abroad safe and unblasted by Etherial fire ?

Caiv.

Have patience , Madam , and let us mark the Consequence ; 't is bruited he will lay down all Command , and when the Articles are Sign'd to the People , return to his base Function .

Mat.

He 'l be Damn'd first — there are too many Woolvish Blood-hounds near him , to urge on mischief , tho' he had resolv'd against it — to let him keep his Promise .

Bell.

'T is most true , for added to his Grovelling sense of Honour he has a Humour various as the Winds , which now visited with the Gust of Greatness , blows his hot Brain to such a Blazing flame , his Soul cannot resist the Rash Emotions , nor do I like this his pretended Coolness , relating to my Escape , but must believe , were the ●oor Bird once more within his Cage , her warbling Mones wo●●● hardly purchase freedom .

Fe●l .

Ah wer● I so confin'd , — my Soul 's so weak — I fear 't would poorly wait up●n my Body . — Yet were my Fate so cruel to submit me to hazard Bondage from this Hellish Crew , upon the first approach of that dishonour to quell my fears , and trembling timerous nature : I hope brave Aunt your Hand would set me free , And give my Fame by Death Eternity .

Aurel.

My dear Fellicia , my Soul should in●luence thine , and make thee Valiant : Oh how I scorn our present vile Condition , nor could my swelling heart contain it self at the receiving late a Sawey Message under the Glozing umbrage of Civility — from that ●he-Porpess th' Fish-wife Blowzabella , — who by the Gentleman forsoo●h of he● Chamber , sent to Invite me to a Ball to Night ; Was ever ●nsolence like it ! Shall Medina's Noble Daughter and Wife to mi●h●y Rod●rick . Taint her self , by breathing Air with the vile Jakes of N●ples ! Oh how a just disdain in●●am'd my Bosom !

Caiv.

Your Excellence must needs ●●ghly res●nt it ; and yet the Occasions of the present times , the Peace of N●ples ●ett●ing in thi● Juncture , and Mass●inello by a slight to his Wife , being pi●u'd migh● have the humour to revolt , — urg'd your great heart , I hear , to c●rb its motions , and condescend to grant it .

Aur.

Y'have judg'd me right , my Lord , I did consent , but with a just Contempt you may imagin . Trumpets and Voices heard within .

Mat.

By this Musick the Choir is coming , and the Viceroy near , who comes through th' Inner part of the Cathedral — where the Monument's Erected . — Here your Excellence may place your self and view the Ceremony .

The Scene opens , and discovers a Rich Monument , with this Inscription in Golden Letters , under St. Gennaro's Figure .

The Tyranny of Nobles being repressed : The Gabels being Abolished : The Publick and Private Enemies of our Country being subdued : The Gracious Privileges of Ferdinand the First , Frederick King of Aragon , and Charles the Emperor being Confirmed and Renewed : Philip the Fourth being Catholick King , and Don Roderick Pons de Leon Duke of Arcos Viceroy , by the Wondrous Valour and Conduct of Thomas Annello de Amalphi alias Massainello the General , the most Faithful People of Naples , and Liberty being redeem'd : This Monument was Erected as a Memorial of his Victory obtain'd , and an Emblem of his Fame to all Posterity .

The Priests appear in the Front , then Blowzabella , Ursula and her Party come from the other side of the Stage , and place themselves over against the Vice-Queen and her Ladies . Blowzabella comes in strutting ridiculous and proudly Looking on the Dutchess .

Bell.

Bless my Eye , the Pageant appears yonder .

Blowzabella Curseys to Aurel. who returns lightly . Aur.

What can the Tinsel Poppet make its Honour too , this is wonderful ! — Agen ! — nay then I must Mimick it . Curseys .

Mat.

But see , Madam , yonder comes the Fire-drake .

Here the Choir comes forward Singing ; after them the Great Cardinal Fillomarino Myter'd , bearing a Crosier in his Right Hand , and the Ancient Charter of Naples in the Left. Then Enter Bissignano and Pedr● bearing the Arms of the Emperor Charles the Fifth ; then Enter the Viceroy carrying the new Articles ; and Massainello Richly Attired on his Left Hand , with his Sword drawn ; then the Guards and Attendants on both Sides , they walk in Couples round the Stage ; then the Viceroy and Massainello , dividing , go and stand on either side the Monument ; then Pedro Cosmo Pietro and Attendants divide on each side the Stage ; the Priests go backwards Singing into the Body of the Church , only two Principals , who bring a Cushion and lay before the Cardinal , who Kneels on it in the middle of the Stage , and speaks to the Statue of St. Gennaro . Card. Great Saint the Guardian of us all below , To whom thy Votaries thus humbly bow , Smile on thy Sons , that with Devotion Pray , And bless the mighty Deeds are done to day . Here they repeat this , all joyning their Voices in a Chorus : Then the Cardinal carries up the Charter to Massainello , and the Viceroy Sealing and delivering him his Articles , Massainello puts up his Sword : Then this Song being in Recitative in Praise of St. Gennaro and the Peace , is Sung.

A SONG in Two Parts , at the Solemnity of Massainello . GLory thou Mortal Paradise , Best Ioy of Noble Souls , That all Delights below the Skies , Surpasses and Controules . In Martial Sounds be now Express'd , And let the Spacious Globe be blest . As now our happy Nation , Sweet Peace her Beauteous Face appears , Now shew your Power ye Tuneful Spheres ; Let Angels Sing and Charm all Ears : For Wondrous is th' Occasion .

Mass.

'T is now , our Great Protector St. Gen●aro by my bold ●and has happy Naples freed , — and now , my Lord , the heavy Yoke laid by — that on my Neck I for the People wore : Thus low I bow to your Authority . — And as plain Massainello , ( a poor Fisherman ) yet in that poorness born to do great Actions , if I 've the Law offended , or your Excellence , I submit my Body to be broke o' th Wheel , or any Torture that you please to order : Since I have ended well , this great Affair , What else concerns my life 's not worth my Care.

Vice.

Sir , you have greatly done , — I wish I could say well , — yet in one kind I must confess it is . Your life 's secure too — the King has not proscrib'd ye , and I could wish some of these Nobles could as well acquit ye as I , that give ye what I promis'd , Pardon .

Cardinal Whis●ers Massainello . Mass.

I humbly thank your Exc●llence .

Here the Vice-Queen and Ladies meet with Blowz. and her Company ; a dumb Compl●ment pass●s between ' em . Aur.

Come , we will go and see this Commick-Stuff , — if for nothing else but to divert the Spleen .

Bell.

Nay , if 't is possible to Laugh we s●all certainly have occasion .

Fell.

Bless us , what a Head she has , and ho● she jets about and smiles on the Prince there ? Cardin●l whispers Massainello .

Blowz.

Madam , will your Highness — please to go ; — Madam , the Dutchesses , I must have your Company too , and pray don't be too cogitabund : I suppose , — your Gra●● is concern'd a little about these Jewels of yours that you 〈◊〉 me wear ; but come , get out of your dumps , — Ods●●sh when ●ou and I are better acquainted , such Tri●●es shall break no square● , — I have enough besides .

Bell.

Oh Madam ! I assure ye , my Thoughts were ●therwise employ'd .

Blowz.

Humb — what upon my Ball — I warrant , — why I 'le promise ye , ye shall have curious Sport , your Highne●s shall laugh 'till you burst your self .

Aur.

Was there ever such a Monster ?

Blowz.

Come , pray therefore follow me , I think they told me 't was Manners to go before her into my own House , — humh , well , I see Breeding increases in me wonderfully , and 't is but reasonable : What , ● must do great things now ?

Exeunt Vice-Queen Blowz. and the r●st . Mass.

I am School'd my Lord , — but when I see that Beauty , that charming Consort of the Man — I hate , — then — I rev●●● and wish him dead , nay , damn'd , — so I were , — But no more , she s gon and now I 'me cool again , — And since I 've given my wo●d to treat 'em fairly , aid me Dissimulation — Gr●at Ma●alon● and my Lord Caivano , t' excuse what I have done in right o th' People , against your States and You , looks like Dissembling , — and to beg pardon , Fear : Yet I am sorry , sorry that you mistaking did such Wrongs , and that I e're had Cause ●o to revenge ' em .

Mat.

When of the Cause you are ●he only Judge , Sir , the rash Effects you cannot wonder at .

Caiv.

Un-bridled Power seldome makes use of Reason , 't is blind , and all its Actions are Precipitate , and in such Cases when the Mischief●s done , 't is little Satisfaction to be Sorry .

Mass.

Nay , since y' are so sullen Lords , I 'le change the Notion , I 'me sorry now that I have us'd such Courtesy .

Mat.

Wrongs have wide Mouths Sir.

Vice.

Patience good my Lord.

Card.

In this present Juncture you know not what you do .

Mat.

I beg your Pardon , — and will withdraw for fear of farther Arguments , but tho' I 'me now crush'd by that Lernean Hidra , an Hour may come , — when his Hearts-blood shall pay for 't .

Caiv.

I 'me gon my Lord , Heaven prosper your Intentions .

Ex. Mat. and Caiv. Mass.

Furies and Fire , were not those two the Rankest of all the Peoples Enemies , — Farmers o th' Gabells , bloated and gorg'd with their abhorr'd Oppressions till I rose up to quell it ; Death , not burn 'em , Gigantick , — Impudence , and how dares Mataloni , that lives but by my Leave ?

Card.

Pray Calm your Passion ; 't is Infirmity and want of Temper in the Cholerick Duke that thus misguides his Reason : And now Son , since your Designs have gain'd a happy Period , I do conjure you by my sacred Office , to keep your Promise and lay down your Arms , so shall you gain a deathless Reputation , and future Saints shall Consecrate your Story .

Pedro.

Hah , what says the canting Cardinal ? Le ts hear a little .

Vice.

You shall have such Provision in retirement as your own Heart can wish —

Mass.

I expect none , but am resolved , thou best of all the Priesthood , to follow thy Direction and Disband , — the Fortune I desire , is only this , my ●ate Fish-tackling — Rod and Hook and Line , in lieu of which I here give up my Sword.

Cosmo.

O Lord , O Lord , we are utterly un-done if this hold .

Pedro.

Sure he 's distracted ! Why Brother de' e know what you say ?

M●ss .

Most certainly , and what I mean too Brother .

Card.

Remove , cast the Mist from thy dull Eyes , Friend , once see clearly .

Pedro.

Nay , if y' are thereabouts — I've a Trick left to fetch him about yet : A Bottle Cosmo , a Bottle with something I 'le i●●use in 't will do his Bus'ness I 'me sure ; come , we'el prepare for 't instantly , — and snap him as he comes out . E. Pedro and Cosmo.

Mass.

That dreadful Sword inured to Blood and Slaughter , that when I shook it made all Naples quake , Naples and her six hundred Thousand Souls shake like an O●●er , — rest in Peace for ever ; and with my Power Farewell too these Trappings : Off ye vain Trifles , — off ye gawdy Throws away Hat and Peruke . nothings , let me appear as Man was first Created , before fantastick Forms debauch'd his Reason , and th' Bodies clothing vitiated the Soul ; off , off , I say .

Vice.

Nay , now your Zeal's too Eager , let me intreat your Patience at this time .

Card.

'T is decent , there are many Eyes upon ye that may mistake this forward Zeal for Frenzy .

Mass.

I 'me obedient , yet I would do something to shew I bid my Farewell to Dignity freely and with some warmth , — To morrow Noon shall see it all perform'd .

Card.

My Blessing on thee .

Vice.

My perpetual Favour .

Mass. Thus shall my Fame resound in future Story . And Bab●s un-born sing Massainello's Glory . Exeunt .

SCENE II. A Banquet , and Aurelia , Belleraiza , Fellicia , Blowzabella , Ursula , Bissignano , Cosmo , Pedro and others , Pimpwell and La Poope waiting , the rest all seated , Blowzabella rises . Blowz.

Ricardo .

Pimp .

Madam .

Blowz.

Did you bid the Wench take Care that she provided Sugar and Cinamon enough for the Pancakes — and that she should fry 'em in Oyl instead of Butter ?

Pimp .

Yes Madam , and that it should be the Sugar of Eight-pence the Pound , that your Ladyship reserves for high Holy-days , and the best Company .

Blowz.

'T is well Ricky , 't is very well done : Mind your Business de' e hear and stick close to me , and I 'le speak to my Husband to get ye the Government you spoke to me about , — Well , and did you order the Legg of Pork and Potato's to be sent her Highnesses Gentlemen , for a second Course ?

Pimp .

Yes Madam , and that the Ten-shilling Beer should be Tap'd for 'em and given about in Sack-glasses , that it might look the Genteeler .

Blowz.

That 's well again , mighty well introth Ricky : — And are the Morris , Ropedancers and Tumblers all ready for the Ball , ha !

Pimp .

All , all , Madam , the Fidlers too , and the t'other Fellow says , he can Bate his Bulls and Bears , and if you please the Tiger at a Minute's warning .

Blowz.

Can he ? Well , Odsfish I love that Sport at my Heart : Besides 't will draw all the Great States-Men here , — they 'l neglect the carrying on their great Cause to Day , to see that I 'me sure , — but harken , a word in thy Ear. Whispers .

Aur.

Was there ever such a Supper ! The very sight of that huge Conger-Eel there makes me sick .

Biss.

'T is Alamode de Fish-wife , Madam , — Ha , ha , ha , your Highness sees she treats in her own fashion .

Bell.

The Musical Entertainment , I warrant will be a Curiosity .

Fell.

Methinks her Gentleman Usher there , who is so familiar with her , should lead her up a Dance .

Blowz.

Now will I whisper with this young Fellow to try if I can make the Prince Jealous , — for I'm told , nothing increases Love like Jealousie . — Well Ricky , and as to this Government thou wert speaking of , — must I speak for thee , hast a mind to be a Don , Ricky ?

Pimp .

Yes , indeed Madam , to speak the Truth , I 've had a huge mind to be a Don — a great while .

Blowz.

Well , say no more , thou shalt be a Don — the General shall do it out of hand : — What , there must be a Patent for 't I suppose , and thou know'st his way of doing that .

Pimp .

Yes , Madam , a Tweak by the Ear , it seems , is his Order of Counsel , and a Kick o' th' Breech , his way of passing a Patent .

Blowz.

Right , thou hast it , — therefore stick close to me , d' ee hear , and it shall be done out of hand , — I 'll have thee kick'd on the first opportunity .

Pimp .

Ah thank your good Ladiship . — A Don , Oh how I 'll strutt !

Biss.

My Hostess's mannerly way of leaving the Company all this while , is somewhat Novel too , Madam .

Aur.

She designs to treat us with Variety ; Oh now we shall have her agen .

Blowz.

So — does your Highness eat ; Odsfish you have a very Pidling Stomack — why that Codshead will be cold there , — Ah you 'd have done b●tter by half , Madam , if you had taken a Whett as I did before hand .

Aur.

A Whett , what 's that I beseech ye ?

Blowz.

Why a good Brimmer of sharpning Liquor to prepare your Stomach , — and by your Eating so little I find yours to be very cold , — Will your Highness accept of a Beer-glass of Nan●s ?

Aur.

Nants , — well I am horrible unskill'd in this new Dialect of yours , and so ignorant that I must desire to know what that is too .

Blowz.

Odsfish — not know what Nants is — a Lady of your Breeding , and ignorant of heavenly Brandy ! Odsfish then Miracles are not ceas'd .

Biss.

Ah , this is not a Lady of your strain , Madam , this is the Vice-Queen .

Blowz.

Why if she were an Empress , my Lord , she might know and tast a Cup of good Nants , I hope , and her Title shrink ne'er a Jot the more in the wetting , neither , — But come let 's turn the Discourse to hear the Musick , and see the Ball , your Highness shall see how you like our way . — Come begin there .

Here follows a Comical Entertainment of Mimicking Dancing at a Ball with Clowns , Morrice-dancers and Tumblers mixt , and several Humourous Songs and Dialogues , which Ended , Aurelia , Bissignano , and Ladies rise .

A Dialogue between a Town-Sharper and his Hostess . Sharp . WHilst wretched Fools sneak up and down , Play hide and seek about the Town ; Deprest by Debts , and Fortunes frown , By Duns too kept in awe : Whenever my Occasions call , And 'mongst my Cre-di-tors I fall , Ive one fine Song that Pays 'em all ; Fa la , — la. Host. Good morrow Sir , I 'm glad to see Your Humour is so brisk and free , I hope the better 't is for me . If you your Purse will draw : Y've been two Years at Bed and Board , And I , Lord help me , took your Word , But now must have what here is Scor'd , For all your Fa , la la — la. Sharp . My Purse , sweet Hostess , is but lank , But I have something else in bank ; And you at home I 'll kindly thank , With charming sweet Sol fa. We 'l , sit and Chaunt from Morn to Noon , No Nightingal in May or June ; Did ever Sing so fine a Tune , As fa , la , la , la , la , la , &c. Host. You take me for an Ideot sure , Will this fine Tune my debt secure ; Or pay my Baker or my Brewer , Or keep me from the Law , To buy your Shirts there 's Money lent , Besides in Meat and Drink more spent ; And can you think I pay my Rent , With fa , la , la , la , la , la , &c. Sharp . I 'll teach thee such a pretty Song Shall please both Rich , Poor , Old , and Young ; Get thee a Husband Stout and Strong , Some Country Rich Iack-Daw ; Nay more I 'll bring to quit my Scores , A crew of Toping Sons of Whores ; Shall Drink all Night and Charm the Hours , With fa , la , la , la , la , la , &c. Host. Ye cunning Rogue this wheedling Talk , You fancy will rub out my Chalk ; But I your sly design will balk , When you to Iayl I draw ; Your boasted Song 's a foolish thing , For do but you the Money bring , You 'll find I can already sing , Fa , la , la , la , la , la , &c. Sharp . Well since Dame Fortune is my Foe , And that I must to Prison go , Let 's have a Neat Frisk or so , And then Rub on the Law. Host. Well since you 're on a merry Pin , And make so slight the Counter-Gin , I 'll do 't , and let the Tune begin With Fa , la , la , &c. Sharp .

Has not my Dance ill Humour charm'd ?

Ho. I must confess my Blood is warm'd . And heart I hope by love alarm'd . Sharp .

To laugh , ha , ha , ha , ha .

Host.

You think you 've catch'd me , now I smil● ,

Sharp .

No that I 'll do at Night dear child .

Host. Well I 'll the Bayliffs stop a while To try your Fa la , &c. Enter a Chimney-Sweeper's Boy and Sings . Boy . SWeep , sweep , swe●p , My Lord and Madam sleep , Whil'st I i' th' Chimney creep , And sweep , sweep , sweep . He nimbly clumb up to the top , Without a Ladder or a Rope , And sweep , sweep , sweep , Who calls the Chimney-sweep ? Enter a Cook-maid with a Ladle Yawning . Cook. Heigh ho , Heigh ho , Heigh ho , Ye bawling Bratt what 's here to do ? With this your Sooty Devils trad● , If with this squalling noise you make , My Lord and Lady chance to wake , I vow I●ll break your head . Boy . Oh! Sicely , why so full of wrath ? You know I only mean , To sweep the Chimney clean , Lest Soot should fall and spoil the Broath . Cook. You Youngsters have another way to deal , Pretend to sweep , but come indeed to steal . Boy . Nay now my Honours touch'd and soon , I 'll make you sing another Tune . Cook.

Come , Sirrah , come I 've lately lost a spoon .

Boy . Can no one be the thief but I ? Ye've found me still an honest Boy ; You know I 've kept your counsel too , And never hinted farther , What in the Kitchin Larder , I once saw you and John the Coachman do ? Cook. Ye little Rogue , how did you dare , To peep on such a grand affair ? Boy . I saw it and will tell it too , The Garters you had on were blue ; I●ll publish every thing was done , Because you tax me with your Spoon . Cook. I did but jest , come let 's be friends , I●ll fetch thee what shall make amends . Exit Cook Boy . Sweep , sweep , sweep , I saw the Coachman creep . Into the Stable dark and deep , When I by chance did peep . Enter Cookmaid with a great Piece of Bread and Butter . Cook. No more of that upon your life , We are contracted Man and Wife ; And what you then did chance to see , Was all in 'th way of honesty : We 've given our Words and both shook hands , And that 's as firm as Marriage bands . Boy . Get me my Breakfast to my wish , With no more Spoons thrown in my Dish ; Agen upon a Truss of Hay , You both may in the Stable play ; And I that peep , and sweep and peep , And sweep , and peep , will nothing say . Cook. I●ll feed thee till I cloy , My pretty , pretty Boy ; Thou shalt thy Breakfast have each morn . Boy . And you all night shall have your joy . Chorus .

Thou shalt , &c.

Well , what thinks your Highness , is not this Novel as you call it ?

Aur.

'T is so Extraordinary that I want words to praise it , and therefore intend to retire and make that the Product of a second thought : Come , my Lord.

Bell.

Had the Times been setled , I could have laugh'd at the Extravagance of it well enough .

●ell .

And — I — 't is well enough to see once .

Exeunt Biss. Vice-Queen and Ladies . Enter a Servant , whispers Blowzabella . Blowz.

Lights — there — for her Highness . — The General speak with me in the Morning , say'st thou ; Well , tell him I 'll come . — Now Ricky , stick close to me , thou shalt go too : And if I raise thee to a Prince's fellow , Thy Hat thrown up cry Viva Blowzabella .

ACT III.

SCEN. I. Enter Massainello in his Fisherman's Habit , and Pimpwell dress'd in the same manner , the first bearing a Rod and Fishing-Basket . Mass.

MY Wife so angry , say'st thou ?

Pimp .

Angry , Oh that ever I was born , — Why d' ee think , Sir , she can be pleas'd ? You may Metamorphose me i●to w●●t shape you think fit , you may flea me as you do one of your Eels , — and then ins●●ad of the Robe of a Lord , put the Shell of a Lobster upon me — as your Fishiness shall see good to determine , — but to th●nk that the high spirited Blowzabella , — will shrink from a Crab to a Craw-fish , and leave a silken Gown with a Gold Galloon for a Grogram Jacket with a Copper Edging , is but vain Imagination — I can tell ye but that , Sir.

Mass.

My Brother then I hear too grumbles at it , — But when I give my reasons , I don't doubt . —

Pimp .

Oh bless me ! Reasons ! — Reasons to lay by a Noble Habit which made ye fit to accompany Kings and Princes — and put on a damn'd dirty Doublet here , — which makes you and my self too , wo be the time , look as if we were fit for nothing but a Dog-Kennel . — Zooks do but look upon your self a little , Sir , — do but view your Person round — Ods Sammon and Eels , and Thornback ! — Is this the Mighty Man , I saw yesterday — Is this Massain●llo ?

Mass.

Well , well , this Deed will settle my Renown for ever , and I have consulted my Reason about it .

Pimp .

Reason agen , — Reason , to lay by a Glittering Sword that made ye look like a General , to take up a confounded Switch the●e to make just the figure of a sneaking Gudgeon-catcher in a Lands-chap , to leave the Command of all th' Coffers in Naple's Gold , Silver , Jewels , and th' Devils and all — to plunder a little tyny dribling Brook for a few Roches and Dace — Gads-diggers if this be Reason ! —

Mass.

Well , well , no more of your Disputes , Sir.

Pimp .

Mum — I ha' done — but there 's his Brother , and some of his Mettled Comerades drinking in the n●xt room , that will tell him a piece of their minds presently . — Oh here he comes , and the hot-headed Cosmo with him — if they can get but to ●luster him with a Brimmer or two , as they have prepared it , — the Cause is our own still . — Apart .

Enter Pedro and Cosmo. Mass.

So Brother ▪ — still with your sluttering Trinkets on ? What you dislike my resolution of laying down I hear .

Ped.

And reason good , — what Spirit of sloth has seiz'd on ye the sudden , to ruin your self and us , and all ●ur hopes ?

Cosm.

'T is that Priest's doings , th●t same long tongu'd Cardinal , that Reverend Hypocrite , has debauched the General .

Mass.

Cousin , you have a Priviledge , else I ●us● tell ye , I should not bear this Language .

Cosm.

Not from a Friend whose Heart as well 〈…〉 acts but ●o serve ye , — Come , come , you must , 〈…〉 ye , you are impos'd upon , flatter'd , betray'd , the Cardinal with Inveterate Mataloni , — and old Caivano — brood in hourly Counsels how to destroy ye .

Mass.

Ha , that agen . —

Ped.

He says the Cardinal with your Enemies Plot to destroy ye , which , they 'r to execute that very hour you cease Command ; there 's one revolted from 'em within , that was their Servant , who ha● confess'd it all ; besides , you might note if you remember well , at our last meeting some weighty thing hung on 'em , — by their rough looks , and surly answers — to ye .

Mass.

They were indeed more dogged than was usual .

Cosm.

'T was from their hopes to snap ye unguarded and unfriended , and if you will deliver up your Throat . —

Mass.

No , Cousin , not so neither .

Ped.

If you will from the Commander of all Naples — Its power too in your hands , — accept their Charity , and stand to th● courtesie of Mataloni .

Cosm.

Your known vow'd Enemy — who burns with Expectation of your disbanding , that he then may cope ye , — when I your faithful Kinsman and your Friend — can baulk his Plots , and put it in your power so to revenge your self — you have forgot the Dutchess .

Mass.

Forgot her , the Taper was newly extinct indeed , but yet thy Breath revives it .

Pimp .

This is my Province , now I 'll put in a word : The Dutchess , Sir , sweet as a full blown Rose in Summer Mornings , — e'er gentle Breezes had blown off the Pearls , the Dew had sprinkled on it ; then a Skin , smooth , soft , and whiter than the Purest Ermine , and such a shape so charming and provoking — 't would make a God of him that did enjoy her .

Mass.

Prithee no more , she 's gone .

Cosm.

Gone , no , Sir , not from my reach — I know her haunts , and how to snap her hourly ; nay the whole Covey of them , I 've mark'd my Game , and they are mine at will. —

Ped.

Such a revenge now on Mataloni's Treachery were worth the General 's notice . —

Mass.

Oh how my Blood boyls with Revenge and Love.

Cosm.

Give me your hand , — and now believe I honour ye , — I know you love the Dutchess too , and ye shall have her , — revoke your Orders for laying down Arms till things are setled more , — and if within this hour I bring ye not the Dutchess , and her Neice to Court your favour , — hold me a Rogue and Lyer . —

Mass.

Thou amazest me !

Pimp .

Oh here 's the Female Teizer ▪ Come , now 't will work rarely .

Enter Blowzabella Weeping , and La Poope : Another carrying her Fine Gown and Head. Blowz.

D' ee hear , you French Kickshaw , Diable La Poope , don't tell me of his Order , to have me strip'd ; but carry back those dirty things agen , or my Fist shall pound thee into Powder , — What Maggot's in your Head now , in the name of Beelzebub , to dub me to be a Lady , and think to undub me agen at a Minutes warning ? Oh I could cry my Eyes out to think * Sobs and Crys . , to think * Sobs and Crys . , that ever I should have a Husband that should be such a Fool ! — Huswife , away with the Rags , I say , or I will so Mawl your French Carcass . Throws the Clothes at her Head.

L. Poop .

Hey day ! wa● a Deevil is de matra ! He commande one ting , and see commande on oder ting ! — de Deevil take dem bo●h . Exit .

Enter Ursula . Pimp .

Here comes another of the Litter , the Kennel is rouzed rarely .

Ursul.

Why sure this News is not true that I hear : Odslidikins , what do I see , what is he got into his sneaking , louzy , nasty Fisherman's Garb agen ! — Why Brother , — Brother , odd I'm asham'd to call him so now , hearkee , do you ever think . —

Blowz.

Sir , can you ever think . Both Bawl loudly .

Mass.

Buz — I shall be worried .

Ped.

Come , come , no more Spouse , he will consider .

Cosm.

Come , Cousin , pray step in with us and take a Glass or two , amongst some Friends of ours there , you will find the Servant of the Dukes , hear but his Story , no doubt you will be satisfied .

Mass.

Well , I will hear him , but sure it can't be true .

Cosm.

As true as you shall have the Dutchess here her self within this hour perhaps — the Duke too — will you believe me then ?

Mass.

Oh Iove for her I 'de do or believe any thing .

Exit with Blowzabella and Ursula ▪ Pedro.

So he 's wrought rarely , — three or four full Brimmers , I know will fluster him , so he 'l quickly forget all his past Promises : But will this Fellow that we have hir●d , stand fast and swear without a Blush ?

Cosm.

A Blush ! Prithee , he was bred a Lawyer , he knows not what it is : Go , go , away to the Company , — and be sure you drink him to a pitch ; this is my time to make a Rape on the others . — Hah — from this Window I can see the Garden , where every day they take their Evenings Walks , — and see by Heaven they 'r yonder , the Vice-Queen too , — this is a Prize indeed , and I that always lov'd with Ambition , will push my Fortune now , — Are the Soldiers ready ?

Pedro.

All Arm'd at the Castle-Gate .

Cosm.

Farewell , — wish me good Luck then . Exit . Cosmo.

Pedro.

That I will for my own sake , — how have I fir'd this wild hot-headed Fool , to ●eize the Vice-Queen , and bring me her Neice , — that ●weet and tender Bud of Blooming Beauty , Must by my heat be made full blown to night , My beating Pulse tells me I 'm near delight . Exit .

SCENE II. Enter Aurelia , Belleraiza , Fellicia , Mataloni , and Caivano . Aurel.

This Pleasant Walk so near the Rebels Garrison ; curse on the Coward Fates , we durst not use , till late , the Truce was made , which when I think on , tho' the Place be happy , and the Sweets of Nature abound here in their Pride , Clear Fountains , Flowers of Excellent Natures in Arbors twin'd , and Sun de●ying Coverts , tho' all that can delight the sense dwell here , yet that disgrace makes it ungrateful to me .

Mat.

The Ills of Fate , Madam , are no Disgraces , but tryals of the virtue of Great Souls ; had sam'd Aurelia ne'er oppos'd the Darts of Trayterous Fortune , her Renown had lessen'd , Her life 's swift Sands had then unnoted run , Whose Glory now shines brighter than the Sun.

Bell.

Great Souls that so are try'd , ought to get Fame , for sure they feel Fate 's worst Serenity ; for what can be more sharp than for Nobility — untainted Honour , and unconquer'd Courage , to stoop perforce to gross Plebeian humour , and yield to their Commands whom they despise ?

Aur.

That would I never do whilst I had life , no with these Hands I would tear out this Tongue , rather than let it give a vi●e Consent to what my Honour told me was Ignoble , or should my Eyes give a relenting Glance , and seem by base fear to betray my Vertue , fir'd with just Anger I should root 'em thence , and cast the false Misguiders on the ●loor .

Fell. She talks and thinks to do as she has said , So I think too were I a Captive made ; At least I tell her that I could death de●ye , Yet Life 's so sweet , I am afraid I lye . Aside . Aur.

Did my Lord tell you he would meet us here ?

Caiv.

Madam , he did , as soon as the Affairs were finished at the Council : They expect this Evening a Resignation under Hand and Seal , of Massainello's Power , and a ●ull Order for the Disbanding of the Rabble .

Aur.

I fear he trusts too much , would he were come . In the mean tim● , my dear Fellicia , let 's see that Sarabrand I love so well .

They Dance here : Then Enter Rushing in Cosmo , Pedro , and Soldiers : Mataloni , and Caivano , make some Resistance , but are overpower'd and taken with Belleraiza and Fellicia . Mat.

What Friends are you that in the time of Truce dare violate th' late Order by this Outrage ?

Pedro.

Such , Sir , as have so little sense of Order , that we are never pleas'd more than to break it . — Come my young Rose you must prepare for th' Limbeck . To Fellicia .

Cosm.

And you Majestick Beauty — for a Love so mingled with Ambition , your own Soul has not a greater sense on 't .

Aur.

What mean the Villains — Oh — that a Thunderbolt . —

Cosm. Oh that a Thunderbolt — Would fall and clear the Black and Cloudy Air , Then we should see the Weather would be fair . Fell.

Oh , tho' you kill me , do not hurt my Father , — he 's old and weak , pray pull him not so hard .

Pedro.

For your sake , pretty one , we 'l use him Civilly . — Come , come , Old Sir , there 's no resisting . To Caivano .

Caiv.

Not one Blow to revenge me !

Cosm.

Bear off the Ladies down to the Felluca , and bid the Rowers bring it to the Shore .

Aur.

Away ye Slaves , off ye vile Clods of Earth : Hah , dare ye touch me ? Then Aid ye Powers above , — send down your darting ●lames ye Elements , blast these vile Wretches with your quickest fires : Let fiercest Vengeance Ravishers pursue ; Burn 'em , Oh Burn 'em , tho' you Burn me too .

They are forc'd off . Enter Viceroy and Cardinal . Vice.

The E●choing sound that wasted through the Trees to me seem'd like the Cry of Women .

Card.

I could not hear distinctly , but must ●onder , the Ladie● are not here , — this is the place . Page cre●p● out of a Bush.

Page .

Oh my Lord , I have the saddest News to te●l your Highness , that ever Tongue yet utter'd : — The Vice-Queen and the Ladies , accompanied with the Dukes Mataloni and Caiv●●o , as they were walking here to take the Air , were seiz'd on by a Rout of Ruffians ; and notwithstanding all Resistance , and the Cries the Ladies made , no Guards o● yours being ne'er , are ●or●'d away by Water . Vi●●roy hangs down his Head.

Card.

Didst thou know any of ' em ?

Page .

Not by their Faces : But know they came from the Mobb-General's Quarter , — their Number , Looks , and Actions so frighted me , I crept into a Bush to hide me from ' em .

Vice.

Ye Powers that Govern Human Fates below — end my curst days , this is too much to bear .

Card.

I have not words enough to comfort him , my Reason's at a loss with this distress , and all Philosophy would work in vain .

Vice.

Are all the Stars our foes ! Oh cruel Fate , are all thy Darts devoted to Rebellion ! — And thou the Genius of the wrong'd Nobility , that for a Series of Revolving years , didst Guard the Honour of our Ancestors , — where art thou now ! Oh why dost thou desert us ?

Card.

But above all , the Guardian of our Naples , — Divine Genaro , our August Protector , — from thy bright Palace built on Plains of Light , accompany'd with dazling Seraphims , and Heaven-born Angels , who sing Hymns of Joy in Visionary Dreams , to sleeping Mortals , with Mediating Grace , gain Mercy for us , and turn these dire Afflictions into Comfort .

Here the Clouds open , and an Apparition of St. Genaro is seen , with his Sword drawn : He Sings this Song of Comfort , and then disappears .

The SONG . WEep no more , no longer sigh and groan , All Heaven 's angry Darts are thrown . A Sacred Councel late was held Above , Blest with the Presence of Almighty Jove ; Where Pardon 's Seal'd , Peace does your Ioys Restore , And dire Rebellions now shall Rage no more . See how the Clouds give way , And Dazling Atoms Play , In Consorts Shining Day : To drive your Cares away . The great Disposer of all Things , To Pardon does Incline : And now to form Disorders brings , Who late made Peasants tread on Kings , To shew his Power Divine .

Vice.

Blest Apparition , saw ye ought , my Lord ?

Card.

Most certainly , through opening Clouds appear'd the Glorious Saint with Visage full of Joy , — as a blest Omen of our future comfort ; methought the Spheres too joyn'd in Sacred Harmony , and a Coelestial Voice with Charming power , piercing my Ears , made all my Senses happy . — A Sword drawn too !

Vice.

There was , I saw it clearly , — which seems to instruct us to use ours once more , and trust no longer to the fluttering humour , the vain Proposals , or unminded Promises of this vile whimsical and perjur'd Rebel .

Card.

It must be so , therefore proceed , my Lord. — And with unwearied Zeal I still will serve ye , — for since this last , this Brutal violence too well assures us of his Breach of Vows , and that the Witchcraft of his dazling Power , too far Inchants him to lay down in quiet : Let us resolve to make a Push for all ; — I lately sought , 't is true , to reconcile , — th' unnatural Jars , believing what was done by this bold Fellow was to Ease the People , — who were opprest ; and that he would disband , as he once swore — when that was done ; but now this Villany has op'd my Eyes to see , — 't is a Rebellious Itch to quell the Nobles , and set up his base Ignominious self , as Viceroy , and turn us to a hated Commonwealth .

Vice.

'T is so , my Lord , 't is plain , that 's his Ambition .

Card.

It shall be crush'd — like his vile self to earth , never to rise agen ; — Now you shall see the different Fate between th'Inspir'd Nobles , and the Grovelling Vulgar , and the base mettle of this new Coyn'd upstart , the Guilding worn away of his Hypocrisie : Arm then my Lord , and so let all the Court , who with this Vision of the blest Gennaro , and my own Reasons , I 'll so Influence , Honour in Naples shall exert its Grandeur , and th' Rabble once more know their Slavish distance .

Vice.

Oh how thy Sacred Words inflame my Courage , thou precious Gem , amongst a Crowd of Pebbles , best of thy Function , let me but revenge . —

Card.

Revenge , why that shall be the dear twin-word ; — Joyn'd with fair Justice , to begin the work ; — be but your Highness patient , and bear your Losses , as becomes your Place , let my Prophetick Brain give you this Comfort : The hour comes on when the vile Herd shall Groan Beneath the wonted Yoke , and dread the Nobles Frown .

Exeunt .

SCENE III. Enter Massainello Fluster'd , Dress'd again in his Rich Clothes , Pedro half Drunk too , and Pimpwell Combing his Perruke , Pedro with a Sword in his Hand . Pedro.

Now , Brother , you shew like your self .

Pimp .

Shew ▪ — Oh happy hour , — shew , S'bud he looks like Alexander the Great , — I mean like Pompey , — I mean like Iulius Caesar , — I mean like Hannibal , — I mean , I mean , like himself , — and that 's a thousand times better than any of 'em ; — Oh rare , rare Sight ! ' od I could even hang my self for Joy.

Mass.

I 'll teach 'em how to Plot : Give me my Hat and Feather .

Pimp .

There , there , my Lord , there 's the purest Pulvillio in 't , and the most exquisite Essence of Amber , — 't will make the Women follow ye in Shoals .

Pedro.

And this shall make the Mataloni Faction , — and th' Caivano's shake * Gives him a Sword. , whilst all the rest of th' Court study new ways of Poor Submissions .

Mass.

Oh thou bright Raiser of my Towring Glory , thou hast been wanting to my hand too long ; thou that wert wont to hew my way to Greatness , and through opposing Crowds , make Lanes before me , how shall I make amends , and flesh thee first ?

Pedro.

Two Kinsmen to the Viceroy were this Morning taken dispersing Libels , — and Encouraging the Spaniards to a Mutiny .

Mass.

Let 'em be brought this Evening to the Market-place , and there on them I 'll try the Temper of my Weapon , — and take their Heads off with this Blade my self .

Pimp .

It shall be done , my Lord : — Odzookers , he has it , now the Medaera works .

Pedro.

How now , what 's this ! — what my dear Cosmo ! — So soon return'd ! — Shout Within .

Enter Cosmo. Mass.

Well , what success , my brave Adventurer ?

Cosm.

What I could wi●h : I have 'em all in th' Net , Sir , the Dukes , the Ladies , and the haughty Vice-Queen to boot ; and now I hope you 'l think your Kinsman loves ye : — You may seize the Dutches , now Sir , she 's your Quary .

M●ss .

Thou Soul of my Contentment , best of Kinsmen * Embraces Him. : Oh how I burn within me , — my Brain-pan Glows , and my Heart 's all on fire . — Hot , Soultry , soultry .

Pedro.

And we 'l take care to keep ye so . — The Wine has play'd its part , I see . Aside .

Pimp .

There never was any good to be done with drinking Small-beer , — but now you see strong stout Medaera can do Wonders : — Odshertslikins t' has turn'd him inside out , and made quite another Man of him .

Mass.

Come , Cousin , shall we not see your Prize ?

Cosm.

Bring in the Prisoners there .

Enter Pedro bringing Vice-Queen , Mataloni , Caivano , Belleraiza and Fellicia , — Guards . Mass.

You may remember , when I met you last , I shew'd some taste of Courtesie , — now proud Dons — should you both Grovel at my Feet , and beg for 't , I would with scorn refuse and spurn ye from me .

Caiv.

Spurn your Companions , base and perjur'd Monster . -

Mat.

Thy sordid Villany can't touch our Souls , — those are above an abject Rebel's reach .

Mass.

Abject , thou wretched Piece of fluttering Folly , thou gay Court-Butterfly , that I can squeeze to nothing with my Fingers ; thou art abject , for what is that but to be still subservient to a Superiour Power , Slave to the Will of him that Commands , and such art thou to me .

Mat.

No , thou art Slave to me , for I contemn thee ; — my Soul disdains to breath its Vital Air , where thy Infection comes , and scorns to answer , or change a word more , to save my Life .

Mass.

Be sullen then , I 'll Parly with your — Wife , Sir , — Madam , your Husband's Choler as 't is vain , so 't is To Bell. ridiculous ; but you , I hope , know how to reconcile ;

I have few words , but you may Guess my meaning . Kisses her Hand .

Bell.

' Tho I had rather die , yet for some Reasons I must permit him .

Mat.

Furies and Fire , must I live and see this !

Aur.

She stands so coldly , and not spit in 's Face .

Mass.

Oh , Madam , I have heard of your Great Spirit , — and mean to Conjure it . A word with you anon . For th' present , Duke , know you may thank your Lady , for what no Power on Earth but this her Courtesie — could e'er have gain'd , which is a License from me — to take your Leave of her . — Go , Captain , bear 'em both to Prison , and when I send this Ring — bring me the Lady .

Cosm.

'T is done , my Lord. Exit Cosm. with Matal . and Bell.

Pimp .

Ay , ay , 't is done , my Lord , — any thing in the world , Egad , now things go so rarely .

Mass.

Let that Old Signiour be confin'd particularly : — I hear he 's good at Plotting .

Fell.

Ah let me go with my Father , I beseech ye : — Look in my Face , believe I am no Plotter , — I know not what is wrong , much less can do it .

Pedro.

So much the better , you can do something else that is as sitting for ye , you are my Charge , — you sha'not want your Father .

Pimp .

Ah happy Miss , the Major will take a great deal of Care of ye , therefore dont — be a Child , don't cry , the Major will take a huge deal of Care of ye . Pedro Carries Her out .

Fell.

Oh Father , Aunt , Oh Heaven help , help , help . Ped. carries her out .

Caiv.

This Blow must reach my heart ; Fate thou hast done thy worst . Exit Caivano .

Pimp .

Come , come , old Gentleman , I 'll see you fast enough , — now will there come fifty Duckets at least for a good Lodging ; rare , rare times , rare .

Aur.

Death and Confusion ! Can the Sun yet shine , — such Villanies as these , methinks , should darken it , blot out all Nature , and return — old Chaos — into its Primitive nothing . — Oh may all Curses . — Mass. and Aur. walk Angerly up and down the Stage .

Mass.

Curse on , curse on , a Woman when she Curses , makes still a Blessing follow .

Aur.

Why am I left , thou Devil ?

Mass.

For the Devil ! — for I intend ●hou shalt Blaspheme so much that he shall fetch thee Headlong .

Aur.

What! and thou stand by , thy Goary Paws reeking in Blood of Nobles . Is there a Morsel through all the Shambles of Dam'd Reprobates , so proper for his Diet as thy self , thou that from Infancy wert Hell's half-blood , and since still Train'd ' amongst the Infernal Brood ? To Beelzebub himself of Kin so near , Thou 'lt hardly change thy Nature , w●●n thou' rt there .

Mass. I chuse an ill one because early taugh● A Man's good Nature makes — a Woman naught : Copying their Mischiefs , I my own pursue , And th' nearer to a Devil , the nearer you . Aur. Thou art as near it as the thing will bear : Search Hell , a Rebel is the greatest there .

But thus to play the Dilatory Fiend , to Teaze me all this while with thy curst Figure , and not bring forth the Rack , the Wheel , the Torture , Poyson or Sword , to ease me from thy self , the worst and most infective Plague of all , is the curst Quintessence of Cruelty , ●nd I grow Mad with my Despair .

Mass.

'T is reasonab●e ; I am Mad too , and so are all my People ; the Times are Mad , we should be in the fashion : But now I think on 't , I wi●l ask a Question , and if your Rage can stop , answer me : Were I your Prisoner as you now are mine , How would you use me ?

Aur.

I must answer , calmly .

Mass.

As your fierce Nature will permit .

Aur.

Thus then , as calmly as the Seas wild Surges Speaks Raging . Roar , when Stormy Winds oppose 'em , I would kill thee : To ask a Woman choaking for Revenge , how she would use h●r most Inveterate Enemy ! — Impertinent Fool , why I would kill thy Soul , if I could reach it too ; but for thy Body , it should be burnt with Pincers , thy Heart cut out , and after torn in Pieces with Wild Horses , till there was not the bigness of a Finger to shew the Pattern of a Horrid Villain : But trod and mash'd o'er all the odious frame , — And Pounded to the Dunghill whence it came . There 's calmly for ye . — Now what 's my Doom ?

Mass.

Your Liberty : — What neither Fawning , Prayers nor Tears could purchase ; this frank Confession has obtain'd , — y' are free ; Conduct her through the Guards to th' Viceroy's Castle , — I do 't to shew ye , I fear Threats so little , that I dare all your Power to defeat me ; and now resolve I will maintain my own , because I think it becomes me .

Aur.

So , Sir , — and tho' I have my Life on these conditions , yet I will take it to contrive thy Ruin ; which like a Sybil I do Prophesie shall be perform'd as late I ●ention'd it .

Mass. If our Blest Stars kind Influence afford . I 'll Court no Stars or Planets , — but my Sword. Exeunt Severally .

ACT IV.

SCEN. I. Mataloni and Belleraiza , in Prison . Bell.

ONE Minute more , and then the Fatal Message Tolls our sad Separation . Sure two Hearts fast joyn'd by Love , and fram'd for one another , ne'er felt a weighty violence like ours . Indifference gains its point and has its ease ; the Days and Nights are worn away in Pleasures ; but to be passionate in Love is deadly ; Dire Fate resolves , grown envious of our Bliss , to rob us of the Paradise of each other .

Mat.

Yet this were nothing could we die together ; could our winged Spirits like two friendly Turtles fly to the Mansions of the Blest above , and there together coo our Mutual Love : — Who would not leave this Tottering Tenement , this Hovel Life with Joy , — to change so Richly ?

Bell.

Nay , we must die together , my dear Lord ; our Lives are one , and when yours ceases Action , you may assure your self mine is no more .

Mat.

But I alas ! am doom'd to Death more cruel than what Tormenters give the common way , to leave thee here to bear their Barbarous Usage ; leave the dear Beauty which once blest my Life with Raptures of true Pleasure , to be sullied , Grasp'd and prophan'd by Insolent Brutality ; and tho' I know thy Vertue ne'er will yield , 't is double death to think on thy distress .

Bell.

Yield , no , no , I hope my Dearest is confirm'd in that ; nor had I suffer'd late that nauseous Rebel to touch my Hand , but for your sake , my Lord : I knew my Face had charm'd his Brutal Soul , and that by soft'ning his Barbarity , I could get means thus to enjoy your Company , which else had been impossible .

Mat.

I know it , and thank thee for this Blessing Embraces Her. it procur'd me : Besides , I 've had more favour from the Monster ; — a Servant of my own allotted me to do my pr●vate business , and such a business ; — I 've employ'd him in , Oh Belleraiza !

Bell.

Speak out , my Lord ; in Belleraiza's Bosom all Secrets are secure .

Mat.

Canst thou endure the odious Infamy , that I should turn base Pander ?

Bell.

I hate a Pander .

Mat.

That , that 's the meaning of this Upstart's kindness , believing I 'll promote his Bestial Love to my dear Belleraiza .

Bell.

Horrid Wretch ! curs'd Hell-hound !

Mat.

Now if I find the means , though 't be by death to free us both from this Extream of Misery ' , will my sweet Love consent ?

Bell.

With better will , than ever miserable condemn'd Captive , accepted freedom . Enter Servant with Dagger .

Mat. See , the tryal comes . So , hast thou succeeded well ? Serv.

I have , my Lord , — tho' with some little hazard of my Life , being search'd by the Out-guards , — but naming the Dutchess , they discharg'd me presently , — and there 's the effects of your Commands .

Mat.

'T is well done , — withdraw a while : — Exit Servant . See here my Love , this was the business meant , to buy this Dagger : Canst thou not guess the use on 't ?

Bell.

I do , and thus make bare my Breast to meet it ; let that dear hand but strike , I shall find ●eaven before my Soul be ready .

Mat.

It must be so , ●o leave thee here with Ruffians , — will to Eternity disturb my rest , — for I must die thou know'st ; then if thou lov'st me , thou 'lt love this kind tho' cruel Resolution , first to kill thee , and afterwards my self .

Bell.

I do , and on thy Lips bless thee for ever .

Mat.

Oh my Soul's happiness ! They Embrace .

Ent●r Cosmo with a Ring . Cosmo.

My Heart 's so full of hopes t' enjoy A●relia , and sat my strong desires with Princely Beauty , that I am tardy in my O●fice to bring the Dutchess to the General . Here is his Ring , by which his Pleasure 's known in all Affairs in Love as well as Power , — this is the fatal Circle that must part the Married Lovers , — and yonder see they are , Close Billing like two harmless Turtle Doves , Unweary still of their Connubial Loves .

Mat.

We are disturb'd ; see yonder Glares the Meteor — that now portends our Ruin.

Bell.

One moment longer , and we had both been happy .

Cosm.

Madam , you know my Messag● by this Ring , — the General expects ye , pray make hast , for I have Business of my own so urgent , I can wait no delays .

Mat.

Men in great Places must be full of Business ; am not I sent for ?

Cosm.

No , no , my Lord , you are fixt in the wrong Station , the Wheel is turn'd , you are not now at Court.

Mat.

And yet my Wife 's sent for to Privy Councel ! What , what is her Business there ?

Cosm.

Why , with plain dealing , if you needs must know , her Business there is to make you a Cuckold .

Mat.

I have a Message first to send .

Cosm.

What 's that ?

Mat.

You , to the Devil , Sir. Stabs Him.

Cosm.

Oh I am Damn'd . Dies .

Mat.

Start not , my Love , nor let thy Cheeks grow pale , but adore Providence for this happy Accident , that marks us out instead of Fate our Freedom ; — here is the Ring that guides us through the Labyrinth , by whose Despotick Power we pass the Guards , and then instead of Death live ever happy .

Bell.

Now I shall think there is a Joy for Love●s uncommon from the rest in sweet Elizium ; This bliss unlook'd for seems like Heaven's care , Which only those that love like us could share .

Mat.

But first I must disguise me in his Habit : What , ho , Lorenzo !

Serv.

What Service , my good Lord ? Enter Lorenzo .

Mat.

Drag in that Body , — and help me in a Business that i● necessary .

Serv.

With all my heart , — Oh are ye h●re Don Dogsface ? Yo● were a Rogue in Office , I am glad y' are paid your wages .

Drags Him in ▪ Mat.

Happy Success thus ! may we always prove .

Bell.

Blest be this day when Fortune favour'd Love. Exeunt .

SCENE II. Enter Pedro and Fellicia . Pedro.

Come , come , no more Evasions , no more Woman's Tricks , I thought you were too young for 'em ; but to the Point , will you Love me without more stir or Preambles ?

Fell.

Good , Sir , have pity on me . Weeps .

Pedro.

Pity , why I have Love for thee , I tell thee , — that is , I think 't is Love , I 'm sure I 've a mind to thee , — therefore no more of these dissembling Tears — but buckle too without more trouble : Come , will you comply , I say ?

Fell.

Alas , to what , Sir ?

Pedro.

Humh — there 's Woman-kind agen now , — they always love to hear it nam'd before they venture , — why to my will : — Come , come , you are not too young to understand the manner .

Fell.

Indeed I am , Sir , Oh — pray don't look so cruelly upon me , I will do any thing I can to please ye , but for my Love , my good , my poor Old Father had it all , I ne'er Lov'd ought besides . Weeps .

Pedro.

Nay look , if ye practise your Tricks upon me , I must begin the rough Game ; I 've no fine words , not I , mine is a downright meaning , and with Love , or without , I must be satisfied that 's in short .

F●ll .

How , Sir , which — way ? Oh do not burn me with your fiery Eyes .

Pedro.

Agen — which way ? Gad I must speak it broad , — she has an Itch to hear it on my Life .

Fell.

I 'll sing a Pretty Song to please ye , Sir , — 't was made upon a poor unhappy Maid , forc'd in a Wood by a rude Barbarous Russian , and Rob'd and Ravish'd , — I know not what that is , but she was sadly ●s'd .

Pedro.

What has she made a Song upon her self before-hand ? She Sings . HE led her by the Milk white hand into a Covert shady , He swore he 'd give her House and Land ▪ and she shou'd be a Lady . Her Cheeks were spread with Crimson red ; at last he made her squeak'out . The naughty man a Trick began that Im asham'd to speak out .

Quaint and fine i'faith , what a pretty little warbling Pipe the Gipsie has — Oh — how I long to spoil it , — Come , come , my little Canary Bird , Musick is most proper at Meals , I must fall too now .

Fell.

Oh some kind Angel now look down and save me : Oh but you ha'nt heard me sing a merry Song yet , I have of the Devil and a Fryer , how they were playing a Game at Cross Bunns , and how the Frier Cheated him . Sings agen . THE Devil he pull'd off his Iacket of flame , The Fryer he pull'd off his Cowle , The Devil took him for a Dunce of the Game , The Fryer took him for a Fool : He piqu'd , and repiqu'd him so oft , That at last he swore by the Iolly fat Nuns , If Cards came no better than those that are past , Oh! Oh! I shall lose all my Bunns .

Pedro.

Ha , ha , ha , — how the young Cockatrice — tickles me with her shrill Note , — But come prithee , now let me strike up my fit of mirth .

Fell.

Y've ne'er a Fiddle , Sir.

Pedro.

Oh then I 'll make use of yours .

Fell.

Sweet , dear kind Sir , — A poor unhappy Girle ! besides I 'm ugly too .

Pedro.

Ye lye , ye Baggage , ye lye , y' are handsome enough in Conscience . Seizes .

Fell.

Oh that the Earth would swallow me . Weeps .

Pedro within .

Major where are ye ?

Fell.

Oh blessed sound !

Pedro.

Ah Plague of all delays , — 't was th' Captains voice sure , — Hah , he 's coming , — go get ye in ye little Hypocrite , and prepare your self , d' ee hear , I 'll be with ye presently . — Now Captain — What News — Shuts in Fellicia .

Enter Pedro. Pedro.

News that distracts us all : The General 's mad yonder , the Duke of Mataloni has kill'd Cosmo , and with the Ring freed both himself and th' Dutchess , — he 's coming hither with the Prince of Bissignano , but in so strange a humour .

Pedro.

All the better , get our Friends ready Captain , against he cools , to drink him up agen , and be sure contrive to keep him from sleep : I have a little Business now , but at night I 'll second ye .

Pedro.

I 'll not fail my part , he has not had a Nap this four days , nor shan't if Business can hinder . Exeunt severally .

Enter Massainello in a Rage with Bissignano and Guards . Mass.

Let twenty Cannons fire against the Castle : — Down with the Houses in Toledo-Street , I will not leave a Don a Hole to Nest in : And in Revenge of Mataloni's Subtlety , and Cosmo's Death , — Kill all ye take of them ; Burn , Ravish , Plunder . — I choak with Rage , and cannot vent my Gall , Till there 's a Desolation of 'em all .

Biss.

This is stark Frenzy , Sir , for Honour's sake — think , e'er ye Act this Outrage ; — Has the Duke done more than is natural ? And since you have forgot and broke your Promise , in other things relating to the State , had he been wise to trust you with his Wife ?

Mass.

Peace , Babling Fool , Hell take thee quick for naming her .

S●rikes Him. Biss.

Then Life 's my s●orn , I 'll die this moment .

Offers to Draw , Guards withhold it . Mass.

That thou shalt not neither : — Away with him then , give him Liberty , I 'll take down his proud heart without consining .

Biss.

And if it e'er forgives thee , curse me Heaven .

Exit Bissignano Guarded . Re-enter Pietro . Mass.

Thy Looks are cheerful , what good News ?

Piet.

Rare , rare , Sir , the Party you sent after the Duke and 's Wife o'retook 'em , but he being disguised in Cosmo's habit , his Fact not known , was by the Guards — neglected , but she 's forc'd from him and brought back to Prison .

Mass.

Ah — had the half kind ●ates — but caught him too , my wishes had been full : — But come , however I have his better par● , and that shall serve to cool my fla●e a little : Come hither Friend ; what , thou art but a Captain ?

Piet.

No more , my Lord.

Mass.

Give me thy No●e , March out and be a Colonel .

Pulls Him by the Nose and Cuffs Him. Piet.

I am your Lordship 's ever . Exit Pietro .

Mass.

Oh Power , methinks I feel thee still more Charming , and my Revenge on Mataloni s●ems , — now not so — hopeless : — Death , I never name him , but the word chills my Veins ; An Ominou● Blast , methinks , shrivels my Nerves , — and makes my Blood clodd and grow cold as if the word were fatal , — Pish , — t is meer fancy , think on the Prisoner , she shall attone ; — Now Hat● and Love are equal .

Enter Pimpwell . Pimp .

I hear he is in pretty good Humour now , and therefore will venture upon him : — Yonder 's the Dutchess , my good Lord , — we have got her agen ; — why what a perverse thing 't is , — Odd your Lordship e'en us'd h●r too civilly ; if you would have taken my Advice , you shou●d have Pinnion'd her , Cramp'd her , bound ●er to her Good Behaviour : A proud Minx to slight such an Honour .

Mass.

Thou' rt in the right ; how dost thou honest Fellow ?

Pimp .

Ah — mighty well , and like your Honour ▪ and especially when I see you smile and look cheerfully : — And I can tell ye something will make ye more merry , — we have set this Vagabond Duke too , — we 'l have him if he be above Ground .

Mass.

I ever found thee diligent : — What Paper hast tha● there ?

Pimp .

Phugh , a Letter from my Good Lady to your Honour ; she is pleas'd to over-value my small Parts and please ye . Now for my Governm●nt , — and Oh the Stars , Planets , Comets , Meteors , Fiery Flapdragons , and Will-o'th-Wisps stand by me now , or may ye never more furnish an Almanack . —

Mass.

Ha , ha , — why Blowze speaks kindly of thee here .

Pimp .

Ah — Bless her good Honour — and forgive me one thing I had like to have forgot , my Lord , — I h●ar the People certainly design to vote your Honour — for Viceroy . —

Mass.

D' e they , that 's well , she writes in thy behalf here for the Government of Aversi , — 't is thine , there , there , Kicks Him. A Patent for thee , go and Govern.

Pimp .

Ah thank your good Lordship , from my Soul , and happy be the To● that kicks me to the Government , to which in State I go . Exit .

Mass.

Thus like Immortal , Iove thus uncontrould , shall gr●●● Massainello act his Pleasure , whilst Trembling Nations stand amaz'd to view him . Is there a higher Spoke in Fortune's Wheel , th●● where I stand ? — No , but methinks with the Prodigious height● my Head grows dizzy . Stay , to morrow I 'm a Viceroy , next a King ▪ then wherefore shines that Sun so far above me ; or how dares yonder Moon and Stars by Night pretend to Ape my Glo●y ? Oh my hot Brain , is there a thing in Nature that is cold ? — A re●l Substance that bears the name — of Ice ? sure 't is all Fiction , th● Globe's compos'd of Fire , the Element's all Flame ; and mine 's more fierce than all , and more consuming : I from my Bosom breath a Hotter Hell , Than P●aeton on A●rick when he fell . Exit .

SCEN. III. Enter Viceroy , Mataloni and Aurelia . Vice.

You have no Leisure now for Grief , my Lord , Revenge must ●ill your Bosom , thoughts of that , — cha●m and possess your Senses , 't is your D●eds and not your Sorrows now must do you Justice .

Mat.

Oh let Fate once afford me but the means , but one , one , lucky minute , — I 'll forgive all my past miseries .

Vice.

Let us not despair , — the Pious Cardinal has made a Progress beyond our Expectation .

Aur.

He 's too old , too dull , and loses time in grave Advising : Our way should be some deep stroke at a heat , some Stratagem to sink 'em at a Blow , without depending on Consideration , some Mine to mount 'em up , some Gulph to drown 'em , or with a wish could we obtain the Lightning Coelestial , Blazes of Ethereal Fire ; or Bribe the Thunder Rowling in the Clouds to break just o're their Heads , and mash 'em all ; that were a joyful Sight .

Vice.

But these are Things impossible .

Aur.

Oh that my Power were half so active as my vigorous Will , — that this vast Weed , this monstrous spreading Mushrome , that insolently gave me Life and Freedom , both from his hands , so m●ch to my dishonour , might feel my Fury in its noble nature ; at least that he might see my Glorious Anger , and my just detestation of my self , for being curst so far , so poorly fated to take 'em as his Courtesie .

Mat.

'T is still the nature of Mechanick Villains , to make by insolent action an Affront , — what they design a Kindness : I warra●t he look'd stately .

Aur.

Like the World's Emperour , — as if we all were clos'd up in a Bubble , which he could puff to nothing : Oh I am Mad , mad , and could tear my hated self to pieces ; Curse my unhappy Stars , and make a Contract even with the Prince of the Infernal Mansions , — so I might perfect my Revenge .

Vice.

Calmer , calmer , you torment your self too much .

Aur.

Oh talk not of Calmness , I 've a Storm within me , and it must blow before the Rain will follow , — Weeps . — Hah , can I be so base , so meanly spirited to shed a Tear too , a foolish Drop , — 't is gone , — and with it all my Womanly soft temper , — for when I think upon your Belleraiza , and the Distress of my dear , dear F●llicia , — both now Confin'd amongst these worst of Devils , Fury unqu●nchable my Breast does burn , I cha●ge my Nature , and a Dragon turn . Exit .

Vice.

I cannot blame her ●or unbridled Passion : Because her grief is weighty ; a sense of Honour too severely great , but you , my Lord , I fear , by her last words are struck afresh .

Mat.

'T is true , the name of Belleraiza shot me , shot me to th' Heart , but I have pull'd the Dart out , and will be whole agen , — What 's to be done , my Lord ?

Vice.

Immediate Diligence to aggravate the People , whom the Cardinal , — who by his vertue always gain'd their Love , possesses now with Massainello's Madness , upon which Thousands have ●ate ●●volted from him , — being daily abus'd , some ki●l●d , some wounded , as his Humour plea●es , — and on the least Incouragement we are told , will turn against him .

Mat.

Oh that Joyful hour !

Vice.

Here comes his Gracious Eminence .

Mat.

And I think the Prince of Bissignano .

Vice.

'T is the same , his coming must produce something of moment .

Enter Cardinal and Bissignano . Card.

Health to your Highness .

Biss.

Long and many years happy and flourishing .

Vice.

This from you , my Lord , the General 's Moderator , is somewhat strange .

Biss.

True , I was Moderator , but not Sycophant ; but now believe , my Lord , I am his Fate , — he 's now stark Frantick , all his Actions shew it , worrys the Nobles that don't Bow and Cringe , and do him Rever●nce as he passes by , as a Wolf does a Flock of harmless Sheep ; — Kills , Tortures his own Friends , and plays the Devil , even with those very Rogues that set him up .

Card.

And that those Crush him is most natural .

Biss.

Besides , a Barbarous Action done last Night , too bad to be related — Innocent Fellicia your sweet Neice , my Lord , savagely Ravish'd by his Villain Brother ; at which sad News her Father , Old Caivano , — being close Imprison'd too , since dy'd with Grief .

Mat.

Accursed Dog , Oh , my thoughts murder me ! Oh Belleraiza !

Biss.

Nothing of her is Nois'd , hope well , my Lord.

Card.

And prudently let 's manage : Has your Highness spread all those Papers round about the City , importing from the King a General Pardon to all the People that lay down their Arms.

Vice.

Most carefully , — and find it has the same Effects I wish , for Numbers have observed it , and Deserted .

Biss.

Most c●rtainly they have , — on which occasion the Tyrant-Rebel , tho' he 's always fluster'd , has yet a Pang of Fear , and keeps up close , — doubles even his Guards , and shews an Apprehension of what I hope will happen .

Mat.

How shall I come to unkennel this Damn'd ●ox , this Bloody , this most Hellish —

Biss.

Fortune ; my Lord , shews ye the way , by me ; it is my luck , for now I 'll call it so , to have an Interest in his Night 's Con●ident , his Blowzabella , — she , if she holds her Humour as 't was lately , — will scarce deny me any ask'd for favour ; nor will she balk at this , if I request it , to give me th' opportunity to see him privately .

Vice.

It looks with a good face , proceed my Lord.

Biss.

'T is the easier to be done , — because the breach about th● Blow , the Villain lately gave me is suppos'd reconcil'd , which if ● e'●e forgive , may this right hand refuse to do me reason : My Dri●t is unsuspected , and being done , when I have moulded her , you shall have notice .

Mat.

Oh that the Wings of Time mov'd faster ! Now I am impatient till the Minute comes .

Biss.

Yet too much hast , my Lord , may ruin all : Let us meet once more here , and then consult about some methods to be us'd .

Card.

'T is reasonable , — whilst I assist at the Cathedral , and there by subtl● means disperse more Papers , and fix the People in their hopes of Pardon .

Vice.

Six Troops of Spanish Horse , — shall all be ready against the Signal 's given for our meeting , which I could wish were suddenly .

Biss.

To morrow , e're th' Rosie Guide has usher'd in the Sun ; in the mean time let all be husht as Death , — 't is Freedom that 's at stake , then let 's be close and cautious . Silent as Infants in soft Dreams appear ; Or Lovers — when they know — that Spies are near . Exeunt .

ACT V.

SCEN. I. Enter Bissignano , Blowzabella , Pimpwell , and La Poop . Blowz.

LA Poop , Go tell the Ladies that are come to visit me , I suppose to beg something , — that I 'll not be seen to day ; tell I 'm troubled with Vapours , and keep my Chamber .

L. Poop .

I ●all , Madam , I have alway one Lye ready for your Ladiship ven ever you have de occasion , — vor me know ver well de Lye be as proper vor de File de Chambre , as de old Gown of her Lady ven she leave off . Exit La Poop .

Blow .

Well , my Lord , and as you were saying , give me your hand ; nay , nay , you might have spar'd that , — Kiss●s i● . for I have been so busie setting in order some new Jewels to wear , that Ods●ish I forgot to wash 'em to day .

Biss.

Ay or this Week either , on my Conscience : Well , if my Guts don't come up now , I 'm happy .

Pimp .

Hum , this long Chin'd Don is very familiar , methinks , but if this hold , I shall make bold to let him know there are some Governours his Equals , to be first serv'd ; — Gad my quality shall be known now . I have it : What , we must do great things now .

Blowz.

Ay , ay , you say enough of my Beauty , and my good shape , now y' are in the sit ; but I have had but slender Proofs from a Person as I thought of your Ability .

Biss.

Hum , what a Devil shall I say now , for the truth is I have always shun'd her as a Hare does a Hound , when she hears the Horn near her . Aside . Oh , Madam , Business , business , 't is that has always occasion'd my misfortune .

Pimp .

I beseech ye , Madam , let him mind his — hem — hem , and let others — that are more diligent — and men of quality too mind yours .

Biss.

So , thank my Stars , — I have a Rival now , — of a Valet de Chambre .

Blowz.

Time was my Lord , when that face of yours could do something with me , — but you Courtiers are so dull in matters of moment , that a Woman of spirit grows weary of ye presently . — My Lord , prithee come hither and put this Patch on right . To Pimp .

Pimp .

Humph , humph , poor Prince how he looks now ? Aside . Pray Madam , dispatch his Business , and send him away , I have a word or two to speak t' ee in private .

Blowz.

And what Private Business — hast thou with me , ha , — Go , you are a Rogue ; — You are so uppish now y 're a Man of Quality .

Biss.

Ay , 't is even so , I find I 'm a meer Cast-away , — but I must Collogue till I get my Ends of her however .

Blowz.

Well , my Lord , and what other Business have you with me , besides your Address ? what , you would speak with the General ?

Biss.

Yes , Madam , and about earnest Business concerns him .

Pimp .

Lend him your Key , Madam , dont't go your self t● introduce him ; 't is below ye : Besides , you know he 'l be every minute troubling ye , for he 's employ'd continually .

Blowz.

'T is true , therefore I 'll put that trouble off my hands ▪ There , my Lord , that Key admits ye to him ; and now d' ee hear , you may negotiate your own publick Business — without troubling mine in private .

Pimp .

Ay , d' ee hear , my Lord , you understand without troubling ours in private .

Biss.

Blest Accident , Fortune has thrown that into my hands unexpected , that else I should have half-damn'd my Soul with Lying and Flattery to get from her , Aside . I hear , Madam , the General 's busie now with some Friends , an hour hence will be time enough for me .

Blowz.

Oh , when you please : — Your Servant , my Lord.

Pimp .

Your Servant , good my Lord ; — there , there 's the Door , my Lord.

Biss.

Insolent Rogue , he sees not yet the Fiend that 's hovering o're him Aside .

Blowz.

The General is busie , — 't is true , that is , he 's Drinking : A Daily Affair that my Brother Pedro always employs Exit Bissig . him in : he says politickly , but I 'm sure 't is an insufferable Plague to me , for he 's now and then stark mad , — runs up and down without his Hat , and but one Stockin on , stares like a Fury , and never comes to visit me , but after three or four words we fall to Cuffs ; — here lies his Perruke , and there my Head-dress ; but Odsfish I 'll be reveng'd of him . — Come , my Lord , let 's go in , Come . Pats Him.

Pimp .

My Lord , — my Lord — how purely — it sounds , and what a figure I shall make , when for Air or so , — I whip over agen into my own Country England . Zooks how my Title will rattle there ! — Here 's Don Ricardo arriv'd , they cry presently : Then to the Park I scowre , then to the Play-house , then the Side-box , then behind the Scenes , and then prattle with the little pretty Tuzzy Muzzy , winking , Pinking Rogues ; Ah Le Plasire charmant , dear Madam , I beg your Pardon . — Gad I was so wrapt with my new Fortune , — that I had almost forgot your Ladiship .

Blow .

Had ye so : Come Sirrah , come your ways in and take a Dram of my Bottle , — I 'll give ye something shall rub up your remembrance presently ; Come Ricky — come Sirrah .

Pimp .

March on Don , march on , Oh happy , happy Rogue ! What , we must do great things now . Exeunt .

SCENE II. Enter Viceroy and Cardinal . Vice.

Blest News ! The Face of things wears ; sudden Change , revolting Crowds throng hourly to the Castle , — and beg for Pardon , promising to turn and serve with , — The Rebell 's humour 's now so monstrous grown , that he spares none , murders his Friends and Kinsmen , Racks and breaks o' th' Wheel for every Trifle , not heeding Sex nor Age , Desert nor Quality .

Card.

His Madness , we may well believe will last too , he has not slept this Week .

Vice.

And every day they drink him to a height .

Card.

That works for us , — and makes him do such mischiefs that now the People Generally hate him ; the Vice-Queen's Prayer is heard , for that she may be throughly satisfied with sweet Revenge , which I confess my best Divinity can't in this Juncture dissallow ; — we only want the generous performance of Bissignano's — Promise , — and Mataloni's Valour to effect it , and then Revenge is sure .

Enter Mataloni Leading Fellicia , her Hair dishevel'd , and Mouth Bloody , as Ravish'd . Vice.

But who comes yonder , Oh my Tortur'd Soul ! — Who is 't ? I see my dear , my sweet Fellicia .

Mat.

Had ever Beauty so severe a Blast , or tender Innocence so hard a Fate ! The Ravisher it seems Mad with his Guilt , and fearing 't would exasperate the People soon , — as the Barbarous Action was perform'd , close cover'd with a Veil convey'd her hither .

Fell.

Bury me quick , Oh do not look upon me , but pity and revenge , Oh if a wretched ruin'd Virgin 's Prayer can touch your Hearts , pity me and revenge . Exit .

Card.

My Heart is wounded , and my Reason fails me , — why such things are , I must not dare not ask , — the Mystery of Religion , curbs my thoughts , — and there is nothing left me but to wonder : Why Innocence to such distress can fall , None e'er can know but only who knows all .

Enter Bissignano with a Key . Vice.

Welcome , most Noble Lord , — good Luck I hope has blest us in your coming .

Biss.

Good , as 't is possible , — here is the fatal Key that opens Hell , where all the Fiends sit in Triumphant Revels , amongst their Brimming Bowls , fearless of Danger . — Now let us plunge 'em to the inmost Cavern , — where Sulphurous Caldrons boyl , with hottest fury — I sent a Message to the Vice-Queen lately — to get the Blowze the Fish-wife out o' th' way by inviting her to Musick , — or a Banquet ; and she resolves on 't ; this being done , our way is clear , our Hearts and Hands are ready to crush this ●dious Mons●er .

Mat.

Lead , Brave Prince .

Biss.

And yet it is , below our selves , methinks , to taint our Hands with his vile Blood — our Slaves shall do the Drudgery .

Mat.

I 'll be there however , — lest some damn'd Accident

Vice.

Should Intervene and stop the wish'd Affair .

Card.

And I 'll go beg , — your good Success by Prayer . Ex●●nt .

SCEN. III. Discovers Massainello just risen from Table , where Pedro , Pietro and others were Drinking . Mass.

She has defy'd my Love , and dares my Cruelty ; Is Massainello to be dar'd , — no , — Woman , thou soon shalt find the Thunderbolts of Iove , and all the fierce Artillery of Heaven — too weak to balk my Power , — Yet she Smiles , and when I talk of Rape — or Death with Torment , points to the Sky as if from thence she hop'd fresh Succours to relieve her .

Pedr.

Harkee , — don't mind him , he 's got now into one of his moody Fits : — Come , come , drink about .

Piet.

He has sent for the Dutchess , — and I suppose will be somewhat rough with her Grace , if she keeps her old Humour ; — Ten to one but we shall see some Scratching , Mewing and Caterwawling between ' em .

Mass.

Caesar Lubrano , Tursis and Zavalio , three mighty Dons that proudly look'd upon me as I thought with Contempt , shall die to Night , their Houses Burnt and Plundered ; — nor stop I here , but all their Heads and Hands from Bodies chopt , and then Nail'd upon Crosses , — shall stand to adorn th' Entrance of my Palace ; and had I but that Devil Mataloni , — but here 's one half of him , the Fiend split in two , this part is Woman .

Guards bring in Belleraiza . Bell.

Well , Sir , what Torture next ? you flag and cool , my Courage can endure a thousand worse , than these I feel of Darkness and of Solitude , — my Humour too is fix'd just as it was , for know I hate ye still .

Mass.

And I thee now , so rankly , I could wish thou wert a Man , that being of the stronger Constitution , thou might'st feel pain the more .

Pedro.

So she has netled him already , — there 's no moulding her to any thing by fair means , — she's obstinate still , — what a Devil is this Vertue , I wonder that Women stickle so about , — They can sell it for nothing , I never heard it was worth a Groat .

Pietro .

Ah — the General never went the right way to work with her ; if any Woman denies me impertinen●ly , 't is but knocking her down , and there 's an end of the matter .

Bell.

Will you not prove the force then of your hatred ? Order the Rack or Wheel , or any thing , so you dismiss me .

Mass.

Poor Obstinate , — art thou so fond of Pain ?

Bell.

Pain — will be pleasure , so I save my Honour .

Mass.

Your Honour ! Since then — y' are of that so tender — I thank ye , you have shewn the way to plague ye , — I am not ignorant , a Woman's Will can when its stubborn de●ie death and horror , — if that Fantastick whimsie be secure , — and I have found one of this sort are you : Your Honour safe , you all my Power defie , Then first I 'll kill your Honour e're you die . For to divert my self and my Companions thou shalt here be strip'd stark naked in our view , each charming Limb which Fool 's mistake for Beauty , — expos'd even to my Guards to mock and scorn .

Bell.

Torment of Torments , what have I heard him say ?

Mass.

Here , seize on her , and use the haughty Mischief as I command , that we may view the Beauty's she 's so proud of , and judge whither perfection or defects are most excelling . They seize her .

Pedr.

We shall have some fresh Play presently .

Bell.

Oh , I have been too rash , — thus at your Feet — I beg your pardon , and repent my words : Burn , tea● me piece-meal , for provoking ye , invent new Tortures that were never heard of , — to glut your Cruelty , and I 'll call it Justice , but let me scape the shame of being expos'd .

Mass.

Oh does it pinch ye now , — is — thin skin'd Honour so nice that a meer sight on 't makes ye squeak . — I say uncloth her , for I now , methinks , expect a certain pleasure , to behold a Body that Mankind oft Damn their Souls for .

Bell.

Oh I will never rise but rooted here , — fix till my life forsakes me .

Mass.

Tear off her hold , — and strip her instantly ; and when she 's so disgrac'd , take off her Head , and send it to her Yoke-mate Mataloni .

Here Enter Bissignano , Mataloni , with a Pistol and Guards . Mat.

That shall not need , — he comes to fetch the whole , here 's Mataloni's self . Seizes her , she Embraces him .

Bell.

Oh , — Extasie !

Mat.

Fall on my Soldiers . He fights with the Guards .

Mass.

Hah surpriz'd ! yet you shall buy me dearly , Despair assist me .

Bissignano Fights with Pedro and Disarms him . Massainello kills three of the Guards , and strives to get near to Belleraiza , — Mataloni shoots him with a Pistol , — He falls . Mass.

Ah — Coward Fates ! had my last minute prosper'd , — to reach thy Life , my own had fled with joy ; but thou hast stop'd me , Stop'd all my Glory — in its full carreer , And sent th' Ambitious Soul I know not where . Dies .

Mat.

With thee die all my Fears : Oh my Soul's Joy , — once more , I see there 's a kind Star for Lovers . Embraces her .

Bell.

I cannot speak : Ah let my Eyes express me .

Biss.

Secure those Rebels ; then with speed let 's go to meet the Viceroy and the Cardinal .

Mat.

Let the Spanish Troops be d●awn up near the — Castle , ready to publish when the Word is given the Death of this proud Monster .

Sold.

They shall , my Lord.

Biss.

And now thou Glorious Saint , Protector of our Kingdom , thus we thank thee .

Mat. Thank thee with Joy for this Propitious Hour , That frees Glad Naples — from Rebellious Power . Exeunt .

SCEN. IV. Enter Aurelia and Ladies . Aur.

What is th' Pageant come ?

1 Lady .

So , please your Highness , I saw the Coach stop now at the Gate .

2 Lady .

Her Sister too , and the whole Tribe of Fish-wives .

Aur.

And is the Mask — prepar'd as I gave Order ?

1 Lady .

Yes , Madam , and the Hangman , Death and the Devil ●oo , with their proper Ornaments , all ready to wait on her .

2 Lady .

Her Mackerel Ladiship , — I dare affirm was never in her Life so Entertain'd .

A●● .

Not as she shall be e're I part with her , — By this time sure the Destinies have play'd their fatal Game , and the bold Rebel has in Hell his payment , as Noble Bissignan● , sent me word , they then had plotted , and the hour 's now past , — It must be done ; th ' uncommon Joy I feel , gives me assurance his Death will be their sport , — whilst I divert me with his Mawking here , and shew her Beastly self by a reflection . She comes , ●●d with a Pride I warrant , proper . — Who waits there ? Set Cha●● out for her Mightiness — and her Retinue , and when the Mask begins , let one stand by her to explain the Figures .

Enter Blowzabella , Pimpwell , Ursula , and Attendants . Blowz.

Well , Odsfish , 't is a happy thing to be a Woman of Quality : Had I been a poor Jade now , the Devil of any Ball , Mask , or what d' ee call it had been made for me , — and now lookee , the Vice-Queen thinks it her duty to shew me respect , — On my word , this is a great point gain'd .

Pimp .

Ay , Madam , — I warrant she has some suit or other to your Ladiship ; and faith , Madam , if you ● ' take my Counsel , don't be too forward , let her wait a little , — 't is th● Method at Court always .

Blowz.

'T is so , Boy , thou' rt in the right . — Come now , let 's hear this Stuff .

The Masque begins . Enter a Fisherman and Fishwife , and Dance . Serv.

Now that your Greatness may understand the Figures , — you must know that the first is a Fisherman , and the Dowdy his Wife .

Blowz.

Ha , ha , ha , — Odsfish that 's pleasant enough . — Well , and prithee what 's t'other ?

Serv.

Th' other is a Monster representing Rebellion .

Pimp .

I warrant that 's a troublesome Rascal .

Then Enter a Figure drest like Pimpwell , and a Valet bearing a Robe and a Gown , Fine Clothes Tawdry . Serv.

This is a Rascally Fellow , that 's got into Office , and serves the o●hers in their Villanies , his Name is Pride , — a Pimp , a Scoundrel . —

Pimp .

Odd , methinks , the Fellow has a pretty kind of an Appearance : Gad I think he 's like me : Come , let 's hear him .

Then they Dress the Fisherman and his Wife in the Robe and Gown , who Strutt about . —

Then Enter three Figures , the one Represe●ting Death , the other a Hangman , the third the Devil .

Blowz.

Oh G●d , what Nauseous Scraggy Rascal 's that — soh — I abominate th' sight of him .

Pimp .

And I the t'other , — methinks he looks lik● the Hangman .

Serv.

Right , Sir , he is one , — the t'other is , Madam , a strange surly positive morose Fellow , his Name is Death ; few of you Ladies like him , he has not Flesh enough ; the other , one that represents Rebellion .

A Solemn Introduction of Instrumental Musick , and then this Song is Sung by Mr. Pate , representing Rebellion . FRom Burning Caves the dreadful'st part of Hell , Where Fiends with Flaming Tongues in pain Eternal dwell , And damn'd by me on Earth in dismal horror yell ; I come to shew these Wretches here , What they are doom'd to bear . I come to shew what Torment must ensue , What endless Plagues are for Rebellion due ▪ Appear then each Slave Of Fate , Hell , and the Grave : Appear in your Terror , and wound their curst Eyes With Sulphur perfum'd too ye Furies arise . 1 Fury . Ha , ha , ha , ha , we laugh aloud . Furies and others arise . We laugh , we laugh aloud , And of our Fortune still are proud , When e're to Hell the Rebels crowd . 2 Fury . These to worst Pangs — Grim Pluto does condemn , Our heaps of Coals ar● shovel'd all to them . 3 Fury . And when in Limbo's Freezing Lake , We in another kind Damnations Plague expect to find Proud Rebels still our Places take , And Grind their G●ashing Teeth and quake . 1 Fury .

He may chance to find mercy who quaffs a full Bowl .

2 Fury .

And the Whore-master too may make friends for ●is Soul ▪

3 Fury .

But the Rebel unpardon'd for ever shall howl .

Chorus of all .

He may chance , &c.

Then a Dance ; at the End of which Death and the Hangman come and seize on Pimpwell and Blowzabella , and the Devil on Ursula , and the rest . Exeunt . Pimp .

I warrant that 's a troublesome Fellow .

Blowz.

Eyh , Eyh , — What would the Raw-bon'd Rascal have ? Oh hideous ! Hands , off Sirrah . Was ever such an Abuse ?

Serv.

'T is part of the Entertainment , Madam , you must go with him .

Blowz.

Go with him , I 'll see the Devil have him first .

Ursul.

And his Dam , — the t'other here — Hands off Sirrah ; you 'l grow sawcy presently .

Pimp .

And what would you have with me ye Impudent Rascal ? D' ee see how you soil my Coat ? To the Hangman .

Serv.

Oh he has a Halter , Sir , will cure ye of all Fashions presently . In short , Goody Fishwife , the Villain your Husband 's dead , and yours Madam will be presently , therefore all ye have to console upon is to hang decently by one another : But first that you may die in your right Stations , kneel there and pay your Homage .

Blowz.

Ah — Treason , Treason , where are my Guards ? —

Pimp .

Help , help there , I 'm a Lord — Good People .

Serv.

Ye Lye , ye are a Pimp , ye Rogue , they must Guard ye to the Gallows .

Aur.

What can your Mightynesses bow so low , you that so late could dash at the Nobility , and kick your Kennel-dirt up in their Faces ; Hah ! can you Truckle now ye Groveling Slaves , y' are in your right Stations , — low as your Parent-clod . Then throw their hated Carcasses on Dunghills , drag 'em to death ; at last the hour is come , tho' long expected , which my indulgent Genius did reserve to gratifie the labour of my Soul for all its Torments during this Rebellion : — Mean Souls when wrong'd , mean Satisfaction take . The great can only be with Blood repaid , And Death the least Attonement can be made . Exit Aur.

Enter Viceroy , Mataloni , Cardinal , Bissignano , Aurel●a , and Guards . Mat.

Oh how the Slaves can Truckle , when they find how the Tide runs against ' em !

Vice.

My ●ord Cardinal — your Eminence was in the Market-place ; How did th●y rellish my first Proclamation ?

Card.

Just as all Rabble do in Turns of Times ; those that but two days past , would have stemm'd Torre●ts ▪ 〈◊〉 to the mouth o● a new mounted Cannon , and ●inger'd eve● 〈…〉 — Now when they heard his Death , and found the Tide turn , laid present hold upon your Act of Grace , and were so far from naming him as General , that they even rent their Throats with this loud cry , Long live the King , and our most Noble Viceroy .

Biss.

Nay more , no sooner had they seen his Body as it lay dead , but with Impetuous Fury they chopt his Head off first , and next his Hands , and on a Poll exalted them in view , — then dragg'd the Trunk with Horses through the Streets .

Bell.

Ador'd be St. Genaro , and the Powers , that to their former Glory have restor'd — Abandon'd Naples , and its Ancient Peace : But letting Gratitude peculiar move At once being blest with Liberty and Love. Shout within .

Vice.

They now even offend me with their Zeal , making the Prospect of my Palace h●re , their place of Execution ! Open that Folding-door , and you may see the Reward of dire Rebellion .

Here the SCENE Opens and discovers the Trunk of Massainello ●eadless and Handless , dragg'd by Horses , his Head and Hands fastned to a Pole , with an Inscription , and behind these the Bodies of Blowzabella , Pedro and Pietro Hanging upon Gibbets . Card. A dreadful Sight ! Yet bears it a good Moral , Discovering the vain state of Worldly Greatness ; And what a slippery way he treads that chuses The Path of vain Ambition , — wanting Power To keep the great Resolves to which he swore . Had Massainello when he Sign'd the Articles , Renounc'd his Sway , and modestly retir'd , The Action past so Great , so Beneficial , Would almost have Atton'd for his Rebellion : He had deserv'd a Golden Statue rais'd To keep his ●ame to perpetuity ; But his Ambition blinding his weak Eyes , Turn'd his h●t Brain , and br●ke the Reins of Reason . The Mo●al to all Rebels doth ●●long , They may a while , but cannot prosper long . And ●eaven's use of 'em is thus made known , First to ●urge others Crimes , and last their own . Ex●un● .

EPILOGUE FOR Miss CAMPIAN . DRess'd in the Fashion that I now appear , My Spanish Garb , and loose dishevel'd Hair ; A Gay Town-Spark , one of the Toasting Gang Iust now came to me , and thus made Harangue : Madam , says he , and straight I found by this , He thought 't would Anger me to call me Miss ; Your part of being ravish'd , Ma'm , says he , Has stop'd my Vitals quite , quite ●●●vish'd me . Pray let me kiss your Hand ; Oh fye , Sir , no : Nay , Pish , cry'd I , and put him by just so : Yet thank'd him , that he lik'd my Part to day . Burn me , says he , I like you ; Damn the Play. Then mutter'd something softly in my Ear , Something of Hundreds setling by the Year . I colour'd like a Rose , and trembled too ; For Heaven knows for 'em what I was to do . But taking heart I angry answer'd thus : What mean ye , Sir , d' ee take me for Miss — A certain Lady we have lately lost ? And at that word finding he 'd make more pother , I started up and said , I 'd call my Mother . At that , says he , and as he spoke it smil'd , Why sure you wont — you wont be such a Child , There 's none but Babies let their Mothers know , I was asham'd that he should think me so . We love the Childish scandal to prevent , To be thought fit , altho' w● don't consent ; So much confus'd I left him — this Relation I leave for you , Sirs , to make Application . If you forsake our Plays , and I am slighted , You see at least I one way may be righted , Young as I am — Knight-Errant can provide , That me to Paris will on Cock-horse guide . FINIS .

Notes, typically marginal, from the original text

Notes for div A36973-e2430 * St. Genaro Recorded Protector of Naples .