UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA 
 AT LOS ANGELES
 
 

 
 J
 
 THE 
 
 WORKS 
 
 O F 
 
 PHILIP MASSINGER, 
 
 VOLUME the SECOND. 
 
 CONTAINING, 
 
 The RE NEC ADO. 
 
 The P I C T U R E. 
 
 The FATAL DOWRY. 
 
 The EMPEROR OF THE EAST. 
 
 The MAID OF HONOUR. 
 
 LONDON: 
 
 Printed for T. DAVIES, in Ruffel-Strect, Cavtnt-Garden. 
 M DCC LXI.
 
 v. 
 
 THE 
 
 RENEGADO. 
 
 A 
 
 TRAGI-COMEDY. 
 
 As it hath been often Afted, by the Queen's 
 Majefty's Servants, at the private Play-houfe in 
 Drury-Lane, in the Year 1630. 
 
 By PHILIP MASSINGER. 
 
 VOL. II. A 
 
 42G881
 
 TO THE 
 RIGHT HONOURABLE 
 
 GEORGE HARDING, 
 
 
 
 Baron Barklcy, of Hartley Caftle, and Knight 
 of the. Honourable Ovder of the BATH. 
 
 r r 7 
 
 My good Lord, 
 
 bff honoured for old Nobility, or Hereditary Ti- 
 ties is not -alom proper to yourfelf, but to fomf 
 few cf your Rank, who may challenge the like 
 Privilege with you : But in cur Age to vouch- 
 fafe (as you have of ten- done) a ready Hand to raife the dc- 
 jecled Spirits of the contemned Sons of the Mufes -, fucb as 
 would not fuffer the glorious Fire of Poejy to be wholly ex- 
 tinguijhed, is fo remarkable, and peculiar to your Lordjhip, 
 that with a full Vote, and Suffrage it is acknowledged^ that 
 the Patronage^ and Protection of the dramatic Poem, is 
 yours, and almoft without a Rival. I defpair not therefore^ 
 but that my Ambition to prefent my Service in this Kind, may 
 in your Clemency meet with a gentle Interpretation. Confirm 
 it, my good Lord in your gracious Acceptance of this Trifle ; 
 in which if I were net confident there arc fome Pieces wor- 
 thy the Perufal, it Jhould have been Caught an humbler 
 flight ; and the Writer (your Countryman) never yet made 
 happy in your Notice, and Favour, had not made tits an 
 Advocate to plead for bis 4dwffiw among fuch as are 
 wholly, and Jinccrely devoted to your Service. I may live 
 to tender my humble Thstnkfulnsfs in fome higher Strain ; 
 and, 'till then, comfort myfelf with hope, that you defcend 
 from your Height to receive 
 
 Your Honour's commanded Servant, 
 
 PHILIP MASSINGER. 
 A 2
 
 Dramatis Perfonx. 
 
 'Afambeg, Viceroy of Tunis. 
 Muftapba, Baflia of Aleppo. 
 Vitelli^ a Gentleman of Ve- 
 nice difguis'd. 
 Francifco, a Jefuit. 
 Anthonio Grimaldi, the Re- 
 
 Carazie, an Eunuch. 
 
 Gazety Servant to Fitelli. 
 
 Aga. 
 
 Capiaga. 
 
 Majler. 
 
 Boatfwain. 
 
 Sailors. 
 
 Jailor. 
 
 Three Turks . 
 
 Donufa, Neice to Amuratb 
 Paulina, Sifter to Vitelli. 
 Servant to Dcnufa 
 
 The Original Atfors. 
 
 [OHN BLANYE. 
 JOHN SUMNER. 
 
 VIlCHAEL 
 
 WILLIAM REIGNALDS, 
 WILLIAM ALLEN. 
 
 WILLIAM ROBINS. 
 
 EPWAR.D SHAKERLEY, 
 
 EDWARD ROGERS. 
 THEO. BOURNE. 
 
 Scene, Tunis. 
 
 THE
 
 THE 
 
 RENEGADO. 
 
 A 
 
 TRAGICOMEDY. 
 
 ACT I. SCENE I. 
 Enter Vitelli and Gazet. 
 
 Vitdll. 
 
 ' VE hir'd a Shop, then ? 
 
 es ^' r an d ur Wares 
 Brittle as a Maidenhead at fixteen) 
 Are fafe unladen , not a Chryftal crack'd, 
 Or China Difh needs fod*ring \ our choice Pictures, 
 As they came from the Workman, without Blemifh ; 
 And 1 have ftudied Speeches for each Piece, 
 And in a thrifty Tone, to fell 'em off, 
 Will fwear by Mahomet, and Termagant, 
 That this is Miftrefs to the great Duke of Florence* 
 That Neice to old King Pe-pin, and a Third 
 An Aujlrian Princefs by her Roman Nofe, 
 How e'er my Confcience tells me they are Figures 
 Of Bawds and common Courtefans in Venice. 
 Vittl. You make no Scruple of an Oath, then ? 
 Gaz. Fye, Sir! 
 'Tis cut of my Indentures , I'm bound there 
 
 A 5 To
 
 6 T H E R E N E G A D (X 
 
 To fwear for my Matter's Profit, as fecurely 
 As your Intelligencer muft for his Prince, 
 That fends him forth an honourable Spy 
 To ferve his Purpofes. And, if it be lawful 
 In a Chriftian Shopkeeper to cheat his Father, 
 I cannot find but, to abuie a7urk 
 In the Sale of our Commodities, muibbe thought 
 A meritorious Work. 
 
 Vitel. I wonder, Sirrah, 
 What's your Religion ? 
 
 Gaz. 'Troth, to anfwer truly, 
 I would not be of one that mould command me 
 To feed upon poor John, when I fee Pheafants 
 And Partridges on the Table : Nor do I like 
 The other that allows us to eat Flefh 
 In Lent though it be rotten, rather then be 
 Thought fuperflitious, as your zealous Cobler, 
 And learned Botcher preach at Amjterdam l 
 Over a Hotchpotch. I'd not be confin'd 
 In my Belief, when all your Seels, and Sectaries 
 Are grown of one Opinion -, if I like it, 
 I will profefs myfclf, in the mean Time 
 Live I in England, Spain, France, Rome, Geneva, 
 I'm of that Country's Faith. 
 Vitel. And what mounts? 
 
 Will you turn Turk here? 
 Gaz, No : So I mould lofe 
 
 A Collop of that Part my Dell enjoin'd me 
 
 To bring home as fhe left it : 'Tis her Venture, 
 
 Nor "Bare I barter that Commodity 
 
 Without her fpecial Warrant, 
 Vitel. You're a Knave, Sir ; 
 
 Leaving your Roguery, think upon my Bufmefs : 
 
 It is no 1'ime to fool now ; 
 
 1 As yur zealous Ciblcr 
 
 And learned Botrber preach at Amfterdam 
 
 Much about this Time the Low Countries were infefted ttith a fu- 
 pe<llitious Crew ofPuiitans and Fanatics, and the Perfons here alluded 
 to, were perhaps the iv.oft noted : A Cobler and a Taylor. 
 
 Remember
 
 THERENEGADCX 7 
 
 Remember where you are too : Though this Mart-time, 
 We are allowed free Trading, and with Safety. 
 Temper your Tongue and meddle not with the X*#r&, 
 Their Manners, nor Religion. 
 
 Gaz. Take you Heed, Sir, 
 What Colours you wear. Not two Hours fmce there 
 
 landed 
 
 An Englijh Pirates, Whore with a green Apron, 
 And, as fhe vvalk'd the Streets, one of their Muftis 
 (We call themPriefts ^.Venice} with a Razor 
 Cuts it off, Petticoat, Smock and all, and leaves her 
 As naked as my Nail ; the young Fry wond'ring 
 What ftrange Bead it mould be. I 'fcap'd a Scouring 
 My Miftrefs' Bufk Point, of that forbidden Colour 
 Then ty'd my Codpiece, had it been difcover'd 
 I had been capon'd. 
 
 Vitel. And had been well ferv'd. 
 Hafte to the Shop, and fet my Wares in order 
 I will not Jong be abfent ? 
 
 Gaz. Though I ftrive, Sir, 
 To put off Melancholy, to which you are ever 
 Too much inclin'd, it (hall not hinder me 
 With my beft Care to ferve you. [Exit Gazer, 
 
 Enter Franc ifco. 
 
 Vitel. 1 believe thee. 
 
 O welcome, Sir ! Stay of my Steps in this Life, 
 And Guide to all my bleiled Hopes hereafter! 
 What Comfort, Sir? Have your Endeavours pr'ofpet'd? 
 Hive we tir'd Fortune's Malice with our Sufferings? 
 Is fhe at length, after fo many Frowns, 
 Pleas'd to vouchfafe one cheerful Look upon us ? 
 
 Fran. You give too much to Fortune, and your 
 
 Paffions, 
 
 O'er which a wife Man, if religious, triumphs. 
 That Name Fool's Worfhip, and thofe Tyrants, which 
 We arm againft our better Part, our Reafon, 
 May add, but never take from our Afflictions. 
 
 A 4 Vitel.
 
 3 THERENEGADO, 
 
 Vitel. Sir, as I am a fmftil Man, I cannot 
 But like one fuffer. z 
 
 Fran. I exact not from you 
 A Fortitude infenfible of Calamity, 
 To which the Saints themfelves have bow'd,' and fhew 
 They're made of Flelh and Blood : AIL that I challenge 
 Is manly Patience. Will you, that were train'd up 
 In a religious School, where divine Maxims 
 Scorning Companion with moral Precepts 
 Were daily taught you, bear your Conftancy's Trial, 
 Not like Vitellii but a Village Nurfe, 
 With Curfes in your Mouth ? Tears in your Eyes ? 
 How poorly it mows in you. 
 
 Vitel I am fchool'd, Sir, 
 And will, hereafter, to my utmoft Strength 
 Study to be myfelf. 
 
 Fran. So mall you find me 
 Moft ready to aflifr you : Neither have I 
 Slept in your great Occafions fince I left you : 
 I have been at the Viceroy's Court, and prefs'd 
 As far as they allow a Chriflian Entrance. 
 And fomething I havelearn'd that may concern 
 The Purpofe of this Journey. 
 
 Vitel. Dear Sir, what is it ? 
 
 Fran. By the Command of Afambeg^ the Viceroy : 
 The City fwells with barbarous Pomp and Pride 
 For the Entertainment of (tout Muftapha 
 The Bp.foa of Aleppo^ who, in Perfon, 
 Comes to receive the Neice of Amurab 
 The fair Donufa for his Bride. 
 
 Vitd. I find not 
 low i^his may profit us. 
 
 * Sfr, as I am a Jinful Man, 1 cannot . 
 
 But like one fujfer. 
 
 In Macbeth we have a fine Expreflion like this. 
 Difpute it (fays Malcolm) like a Man. 
 Malcolm, I fliall do fo : 
 But I muft alfo feel it as a Man, 
 
 The Rer. Mr. D*M. 
 
 Fran.
 
 THERENEGADO. 9 
 
 Fran. Pray you, give me Leave. 
 Among the reft that wait upon the Viceroy, 
 (Such as have under him Command in Tunis) 
 Who, as you've often heard, are all falfe Pyrates, 
 I faw the Shame of Venice and the Scorn 
 Of all good Men : The perjur'd Remgado^ 
 Antonio Grimaldi. 
 
 VittL Ha This Name 
 Is Poifon to me. 
 
 Fran. Yet again ? 
 
 Vitd. I've done, Sir! 
 
 Fran. This debauch'd Villain, whom we ever thought 
 (After his impious Scorn done in St. Mark's 
 To me as I flood at the holy Altar) 
 The Thief that ravifh'd your fair Sifter from you, 
 The virtuous Paulina^ not long fince 
 (As I am truly given to underftand) 
 Sold to the Viceroy a fair Chriftian Virgin, 
 On whom, maugre his fierce and cruel Nature 
 Afambeg dotes extremely. 
 
 Vitel. 'Tis my Sifter : 
 It mull be die -, my better Angel tells me 
 'Tis poor Paulina. Farewell all Difguifes ! 
 I'll fhow in my Revenge that I am Noble. 
 
 Fran. You are not mad ? 
 
 Vitel. No, Sir , my virtuous Anger 
 Makes ev'ry Vein an Artery, I feel in me 
 The Strength of twenty Men; and, being arm'd 
 With my good Cauicto wreak wrong'd Innocence, 
 I dare alone run to the Viceroy's Court 
 And with this Poignard T before his Face, 
 Dig out Grimaldi's Heart. 
 
 Fran. Is this religious ? 
 
 Vitel. Would you have me tame now ? Can I know 
 
 my Sifter 
 
 Mew'd up in his Seraglio, and in Danger 
 Not alone to lofe her Honour, but her Soul ? 
 The Hell-bred Villain by too, that has fold both 
 To black Deftrudlion, and not hafte to fend him 
 
 To
 
 io r M E R E N E G A D O. 
 
 To the Devil his Tutor ? To be patient now, 
 Were, in another Name, to play the Pander 
 To th* Viceroy's loofe Embraces, and cry Aim 
 While he by Force, or Elattery compels her 
 To yield her fair Name up to his foul Lull, 
 And after turn Apojldte. to the Faith 
 That fhe was bred in. 
 
 Fran. Da but give me Hearing, 
 And you fhall foon grant how ridiculous 
 This childifh Fury is. A wife Man never 
 Attempts ImpoiTibilities : *Tis as eafy 
 For any Tingle Arm to quell an Army,- 
 As to effect your Wimes. We come hither 
 To learn Paulina's Faith, and to redeem her : 
 Leave your Revenge to Heaven. I oft have told you 
 Of a Relique that I gave her, which has Power 
 (If we may credit holy Mens Traditions) 
 To keep the Owner free from Violence : 
 This on her Bread fhe wears, and does preferve 
 The Virtue of it by her daily Prayers. 
 So, if (he fall not by her own Confent 
 (Which it were Sin to think) I fear no Force. 
 Be, therefore, patient i keep this borrow'd Shape, 
 Till Time and Opportunity prefent us 
 With fome fit Means to fee her \ which perform'd, 
 I'll join with you in any defperate Courfe 
 For her Delivery. 
 
 Vitd. You have charm'd me, Sir I 
 And I obey in all Things: Pray you, pardon 
 The Weakness of my Paffion. 
 
 Fran. And excufe it. 
 
 Be cheerful, Man ; for know that good Intents 
 Are, in the End, Crown'd with as fair Events. 
 
 {Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE
 
 THE RENEGADO. n 
 
 SCENE II. 
 
 A Room. 
 Enter Donufa, Manto, Carazie. 
 
 Don. Have you feen the Chriftian Captive, 
 The great Bafhaw is fo enamour'd of? 
 
 Manto. Yts an't pleafe your Excellency. 
 I took a full View of her, when fhe was 
 Prefented to him. 
 
 Don. Is fhe fuch a Wonder, 
 As 'tis reported ? 
 
 Manto. She was drown'd in Tears then, 
 Which took much from her Beauty ; yet, in fpite 
 Of Sorrow, fhe appeared the Miftrefs of 
 Mod rare Perfections ; and, though of low Stature, 
 Her well-proportion'd Limbs invite Affection : 
 And, when fhe fpeaks, each Syllable is Mufic 
 That does inchant the Hearers. But your Highnefs, 
 That are not to be parallel'd, 1 never yet 
 Beheld her Equal. 
 
 Don. Come, you flatter me , 
 But I forgive it. We, that are born great, 
 Seldom diftafte our Servants, though they give us 
 More than we can pretend to. I have heard 
 That Chriftian Ladies live with much more Freedom 
 Than fuch as are born here. Our jealous Turks 
 Never permit their fair Wives to be ieen 
 But at the public Bagnios, or the Mofques ; 
 And even then veil'd, and guarded. Thou, Carazie, 
 Wert born in England ; what's the Cuftom there 
 Among your Women ? Come, be free and merry: 
 I'm no fevere Miftrefs j nor haft thou met with 
 A heavy Bondage. 
 
 Car. Heavy ? I was made lighter 
 By two Stone Weight, at lead, to be fit to ferve you. 
 But to your Queftion, Madam ; Women in England, 
 
 For
 
 12 T H E R E N E G A D O. 
 
 For the moft Part, live like Queens. Your Country 
 
 Ladies 
 
 Have Liberty to hawk, to hunt, to feaft ; 
 To give free Entertainment to all Comers, 
 To talk, to kifs : There's no fuch Thing known there 
 As an Italian Girdle. Your City Dame, 
 Without Leave, wears the Breeches, has Jier Hufband 
 At as much Command as her 'Prentice-, anci, if Need be, 
 Can make him Cuckold by her Father's Copy. 
 
 Don. But your Court- Lady ? 
 
 Car. She, I a flu re you, Madam, 
 Knows nothing but her Will ; muft be allow'd 
 Her Footmen, her Coach, her Umers, her Pages, 
 Her Dodtor, Chaplains , and, as I have heard, 
 They're grown of late, fo learn'd, that they maintain 
 A ftfange Pofition, which their Lords with all 
 Their Wit cannot confute. 
 
 Don. What's that, I pr'thee ? 
 
 Car. Marry, that it is not only fit, but lawful 
 Your Madam there, her much Reft, and high Feeding 
 Duly confider'd, mould, to eafe her Hufband 
 Be allow'd a private Friend. They have drawn a Bill 
 To this good Purpofe ; and, the next Afiembly, 
 Doubt not to pafs it. 
 
 Don. We enjoy no more 
 
 That are of the Ottoman Race, though our Religion 
 Allows all Pleafure. I am dull : Some Mufic. 
 Take my Chapins off. J So, a lufty Strain \_AGalliard, 
 Who knocks there ? 
 
 Manto. 'Tis the Balhaw of Aleppo, 
 Who humbly makes Requefl he may prcfent 
 His Service to you. 
 
 Don. Reach a Chair. We muft 
 Receive him like ourfelf, and not depart with 
 One Piece of Ceremony State, and Greatnefs, 
 That may beget Refpecl, and Reverence 
 In one that's born our Vafial. Now admit him. 
 
 3 Take my Cbapins off. 
 Chcpih (Spaaijh) a high Cork-heeN Shoe. 
 
 Enter
 
 T H E R E N E G A D O. 13 
 
 Enter Muftapha, puts off his yellow Pantofles. 4 
 
 Mujla. The Place is facred, and I am to enter 
 The Room where me abides, with fuch Devotion 
 As Pilgrims pay at Meccha* when they vifit 
 The Tomb of our great Prophet. 
 
 Don. Rife, the Sign 
 That we vouchfafe your Prefence. 
 
 [The Eunuch takes up the Pcintof.es. 
 
 Mufta. May thofe Powers, 
 
 That rais'd che Ottoman Empire, and frill guard it, 
 Reward your Highnefs for this gracious Favour 
 You throw upon your Servant. I: hath pleas'd 
 The mod invincible, mightiefr. 'Amur'ai'h, 
 (To fpeak his other Titles would take from him) 
 That in him felt does comprehend all Greatnefs, 
 To make me the unworthy Inftrument 
 Of his Command. Receive, divmeit Lady, 
 
 [Delivers a Letter. 
 
 This Letter, fign'd by his victorious Hand, 
 And made authentic by th* imperial Seal. 
 There when you find me mention'd, far be it from yt, 
 To think it my Ambition to prefume 
 At fuch a Happinefs, which his pow'rful Will . 
 From his great Mind's Magnificence, not my Meric 
 Hath fhower'd upon me. But, if your Content 
 Join with his good Opinion and Allowance 
 To perfect what his Favours have begun, 
 I mall in my Obfequioufnefs and Duty 
 Endeavour to prevent all juft Complaints, 
 Which Want of Will to ferve you may call on me. 
 
 Don. His facred Majefty writes here that your Valour 
 Againft the Per/tan hath fo won upon him, 
 That there's no Grace, or Honour in his Gift 
 Of which he can imagine you unworthy j 
 
 * Pantofles (French) Slippers ; it is a Cuftom with the Turh to be 
 bare footed whenever they appear before any of the royal Blood. 
 
 And,
 
 i 4 THERENEGADO. 
 
 And, what's the greateft you can hope, or aim at, 
 
 It is his Pleafure you mould be receiv'd 
 
 Into his Royal Family Provided, 
 
 (For fo far I am unconfin'd; that I 
 
 Affect and like your Perfon. I expect not 
 
 The Ceremony which he ufes in 
 
 Beftowing of his Daughters, and his Neices. 
 
 As that he mould prefent you for my Slave, 
 
 To love you, if you pleas'd me ; or deliver 
 
 A Poignard on my lead Diflike to kill you. 
 
 Such Tyranny and Pride agree not with 
 
 My fofr.er Difpofition. Let it fuffice 
 
 For my firft Anfwer, that thus far I grace you. 
 
 [Gives bint her Hand to kifs. 
 Hereafter, fome Time fpent to make Enquiry 
 Of the good Parts, and Faculties of your Mind 
 You (hall hear further from me. 
 
 Mufla. Though all Torments 
 Really fuffer'd, or in Hell imagined 
 By curious Fiction, in one Hour's Delay 
 Are wholly comprehended : I confefs 
 That I ftand bound in Duty, not to check at 
 "Whatever you command, or pleafe to impoie. 
 For Trial of my Patience. 
 
 Don. Let us find 
 
 Some other Subject; too much of one Theme cloys me : 
 Js'tafullMart? 
 
 Mufla. A Confluence of all Nations 
 Are met together : There's Variety too 
 Of all that Merchants traffic for. 
 
 Don. I know not. 
 I feel a Virgin's Longing, to defcend 
 So far from my own Greatnefs, as to be, 
 Though not a Buyer, yet a Looker on 
 Their ftrange Commodities. 
 
 Mufla. If without a Train 
 You dare be feen abroad, I'll difmifs mine. 
 And wait upon you as a common Man, 
 And fatisfy your Wifhes. 
 
 Den.
 
 T H E R E N E G A D (X 15 
 
 Den. \ embrace it. 
 
 Provide my Veil; and at the Poftern Gate 
 Convey us out unfeen. I trouble you. 
 
 Muft a. It is my Happinefs you deign to command me. 
 
 [Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE III. 
 
 A Shop difcovered) Gazet in it, 
 
 Francifco and Vitelli walking 'by. 
 
 Gaz. What do you lack ? Your choice China Dirties, 
 your pure Venetian Chryftal of all Sorts, of all neat and 
 new Faftiions, from the Mirror of the Madam, to the 
 private Utenfil of the Chamber-Maid ; and curious Pic- 
 tures of the rareft Beauties of Europe : What do you 
 lock, Gentlemen ? 
 
 Fran. Take heed, I fay , howe'er it may appear 
 Impertinent, I muft exprefs my Love, 
 My Advice, and Counfel. You are young, 
 And may be tempted ; and thefe Turkijh Dames, 
 Like Englijh Maftiffs, that increafe their Fiercenefs 
 By being chain'd up from the Reftraint of Freedom, 
 If Luft once fire their Blood from a fair Object, 
 Will run a Courfe the Fiends themfelves would lhake at. 
 To enjoy their wanton Ends. 
 
 Vitel. Sir, you miftake me : 
 I am too full of Woe, to entertain 
 One Thought of Pleafure, though all Europe's Queens 
 Kneel'd at my Feet, and courted me : Much leis 
 To mix with fuch, whofe Difference of Faith 
 Muft, of Neceflity, (or I muft grant 
 Myfelf forgetful of all you have taught me) 
 Strangle fuch bafe Defires. 
 
 Fran. Be conftant in 
 That Refolution, I'll abroad again, 
 And learn, as far as it is poffible, 
 What may concern Paulina. Some two Hours 
 Shall bring me back. 
 
 Vitel
 
 16 T H E R E N E G A D O. 
 
 Vitel. All Bleffings wait upon you ! {Exit Francifco. 
 
 Gaz. Cold Doings, Sir ! a Mart do you call this ? 
 
 'Slight ! 
 
 A Pudding-Wife, or a Witch with a Thrum Cap, 
 That fells Ale under-ground to fuch as come 
 To know their Fortunes in a dead Vacation, 
 Have, ten to one, more Stirring. 
 
 Vitel. We muft be patient. 
 
 Gaz. Your Seller by Retail ought to be angry 
 But when he's fingering Money. 
 
 Enter Grimaldi, Mafter, Boatjwain, Sailors, forks. 
 
 Vitel. Here are Company ; 
 Defend me, my good Angel, I behold 
 A.Bafiliik! 
 
 Gaz. What do you lack ? What do you lack ? Pure 
 Cbina Dimes, clear Chryftal Glaifes, a dumb Miflrefs 
 to make Love to ? What do you lack, Gentlemen ? 
 
 Grim. Thy Mother for a Bawd ; or, if thou haft 
 A handfome one, thy Sifter for a Whore ; 
 Without thefe, do not tell me of your Tram ; 
 Or, I (hall fpoil your Market. 
 
 Vitel. Old Grimaldi ? 
 
 Grim. 'Zounds, wherefore do we put to Sea, or ftand 
 The raging Winds aloft, or pifs upon 
 The foamy Waves, when they rage moft ? Deride 
 The Thunder of the Enemy's Shot, board boldly 
 A Merchant's Ship for Prize, though we behold 
 The defperate Gunner ready to give Fire 
 And blow the deck up ? Wherefore make we off 
 Thofe fcrupulous Rags of Charity, and Confcience, 
 Invented only to keep Churchmen warm, 
 Or feed the hungry Mouths of famifh'd Beggars ; 
 But, when we touch the Shore, to wallow in 
 All fenfual Pleafures. 
 
 Mafter. Ay, but, Noble Captain, 
 To fpare a little for an After-clap 
 Were not Improvidence. 
 
 Grim.
 
 T H E R E N E G A D O. i; 
 
 Grim. Hang Confideration : 
 "When this is fpent, is not our Ship the fame ? 
 Our Courage too the fame, to fetch in more ? 
 The Earth, where it is fertileft, returns not 
 More than three Harvefts, whilft the glorious Sun 
 Pods through the Zodiack, and makes up the Year : 
 But the Sea, which is our Mother, (that embraceth 
 Both the rich Indies in her out-flretch'd Arms; 
 Yields every Day a Crop, if we dare reap it. 
 No, no, my Mates ! let Tradefmen think of Thrift, 
 And Ufurers hoard up ; let our Expence 
 Be, as our Comings in are, without Bounds ; 
 We are the Neptunes of the Ocean, 
 And fuch as traffick, mall pay Sacrifice 
 Of their beft Lading. I'll have this Canvas 
 Your Boy wears lin'd with TifTue, and the Gates 
 You tafte, ferv'd up in Gold ; though we caroufe 
 The Tears of Orphans in our Greekijh Wines, 
 The Sighs of undone Widows paying for 
 The Mufick bought to chear us ; ravifh'd Virgins 
 To Slav'ry fold for Coin to feed our Riots. 
 We will have no Compunction. 
 
 Gaz. Do you hear, Sir ? 
 We have paid for our Ground. 
 
 Grim. Hum ! 
 
 Gaz. And hum too, 
 
 For all your big Words, get you farther off, 
 And hinder not the ProfpecT: of our Shop, 
 
 Grim. What will you do ? 
 
 Gaz. Nothing, Sir But pray 
 Your Worlhip to give me Handkl. 
 
 Grim. By the Ears ; 
 Thus, Sir , by the Ears. 
 
 Mafter. Hold, hold ! 
 
 Vitel. You'll flill be prating ? 
 
 Grim. Come, let's be drunk : Then each Man to his 
 
 Whore. 
 'Slight, how you look ! you had beft go find a Corner 
 
 VOL. II. B To
 
 iS f M E R E N E G A D 0. 
 
 To pray in, and repent. Do, do, and cry. 
 
 It will (hew rtne in Pirates, [Exit Grimaldi. 
 
 Mafter. We rriuft follow j 
 Or he will fpend our Shares. 
 
 Boatfw. 1 fought for mine. 
 
 'Mefter. Nor am I fo precife but I can drab too : 
 We Avill not fit out, for our Parts. 
 
 Boatfw. Agreed. [Exeunt Mafter , Boatfwain, Sailors. 
 
 Gaz. The Devil gnaw off his Fingers ! If he were 
 In London among the Clubs, up went his Heels 
 For flriking of a 'Prentice. What do you lack ? 
 What do you lack, Gentlemen ? 
 
 1 Turk. I wonder how the Viceroy can endure 
 The Infolence o'f this Fellow. 
 
 2 Turk. He receives Profit 
 
 From the Prizes he brings in ; and that excufes 
 Whatever he commits. Ha \ what are thefe ? 
 
 Enter Muftapha, Donufa, veifd. 
 
 i Turk. They feem of Rank and Quality ; obferve 'em. 
 Gaz. What do you lack ? See, what you pleafe to 
 buy ; Wares of all Sorts, moft honourable Madona. 
 Vitel. Peace, Sirrah ! Make no Noife : Thefe are no't 
 
 People 
 To be jefted with. 
 
 Don. Is this the Chriftians Cuftpm 
 In the vending their Commodities ? 
 
 Mufta. Yes, beft Madam ! 
 
 But you may pleafe to keep your Way, here's nothing 
 But Toys, and Trifles, riot worth your obferving. 
 
 Don. Yes, for Variety's Sake. Pray you fhew us, 
 
 Friends, 
 The chiefeft of your Wares. 
 
 Vitel. Your Ladymip's Servant ; 
 And, if In Worth or Title you are more, 
 My Ignorance plead my Pardon, 
 He fpeaks well. 
 
 Take down the Looklng-Glafs. -Here Is A 
 Mirrour Steel'd
 
 THERENEGADO. 19 
 
 Steel'd fo exactly, neither taking from, 
 Nor flattering, the Object, it returns 
 To the Beholder, that NarciJ/us might 
 (And never grow enamour'd of himfelf) 
 View his fair Feature in't. 
 
 Don. Poetical too ! 
 
 ViteL Here China Diflies to ferve in a Banquet, 
 Though the voluptuous Perjian fat a Guefb. 
 Here Chryftal Glafles, fuch as Ganymede 
 Did fill with Nectar to the Thunderer, 
 When he drank to Alcides, and receiv'd him 
 In the Fellow/hip of the Gods ; true to the Owners. 
 Corinthian Plate ftudded with Diamonds, 
 Conceal oft deadly Poifon : This pure Metal 
 So innocent is, and faithful to the Miftrefs 
 Or Matter that pofleffcs it , that rather 
 Than hold one Drop that's venomous, of itfelf 
 It flies in Pieces, and deludes the Traitor. 
 
 Don. How movingly could this Fellow treat upon 
 A worthy Subject, that finds fuch Difcourfe 
 To grace a Trifle ! 
 
 Vitel. Here's a Picture, Madam! 
 The Matter- piece of Michael Angela, 
 
 Our great Italian Workman. Here's another, 
 
 So perfect in all Parts, that, had Pygmalion 
 Seen this, his Prayers had been made to Venus, 
 T* have given it Life, and his carv'd Iv'ry Image 
 By Poets ne'er remember'd. They are, indeed, 
 Therareft Beauties of the Chriftian World, 
 And no where to be equal'd. 
 
 Don. You are partial 
 
 In the Caufe of thofe you favour, I believe ^ 
 I inftantly could mew you one, to theirs 
 Not much inferior. 
 
 ViteL With your Pardon, Madam, 
 .J am incredulous. 
 
 Don. Can you match me this ? [Unveils herfelf. 
 
 Vitcl What Wonder look I on ! I'll fearch above, 
 And luddenly attend you. [Exit Vitelli. 
 
 B 2 Don.
 
 20 THERENEGADO. 
 
 Don. Are you amaz'd ? 
 I'll bring you to yourfelf. [Breaks the Glaffts. 
 
 Mufta. Ha ! what's the Matter ! 
 
 Gaz. My Maftcr's Ware ? We are undone ! O 
 
 ftrange ! 
 
 A Lady to turn Roarer, and break Glafles \ 
 *Tis Time to fiiut up Shop, then. 
 
 Mufta. You feem mov'd. 
 If any Language of thefe Chriftian Dogs 
 Have call'd your Anger on, in a Frown mew it, 
 And they are dead already. 
 
 Don. The Offence 
 
 Looks not fo far. The foolifh paltry Fellow 
 Shew'd me fome Trifles, and demanded of me, 
 For what I valu'd at fo many Afpers, 
 A thoufand Ducats. I confefs he mov'd me-, 
 Yet I mould wrong myfelf, mould fuch a Beggar 
 Receive leaft Lofs from me. 
 
 Mufta. Is it no more ? 
 
 Don. No, I afilire you. Bid him bring his Bill 
 To-morrow to the Palace, and enquire 
 For one Donufa : That Word gives him PafTage 
 Through ail the Guard , fay there he mail receive 
 Full Satisfaction. Now when you pleafe 
 
 Mufta. I wait you. 
 
 [Exeunt Muftapha, Donufa, i Turks. 
 
 i Turk. We muft not know them. Let's fhift off, 
 and vanifh. 
 
 Gaz. The Swine's-Pox overtake you : There's a Curfe 
 For a Turk that eats no Hog's Flefh. 
 
 Vitel. Is me gone ? 
 
 Gaz. Yes : You may fee her Handy- work. 
 
 Vitel. No Matter : 
 Said me aught elfe ? 
 
 Gaz. That you mould wait upon her, 
 And there receive Court Payment ; and, to pafs 
 The Guards , me bids you only fay, you come 
 To one Donufa. 
 
 Vitel. How ! remove the Wares. 
 
 Do
 
 THERENEGADO. 21 
 
 Do it without Reply. The Sultan's Niece ! 
 
 I have heard, among the Turks for any Lady 
 
 To mew her Face bare, argues Love, or fpeaks 
 
 Her deadly Hatred. What fhould I fear ? My Fortune 
 
 Is funk fo low, there cannot fall upon me 
 
 Aught worth my ftiuning. I will run the Hazard.- 
 
 She may be a Means to free diftrefs'd Paulina. 
 
 Or, if offended, at the worft, to die * 
 
 Is a full Period to Calamity. [Exeunt. 
 
 The End of tbe Fir/I Aft. 
 
 A C T II. S C E N E I. 
 
 A Room. 
 Enter Carazie, Manto. 
 
 Car. T N the Name of Wonder, Manto y what hath my 
 1 Lady 
 
 Done with herfelf fmce Yefterday ? 
 
 Manto. I know not. 
 Malicious Men report we are all guided 
 In our Affections by a wand'ring Planet : 
 But fuch a fudden Change, in fuch a Perfon, 
 May (land for an Example to confirm 
 Their falfe AfTertion. 
 
 Car. She's now petti fh, froward : 
 Mufick, Difcourfe, Obfervance tedious to her. 
 
 Manto. She flept not the laft Night; and yet prevented 
 The rifing Sun, in being up before him. 
 Call'd for a coflly Bath, then will'd the Rooms 
 
 Is a full Peris d to Calamity. 
 
 Mafftnger makes ufe of thefe Words on a fimilar Occafion in the 
 Roman Aftor. See tbe latter Part of the firft Scene, in Aft 5. 
 
 B 3 Should
 
 22 THERENEGADO. 
 
 Should be perfum'd ; ranfack'd her Cabinets 
 For her choiceft, richeft Jewels , and appears now 
 Like Cynthia in full Glory, waited on 
 By the faireft of the Stars. 
 
 Car. Can you guefs the Reafon, 
 "Why the Ago, of the Janizaries, and he 
 That guards the Entrance of the inmoft Port, 
 Were call'd before her ? 
 
 Manto. They are both her Creatures, 
 And by her Grace prefer'd. But I am ignorant 
 To what Purpoie they were fent for. 
 
 Enter Donufa. 
 
 Car. Here (he comes, 
 
 Full of fad Thoughts : We muft (land farther off, 
 What a Frown was that ! 
 
 Manto, Forbear. 
 
 Car. I pity hen 
 
 Don. What Magick hath transform'd me from my- 
 Where is my Virgin Pride ? How have I loft [felf ? 
 My boafted Freedom ? What new Fire burns up 
 My fccrched Entrails ? What unknown Defires 
 Invade, and take Pofiefiion of my Soul, 
 All virtuous Objects vanifh'd ? Have I flood 
 The Shock of fierce Temptations, ftop'd mine Ears 
 Againfl all Syren Notes Luft ever fung, 
 To draw my Bark of Chaftity (that with Wonder 
 Hath kept a conftant and an honour'd Courfe) 
 Into the Gulf of a deferv'd ill Fame ? 
 Now fall unpitied ? And, in a Moment 
 With mine own Hands dig U p a Grave to bury 
 The monuments! Heap of all my Years, 
 Employ'd in noble Aclions? O my Fate! 
 But there is no refifting, I obey thee, 
 Imperious God of Love, and willingly 
 Put mine own Fetters on, to grace thy Triumph : 
 'Twere therefore more than Cruelty in thee 
 To ufe me like a Tyrant. What poor Means 
 
 Muft
 
 T H E R E N E G A D O, 23 
 
 Muft I make ufe of now? And flatter fuch, 
 
 7'o whom, till I betray'd my Liberty, 
 
 One gracious Look of mine would have erefbed 
 
 An Altar to my Service. How now, Manto ! 
 
 My ever careful Woman, zndCarazie 
 
 Thou haft been faithful too. 
 
 .Cat: I dare not ,call 
 
 My Life mjne. own, fince it .is yours ; but gladly 
 Will part with it, when e'er you (hall command me , 
 And think I fall a Martyr, fo my Death 
 May give Life to your Pleafures. 
 
 Manto. But vouchfafe 
 To let me underftand what you defire 
 Should be effected, I will undertake it, 
 And curie myfelf for Cowardice if Ipaus'd 
 To afk a Reafon Why. 
 
 Don. I'm comforted 
 
 In the Tender of your Service, but mail be 
 Confirm'd in ,my ( full Joys, in the Performance. 
 Yet, truft me, I will not impofe upon you 
 But what you ftand engag'd for, to a Miftrefs ; 
 Such as I hay r e ^>een to you. All I afk 
 Is Faith, and' Secrecy. 
 
 Car. Say but you doubt me, 
 And, to fecure you, I'll cut out my Tongue 
 I am libde in the Breech already. 
 
 Manto. Do not hinder 
 Yourfelf .by thefe Delays. . 
 
 Don. Xhus then I whifper 
 My own Shame to you. that I fliould.blufh 
 To fpeak what I fo much defire to do ! 
 And further .[Wbifpers, and ufes vehement A ft ions. 
 
 Manto. Is this all ? 
 
 Don. Think it not bafe ; 
 Although I know the^ffice undergoes 
 A c'oarfeConftruftiori. 
 
 Car. Coarfe ? *Tis but procuring 
 A Smock Employment, which has made mpreJCnights, 
 In a Country I could name, then twenty Years 
 
 B 4 Of
 
 24 THERENEGADO. 
 
 Of Service in the Field. 
 
 Don. You have my Ends. 
 
 Manto. Which fay you have arriv'd at, be not wanting 
 To yourfelf, and fear not us. 
 
 Car. I know my Burthen : 
 I'll bear it with Delight. 
 
 Manto. Talk not, but do. [Exeunt Carazie, Manto. 
 
 Don. O Love ! what poor Shifts thou doft force us to ? 
 
 [Exit Donufa. 
 
 SCENE II. 
 
 Enter Aga, Capiaga, Janizaries. 
 
 Aga. She was ever our good Miftrefs, and our Maker, 
 And mould we check at a little Hazard for her, 
 We were unthankful. 
 
 Cap. I dare pawn my Head, 
 'Tis ibme difgufed Minion of the Court, 
 Sent from great Amurath^ to learn from her 
 The Viceroy's Actions. 
 
 Aga. That concerns not us; 
 His Fall may be our Rife : Whatever he be, 
 He pafles through my Guards. 
 
 Cap. And mine provided 
 He give the Word. 
 
 Enter Vitelli. 
 
 Vitel. To faint now, being thus far, 
 Would argue me of Cowardice. 
 
 Aga. Stand the Word 
 Or, being a Chriftian, to prefs thus far, 
 Forfeits thy Life. 
 
 Vitel. Donufa. 
 
 Aga. Pafs in Peace. [Exeunt Aga, and Janizaries. 
 
 Vitel. What a Privilege her Name bears ! 
 'Tis wond'rous ftrange ! 
 If the great Officer 
 The Guardian of the inner Port deny not.* 
 
 Cap,
 
 THE REN EGAD O. z 3 
 
 Cap. Thy Warrant. Speak, 
 Or thou art dead. 
 
 Vitel. Donufa. 
 
 Cap. That protects thee ; without Fear, enter. 
 So Difcharge the Watch. [Exit VitelJi, Capiaga. 
 
 SCENE III. 
 
 Enter Carazie, Manto. 
 
 Car. Though he hath paft the Aga^ and chief Porter, 
 This cannot be the Man. 
 
 Manto. By her Defcription, I am fure it is. 
 
 Car. O Women, Women ! 
 What are you? A great Lady dote upon 
 A Haberdalher of fmall Wares ! 
 
 Manto. Pifh ! thou haft none. 
 
 Car. No ; if I had I might have ferv'd the Turn : 
 This 'tis to want Munition, when a Man 
 Should make a Breach and enter. 
 
 Enter Vitelli. 
 
 Manto. Sir ! you're welcome : 
 Think what 'tis to be happy, and pcffefs it. 
 
 Car. Perfume the Rooms there, and make Way. 
 Let Mufic's choice Notes entertain the Man, 
 The Princefs now purpofes to honour. 
 
 Vitel. I am ravifh'd. [Exeunt* 
 
 SCENE IV. 
 
 A Room of State. 
 A Table fet forth) Jewels and Bags upon it: Loud Muftc. 
 
 Enter Donufa, takes a Chair -^ to her Carazie, Vitelli, 
 Manto. 
 
 Don. Sing o'er the Ditty, that I laft compos'd 
 Upon my Love-fick PafTion : Suit your Voice 
 
 To
 
 *6 THERENEGADO. 
 
 To the Mufic that's plac'd yonder, we fhafl hear you 
 With more Delight and Pleafure. 
 
 Car. I obey you. [&># 
 
 Vitel. Is not this fempe, or the blefled Shades, 
 Where innocent Spirits refide ? Or do I dream, 
 And this a heavenly Vifion ? Howfoever, 
 It is a Sight too glorious to behold 
 For fuch a Wretch as I am. [Stands amax'd. 
 
 Car. He is daunted. 
 
 Manto. Speak to him, Madam ! cheer him up, o,r you 
 Deftroy what you have built. 
 
 Car. Would I were furnifli'd 
 With his Artillery, and if I flood 
 Gaping as he does, hang me. 
 
 Vitel. That I might ever dream .thus. [Kneels. 
 
 Don. Banifh Amazement : 
 
 You wake -, your Debtor tells you fo, your Debtor : 
 And to allure you that I am Subftan.ce, 
 And no aerial Figure, thus I raife you. 
 Why do you make ? My foft Touch brings no Ague ; 
 No biting Froft is in this Palm ; nor are 
 My Looks like to the Gorgon's Head, that turn 
 Men into Statues : Rather they have Power 
 (Or I have been abus'd) where they beftow 
 Their Influence (let me prove it Truth in you) 
 To give to dead Men Motion. 
 
 Vitel. Can this be ? 
 
 May I believe my Senfes ? Dare I think 
 I have a Memory ? Or that you are 
 That excellent Creature, that of late difdain'd not 
 To look on my poor Trifles. 
 
 Don. I am She. 
 
 Vitel. The Owner of that blefied Name, Domtfa, 
 Which, like a potent Charm, although pronounc'd 
 By my prophane, but much unworthier Tongue, 
 Hath brought me fafe to this forbidden Place, 
 Where Chriftian yet ne'er trod ? 
 
 Don. I am the fame. 
 
 Vitel
 
 THERENEGADO. 27 
 
 l. And to what End, great Lady, pardon me, 
 That I prefume to afk, did your Command 
 Command me hither ? Or what am I, to whom 
 You fhould vouchfafe your Favours j nay, your Anger? 
 If any wild or uncollected Speech 
 Offenfively deliver'd, or my Doubt 
 Of your unknown Perfections, have difpleas'd you, 
 You wrong your Indignation, to pronounce 
 Yourfelf my. Sentence : To have ieen you only, 
 And to have touch'd that Fortune-making Hand, 
 Will with Delight weigh down all Tortures, that 
 A flinty Hangman's Rage could execute, 
 Or rigid Tyranny command with Pleafure. 
 
 Don. How the Abundance of Good, flowing to thee, 
 Is wrong'd in this Simplicity : And thefe Bounties, 
 Which all our Eaftern Kings have kneel'd in vain tor, 
 Do by thy Ignorance, or wilful Fear, 
 Meet with a falfe Conftruction. Chriflian ! know 
 (For till thou art mine by a nearer Name, 
 That Title though abhorr'd here, takes not from 
 Thy Entertainment) that 'tis not the Fafhion 
 Among the greateft and the faireft Dames, 
 This Turkijh Empire gladly owns, and bows to 
 To punifh, where there's no Offence ; or nourifh 
 Difpleafures againft thofe, without whofe Mercy 
 They part with all Felicity. Pr'ythee be wife, 
 And gently underftand me ; do not force her, 
 That ne'er knew aught but to command, ncr e'er read 
 The'Etements of Affection, but from fuch 
 As gladly iu'd to her, in the Infancy 
 Of her new-born Defires, to be at once 
 Importunate, and immodeft. 
 
 yitel. Did I know, 
 
 Great Lady, your Commands ; or, to what Purpofe 
 This perfonated Paffion tends, (fince 'twere 
 A Crime in me deferving Death, to think 
 It is your own) I mould, to make you Sport, 
 Take any Shape you pleafe t' impofe upon me ; 
 And with Joy drive to ferve you. 
 
 Don.
 
 28 T H E R E N E G A D O. 
 
 Don. Sport ? Thou art cruel, 
 If that thou canft interpret my Defcent, 
 From my high Birth and Greatnefs, but to be 
 A Part in which I truly act myfelf. 
 And I muft hold thee for a dull Spectator 
 If it ftir not Affection, and invite 
 Compaflion for my Sufferings. Be thou taught 
 By my Example, to make Satisfaction 
 For Wrongs unjuflly offer'd. Willingly 
 I do confefs my Fault; I injur'd thee 
 In fome poor petty Trifles ; thus I pay for 
 The Trefpafs I did to thee. Here receive 
 Thefe Bags ftuff'd full of our Imperial Coin ; 
 Or, if this Payment be too light, take here 
 Thefe Jems for which the flavim Indian dives 
 To th* Bottom of the Main : Or, if thou fcorn 
 Thefe as bafe Drofs (which take but common Minds) 
 But fancy any Honour in my Gift 
 (Which is unbounded as the Sultan's Power) 
 And be pofleft oft. 
 
 Fit el. I am overwhelm'd 
 
 "With the Weight of Happinefs you throw upon me : 
 Nor can it fall in my Imagination, 
 What Wrong I e'er have done you ; and much lefs 
 How like a royal Merchant to return 
 Your great Magnificence. 
 
 Don. They are Degrees, 
 Not Ends, of my intended Favours to thee, 
 Thefe Seeds of Bounty I yet fcatter on 
 A Glebe I have not try'd : But, be thou thankful, 
 The Harveft is to come. 
 
 Vitel. What can be added 
 To that which I already have receiv'd, 
 1 cannot comprehend. 
 
 Don. The Tender of 
 
 Myfelf. Why doft thou dart ! and in that Gift 
 Full Reftitution of that Virgin Freedom 
 Which thou haft rob'd me of. Yet, I profefs, 
 I fo far prize the lovely Thief that dole it, 
 
 That,
 
 THERENEGADO. 59 
 
 That, were it pofiible thou couldft reftore 
 What thou unwittingly haft ravifh'd from me, 
 I mould refufe the Prefent. 
 
 Vitel How I make 
 
 IB my conftant Refolution ! and my Flefh, 
 Rebellious to my better Part, now tells me, 
 As if it were a ftrong Defence of Frailty. 
 A Hermit in a Defert, trench'd with Prayers, 
 Could not refift this Battery. 
 
 Don. Thou an Italian ? 
 Nay more, I know^t, a natural Venetian, 
 Such as are Courtiers born topleafefair Ladies, 
 Yet corne thus flowly on ? 
 
 Vitel. Excufe me, Madam, 
 "What Imputation foe'er the World 
 Is pleas'd to lay upon us : In myfelf 
 I am fo innocent, that I know not what 'tis 
 That I mould offer. 
 
 Don. By Inftinft I'll teach thee, 
 And with fuch Eafe as Love makes me to afk it. 
 When a young Lady wrings you by the Hand thus -, 
 Or with an amorous Touch prefles your Foot 
 Looks Babies in your Eyes, plays with your Locks, 
 Do not you find, without a Tutor's Help, 
 What 'tis me looks for. 
 
 Vitel. I am grown already 
 Skilful i' th' My fiery. 
 
 Don. Or, if thus me kifs you, 
 Then taftes your Lips again. 
 
 Vitel. That latter Blow 
 Has beat all chafte Thoughts from me. 
 
 Don. Say fhe points to 
 
 Some private Room, the Sun Beams never enters, 
 Provoking Dimes palling by to heighten 
 Declined Appetite, active Mufic umering 
 Your fainting Steps, the Waiters too as born dumb, 
 Not daring to look on you. [Exit, -inviting him to folk's. 
 
 Vitel. Though the Devil 
 St^od by, and roar'd, I follow : Now I find, 
 
 That
 
 3d THERENEGADO. 
 
 That Virtue's but a Word, and no fure Guard, 
 
 If fet upon by Beauty, and Reward. [Exeurif. 
 
 SCENE V. 
 Enter Aga, Capiaga, Grimaldi, Mafter, Boatfeuain, &c. 
 
 Aga. The Devils in him, I think. 
 
 Grim. Let him be damn'd too. 
 I'll look on him, though he ftar'd as wild as Hell ; 
 Nay, I'll go nearer to tell him, to his Teeth, 
 If he mends not fuddenly, and proves more thankful, 
 We do him too much Service. Wer't not for Shame, 
 
 now, 
 
 I could turn honeft and forfwear my Trade, 
 Which, next to being truft up at the Main-yard 
 By fome low Country Butter-box, I hate 
 As deadly as I do fatting, or long Grace , 
 When Meat cools on the Table. 
 
 Cap. But take' Heed, 
 You know his violent Nature. 
 
 Grim. Let his Whores 
 
 And Catamites know'tj I underftand myfelf, 
 And how unmanly 'tis to fit at home 
 And rail at us, that run abroad all Hazards: 
 If ev'ry Week we bring not home new Pillage, 
 For the fatting his Seraglio. 
 
 Enter Afambeg, Muftapha, Aga. 
 
 Aga. Here he comes. 
 
 Cap. How terrible he looks ? 
 
 Grim. To fuch as fear him : 
 
 The Viceroy Afambeg ! were he the Sultan's felly 
 He'll let us know a Reafon for his Fury, 
 Or we muft take Leave without his Allowance, 
 To be merry with our Ignorance. 
 
 Afam. Mahomet's Hell
 
 THERENEGADO. 31 
 
 Light on you all you crouch, and cringe now. Where 
 Was the Terror of my juft Frowns, when you fuffered 
 Thbfe Thieves of Malta, almoft in our Harbour, 
 To board a Ship, and bear her fafely off, 
 While you flood idle Lookers on ? 
 
 Aga. The odds 
 
 I' th' Men and Shipping, and the fuddennefs v 
 Of their Departure yielding us no Leifure 
 To fend forth others to relieve our own, 
 Deter'd us, mighty Sir. 
 
 Afam. Deter'd you, Cowards ? 
 How durft you only entertain the Knowledge 
 Of what Fear was, but in the not Performance 
 Of our Command ? In me great Amurath fpake ; 
 My Voice did eccho to your Ears his Thunder, 
 And will'd you, like fomany Seaborn-Tritons, 
 Arm'd only with the Trumpets of your Courage, 
 To fwim up to her, and, like Remoras 
 Hanging upon her Keel, to (lay her Flight 
 'Till Refcue, fent from us, had fetch'd you off. 
 You think you're fafe now ; who durft but difpute itj 
 Or make it queftionable, if this Moment 6 
 I charg'd you from yon hanging Cliff, that glaffes 
 His rugged Forehead in the neighbouring Lake, 
 
 6 If this Mqment. 
 
 1 ckvrgd y*u from yon hanging Cliff", &C. 
 
 In Hamlet we have an Image that bears fome Refemblance to this, 
 T - The dreadful Summit of the Cliff 
 That beetles o'er his afe into the Sea ; 
 
 Aft i. Scene^ 
 
 And in the Lady Errant, a Tragi-Comedy, by Mr. William Cart- 
 ivrigbt, Ittmember a Paflage, wh'ch though not fimilar to the above, 
 I ftiall for its Beauty and Elegance here tranfcribe. 
 
 Haft tbou read 
 
 Of any Mountain, whofe cold frozen Top 
 Sees Hail i' th' Bed, not yet grown rout.d, and Snow 
 I' th' k eectf, not carded yet, whofe hanging Weight 
 Archeth fbnrte ftill deep River, that for Fear 
 Steals by the Foot of't without Noife. 
 
 Aft i . Scene 4. 
 To
 
 $2 THERENEGADO. 
 
 To throw yourfelves down headlong ? Or like Faggots 
 
 To fill the Ditches of defended Forts, 
 
 While on your Backs we march'd up to the Breach ? 
 
 Grim. That would not I. 
 
 Afam. Ha? 
 
 Grim. Yet I dare, as much 
 As any of the Sultan's boldeft Sons, 
 (Whofe Heaven, and Hell, hang on his Frown, or Smile,) 
 His warlike Janifaries. 
 
 Afam. Add one Syllable more, 
 Thou doft pronounce upon thyfelf a Sentence 
 That, Earthquake-like, will fwallow thee. 
 
 Grim. Let it open ; 
 
 I'll Hand the Hazard : Thofe contemned Thieves 
 Your Fellow- Pirates, Sir! the bold Maltefe 
 \Vhom with your Looks you think to quell, at Rhodes 
 Langh'd at .great Solymarts Anger : And, if Treafon 
 Had not delivered them into his Power, 
 He had grown old in Glory, as in Years, 
 At that fo fatal Siege ; or ris'n with Shame 
 His Hopes and Threats deluded. 
 
 Afom. Our great Prophet ! 
 How have I loft my Anger, and my Power ? 
 
 Grim. Find it, and ufe it on thy Flatterers : 
 And not upon thy Friends that dare fpeak Truth, 
 Thefe Knights of Malta but a Handful to 
 Your Armies .that drink Rivers up, have ftood 
 Your Fury at the Height, and with their CroiTes 
 Struck pale your .horned Moons , thefe Men of Malta 
 Since I took Pay from you, I've met and fought with ; 
 Upon Advantage too. Yet, .to fpeak Truth, 
 By th' Soul of Honour, I have ever found them 
 As provident to direct, and bold to do, 
 As any train'd up in your Difcipline : 
 Ravifh'd from other Nations. 
 
 Mufta. I perceive 
 
 The Lightning in his fiery Looks, the Cloud 
 Is broke already. 
 
 Grim. Think not, therefore, Sir, 
 
 That
 
 THERENEGADO. 33 
 
 That you alone are Giants ; and fuch Pigmies 
 You war upon. 
 
 Afam. Villain, I'll make thee know 
 Thou haft blafphem'd the Ottoman Power, and fafer 
 At Noon-day might have given Fire to St. Mark's, 
 Your proud Venetian Temple. Seize upon himj 
 I am not fo near reconcil'd to him, 
 To bid him die : That were a Benefit 
 The Dog's unworthy of, to our Ufe confifcate 
 All that he (lands pofleiVd of: Let him tafte 
 The Mifery of Want, and his vain Riots, 
 Like to fo many walking Ghofts, affright him 
 Where e'er he fets his defperate Foot. Who is't 
 That does command you ? 
 
 Grim. Is this the Reward 
 For all my Service, and the Rape I made 
 On fair Paulina ? 
 
 Afam. Drag him hence, he dies, 
 That dallies but a Minute. 
 
 Boatfa. What's become 
 Of our Shares now, Mafter ? 
 
 Grimaldi, drag'd off, bis Head covered. 
 
 Majl. Would he had been born dumb : 
 Patience, the Beggar's Cure, is all that's left us. 
 
 [Exeunt Mafter and Boatfwain. 
 
 Mujla. 'Twas but Intemperance of Speech, excufe 
 
 him 
 
 Let me prevail fo far. Fame gives him out 
 For a deferving Fellow. 
 
 Afam. At Aleppo 
 
 I durft not prefs you fo far : Give me Leave 
 To ufe my own Will and Command in Tunis, 
 And, if you pleafe, my Privacy. 
 
 Mufta. I will lee you 
 When this high Wind's blown o'er. [Exit Muftapha, 
 
 Afam. So (hall you find me 
 Ready to do you Service. Rage, now leave me ; 
 Stern Looks, and all the ceremonious Forms 
 Attending on dread Majefty, fly from 
 
 C Transformed
 
 34 THERENEGADO. 
 
 Transformed Afambeg. Why fhould I hug 
 
 [Plucks out a gilt Key. 
 
 So near my Heart, what leads me to my Prifon ? 
 Where me, that is inthral'd, commands her Keeper, 
 And robs me of the Fiercenefs I was born with. 
 Stout Men quake at my Frowns ; and, in Return, 
 I tremble at her Softnefs. Bafe Grimaldi 
 But only nam'd Paulina, and the Charm 
 Had almoft choak'd my Fury, e'er I could 
 Pronounce his Sentence. Would, when firft I faw her, 
 Mine Eyes had met with Lightning, and, in Place 
 Of hearing her inchanting Tongue, the Shrieks 
 Of Mandrakes had made Mufic to my Slumbers : 
 For now I only walk a loving Dream, 
 And, but to my Difhonour, never wake ; 
 And yet am blind, but when I fee the Object, 
 And madly dote on it. Appear bright Spark 
 
 \Opcns d Door * Paulina dijcovered) comes forth. 
 Of all Perfection ! any Simile, 
 Borrow'd from Diamonds, or the fairefl Stars 
 To help me to exprefs, how dear I prize 
 Thy unmatch'd Graces, will rife up, and chide me 
 For poor Detraction. 
 
 Pau. I defpife thy Flatteries : 
 
 Thus fpit at 'em, and fcorn 'em ; and, being arm'd 
 In the Affurance of my innocent Virtue, 
 I ftamp upon all Doubts, all Fears, all Tortures 
 Thy barbarous Cruelty, or, what's worfe, thy Dotage 
 (The worthy Parent of thy Jealoufy) 
 Can fhow'r upon me. 
 
 Afam. If thefe bitter Taunts 
 Ravifh me from myfelf, and make me think 
 My greedy Ears receive angelical Sounds ; 
 How would this Tongue tun'd to a loving Note, 
 . Invade, and take PorTeffion of my Soul 
 Which then I durft not call mine own ! 
 
 Pan. Thou art falfe ; 
 
 Falfer then thy Religion. Do but think rne 
 Something above a Beaft ; nay more, a Monfter, 
 
 Would
 
 t H E R E N E G A D O. 35 
 
 Would fright the Sun to look on, and then tell me, 
 
 If this bafe Ufage, can invite Affedion. 
 
 If jo be mew'd up, and excluded from 
 
 Human Society $ the Ufe of Pleafures ; 
 
 The necefiary, not fuperfluous, Duties 
 
 Of Servants to difcharge thofe Offices* 
 
 I blufli to name. 
 
 Afam. Of Servants ? Can you think 
 That I, that dare not truit the Eye of Heaven 
 To look upon your Beauties j that deny 
 Myfelf the Happinefs to touch your Purenefs, 
 Will e'er confent an Eunuch, or bought Handmaid, 
 Shall once approach you ? There is fomething in you. 
 That can work Miracles, or I am couzen'd ; 
 Difpofe and alter Sexes. To my Wrong, 
 In Spite of Nature, I will be your Nurie, 
 Your Woman, your Phyfician, and your Fool , 
 'Till, with your free Confent, which I have vow'd 
 Never to force, you grace me with a Name 
 That (hall fupply all thefe. 
 Pau. What is't ? 
 Afam. Your Hufband; 
 Pau. My Hangman, when thou pleafeft; 
 Afam. Thus I guard me 
 Againft your further Angers. 
 Pau. Which mail reach thee, 
 Though I were in the Center. 
 
 [Puts too the Door, and locks it. 
 Afam. Such a Spirit, 
 
 In fuch a fmall Proportion I ne'er read of; 
 Which Time muft alter: Raviih her I dare not; 
 The Magic that (he wears about her Neck, 
 I think, defends her, this Devotion paid 
 To this fwcet Saint, Miftrefs of my foure Pain, 
 *Tis fit I take mine own rough Shape again. 
 
 [Exit Afambeg. 
 
 C 2 SCENE
 
 3$ THE R E N E G A D CX 
 
 SCENE VI. 
 Enter Francifco, Gazet. 
 
 Fran. I think he's loft. 
 
 Gaz. 'Tis ten to one of that; 
 I ne'er knew Citizen turn Courtier yet, 
 But he loft his Credit, though he fav'd himfelf. 
 "Why, look you, Sir ! there are fo many Lobbies, 
 Out-offices, and Difputations here 
 Behind thefe Turkijh Hangings, that a Chriftiaa. 
 Hardly gets off but circumcifed. 
 
 Enter Vitelli, Carazie, Manto. 
 
 Fran. Fm troubPd 
 Troubled exceedingly. Ha ! what are thefe I 
 
 Gaz. One by his rich Suit fhould be tomzFrenth Am- 
 
 bafiador : 
 For his Train, I think they are Turks. 
 
 Fran. Peace ! be not feen. 
 
 Car a. You are now paft all the Guards, and undif 1 
 
 cover'd 
 You may return. 
 
 Vitd. There's for your Pains : Forget not 
 My humbleft Service to the beft of Ladies. 
 
 Manto. Defer ve. her Favour, Sir! in making Hafle 
 For a fecond Entertainment. 
 
 ViteL Do not doubt me i [Exeunt Carazi, Manto. 
 I fhall not live, till then. 
 
 Gaz. The Train is vanilh'd : 
 They've done him feme good Office, he's fo free 
 And liberal of his Gold. Ha! do I dream ? 
 Or is this mine own natural Matter ? 
 
 Fran. 'Tis, he j 
 
 But ftrangely metamorphos'd. You have made, Sir. 
 A prosperous Voyage ; Heaven grant it be honeft ! 
 I fhall rejoice then too. 

 
 THERENEGADO. 37 
 
 Gaz. You make him blufh. 
 To talk of Honefty : You were but now 
 In the giving Vein, and may think of Gazct 
 Your Worfhip's 'Prentice. 
 
 Vitel. There's Gold : Be thon free too, 
 And Matter of my Shop, and all the Wares 
 We brought from Venice. 
 
 GAZ. Rivo then. 
 
 Vitel. Dear Sir ! 
 
 This Place affords not Privacy for Difcourfe ; 
 But I can tell you Wonders : My rich Habit 
 Deferves leaft Admiration ; there's nothing, 
 That can fall in the Compafs of your Wifhes 
 Though it were to redeem a thoufand Slaves 
 From the Turkijh Gallies, or at home to er2& 
 Some pious Work, to mame all Hofpitals 
 But I am Mafter of the Means. 
 
 Fran. 'Tis ftrange. 
 
 Vitel. As I walk, I'll tell you more. 
 
 Gaz. Pray you a Word, Sir ! 
 And then I will put on. I have one Boon more 
 
 Vitel. Whatis't? Speak freely. 
 
 Gaz. Thus then : As I am Mafter 
 Of your Shop, and Wares, pray you, help me to lome 
 
 Trucking, 
 With your laft meCuftomer-, though fhecrack'd my beft 
 
 Piece, 
 I will endure it with Patience. 
 
 Vitel. Leave your prating. 
 
 Gaz. I may : You have been doing ; we will do too. 
 
 Fran. I am amaz'd, yet will not blame, nor chide you, 
 'Till you inform me further: Yet muft fay, 
 They lleer not the right Courfe, nor traffick well, 
 That feek a Paffage, to reach Heaven, through Hell. 
 
 [Exeunt. 
 
 ?be Knd of tbe Second M. 
 
 C 3 ACT 
 
 4SO881
 
 35 T H E R E N E*G A D O. 
 
 &&&&i^^ 
 
 ACT III. SCENE I, 
 
 Enter Donufa, Manto. 
 
 Don. T T 7 H EN faid he, he would come again ? 
 
 Manto. VV He fwore, 
 
 Short Minutes fhould be tedious Ages' to him, 
 
 Until the Tender of his fecond Service, 
 
 So much he feem'd tranfported with the firft. 
 
 Don. I'm lure I was. Tcharge thee, Matito, tell me, 
 By all my Favours, and my Bounties, truly, 
 Whether thou art a Virgin ; or, like me, 
 J5aft forfeited that Name. 
 
 Manto. A Virgin, Madam ? 
 At my Years, being a Waiting- Woman, and in Cour^ 
 
 toq ? 
 
 That were miraculous. I fo long fmce loft 
 That barren Burthen, I almoft forget 
 That ever I was one. 
 
 Den. And could thy Friends 
 
 Bead in thy Face, thy Maidenhead gone \ that thou 
 Hadft parted with it ? 
 
 Manto. No, indeed : I paft 
 For current many Years after ; 'till, by Fortune, 
 Long ajui continued Practice in the Sport 
 Blew up my Deck : A Hufband then was found out 
 J3y my indulgent Father, and to the World 
 All was made whole again. What need you fear, then, 
 That at your Pleafure may repair your Honour ? 
 Purfl any envious, or malicious Tongue, 
 prefume to taint it ? 
 
 Jpott. How now ? 
 
 Enter
 
 THERENEGADO. 39 
 
 \Enter Carazie. 
 
 Car. Madam, the Bamaw 
 Humbly defires Accefs. 
 
 Don. If it had been 
 
 My neat Italian, thou hadft met my Wifhes. 
 Tell him we would be private. 
 
 Car. So I did ; 
 But he is much importunate. 
 
 Manto. 'Bed difpatch him ; 
 His ling'ring here, elfe, will deter the other 
 From making his Approach. 
 
 Don. His Entertainment 
 Shall not invite a fecond Vifit. Go, 
 Say we are pleas'd. 
 
 Enter Muftapha. 
 
 Mufta. All Happinefs. 
 
 Don. Be fudden. 
 
 'Twas fancy Rudenefs in you, Sir, to prefs 
 On my Retirements ; but ridiculous Folly 
 To wafte the Time, that might be better fpent, 
 In complimental Wifhes. 
 
 Car. There's a Cooling 
 For his hot Encounter. 
 
 Don. Come you here to ft are ? 
 If you have loft your Tongue, and Ufe of Speech, 
 Refign your Government : There's a Mute's Place void 
 In my Uncle's Court, I hear, and you may work me 
 To write for your Preferment. 
 
 Mufta. This is itrange ! 
 I know not, Madam, what Neglect of mine 
 Has call'd this Scorn upon me. 
 
 Don. To the Purpofe 
 
 My Will's a Reafon, and we ftand not bound 
 To yield Account to you. 
 
 Mufta, Nofrof your Angers, 
 
 C 4 But
 
 4 5 THERENEGADO. 
 
 But with erected Ears, I fhould hear from you 
 The Story of your good Opinion of me 
 Confirm'd by Love, and Favours. 
 
 Don. How deferv'd ? 
 I have confider'd you from Head to Foot, 
 And can find nothing in that Wainfcot Face, 7 
 That can teach me to dote ; nor am I taken 
 "With your grim AfpecTr, or toadpole-like Complexion. 
 Thofe Scars you glory in, I fear to look on ; 
 And had much rather hear a merry Tale 
 Than all your Battles won with Blood and Sweat, 
 Though you belch forth the Stink too, in the Service, 
 And fwear by your Muftachios all is true. 
 You're yet too rough for me : Purge and take Phyfick, 
 Purchafe Perfumers j get me feme French Taylor, 
 To new-create you ; the firft Shape you were made with 
 Is quite worn out : Let your Barber wafh your Face too, 
 You look, yet, like a Bugbear to fright Children ; 
 Till when I take my Leave Wait me, Carazie. 
 
 [Exeunt Donufa and Carazie, 
 
 Mufta. Stay you, my Lady's Cabinet-Key ! 
 
 Manto. How's this, Sir ? 
 
 Mujta. Stay, and (land quietly, or you (hall fall, elie; 
 Not to firk your Belly up, Flounder-like, but never 
 To rife again. Offer but to unlock 
 Thefe Doors that flop your fugitive Tongue (obferve 
 And, by my Fury, I'll fix there this Boh me) 
 
 To bar thy Speech for ever. So. Be fafe, now, 
 
 ^ And can find nothing in that Wainfcot Face. 
 
 The abufive Terms contained in this Speech, and its Impropriety 
 in the Mouth bf a Princefe, muft render it very difguftfal to every 
 leader converfaru with the more refined Language of our modern 
 Poets. 
 
 However, in fome meafure to defend McJJinger-, he is not the only 
 Poet guilty of fuch ill Manners : Hemcr makes his " Heroes of 
 pld, in rating each other, very free with the mutual Terms of Dogs, 
 Cownrdi, Villains, &c. In the Odnffey we have impudent Bitch ; and 
 'Jupiter, if I miftake not, pays exaftly the f^mc Compliment to his 
 Jioyal Confort in the Iliad.''' Tfa Rev. Mr. SPENCE. 
 
 And
 
 THERENEGADO. 4I 
 
 And but refolve me (not of what I doubt, 
 But bring Aflurance to a Thing believ'd) 
 Thou mak'ft thyfelf a Fortune ; not depending 
 On the uncertain Favours of a Miftrefs, 
 But art thyfelf one. I'll not fo far queftion 
 My Judgment, and Obfervance, as to afk 
 Why I am flighted, and contemn'd ; but in 
 Whofe Favour it is done. I, that have read 
 The copious Volumes of all Women's Falfhood, 
 Commented on by the Heart-breaking Groans 
 Of abus'd Lovers ; all the Doubts wafh'd off 
 With fruitlefs Tears, the Spider's Cobweb Veil 
 Of Arguments, alledg'd in their Defence, 
 Blown off with Sighs of defperate Men, and they 
 Appearing in their fulUPeformity : 
 Know that fome other hath difplanted me, 
 With her Dishonour. Has me giv'n it up ? 
 Confirm it in two Syllables. 
 
 Manto. She has. 
 
 Mufta. I cherilh thy Confefilon thus, and thus, 
 
 [Gives her Jewels. 
 
 . Be mine. Again I court thee thus, and thus : 
 Now prove but conftant to my Ends. 
 
 Manto. By all 
 
 Mufta. Enough ; I dare not doubt thee. O Land- 
 Crocodiles, 
 
 Made of ^Egyptian Slime, accurfed Women ! 
 But 'tis no Time to rail : Come, my befl Manto. 
 
 [Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE II. 
 Enter Vitelli, Francifco. 
 
 Vitel. Sir, as you are my Confeflbr, you (land bound 
 Not to reveal whatever I difcover 
 In that Religious Way : Nor dare I doubt you. 
 Let it fuffice, you've made me fee my Follies, 
 And wrought, perhaps, Compunction j for I would not 
 Appear an Hypocrite : But, when you impofe 
 
 APe-
 
 42 THE RENEGADO. 
 
 A Penance on me, beyond Flefh and Blood 
 To undergo, you muft inftrucl: me how 
 To put off the Condition of a Man ; 
 Or, if not pardon, at the leaft, excufe 
 My Difobedience. Yet, defpair not, Sir ; 
 For, though I take mine own Way, I (hall do 
 Something that may hereafter, to my Glory, 
 Speak me your Scholar. 
 
 Fran. I enjoin you not 
 To go, but fend. 
 
 Vitel. That were a petty Trial ; 
 Not worth one, fo long taught, and exercis'd 
 Under fo grave a Mafter. Reverend Francifco ! 
 My Friend, my Father ! in that Word, my All ! 
 Reft confident, you fhall hear fomething of me 
 That will redeem me in your good Opinion, 
 Or judge me loft for ever. Send Gazet 
 (She (hall give Order that he may have Entrance) 
 To acquaint you with my Fortunes. [Exit Vitelli. 
 
 Fran. Go, and profper. 
 
 Holy Saints guide and ftrengthen thee ! Howfoever, 
 As my Endeavours are, fo may they find 
 pracious Acceptance. 
 
 Enter Gazet, Grimaldi, in Rags. 
 
 Gaz. Now, you do not roar, Sir ; 
 You fpeak not Tempefts, nor take Ear-rent from 
 A poor Shop-keeper. Do you remember that, Sir ? 
 I wear your Marks here ftill. 
 
 Fran. Can this be poffible ? 
 All Wonders are not ceas'd then. 
 
 Grim. Do, abule me, 
 
 Spit on me, fpurn me, pull me by the Nofe ! 
 Thruft out thefe fiery Eyes, that Yefterday 
 Would have look'd thee dead. 
 
 Gaz. O fave me, Sir ! 
 
 Grim. Fear nothing ! 
 I'm tame, and quiet -, there's no Wrong can force me 
 
 To
 
 T H E R E N E G A D O. 43 
 
 To remember what I was. 1 have forgot, 
 I e'er had ireful Fiercenefs, a fteel'd Heart, 
 Infenftble of Companion to others : 
 Nor is it fit that I mould think myfelf 
 Worth mine own Pity. Oh ! 
 
 Fran. Grows this Dejection 
 From his Difgrace, do you fay ? 
 
 Gaz. Why he's cafhier'd, Sir ! 
 His Ships, his Goods, his Livery-Punks confiscate : 
 And there is fuch a Punifhment laid upon him, 
 The miferable Rogue muft fleal no more, 
 |\or drink, nor drab. 
 
 Fran. Does that torment him ? 
 
 Gaz. O, Sir! 
 
 Should the State take Order to bar Men of Acres 
 From thofe two laudable Recreations, 
 Prinking and Whoring, how fhould Panders purchafe, 
 Or thrifty Whores build Hofpitals ? 'Slid ! if I, 
 That, fmce I am made free, may write myfelf 
 A City-Gallant, mould forfeit two fuch C harters, 
 I fhould be fton'd to Death, and ne'er be pitied 
 By th' Liveries of thofe Companies. 
 
 Fran. You'll be whip'd, Sir ! 
 
 If you bridle not your Tfongue, Hafte to the Palace* 
 Your Mafter looks for you. 
 
 Gaz. My quondam Mafter, 
 Rich Sons forget they ever had poor Fathers : 
 In Servants 'tis more pardonable -r- As a Companion, 
 Or fo, I may confent: But, is there Hope, Sir! 
 He has got me a good Chapwoman ? Pray you write 
 A Word or two in my Behalf. 
 
 Fran. Out, Rafcal ! 
 
 Gaz. I feel fome Infurrections. 
 
 Fran. Hence ! 
 
 Gaz. I vanifh. [Exit Gazet. 
 
 Grim. Why fhould I ftudy a Defence, or Comfort, 
 In whom black Guilt, and Mifery, if balanc'd, 
 I know not which would turn the Scale ? Look upward 
 I dare not ; for, fhould it but be believ'd 
 
 That
 
 44 THERENEGADCX 
 
 That I (dy'd deep in Hell's moft horrid Colours) 
 Should dare to hope for Mercy, it would leave 
 No Check or Feeling, in Men innocent 
 To catch at Sins, the Devil ne'er taught Mankind yet. 
 No! I mud downward, downward ; tho* Repentance 8 
 Could borrow all the glorious Wings of Grace, 
 My mountainous Weight of Sins would crack their Pi- 
 And fink them to Hell with me. [nions, 
 
 Fran. Dreadful ! hear me, 
 Thou miferable Man ! 
 
 Grim. Good Sir ! deny not 
 But that there is no Punifhment beyond 
 Damnation. 
 
 Enter Mafter and Boatfwain. 
 
 Majler. Yonder he is : I pity him. 
 
 Boatfw. Take Comfort, Captain : We live ftill to 
 ferve you, 
 
 Grim. Serve me ? I am a Devil already. Leave me! 9 
 Stand farther off! you're blafted, elfe, I've heard 
 Schoolmen affirm, Man's Body is compos'd 
 Of the four Elements ; and, as in-League together 
 They nourifh Life, fo each of them affords 
 Liberty to the Soul, when it grows weary 
 Of this flefhy Prifon. Which mail I make Choice of ? 
 
 8 No, I mujl eiownivard, downward, though Repentance 
 
 Could borrow all the glorious Wingi, &c. 
 
 The Beauty of this Paflage is inimitable, and truly original : 
 Shakefpearhas, indeed many that are fimilar to it; but none that can 
 be brought in Competition. 
 
 Leave me: 
 
 Stand farther off ! you're blafied elfe, 
 
 Whenever the Mind is harrafled by the Stings of Confcience, or 
 the Horrors of Guilt, the Senfes are liable to infinite Delufions, and 
 ftartle at hideous imaginary Monfters. The Poet, who can touch 
 fuch Incidents with happy Dexterity, and paint fuch Images of Con- 
 flernation, will infallibly work upon the Minds of others. 
 
 The Rev. Mr. SMITH. 
 
 The
 
 THERENEGADO. 45 
 
 The Fire ? No -, I fhall feel that hereafter. 
 The Earth will not receive me. Should fome "Whirl- 
 Snatch me into the Air, and I hang there, [wind 
 Perpetual Plagues would dwell upon the Earth, 
 And thofe fuperior Bodies, that pour down 
 Their cheerful Influence, deny to pafs it 
 Through thofe vaft Regions I have infecled. 
 The Sea, I, that is Juftice, there I plow'd up 
 Mifchief as deep as Hell : There, there I'll hide 
 This curfed Lump of Clay : May it turn Rocks 
 Where Plummet's Weight could never reach the Sands! " 
 And grind the Ribs of all fuch Barks as prefs 
 The Ocean's Bread in my unlawful Courfe. 
 I hafte then to thee : Let thy rav'nous Womb, 
 Whom all Things elfe deny, be now my Tomb ! 
 
 [Exit Grimaldi, 
 
 Mafter. Follow him, and reftrain him. 
 
 Fran. Let this ftand 
 For an Example to you. 1*11 provide 
 A Lodging for him, and apply fuch Cures 
 To his wounded Confcience, as Heaven hath lent me. 
 He's now my fecond Care ; and my Profeffion 
 Binds me to teach the Defperate to repent, 
 As far as to confirm the Innocent. [Exeunt, 
 
 SCENE III. 
 Enter Afambeg, Muflapha, Aga, Capiaga. 
 
 Afam. Your Pleafure ? 
 
 Mufta. 'Twill exact your private Ear ; 
 And, when you have receiv'd it, you will think 
 Too many know it. [Exeunt Aga, Capiaga, 
 
 Afam. Leave the Room ; but be 
 
 10 Wbe re Plummet 1 1 Weight could never reach the Sands f 
 So in Shakefptar, 
 
 " Where Fathom-Line could never touch the Grosnd." 
 
 HENRY IVth, ift Part, Aft i. Scene 3. 
 
 Within
 
 46 THERENEGADO. 
 
 Within our Call. Now, Sir, what burning Secrets 
 
 brings you 
 
 (With which it feems you are turn'd Cinders) 
 To quench in my Advice, or Power ? 
 
 Mufta. The Fire 
 Will rather reach you. 
 
 Afam. Me ? 
 
 Mufta. And confume both ; 
 For 'tis impoffible to be put out, 
 But with the Blood of thofe that kindle it : 
 And yet one Vial of it is fo precious, 
 It being borrow'd from the Ottoman Spring, 
 That better 'tis, I think, both we mould pei ifh 
 Than prove the defp'rate Means, that muft reilrain it 
 From fpreading farther. 
 
 Afam. To the Point, and quickly : 
 Thefe winding Circumftances in Relations 
 Seldom environ Truth. 
 
 Mufta. Truth, Afambeg? 
 
 Afam. Truth, Muftapha. I faid it, and add more I 
 You touch upon a String that to my Ear 
 Does found Donufa. 
 
 Mufta. You then underfland 
 Who 'tis I aim at. 
 
 Afam. Take Heed, Muftapha\ 
 Remember what me is, and whofe we are. 
 'Tis her Neglect, perhaps, that you complain of j 
 And, fhould you practile to revenge her Scorn, 
 With any Plot to taint her in her Honour,- 
 
 Mufta. Hear me. 
 
 Afam. I will be heard firft ; there's no Tongue! 
 A Subject owes, that mail out-thunder mine. 
 
 Mufta. Well, take your Way. 
 
 Afam. I then again repeat it, 
 If Muftapha dares with malicious Breath 
 (On jealous Suppofitions) prefume 
 To blafl the BlofTom of Donuja's Fame s 
 Becaufe he is deny'd a Happinefs 
 Which Men of equal, nay, of more Defert, 
 
 Have
 
 THERENEGADO. 47 
 
 Have fu'd in vain for - 
 
 Mufta. More ? 
 
 Afam. More. 'Twas I fpake it, 
 The Bafhaw of Natalia^ and myfelf 
 Were Rivals for her ; either of us brought 
 More Victories, more Trophies, to plead for us 
 To our, great Mafter, than you dare lay claim to; 
 Yet flill, by his Allowance, Ihe was left 
 To her Election : Each of us ow'd Nature 
 As much for outward Form, and inward Worth, 
 To make Way for us to her Grace and Favour, 
 As you brought with you. We were heard, repuls'd ; 
 Yet thought it no Difhonour to fit down 
 With the Difgrace ; if not to force Affection 
 May merit fuch a Name. 
 
 Mufta. Have you done, yet ? 
 
 Afam. Be, therefore, more than fure, the Ground, on 
 
 which 
 
 You raife your Accufation, may admit 
 No underminding of Defence in her : 
 For if with pregnant and apparent Proofs, 
 Such as may force a Judge, more then inclin'd, 
 Or partial in her Caufe, to fwear her guilty ; 
 You win not me to fet off your Belief: 
 Neither our ancient Friendfliip, nor the Rites, 
 Of iacred Hofpitality (to which 
 I would not offer Violence) mall protect you. 
 Now when you pleafe. 
 
 Mufta. I will not dwell upon 
 Much Circumftance , yet cannot but profefs, 
 With the Affurance of a Loyalty 
 Equal to yours, the Reverence I owe 
 The Sultan, and all fuch his Blood makes facred : 
 That there is not a Vein of mine, which yet is 
 Unemptied in his Service, but this Moment 
 Should freely open, fo it might wafh off 
 The Stains of her Difhonour. Could you think ? 
 Or, though you faw it, credit your own Eyes ? 
 That She, the Wonder and Amazement of 
 
 Her
 
 4 S THERENEGADO. 
 
 Her Sex, the Pride, and Glory of the Empire, 
 
 That hath difdain'd you, (lighted me, and boafted 
 
 A frozen Coldnefs, which no Appetite, 
 
 Or Height of Blood could thaw, fhould now fo far 
 
 Be hurry 'd with the Violence of her Luft, 
 
 As, in it burying her high Birth and Fame, 
 
 Bafely defcend to fill a ChrifHan's Arms ? 
 
 And to him yield her Virgin Honour up ? 
 
 Nay, fue to him to take't. 
 
 Afam. A Chriftian ? 
 
 Mufta. Temper 
 
 Your Admiration : And what Chriftian, think you ? 
 No Prince diiguis'd ; no Man of Mark, nor Honour 5 
 No daring Undertaker in our Service, 
 But one, whofe Lips her Foot fhould fcorn to touch, 
 A poor Mechanick Pedlar. 
 
 Afam. He? 
 
 Mufta. Nay, more; 
 
 Whom do you think Ihe made her Scout, nay, Bawd, 
 To find him out, but me? What Place makes Choice of 
 To wallow in her foul and loathlbme Pleafures, 
 But in the Palace ? Who the Inftruments 
 Of clofe Conveyance, but the Captain of 
 Your Guard, the Aga^ and, that Man of Truft, 
 The Warden of the inmoft Port ? I'll prove this ; 
 And, though I fail to mew her in the Adi:, 
 Glu'd like a neighing Gennet to her Stallion, 
 Your Incredulity (hall be convinc'd 
 With Proofs I blufh to think on. 
 
 AJam. Never yet 
 
 This Flefh felt fuch a Fever. By the Life 
 And Fortune of great Amuratb, mould our Prophet 
 (Whofe Name I bow to) in a Vifion fpeak this, 
 *T would make me doubtful of my Faith. Lead on -, 
 And, when my Eyes, and Ears, are, like yours, guilty, 
 My Rage (hall then appear ; for I will do 
 Something i but what, I am not yet determined. 
 
 [Exemt. 
 
 SCENE
 
 T H E R E N E G A D O, 4 
 
 SCENE IV. 
 Enter Carazie, Manto, Gazet. 
 
 Cat-. They're private to their Wilhes. 
 
 Manto. Doubt it not ! 
 
 Gaz. A pretty Structure this ! a Court do you call it? 
 Vaulted and arch'd : O! here has been old jumbling 
 Behind this Arras. 
 
 Car. Pry'thee let's have Tome Sport 
 With this frefti Codfhead. 
 
 Manto. I am out of Tune, 
 
 But do as you pleafe. My Conference. Turn! the Hope 
 Of Liberty does throw that Burthen off; 
 I muft go watch, and make Difeovery. [Exit. 
 
 Car. He's mufing, 
 
 And will talk to himfelf ; he cannot hold j 
 The poor Fool's ravifh'd. 
 
 Gaz. I am in my Matter's Clothes ; 
 They fit me to a Hair tooj let but any 
 Indifferent Gamefter meafure us Inch by Inch, 
 Or weigh us by the Standard, I may pafs : 
 I have been prov'd, and prov'd again, true Metal. 
 
 Car. How he furveys himfelf. 
 
 Gaz. I've heard, that fome 
 
 Have fool'd themfelves at Court into good Fortunes, 
 That never hop'd to thrive by Wit i' th' City, 
 Or Honefty i' th' Country. If I do not 
 Make the beft Laugh at me. I'll weep for myfelf, 
 If they give me Hearing. 'Tis refolv'd I'll try 
 What may be done. By your Favour, Sir! I pray you, 
 Were you born a Courtier? 
 
 Car. No, Sir ; why do you afk ? 
 
 Gaz. Becaufe I thought, that none could be prefer'd, 
 But fuch as were begot there. 
 
 Car. O, Sir ! many ; 
 And, howfoe'r you are a Citizen born, 
 Yet if your Mother were a handfome Woman, 
 
 VOL. II. D And
 
 5 o THERENEGADCX 
 
 And ever long'd to fee a Malk at Court, 
 It is an even Lay, but that you had 
 A Courtier to your Father-, and I think fo, 
 You bear yourfelf fo fprightly. 
 
 Gaz. It may be ; 
 
 But pray you, Sir \ had I fuch an Itch upon me 
 To change my Copy, is there Hope a Place 
 May be had here for Money ? 
 
 Car. Not without it , 
 That I dare warrant you. 
 
 Gaz. I have a pretty Stock, 
 And would not have my good Parts undifcover'd, 
 What Places of Credit are there ? 
 Car. There's your Begkrbeg. " 
 Gaz. By no Means that j it comes too near the Beg- 
 gar ; 
 
 And molt prove fo that come there. 
 Car. Or your Sangiack. " 
 Gaz. Saucy Jack ? Fie ! none of that. 
 Car. Your Cbiaus. IJ 
 Gaz. Nor that. 
 Car. Chief Gardener! 
 Gaz. Out upon't ! 
 
 'Twill put me in Mind my Mother was an Herb-woman, 
 What is your Place, I pray you ? 
 Car. Sir! an Eunuch. 
 
 Gaz. An Eunuch? Very fine! I Faith ! an Eunuch! 
 And what are your Employments? Neat and eafy. 
 
 Car. In the Day, I wait on my Lady, when me eats, 
 Carry her Pantofles, bear up her Train ; 
 Sing her afleep at Night, and, when me pleafes, 
 I am her Bedtellow. 
 
 1 * Thereat your Beglerberg. 
 (I. t. Lord of Lords) a chief Governor of a Turkffi Province. 
 
 1 * Or your Sangiack. 
 A Turkijb Governor of a City or Province. 
 
 1 J Your Cbiaus. 
 
 An Officer in the Tur&ijb Court, who performs the Duty of an Uflier, 
 and alfo an Ambaflador to foreign Princes and States. 
 
 Gaz.
 
 f H E R E N E G A D O, 51 
 
 . How ? Her Bedfellow ? 
 And lie with herP 
 
 Car. Yes, and lie with her. 
 
 Gaz. O rare ! 
 
 I'll be an Eunuch, though I fell my Shop for't, 
 And all my Wares. 
 
 Car. It is but parting with 
 A precious Stone or two. I know the Price on't. 
 
 Gaz. I'll part with all my Stones ; and, when I am 
 An Eunuch, I'll fo tofs and towle the Ladies ; 
 Pray you help me to a Chapman. 
 
 Car. The Court-Surgeon 
 Shall do you that Favour. 
 
 Gaz. I am made ! an Eunuch ! 
 
 Enter Man to. 
 
 Manto. Carazie, quit the Room ! 
 Car. Come, Sir ! we'll treat of 
 Your Bufmefs further. 
 
 Gaz. Excellent ! an Eunuch ! [Exeunt, 
 
 SCENE. V. 
 Enter Donufa, Vitelli. 
 
 Vitd. Leave me, or I am loft again : No Prayers, 
 No Penitence, can redeem me. 
 
 D. Am I grown 
 Old, or deform'd, fmcc Yefterday ? 
 
 Vittl. You are ftill, 
 
 Although the fating of yourLuft hath fullied 
 Th' imaculate Whitenefs of your Virgin Beauties, 
 Too fair for me to look on : And, though Purenefs, 
 The Sword with which you ever fought, and conquer J, 
 Is ravim'd from you by unchafte Defires, 
 You are too ftrong for Flefh and Blood to treat with, 
 Though Iron Grates were interpos'd between us, 
 To warrant me from Treafon. 
 
 D 2 Don.
 
 52 THERENEGADO. 
 
 Don. Whom do you fear ? 
 
 ViteL That human Frailty I took from my Mother, 
 That, as my Youth increas'd, grew ftronger on me: 
 That ftill purfues me, and, thought once recover'd, 
 In Scorn of Reafon, and, what's more, Religion, 
 Again feeks to betray me. 
 
 Don. If you mean, Sir ! 
 To my Embraces, you turn Rebel to 
 The Laws of Nature, the great Queen, and Mother 
 Of all Productions, and deny Allegiance, 
 Where you ftand bound to pay it. 
 
 ViteL I will flop 
 
 Mine Ears againft thefe Charms, which, if UlyJJes 
 Could live again, and hear this fecond Syren, 
 Though bound with Cables to his Maft, his Ship too 
 Faften'd with all her Anchors, this Inchantment 
 Would force him, in Defpite of all Refiftance, 
 To leap into the Sea, and follow her -, 
 Although Deftruction with outftretched Arms, 
 Stood ready to receive him. 
 
 Don. Gentle Sir ; 
 
 Though you deny to hear me, yet vouchfafe 
 To look upon me. Though I ufe no Language 
 The Grief for this unkind Repulfe will print 
 Such a dumb Eloquence upon my Face, 
 As will not only plead, but prevail for me. 
 
 ViteL I am a Coward : 1 will fee and hear you j 
 The Trial, elfe, is nothing ; nor the Conqueft, 
 My Temperance (hall crown me with hereafter, 
 Worthy to be remember'd. Up, my Virtue \ 
 And holy Thoughts, andRefolutions arm me, 
 Againft this fierce Temptation ! give me Voice* 
 Tun'd to a zealous Anger, to exprefs 
 At what an Over- value I have purchased 
 The wanton Treafure of your Virgin Bounties, 
 That in their falfe Fruition heap upon me 
 Defpair and Horror That I could with that Eafe 
 Redeem my forfeit Innocence, or caft up 
 The Poifon I receiv'd into my Intrails, 
 
 From
 
 THERENEGADO. 53 
 
 From the alluring Cup of your Enticements, 
 
 As now I do deliver back the Price, [Returns the Cajket. 
 
 And Salary of your Luft ! or thus uncloth me 
 
 Of Sin's gay Trappings, (the proud Livery 
 
 [Throws off bis Cloak and Doubkt. 
 Of wicked Pleafure) which but worn, and heated 
 With the Fire of Entertainment and Content, 
 Like to Alcidcs* fatal Shirt, tears off 
 Our Flefh, and Reputation both together, 
 Leaving our ulcerous Follies bare, and open 
 To all malicious Cenfure. 
 
 Don. You muft grant, 
 
 If you hold that aLofs to you, mine equals, 
 If not tranicends it. If you then firft tafted 
 That Poifon, as you call it, I brought with me 
 A Palat unacquainted with the Relilli 
 Of thofe Delights, which mod (as I have heard) 
 Greedily fwallow ; and then the Offence 
 (If my Opinion may be believ'dj 
 Is not fo great ; howe'er, the Wrong no more 
 Than if Hippolitus and the Virgin Huntrefs, 
 Should meet and kifs together. 
 
 ViteL What Defences 
 Can Luft raife to maintain a Precipice 
 
 [Afambeg and Muftapha above* 
 To the Abyfs of Loofenefs ? But affords not 
 The leaft Stair, or the faft'ning of one Foot, 
 To re-afcend that glorious Height we fell from. 
 
 Mufta. By Mahomet me courts him ! 
 
 Afam. Nay, kneels to him : 
 Obferve the fcornful Villain turns away too, 
 As glorying in his Conqueft. 
 
 Don. Are you Marble ? [Kneels. 
 
 If Chriftians have Mothers, fure they mare in 
 The Tygrefs Fiercenefs ; for, if you were Owner 
 Of human Pity, you could not endure 
 A Princefs to kneel to you, or look on 
 Thefe falling Tears which harden: Rocks would foften. 
 And yet remain unmov'd. Did you but give me 
 
 D 3 A
 
 54 THERENEGADO, 
 
 A Tafte of Happinefs in your Embraces, 
 That the Remembrance of the Sweetnels of it 
 Might leave perpetual Bitternefs behind it ? 
 Or fhew'd me what it was to be a Wife, 
 To live a Widow ever ? 
 
 Enter Capiaga, Aga, witb others, 
 
 Afam. She has confeft it , 
 Seize on him, Villains ! O the Fiuies ! 
 
 Don. How ? [Afambeg and Muftapha defcettd, 
 Are we betray'd ? 
 
 'Vitel The better j I expected 
 A S^nbyfr Faith. 
 
 Don. Who am I, that you dare this ? 
 'Tis I that do command you to forbear 
 A Touch of Violence. 
 
 Aga. We already, Madam, 
 Have fatisfied your Pleaiure further than 
 We know to anfwer it. 
 
 Cap. Would we were well off; 
 We ftand too far engag'd, I fear. 
 
 Don. For us ? 
 
 We'll bring you fafe off. Who dares contradict 
 What is our Pjeafure ? 
 
 Enter Afambeg, Muftapha. 
 
 Afam. Spurn the Dog to Prifon ! 
 I'll anfwer you anon. 
 
 Vitel. What Punifhment 
 So e'er I undergo, I'm ftill a Chriftian [Exit with Vitel. 
 
 Don. What bold Preemption's this ? Under what Law 
 Am I to fall, that fet my Foot upon 
 Your Statutes and Decrees ? 
 
 Mujla. The Crime committed 
 Pur Alcoran calls Death. 
 
 Don. Tufh ! who is here, 
 That is not Amuratb's Slave, and fo unfit 
 To fit a judge upon his Blood ? 
 
 Afam.
 
 THERENEGADO. 55 
 
 Afam. You've loft 
 Lftdi 
 
 And fham'd the Privilege of it ; rob'd me too 
 Of my Soul, my Underftanding, to behold 
 Your bafe, unworthy Fall from your high Virtue. 
 
 Don. I do appeal to Amurath. 
 
 Afam. We'll offer 
 
 No Violence to your Perfon, 'till we know 
 His facred Pleafure ; 'till when, under Guard 
 You mall continue here. 
 
 Don. Shall ? 
 
 A/am. I have faid it. 
 
 Don. We mail remember this. 
 
 Afam. It ill becomes 
 Such, as are guilty, to deliver Threats 
 Againft the innocent. [Tbe Guard leads 
 
 I could tear this Flem now, 
 But 'tis in vain ; nor muft I talk, but do : 
 Provide a well man'd Galley for Conftantinopk : 
 Such fad News never came to our great Mafter. 
 As he directs ; we muft proceed, and know 
 No Will but his, to whom what's Ours we owe. [Exeunt. 
 
 Tbe End of the Third Aft. 
 
 A C T IV. S C E N E I. 
 
 Enter Mafter^ Boatfivain. 
 
 Mafter. TJE d es begin to eat? 
 
 Boatf. Xl A little, Mafter: 
 
 But our beft Hope for his Recovery is, that 
 
 His Raving leaves him , and thole dreadful Words, 
 
 Damnation, and Defpair, with which he ever 
 
 Ended all his Difcourfes are forgotten. 
 
 Mafter. This Stranger is a moft religious Man, fure 
 And I am doubtful, whether his Charity 
 D 4
 
 5 6 T H E R E N E G A D O, 
 
 In the relieving of our Wants, or Care 
 
 To cure the wounded Conference of Grimaldi 
 
 Deferves more Admiration. 
 
 Eoatf. Can you guefs 
 
 What the Reafoa fhould be, that we never mention 
 The Church, or the high Altar, but his Melancholy 
 Grows, and incieafes on him ? 
 
 Mafter. I have heard him 
 
 (When he gloried to profefs himfelf an Atheift,) 
 Talk often, and with much Delight and Boafting, 
 Of a rude Prank he did e'er he turn'd Pirate, 
 The Memory of which, as it appears, 
 Lies heavy on him. 
 
 Eoatf. 'Pray you, let me underftand it. 
 
 Mcjter. Upon a folemn Day, when the whole City 
 Join'd in Devotion, and with barefoot Steps 
 Pals'd to S. Mark's, the Duke and the whole Signiory, 
 Helping to perfect the religious Pomp 
 With wruch they were received ; when all Men elie 
 Were fullof Tears, and groan'd beneath the Weight 
 Of paii r Offences (of whofe heavy Burden 
 Thev came to be abfolv'd and freed,) our Captain, 
 Whether in Scorn, of thofe fo pious Rites 
 He had no Feeling of, or elfe drawn to it, 
 Out of a wanton, irreligious Madnefs, 
 (I now not which) ran to the holy Man, 
 As he was doing of the Work of Grace, 
 And, fnatching from his Hands die fanclify'd Means, 
 Palh'd icupon the Pavement. 
 
 Eoatf. How efcap'd he ? 
 It being a Deed deferving Death with Torture. 
 
 Mafter. The general Amazement of the People 
 Gave him Leave to quit the Temple, and a Gondola, 14 
 (Prepar'd, it feems, before) brought him aboard, 
 Since which he ne'er faw Venice. The Remembrance 
 pf this, it feems, torments him ; aggravated 
 
 * Jlnda Gondola. 
 
 A Venetian Wherry-Boat. 
 
 With
 
 
 
 THERENEGADO. 57 
 
 With a ftrong Belief, he cannot receive Pardon 
 
 For this foul Fact, but from his Hands, 'gainft whom 
 
 It was committed. 
 
 Boatf. And what Courfe intends 
 His heavenly Phyfician Reverend Francifco, 
 To beat down this Opinion ? 
 
 Mafter. He promis'd 
 To uie fome holy and religious FineiTe, 
 To this good End ; and, in the mean Time, charg'd me 
 To keep him dark, and to admit no Vifitants , 
 J3ut on no Terms to crofs him. Here he comes. 
 
 Enter Grimaldi with a Book. 
 
 Grim. For Theft, he that reftores treble the Value, IJ 
 Makes Satisfaction j and, for want of Means, 
 To do fo, as a Slave, muft ferve it out, 
 'Till he hath made full Payment. There's Hope left 
 
 here; 
 
 Oh ! with what Willingnefs would I give up 
 My Liberty to thofe that I have pillag'd , 
 And wifh the Numbers of my Years, though wafted 
 In the moll fordid Slavery, might equal 
 The Rapines I have made -, 'till with one Voice, 
 My Patient Sufferings might exact from my 
 Moft cruel Creditors, a full Remiffion, 
 An Eye's Lofs with an Eye, Limbs with a Limb ; 1<s 
 A fad Account ! yet, to find Peace within here, 
 Though all fuch as I have maim'd, and difmember'd 
 
 1 > For Tlfft, be that reftores treble the Value, makes Satiif ac- 
 tion, &C. 
 
 This, and the following Part of this-Sp*ch alludes to the Law of 
 Mofes : As v\Exodut we read, " If a Man (hall ft'eal an Ox or a Sheep, 
 <; and kill it, or fell it, he (hall reftore five Oxen for an Ox; and four 
 " Sheep for a Sheep. If he have nothing, then he fhali be fold ior 
 " his Theft." Cap. 22. Ver. :, 3. 
 
 1 6 An Eyfs Lofi with an Eye, Limbs with a L-.mb. 
 Thefe are common Expreffions both in the Old, and in the New 
 Teftament. 
 
 In
 
 5* THERENEGADO. 
 
 Jn drunken Quarrels, or o'ercome with Rage, 
 
 When they were giv'n up to my Power, flood here now, 
 
 And cry'd for Reftitution ; to appeafe 'em, 
 
 Fd do a bloody Juftice on myfelf -, 
 
 Pull outthefe Eyes, that guided me to ravifh 
 
 Their Sight from others j lop thefe Legs, that bore me 
 
 To barbarous Violence ; with this Hand cut off 
 
 This Inftrument of wrong, 'till nought were left me, 
 
 But this poor bleeding limblefs Trunk, which gladly 
 
 J would divide among them. Ha ! what think I 
 
 Enter Francifco in a Cope like a Bi/hop. 
 
 Of petty Forfeitures ! in this reverend Habit, 
 
 (All that I am turn'd into Eyes) I look on 
 
 A Deed of mine fo fiend-like, that Repentance, 
 
 Though with my Tears I taught the Sea new Tides, 
 
 Can never warn off: All my Thefts, my Rapes 
 
 Are venial Treipafles, compar'd to what 
 
 I offer'd to that Shape ; and in a Place too, 
 
 Where I flood bound to kneel to't. {Kneels. 
 
 Fran. 'Tis forgiven ; 
 
 I with his Tongue (whom in thefe facred Veftments 
 With impure Hands thou did'ft offend) pronounce it ; 
 I bring Peace to thee ; fee, that thou delerve it 
 In thy fair Life hereafter. 
 
 Grim. Can it be ? 
 
 Dare I believe this Vifion ? Or hope 
 A Pardon e'er may find me ? 
 
 Fran. Purchafe it 
 
 By zealous Undertakings, and no more 
 /Twill be remembered. 
 
 Grim. What celefttafBalm 
 I feel now pour'd into my wounded Confcience ! 
 What Penance is there I'll not undergo , 
 Though ne'er fo fharp and rugged, with more Pleafure 
 Than Flefh and Blood e'er tailed! mew me true Sorrow, 
 Arm'd with an Iron Whip, and I will meet 
 The Stripes fhe brings along with her, as if 
 
 They
 
 THERENEGADO. 59 
 
 were the gentle Touches of a Hand 
 That comes to cure me. Can good Deeds redeem me ? 
 f will rife up a Wonder to the World, 
 When J have giv'n ftrong Proofs how I am alter'd, 
 I that have fold fuch as profefs'd the Faith 
 That I was born in, to Captivity, 
 Will make their Number equal, that I mall 
 JDeliver from the Oar - t and win as many 
 J3y the Clearnefs of my Actions, to look on 
 Their Mi/belief, and loath jt. I will be 
 A Convoy for all Merchants ; and thought worthy 
 To be reported to the World hereafter 
 The Child of your Devotion, nurs'd up, 
 And made ftrong by your Charity, to break through 
 All Dangers Hell can bring forth to oppofe me : 
 Nor am J, though my Fortunes were thought defperate, 
 Now you have reconcil'd me to myfelf, 
 So void of worldly Means, but, in Defpight 
 Of the proud Viceroy's Wrongs, I can do fomething 
 To prove, that I have Power; when you pleafe try me, 
 And I will perfect what you mall injoin me, 
 Or fall a joyful Martyr. 
 
 Fran. You will reap 
 
 The comtort oi it ; live yet undifcover'd, 
 And with your holy Meditations ftrengthen 
 Your Chriftian Refolution ; e'er long, 
 You fhall hear further from me. 
 
 Grim. I'll attend [Exit Francifco. 
 
 All your Commands with Patience , come, my Mates! 
 I hitherto have Ijv'd an ill Example ; 
 And as your Captain led you on to Mifchief ; 
 But now will truly labour, that good Men 
 May lay hereafter of me, to my Glory, 
 Let but my Power and Means hand with my Will, 
 *' Ihs good Endeavours, did weigh down his 111." 
 
 [Exeunt Grimaldi, Mafter> Boetfaain. 
 
 Enter
 
 Co THE RENEGADO. 
 
 Enter Francifco. 
 
 Fran. This Penitence is not counterfeit ; howfoeyer 
 Good Actions are in themfelves rewarded ; 
 My Travail's to meet with a double Crown, 
 If that Vitelli come off fafe, and prove 
 Himielf the Matter of his wild Affections. 
 
 Enter Gazet. 
 
 Oh ! I fhall have Intelligence, how now, Gazet ! 
 Why thefe fad Looks and Tears ? 
 
 Gaz. Tears, Sir ? I have loft 
 
 My worthy Mafter. Your rich Heir feems to mourn for 
 A miferable Father, your young Widow 
 Following a bed-rid Hufband to his Grave, 
 Would have her Neighbours think fhe cries, and roars, 
 That fhe muft part with fuch a Goodman Do-nothing -, 
 When 'tis, becaufe he ftays fo long above Ground, 
 And hinders a rich Suitor : All's come out, Sir ! 
 We are fmok'd for being Cunny-catchers j My Mafter 
 Is put in Prifon , his She-Cuftomer 
 Is under Guard too. Thefe are Things to weep for i 
 But mine own Lofs confider'd, and what a Fortune 
 I have, as they fay, fnatch'd out of my Chops, 
 Would make a Man run mad. 
 
 Fran. I fcarce have Leifure, 
 I am fo wholly taken up with Sorrow 
 For my lov'd Pupil, to enquire thy Fate ; 
 Yet I will hear it. 
 
 Gaz. Why, Sir ! I had bought a Place, 
 A Place of Credit too, and had gone through with it : 
 I mould have been made an Eunuch. There was Ho- 
 nour 
 
 For a late poor 'Prentice ; when upon the fudden 
 There was fuch a Hurly-burly in the Court, 
 That I was glad to run away, and carry 
 The Price of my Office with me. 
 
 Fran,
 
 THERENEGADO. 61 
 
 Fran. Is that all ? 
 
 You've made a faving Voyage. We muft think now, 
 Though not to free, to comfort fad Vitelli \ 
 My griev'd Soul fuffers for him. 
 
 Gaz. I am fad too , 
 But, had I been an Eunuch 
 
 Fran. Think not on it. [Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE II. 
 
 Enter Afambeg, unlocks the Door, leads forth Paulina. 
 
 Afam. Be your own Guard : Obfequioufnefs and Ser- 
 Shall win you to be mine. Of all Reflraint [vice 
 
 JFor ever take your Leave : No Threats fhall awe you - 9 
 No jealous Doubts of mine difturb your Freedom : 
 No fee'd Spies wait upon your Steps. Your Virtue 
 And due Confideration'in yourfelf, 
 Of what is noble, are the faithful Helps 
 I leave you, as Supporters to defend you, 
 From falling bafely. 
 
 Paul. This is wond'rous ftrange ! 
 Whence flows this Alteration ? 
 
 Afam. From true Judgment, 
 And ftrong AflTurahce : Neither Grates of Iron, 
 Hem'd in with Walls of Brafs, Uriel: Guards, high Birth, 
 The Forfeiture of Honour, nor the Fear 
 Of Infamy, or Punimment, can flay 
 A Woman flav'd to Appetite from being 
 Falfe, and unworthy. 
 
 Paul. You are grown fatyrical 
 Againft our Sex. Why r Sir, I durft produce 
 Myfelf in our Defence, and from you challenge 
 A Teflimony that's not to be denied ; 
 All fall not under this unequal Cenfure. 
 J, that have ftood your Flatteries, your Threats, 
 Bore up againft your fierce Temptations ; fcorn'd 
 The cruel Means you praftis'd to fupplant me, 
 Haying no Arms to help me to hold out, 
 
 But
 
 6 T H E R E N E G A D O. 
 
 But Love of Piety, and conftant Goodnefs, 
 If you are unconfirm'd, dare again boldly 
 Enter into the Lifts, and combat with 
 All Oppofites Man's Malice can bring forth 
 To fliake me in my Chaftity, buiit upon 
 The Rock of my Religion. 
 
 Afam. I do wifh 
 
 I could believe you ; but, when I mall mew yotf 
 A moft incredible Example of 
 Your Frailty in a Princels, fu'd and fought to 
 By Men of Worth, of Rank, of Eminence ; courted 
 By Happinefs itfelf, and her cold Temper 
 Appro v'd by many Years ; yet (he to fall,- 
 Fall from herfelf, her Glories, nay, her Safety, 
 Into a Gulf of Shame, and black Defpair ; 
 I think you'll doubt yourfelf, or, in beholding 
 Her Punifhment, for ever be deter'd 
 From yielding bafely. 
 
 Paul. I would fee this Wonder j 
 *Tis, Sir, my firft Petition. 
 
 Afam. And thus granted ; 
 
 Above you mail obterve all. [Paulina fleps ajide* 
 
 Enter Muftapha. 
 
 Mufta. Sir, I fought you, 
 And muft relate a Wonder. Since I ftudied 
 And knew what Man was, I was never Witnefs 
 Of fuch invincible Fortitude as this Chriitian 
 Shews in his Sufferings : All the Torments that 
 We could prefent him with to fright his Conftancy^ 
 Confirm'd, not fhook it ; and thofe heavy Chains 
 That eat into his Flem, appear'd to him 
 Like Bracelets, made of fome lov'd Miftrefs* Hairs, 
 We kifs in the Remembrance of her Favours. 
 I'm ftrangely taken with it, and have loft 
 Much of my Fury. 
 
 Afam. Had he fuffer'd poorly, 
 It had call'd on my Contempt j but manly Patience 
 
 And
 
 THERENEGADO. 63 
 
 And all-commanding Virtue, wins upon 
 An Enemy. I Ihall think upon him. Ha ! 
 
 Enter Aga with a Black Box. 
 
 So foon return'd ? This Speed pleads in Excufe 
 Of your late Fault, which I no more remember. 
 "What's the Grand Signior's Pleafure ? 
 
 Aga. 'Tis inclos'd here. 
 
 The Box too, that contains it, may inform you 
 How he ftands afFeded : I am trufted with 
 Nothing but this. On Forfeit of your Head, 
 She muft have a fpeedy Trial. 
 
 Afam. Bring her in 
 
 In Black, as to her Funeral : 'Tis the Colour 
 Her Fault wills her to wear , and which, in Juftice, 
 I dare not pity. Sit. and take your Place : 
 However in her Life fhe has degenerated, 
 May (he die nobly ; and in that confirm 
 Her Greatnefs, and High Blood. 
 
 A folemn Mufick. A Guard. The Aga, and Capi-Aga* 
 leading in Don u fa in Black ; her Train borne up by Ca- 
 razie and Manto. 
 
 Mufta. I now could melt ; 
 But foft Companion leave me. 
 
 Manto. I am affrighted 
 
 With this difmal Preparation. Should the enjoying 
 Of loofe Dcfires find ever fuch Conclufions, 
 All Women would be Veftals. [Afide. 
 
 Don. That you cloath me 
 In this fad Livery of Death, aflures me 
 Your Sentence is gone out before, and I 
 Too late am call'd for, in my guilty Caufe 
 
 To ufe Qualification, or Excufe 
 
 Yet muft I not part fo with mine own Strength, 
 But borrow from my Modefty Boldnefs, to 
 Enquire by whofe Authority you fit 
 
 My
 
 '64 THERENEGADO. 
 
 My Judges, and whofe Warrant digs my Grave 
 In the Frowns you dart againft my Lite ? 
 
 Afam. See here! 
 
 This fatal Sign r and Warrant ! This, brought to 
 A General fighting at the Head of his 
 Victorious Troops, ravifhes from his Hand 
 His e'en then conquering Sword : This (hewn unto 
 The Sultan's Brothers, or his Sons, delivers 
 His deadly Anger ; and, all Hopes laid by, 
 Commands them to prepare themfelves for Heaven 5 
 Which would (land with the Quiet of your Soul 
 To think upon, and imitate. 
 
 Don, Give me Leave 
 A little to complain : Firft, of the hard 
 Condition of my Fortune, which may move you, 
 Though not to rile up Interceffors for me, 
 Yet, in Remembrance of my former Life, 
 (This being the firft Spot tainting mine Honour) 
 To be the Means to bring me to his Prefence \ 
 And then I doubt not, but I could alledge 
 Such Reafons in mine own Defence, or plead 
 So humbly (my Tears helping) that it mould 
 Awake his fleeping Pity. 
 
 Afam. 'Tis in vain ! 
 
 If you have aught to fay, you mall have Hearing, 
 And in me think him prefent. 
 
 Don. I would thus then 
 
 Firft kneel, and kifs his Feet ; and after, tell him 
 How long I'd been his Darling ; what Delight 
 My infant Years afforded him , how dear 
 He priz'd his Sifter, in both Bloods, my Mother ; 
 That me, like him, had Frailty,, that to me 
 Deicends as an Inheritance; then conjure him, 
 By her bleft Aflbes, and his Father's Soul, 
 The Sword that rides upon his Thigh, his Right Hand 
 Holding the Scepter, and the Ottoman Fortune, 
 To have Compaffion on me. 
 
 Afam. But iuppofe 
 
 (As I am fure) he would be deaf, what then 
 Could you infer ?
 
 T H E R E N E G A D O. 6 
 
 Don. I, then, would thus rife up, 
 And to his Teeth tell him, he was a Tyrant, 
 A moft voluptuous, and infatiable Epicure 
 In his own Pleafures , which he hugs fo dearly, 
 As proper, and peculiar to himfelf, 
 That he denies a moderate lawful Ufe 
 Of all Delight to others. And to thee, 
 Unequal Judge, I fpeak as much, and charge thee 
 But with impartial Eyes to look into 
 Thyfelf, and then confider with what Juftice 
 Thou canft pronounce my Sentence. Unkind Nature ! 
 To make weak Women, Servants; proud Men, Mafters. 
 Indulgent Mahomet / Eo thy bloody Laws 
 Call my Embraces with a Chriftian, Death ? 
 Having my Heat and May of Youth, to plead 
 In my Excufe ? and yet want Power to punilh 
 Thefe that with Scorn break thro' thy Cobweb-Edicts,' 
 And laugh at thy Decrees ? To tame their Lufts 
 There's no religious Bit ; let her be fair, 
 And pleafing to the Eye, though Perfian, Moor, 
 Idolatrefs, Turk, or Chriftian, you are privileg'd, 
 And freely may enjoy her. At this Inftant, 
 I know, unjuft Man ! thou haft in thy Power 
 A lovely Chriftian Virgin ; thy Offence 
 Equal, if not tranfcending mine: Why, then, 
 We being both guilty, doft thou not defcend 
 From that ufurp'd Tribunal, and with me 
 Walk Hand in Hand to Death ? 
 
 Afam. She Raves ! and we 
 Lofe Time to hear her : Read the Law. 
 
 Don. Do! do! 
 
 I ftand refolv'd to luffer. 
 
 Aga. If any Virgin, of what Degree or Quality fo- 
 ever, born a natural Turk, mall be convicted of cor- 
 poral Loofenefs, and Incontinence with any Chriftian, 
 fhe is, by the Decree of our great Prophet, Mahomet, 
 to lofe her Head. 
 
 Afam. Mark that ! then tax our Juftice. 
 
 VOL. II. E
 
 66 TH.ERENEGADO. 
 
 Aga. Ever provided, That if fhe, the faid Offender, 
 by any Reafons, Arguments, or Perfuafion, can win 
 and prevail with the faid Chriilian, offending with her, 
 to alter his Religion, and marry her, that then the 
 Winning of a Soul to the Mahometan Sect mall acquit 
 her from all Shame, Difgrace and Punifhment what- 
 foever. 
 
 Don. I lay hold on that Claufe, and challenge from 
 The Privilege of the Law. [you 
 
 Mufla. What will you do ? 
 
 Don. Grant me Accefs and Means, I'll undertake 
 To turn this Chrijlian Turk, and marry him : 
 This Trial you cannot deny. 
 
 Mujla. O bafe ! 
 
 Can Fear to die make you defcend fo low 
 From your high Birth, and brand the Ottoman Line 
 With fuch a Mark of Infamy ? 
 
 Afam. This is worfe 
 
 Than the parting with your Honour. Better fuffer 
 Ten thoufand Deaths, and without Hope to have 
 A Place in our great Prophet's Paradife, 
 Than have an Act to After-times remember'd 
 So foul as this is. 
 
 Mufla. Chear your Spirits, Madam ! 
 To die is nothing ; 'tis but parting with 
 A Mountain of Vexations. 
 
 Afam. Think of your Honour; 
 In dying nobly you make Satisfaction 
 For your Offence ; and you mall live a Story 
 Of bcldtKroic Courage. 
 
 Eton. You ill all not tool me 
 Out of my t,ife : I claim the Law, and fue for 
 A fpeedy Trial ^ if I fail, you may 
 Determine of me as you pleafe. 
 
 Afam. Bafe Woman ! 
 
 But ufe thy Ways, and fee thou prolper in 'em : 
 For, if thou fall again into my Power, 
 Thou malt in vain, after a thoufand Tortures, 
 Cry out for Death, that Death which now thou fly'ft from. 
 
 Ualoofe
 
 THERENEGADO. 67 
 
 Unloofe the Pri loner's Chains. Go! lead her on 
 
 To try the Magick of her Tongue 1 follow : 
 
 I'm on the Rack. *Defcend, my heft Paulina. 
 
 (Exeunt. 
 SCENE III. 
 
 Enter Francifco, Jailor 4 
 
 Fran. I come not empty-handed -, J will purchafe 
 Your Favour at what Rare you pleafe. There's Gold. 
 
 Jailor. 'Tis the belt Oratory. I will hazard 
 A Check for your Content. Below there ! 
 
 Vitel. Welcome I [Vitelli under the Stage. 
 
 Art thou the happy Meilcnger, that brings me 
 News of my Death ? 
 
 "Jailor. Your Hand ! [Vitelii fluck'd up. 
 
 Fran. Now, if you pleafe, 
 A little Privacy. 
 
 Jailor. You have bought it, Sir j 
 Enjoy it freely. [Exit Jailor* 
 
 Fran. O, my dearcft Pupil 1 
 Witnefs thefe Tears of Joy : I never faw you, 
 Till now, look lovely ; nor durft I e'er glory 
 In the Mind of any Man I had built up 
 With the Hands of virtuous and religious Precepts, 
 'Till this glad Minute. Now you have made good 
 My Expectation of you. By my Order ! 
 All Reman C<efars, that led Kings in Chains, 
 Fall bound to their triumphant Chariots, it 
 Compar'd with that true Glory, and full Luftre 
 You now appear in, all their boafted Honours, 
 Purchas'd with Blood, and Wrong, would lofe their 
 
 Names, 
 And be no more remember'd. 
 
 Vitel. This Applaulc, 
 
 Contirm'd in your Allowance, joys me more 
 Than if a thoufand full-cram'd Theatres 
 Should clap their eager Hands, to witnefs that 
 The Scene I aft did pleafe, and they admire it. 
 
 E 2 But
 
 68 THERENEGADO. 
 
 But thefe are, Father, but Beginnings, not 
 
 The Ends, of my high Aims. 1 grant t' have mafter'd 
 
 The rebel Appetite of Flefh and Blood, 
 
 Was far above my Strength ; and itill owe for it 
 
 To that great Power that lent it. But, when I 
 
 Shall make't apparent, the grim Looks of Death 
 
 Affright me not ; and that I can put off 
 
 The fond Defire of Life (that, like a Garment 
 
 Covers, and cloaths our Frailty) haft'ning to 
 
 My Martyrdom, as to a heavenly Banquet, 
 
 To which I was a choice invited Gueft. 
 
 Then you may boldly fay, you did not plough, 
 
 Or truft the barren and ungrateful Sands 
 
 With the fruitful Grain of your religious Counfels. 
 
 Fran. You do inftrucl: your Teacher. Let the Sun 
 Of your clear Life (that lends to good Men Light) 
 But fet as glorioufly as it did rife, 
 Though fometimes clouded, you may write nil ultra 
 To human Wifties. 
 
 Vitel. I have afmoft gain'd 
 The End o' th' Race, and will not faint, or tire now. 
 
 
 Enter Aga and Jailor. 
 
 A%a. Sir, by your Leave (nay ftare not) I bring 
 
 Comfort ; 
 
 The Viceroy, taken with the conftant Bearing 
 Of your Afflictions , and prefuming too 
 You will not change your Temper, does command 
 Your Irons fhould be ta'en off. Now arm yourfelf 
 With your old RefoJution : Suddenly 
 
 [The Chains taken off, 
 
 You mall be vifited. You mufl leave the Room too - y 
 And do it without Reply. 
 
 Fran. There's no contending : 
 Be (till thyfelf, my Son ! \Exit Francifco. 
 
 Vitel
 
 THERENEGADO. 69 
 
 ViteL 'Tis not in Man 
 
 Enter Donufa, Afambeg, Muftapha, Paulina. 
 
 To change or alter me. 
 
 Paul. Whom do I look on ? 
 
 My Brother ? ' Fis he \ But no more, my Tongue i 
 Thou wilt betray all. 4&fe. 
 
 Afam. Let us hear this Tcmptrefs : 
 The Fellow looks as he would ftop his Ears 
 Againft her powerful Spells. 
 
 Paul. He is undone elfe. 
 
 ViteL I'll fland th' Encounter Charge me home, 
 
 Don. I come, Sir ! [Bows berjelf, 
 
 A Beggar to you, and doubt not to find 
 A good Man's Charity, which, if you deny, 
 You're cruel to yourfelf j a Crime a wile Man 
 (And fuch I hold you) would not willingly 
 Be guilty of; nor let it find Jefs Welcome, 
 Though I (a Creature you coatemn) now mew you 
 The Way to certain Happinefs ; nor think it 
 Imaginary or phantaftical, 
 And ib not worth th' acquiring, in refpect 
 The Paflage to it is not rough nor thorny ; 
 No fteep Hills in the Way which you muft climb up ; 
 No Monfters to'be conquer'd ; no Inchantments 
 To be diflblv'd by Counter-Charms, before 
 You take Poffeffion of it. 
 
 ViteL What ftrong Poifon 
 Is wrap'd up in thefe iugar'd Pills ? 
 
 Don. My Suit is, 
 
 That you would quit your Shoulders of a Burthen 
 Under whofe pond'rous Weight you wilfully 
 Have too long groan'd, to eait thofe Fetters off, 
 With which, with your own Hands, you chain your 
 
 Freedom : 
 
 Forfake a fevere, nay, imperious Miftrefs, 
 Whole Service does exact perpetual Cares, 
 Watchings, and Troubles j and give Entertainment 
 
 E 3 To
 
 70 THE REN EGAD O. 
 
 To one that courts you, whofe leaft Favours are 
 'Variety, and Choice of all Delights 
 Mankind is capable of. 
 
 Vitel You Ipeak in Riddles. 
 "What Burthen, or what Miilrefs? or what Fetters 
 Are thofe, you point at ? 
 
 Don. Thofe, which your Religion, 
 The Miftrefs you too long have leiv'd, compels 
 To bear with Slave-like Patience, 
 
 Vitel. Ha! 
 
 Paul. How bravely 
 That virtuous Anger fhows! 
 
 Don. Be wife, and weigh 
 The profperous Succefs ot Things ; if Blefllngs 
 Are Donadves from Heaven (which, you mult grant, 
 \VereBlafphemy to queftion) and that 
 They are call'd down, and pour'd on furh, as are 
 Moft gracious with the great Difpofer of 'em, 
 Look on our flourifhing Empire, if the Splendor, 
 The Majefty, and Glory of it dim not 
 Your feeble Sight, and then turn back, and fee 
 The narrow Bounds of yours ; yet that poor Remnant 
 Kent in as many Factions, and Opinions, 
 As you have petty Kingdoms ; and then, if 
 You are not obftinate againft Truth and Reafon, 
 You muft confefs the Deity you \vorfliip 
 Wants Care, or Power to help you. 
 
 Paul. Hold out now, 
 And then thou art victorious. 
 
 Afam. How he eyes her ! 
 
 Mufia. As if he would look through her. 
 
 Afam. His Eyes flame too, 
 As threatening Violence. 
 
 Vitel. But that I know 
 
 The Devil, thy Tutor fills each Part about thee, 
 And that I cannot play the Exorcift 
 To difpoffefs thee, unlefs I flinuld tear 
 Thy Body Limb by Limb, and throw it to - 
 The Furies that expect it, I would now 
 
 Pluck
 
 THERENEGADO. 71 
 
 Pluck out that wicked Tongue, that hath blafphem'd 
 That great Omnipotency, at whofe Nod 
 The Fabrick of the World (hakes. Dare you bring 
 Your juggling Prophet in Companion with 
 That molt infcrutable, and infinite Eflence 
 That made this All, and comprehends his Work ? 
 The Place is too prophane to mention him 
 Whole only Name is facred. O Donujal 
 How much in my Compaflion I fuffer, 
 That thou, on whom this moft excelling Form, 
 And Faculties of Difcourfe, beyond a Woman, 
 Were by his liberal Gift confei'd, mould'ft ftill 
 Remain in Ignorance of him that gave it ! 
 I will not foul my Mouth to fpeak the Sorceries 
 Of your Seducer, his bafe Birth, his Whoredoms, 
 His ftrange Impoftures ; nor deliver how 
 He taught a Pigeon to feed in his Ear; 
 Then made his credulous Followers believe 
 It was an Angel that inftrucled him 
 In the framing of his Alcoran. Pray you mark me. 
 Afam. Thefe Words are Death, were he in nought 
 
 elfe guilty. 
 
 Vitel. Your Intent, to win me 
 To be of your Belief, proceeded from 
 Your Fear to die. Can there be Strength in that 
 Religion, that fufFers us to tremble 
 At that which every Day, nay, Hour, we hafte to ? 
 Don. This is unanfwerable, and there's ibmething tells 
 
 me 
 
 I err in my Opinion. 
 Vitel. Cherifh it ! 
 
 It is a heavenly prompter ; entertain 
 This holy Motion, and wear on your Forehead 
 The facred Badge he arms his Servants with, 
 You fhall, like me, with Scorn look down upon 
 All Engines Tyranny can advance to batter 
 Your conftant Refolution : Then you mall 
 Look truly fair, when your Mind's Pureneis anfwers 
 Your outward Beauties. 
 
 E 4 Don.
 
 72 THERENEGADO. 
 
 Don. I came here to take you, 
 But I perceive an yielding in myfelf 
 To be your Prifoner. 
 
 ViteL 'Tis an Overthrow, 
 That will outfhine all Victories, O Donufa ! 
 Die in my Faith like me-, and 'tis a Marriage 
 At which celeftial Angels fhall be Waiters, 
 And fbch as have been fainted welcome us, 
 Are you confirm'd ? 
 
 Don. I would be ; but the Means 
 That may allure me ? 
 
 Vitel. Heaven is merciful, 
 And will not fuffer you to want a Man 
 To do that facred Office, build upon it. 
 
 Don. Then thus I fpit at Mahomet. 
 
 Afam. Stop her Mouth : 
 In Death to turn Apoilate ! I'll not hear 
 One Syllable from any \- wretched Creature : 
 With the next rifing Sun prepare to die. 
 Yet Chriftian, in Reward of thy brave Courage, 
 Be thy Faith right, or wrong, receive this Favour. 
 In Perfon I'll attend thee to thy Death; 
 And boldly challenge all that I can give, 
 But what's not in my grant, which is to live. [Exeunt, 
 
 fle End of the Fourth Att. 
 
 ' A C T V. SCENE I, 
 
 Enter Vitelli, Francifco. 
 
 Fran. '\T OU'RE wond'rous brave, and jocund, 
 ViteL X Welcome, Father! 
 Should 1 fpare Coft, or not wear chearful Looks 
 Upon my Wedding Day, it were ominous, 
 And mew'd I did repent it ; which I dare not, 
 It being a Marriage, howfoever fad 
 
 In
 
 THERENEGADO. 73* 
 
 In the firfl Ceremonies that confirm it, 
 That will for ever arm me againft Fears, 
 Repentance, Doubts, or Jealoufies, and bring 
 Perpetual Comforts, Peace of Mind, and Quiet 
 To the glad Couple. 
 
 Fran. I well underftand you ; 
 And my full Joy to fee you fo refolv'd 
 Weak Words cannot exprefs. What is the Hour 
 Defign'd for this Solemnity ? 
 
 Vittl The fixth ; 
 
 Something before the fetting of the Sun 
 We take our laft Leave of his fading Light, 
 And with our Soul's Eyes feek for Beams eternal. 
 Yet there's one Scruple with which I am much 
 Perplex'd, and troubl'd, which I know you can 
 Refolve me of, 
 
 Fran. What is't ? 
 
 Vitel. This, Sir; my Bride, 
 Whom I firft courted, and then won (not' with 
 Loofe Lays, poor Flatteries, apim Compliments, 
 But facred, and religious Zeal; yet wants 
 The holy Badge that fhould proclaim her fit 
 For thefe celeftial Nuptials : Willing (he is, 
 I know, to wear it, as the choiceft Jewel 
 On her fair Forehead ; but to you, that well 
 Could do that Work of Grace, I know the Viceroy 
 Will never grant Accefs. Now, in a Cafe 
 Of this Neceflity, I would gladly learn, 
 Whether in me a Layman, without Orders, 
 It may not be religious, and lawful 
 As we go to our Deaths to do that Office ? 
 
 Fran. A Queftion, in itfelf, with much Eaie anfwer'd ; 
 Midwives upon Neceflity perform't , 
 And Knights that in the holy Land fought for 
 The Freedom of Jerufalem, when full 
 Of fweat, and Enemy's Blood, have made their Helmets 
 The Fount, out of which with their holy Hands 
 They drew that heavenly Liquor : 'Twas approved then 
 By the holy Church, nor muft I think it now 
 In you a Work lefs pious. Vitel.
 
 7 4 THERENEGADO. 
 
 Vitel. You confirm me ; 
 I will find a Way to do it. In the mean Time 
 Your holy Vows allift me. 
 
 Fran. They mall ever 
 Be prefent with you. 
 
 Vitel. You mail fee me aft 
 This laft Scene to the Life. 
 
 Fran. And, though now fall, 
 Rife a blefs'd Martyr. 
 
 Vitel. That's my End, my All. [Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE II. 
 
 Enter Grimaldi, Mafter, Boatfwain* Sailors. 
 
 Eoatf. Sir, if you flip this Opportunity, 
 Never expect the like. 
 
 Mafter. With as much Eafe now 
 We may fteal the Ship out of the Harbour, Captain, 
 As ever Gallants in a wanton Bravery 
 Have fet upon a drunken Conftable, 
 And bore him from a fleepy, Rug-gown 'd Watch: 
 Be therefore wife. 
 
 Grim. I mud be honeft too, 
 
 And you mail wear that Shape : You fliall obferve me, 
 If that you purpofe to continue mine. 
 Think you Ingratitude can be the Parent 
 To our unfeign'd Repentance ? Do I owe 
 A Peace within here, Kingdoms could not purchafe, 
 To my religious Creditor, to leave him 
 Open to Danger, the great Benefit 
 Never remembred ? No ; though in her Bottom. 
 We could ilow up the Tribute of the Turk j 
 Nay, grant the Pafiage lafe too ; I will never 
 Confent to weigh an Anchor up, till he, 
 That only muft, commands it. 
 
 Eoatf. This Religion 
 "Will keep us Slaves and Beggars. 
 
 Majler.
 
 T HE RENEGADO. 75 
 
 Mafter. The Fiend prompts me 
 To change my Copy : Plague on't, we are Seamen: 
 What have we to do with't, but for a Snatch, or fo, 
 At the End .of a long Lent ? 
 
 Enter Francifco. 
 
 Boatf. Mum. See, who is here? 
 
 Grim. My Father! 
 
 Fran. My good Con vert! I am full 
 Of ferious Bufmefs, which denies me Leave 
 To hold long Conference with you : Only thus much 
 Briefly receive ,' a Day or two at the moft, 
 Shall make me 6t to take my Leave of Tunis, 
 Or give me loft for ever, 
 
 Grim. Days, nor Years, 
 Provided that my Stay may do you Service, 
 But to me fhall be Minutes, 
 
 Fran. I much thank you : 
 In this fmall Scroll you may, in private read 
 What my Intents are; and, as they grow ripe, 
 I will inftruct you further : In the mean Time 
 Borrow your late diffracted Looks, and Gefture; 
 The more dejected you appear, the lefs 
 The Viceroy muft fufpect you. 
 
 Grim. I am nothing, 
 But what you pleafe to have me be. 
 
 Fran. Farewell, Sir! 
 
 Be cheerful, Maftef! fomething we will do 
 That fhall reward itfelf in the Performance j 
 And that's true Prize indeed. 
 
 Mafter. I am obedient. 
 
 [Exeunt Grimaldi, Mafter, Boatfouain. 
 
 Boatf. And I : There's no contending. 
 
 Fran. Peace to you all. 
 
 Profper thou great Exiftence, my Endeavours, 
 As they religioufly are undertaken, 
 And diftant equally from fervile Gain, 
 
 Enter
 
 76 THERENEGADO. 
 
 Enter Paulina, Carzi, and Manto. 
 
 Or glorious Oftentation. I am heard 
 In this bleft Opportunity, which in vain 
 I long have waited for. I muft mow myfelf ! 
 O, me has found me ! now if me prove right 
 All Hope will not fbrfake us. 
 
 Paul. Farther off! 
 
 And in that Diftance know your Duties too! 
 You were beftow'd on me as Slaves to ferve me, 
 Arid not as Spies to pry into my Actions, 
 And after to betray me. You (hall find 
 If any Look of mine be unobferv'd, 
 I am not ignorant of a Miftrefs' Power, 
 And from whom I receive it, 
 
 Car. Note this, Manto. 
 
 The Pride, and Scorn, with which me entertains us ! 
 Now we are made her's by the Viceroy's Gift. 
 Our fweet condition'd Princefs, fair Donufa, 
 (Reft in her Death wait on her !) never us'd us 
 With fuch Contempt. I would he had fent me 
 To the Gallies, or the Gallows, when he gave me 
 To this proud little Devil. [dfide. 
 
 Manto. I expect 
 
 All tyrannous Ufage, but I muft be Patient ; 
 And, though ten Times a Day, me tears thefe Locks, 
 Or makes this Face her Footftool, 'tis but Juftice. 
 
 [Afide. 
 
 Paul. 'Tis a true Story of my Fortunes, Father ! 
 My Chaftity preferv'd by Miracle, 
 Or your Devotions for me , and, believe it, 
 What outward Pride to e'er I counterfeit, 
 Or State to thefe appointed to attend me, 
 I am not in my Difpofition alter'd, 
 But ftill your humble Daughter, and mare with you, 
 In my poor Brother's Sufferings. All Hell's Torments 
 Revenge it on accurs'd Grimaldi's Soul, 
 That, in his Rape of me, gave a Beginning 
 
 To
 
 T H E R E'N E G A D O. 7 y 
 
 To all the Miferies that fince have follow'd. 
 
 Fran. Be charitable, and forgive him, gentle Daugh- 
 ter! 
 
 He's a chang'd Man, and may redeem his Fault 
 In his fair Life hereafter. You muft bear too 
 Your forc'd Captivity (for 'tis no better, 
 Though you wear golden Fetters) and of him, 
 Whom Death affrights not, learn to hold out nobly. 
 
 Paul. You are ftill the fame good Counfellor. 
 
 Fran. And who knows, 
 (Since what above is purpos'd, is infcrutable) 
 But that the Viceroy's extreme Dotage on you 
 May be the Parent of a happier Birth 
 Than yet our Hopes dare falhion. Longer Conference 
 May prove unfafe for you, and me, however, 
 Perhaps for Trial, he allows you Freedom. 
 
 [Delivers a Paper. 
 
 From this learn therefore what you muft attempt, 
 Though with the Hazard of yourfelf, Heaven guard 
 
 you, 
 
 And givefjf/f/fi Patience ; then I doubt not 
 But he will have a glorious Day, fince fome 
 Hold truly, fuch as fuffer, overcome. [Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE III. 
 
 Enter Afambeg, Muftapha, Aga, Capiaga. 
 
 Afam. What we commanded, fee perform'd ; and fail 
 
 not 
 In all Things to be punctual. 
 
 Aga. We lhall, Sir ! [Exeunt Aga, Capiaga. 
 
 Muft a. 'Tis ft range, that you mould ufe fuch Cir- 
 
 cumftance 
 To a Delinquent of fo mean Condition ! 
 
 Afam. Had he appear'd in a more* fordid Shape 
 Thendifgiiis'dGreatnefs ever deign'd to malk in, 
 The gallant bearing of his prefent Fortune 
 A loud proclaims him noble. 
 
 Mufta.
 
 78 THERENEGADO. 
 
 Mufta. If you doubt him 
 To be a Man built up for great Employments, 
 And, as a cunning Spy, lent to explore 
 The Cities Strength, or Weakneis, you by Torture 
 May force him to difcover it. 
 
 Afam. That were bafe ; 
 Nor dare I do fuch Injury to Virtue 
 And bold, allured Courage; neither can I 
 Be won to think, but, if 1 fhould attempt it, 
 I moot againft the Moon, He, that hath flood 
 The roughed Battery, that Captivity 
 Could ever bring to make a conitant Temper; 
 Defpis'dthe Fawnings of a fature Greatnefs, 
 By Beauty in her full Perfection tender'd ; 
 That hears of Death as of a quiet Slumber, 
 And, from the Surplufage of his own Firmnefs, 
 Can fpare enough of Fortitude, to affttre 
 A feeble Woman ; will now, Mtiftapha^ never 
 Be alter'd in his Soul for any Torments 
 We can afflict his Body with ? 
 
 Mujia. Do your Pleafurc ! 
 I only offer'd you a Friend's Advice, 
 But without Gall, or Envy, to the Man 
 That is to fuffer. But what do you determine 
 Of poor Grimaldi? The Difgrace call'd on him, 
 I hear, has run him mad. 
 
 Afam. There weigh the Difference 
 In the true Temper of their Minds. The one, 
 A Pirate fold to Mifchiefs, Rapes, and all 
 That make a Slave relentlefs and obdurate ; 
 Yet, of himfelf wanting the inward Strengths 
 That mould defend him, finks beneath Companion, 
 Or Pity of a Man ; whereas this Merchant, 
 Acquainted only with a civil Life, 
 Arm'd in himfelf, intrench'd, and fortify'd 
 With his own Virtue, valuing Life and Death 
 At the fame Price, poorly does not invite 
 A Favour, but commands us do him right ; 
 Which imto him, and her (we both once honoured) 
 
 As
 
 T H E R E N E G A D O. 79 
 
 As a juft Debt I gladly pay 'em they enter ; 
 
 Now fit equal Hearers. [A dreadful Mufick at one Door. 
 
 The Aga, Janizaries, Vitelli, Francifco, Gazet at the 
 other: Donufa, Paulina, Carazie, Manto. 
 
 Mufta. I mall hear, 
 And lee, Sir! without Pafiion ; my Wrongs arm me. 
 
 Vitel. A joyful Preparation ! to whofe bounty 
 Owe we our Thanks for gracing thus our Hymen ? 
 The Notes, though dreadful to the Ear, found here 
 As our Epithalamium were fung 
 By a Cseleftial Choir, and a full Chorus 
 Afiur'd us future Happinefs. Thefe that lead me 
 Gaze not with wanton Eyes upon my Bride, 
 Nor for their Service are repaid by me 
 With Jealoufies, or Fears ; nor do they envy 
 My Paflage to thofe Pleafures from which Death. 
 Cannot dettr me. Great Sir, pardon me! 
 Imagination of the Joys I haften to 
 Made me forget my Duty ; but, the Form 
 And Ceremony part, I will attend you, 
 And with our conftant Refolution feaft you, 
 Not with courfeCates, forgot asfoon as tailed, 
 But fuch as fhall, while you have Memory, 
 Be pleafing to the Palate. 
 
 Fran. Be not loft 
 In what you purpofe. [Exit Francifco. 
 
 Gaz. Call you this a Marriage ? 
 It differs little from Hanging j I cry at it. 
 
 Vitel. See, where my Bride appears ! in what full Lu- 
 
 ftre ! 
 
 As if the Virgins, that bear up her Train, 
 Had long contended to receive an Honour 
 Above their Births, in doing her this Service. 
 Nor comes fhe fearful to meet thofe Delights, 
 Which, once paft o'er, immortal Pleafures follow. 
 I need not, therefore, comfort, or encourage 
 Her forward Steps i and I mould offer Wrong 
 
 To
 
 8o THERENEGADO. 
 
 To her Mind's Fortitude, mould I but afk 
 
 How Ihe can brook the rough high going Sea, 
 
 Over whofe foamy Back our Ship, well rigV. 
 
 With Hope and firong Affurance, muft tranfport us. 
 
 Nor will I tell her, when we reach the Haven 
 
 (Which Tempefts Ihall not hinder) what loud Welcome 
 
 Shall entertain us ; nor commend the Place, 
 
 To tell whofe leaft Perfection would ftrike.dumb 
 
 The Eloquence of all boafted in Story, 
 
 Though join'd together. 
 
 Don. 'Tis enough, my deareft ? 
 I dare not doubt you ; as your humble Shadow, 
 Lead where you pleafe, I follow. 
 
 Vitel One Suit, Sir! 
 And willingly I ceafe to be a Beggar ; 
 And, that you may with more Security hear it, 
 Know, 'tis not Life I'll afk, nor to deter, 
 Our Deaths, but a few Minutes. 
 
 Afam. Speak ; 'tis granted. 
 
 Vitel. We being now to take our lateft Leave 
 And grown of one Belief, I do defire 
 I may have your Allowance to perform it, 
 But in the Fafhion which we Chriftians ufe, 
 Upon the like Occafions. 
 
 Afam. 'Tis allow'd of. 
 
 Vitel. My Service: Hade, Gazet> to the next Spring, 
 And bring me of it. 
 
 Gazet. Would I could as well 
 Fetch you a Pardon ; I would not run but fly, 
 And be here in a Moment. 
 
 Mufta. Wnat's the Myftery of this? Difcover it. 
 
 Vitel. Great Sir ! I'll tell you. 
 Each Country hath it's own peculiar Rites : 
 Some, when they are to die, drink Store of Wine, 
 Which pour'd in liberally does oft beget 
 A baftard Valour, with which arm'd they bear 
 The not to be declined Charge of Death 
 With lefs Fear, and Aftonimment : Others tak 
 Drugs to procure a heavy Sleep, that fo 
 
 They
 
 T H E R E N G A D O. Si; 
 
 They may infenfibly receive the Means 
 That carts them in an everlafting Slumber; 
 Others O welcome ! 
 
 Enter Gazet with Water. 
 
 Ajam. Now the Ufe of yours ? 
 
 Vilel. The Clearnefs of this is a perfect Sign 
 Of Innocence ; and as this wafhes off 
 Stains, and Pollutions from the Things we wear, 
 Thrown thus upon the Forehead, it hath Power 
 ,To purge thofe Spots that cleave unto the Mind, 
 
 [Throws it on her Face. 
 If thankfully recelv'd. 
 
 Afcim. 'Tis a ftrange Cuftom ! 
 
 ViteL How do you entertain it, my Donufa? 
 Feel you no Alteration ? No new Motives ? 
 No unexpected Aids that may confirm you 
 In that to which you were inclin'd before ? 
 
 Don. I am another Woman, till this Minute 
 I never liv'd, nor durft think how to die. 
 How long have I been blind ! yet on the fudden, 
 By this bleft Means I feel the Films of Error, 
 Ta'en from my Soul's Eyes. O divine Phyfician ! 
 That haft beftow'd a Sight on me, which Death, 
 Though -ready to embrace me in his Arms, 
 Cannot take from me. Let me kifs the Hand 
 That did this Miracle, and feal my Thanks 
 Upon thofe Lips from whence thele fweet Words va- 
 
 nifh'd 
 
 That freed me from the crueleft of Prifons, 
 Blind Ignorance, and Mifbelief : falfe Prophet ! 
 Impoftor Mahomet ! 
 
 .if am. I'll hear no more ; 
 You do abule my Favours, fever 'em : 
 Wretch if thou hadtt another Life to lofe, 
 This Blafphemy deferv'd it, inftantly 
 Carry them to their Deaths. 
 
 VOL. II. F
 
 82 THERENEGADO. 
 
 Vitel. We part now, bleft one ! 
 To meet hereafter in a Kingdom, where 
 Hell's Malice mall not reach us. 
 
 Paul. Ha! ha! ha! 
 
 AJam. What means my Miftrefs ? 
 
 Paul. Who can hold her Spleen, 
 When iuch ridiculous Follies are prefented ; 
 The Scene too made Religion ? O, my Lord, 
 How from one Caufe two contrary Effects 
 Spring up upon the fudden. 
 
 Afam. This is ftrange ! 
 
 Paul. That which hath fool'd her in her Death, wins 
 
 me, 
 
 That hitherto have bar'd myfelf from Pleafure, 
 To live in all Delight. 
 
 Afam. There's Mufick in this. 
 
 Paul. I now will run as fiercely to your Arms 
 As ever longing Woman did, borne high 
 On the fwift Wings of Appetite. 
 
 Vitel. O Devil! 
 
 Paul. Nay more ; for there mail be no odds betwixt 
 
 us, 
 I will turn Turk. 
 
 Gazet. Moft of your Tribe do fo, 
 When they begin in Whore. \_Afide. 
 
 Afam. You are ferious Lady ? 
 
 Paul. Serious; But fatisfy me in a Suit 
 That to the World may witnefs that I have 
 Some Power upon you, and To-morrow challenge 
 Whatever's in my Gift j for I will be 
 At your Difpofe. 
 
 Gazet. That's ever the Subfcription 
 To a damn'd Whore's falfe Epiftle. [Afide. 
 
 Afam. Afk this Hand, 
 
 Or, if thou wilt, the Heads of thefe. I am rapt 
 Beyond myfelf with Joy. Speak, fpeak, what is it ? 
 
 Paul. But twelve fhort Hours reprieve for this bafe 
 Couple. 
 
 Afam. The Reafon, fmce you hate them ? 
 
 Paul.
 
 THERNEGAD(X $3 
 
 Paul That I may 
 
 Have Time to triumph o'er this wretched Woman : 
 I'll be myfelf her Guardian. I will feaft, 
 Adorned in her Choice and richefl Jewels^ 
 Commit him to what Guards you pleafe. Grant this, 
 I am no more mine own, but yours. 
 
 Afam. Enjoy it. 
 
 Repine at it who dares. Bear him fafe off 
 To the Black Tower, but give him all Things ufeful 3 
 The contrary was not in your Requeft. 
 
 Paul. I do contemn him. 
 
 Don. Peace in Death deny'd me ? 
 
 Paul. Thou (halt not go in Liberty to thy Grave, 
 For one Night a Sultana is my Slave. 
 
 Mufla. A terrible little Tyfannefs. 
 
 Afam. No more ; 
 Her Will mall be a Law. Till now ne'er happy. 
 
 [Exeunf* 
 
 SCENE IV. 
 
 /rFrancifco, Grimaldi, Majler> Boatfwain, andSailorsl 
 
 Grim. Sir ! all Things are in Readinefs ; the Turks 
 That feiz'd upon my Ship ftow'd under Hatches ; 
 My Men refolv'd, and chearful. Ufe but Means 
 To get out of the Ports, we will be ready 
 To bring you aboard, and then (Heaven be butpleas'd) 
 This for the Viceroy's Fleet. 
 
 Fran. Difcharge your Parts, 
 In mine I'll not be wanting: Fear not, Matter! 
 Something will come along to fraught your Bark, 
 That you will have juit Caufc to fay you never 
 Made fuch a Voyage. 
 
 Mafter. We will ftand the Hazard. 
 
 Fran. What's the beft Hour ? 
 
 Boaff. After the fecond Watch. 
 
 Fran. Enough ; each to his Charge. 
 
 Grim. We will be cateful. [Exeuntl 
 
 F 2 SCENE
 
 $4 THERENEGADO. 
 
 SCENE V. 
 
 Enter Paulina, Donufa, Carazic, Manto. 
 
 Paul. Sit, Madam ! it is fit that I attend you -, 
 And pardon, I befecch you, my rude Language, 
 To which the fooner you will be invited, 
 When you fliall underftand, no Way was left me 
 To free you from a prefent Execution, 
 But by my perlbnating that, which never 
 My Nature was acquainted with. 
 
 Don. I believe you. 
 
 Paul. You will, when you fliall underftand I may 
 Receive the Honour to be known unto you 
 By a nearer Name. And, not to rack you further, 
 The Man you pleafe to favour is my Brother ; 
 No Merchant, Madam, but a Gentleman 
 Of the beft Rank in Venice. 
 
 Don. I rejoice in't, 
 
 But what's this to his Freedom ? For myfelf, 
 Were he well off, I were fecure. 
 
 Paul I have 
 
 A prefent Means, not plotted by myfelf, 
 But a religious Man, my ConfeiTor, 
 That may preferve all, if we had a Servant 
 Whofe Faith we might rely on. 
 
 Don. She, that's now, 
 
 Your Slave, was once mine ; had I twenty Lives, 
 I durft commit them to her Truft. 
 
 Manto. Oh! Madam! 
 
 I have been falfe, forgive me I'll redeem it 
 By any Thing, however defperate, 
 You pleafe t* impofe upon me. 
 
 Paul. 'Troth thefe Tears, 
 I think, cannot be counterfeit, I believe her, 
 And if you pleafe will try her. 
 
 Don. At your Peril , 
 There is no further Danger can look towards me. 
 
 Paul.
 
 THE REN EGAD O 85 
 
 Paul. This only then canft thou ufe Means to carry 
 This bak'd Meat to Vitelli ? 
 
 Manto. With much Eafe; 
 I am familiar with the Guard ; befide, 
 It being known 'twas I that did betray him, 
 My Entrance hardly will of them be queftion'd. 
 
 Paul. About it then. Say it was fent to him 
 From his Donufa : Bid him fearch the midfl oft, 
 He there (hall find a Cordial. 
 
 Manto. What I do 
 Shall fpeak my Care and Faith. [Exit Manto, 
 
 Don. Good Fortune with thee ! 
 
 Paul. You cannot eat. 
 
 Don. The Time we thus abufe 
 We might employ much better. 
 
 Paul. I am glad 
 
 To hear this from you. As for you CarazieJ 
 If your Intents do profper, make Choice, whether 
 You'll fleal away with your two Miftrdfcs, 
 Or take your Fortune. 
 
 Car. I'll be gelded twice firft j 
 Hang him that flays behind. 
 
 Paul. I wait you Madam. 
 Were but my Brother off, by the Command 
 Of the doting Viceroy there's no Guard dare ftay me j 
 And I will fafely bring you to the Place 
 Where we muft exped him. 
 
 Don. Heaven be gracious to us. [Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE VI. 
 
 Enter Vitelli, Aga, and a Guard. 
 
 Vitd. Paulina to fall off thus ! 'tis to me 
 More terrible than Death ; and, like an Earthquake 
 Totters this walking Building (fuch I am) 
 And in my fudden Ruin would prevent, 
 By choking up at once my vital Spirits, . 
 This pompous Preparation for my Death. 
 
 F 3 But
 
 86 THERENEGADO, 
 
 But I am loft ; that good Man, good Francifco, 
 
 Deliver'd me a Paper, which till now 
 
 I wanted Leifure to perufe. [Reads (be Paper* 
 
 Aga. This Chriilian 
 
 Fears not, it feems, the ne'er approaching Sun 
 Whofe fecond Rile he never muit falute. 
 
 Enter Man to with tie latfd Meat. 
 
 1 Guard. Who's that ? 
 
 2 Guard. Stand ! 
 Aga. Manto ? 
 
 Manto. Here's the Viceroy's Ring 
 Gives 'Warrant to my Entrance. Yet you may 
 Partake of any Thing 1 fhall deliver ; 
 'Tis but a Prefent to a dying Man 
 Sent from the Princefs that muft fuffer with him* 
 
 Aga. Ufe your own Freedom. 
 
 Manto, I would not difturb 
 This his laft Contemplation, 
 
 Vitel O, 'tis well ! 
 
 He has reftor'd all, and I at Peace again 
 "With my Paulina. 
 
 Manto. Sir! the fad Donufa 
 
 Grieved for your Suff'rings. more than for her own, 
 Knowing the long and tedious Pilgrimage 
 You are to take, prefents you with this Cordial, 
 "Which privately fhe wimes you mould tafte of, 
 And fearch the middle Part, where you mail find 
 Something that hath the Operation to 
 Make Death look lovely. 
 
 Vitelli. I will not difpute 
 What fhe commands, but ferve it. [Exit Vitellh 
 
 Aga. Pr'ythee, Mantel 
 
 How hath the unfortunate Princefs fpent this Night 
 Under her proud new Miftrefs ? 
 
 Manto. With fuch Patience 
 As it o'ercomcs the other's Infolence ; 
 Nay, triumpKs o'er her Pride. My much Hafte now 
 
 Commands
 
 THERENEGADO. 87 
 
 Commands me hence; but, the fad Tragedy pad, 
 
 I'll give you Satisfaction to the full 
 
 Of all hath pafs'd, and a true Character 
 
 Of the proud Chriftian's Nature. [Exit Manto. 
 
 Aga. Break the Watch up. 
 
 What fhould we fear i' th* midft of our own Strengths? 
 'Tis but the Bafhaw's Jealoufy. Farewell, Soldiers. 
 
 [Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE VII. 
 
 Enter Vitelli, with the balfd Meats abc-ve. 
 
 Fitel. There's fomething more in this than means to 
 
 cloy 
 
 A hungry Appetite, which I muft difcover. 
 She will'd me fearch the midft. Thus, thus I pierce it : 
 Ha ! what is this ? A Scroll bound up in Pack-thread ? 
 What may the Myftery be ? [He reads the Scroll. 
 
 " Son, let down this Pack-thread, at the Weft Win- 
 " dow of the Caftle. By it you mall draw up a Ladder 
 " of Ropes, by which you may defcend, your deareft 
 " Donufa with the reft of your Friends, below attend 
 " you. Heaven profper you i" Francifco. 
 
 beft of Men ! he that gives up himfelf 
 To a true religious Friend, leans not upon 
 A falfe deceiving Reed, but boldly builds 
 Upon a Rock ; which now with Joy I find 
 In reverend Francifco, whofe good Vows, 
 Labours, and Watchings in my hoped-for Freedom, 
 Appear a pious Miracle. I come, 
 
 1 come, good Man, with Confidence ; though the De- 
 
 fcent 
 
 Were fteep as Hell, I know I cannot flide 
 Being call'd^down by fuch a faithful Guide. 
 
 [Exit Vitelli. 
 
 F 4 SCENE
 
 88 THE REN EGAD O. 
 
 SCENE tie loft. 
 Afambeg, Muftapha, Janizaries. 
 
 Afam. Excufe me Muftapha^ though this Night to me 
 Appear as tedious as that treble one 
 "Was to the World, when 'Jci-e on fair Alcmena 
 Begot Alcidcs. Were you to encounter 
 Thole ravifhing Pleasures, which the flow-pac'd Hours 
 (To me they are fuch, bar me from, you would 
 With your continu'd Wifhes ftrive to imp 
 New Feathers to the broken Wings of Time, 
 And chide the amorous Sun, for too long Dalliance 
 In fbetis* wat'ry Bofom. 
 
 Mujla. You are too violent 
 In your'Defires, of which you are yet uncertain, 
 Having no more Affurance to enjoy 'em 
 Than a weak Woman's Promife, on which wife Men 
 
 Faintly rely. 
 
 Afam. Turn ! me is made of Truth ; 
 
 And what me fays fne will do, holds as firm 
 
 As Laws in Brafs that know no Change : What's this ? 
 
 Some new Prize brought in, fure. Why are thy Looks 
 
 {A Piece fict off. 
 
 So ghaftly. Villain, fpeak ! 
 
 Enter Aga, 
 
 Aga, Great Sir! hear me, 
 Then, after, kill me. We are all betray'd, 
 The falfe Grimaldi funk in your Difgrace, 
 With his Confederates, have ieiz'd his Ship, 
 And thofe that guarded it ftow'd under Hatches : 
 With him the condemn'd Princefs, and the Merchant, 
 That with a Ladder made of Ropes defcended 
 From {he black Tower in which he was inclos'd, 
 your fait Miftrefs. 
 
 Afam. Ha! 
 
 4*.
 
 THERENEGADO. 89 
 
 A#a. With all their Train, 
 A-nd choiceft Jewels, are gone fafc aboard, 
 Their Sails fpread forth, and with a Fore-gale 
 Leaving our Coaft, in Scorn of all Purfuit 
 As a Farewell they mew'd a Broad-fide to us. 
 
 Afam. No more. 
 
 Mujia. Now note your Confidence! 
 
 Afam. No more. 
 
 O my Credulity ! I am too full 
 
 Ot Grief, and Rage to fpeak. Dull heavy Fool! 
 
 Worthy of all the Tortures that the Frown 
 
 Of thy incenfed Matter can throw on thee 
 
 Without one Man's Companion. I will hide 
 
 This Head among the Defarts, or fome Cave 
 
 Fill'd with my Shame and me ; where I alone 
 
 May die without a Partner in my Moan. [Exeunt. 
 
 FINIS.
 
 THE 
 
 PICTURE. 
 
 A 
 
 TRAGI-COMEDY. 
 
 As it was often prefented with good Allowance,' 
 at the Globe, and Black-Friers Playhoufes, by 
 the King's Majefty's Servants. 1630. 
 
 WRITTEN 
 
 By PHILIP MASSINGER.
 

 
 T O 
 
 My Honoured and Selected Friends 
 
 OF THE 
 
 Noble Society of the INNER TEMPLE. 
 
 may be objected, my not infcribing their 
 or Titles, to whom 1 dedicate this Poem, pro- 
 ceedeth either from my Diffidence of their Af- 
 feclion to me, or their Unwillingnefs to be pub- 
 li/hed the Patrons of a Trifle. To fuch as jhall make fo 
 ftricl an Inquifition of me, I truly anfwer, The Play, in 
 the Preferment, found fuch a general Approbation, that 
 it gave me Ajfurance of their Favour to whofe Protection 
 it is now facred , and they have profejfed they fo fmcerely 
 allow of it, and the Maker, that they 'would have freely 
 granted that in the Publication, which, for fame Reafons, 
 I denied my f elf. One, and that is a main one ; I had rather 
 enjoy (as I have done) the real Proofs of their Fricndjhip 9 
 than Mountebank-like boaft their Numbers in a Catalogue. 
 Accept it, noble Gentlemen, as a Confirmation of his Ser- 
 vice, who hath nothing eJfe to ajfure you, and witnefs to 
 the World hew much he jlands engaged for your fo fre~ 
 quent Bounties, and in your charitable Opinion of me be- 
 lieve, tb at you now may, and Jhall ever command^ 
 
 Your Servant, 
 PHILIP MASSINGER. 
 
 Dramatis
 
 Dramatis Perfonx. 
 
 Ladt/Iaus, King of Hungary. 
 
 Eubulus, an old Counfellor. 
 
 Ferdinand, General of the 
 Army. 
 
 Matbias, a Knight of Bo- 
 hemia. 
 
 Ubaldo, 7 Two wild Cour- 
 
 Ricardo, \ tiers. 
 
 Hilario> Servant to Sophia. 
 
 Julio Baptijla, a great 
 Scholar. 
 
 Honorta, the Queen. 
 Acanthe, a Maid of Honour. 
 Sophia, Wife to Mathias. 
 Corifca, Sophia's Woman. 
 
 Six Mafquers. 
 
 Six Servants to the Queen. 
 
 Attendants. 
 
 ifhe Original Atfors. 
 
 ROBERT BENFIELD. 
 JOHN LEWIN. 
 RICHARD SHARPE. 
 
 JOSEPH TAYLOR. 
 
 THOMAS POLLARD. 
 EYLARDT SWANSTONE. 
 JOHN SHANUCKE. 
 WILLIAM PEN, 
 
 JOHX TOMSON. 
 ALEXANDER GOFFE. 
 JOHN HUNNIEMAN. 
 WILLIAM TRIGGE. 
 
 THE
 
 THE 
 
 PICTURE. 
 
 A True HUNGARIAN HISTORY. 
 
 ACT I. SCENE I. 
 
 Enter Mathias in Annoyr, Sophia in a riding Suit y Co- 
 rifca, Hilario, with other Servants. 
 
 Mathias. 
 
 3*")80@f*i I N C E we muft part, Sophia, to pafs further 
 & 36( Is not alone impertinent, but dangerous. 
 | We are not diftant from the Turki/h Camp 
 fc Above five Leagues, and who knows but 
 
 fome Party 
 Of his Timariots, that fcour the Country, 
 May fall upon us ? Be now, as thy Name 
 Truly interpreted, hath ever fpoke thee, 
 Wife, and difcreet, and to thy Underftanding 
 Marry thy conftant Patience. 
 
 Soph. You put me, Sir, 
 To the utmoft Trial of it. 
 
 Math. Nay, no Melting ; 
 Since the Neceflity that now feparates us, 
 We have long fmce difputed, and the Reafons 
 Forcing me to it, too oft walh'd in Tears, 
 I grant that you in Birth were far above me, 
 And great Men, my Superiors, Rivals for you ; 
 But mutual Confent of Heart, as Hands 
 Join'd by true Love, hath made us one, and equal : 
 
 Nor
 
 9 6 T H E P I C T U R E. 
 
 Nor is it in me mere Defire of Fame, 
 
 Or to be cry'd up by the publick Voice 
 
 For a brave Soldier, that puts on my Armour ; 
 
 Such airy Tumours take not me. You know 
 
 How narrow our Demeans are, and what's more, 
 
 Having as yet no Charge of Children on us, 
 
 We hardly can fubfift. 
 
 Soph. In you alone, Sir, ' 
 I have all Abundance. 
 
 Matb. For my Mind's content, 
 In your own Language I could anfwer you ; 
 You have been an obedient Wife, a right one ; 
 And to my Power, though fhort of your Defert, 
 I have been ever an indulgent Hufband. 
 We have long enjoy'd the Sweets of Love, and though 
 Not to Satiety, or Loathing, yet 
 We mufh not live fuch Dotards on our Pleafurcs, 
 As ftill to hug them to the certain Lofs 
 Of Profit and Preferment. Competent Means 
 Maintains a quiet Bed i Want breeds DiiTention, 
 Even in good Women. 
 
 Soph. Have you found in me, Sir, 
 Any Diftafte, or Sign of Difcontent, 
 For want of what's fupcrfluous ? 
 
 Math. No, Sophia ; 
 
 Nor lhalt thou ever have Caufe to repent 
 Thy conftant Courfe in Gcodnefs, it Heaven blefs 
 My honeft Undertakings. 'Tis for thee 
 That I turn Soldier, and put forth, Deareft, 
 Upon this Sea of Action as a Factor, 
 To trade for rich Materials to adorn 
 Thy noble Parts, and mew 'em in full Luftre, 
 I blufh that other Ladies, lefs in Beauty 
 
 1 I am apt to think this Speech of Sipfaa ought to be read thus : 
 
 Soph. In you alone, Sir, 
 I have all Abundance ; for my Mind's content. 
 
 Matb. In your own Language I could anfwer you ; 
 You have, & 
 
 And
 
 THE PICTURE. 9 
 
 Arid outward Form (but in the Harmony 
 Of the Soul's ravifhing Mufick, the lame Age 
 X T ot to be nam'd with theej fhould fo out-mine thee, 
 In Jewels and Variety of Wardrobes ; 
 While you (to whofe iVeet Innocence both Indies 
 Compar'd are of no Value) wanting thefe 
 Pafs unregarded; 
 
 Soph. If I am fo rich, or 
 Jn your Opinion fo, why mould you borrow 
 Additions for me ? 
 
 Malb. Why! I mould be cenfur'd 
 Of Ignorance, poffcffing fuch a Jewel 
 Above all Price, if I forbear to give it 
 The bed of Ornaments. Therefore, Sopbiai 
 In few Words know my Pleafure, and obey me, 
 As you have ever done. To your Difcreticn 
 I leave the Government of my Family, 
 And our poor Fortunes, and from thefe command 
 Obedience to you as to myfelf : 
 To the utmoft of what's mine live plentifully ; 
 And e'er the Remnant of our Store be fpent, 
 With my good Sword, I hope, I mall reap for you 
 A Harveft in fuch full Abundance, as 
 Shall make a merry Winter. 
 
 Soph. Since you are not 
 
 To be diverted, Sir, from whar you purpofe, 
 All Arguments to flay you here are u (clefs. 
 Go when you pleafe, Sir : Eyes, I charge you wafte not 
 One Drop of Sorrow, look you hoard all up 
 Till in my widow'd Bed I call upon you, 
 But then be fure you fail not. You bleft Angels, 
 Guardians ot human Life, I at this Inftant 
 Forbear t' invoke you, at our parting i 'twere 
 To peribnate Devotion. My Soul 
 Shall go along with you, and when you are 
 Circled with Death and Horror, feek and find you ; 
 And then I will not leave a Saint unfu'd to 
 For your Protection. To tell you what 
 I will do in your Abfence, would fhew poorly; 
 
 VOL. II. G Mv
 
 98 THE PICTURE. 
 
 My Actions {hall fpeak me , 'twere to doubt you, 
 
 To beg I may hear from you where you are ; 
 
 You cannot live obfcure, nor fhall one Poft 
 
 By Night, or Day, pafs unexamin'd by me. 
 
 If I dwell long upon your Lips, confider 
 
 After this Feaft the griping Fail that follows, 
 
 And it will be excufable ; Pray turn from me, 
 
 All that I can is fpoken. l Exit Sophia, 
 
 Math. Follow your Miftrefs. 
 Forbear your Wimes for me , let me find *em 
 At my Return, in your prompt Will to ferve her. 
 
 Hil. For my Part, Sir, I will grow lean with Study 
 To make her merry. 
 
 Corif. Though you are my Lord, 
 Yet being her Gentlewoman, by my Place 
 I may take my Leave ; your Hand, or if you pleafe 
 To have me fight fo high, I'll not be coy, 
 But ftand a tip-toe for't. 
 
 Math. O ! fare we], Girl. 
 
 Hil. A Kifs well begg'd, Ccrifca. 
 
 Corif. 'Twas my Fee ; 
 
 Jove, how he melts ! I cannot blame my Lady's 
 Unwillingnefs to part with fuch Marmulade Lips. 
 There will be fcrambling for 'em in the Camp , 
 And were it not for my Honefty, I cou'd wilh now 
 I were his leager Landrefs, I would find 
 Soap of mine own, enough to wafh his Linnen, 
 Or I would drain hard for't. 
 
 Hil. How the Mammet twitters ! 
 Come, come, my Lady flays for us. 
 
 Corif. Would I had been 
 , Her Ladyfhip the laft Night. 
 
 * Pray turn from me ; 
 
 All that lean is fpoken. 
 
 The foregoing Scene between Mathias and Sophia, though fliort, 
 is very beautiful : The Aflembkge of Love and Grief at their part- 
 ing, muft be very pleafing to every Heart that is capable of being 
 touched with Tendernefs. 
 
 Hil.
 
 T H E P I C T U R E. 99 
 
 tiil. No more of that, Wench 
 
 [Exeunt Hilario and Corifca. 
 Math. I am ftrangely troubled : Yet why I mould 
 
 nourifli 
 
 A Fury here, and with imagin'd Food ? 
 Having no real Grounds on which to raife 
 A Building of Sufpicion fhe ever waSj 
 Or can be falie hereafter ? I in this 
 But foolifhly inquire the Knowledge of 
 A future Sorrow, which, if I find out, 
 My preient Ignorance were a cheap Purchafe, 
 Though with rhy Lofs of Being. I have already 
 Dealt with a Friend of mine, a general Scholar, 
 One deeply read in Nature's hidden Secrets, 
 And (though with much Unwillingnefs) have won hirrt 
 To do as much as Art can to refolve me 
 My Fate that follows To my Wifh he's come. 
 
 Enter Baptifta. 
 
 ! 
 
 Julio Baplifta, now I may affirm 
 Your Promife and Performance walk together ; 
 And therefore, without Circumflance to the Point, 
 Inilruct me what I am. 
 
 Bapt. I could wi(h you had 
 Made Trial of my Love fome other Way. 
 
 Math. Nay, this is from the Purpofe. 
 
 Bapt. If you can, 
 
 Proportion your Dell re to any Mean* 
 I do pronounce you happy : I have found, 
 By certain Rules of Art, your matchlefs Wife 
 Is to this prefent Hour from aJl Pollution 
 Free and untainted. 
 
 Math. Good. 
 
 Bapt. In reafon therefore 
 
 You fliould fix h?re, and make no farther Search 
 Of what may fall hereafter. 
 
 Math. O Baptifta ! 
 *Tis not in me to matter fo my Paffions ; 
 
 G 2 I rnuft
 
 loo THE PICTURE. 
 
 I mud know farther, or you have made good 
 But half your Promife. While my Love ftood by y 
 Holding her upright, and myPrefence was 
 A Watch upon her, her Defires being met too 
 With equal Ardour from me, what one Proof 
 Could fne give of her Conftancy, being untempted ? 
 But when I am abfent, and my coming back 
 Uncertain, and thole wanton Heats in Women 
 Not to be quench'd by lawful Means, and fhe 
 The abfolute Difpofer of herfelf, 
 Without Controul or Curb ; nay more, invited 
 By Opportunity and all ftrong Temptations, 
 If then Ihe hold out 
 
 Bapt. As no doubt fhe will. 
 
 Math. Thofe Doubts muft be made Certainties, Bap- 
 By your AfTurance, or your boafted Art [tifta, 
 
 Deferves no Admiration. How you trifle 
 And play with my Affliction ? I'm on 
 The Rack, till you confirm me. 
 
 Bapt. Sure, Mathias, 
 I am no God, nor can I dive into 
 Her hidden Thoughts, or know what her Intents are j 
 That is deny'd to Art, and kept conceaPd 
 E'en from the Devils themfelves : They can but guefs ? 
 Out of long Obfervation, what is likely ; 
 But pofidvely to foretel that this (hall be, 
 You may conclude impoffible ; all I can 
 I will do for you, when you are diftant from her 
 A thoufand Leagues, as if you then were with her ; 
 You lhall know truly when fhe is iolicited, 
 And how far wrought on. 
 
 Math. I defire no more. 
 
 Bapt. Take then this little Model of Sophia, 
 With more than human Skill limb'd to the Life j 
 Each Line and Lineament of it in the Drawing 
 So punctually obferv'd, that, had it Motion, 
 In fo much 'twere herfelf. 
 
 Math. It is, indeed, 
 An admirable Piece j but if it have not 
 
 Some
 
 THE PICTURE. , i 
 
 Some hidden Virtue that I cannot guefs at, 
 In what can it advantage me ? 
 
 Ee.pt. I'll inftruft you, 
 Carry it ftill about you, and as oft 
 As you defire to know how Ihe's affected, 
 With curious Eyes perufe it : While it keeps 
 The Figure it now has entire and perfect, 
 She is not only innocent in Fact, 
 But unattempted -, but if once it vary 
 From the true Form, and whars now white and red 
 Incline to yellow, reft moft confident 
 She's with all Violence courted, but unconquer'd. 
 But if it turn all black, 'tis an Afllirance 
 The Fort, by Compofition or Surprize, 
 Is forc'd, or with her free Confent, furrender'd. 
 
 Math. How much you have engag'd me for this Fa- 
 vour, 
 
 The Service of my whole Life fhall make good. 
 Bapt. We will not part fo ; I'll along with you, 
 And it is needful, with the rifing Sun 
 The Armies meet j yet, e'er the Fight begin, 
 In fpite of Oppofition I will place you 
 In the Head of the Hungarian General's Troop, 
 And near his Perlbn. 
 
 Math. As my better Angel 
 You (hall direct and guide me. 
 
 Bapt. As we ride 
 Til tell you more. 
 
 Math. In all Things I'll obey you. [Exeunt, 
 
 SCENE II. 
 
 Enter Ubaldo and Ricardo. 
 
 Ric. When came the Poft ? 
 Ubal. The laft Night. 
 Ric. From the Camp ? 
 
 Ubal Yes, as 'tis faid, and the Letter writ and fign'd 
 By the General Ferdinand. 
 
 G 3 Ric.
 
 102 THEPICTUR E; 
 
 Ric. Nay, then fans queftion ; 
 
 It is of Moment. 
 
 Ubal. It concerns the Lives 
 Of two great Armies. 
 
 Ric, Was it chearfully 
 Received by the King ? 
 
 Ubal. Yes, for being affured 
 The Armies were in View of one another ; 
 Having proclaim'd a public Faft and Prayer 
 For the good Succefs, he difpatch'd a Gentleman 
 Of his Privy Chamber to the General, 
 With ablblute Authority from him 
 To try the Fortune of a Day. 
 
 Ric. No doubt then 
 
 The General will come on, and fight it bravely. 
 Heaven profper him : This military Art 
 I grant to be the nobleft of Profeffions ; 
 And yet (I thank my Stars for'tj I was never 
 Inclin'd to learn it, iince this bubble Honour, J 
 (Which is indeed the Nothing Soldiers fight for, 
 With the Lofs of Limbs or Life) is in my Judgment 
 Too dear a Purchafe. 
 
 Ubal. Give me our Court-warfare : 
 The Danger is not great in the Encounter 
 Of a fair Miftrefs. 
 
 Ric. Fair and found together 
 po very well, Ubaldo. But fuch are 
 With Difficulty to be found out , and when they know 
 Their Value, priz'd too high. By thy own Report 
 Thou waft at Twelve a Gamefter, and iince that 
 Studied all Kinds of Females, from the Night-trader 
 Pthe Street, with certain Danger to thy Pocket, 
 
 * This Bubble Honour. 
 
 Jn fpeaking of Honour, h'cjfinger feems to have had Shake/par in 
 Jiis Eye: Thus, in As you like it, 
 
 Seeking the Bubble, Reputation, 
 Even in the Cannon's Mouth, 
 
 And in Fa!ftaff*& Catechifm, See the Firft PAT; of Hemy IV. Aft 5. 
 Scene 2. 
 
 To
 
 T H E P I C T U R E. 103 
 
 To the great Lady in her Cabinet, 
 
 That fpent upon thee more in Cullifes, 
 
 To ftrengthen thy weak Back, than would maintain 
 
 Twelve Flanders Mares, and as many running Horfes/, 
 
 Befides Apothecaries and Chirurgeons Bills, 
 
 Paid upon all Occafions, and thofe frequent. 
 
 Ubal. You talk Ricardo, as if yet you were 
 A Novice in thofe Myfteries. 
 
 Ric. By no Means j 
 My Doctor can afliire the contrary, 
 I lofe no Time. I have felt the Pain and Pleafure, 
 As he that is a Gameiter, and plays often, 
 Muft fometimes be a Jofer. 
 
 Ubal. Wherefore then 
 Do you envy me ? 
 
 Ric. It grows not from my Want, 
 Nor thy Abundance, but being as J am 
 The likelier Man, and of much more Experience, 
 My good Parts are my Curfes : There's no Beauty 
 But yields e'er it be fummon'd ; and as Nature 
 Had fign'd me the Monopolies of Maidenheads, 
 There's none can buy till I have made my Market ; 
 Satiety cloys me : As I live, I would part with 
 Half my Efratc, nay, travel o'er the World, 
 To find that only Phoenix in my Search 
 That could hold out againft me. 
 
 Ubal. Be not rap'd lo : 
 
 You may fpare that Labour, as me is a Woman, 
 What think you of the Queen , ? 
 
 Ric. I dare not aim at 
 The Petticoat royal ; that is ft ill excepted : 
 Yet were me not my King's, being the AbftracT: 
 Of all that's rare, or to be wiuYd in Woman, 
 To write her in my Catalogue, having enjoy'd her, 
 I would venture my Neck to a Halter. But we talk of 
 Impofiibilities ; as me hath a Beauty 
 Would make old Nejior young, fuch Majefty 
 Draws forth a Sword of Terror to defend it, 
 As would fright Paris, though the Queen of Love 
 
 G 4 Vow'd
 
 io 4 T H E P I C T U R E. 
 
 Vow ? d her beft Furtherance to him. 
 
 Ubal. Have you obferv'd 
 The Gravity of her Language mix'd with Sweetnefs ? 
 
 Ric. Then, at what Diftance fhe refcrves herfelf 
 When the King him fell makes his Aproaches to her? 
 
 Ubal. As fhe were full a Virgin, and his Life 4 
 But one continued Wooing. 
 
 Ric. She well knows 
 Her Worth; and values it. 
 
 Ubal. And fo far the King is 
 Indulgent to her Humours, that he forbears 
 The Duty of a Hufband, but when ihe calls for ? t. 
 
 Ric. All his Imaginations and Thoughts 
 Arc buried in her; the loud Nolle of VVar 
 Cannot awake him. 
 
 Ubal. At this very Infant, 
 
 When both his Life and Crown are at the Stake, 
 He only ftudies her Content, and when 
 She's pleas'd toihew herfelf, Mufic and Mafques 
 Are with all Care and Cofl provided for her. 
 
 Ric. 1 his Night i"he prornis'd to appear. 
 
 Ub&l. You may believe it by the Diligence of theKiqg^ 
 As if he were her Harbinger. 
 
 Enter Ladiflaus, Eubulus, and Attendants with Perfumes. 
 
 Ladif. Thefe Rooms 
 Are nof perfum'd, as we (directed. 
 
 Rub. Not Sir. 
 
 J know not what you would have ; I am fure the Smpak 
 Ccft treble the Price of the whole Week's Proviiion 
 Spent in. your Majefty'b Kitchens. 
 
 Ladif. How ! 1 fcorn 
 Thy grofs Comparifon. When my Hcnoria, 
 
 4 As fl?e. lucre fill a Virgin and kls Life 
 
 But one, &c. 
 
 This Paffage I think would read better thus. 
 As flie were ftill a Virgin His Life's 
 But pne continued. Wooing.
 
 THE PICTURE, 5 
 
 Th" Amazement of the prefent Time, and Envy 
 
 pf all fucceeding Ages, does defcend 
 
 To fan&ify a Place, and in her Prelence 
 
 Makes it a Temple to me, can I be 
 
 Too curious, much lefs Prodigal to receive her ? 
 
 Bui that the Splendour of her Beams of Beauty 
 
 Hath ftruck thee blind. 
 
 Eub. As Dotage hath done you. 
 
 Ladif. Dotage, Q Blafpherhy ! is it in me 
 To ferve her to her Merit ? Is me not 
 The Daughter of a King ? 
 
 Eub. And you the Son 
 Of ours I take it, by what Priviledge elfe 
 Do you reign over us ? For my Part, I know not 
 Where the Difparity lies. 
 
 L&dif. Her Birth, old Man, 
 Old in the Kingdom's Service which protects thee, 
 Is the lead Grace in her : And though her Beauties 
 Might make the Thunderer a Rival for her, 
 They are but fuperficial Ornaments, 
 And faintly fpeak her. From her. heavenly Mind, f 
 Were all Antiquity and Fiction loft, 
 pur modern Poets could not in their Fancy 
 But fafhion a Minerva far tranfcendjng 
 Th' imagin'd one, whom Homer only dream't of: 
 But then add this, fhe's mine, mine Eubulus. 
 And though fhe knows one Glance from her fail' Eyes 
 Muft make all Gazers her Idolaters, 
 She is fo fparing of their Influence, 
 That to fhun Superftition in others, 
 She moots her powerful Beams only at me. 
 And can I then, whom me defires to hold 
 Her kingly Captive above all the World, 
 Whofe Nations and Empires if fhe pleas'd 
 
 $ From her hfai'ffily MittJ 
 ll'tre all Antiquity ', &C. 
 
 Maffinger abounds in thefe Allufions, and is very happy in them : 
 They muft be very pleafing to every Reader of a poetical Turn. 
 
 She
 
 THE PICTURE. 
 
 She might command as Slaves, but gladly pay 
 The humble Tribute of my Love and Service ? 
 Nay, if I faid of Adoration to her, 
 I did not err. 
 
 Enb, Well, fince you hug your Fetters, 
 In Love's Name wear 'em. You are a King, and that v 
 Concludes you wife. Your Will a powerful Reafon, 
 Which we that are foolifh Subjects muft not argue. 
 And what in a mean Man I mould call Folly, 
 Is in your Majefly remarkable Wifdom. 
 But for me 1 fubfcribe. 
 
 Ladif. Do, and look up, 
 Upon this Wonder. 
 
 Loud Mujick) Honoria in State under a Canopy , her Train 
 born up by Sylvia and Acanthe. 
 
 Ric. Wonder ? It is more Sir. 
 
 VbaL A Rapture, an Aftonifhment. 
 
 Ric. What think you, Sir ? 
 
 Eub. As the King thinks, that is the fureft Guard 
 We Courtiers ever lie at. Was ever Prince 
 So drown'd in Dotage? Without Spectacles 
 I can fee a handfome Woman, and me is fo : 
 But yet to Admiration look not on her. 
 Heaven, how he fawns ! and as it were his Duty, 
 With what affured Gravity me receives it ! 
 Her H'and again ! O me at length vouchfafes 
 Her Lip, and as he had fuck'd Neftar from it, 
 How he's exalted ! Women in their Natures 
 Affect Command, but this Humility 
 In a Hufband and a King, marks her the Way 
 To abfolute Tyranny. So, Juno's placM 
 Iny^i^'s Tribunal, and like Mercury 
 (Forgetting his own Greatnefs,) he attends 
 For her Employments. She prepares to fpeak, 
 What Oracles {hull we hear now ? 
 
 Hon. That you pleafe, Sir, 
 With fuch AiTurances of Love and Favour, 
 
 To
 
 T H E P I C T U R E. 10^ 
 
 To grace your Handmaid, but in being yours, Sir, 
 A matchlefs Queen, and one that knows heffelf fo, 
 Binds me in Retribution to deferve. 
 The Grace conferr'd upon me. 
 
 Ladif. You tranfcend 
 
 In all Things excellent, and it is my Glory, 
 (Your Worth weigh'd truly) to depofe myfelf 
 From abfolute Command, furrendering up 
 My Will and Faculties to your Difpofure: 
 And here I vow, not for a Day or Year, 
 But my whole Life, which I wifh long, to ferve you : 
 That whatfoever I in Juftice may 
 Exact from thefe my Subjects, you from me 
 May boldly challenge. And when you require it, 
 Jn Sign of my Subjection, as your VafTal, 
 Thus I will pay my Homage. 
 
 Hon. O forbear, Sir, 
 
 Let not my Lips envy my Robe : On them 
 Print your Allegiance often. I defire 
 No other Fealty. 
 
 Ladif. Gracious Sovereign, 
 Boundlefs in Bounty ! 
 
 Eub. Is not here fine fooling ? 
 He's queftionlefs bewitch'd. Would I were gelt 
 So that would difenchant him. Though I forfeit 
 My Life for it I muft fpeak. By your good Leave, Sir, 
 I have no Suit to you, nor can you grant one, 
 Having no Power. You are like me, a Subject, 
 Her more then ferene Majefty being prefent. 
 And I muft tell you, 'tis ill Manners in you, 
 Having depos'd yourfelf, to keep your Hat on, 
 And not ftand bare as we do, being no King, 
 But a fellow Subject with us. Gentlemen Umers, 
 It does belong to your Place, fee it reform'd, 
 He has given away his Crown, and cannot challenge 
 The Privilege of his Bonnet. 
 
 Ladif. Do not tempt me. 
 
 Eub. Tempt you, in what ? In following your Ex- 
 ample ? 
 
 If
 
 ao? THE PICTURE, 
 
 if you are angry, qucftion me hereafter, 
 
 As Ladijlaus fho.uld do JLubulus., 
 
 On equal Terms. You were of late fny Sovereign., 
 
 But weary of it, I now bend my Knee 
 
 To her Divinity, and defire a Boon 
 
 From her rncwe then Magnificence. 
 
 Hon. Take it freely.. 
 jNay, be not .mov'd, for our Mirth Sake let us hear him. 
 
 Eub. Tis but to afk ,a Queftion : have you ne'er read 
 The Story of Semiramis and Ninus ? 
 
 Hon. Not as I remember. 
 
 Eub. I will then inftruc~l you, 
 And 'tis to the Purpofe. This Ninus was a King, 
 And fiiph an impotent loving King, as this was, 
 But now he's none. This Ninus (pray you obfervc me; 
 Poced on this Semiramis^ a Smith's Wife, 
 (I muft confefs, there the Comparison holds not, 
 You are a King's Daughter, yer, under your Correction, 
 |Like her, a Woman) this Affyrian Monarch 
 (Of whom this is a Pattern) to exprefs 
 His JLove and Service, feated her, as you are, 
 In his regal Throne, and bound by Oath his Nobles, 
 Forgetting all Allegiance to himfelf, 
 One Day to be her Subjects, and to put 
 In Execution whatever (he 
 
 Pleas'd to impofe upon 'em. Pray you command him 
 To minifter the like to us, and then 
 You fhall hear what folio w'd. 
 
 Lcdif. Well, Sir, to your Story. 
 
 Eub. You have no Warrant, ftand by ; let me know 
 Your Pleafure, Goddefs. 
 
 Hon. Let this Nod allure you. 
 
 Eub. Goddefs like, indeed; as I live, a pretty Idol! 
 She knowing her Power, wifely made Ufe of it ; 
 And fearing his Inconftancy, and Repentance 
 Of what he had granted (as inReafon Madam, 
 You may do his) that he might never have 
 Powc: to recall his Grant, or queftion her 
 For her inert Government, inftantly gave Order 
 To have his Head itruck off. Ladif.
 
 T HE F I C T U R E. re? 
 
 l,adif. I'ft poffible ? 
 
 Eub. The Story fays fo, and commends her Wifdorn 
 For making Ufe of her Authority : 
 And it is worth your Imitation, Madam, 
 He loves Subjection, and you are no Queen, 
 Unlefs you make him feel the Weight of it. 
 You are more then all ,the World to him, and that, 6 
 He may be Foe to you, and not feek change, 
 When his Delights are fated, mew him up 
 In fome clofe Prifon if you let him live, 
 (Which is no Policy) and there diet him 
 As you think fit to feed your Appetite, 
 Since there ends his Ambition. 
 
 Ubal. Devillifh Counfel. 
 
 Ric. The King's amaz'd. 
 
 Ubal. The Queen appears too, full 
 Of deep Imaginations, Eubulus 
 Hath put both to it. 
 
 Ric. Now me feems refolv'd : 
 I long to know the lilue [Honoria defends. 
 
 Hon. Give me Leave, 
 Dear Sir, to reprehend you for appearing 
 Perplex'd with what this old Man, out of Envy 
 Of your unequal'd Graces fhowr'd upon me, 
 Hath in his fabulous Story faucily 
 Apply'd to me. Sir, that you only nourifh 
 One Doubt, Honoria dares abuie the Power 
 With which me is inverted by your Favour, 
 Or that fhe ever can make Ufe of it 
 To the Injury of you the great Beftower, 
 Takes from your Judgment. It was your Delight 
 To feek to me with more Obfequioufnefs, 
 Then I defir'd ; and itood it with my Duty 
 
 6 You are more than all tb: Wrld to him, and that 
 
 He may be Foe is ycu, 
 
 This is the reading of all the old Copies, but moft certainly falfe. 
 It ought to be 
 
 You are mare then all the JJ'ut id to him, And tbit 
 He mzy be fo ta you. 
 
 Not
 
 iio T H E P I C T U R E. 
 
 Not to receive what you were pleas'd to offer ? 
 
 I do but ad the Part you put upon me, 
 
 And though you make me perfonate a Queen, 
 
 And you my Subject, when the Play, your 
 
 Is at a Period, I am what I was 
 
 Before I enter'd, (till your humble Wife, 
 
 And you my royal Sovereign. 
 
 Ric. Admirable! 
 
 Hon. I have heard of Captains taken more with Dan 
 
 gers 
 
 Then the Rewards, and if in your Approaches 
 To thofe Delights which are your own, and freely 
 To heighten your IDefire, you make the Paffage 
 Narrow and difficult, mall I prefcribe you ? 
 Or blame your Fondnefs ? Or can that fwell me 
 Beyond my juft Proportion ? 
 
 Ubal. Above Wonder! 
 
 Ladif. Heaven make me thankful for fuch Goodnefs* 
 
 Hon. Now, Sir, 
 
 The State I took to fatisfy your Pleafure, 
 I change to this Humility ; and the Oath 
 You made to me of Homage, I thus cancel* 
 And feat you in your own. 
 
 Ladif. I am tranfported 
 Beyond myfelf. 
 
 Hon. And now to your wife Lordfhip, 
 Am I prov'd a Semirawis ? Or hath 
 My NirntSj as malicioufly you made him, 
 Caufe to repent th* Excefs of Favour to mc> 
 Which you call Dotage ? 
 
 Ladif. Anfwer Wretch. 
 
 Evb. I dare, Sir, 
 
 And fay, however the Event may plead 
 In your Defence, you had a guilty Caufe $ 
 Nor was it Wifdom in you (1 repeat it) 
 To teach a Lady, humble in herfelf, 
 With the ridiculous Dotage of a Lover? 
 To be ambitious. 
 
 Hon
 
 THE PICTURE. in 
 
 Hon. Eubulu^ I am fo, 
 'Tis rooted in me, you miftake my Temper, 
 I do profefs myfelf to be the moft 
 Ambitious of my Sex, but not to hold 
 Command over my Lord, fuch a proud Torrent 
 Would fink me in my Wifhes ; not that I 
 Am ignorant how much 1 can deferve, 
 And may with Juftice challenge. 
 
 Eub. This I look'd for ; 
 After this feeming humble Ebb, I knew! 
 A gufhing Tide would follow. 
 
 Hon. By my Birth, 
 
 And liberal Gifts of Nature, as of Fortune, 
 From you, as Things beneath me, I expect 
 What's due to Majeity, in which I am 
 A Sharer with your Sov'reign. 
 
 Eub. Good again ! 
 
 Hon. And as I am moft eminent in Place, 
 In all my Actions I would appear fo. 
 
 Ladif. You need not fear a Rival. 
 
 Hon. I hope not ; 
 
 And till I find one, I difdain to know , 
 
 What Envy is. 
 
 Ladif. You are above it, Madam. 
 
 Hen. For Beauty without Art, Difcourfe, and free 
 From Affectation, with what Graces elfe 
 Can in the Wife and Daughter of a King 
 Be wifh'd, I dare prefer myfelf. 
 
 Eub. As I 
 Blufh. for you, Lady, trumpet your own Praifes ! 7 * 
 
 7 Ail 
 
 Blujbforyou, Lady, trumpet y>ur mvn Praifes 
 
 Mr Dad/ley, in his Colleftion of Old Plays, reads this Paflage 
 thus : 
 
 Ail 
 
 Blujh for you, Lady, trumpet not yiur own Praife. 
 
 I think that the old Reading ftiould ftand. He means, that flic her- 
 felf having loft all Senfe of Shame, he undertakes to blufh for her; 
 and therefore ironically bids her proceed. 
 
 Thia
 
 ti2 f H E P I C T U R E. 
 
 This fpoken by the People, had been heard 
 With Hcfnour to you ; does the Court afford 
 No Oil-tongu'd Parafite, that you are forc'd 
 To be your own grofs Flatterer ? 
 
 Ladif. Be dumb, 
 Thou Spirit of Contradiction. 
 
 Hon. The Wolf 
 
 But barks againft the Moon, and J contemn it, 
 The Mafque you promis'd. 
 
 A Horn. Enter a Poji. 
 
 Ladif. Let 'em enter. How ! 
 
 Eub. Here's one, I fear, unlook'd for. 
 
 Ladif. From the Camp ? 
 
 Poft. The General, victorious in your Fortune^ 
 Kifles your Hand in this, Sir. 
 
 Ladif. That great Power, 
 Who at his Pleafure does difpofe of Battles, 
 Be ever prais'd for't. Read, Sweet, and partake it 
 The Turk is vanquifh'd, and with little Lofs 
 Upon our Part, in which our Joy is doubl'd. 
 
 Eub. But let it not exalt you ; bear it, Sir, 
 With Moderation, and pay what you owe for't. 
 
 Ladif. I underftand thee, Eubulus. I'll not now 
 Enquire Particulars. Our Delights deferr'd, 
 With Rev'rence to the Temples, there we'll tender 
 Our Soul's Devotions to his dread Might, 
 Who edg'd our Swords, and taught us how to fight. s 
 
 [Exeunt omnfs< 
 The End of the Firjl Aft. 
 
 * Who eJgd our Swords, and taught us hoiu to fgbt. 
 Majfftngir, as well as Shakrfpear, has greatly enriched himfelf 
 from the Holy Scriptures : Thus in the 1441)1 Pfalm, David fays, 
 Blejfid be the- Lord my Strength, ivbich teacheth my Hands to war, and 
 my finger i to fight. And in many other Places we find feveral Paf- 
 iages iimilar to the above* 
 
 AC t
 
 THE PICTURE. 113 
 
 A C T II. S C E N E I. 
 Enter Hilario, Corifca. 
 
 ////. TT O U like my Speech ? 
 
 X Corif. Yes, it" you give it Adion 
 In the Delivery. 
 
 ///'/. It ? I pity you. 
 
 I have play'd the Fool before ;, this is not the firft Time, 
 Nor (hall be, I hope, the Jail. 
 
 Corif. Nay, I think fo too. 
 
 Hil. And if I put her not out of her Dumps with 
 
 Laughter, 
 I'll make her howl for Anger. 
 
 Corif. Not too much 
 
 Of that, good Fellow Hilario. Our fad Lady 
 Hath drank too often of that bitter Cup, 
 A pleafant one mult reitore her. With what Patience 
 Would fhe endure to hear ot the Death of my Lord ; 
 That merely out of Doubt he may mifcarry, 
 Afflids herfelf thus? 
 
 Hil. Um ; 'tis a Queftion 
 A Widow only can relblve. There be fome 
 That in their Hufband's Sicknefs have wept 
 Their Pottle of Tears a Day , but being once certain 
 At Midnight he was dead, have in the Morning 
 Dry'd up their Handkerchiefs, and thought no more on't. 
 
 Corif. Turn, fhe is none of that Race ; if her Sorrow 
 Be not true and perfect, I againft my Sex 
 Will take my Oath, Woman ne'er wept in Earned. 
 She has made herfelf a Prifoner to her Chamber, 
 Dark as a Dungeon, in which no Beam 
 Of Comfort enters. She admits no Vifits j 
 "Eats little, and her nightly Mufick is 
 Of Sighs and Groans, tun'd to fuch Harmony 
 
 VOL. II. H OF
 
 n 4 THE PICTURE. 
 
 Of feeling Grief, that I, againft my Nature, 
 Am made one of the Contort. This Hour only 
 She takes the Air, a Cuilom every Day 
 She folemnly obferves, with greedy Hopes, 
 From fome that pafs by, to receive Afiumnce 
 Of the Succels and Safety of her Lord. 
 Now, if that your Device will take 
 
 Hit. Ne'er fear it : 
 I am provided cap-a-pee, and have 
 My Properties in Readinefs. 
 
 Sophia within. Bring my Veil, there. 
 
 Corif. Be gone, I hear her coming. 
 
 Hit. If I do not 
 Appear, and, what's more, appear perfect, hifs me. 
 
 [Exit Hilario. 
 
 Enter Sophia. 
 
 
 
 Soph. I was flatter'd once, I was a Star, but now 
 Turn'd a prodigious Meteor ; and, like one, 
 Hang in the Air between my Hopes and Fears, 
 And every Hour (the little Stuff burnt out 
 That yields a waning Light to dying Comfort) 
 I do expect my Fall, and certain Ruin. 
 In wretched Things more wretched is Delay ; 9 
 And Hope, a Parafite to me, being unmafq'd, 
 Appears more horrid than Defpair, and my 
 Diftrac~lion worfe than Madnefs. E'en my Prayers, 
 When with moft Zeal fent upward, are pull'd down 
 With ftrong imaginary Doubts and Fears, 
 And in their fudden Precipice o'erwhelm me. 
 Dreams and fantaftick Vifions walk the Round I0 
 
 9 In wretched Things more wretched is Delay* 
 This, 1 think fhould be read, 
 
 To wretched Things, &C. 
 
 1 * Dreams and fantaftick F"ijtons walk the Round. 
 Tis thus in the old Copies ; but I am inclin'd to think it ihould 
 
 Dreams and fantojlick Vijiom walk their Round. 
 
 About
 
 T H E P I C T U R'E; 115 
 
 About my widow'd Bed, and every Slumber 
 Broken with loud Alarms : Canthefe be then 
 But lad Prefages, Girl ? 
 
 Cor if. You make 'em fo, 
 And antedate a Lofs mall ne'er fall on you. 
 Such pure Affection, fuch mutual Love, 
 A Bed, and undefiFd on either Part, 
 A Houfe without Contention, in two Bodies 
 One Will and Soul (like to the Rod of Concord) 
 Kifilng each other, cannot be fhort-iiv'd, 
 Or end in Barrennefs. If all thefe, dear Madam, 
 (Sweet in your Sadnefs) mould produce no Fruit, 
 Or leave the Age no Models of yourfelves, 
 To witnefs to Pofterity what you were, 
 Succeeding 1 imes, frighted with the Example, 
 But hearing of your Story, would inftru<5t 
 Their faireil IlTue to meet fenfually, 
 Like other Creatures, and forbear to raife 
 True Love, or Hymen Altars. 
 
 Sophia. O Corifca ! 
 
 I know thy Reafons are like to thy Wifnes, 
 And they are built upon a weak Foundation, 
 To raife me Comfort. Ten long Days are pafl, 
 Ten long Days, my Corifca^ fince my Lord 
 Embark'd himfelf upon a Sea of Danger, 
 In his dear Care of me. And if his Life 
 Had not been fhipwreck'd on the Rock of War, 
 His Tendernefs of me (.knowing how much 
 1 languim for his AbfenceJ had provided 
 Some trufty Friend from whom I might receive 
 A ffurance of his Safety. 
 
 Corif. Ill News, Madam, 
 
 Are Swallow- wing'd, but what's good walks on Crutches: 
 With Patience expe<5l it ; and e'er long, 
 No Doubt, you (hall hear from him. 
 
 H 2 A Sow-
 
 u6 THE PICTURE, 
 
 A Sow-welder's Horn blown. A Poft. lt 
 
 Soph. Ha ! What's that ? 
 
 Corif. The Fool has got a So\v-gelder*s Horn, 
 As I take it, Madam. 
 
 Soph. It makes this Way ftill, 
 Nearer and nearer. 
 
 Corif. From the Camp, I hope. 
 
 Enter Hilario, with long white Hair and Beard, in an 
 antick Armour* one with a Horn before him. 
 
 Soph. The MefTenger appears, and in ftrange Armour. 
 Heaven, if it be thy Will ! 
 
 Hil. It is no Boot 
 
 To ftrive ; our Horfes tir'd, let's walk on Foot, 
 And that the Caftle which is very near us, 
 To give us Entertainment, may foon hear us> 
 Blow luftily, my Lad, and drawing nigh, 
 Afk for a Lady which is elep'd Sophia. 
 
 Corif. He names you, Madam. 
 
 1 1 A Soui'gtUeft Horn blown. A Poft. 
 
 I have here followed the old Copies, not chufing to make any ab- 
 folute Alteration, though the Railage is evidently corrupt ; I take it 
 fhould.be as follows : 
 
 A Sow gelder* Horn blown. 
 
 Soph. Ha ! What's that ? 
 
 Corif. The Fool has got a Sow-gelder's Horn. \_Ajide. 
 
 A Poft, as I take it Madam. 
 Soph. It makes this Way ftill, 
 
 Nearer and nearer- 
 Corif. From the Camp, I hope. 
 
 If Ctrljca had told her Miftrefs, that the Fool had got a Stnu- 
 gtlders Horn, flie would not fo readily have believed that he came 
 from the Camp -. nor does there feem to be any Neceffity for a Poft to 
 be mentioned at all, when the Horn is blown. I imagine in the 
 written Copy there was not Room for the Tranfcriber to write it in 
 the fame Line, and therefore he placed it over the Word Harn, which 
 occafioned this Miilake in the Printing. 
 
 Hil.
 
 THE PICTURE. 117 
 
 Hil For to her I bring, 
 Thus clad in Arms, News of a pretty Thing, 
 By Name Mat bias. 
 
 Soph. From my Lord ? O Sir! 
 I am Sophia, that Matbias* Wife. 
 So may Mars favour you in all your Battles, 
 As you with Speed unload me of the Burthen 
 I labour under, till I am confirm'd 
 Both where and how you left him. 
 
 ////. If thou art, 
 
 As I believe, the Pigfney of his Heart, 
 Know he's in Health, and what's more, full of Glee; 
 And fo much I was will'd to fay to thee. 
 
 Soph. Have you no Letters from him ? 
 
 Hil. No, meer Words. 
 
 In the Camp we ufe no Pens, but write with Swords : 
 Yet as I am enjoin'd, by Word of Mouth 
 I will proclaim his Deeds from North to South. 
 But tremble not while I relate the Wonder, 
 Though my Eyes like Lightning fhine, and my Voice 
 thunder. 
 
 Soph. This is fome counterfeit Bragart. 
 
 Corif. Hear him, Madam. 
 
 Hil. The Rear march'd firft, which follow'd by the Van, 
 And wing'd with the Battalia, no Man 
 Durftftay to Ihifc a Shirt, or loufe himfelf; 
 Yet ere the Armies join'd, that hopeful Elf, 
 Thy Dear, thy dainty Duckling, bold Matbias, 
 Advanc'd, and ftar'd like Hercules or Golias. 
 A hundred thoiifand 'Turks (it is no Vaunt) 
 Afiail'd him ; every one a Termagant : 
 But what did he then ? with his keen edge Spear 
 He cut, and carbonaded 'em : Here and there 
 Lay Legs and Arms ; and, as 'tis faid truly 
 Of Bevis, fome he quarter'd all in three. 
 
 Soph. This is ridiculous' 
 
 Hil. I muft take Breath : 
 Then, like a Nightingale, I'll fmg his Death. 
 
 Soph. His Death! 
 
 H 3 Hil.
 
 u8 T H E P I C T U R E. 
 
 Hil. I am out. 
 
 Corif. Recover, Dunder-head. 
 
 Hil. How he efcap'd, I fhould have fung, not dy'd \ 
 For, though a Knight, when I faid fo, I ly*cl ! 
 Weary he was, and icarce could Hand upright, 
 And looking round for ibme courageous Knight 
 To refcue him, as one perplex'd in Woe, 
 He call'd to me, Help ! help, Hilario ! 
 My valiant Servant, help. 
 
 Corif. He has fpoil'd all. 
 
 Soph. Are you the Man of Arms ? Then I'll make 
 
 bold 
 
 To take of your martial Beard -, you had Fool's Hair 
 Enough without it. Slave ! how durft thou make 
 Thy Sport of what concerns me more than Lite, 
 In fuch an antick Fafhion ? Am I grown 
 Contemptible to thole I feed ? You, Minion, 
 Had a Hand in it too, as it appears, 
 Your Petticoat ferves for Bafes co this Warrior. 
 
 Corif. We did it for your Mirth, 
 
 Hil. For myfelf, I hope, 
 I have fpoke like a Soldier. 
 
 Soph. Hence, you Rafcal. 
 I, never but with Reverence name my Lord, 
 And can I hear it by thy Tongue prophan'd, 
 And not correct thy Folly ? But you are 
 Transtbrm'd, and turn'd Knight-errant ; take youi Courfe, 
 And wander where you pleafe , for here I vow 
 By my Lord's Life (an Oath I will not break) 
 'Till his Return, or Certainty of his Safety, 
 My Doors are fhut againft thee. [Exit Sophia. 
 
 Corif. You have made 
 A fine Piece of Work on't : How do you like the Qua- 
 You had a fbolifh Itch to be an Actor, [lity ? 
 
 And may now flroll where you pleafe. 
 
 Hil. Will you buy my Share ? 
 
 Corif. No, certainly, I fear I have already 
 Too much of mine own : I'll only as a Damfel 
 
 (As
 
 THEPICJURE. 119 
 
 (As the Book fays) thus far help to difarm you ; 
 And fo, dear Don Quixote, taking my Leave, 
 I leave you to your Fortune. [Exit Corifca, 
 
 77/7. Have I fweat 
 
 My Brains out for this quaint and rare Invention, 
 And I am thus rewarded ? I could turn 
 Tragedian, and roar now, but that I fear 
 Twould get me too great a Stomach, having no Meat 
 To pacify Colon, ll what will become of me ? 
 I cannot beg in Armour, and fteal I dare not : 
 My End muft be to (land in a Corn Field, 
 And fright away the Crows, for Bread and Cheefe, 
 Or find fome hollow Tree in the Highway, 
 And there, until my Lord return, fell Switches. 
 No more Hilario^ but Dolorio now : 
 I'll weep my Eyes out, and be blind of Purpofe 
 To move Compaflion -, and fo I vanifh. [x/V Hilario. 
 
 SCENE II. 
 
 Enter Eubulus, Ubaldo, Ricardo, and others. 
 
 Eub. Are the Gentlemen fent before, as it was order'd 
 By the King's Direction, to entertain 
 The General ? 
 
 Ric. Long fince ; they by this have met him, 
 And given him the Beinvenue. 
 
 Eub. I hope I need not 
 Inftrucl you in your Parts. 
 
 Ubal. How ! us, my Lord ? 
 Fear not; we know our Diftances and Degrees, 
 To the very Inch, where we are to falute him. 
 
 Ric. The State were miferable, if the Court had none 
 Of her own Breed, familiar with all Garbs. 
 
 11 To pacify Colon, &c. 
 
 In the Unnatural Combat, I find this Word, fpelt Ca/tn, ufed in 
 the fame Senfe by Belgard, in the Firft Scene, where he fays to 
 Beau/art, junior, 
 
 " But how ftiall I do to fatisfy Colon, Monfieur ? " 
 
 H 4 Gracious
 
 120 THE PICTURE. 
 
 Gracious in England^ Italy, Spain or France ', 
 "With Form and Punctuality to receive 
 Stranger EmbafTadors. For the General, 
 He's a mere Native, and it matters not 
 "Which Way we do accoft him. 
 
 Ubal 'Tis great Pity 
 
 That fuch as fit at the Helm provide no better 
 For the training up of the Gentry. In my Judgment 
 An Academy erected, with large Penfions 
 To fuch as in a Table could fer. down 
 The Congees, Cringes, Poilures, Methods, Phrafe, 
 
 Proper to every Nation 
 
 1 Ric. O, it were 
 
 An admirable Piece of Work. 
 
 Ubal. And yet rich Fools 
 Throw away their Charity on Hofpitals, 
 For Beggars and lame Soldiers, and ne'er ftudy 
 The due Regard to Compliment and Courtmip, 
 Matters of more Import, and are indeed 
 The Glories of a Monarchy. 
 
 Eub. Thefe, no doubt. 
 
 Are State Points, Gallants, I confefs ; but fure, 
 Our Court needs no Aids this Way, fmce it is 
 A School of nothing elfe. There are fome of you, 
 Whom I forbear to name, whofe coining Heads 
 Are the Mint of all new Fafnions, that have done 
 More Hurt to the Kingdom by fuperiluous Bravery, 
 Which the foolifh Gentry imitate, than a War, 
 Or a long Famine , all the Treafure, by 
 This foul Excels, is got into the Merchants, 
 Embroiderers, Silkmans, Jewellers, Taylors Hands, 
 And the third Part of the Land too, the Nobility 
 Engrofling Titles only. 
 
 Ric. My Lord, you are bitter. 
 
 Enter a Servant. [A Trumpet. 
 
 $erv. The General is alighted, and now enter'd. 
 jR*>. Were he ten Generals, I am prepar'd, 
 And know what I will do, Eub.
 
 T H E P I C T U R E. 
 
 Eub. Pray you what, Rjcardo ? 
 
 Ric. I'll fight at Compliment with him. 
 
 UbaL I'll charge home too. 
 
 Eub. And that's a defperate Service, if you come 
 
 off well. 
 
 Enter Ferdinand, Mathias, Baptifta, two Captains. 
 
 Ferd. Captain, command the Officers to keep 
 The Soldier as he march'd in Rank and File, 
 'Till they hear farther from me. 
 
 Eub. Here's one fpeaks 
 
 In another Key : This is no canting Language 
 Taught in your Academy. 
 
 Ferd. Nay, I will prefent you 
 To the King myfelf. 
 
 Math. A Grace beyond my Merit. 
 
 Ferd. You undervalue what I cannot iet 
 Too high a Price on. 
 
 Eub. With a Friend's true Heart 
 I gratulate your Return. 
 
 Ferd. Next to the Favour 
 Of the great King, I am happy in your Friendihip. 
 
 UbaL By Court .nip, coarfe on both Sides. 
 
 Ferd. Pray you receive 
 
 This 5 -ranger to your Knowledge, on my Credit, 
 At all Parts he delerves it. 
 
 Eub. Your Report 
 Is a ftrong AfTurance to me. Sir, moft welcome. 
 
 Mcth. This faid by you, the Reverence of your Age 
 Commands me to believe it. 
 
 Ric. This was pretty. 
 
 But fecond me now. I cannot (loop too low 
 To do your Excellence that due Obfervance 
 Your Fortune claims. 
 
 Eub. He ne'er thinks on his Virtue. 
 
 Ric. For being, as you are, the Soul of Soldiers, 
 And Bulwark of Bellona. 
 
 UbaL The Protection 
 
 Both
 
 tit THE PICTURE. 
 
 Both of the Court and King. 
 
 Ric. And the fole Minion 
 Of mighty Mars. 
 
 Ubal. One that with Juftice may 
 Increafe the Number of the Worthies. 
 
 Eub. Hoy day. 
 
 Ric. It being impofiible in my Arms to circle 
 Such Giant Worth, 
 
 Ubal. At Diftance we prefume 
 To kifs your honour'd Gauntlet. 
 
 Eub. What Reply now 
 Can he make to this Foppery ? 
 
 Ferd. You have faid, 
 
 Gallants, fo much, and hitherto done fo little, 
 That, 'till I learn to fpeak, and you to do, 
 I muft take Time to thank you. 
 
 Eub. As I live, 
 Anfwer'd as I could wim. How the Fops gape now ! 
 
 Ric. This was harm, and fcurvy. 
 
 Ubal. We will be reveng'd 
 \Vhen he comes to court the Ladies, and laugh at him. 
 
 Eub. Nay, do your Offices, Gentlemen, and conduct 
 The General to the Prefence. 
 
 Ric. Keep your Order. 
 
 Ubal. Make Way for the General. 
 
 [Exeunt all but Eubulus. 
 
 Eub. What wife Man, 
 That with judicious Eyes looks on a Soldier, 
 But muft confefs that Fortune's Swing is more 
 O'er that Profeffion, than all Kinds elfe 
 Of Life purfu'd by Man ? They, in a State, 
 Are but as Cbirurgeom to wounded Men , 1J 
 E'en defp'rate in their Hopes, while Pain and Anguilh 
 Make them blafpheme, and call in vain for Death : 
 Their Wives and Children kifs the Chirurgeon's Knees ; 
 
 1 3 Are but as Chirurgectis to wounded Men. 
 This, I think, would read better thus : 
 
 Are but as Chirurgeons are to wounded Men. 
 
 Promife
 
 T H E P I C T U R E, 123 
 
 Promife him Mountains, if his faving Hand 
 
 Reftore the tortur'd Wretch to former Strength. 
 
 But when grim Death, by SEfculapius* Art, 
 
 Is frighted from the Houfe, and Health appears 
 
 In fanguine Colours on the fick Man's Face, 
 
 All is forgot ; and afking his Reward, 
 
 He's paid with Curfejs, often receives Wounds 
 
 From him whofe Wounds he cur'd -, fo Soldiers, 
 
 Though of more Worth and Ufe, meet the fame Fate, 
 
 As it is too apparent. I have obferv'd 
 
 In one Hue, 
 
 When horrid Mars, the Touch of whofe rough Hand 
 
 With Palfies makes a Kingdom, hath put on 
 
 His dreadful Helmet, and with Terror fills 
 
 The Place where he, like an unwelcome Gueft, 
 
 Refolves to revel j how the Lords of her, like 
 
 The Tradefman, Merchant, and litigious Pleader, 
 
 f And fuch like Scarabs bred i' th' Dung of Peace) 
 
 In Hope of their Protection, humbly offer 
 
 Their Daughters to their Beds, Heirs to their Service, 
 
 And warn with Tears their Sweat, their Duft, their Scars : 
 
 But when thofe Clouds of War that menac'd 
 
 A bloody Deluge to th' affrighted State, 
 
 Are by their Breath difpers'd, and overblown, 
 
 And Famine, Blood, and Death, Bellona's Pages, 
 
 Whip'd from the quiet Continent tolbrace '* 
 
 Soldiers, that like the foolifh Hedge Sparrow 
 
 To their own Ruin hatch this Cuckow Peace, 
 
 Areflraight Thought burdenfome, fince want of Means, 
 
 Growing from want of Action, breeds Contempt, 
 
 And that the word of Ills fall to their Lot, 
 
 Their Service with the Danger's loon forgot. 
 
 Enter a Servant. 
 
 Serv. The Queen, my Lord, hath made Choice of 
 this Room, 
 
 T * Wbifdfrom the quiet Continent to Thrace. 
 MaJJingtr is here miftaken, (or Thrace is upon the Continent. 
 
 To
 
 124 T H E P I C T U R E. 
 
 To fee the Mafque. 
 
 Eub. I'll be Looker on, 
 My dancing Days are paft. 
 
 Loud Mujick as they pafs, a Song in the Praife of War ; 
 Ubaldo, Ricardo, Ladiflaus, Ferdinand, and Ho- 
 noria, Mathias, Sylva, Acanthe, Baptifta, and others. 
 
 Ladif. This Courtefy 
 
 To a Stranger, my Honoria, keeps fair Rank 
 With ail your Rarities. After your Travel 
 Look on our Court Delights ; but firft from your 
 Relation, with erected Ears I'll hear 
 The Mufick of your War, which muft be fweet, 
 Ending in Victory. 
 
 Ferd. Not to trouble 
 
 Your Majefties with Defcription of a Battle, 
 Too full of Horror for the Place, and to 
 Avoid Particulars which I mould deliver, 
 I muft trench longer on your Patience then 
 My Manner will give Way to ; in a Word Sir, 
 It was well fought on both Sides, and almoft 
 With equal Fortune, it continuing doubtful 
 Upon whofe Tents plum'd Victory would take 
 Her glorious Stand : Impatient of Delay, 
 With the Flower of our prime Gentlemen, I charg'd 
 Their main Battalia, and with their Afliftance 
 Broke in ; but when I was almoft afllir'd 
 That they were routed, by a Stratagem 
 Of the fubtil Turk, who opening his grofsBody, 
 And rallying up his Troops on either Side, 
 I found myfelf fo far engag'd (for I 
 Muft not conceal my Errors) that I knew not 
 Which Way with Honour to come off. 
 
 Eub. Hike 
 
 A General that tells his Faults, and is not 
 Ambitious to ingrofs unto himfelf 
 All Honour, as ibme have, in which with Jufticc 
 They .could not claim a Share. 
 
 Ferd.
 
 THE PICTURE. 125 
 
 Ferd. Being thus hemm'd in, 
 Their Scymitars rag'd among us, and my Horle 
 Kill'd under me, I every Minute Jook'd for 
 An honourable End, and that was all 
 My Hope could fafhion to me j circl'd thus 
 "With Death and Horror, as one fent from Heaven 
 This Man of Men, with fome choice Horfe thatfollow'd 
 His brave Example, did purfue the Tract 
 His Sword cut for 'em, and but that I fee him, 
 Already blum to hear what he being prefent, 
 I know would wifh unfpoken, I mould fay, Sir, 
 By what he did, we boldly may believe 
 All that is writ of Heeler. 
 
 Math. General, 
 Pray fpare thefe ftrange Hyperboles. 
 
 Eub. Do not blum 
 
 To hear a Truth ; here are a Pair of Monfieurs, 
 Had they been in your Place, would have run away 
 And ne'er chang'd Countenance. 
 
 Ubal. We have your good Word ftill. 
 
 Eub. And (hall while you defer ve it. 
 
 Ladif. Silence, on. 
 
 Ferd. He, as I faid, like dreadful Lightning thrown 
 From Jupiter's Shield, difperfed the armed Gire 
 "With which I was environed, Horfe and Man, 
 Shrunk under his ftrong Arm : More with his Looks 
 Frighted the valiant fled, with which encourag'd, 
 My Soldiers (like young Eglets preying under IJ 
 The Wings of their fierce Dame> as if from him 
 They took both Spirit and Fire, bravely came on. 
 By him I was remounted, and infpir'd 
 With treble Courage ; and fuch as fled before, 
 Boldly made head again j and to confirm 'em, 
 It fuddenly was apparent, that the Fortune 
 Of the Day was ours ; each Soldier and Commander 
 Perform'd his Part ; but this was the great Wheel 
 By which the lefler mov'd, and all Rewards 
 
 'In the Unnatural Combat Monger has this fame Simile again. 
 
 Aft i. Scene . 
 
 And
 
 126 T H E P I C T U R . 
 
 And Signs of Honour, as the Civic Garland, 
 The mural Wreath, the Enemies prime Horle, 
 With the Generals Sword, and Armour, (the old Ho- 
 nours 
 
 With which the Romans crown their feveral Leaders) 
 To him alone are proper. 
 
 Ladif. And they fhall 
 Defervedly fall on him. Sit, 'tis ourPleafure, 
 
 Ferd. Which I muft ferve, not argue. 
 
 Hon. You are a Stranger, 
 But in your Service for the King, a Native. 
 And though a free Queen, I am bound in Duty 
 To cherilh Virtue wherefoe'er I find it : 
 This Place is yours. 
 
 Math. It were Prefumption in me 
 To fit fo near you. 
 
 Hon. Not having our Warrant. 
 
 Ladif. Let the Mafquers enter : By the Preparation 
 'Tis a French Brawl, an apifh Imitation 
 Of what you really perform in Battle ; 
 And Pallas bound up in a little Volume, 
 Apollo with his Lute attending on her [Song and Dance. 
 Serve for the Induction. 
 
 Enter the two Boys, one with his Lute, the other like Pallas. 
 A Song in the Praife of Soldiers, efpecially being litto- 
 rious : The Song ended the King goes on. 
 
 Song by Pallas. 
 
 Though we contemplate to exrrefs 
 
 The Glory of your Happinefs, 
 That by your powerful Arm have been 
 
 So true a Viftor, that no Sin 
 Could ever taint you with a Blame 
 
 To lej/en your deferved Fame. 
 
 Or though we contend to fet 
 
 Tour Worth in the full Height, or get 
 
 Ctlejiial
 
 THE PICTURE. 127 
 
 Cdleftial Singers (crown* d with Bays 
 With flourijhes to drefs your Praife:) 
 
 You know your Conqueft, but your Story 
 Lives in your triumphant Glory. 
 
 Ladif. Our Thanks to all. 
 To the Banquet that's prepar'd to entertain 'em. 
 What would my beft Honoria ? 
 
 Hon. May it pleafe 
 
 My King, that I who by his Suffrage ever 
 Have had Power to command, may now intreat 
 An Honour- from him. 
 
 Ladif. Why mould you defire 
 What is your own ? What e'er it be, you arc 
 The Miftrefs of it. 
 
 Hon. I am happy in 
 
 Your Grant: My Suit, Sir, is, that your Commanders, 
 Efpecially this Stranger, may as I 
 In my Difcretion (hall think good, receive 
 What's due to their Deferts. 
 
 Ladif. What you determine 
 Shall know no Alteration. 
 
 Eub. The Soldier 
 
 Is like to have good Ufage when he depends 
 Upon her Pleafure : Are all the Men fo bad, 
 That to give Satisfaction we rnuil have 
 A Woman Treafurer. Heaven help all. 
 
 Hon. With you, Sir, 
 I will begin, and as in my Efteem 
 You are mod eminent, expect to have 
 What's fit for me to give, and you to take ; 
 The Favour in the quick Difpatch being double. 
 Go fetch my Cafket, and with Speed. 
 
 Eub. The Kingdom [Exit Acanthe. 
 
 Is very bare of Money, when Rewards 
 Ifllie from the Queen's Jewel Houfe, give him Goid 
 And Store, no Queftion the Gentleman wants it. 
 Good Madam, what mall he do with a Hoop Ring, 
 And a Spark of Diamond in it ? Though you took it, 
 
 Enter
 
 tig T H E P I C T U R E, 
 
 Enter Acanthe. 
 
 (For the greater Honour) from your Majefly's Finger, 
 'Twill not increafe the Value. He muft purchafe 
 Rich Suits, the gay Caparifon of Courtfhip, 
 Revel, and Feaft, which, the War ended, is 
 A Soldier's Glory ; and 'tis fit that Way 
 Your Bounty fhould provide for him. 
 
 Hon. You are rude, 
 
 And by your narrow Thoughts proportion mine. 
 What I will do now, fhall be worth the Envy 
 Of Cleopatra^ open it, fee here [Honor! a defcends* 
 
 The Lapidaries Idol. Gold is Trafh 
 And a poor Salary fit for Grooms ; wear thefe 
 As ftudded Stars in your Armour, and make the Sun 
 Look dim with Jealoufy of a greater Light 
 Than his Beams gild the Day with : when it is 
 Expos'd to View, call it Honoria's Gift, 
 The Queen Honcria's Gift, that loves a Soldier ; 
 And to give Ornament and Luflre to him, 
 Parts freely with her own. Yet not to take 
 From the Magnificence of the King, I will 
 Difpenfe his Bounty too, but as a Page 
 To wait on mine -, for other LoiTes take I(S 
 A hundred thoufand Crowns, your Hand, dear Sir, 
 And this fhall be thy Warrant. 
 
 \fdkes off the King's Signet. 
 
 Eub. I perceive 
 
 I was cheated in this Woman : Now me is 
 F th* giving Vein to Soldiers, let her be proud, 
 And the King doat, fo me go on, I care not. [Afide. 
 
 Hon. This done, our Pleafure is, that all Arrears 
 Be paid unto the Captains, and their Troops, 
 
 16 For other LoJJes take 
 
 A hundred thoufand Crowns, &C. 
 
 This I am apt to think {hould be read thus : 
 
 For other Ufes take 
 
 A kundrsd tboufand Crowns, &c. 
 
 With
 
 THE PICTURE. "129 
 
 With a large Donative to increafe their Zeal 
 For the Service of the Kingdom. 
 
 Etib. Better ftill ; 
 
 Let Men of Arms be us'd thus : If they do not 
 Charge ddperately upon the Cannons Mouth, 
 Though the Devil roar'd, and fight like Dragons, hang 
 
 me. 
 (Now they may drink Sack, but fmall Beer, with a 
 
 PaiTport 
 
 To beg with as they Travel, and no Money, 
 Turns their red Blood to Butter-milk.) 
 
 Hon. Are you pleas'd, Sir, 
 With what I have dpne ? 
 
 Ladif. Yes, and thus confirm it 
 With this Addition of mine own : You have, Sir, 
 From our lov'd Queen received fome Recompence 
 For your Life hazarded in the late Action ; 
 And that we may follow her great Example '. 7 
 In cherifhing Valour, without Limit afk 
 What you from us can wifh. 
 
 Math. If it be true, 
 
 Dread Sir, as 'tis afflrm'd, that every Soil, 
 Where he is well, is to a valiant Man 
 His natural Country ; Reafon may afiure me 
 I mould fix here, where Bleffings beyond Hope, 
 From you, the Spring, like Rivers flow unto me. 
 If Wealth were my Ambition, by the Queen 
 I am made rich already, to the Amazement 
 Of all that fee, or (hall hereafter read 
 The Story of her Bounty -, if to fpend 
 The Remnant of my Life in Deeds of Arms, 
 No Region is more fertile ot good Knights, 
 From whom my Knowledge that Way may be better'*}, 
 
 '? And tbnt ~-:e may fcllw: her great Examplt 
 
 In (btrijbivg f atyur, &c. 
 This Paflage Mr. Dotl/lei reads thus : 
 
 And that you may folLix, &C. 
 Which I think muft be wrong, and that the old Reading is the 
 
 right. 
 
 VOL. II. I Then
 
 I 3 o THE PICTURE. 
 
 Then this your warlike Hungary , if Favour, 
 
 Or Grace in Court could take me, by your Grant,, 
 
 Far, tar beyond my Merit, I may make 
 
 In your's a free Election ; but alas ! Sir, 
 
 1 am not mine own > but by my Deftiny 
 
 (Which I cannot refift) forc'd to prefer 
 
 My Country's Smoak before the glorious Fire 
 
 With which your Bounties warm me. All I afk, Sir y 
 
 Though I cannot be ignorant it mufl relifh 
 
 Of foul Ingratitude, is your gracious Licence 
 
 For my Departure. 
 
 Ladif. Whither ? 
 
 Math. To my own home, Sir, r8 
 My own poor home ; which will at my Return 
 Grow rich by your Magnificence : I am here 
 But a Body without a Soul, and till I find it 
 In the Embraces of my conftant Wife, and to fet ofF 
 
 that Conftancy 
 
 In her Beauty and matchlefs Excellencies without a Rival 
 I am but half myfelf. 
 
 Hon. And is me then 
 So chafle and fair as you infer ? 
 
 Math. O, Madam, 
 
 Tho' it muft argue Weaknefs in a rich Man; 
 'To fhow his Gold before an armed Thief, 
 And I in praifing of my Wife, but feed 
 The Fire of Luft in others to attempt her ; 
 Such is my full laiPd Confidence in her Virtue, 
 
 18 To my own home, Sir, 
 
 My oivn poor home, &C. 
 
 I have printed this Paflage after the old Copies, which I always fol- 
 low ; but in my Opinion it would read much better thus : 
 Math. To my own home, Sir 
 
 My own poor home : That will at my Return 
 Grow rich by your Magnificence. I'm here 
 A Body without Soul, <wbich till I find 
 In the Embraces of my conftant Wife 
 (And to fee off that Conftancy ; in Beauty 
 And matchlefs Excellence without a Rival) 
 I am but half myfelf. 
 
 Thougf
 
 THE FtCTURE, I3 t 
 
 Though in my Ablence (he were now befieg'd 
 By a irrong Army of lafcivious Wooers, 
 (And every one more expert in his Art, 
 Then thofe that tempted rhafte Penelope \) 
 Though they rais'd Batteries by prodigal Gifts* 
 By amorous Letters, Vows made for her Service, 
 With all the Engines wanton Appetite 
 Could mount to ihake the Fortrefs of her Honour, 
 Here, here is my AfTuraneeme holds out, 
 
 [Kiffes the Pifturel 
 And is impregnable. 
 Hon. What's that? 
 Math, Her fair Figure. 
 Ladif. As I Jive an excellent Face ! 
 Hon. You have feen a better. 
 
 Ladif. I, ne'er except yours ; nay frown not fweeteftj 
 (Tht Cyprian Queen compared to you, in my 
 Opinion, is a Negro-,} as you order'd, 
 I'll fee the Soldiers paid* and in my Abfence 
 Pray you ufe your powerful Arguments to flay 
 This Gentleman in our Service. 
 
 Hon. I will do 
 My Part. 
 
 Ladif. On to the Camp* 
 
 [Exeunt Ladiflaus, Ferdinand, Eubulus, Bap- 
 
 tifla, Captains;, 
 
 Hon. I am full of Thoughts. 
 And ibmething there is here I muft give Form to, 
 Tho' yet an Embrion, you, Signiors, 
 Have no Bufinefs with the Soldier, as I take it, 
 You are for other Warfare j quit the Place, 
 But be within call. 
 
 Ric. Employment on my Life, Boy. 
 
 Ubal. If it lie in our Road, we are made forever." 
 
 [Exeunt Ubaldo, Ricardo." 
 
 Hon. You may perceive the King is no Way tainted 
 With the Difeafe of Jealouiy, fince he leaves me 
 Thus private with you. 
 
 Mittb. It were in him, Madam,
 
 i 3 2 T H E P I C T U R E. 
 
 A Sin unpardonable to diftruft fuch Purenefs, 
 Though I were an Adonis. 
 
 Hon. I prefume 
 
 He neither does, nor dares : And yet the Story 
 Delivered of you by the General, 
 With your Heroick Courage (which finks deeply 
 Into a knowing Woman's Heart) befides 
 Your promifmg Prefence, might beget fome Scruple, 
 In a meaner Man : But more of this hereafter; 
 i'll take another Theme now, and conjure you 
 By the Honours you have won, and by the Love 
 Sacred to your dear Wife, to anfwer truly 
 To what I mail demand. 
 
 Math. You need not ufe 
 Charms to this Purpofe, Madam. 
 
 Hon. Tell me then, 
 Being yourfelf aflur'd 'tis not in Man 
 To fully with one Spot th' immaculate Whitenefs 
 Of your Wife's Honour, if you have not fmce 
 The Gordion of your Love was tied by Marriage, 
 Play'd falfe with her ? 
 
 Math. By the Hopes of Mercy, never. 
 
 Hon. It may be, not frequenting the Converfe 
 Of handfome Ladies, you were never tempted, 
 And fo your Faith's untried yet. 
 
 Math. Surely, Madam, 
 I am no Woman Hater, I have been 
 Received to the Society of the beft 
 And fairefl of our Climate, and have met with 
 No common Entertainment, yet ne'er felt 
 The leaft Heat that Way. 
 
 Hon. Strange ! and do you think ftill, 
 The Earth can mow no Beauty that can drench 
 In Lethe all Remembrance of the Favour 
 Your now bear to your own ? 
 
 Math. Nature muft find out 
 Some other Mould to faihion a new Creature 
 Fairer then her Pandora^ e'er I prove 
 Guilty or in my Wilhes, or my Thoughts, 
 To my Sophia \ lion.
 
 THE PICTURE. 13 
 
 Hon. Sir, confider .better ; 
 Not one in our whole Sex ? 
 
 Math. I am conftant to 
 My Refolution. 
 
 Hon. But dare you ftand 
 The Oppofition, and bind yourfelf 
 By Oath for the Performance ? 
 
 Math. My Faith elfe 
 Had but a weak Foundation. 
 
 Hon. I take hold 
 Upon your Promife, and enjoin your Stay 
 
 For one Month here 
 
 Math. I am caught. 
 Hon. And if I do not 
 Produce a Lady in that Time that mall 
 Make you confefs your Error, I fubmit 
 Myfelf to any Penalty you mail pleafe 
 T' impofe upon me : In the mean Space write 
 To your chafte Wife, acquaint her with your Fortune \ 
 The Jewels that were mine you may fend to her, 
 For better Confirmation, I'll provide you 
 Of trufty MeiTengers : But how far diftant is me? 
 Math. A Day's hard riding. 
 Hon. There's no retiring, 
 I'll bind you to your Word. 
 
 Math. Well, fince there is 
 No Way to fhun it, I will ftand the Hazard, 
 And inftantly make ready my Difpatch : 
 Till then, I'll leave your Majefly. [Exit Matlids . 
 
 Hon. How I burft 
 
 With Envy, that there Lives, befides myfelf, 
 One fair and loyal Woman, 'twas the End 
 Of my Ambition, to be recorded 
 The only Wonder of the Age ; and mall I 
 Give way to a Competitor ? Nay more, 
 To add to my Affliction, the Aflurances 
 That I plac'd in my Beauty have deceiv'd me : 
 I thought one amorous Glance of mine could bring 
 All Hearts to my Subjection ; but this Stranger, 
 
 I 3 Unmov'd
 
 134 THE PICTURE. 
 
 Unmov'd as Rocks, contemns me. But I cannot 
 Sit down fo with my Honour : I will gain 
 A double Victory, by working him 
 To my Defire, and taint her in her Honour 
 Or lofe myfelf. I have read, that, fome Time Poifon 
 Is ufeful j to fupplant her I'll employ 
 With any Coft, Ubaldo and Ricardo, 
 Two noted Courtiers, of approved Cunning 
 In all the Windings of Lulls Labyrinth ; 
 (And in corrupting him I will outgo 
 ,Nero's Poppasa : If he (hut his Ears, 
 Againft my Syren Notes, I'll boldly fwear 
 Ulvffis lives again ; or that I have found 
 A^frozen Cynic, cold in Spite of all 
 Allurements ; one, whom Beauty cannot move, 
 Nor fofteft Blandifhments entice to Love. 
 
 [Exit Honoria, 
 
 ?be End of the Second Aft, 
 
 $^2^2^^ 
 
 ACT III. SCENE I. 
 
 Enter Hilario. 
 
 THIN, thin, Provifion ! I am dieted 
 Like one fef to watch Hawks ; and to keep me 
 
 waking, 
 
 My croaking Guts make a perpetual 'Larum. 
 Here I ftand Centinel ; and though I fright 
 Beggars from my Lady's Gate, in Hope to have 
 A greater Share, I' find my Commons mend not. 
 (I look'd this Morning in my Glafs, the River 5 
 And there appear*d a Fifh, cali'd a poor John, 
 Cut with a lenten Face in my own Likenefs ; 
 And it feem'd to fpeak, and fay, Good morrow Couzen! 
 No Man comes this Way but has a Fling at me : 
 
 A
 
 T H E P I C T U R E. 135 
 
 A Chirurgeon pafllng by afk'd, at what Rate 
 I would fell myfelf? I anfwered, for whatUfe? 
 To make, faid he, a living Anatomy, 
 And fet thee up in our Hall, for thou art tranfparent 
 Without Diffecuon) and indeed he had Reafon ; 
 For I am fcour'd with this poor Porridge to nothing. 
 They fay that Hunger dwells in the Camp ; but till 
 My Lord returns, or certain Tidings of him, 
 He will not part with me. But Sorrow's dry, 
 And I mud drink howfover. 
 
 Enter UbaJdo 5 and Ricardo, Guide. 
 
 Guide. That is her Cattle 
 Upon my certain Knowledge. 
 
 Ubal. Our Horfes held out 
 To my Defire. I am a Fire to "be at it. 
 
 Ric. Take the Jades for thy Reward ; before I part 
 
 hence, 
 
 I hope to be better carried. Give me the Cabinet : 
 So, leave us now. 
 
 Guide. Food Fortune to you Gallants. [Exit Guide. 
 
 Ubal. Being joint Agents in a Defign, of Truft too, 
 For the Service of the Queen and our own Pleafure, 
 Let us proceed with Judgment. 
 
 Ric. If I take not 
 
 This Fort at the firft Aflault, make me an Eunuch, 
 So 1 may have Precedence. 
 
 UbaL On no Terms. 
 
 We are both to play one Prize ; he that works bell 
 I* the fearching this Mine, mall carry k 
 Without Contention. 
 
 Ric. Make you your Approaches, 
 As I direfted. 
 
 UbaL I need no Inflruflion; 
 I work not on your Anvil. I'll give Fire 
 With mine own Linftock ; if the Powder be danck, 
 The Devil rend the Touch-hole. Who have we here ? 
 What Skeleton's this ? 
 
 I 4 Ric.
 
 1 3 6 THE PICTURE, 
 
 Ric. A Ghoft -, or the Image of Famine. 
 Where doft thou dwell ? 
 
 Hilario. Dwell Sir ? My Dwelling is 
 I' th* Highway. That goodly Houie was once 
 My Habitation ; but I am banifhed, 
 And cannot be call'd home, 'till News arrive 
 Of the good Knight Mathias. 
 
 Ric. If that will 
 Reftore thee, thou art fafe. 
 
 Ubal. We come from him, 
 With Prefents to his Lady. 
 
 Hil. But are you lure 
 He is in Health ? 
 
 Ric. Never fo well : Conduct us 
 To the Lady. 
 
 Hil. Though a poor'Snake, I will leap 
 Out of my Skin for Joy. Break, Pitcher, break i 
 And Wallet, late my Cupboard, I bequeath thee 
 To the next Beggar ; thou red Herring, fwim 
 To the red Sea again. Methinks I am already 
 Knuckle Deep in the Flelh-ppts ; and, though waking, 
 
 dream 
 Of Wine and Plenty. 
 
 Ric. What's the Myftery 
 Of this ftrange Paffion ? 
 
 Hil. My Belly, Gentlemen 
 Will not give me Leave to tell you. When I have 
 
 brought you 
 
 To my Ladies Prefence, I am difenchanted. 
 There you (hall know all. Follow : If I outftrip you, 
 JCnow I run for my Belly. 
 
 Ubal. A mad Fellow. [Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE II. 
 
 Enter Sophia, Corifca. 
 
 Soph. Do not again delude me. 
 Qorf. If I do, fend m a grazing with my Fellow Hi- 
 lario, I
 
 T H E P I C T U R E. 137 
 
 } flood, as you commanded, in the Turret 
 Obferving all that pafs'd by : And even now 
 I did difcern a Pair of Cavaliers, 
 For fuch their Outfide fpoke them, with their Guide 
 Difmounting from their Horfes ; they faid ibmething 
 To our hungry Centincl, that made him caper 
 And frifk i' th' Air for Joy : And to confirm this, 
 See, Madam, they're in View. 
 
 Enter Hilario, Ubaldo, Ricardo. 
 
 77/7. News from my Lord ! 
 Tidings of Joy ! thcfe are no Counterfeits, 
 But Knights indeed. Dear Madam fign my Pardon, 
 That I may feed again, and pick up my Crumbs : 
 J have had a Jong Fail of it. 
 
 Soph. Eat, I forgive thee. 
 
 ////. O comfortable Words ! Eat, I forgive thee ! 
 And if in this I do not foon obey you, 
 And ram in to the Purpofe, billet me again 
 F th' Highway. Butler and Cook be ready, 
 For I enter like a Tyrant. [Exit Hilario. 
 
 Ubal. Since mine Eyes 
 Were never happy in ib fweet an Objed:, 
 Without Enquiry I prefume you are 
 The Lady of the Houfe, and fo falute you. 
 
 Ric. This Letter, with thefe Jewels from your Lord, 
 Warrant my Boldnefs, Madam. 
 
 Ubal. In being a Servant 
 To fuch rare Beauty, you mud needs deferve 
 This Courtefy from a Stranger. [70 Corifca, 
 
 falutes her. 
 
 Ric. You are ftill 
 
 Before-hand with me. Pretty one, I defcend 
 To take the Height of your Lip ; and if I mifs 
 In the Altitude, hereafter, if you pleafe, 
 I will make ufe of my Jacob's Staff. 
 
 [Sophia having in the Interim read the Letter, 
 
 and opened the Cajket. 
 
 Corif.
 
 138 THE PICTURE. 
 
 Corif. Thele Gentlemen 
 
 Have certainly had good Breeding, as it appears 
 gy their neat Kitting^ they hit me fb pat on the Lips 
 At the firft Sight, 
 
 Sopb. Heaven, in thy Mercy, make me 
 Thy thankful Handmaid, for this boundlefs Bleffing, 
 In thy Goodnefs ihower'd upon me. 
 
 Ubal. I do not like 
 
 This fimple Devotion in her ; it is feldom 
 Practised among my Miftrefles, 
 
 Ric. Or mine. 
 
 Would they kneel to I know not who v for the Pofiefilon 
 Of fuch ineftimable Wealth, before 
 They thank'd the Bringers of it ? The poor Lady ' 
 Does want Inftruftion -, but I'll be her Tutor, 
 And read her another Leflpn. 
 
 Soph. If I have 
 
 Shown Want of Manners, Gentlemen, in my Slownefs 
 To pay the Thanks I owe you for your Travel, 
 To do my Lord and me (howe'er unworthy 
 Of fuch a Benefit] this noble Favour : 
 Impute it, in your Clemency, to the Excefs 
 Of Joy that overwhelm'd me. 
 
 Ric'. She fpeaks well. 
 
 UbaL Polite and courtly. 
 
 Sopb. And howe'er it may 
 Increafe th' Offence, to trouble you with more 
 Demands touching my. Lord, before I have 
 Invited you to taite fuch as the Coarfenefs 
 Of my poor Houfe can offer ; pray you con vine 
 On my weak Tendernefs, though I intreat 
 To learn fr6m you fomething he hath, it may be, 
 In his Letter left unmention'd. 
 
 Ric. I can only 
 
 Give you Affurance that he is in Health, 
 Grac'd by the King and Queen. 
 
 Ubal. And in the Court 
 With Admiration look'd on. 
 
 Ric. You muft therefore 
 
 Put
 
 T H E P I C T U R E, 
 
 |Put off thefe Widow's Garments, and appear 
 Like to yourfelf. 
 
 Ubal. And entertain all Pleafures 
 Your Fortune marks out for you. 
 
 Ric. There are other 
 particular Privacies, which on Occafion 
 I will deliver to you. 
 
 Soph. You oblige me 
 To your Service ever. 
 
 Ric. Good ! your Service ; mark that. 
 
 Soph. In the mean Time, by your Acceptance make 
 My ruftick Entertainment relifli of 
 The Curioufnefs of the Court. 
 
 Ubal. Your Looks, fweet Madam, 
 Cannof but make each Dim a Feaft. 
 
 Soph. It (hall be 
 
 Such; in the Freedom of my Will to pleafe you. 
 I'll fhew the Way : This is too great an Honour 
 from fuch brave Guefts, to me ib mean an Hoftefs. 
 
 [Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE III. 
 
 Enter Acanthe to four or five with Vizards. 
 
 Acan. You know your Charge ; give it Adion, and 
 
 expeft 
 Rewards beyond your Hopes. 
 
 1 Viz. If we but eye 'em, 
 They are ours, I warrant you. 
 
 2 Viz. May we not alk why 
 We are put upon this ? 
 
 Acan. Let that ftop your Mouth, 
 And learn more Manners, Groom. 'Tis upon the Hour 
 In which they ufe to walk here : When you have 'em 
 In your Power, with Violence carry them to the Place 
 Where I appointed : There I will expert you. 
 Be bold, and careful. [Exit Acanthe. 
 
 Enter
 
 THE PICTURE. 
 
 Enter Mathias and Baptifta. 
 
 1 Viz. Thefe are they. v 
 
 2 Viz. Are you lure ? 
 
 1 Viz. Am I fure I am myfelf ? 
 
 2 Viz. Seize on him ftrongly ; if he have but Means 
 To draw his Sword, 'tis ten to one we fmart for't. 
 Take all Advantages. 
 
 Math. I cannot guefs 
 
 What her Intents are; but her Carriage was 
 As I but now related. 
 
 Bapt. Your AfTurance 
 
 In the Conftancy of your Lady, is the Armour 
 That muft defend you. Where's the Picture ? 
 
 Math. Here, 
 And no Way alter'd. 
 
 Bapt. If me be not perfect, 
 There is no Truth in Art. 
 
 Math. By this, I hope, 
 She hath receiv'd my Letters. 
 
 Bapt. Without Queftion. 
 Thefe Courtiers are rank Riders, when they are 
 To vifit a handfome Lady. 
 
 Math. Lend me your Ear. 
 One Piece of her Entertainment will require 
 Your deareft Privacy. 
 
 i Viz. Now they (land fair, 
 Upon 'em. 
 
 Math. Villains! 
 
 i Viz. Stop their Mouths. We come not 
 To try your Valours. Kill him, if he offer 
 To open his Mouth. We have you. 'Tis in vain 
 To make Refiflance. -Mount 'em, and away. 
 
 [Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE
 
 THE PICTURE; > 4 
 
 SCENE IV. 
 
 Enter Servants with Lights, LadiQaus, Ferdinand, 
 Eubulus. 
 
 Ladif. J Tis late. Go to your Reft : But do not envy 
 The Happinefs I draw near to. 
 
 Rub. It you enjoy it 
 
 The moderate Way, the Sport yields, I confefs, 
 A pretty Titilation ; but too much oPt 
 Will bring you on your Knees. In my younger Days 
 I was myfelf a Gamefler , and I found 
 By fad Experience, there is no fuch Soker 
 As a young fpongy Wife -, fhe keeps a thoufand 
 Horfe Leeches in her Box, and the Thieves will fuck 
 
 out 
 
 Both Blood and Marrow ! I feel a Kind of Cramp 
 In my Joints when I think on't. But it may be Queen, 
 And fuch a Queen as yours is, has the Art 
 
 Ferd. You take Leave 
 To talk, my Lord. 
 
 Ladif. He may, fince he can do nothing. 
 
 Rub. If you fpend this way too much of your royal 
 E'er long we may be Puefellows. [Stock, 
 
 Ladif. The Door fhut ! 
 
 Knock gently ; harder. So, here comes her Woman. 
 Take off my Gown. 
 
 Enter Acanthe. 
 
 Acan. My Lord, the Queen by me 
 This Night defires your Pardon. 
 
 Ladif. How, Acanthe I 
 
 I come by her Appointment ; 'twas her Grant ; 
 The Motion was her own. 
 
 Acan. It may be, Sir ; 
 But by her Dodtors (he is fince advis'd, 
 For her Health Hike, to forbear, 
 
 Eub.
 
 t* H fe P i c T tr R . 
 
 I do not like 
 This phyfical Letchery -, the old downright Way 
 Is worth a thoufand oft. 
 
 Ladif. Frythee, Acantbe^ 
 Mediate for me. 
 
 Eub. O the Fiends of Hell ! 
 "Would any Man bribe his Servant* to make way 
 To his own Wife ? If this be the Court State, 
 Shame fall on fuch as ufe it. 
 
 Acan. By this Jewel, 
 
 This Night I dare not move her j but to-morrow 
 I will watch all Occafion. 
 
 Ladif. Take this 
 To be mindful of me. [Exit Acanthe* 
 
 Eub. 'Slight, I thought a King 
 
 Might have taken up any Woman at the King's Price : 
 And muft he buy his own, at a dearer Rate 
 Than a Stranger in a Brothel ? 
 
 Ladif. What is that 
 You mutter, Sir ? 
 
 Eub. No Treafon to your Honour : 
 I'll fpeak it our, though it anger you : If you pay for 
 Your lawful Pleafure, in focne Kind, great Sir, 
 What do you make the Queen ? Cannot you clicket 
 Without .a Fee ? or when me has a Suit for you to grant? 
 
 Ferd. O hold, Sir ! ' 
 
 Ladif. Off with his Head, 
 
 Eub. Do when you pleafe j you but blow out a Taper 
 That would light your Underftanding, and in Care oft 
 Is burnt down to the Socket. Be as you are* Sir, 
 
 19 Ferd. O hold, S!r, &c. 
 This, I think, fliould be read thus : 
 
 Ferd. O hold, Sir ! 
 
 Ladif. Off with 's Head. 
 
 Eub. -Do when you pleafe ; 
 
 You but blow but a Taper that would light 
 Your Underftanding, and is in Care oft 
 Burnt down to th' Socket. Be as you are, Sir, 
 AH abfolute, &c. 
 
 An
 
 THE PICTURE. 143 
 
 An abfolute Monarch : It did fhew more King-like 
 In thofe libidinous C<efars^ that compell'd 
 Matrons and Virgins of all Ranks to bow 
 Unto their rav'nous Lufts ; and did admit 
 Of more Excufe than I can urge for you, 
 That {lave 1 yourfelf to th' imperious Humour 
 Of a proud Beauty. 
 
 Ladif. Out of my Sight. 
 
 Eub. I will, Sir, 
 
 Give Way to your furious Paffion : But when Reafor* 
 Hath got the better of it, I much hope 
 The Counfel that offends now, will deferve 
 Your royal Thanks. Tranquillity of Mind 
 Stay with you, Sir. I do begin to doubt 
 There's fomething more in the Queen's Strangenefs that! 
 Is yet difclos'd ; and I'll find it out, 
 Or lofe myfelf in the Search. [Exit Eubulus. 
 
 Ferd. Sure he is honeft, 
 And from your Infancy hath truly ferv'd you : 
 Let that plead for him, and impute this Harfhnefs 
 To the Frowardnefs of his Age. 
 
 Ladif. I am much troubled, 
 
 And do begin to dagger. Ferdinand, good Night ! 
 To-morrow vifit us. Back to our own Lodgings. 
 
 [Exeunt. 
 SCENE V. 
 
 Enter Acanthe, tie Vizanhd Servants, Mathias, Baptifta. 
 
 Acan. You have done bravely. Lock this in that 
 Room, [They carry off Baptifta. 
 
 There let him ruminate-, I'll anon unhood him: 
 The other nuift May here. As foon as I 
 Have quit the Place, give him the Liberty 
 And Ule of his Eyes; that done, difperfe yourfelves 
 As privately as you can : But, on your Lives, 
 No Word of what hath pafs'd. [Exit Acanthe. 
 
 i Viz. If I do, fell 
 
 My Tongue to a Tripe- Wife, Come, unbind his Arms , 
 
 You
 
 144 THE P I C T U R & 
 
 You are now at your own Difpofure, and howevef 
 We us'd you roughly, I hope you will find here 
 Such Entertainment as will give you Caufe 
 To thank us for the Service : and fo we leave you. 
 
 [Exeunt Servants, 
 
 Math. If I am in a Prifon, 'tis a neat one. 
 What CEdipus can refolve this Riddle f Ha ! 
 I never gave juft Caufe to any Man 
 Bafely to plot againft my Life. But what is 
 Become of my true Friend ? for him I fuffer 
 More than myfelf. 
 
 Acan. Remove that idle Fear ; [From behind* 
 
 He's fafe as you are. 
 
 Math. Whofoe'er thou art, 
 'For him I thank thee. I cannot imagine 
 Where I mould be : Though I have read the Table 
 Of Errant- knighthood, flurf'd with the Relations 
 Of magical Enchantments ; yet I am not 
 So fottilhly credulous to believe the Devil 
 Hath that Way Power. Ha ! Mufick ! 
 
 Mujick above, a Song of Pleafure. 
 
 'The blujhing Rofe and purple Flower ; 
 
 Let grow too long, are fooneft blafted. 
 Dainty Fruits, though fweet, will four, 
 
 And rot in Ripenefs, left untafted. 
 Tet here is one more fweet than thefe ; 
 The more you tafte, the more foe* II pleafe, 
 
 Beauty, tho* inclosed with Ice, 
 
 Is a Shadow chafte as rare ' 
 'Then how much thofe Sweets intice, 
 
 "That have IJfue full as fair / 
 ' Earth cannot yield from all her Powers, 
 One equal for Dame Venus' Bowers. 
 
 A Song too ! Certainly, be it he or fhe 
 
 That owns this Voice, it hath not been acquainted 
 
 With
 
 THE PICTURE. 145 
 
 With much Affliction. Whofoe'er you are 
 That do inhabit here, if you have Bodies, 
 And are not mere aerial Forms, appear, 
 
 Enter Honoria majk'd. 
 
 And make me know your End with me. Mod ftrangef 
 What have I conjur'd up ? 'Sure, if this be 
 A Spirit, 'tis no damn'd one. What a Shape's here! 
 Then with what Majefty it moves. If Juno 
 Were now to keep her State among the Gods, 
 And Hercules to be made again herGueft, 
 She could not put on a more glorious Habit, 
 Though her Handmaid* /w, lent her various Colours., 
 Or could Oceanus ravifh'd from the deep, 
 All Jewels fhipwreck'd in it. As you have 
 Thus far made known yourfelf, if that your Face 
 Have not too much Divinity about it 
 For mortal Eyes to gaze on, perfect: what 
 You have begun, with Wonder and Amazement 
 To my artoniih'd Senfes. How ! the Queen ! [Kneels. 
 
 [She pulls off her Ma/k, 
 
 Hon. Rife, Sir, and hear my Reafons in Defence 
 Of the Rape (for fo you may conceive) which I 
 By my Instruments made upon you. You, perhaps, 
 May think what you have fuffer'd for my Luft 
 Is a common Practice with me; but I call 
 Thofe ever mining Lamps, and their great Maker, 
 As Witneffes of my Innocence : I ne'er Jook'd on 
 A Man but your bell felf, on whom I ever 
 (Except the King) vouchfaf 'd an Eye of Favour. 
 
 Math. The King, indeed, and only fuch a King, 
 Deferves your Rarities, Madam ; and, but he, 
 'Twere giant-like Ambition in any 
 In his VVifhes only to prefume to tafte 
 The Nectar of your Kifies ; or to feed 
 His Appetite with that Ambrofia, due 
 And proper to a Prince ; and what binds more, 
 A lawful Hufband. For myfelf, great Queen, 
 
 VOL. II. K I arn
 
 146 THEPICTUR , 
 
 I am a Thing obfcure, disfurnifti'd of 
 
 All Merit that can raife me higher than 
 
 In my moft humbie Thankfulneis for your Bounty,. 
 
 To hazard my Life for you, and that Way 
 
 I am moft ambitious. 
 
 Hon. I defire no more 
 
 Than what you promife. If you dare expofe. 
 Your Life, as you profefs, to do me Service, 
 How can it better be employ'd, than in 
 Preferving mine ? which only you can do, 
 And muft do with the Danger of your own. 
 A defperate Danger too ! If private Men 
 Can brook no Rivals in what they affed:, 
 But to the Death purfue fuch as invade 
 What La-w makes their Inheritance ; the King, 
 To whom you know I am dearer than his Crown, 
 His Health, his Eyes, his After-hopes, with all 
 His prefent Blefiings, muft fall on that Man 
 Like dreadful Lightning, that is won by Prayers, 
 Threats, or Rewards, to ftain his Bed,, or make 
 His hop'd-for Iffue doubtful. 
 
 Math. If you aim 
 
 At what I more than fear you do, the Reafons 
 Which you deliver mould in Judgment rather 
 Deter me, than invite a Grant, with my 
 Affured Ruin. 
 
 Hon. True, if that you were 
 Of a eold Temper, one whom Doubt, or Fear, 
 In the moft horrid Forms they could put on, 
 Might teach to be ingrateful. Your Denial 
 To me that have deferv'd fo much, is more, 
 If it can have Addition. 
 
 Math. I know not 
 What your Commands are.. 
 
 Hon. Have you fought fo well 
 Among arm'd Men, yet cannot guefs what Liffo 
 You are to enter, when you are in private 
 With a willing Lady ? One, that to enjoy 
 Your Company, this Night deny'd the King 
 
 Accela
 
 THE PICTURE. 147 
 
 Atcefs to what's his own. If you will prefs me 
 To fpeak in plainer Language 
 
 Math. Pray you forbear ; 
 1 would I did not underftand too much 
 Already. By your Words I am inftrucled 
 To credit that* which, not confirm'd by you, 
 Had bred Sufpicion in me of Untruth, 
 Though an Angel had affirm'd it; But fuppofe 
 That, cloy'd with Happinefs (which is ever built 
 On virtuous Chaftity) in the Wantonnefs 
 Of Appetite you defire to make Trial 
 Of the falfe Delights propos'd by vicious Luft j 
 Among ten thoufand^ every way more able 
 And apter to be wrought on, fuch as owe you 
 Obedience, being your Subjects, why mould you 
 Make Choice of me, Stranger ? 
 
 Hen. Though yet Reafon 
 Was ne'er admitted in the Court of Love, 
 I'll yield you one unanfwerable. As I urg'd 
 In our laft private Conference, you have 
 A pretty promifing Prefence ; but there are 
 Many in Limbs and Feature who may take 
 That Way the Right-hand File of you : Befides* 
 Your May of Youth is pad, and the Blood fpent 
 By Wounds (though bravely taken) render you 
 Difabled for Love's Service j and that Valour 
 Set off with better Fortune, which it may be 
 Swells you above your Bounds, is not the Hook 
 That hath caught me, good Sir : I need no Champion 
 With his Sword to guard my Honour or my Beauty j 
 In both I can defend myfelf, and live 
 My own Protection. 
 
 Math. If thefe Advocates, 
 The beft that can plead for me, have no Power ; 
 W T hatelfe can you find in me, that may tempt you 
 With irrecoverable Lois unto yourfelf 
 To be a Gainer from me ? 
 
 Hon. You have, Sir, 
 
 A Jewel of fuch matchlefs Worth and Luftre, 
 K 2
 
 14* THE PICTURE, 
 
 As does difdain Companion, and darkens 
 All that is rare in other Men -, and that 
 I muft, or win, or leffen. 
 
 Math. You heap more 
 Amazement on me ! What am I poflefs'd of 
 That you can covet ? Make me underfland it, 
 If it have a Name ? 
 
 Hon. Yes, an imagin'd one ; 
 But is in Subftance nothing, being a Garment 
 Worn out of Fafhion, and long fince given o'er 
 By the Court and Country -, 'tis your Loyalty, 
 And Conftancy to your Wife ; 'tis that I dote on, 
 And does deferve my Envy ; and that Jewel, 
 Or by fair Play, or foul, I muft win from you. 
 
 Math. Thefe are mere Contraries. If you love mf ? 
 
 Madam, 
 
 For my Conftancy, why feek you to deftroy it ? 
 In my keeping, it preferves me worth your Favour ! 
 Or if it be a Jewel of that Value, 
 As you with labour'd Rhetorick would perfuade me, 
 What can you flake againft it ? 
 
 Hon. A Queen's Fame, 
 And equal Honour. 
 
 Math. So, whoever wins, 
 Both mail be Lofers. 
 
 Hon. That is what I aim at. 
 Yet on the Dye I lay my Youth, my Beauty, 
 This moift Palm, this foftLip, and thofe Delights 
 Darknefs (hould only judge of! Do you find 'era. 
 Infectious in the Trial,- that you ftart 
 As frighted with their Touch ? 
 
 Math. Is it in Man 
 To refift fuch ftrong Temptations 
 
 Hon. He begins 
 To waver. [4/ide. 
 
 Math. Madam, as you are gracious,. 
 Grant this fhort Night's Deliberation to me, 
 And with the rifing Sun from me you fhall 
 Receive full Satisfaction. 
 
 Heal
 
 T H E P I C T U R E. H9 
 
 Hon. Though Extreams 
 Hate all Delay, I will deny you nothing, 
 This Key will bring you to your Friend ; you arc both 
 
 iafe : 
 
 And all Things ufeful that could be prepared 
 For one I love and honour, wait upon you. 
 Take Counfel of your Pillow, fuch a Fortune 
 As with Affection's fwifteft Wings flies to you, 
 Will not be often tendred. [Exit Honoria, 
 
 Math How my Blood 
 Rebels! I now could call her back and yet 
 There's fomething flays me : If the King had tender'd 
 Such Favours to my Wife, 'tis to be doubted 
 They had not been refus'd : But, being a Man, 
 I mould not yield firft, or prove an Example 
 For her Defence of Frailty. By this, fans Queftion, 
 She's tempted too ; and here 1 may examine 
 
 [Look on the Pifture. 
 
 How me holds out. She's ftill the fame, the fame 
 Pure Chryftal Rock of Chaftity ! Perifh all 
 Allurements that may alter me ! The Snow 
 Of her fweet Coldnels, hath extinguifhed quite 
 The Fire that but even now began to flame : 
 And I by her confirm'd, Rewards, nor Titles, 
 Nor certain Death from the refufed Queen, 
 Shall fhake my Faith , fince I refolve to be 
 Loyal to her, as me is true to me. [Exit Mathias. 
 
 SCENE VI. 
 w/frUbaldo, Ricardo. 
 
 Ubal. What we fpake on the Volley begins to work, 
 We have laid a good Foundation 
 
 Ric. Build it up, 
 
 Or elfe 'tis nothing : You have by Lot the Honour 
 Of the firft Affauk ; but, as it is condition'd, 
 Obferve the Time proportion'd - t I'll not part with 
 
 K 3 My
 
 150 THE PICTURE, 
 
 -My Share in the Achievement*, when I whittle, 
 Or hem, fall off. 
 
 Enter Sophia. 
 
 Ubal. She comes. Stand by, P1J watch 
 My Opportunity. 
 
 Soph. I find myfelf v 
 
 Strangely diffracted with the various Stories, 
 Now well, now ill, then doubtfully, by my Guefts 
 Deliver'd of my Lord : And like poor Beggars 
 That in their Dreams find Treafure, by Reflection 
 Of a wounded Fancy make it queftionable 
 Whither they deep,, or not ; yet tickl'd with 
 Such a phantaftick Hope of Happinefs, 
 "Wifh they may never wake : In ibme fuch Meafure, 
 Incredulous of what I fee, and touch, 
 ,As 'twere a fading Apparition, I 
 Am ftill perplex'd, and troubled -, and when moft 
 Confirm'd 'tis true, a curious Jealoufy 
 To be aflur'd, by what Means, and from whom, 
 Such a Mafs of Wealth was firft defer v'd, then gotterij 
 Cunningly deals into me. I have praftis'd, 
 For my certain Refolution, with thefe Courtiers 5 
 Promifing private Conference to either. 
 And at this Hour, if in Search of the Truth, 
 I hear, or fay, more than becomes my Virtue, 
 Forgive me my Matbias. 
 
 Vbal. Now 1 make in. 
 JMadam, as you commanded, I attend 
 Your Pleafure. 
 
 Soph. I muft thank you for the Favour. 
 
 Ubal. I am no ghoftly Father ; yet if you have 
 Some Scruples, topching your Lord, you would be re- 
 
 folv'd of, 
 I am prepar'd. 
 
 Soph. -But will you take your Oath, 
 TO anfwer truly ? 
 
 Ubal. (On the Hem of your Smock if you pleafe, 
 
 A
 
 T H E P I C T U R E. ift 
 
 A Vow I dare not break, it being a Book 
 I would gladly fwearon.) 
 
 Soph. Tofpare, Sir, that Trouble, 
 I'll take your Word, which in a Gentleman 
 Should be of equal Value. Is my Lord, then, 
 In fuch Grace with the Queen ? 
 
 Ubal. You mould beftknow 
 By what you have found from him, whether he can 
 Deferve Grace or no. 
 
 Soph. What Grace do you mean ? 
 
 Ubal. That fpecial Grace (if you'll have It) 
 He laboured fo hard for between a Pair of Sheets 
 On your wedding Night, when your Ladyfhip 
 Loft you know what. 
 
 Soph. Fie, be more modeft, 
 Or I muft leave you. 
 
 Ubal. I would tell a Truth 
 As cleanly as I could, and yet the Subject 
 Makes me run out a little. 
 
 Soph. You would put now 
 A foolifh Jealoufy in my Head, my Lord 
 Hath gotten a new Miftrefs* 
 
 Ubal. One ! a hundred : 
 But under Seal I fpeak it ; I prefume 
 Upon your Silence, it being for your Profit, 
 (They talk of Hercules' Back for fifty in a Night-, *' 
 'Twas weil , but yet to yours he was a Pidler : 
 Such a Soldier, and Courtier never came 
 To Alba regalis^ the Ladies run mad for him, 
 And there is fuch Contention among 'em 
 
 10 Thy Talk of Hercules' Back far fifty in a Nighty 
 
 T-UW well, &c. 
 
 This Freedom of Language, I am afraid, will be apt to difpleafe 
 ininy of MaffingeSs Readers; who, perhaps, will think that fuch 
 Scenes had better have been quite omitted ; But as that would not be 
 confiftent with my Plan, I ftiall urge in Defence, that it was the Vice of 
 the Age he lived in ; and that Ma/finger was perhaps, obliged more 
 from Neceflity than Inclination to comply with the Tafte of his Au- 
 dience, in order to fecure his Pieces a favourable Reception. 
 
 K 4 Who
 
 152 THE PICTURE. 
 
 Who (hall ingrofs him wholly, that the like 
 Was never heard of.) 
 
 Soph. Are they handfome Women ? 
 
 Ubal. Fie, no, courfe Mammets, and what's worfc 
 
 they are old too 
 
 Some fifty, fome threefcore, and they pay dear for't, 
 Believing, that he carries a Powder in his Breeches 
 Will make 'em young again, and thefe fuck fhrewdly, 
 
 Ric. Sir I muft fetch you off. \Wbiftles. 
 
 Ubal. I could tell you Wonders 
 Of the Cures he has done, but a Bufmefs of Import 
 Calls me away ; but that difpatch'd I will 
 Be with you prefently. [He jleps afide. 
 
 Soph. There is fomething more 
 In this then bare Sufpicion. 
 
 Ric. Save you, Lady : 
 
 Now you look like yourfelf ! I have not look'd on 
 A Lady more compleat, yet have feen a Madam 
 Wear a Garment of this Fafhion, of the fame Stuff too, 
 One juft of your Dimenfions j fat the Wind there Boy ? 
 
 Soph. Whaj Lady, Sir ? 
 
 Ric. Nay, nothing ; and methinks 
 I mould know thisiluby : Very good ; 'tis the fame. 
 This Chain of orient Pearl, and this Diamond too, 
 Have been worn before; but much Good may they do 
 
 .you s 
 (Strength tp the Gentleman's Back, he toil'd hard for 
 
 'em,) 
 Before he got 'em. 
 
 Soph. Why? How were they gotten? [Ubaldo hems. 
 
 Ric. Not in the Field with his Sword, upon my Life, 
 He may thank his clofe Stillet too. Plague upon it i 
 Run the Minutes fo fail ? Pray excufe my Manners 
 I left a Letter in my Chamber Window, 
 Which I would not have feen on any Terms ; Fie on it, 
 Forgetful as I am ; but I'll ftrait attend you. 
 
 [Ricardo/^pJ (ifide. 
 
 $oph. This is ftrange ; his Letters laid thefe Jewels 
 were 
 
 Prefented
 
 THE PICTURE. 153 
 
 Preferred him by the Queen, as a Reward 
 For his good Service, and the Trunks of Clothes 
 That followed them this laft Night, with Hafte made up 
 By his Direction. 
 
 Enter Ubaldo. 
 
 Ubfl. I was telling you 
 Of Wonders, Madam. 
 
 Soph. Jf you are fo fkilful, 
 Without Premeditation anfwer me, 
 Know you this Gown, and thefe rich Jewels? 
 
 Ubal. Heaven! 
 How Things will come out ! but that I fhould offend 
 
 you, 
 
 And wrong my more then noble Friend 
 Your Hufband (for we are fworn Brothers) in theDif- 
 
 covery 
 Of his neareft Secrets, I could 
 
 Soph. By the Hope of Favour 
 That you have from me, out with it. 
 
 Ubal. 'Tis a potent Spell, 
 I cannot refift , why I will tell you, Madam, 
 And to how many feveral Women you are 
 Beholding for your Bravery, this was 
 The wedding Gown of Paulina, a rich Strumpet, 
 Worn but a Day, when fhe married old Gonzage, 
 And left off trading. 
 
 Soph. O my Heart ! 
 
 Ubal. This Chain 
 
 Of Pearl was a great Widow's that invited 
 Your Lord to a Malque, and the Weather proving foul, 
 He lodg'd in her Houfe all Night, and merry they were; 
 ut how he came by it I know not. 
 
 Soph. Perjur'd Man ! 
 
 Ubal. This Ring was Juliet ta's i a fine Piece, 
 But very good at the Sport. This Diamond 
 Was Madam Acanthe's, given him for a Song 
 prick'd in a private Arbour, as fhe laid, 
 
 (When
 
 r 5 4 THE PICTURE. 
 
 (When the Queen aik'd for it,) and fhe heard him (ing 
 
 too, 
 
 And danc'd to his Hornpipe, or there are Liars abroad. 
 There are other Toys about you 
 The fame Way purchas'd, but parallel'd 
 With thefe not worth the Relation. 
 You are happy in a Hufband ; never Man 
 Made better Ufe of his Strength, would you have hint 
 
 wafte, 
 
 His Body away for nothing ? If he holds out, 
 There's not an embroider'd Petticoat in the Court 
 But fhall be at your Service. 
 
 Sepb. I commend him : 
 It is a thriving Trade ; but pray you leave me 
 A little to myfelf. 
 
 UbaL You may command 
 Your Servant, Madam, fhe's flung unto the quick, Lad, 
 
 Ric. I did my Part; if this work not, hang me; 
 I^et her fleep as well as me can to Night, To-morrow 
 "We'll mount new Batteries. 
 
 Ubal. And till then leave her. 
 
 [Exit Ubaldo, Ricardo. 
 
 Soph. You Powers, that take into your Care the Guard 
 Of Innocence, aid me ; for I am Creature, 
 So forfeited to Defpair, Hope cannot fancy 
 A Ranfom to redeem me, I begin 
 To waver in my Faith, and make it doubtful, 
 Whither the Saints that were canoniz'd for 
 Their Holinefs of Life, fmn'd not in Secret, 
 Since my Matbias is fall'n from his Virtue 
 In fu.ch an open Fafhion, Could it be elfe, 
 That fuch a Hufband, fo devoted to me, 
 So vow'd to Temperance ; for lafcivious Hire, 
 Should proftitute himfelf to common Harlots, 
 Old and deform'd too, waft for this he left me ? 
 And on a feign'd Pretence for want of Means 
 To give me Ornament ? Or to bring home 
 Difeafes to me ? Suppofe thefe are falfe, 
 
 luftful Goats, if he were true and right 
 
 Why
 
 T H E P I C T U R E. 154 
 
 Why ftays he fo long from me, being made rich 
 
 And that the only Reafon why he left me ? 
 
 No, he is loft j and I fliall wear the Spoils, 
 
 And Salaries of Luft ? They cleave unto me 
 
 Like Neff'us' poifon'd Shirt. No, in my Rage 
 
 I'll trar 'cm off, and from my Body warn 
 
 The Venom with my Tears. Have I no Spleen 
 
 Nor Anger of a Woman ? Shall he build 
 
 Upon my Ruins, and I, unreveng'd, 
 
 Deplore his Falfhood ? No, with the fame Trafli 
 
 For which he had difhonour'd me, I'll purchafe 
 
 A juft Revenge. I am not yet fo much 
 
 In Debt to Years, nor fo milhap'd, that all 
 
 Should fly from my Embraces. Chaftity., 
 
 Thou only art a Name, and I renounce thee, 
 
 I am now a Servant to Voluptuoufnefs; 
 
 Wantons of all Degrees and Fafhions, welcome 5 
 
 You lhall be entertain'd, and if I ftray 
 
 Let him condemn himfelf, that led the Way. [Exit. 
 
 Ibe End of the Third Aft. 
 
 A C T IV. S C E N E I. 
 
 Enter Mathias and Baptifta. 
 
 j5^/>/. "TT7E are in a defperate Straight ; there's no 
 
 VV Evafion 
 
 Nor Hope left to come or, but by your yielding 
 To the Neceffity ; you muft feign a Grant 
 To her violent Pafiion, or 
 
 Matb. What, my Baptifta ? 
 
 Bapt. We are but dead elfe. 
 
 Matb. Were the Sword now heav'd up, 
 And my Neck upon the Block, I would not buy 
 An Hour's Reprieve with the Lofs of -Faith and Virtne 
 
 To
 
 156" T H E P I C T U R E. 
 
 To be made immortal here. Arc thou a Scholar, 
 
 Nay, almoft without a Parallel, and yet fear 
 
 To die, which is inevitable ? You may urge 
 
 The many Years that by the Courfe of Nature 
 
 We may travel in this tedious Pilgrimage, 
 
 And hold it as a Blefiing, as it is, 
 
 When Innocence is our Guide ; yet know, 
 
 Our Virtues are preferr'd before our Years, 
 
 By the great Judge. To die untainted in 
 
 Our Fame and Reputation is the greateft ; 
 
 And to lofe that, can we defire to live ? 
 
 Or mail I, for a momentary Pieafure, 
 
 Which loon comes to a Period, to all Times 
 
 Have Breach of Faith and Perjury remembrecj 
 
 In a ftill living Epitaph ? No, Baptifta> 
 
 Since my Sophia will go to her Grave 
 
 Unfpotted in her Faith, I'll follow her 
 
 With equal Loyalty ; but look on this, 
 
 Your own great Work, your Mafter-piece, and then 
 
 She being ftill the fame, teach me to alter. 
 
 Ha! fure I do not fleep ! or, if I dream, 
 
 [The Pifture altered. 
 This is a terrible Vifion ! I will clear 
 My Eyefight, perhaps melancholly makes me 
 See that which is not. 
 
 Bapf. It is too apparent. 
 I grieve to look upon't ; befides the yellow, 
 That does allure fhe's tempted, there are Lines 
 Of a dark Colour, that difperle themfelves 
 ,O'er every Miniature of her Face, and thole 
 Confirm. 
 
 Math. She is turn'd Whore. 
 
 Bapf. I muft not fay fo. 
 Yet as a Friend to Truth, if you will have me 
 Interpret it, in her Confent, and Wifhes ' 
 She's falfe, but not in facl yet. 
 
 Math. Faft! Baptijla? 
 
 Make not yourfelf a Pandar to her Loofenefs, 
 la labouring to palliate what a Vizard 
 
 Of
 
 THE PICTURE. 157 
 
 Of Impudence cannot cover. Did e'er Woman 
 In her Will decline from Chaftity, but found Means 
 To give her hot Luft full Scope ? It is more 
 Impoflible in Nature for grofs Bodies 
 Defcendingof thcmfelves, to hang in the Air, 
 Or with rny ftngle Arm to underprop 
 A falling Tower; nay, in its violent Courfe 
 To flop the Light'ning, then to ftay a Woman 
 Hurried by two Furies, Luft and Falfhood, 
 In her full Career to Wickednefs. 
 
 Bapt. Pray you temper 
 The Violence of your Paffion. 
 
 Math. In Extreams 
 Of this Condition, can it be in Man 
 To ufe a Moderation ? I am thrown 
 From a deep Rock headlong into a Gulph 
 Of Mifery, and find myfelf pad Hope, 
 In the fame Moment that I apprehend 
 That I am falling, and this, die Figure of 
 My Idol, few Hours fince, while fhe continued 
 In her Perfection, that was late a Mirror, 
 In which I faw miraculous Shapes of Duty, 
 Staid Manners, with all Excellency aHufoand 
 Could wifh in a chafte Wife, is on the fudden 
 Turn'd to a magical Glafs, and does prefent 
 Nothing but Horns and Horror. 
 
 Bapt. You may yet 
 
 (And 'tis the beft Foundation) build up Comfort 
 On your own Goodnefs. 
 
 Math. No, that hath undone me, 
 For now I hold my Temperance a Sin 
 Worfe then Excefs, and what was Vice a Virtue. 
 Have I refus'd a Queen, and fuch a Queen 
 ( Whofe ravifhing Beauties at the 6rft Sight had tempted 
 A Hermit from his Beads, and chang'd his Prayers 
 To amorous Sonnets,) to preferve my Faith 
 Inviolate to thee, with the Hazard of 
 My Death with Torture, fince me could inflict 
 No lefs for my Contempt, and have I met 
 Such a Return from thee ? I will not curie thee, 
 
 Nor
 
 158 THE PICTURE; 
 
 Nor for thy Falfhood rail againft the Sex ; 
 
 'Tis poor, and common j I'll only with wife Merf 
 
 Whifper unto myfelf, howe'er they feem ; 
 
 Nor prefent, nor paft Times, nor the Age to come 
 
 Hath heretofore, can now, or ever fhall 
 
 Produce one conflant Woman. 
 
 Bapt. This is more 
 Then the Satyrifts wrote againft 'em, 
 
 Math. There's no Language 
 That can exprefs the Poifon of thefe Afpicks, 
 Thefe weeping Crocodiles, and all too little 
 That hath been faid againft 'em. But I'll mould 
 My Thoughts into another Form, and if 
 She can outlive the Report of what I have done, 
 This Hand, when next Hie comes within my Reach, 
 Shall be her Executioner. 
 
 Enter Honoria. 
 
 Eapt. The Queen, Sir. 
 
 Hon. Wait our Command at Diftancej Sir, you too 
 
 have 
 Free Liberty to depart. 
 
 Bapt. I know no Manners, 
 And thank you for the Favour. [Exit Baptifta, 
 
 Hon. Have you taken 
 
 Good Reft in your new Lodgings ? I expect now 
 Your refolute Anfwer ; but advife maturely 
 Before I hear it, 
 
 Math. Let my Actions, Madam, 
 For no Words can dilate my Joy, in all 
 You can command with Chearfulnefs to ferve you, 
 Allure your Highnefs ; and in Sign of my 
 Submiffion, and Contrition for my Error, 
 My Lips, that but the laft Night fhun'd the Touch 
 Of your's as Poifon, taught Humility now, 
 Thus on your Foot, and that too great an Honour 
 For fuchan Undeferver, feals my Duty. 
 A cloudy Mift of Ignorance, equal to 
 
 Cim-
 
 T H E P I C T U R E. 153 
 
 Cimmerian Darknefs, would not let me fee then* 
 What now with Adoration and Wonder, 
 With Reverence I look up to : But thofe Fogs 
 Difpers'd and fcatter'd by the powerful Beams 
 With which yourfelf the Sun of all Perfection, 
 Vouchfafe to cure my Blindnefs, like a Suppliant 
 As low as I can kneel, I humbly beg 
 What you once pleafed to tender. 
 
 Hon. This is more 
 
 Then I could hope ; what find you fo attractive 
 Upon my Face in fo fhort Time to make 
 This fudden Metamorphofis ? Pray you rife ; 
 I for your late Neglect thus fign your Pardon. 
 Aye now you kifs like a Lover, and not as Brothers 
 Coldly fal ute their Sifters. 
 
 Matb. I am turn'd 
 Ail Spirit and Fire. 
 
 Hon. Yet to give fome Allay 
 To this hot Fervour, 'twere good to remember 
 The King, whofe Eyes and Ears are every where, 
 With the Danger too that follows, this difcover'd. 
 
 Matb. Danger ? A Bugbear Madam, let me ride once 
 Like Phaeton in the Chariot of your Favour, 
 And I contemn Jove's Thunder : Though the King 
 In our Embraces flood a Looker on, 
 His Hangmen too\ with ftudied Cruelty ready 
 To drag me from your Arms, it mould not fright me 
 From the enjoying that, a fingle Life is 
 Too poor a Price for : (O, that now all Vigour 
 Of my Youth were recollected for an Hour, 
 That my Defire might meet with your's, and draw 
 The Envy of all Men in the Encounter 
 Upon my Head,) 1 fbould but we lofe Time, 
 Be gracious, mighty Queen. 
 
 Hon. Paufe yet a little : 
 
 The Bounties of the King, and what weighs more, 
 Your boafted Conftancy to your matchlefs Wife, 
 Should not foon be fhaken.
 
 160 THE PICTURE. 
 
 Math. The whole Fabrick, 
 When I but look on you, is in a Moment 
 O'erturn'd and ruin'd, and as Rivers loofe 
 Their Names, when they are fwallow'd by the Ocean, 
 In you alone all Faculties of my Soul 
 Are wholly taken up, my Wife, and King 
 At the beft as Things forgotten. 
 
 Hon. Can this be ? 
 i have gain'd my End now. \Afid?~ 
 
 Matb. Wherefore ftay you, Madam ? 
 
 Hon. In my Confideration what a Nothing 
 Man's Conftancy is. 
 
 Matb. Your Beauties make it fo, 
 In me, fweet Lady. 
 
 Hon. And it is my Glory : 
 I could be coy now as you were, but I 
 Am of a gentler Temper , howfoever, 
 And in a juft Return of what I have fuffer'd 
 In your Difdain, with the fame Meafure grant me 
 Equal Deliberation : I e'er long 
 "Will vifit you again, and when I next 
 Appear, as conquer'd by it, Slave-like wait 
 On my triumphant Beauty. [Exit Honoria. 
 
 Matb. What a Change 
 
 Is here beyond my Fear ! but by thy Falfhood, 
 Sophia, not her Beauty, is it deny'd me 
 To fin but in my Wifhes. What a Frown 
 In Scorn, at her Departure x , fhe threw on me ? 
 1 am both Ways loft ; Storms of Contempt, and Scorn 
 Are ready to break on me, and all Hope 
 Of Shelter doubtful : I can neither be 
 Difloyal, nor yet honeft j I ftand guilty 
 On either Part -, at the worft Death will end all, 
 And he mufl be my Judge to write my Wrong, 
 Since I have lov'd too much and liv'd too long. 
 
 [Exit Mathias, 
 
 SCENE
 
 THE PICTURE. i6j 
 
 SCENE II. 
 
 ]'.r.'.:r Sophia fola> witb a Bosk and a Note. 
 
 Soph. Nor Cuftom nor Example, nor vail Numbers 
 Of fuch as do offend, make lefs the Sin. 
 Por each particular Crime a flrict Accompt 
 Will be exacted ; and that Comfort which 
 The Damn'd pretend (Fellows in Mifery) 
 7'akes nothing from their 7'orments ; every one 
 Muft fuffer in himfelf the Meafure of 
 His Wickednefs. If fo, as I muft grant, 
 It being unrefutable in Reafon, 
 Howe'er my Lord offend, it is no Warrant 
 For me to walk in his forbidden Paths : 
 What Penance then can expiate my Guilt 
 For my Confent (tranfported then with Pafiion) 
 To Wantonnefs ? The Wounds I give my Fame 
 Cannot recover his i and though I have fed 
 Thefe Courtiers with Promifes and Hopes, 
 I am yet in Fac~t untainted ', and I trull 
 My Sorrow for it, with my Purity 
 And Love to Goodnefs for itfelf, made powerful,' 
 Though all they have alledg'd prove true or falfe, 
 Will be fuch Excrcifms as mall command 
 This Fury Jealoufy from me. What I have 
 Determin'd touching them, I am refolv'd 
 7"o put in Execution. Within there ! 
 Where are my noble Guelts ? 
 
 Enter Hilario, Cprifco, witb other Servants. 
 
 Hit. The elder, Madam, 
 
 Is drinking by himfelf to your Ladyfhip's Health 
 In Mnfkadine and Eggs ; and for a Rafher 
 To draw his Liquor down, he hath got a Pye 
 Of Marrow-bones, Potatoes and Eringo's, 
 With many fuch Ingredients, and 'tis faid 
 He hath lent his Man in Poft to the next Town, 
 
 VOL. II. L For
 
 i6z THE PICTURE. 
 
 For a Pound of Ambergrife, and half a Peck 
 Of -Fifties call'd Cantharides. 
 
 Corif. The younger 
 
 Brunes up himielf, as if this Night he were 
 To aft a Bridegroom's Part; but to what<Purpofe 
 I am Ignorance itfelf. 
 
 Soph. Continue fo. [Gives a Paper. 
 
 Let thofe Lodgings be prepared as this directs you, 
 And fail not in a Circumftance, as you. 
 Refpect my Favour. 
 
 1 Serv. We have our Inflections. 
 
 2 Serv. And punctually will follow 'em. 
 
 [Exeunt Servants* 
 
 Enter Ubaldo. 
 
 Hil. Madam, here comes 
 The Lord Ubaldo. 
 
 Ubal. Pretty one* there's Gold 
 To buy thee a new Gown , and there'is for thee : 
 Grow fat, and fit for Service. I am now 
 As I mould be, at the Height, and able to 
 Beget a Giant. O my better Angel, 
 In this you mew your Wifdom, when you pay 
 The Letcher in his own Coin ; mall you fit puling,. 
 Like a patient Grizzle, and be Jaugh'd at ? No, 
 This is a fair Revenge, mail we to it ? 
 
 Soph. To what, Sir ? 
 
 Ubal. The Sport you promis'd. 
 
 Soph. Could it be done with Safety ? 
 
 Ubal. I warrant you ! I am found as a Bell, a tough. 
 Old Blade, and Steel to the Back, as you mall find me- 
 In the Trial on your Anvil. 
 
 Soph. So , but how, Sir, 
 
 Shall I fatisfy your Friend, to whom, by Promife,, 
 I am equally engag'd ? 
 
 Ubal. I muft confefs 
 
 The more the merrier; but of all Men living 
 Take heed of him ; you may fafer run. upon 
 
 The-
 
 THEPicfURE; i% 
 
 The Mouth of a Cannon when it is unlading, 
 And come off colder. 
 
 Sopb. How ! is he not wholefome ? 
 
 Ubal. Wholefome ! I'll tell you for your Good ; he is 
 A Spital of Dileafes, and indeed 
 More loathfome and infectious ; the Tub is 
 His weekly Bath : He hath not drank this feven Years, 
 Before he came to your Houfe, but Compofitions 
 Of SafTafras and Guaieum, and dry Mutton's 
 His daily Portion ; name what Scratch foever 
 Can be got by Women, and the Surgeons will refolve 
 At this Time or at that, Ricardo had it. [you, 
 
 Sopb. Blefs me from him. 
 
 UbaL *Tis a good Prayer, Lady, 
 It being a Degree unto the Pox 
 
 ' Only to mention him ; if my Tongue burn not, hang 
 When I but name Ricardo. [me 4 
 
 Sopb. Sir, this Caution 
 Muft be rewarded. 
 
 UbaL I hope I have marr'd his Market. 
 But when ? 
 
 Sopb. Why prefently ; follow my Woman, 
 She knows where to conduct you, and will ferve 
 To Night for a Page. Let the Waiftcoat I appointed, 
 With the Cambrick Shirt perfum'd, and the rich Cap, 
 Be brought into his Chamber. 
 
 UbaL Excellent Lady ! 
 And a Caudle too in the Morning. 
 
 Cortf. I will fit you. [Exeunt Ubaldo and Corifca, 
 
 Enter Ricardo. 
 
 Soph. So hot on the Scent ! Here comes the other 
 
 Beagle. 
 
 Ric. Take Purfe and all. 
 ////. If this Company would come often, 
 I fhould make a pretty Term on't. 
 
 Sopb. For your Sake 
 I have pu^t him off-, he only begg'd a Kifs 3 
 
 L 2 I gav4
 
 164, THE- PICT UR E. 
 
 I gave it, and fo parted. 
 
 Ric. I hope better, 
 He did not touch your Lip ? 
 
 Soph. Yes, I allure you. 
 There was no Danger in it ? 
 
 Ric. No ! eat prefently 
 Thefe Lozenges, of forty Crowns an Ounce, 
 Or you are undone. 
 
 Soph. What is the Virtue of 'em ? 
 
 Ric. They are Prefer vatives againft (linking Breath > 
 Rifing from rotten Lungs. 
 
 Soph. If fo, your Carriage 
 Of fuch dear Antidotes, in my Opinion, 
 May render your's fufpected. 
 
 Ric. Fie, no, I ufe 'em 
 
 When I talk with him, I mould be poifon'd elfe. 
 But I'll be free with you. He was once a Creature 
 It may be of God's making, but long fince 
 He is turn'd to a Druggift's Shop ; the Spring and Fall 
 Hold all the Year with him ; that he lives, he owes 
 To Art, not Nature , me has giv'n him o'er. 
 He moves, like the Fairy King, on Screws and Wheels 
 Made by his Doctor's Recipes, and yet flill 
 They are out of joint, and every Day repairing : 
 He has a Regiment of Whores he keeps 
 At his own Charge in a Lazar-houfe : But the bed is, 
 There's not a Nofe among 'em. He's acquainted 
 With the Green Water, and the Spitting Fill's 
 'Familiar to him. In a frofty Morning 
 You may thriift him in a Pottle-pot, his Bones 
 Rattle in his Skin, like Beans tofs'd in a Bladder. 
 If he but hear a Coach, the Fomentation, 
 The Friction, with Fumigation cannot fave him 
 From the Chin-Evil. In a Word, he is 
 Not one Difeafe, but all : Yet, being my Friend,, 
 I will forbear his Character ; for I would not 
 Wrong him in your Opinion. 
 
 Soph. The beft is, 
 The Virtues you beftow on him, to me, 
 
 Are
 
 THE PICTURE. 165 
 
 Are Myfteries I know not : But, however, 
 1 am at your Service. Sirrah, let it be your Care 
 T' uncloath the Gentleman, and with Speed : Delay 
 Takes from Delight. 
 
 &ic. Good, there's my Hat, Sword, Cloak 
 
 A Vengeance on thefe Buttons ; off with my Doublet, 
 I dare fhow my Skin, in the Touch you will like it 
 
 better ; 
 
 Prythee cut my Codpiece-point, and for this Service, 
 When I leave them off they are thine. 
 Hi!. I take your Word, Sir. 
 Ric. Dear Lady, (lay not long. 
 Sofb. I may come too foon, Sir. 
 Mic. No, no, I arn ready now. 
 Hil. This is the Way, Sir. 
 
 [Exeunt Hilario and Ricardc. 
 SopJt. I was much to blame to credit their Reports 
 Touching my Lord, that fo traduce each other, 
 And with fuch viruicnt Malice, though I prefume 
 They are bad enough ; but I have Studied lor 'em 
 A Way for their Recovery. 
 
 [The Noife of clapping a Door, Ubaldo above 
 
 in his Shirt. 
 
 Ubal. What dofl thou mean, Wench ? 
 Why dofl thou fhut the Door upon me ? Ha ? 
 My Cloaths are ta'en away too! fhall I ftarve here ? 
 Is this my Lodging ? I am Cure the Lady talk'd of 
 A rich Cap, a perfum'd Shirt, and a Waifteoat; 
 But here is nothing but a little frefh Straw, 
 A Petticoat for a Coverlet, and that torn too ; 
 And an old Woman's Biggen for a Night-cap. 
 
 Enter Corifca to Sophia. 
 
 'Slight, 'tis aPrrfon, or a Pig-fly. Ha! 
 The Windows grated with Iron, I cannot force 'em, 
 And if I leap down, here, I break my Neck ; 
 I am betray'd. Rogues ! Villains ! let me out ; 
 a Lord, and that's no common Title, 
 
 L 3 And
 
 j66 THE PICTURE. 
 
 And (hall I be us'd thus ? 
 
 Soph. Let him rave, he's faft ; 
 I'll parley with him at Leifure. 
 
 Ricardo entering with a great Nc/ife below, as fallen. 
 
 Ric. Zoons, have you Trap- doors ? 
 
 Soph. The other Bird's i*~ th' Cage too, let him flutter. 
 
 Ric. Whither am I fall'n, into Hell ? 
 
 Ubal. Who makes that Noife there ? 
 Help me, if thou art a Friend. 
 
 Ric. A Friend ? I am where 
 I cannot help myfelf ; let me fee thy Face. 
 
 Ubal. How, Ricardo / prythee throw me 
 Thy Cloak, if thou canft, to cover me, I am almo.ft 
 Frozen to Death. 
 
 Ric. My Cloak ! I have no Breeches ; 
 I am in my Shirt, as thou art ; and here's nothing- 
 For myfelf but a Clown's caft-off Suit. 
 
 Ubal. We are both undone. 
 Pr'ythee roar a little. Madam ! 
 
 Enter Hilario in Ricardo'j Suit. 
 
 Ric. Lady of the Houfe ! 
 
 Ubal. Grooms of the Chamber ! 
 
 Ric. Gentlewomen ! Milkmaids \ 
 
 Ubal. Shall we be murther'd ? 
 
 Soph. No, but found ly puniih'd, 
 To your Deferts. 
 
 Ric. You are not in Earneft, Madam ? 
 
 Soph. Judge as you find, and feel it ; and now hear 
 What I irrevocably purpofe to you. 
 Being receiv'd as Guefts into my Houfe, 
 And with all it afforded entertain'd, 
 You have forgot all hofpitable Duties, 
 And with the Defamation of my Lord, 
 Wrought on my Woman Weaknefs, in Revenge 
 Of his Injuries, as you fafhion'd 'em to me, 
 
 To
 
 THE PICTURE. 46.7 
 
 To yield my Honour to your lawlefs Luft. 
 Hil. Mark that, poor Fellows. 
 
 Soph. And fo far you have 
 Tranlgrefs'd againft the Dignity of Men, 
 (Who fhould, bound to it by Virtue, ftill defend 
 Chafte Ladies Honours) that it was your Trade 
 To make 'em infamous : But you are caught 
 In your own Toils, like luftful Beafts, and therefore 
 Hope not to find the Ufage of Men from me ; 
 Such Mercy you have forfeited, and ihall fuflfer 
 Like the moft flavifh Women. 
 
 Ubal. How will you ufe us ? 
 
 Soph. Eafe and Excefs in Feeding made you wanton 5 
 A Plurify of ill Blood you muft let out. 
 By Labour, and fpare Diet, that Way got too, 
 Orperim with Hunger. Reach him up thatDiftafF 
 With the Flax upon it, though no Omphale, 
 Nor you a fecond Hercules^ as I take it ; 
 As you fpin well at my Command, and pleafe me a 
 Your Wages, in the coarfeft Bread and Water, 
 .Shall be proportionable. 
 
 Ubal. I will flarve firft. 
 
 Soph. That's as you pleafe. 
 
 Ric. W.hat will become of me now ? 
 
 Soph. You mail have gentler Work ; I have oft ob- 
 
 ' ferv'd 
 
 You were proud to (hew the Finenefs of your Hands, 
 And Softnefs of your Fingers , you mould reel well 
 What he fpins, if you give your Mind to it, as I'll 
 
 force you. 
 
 Deliver him his Materials. Now you know 
 Your Penance, fall to work, Hunger will teach you ; 
 And fo, as Slaves to your Luft, not me, I leave you. 
 
 [Exit Sophia and Servants* 
 
 Ubal. I mail fpin a fine Thread out now. 
 
 Ric. I cannot look 
 
 On thefe Devices, but they put me in Mind 
 Of Rope- makers. 
 
 Hil. Fellow, think of thy Tafk, 
 
 L 4 Forget
 
 1 68 T H E P I C T U R E, 
 
 Forget fuch Vanities, my Livery there 
 Will ferve thee to work in. 
 
 Ric. Let me have my Cloaths, yet 
 J was bountiful to thee. 
 
 Hil. They are paft your Wearing, 
 And mine by Promife, as all thefe can witnefs 
 ' You have no Holydays coming, nor will I work 
 While thefe and this lafts ; and ib when you pleafe 
 You may fhut up your Shop-windows. 
 
 [Exit Hilario, 
 
 Ubal. I am faint, 
 And muft lie down. 
 
 Ric. I am hungry too, and cold. 
 
 curfed Women. 
 
 Ubal. This comes of our Whoring. 
 But let us reft as well as we can to-night, 
 But not o'erfleep ourfelves, left we faft to-morrow. 
 
 [They draw the Curtains. 
 
 SCENE III. 
 
 JLnter Ladiflaus, Honoria, Eubulus, Ferdinand, Aean-s 
 the, Attendants. 
 
 Hon. Now you know all, Sir, with the Motives why 
 
 1 forc'd him to my Lodging. 
 
 Ladif. I defire 
 No more fuch Trials, Lady. 
 
 Hon. I prefume, Sir, 
 You do not doubt my Chaftity. 
 
 Ladif. I would not j 
 But thefe are ftrange Inducements. 
 
 Eub. By no Means, Sir. 
 
 Why, though he were with Violence feiz'd upon, 
 And ftill detained, the Man, Sir, being no Soldier, 
 Nor us'd to charge his Pike, when the Breach is open, 
 There was no Danger in't : You muft conceive, Sir, 
 Being religious, fhe chofe him for a Chaplain 
 To read old Homilies to her in the Dark ; 
 She's; bound to it by her Canons. Ladif.
 
 T H E P I C T U R E. j6 9 
 
 Ladif. Still tormented 
 "With thy Impertinence? 
 
 lien, By yourfelr, dear Sir, 
 J was ambitious only to overthrow 
 His boafted Conftancy in his Confent, 
 But for Fact I contemn him , I was never 
 Unchafte in Thought, I laboured to give Proof 
 What Power dwells in this Beauty you admire fo, 
 And when you fee how foon it harh transform'd him, 
 And with what fuperftition he adores it, 
 petermine as you pleafe. 
 
 Ladif. I will look on 
 This Pageant ; but *- 
 
 Hon. When you have feen and heard, Sir, 
 The Paflages which I myfelf difcover'd, 
 And could have kept conceal'd, had I meant bafely, 
 Judge as you pleafe. 
 
 Ladif. Well, I'll obferve the Iflue. 
 
 Eub. How had you took this, General, in your 
 Wife ? 
 
 Ferd. As a ftrange Curiofity; but Queens 
 Are priviledg'd above Subjects, and 'tis fit, Sir. 
 
 [Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE IV. 
 
 Enter Mathias, Baptifta. 
 
 Bapt. You are much alter'd, Sir, fmce the laft Night 
 When the Queen left you, and look chearfully, 
 Your Dulnefs quite blown over. 
 
 Math. I have feen a Vifion, 
 This Morning makes it good, and never was 
 In fuch Security as at this Inftant : 
 Fall what can fall, and when the Queen appears, 
 Whofe fhorteft Abfence now is tedious to me, 
 Obferve th' Encounter. 
 
 Enter
 
 i ;o T H E P I C T U R E. 
 
 Enter Honoria to Mathias. (Ladiflaus, Eubulus 9 Fer- 
 dinand, Acanthe, with others enter 
 
 Baft. She already is 
 Enter'd the Lifts. 
 
 Math. And I prepar'd to meet her. 
 Bapt. I know my Duty. 
 Hon. Not fo, you may ftay now 
 As a Witnefs of our ContradL 
 
 Bapt. I obey 
 Jn all Things, Madam. 
 
 Hon. Where's that Reverence, 
 Or rather fuperftitious Adoration, 
 Which, Captive-like, to my triumphant Beauty 
 You paid laft Night ? No humble Knee ? nor Siga 
 Of vaflal Duty ? Sure this is the Foot 
 To whofe proud Cover, and then happy in it, 
 Your Lips were glevv'd ; and that the Neck then offer'd 
 To witnefs your Subjection to be trod on : 
 Your certain Lofs of Life in the King's Anger, 
 Was then too mean a Price to buy my Favour; 
 And that falfe Glow- Worm Fire., of Conftancy 
 To your Wife, extinguifh'd by a greater Light 
 .Shot from our Eyes ; and that, it may be (being 
 Too glorious to be look'd on) har.h depriv'd you 
 Of Speech, and Motion : But I will take off 
 A little from the Splendor, and defcend 
 From my own Height, and in your Lownefs hear you 
 Plead as a Suppliant. 
 
 Math. I do remember 
 I once faw fuch a Woman. 
 Hon. How ! 
 Math. And then 
 
 .She did appear a mod magdficent Queen ; 
 And what's more, virtuous, tho' ibmewhat darken'd 
 With Pride and Self-Opinion. 
 Eub. Call you this Courtmip ? 
 jMath. And me was happv in a Royal Hiifband, 
 
 Whom
 
 THE PICTURE, 171 
 
 Whom Envy could not tax, unlefs it were 
 ]For his too much Indulgence to her Humours. 
 
 Eub* Pray you, Sir, obierve that Touch, 'tis to the 
 
 Purpofe ; 
 I like the Play the better for't. 
 
 Math. And fhe liv'd 
 
 Worthy her Birth and Fortune ; you retain yec 
 ome Part of her angelical Form ; but when 
 Envy to the Beauty of another Woman 
 Inferior to her's, (one fhe never 
 Had feen, but in her Picture) had difpers'd 
 Infection through her Veins, and Loyalty 
 (Which a great Queen as fhe was, fhould have nourifh'd) 
 Grew odious to her 
 
 Hon. I am Thunderflruck. 
 
 Math. And Luft, in all the Bravery it could borrow 
 From Majefty, howe'er uifguis'd, had took 
 Sure Footing in the Kingdom of her Heart, 
 (Once the Throne of Chaftity,) how in a Moment 
 All that was gracious, great, and glorious in her, 
 And won upon all Hearts ; like feeming Shadows, 
 Wanting true Subftance, vanifh'd. 
 
 Hon. How his Heafons 
 Work on my Soul ! 
 
 Math. Retire into yourfelf. 
 Your own Strength's, Madam, ftrongly man'd with 
 
 Virtue, ' 
 
 And be but as you were, and there's no Office 
 So bafe, beneath the Slavery that Men 
 Impofe on Beafts, but I will gladly bow to. 
 But as you play and juggle with a Stranger, 
 Varying your Shapes like Thetis^ though the Beauties 
 Of all that are by Poets Raptures painted, 
 Were now in you united, you fhould pals 
 Pitied by me perhaps, but not regarded. 
 
 Eub. If this take not, I am cheated. 
 
 Math. To flip once 
 
 Is incident, and excus'd by human Frailty ; 
 But to fall ever, damnable. We were both 
 
 Guilty,
 
 i?s THE PICTURE. 
 
 Guilty, I grant, in tendering our Affection, 
 But, as I hope you will do, 1 repented. 
 \Yhen we are grown up to Ripenefs, our Life is 
 "Like to this Picture. While we run 
 A conftant Race in Goodnefs, it retains 
 Thejuit Proportion. But the Journey being 
 Tedious, and fweet Temptations in the Way, 
 That may in fome Degree divert us from 
 The Road that we put forth in, e'er we end 
 Our Pilgrimage, it may, like this, turn Yellow, 
 Or be with Blacknels clouded. But when we 
 Find we have gone aftray, and labour to 
 Ke-turn unto our never-failing Guide 
 Virtue, Contrition (with unfeigned Tears, 
 The Spots of Vice wafh'd off) will foon reftore it 
 To the firft Purenefs. 
 
 Hon. I am difenchanted : 
 Mercy, O Mercy, Heavens ? [Kneels. 
 
 Ladif. I am ravifh'd with 
 What I have feen and heard. 
 
 Ferd. Let us defcend, and hear 
 The reft below. 
 
 Eub f This hath falPn out beyond 
 My Expectation. [They defcend. 
 
 Hon, How have I wander'd 
 'Out of the Tract of Piety ! and mifled 
 By overweening Pride, and Flattery 
 Of fawnmg Sycophants, -( the Bane of Greatnefs) 
 Could never meet till now a Pafienger, 
 That in his Charity would fet me right, 
 Or ftay me in my Precipice to Ruin ! 
 How ill have I return'd your Goodnefs to me ? 
 
 Enter the King and others. 
 
 The Horror in my Thought oft turns me Marble. 
 But if it may be yet prevented, O Sir, 
 What can I do to fhew my Sorrow, or 
 
 With
 
 THE PICTURE. '173 
 
 With what Brow afk your Pardon ? 
 
 Ladif. Pray you rife. 
 
 Hon. Never, till you forgive me, and receive 
 Unto your Love and Favour, a chang'd Woman. 
 My State and Pride turn'd to Humility, henceforth 
 Shall wait on your Commands, and my Obedience 
 Sceer'd only by your Will. 
 
 Ladif. And that will prove 
 A fecond and a better Marriage to me ; all is forgot*- 
 
 Hon. Sir, I muft not rife yet, 
 Till with a free Confefiion of a Crime, 
 Unknown to you yet, and a following Suit, 
 Which thus I beg, be granted. 
 
 Ladif. I melt with you. 
 'Tis pardon'd, and confirm'd thus. 
 
 Hon. Know then, Sir. 
 
 In Malice to this good Knight's Wife, I praclis'd 
 Ubaldo^ and Ricardo, to corrupt her. 
 
 Bapt. Thence grew the Change of the Picture. 
 
 Hon. And how far 
 
 They have prevailed, I am ignorant. Now, if you, Sir, 
 For the Honour of this good Man, may be intreated. 
 To travel thither, it being but a Day's Journey, 
 To fetch 'em off 
 
 Ladif. We will put on to Night. 
 
 Bapt. I, if you pleafe, your Harbinger. 
 
 Ladif. I thank you. 
 
 Let me embrace you in my Arms, your Service 
 Done on the Turk, compared with this, weighs nothing. 
 
 Math. I am ftili your humble Creature. 
 
 Ladif. My true Friend. 
 
 Ferd. And fo you are bound to hold him. 
 
 Eub. Such a Plant 
 
 Imported to your Kingdom, and here grafted, 
 Woukl yield more Fruit, than all the idle Weeds 
 That fuck up your Reign of Favour. 
 
 Ladif. In my Will 
 I'll not be wanting, prepare for our Journey. 
 
 In
 
 * 
 
 THE PICTURE. 
 
 In Ac~b be my Honoria now, not Name, 
 
 And to all after Times preferve thy Fame. [Exeu?if< 
 
 The End of the Fourth Att. 
 
 A C T V. S C E N E I, 
 
 Sophia, Corifca, Hilario. 
 
 Soph. \ R E they then fo humble ? 
 HiL \, Hunger and hard Labour 
 Have tam'd 'em, Madam -, at firft they bellow'd 
 Like Stags ta'en in a Toil, and would not work 
 For Sullennefs, but when they found without it 
 There was no Eating, arid that to ftarve to Death 
 Was much againft their Stomachs, by Degrees 
 Againft their Wills, they fell to it. 
 
 Corif. And now feed on 
 The little Pittance you allow, with Gladnefs. 
 
 Hil. I do remember that they ftop'd their Nofes 
 At the Sight of Beef and Mutton as courfe Feeding 
 For their fine Palates ; but now their Work being ended* 
 They leap at a Barley Cruft, and hold Cheefe-parings, 
 With a Spoonful of pall'd Wine pour'd in their Water, 
 For feuival Exceedings. ll 
 
 Corif. When I examine 
 
 My Spinfter's Work, he trembles like a 'Prentice, 
 And takes a Box on the Ear when I fpy Faults 
 And Botches in his Labour, as a Favour 
 From a curft Miftrefs. 
 
 Hil. The other too reels well 
 For his Time ; and if your Ladyfhip would pleafe 
 To fee 'em for your Sport, fmce they want airing, 
 
 * * For Fefti'val Exceedings. 
 
 Thus we read in all the old Copies, and it is thus in the City Ma- 
 Jam ; but I think that exceeding Feftivgls is better, though indeed as 
 the Senfe is the fame, it is of little or no Confequence. 
 
 It
 
 THE PICTURE. 
 
 It would do well in my Judgment, you fhall hear 
 Such a hungry Dialogue from 'em. 
 
 Soph. But fuppofe 
 
 When they are out of Prifon they mould grow 
 Rebellious ? 
 
 Nil. Never fear't ; I'll undertake 
 To lead 'em out by the Nole with a. coarfe Thread, 
 Of the one's Spinning, and make the other reel after, 
 And without grumbling ; and when you are weary of 
 Their Company, as eafily return 'em. 
 
 Corif. Dear Madam, it will help to drive away 
 Your Melancholy. 
 
 Soph. Well, on this Afiurance 
 I am content, bring 'em hither. 
 
 Hil. I will do it 
 In ftately Equipage. [Exit Hibrio, 
 
 Soph. They have confefTed then 
 They were fet on by the Queen to taint me in. 
 My Loyalty to my Lord ? 
 
 Corif. 'Twas the main Caufe > 
 That brought 'em hither. 
 
 Soph. I am glad I know it; 
 And as I have begun, before I end, 
 I'll at the Height revenge it ; let us ftep afide ; 
 They come, the Objects fo ridiculous, 
 In Spight of my lad Thoughts I cannot but 
 Lend a forc'd Smile to grace it. 
 
 Enter Hilario, Ubaldo f pinning Ricardo reeling. 
 
 Hit. Come away, 
 
 Work as you go, and lofe no Time, 'tis precious* 
 You'll find it in your Commons. 
 
 Ric. Commons, call you it! 
 The Word is proper , I have graz'd fo long 
 Upon your Commons, I am almoft ftarv'd here. 
 
 Hil. Work harder, and they lhall be better'd. 
 
 Ubal. Better'd? 
 Worfer they cannot be : Would I might lie 
 
 Like
 
 176 THE P I C T U R E, 
 
 Like a Dog under her Table and ferve for a Footftocl,- 
 So I might have my Belly full of that 
 Her Ifland Cur refufes. 
 
 Hil. How do you like 
 Your airing ? Is it not a Favour ? 
 
 Ric. Yes; 
 
 Juft fu'ch a one as you,ufe to a Brace of Greyhounds 
 "When they are led out of their Kennels to feu m her 5 
 But our Cafe is ten Times harder, we have nothing 
 In our Bellies to be vented : If you will be 
 An honeft Yeoman Phenterer, feed us firft, 
 And walk us after ? 
 
 Hil. Yeoman Phenterer! 
 
 Such another Word to your Governor, and you go 
 Supperlefs to Bed for't. 
 
 Ubal Nay, even as you pleafe. 
 (The comfortable Names of Breakfaft, Dinner, 
 Collations, Supper, Beverage, are Words, 
 Worn out of our Remembrance.) 
 
 (Ric. O for the Steam 
 Of Meat in a Cook's Shop ?) 
 
 Ubal I am fo dry, 
 
 I have not Spittle enough to wet my Fingers 
 When I draw my Flax from my Diftaff. 
 
 Ric. Nor I Strength 
 
 To raife my Hand to the Top of my Reeler. Oh ! 
 1 have the Cramp all over me. 
 
 Hil What do you think 
 
 Were beft to apply to it ? A Cramp-Hone, as I take it, 
 Were very ufeful. 
 
 Ric. Oh ! no more of Stones, 
 We have been us'd too long like Hawks already. 
 
 Ubal We are not fo high in our Fleih now to need 
 
 cafting, 
 We will come to an empty Fift. 
 
 Hil. Nay, that you mall not. 
 
 So ho, Birds, how the Eye-afles fcratch, and fcramble I 
 Take Heed of a Surfeit : Do not caft your Gorges, 
 This is more then I have Corn million for ; be thankful. 
 
 Scpb.
 
 THE PICTURE. 177 
 
 $opb. Were all that ftudy the Abufe of Women 
 Ds'd thus, the City would not iwarm with Cuckolds, 
 Kor fo many Tradefmen break. 
 
 Corif. Pray you appear now, 
 And mark the Alteration. 
 
 Hit. To your Work, 
 
 My Lady is in Prefence ; fhew your Duties 
 Exceeding well. 
 
 Soph. How do your Scholars profit ? 
 
 HiL Hold up your Heads demurely. Prettily 
 For young Beginners. 
 
 Corif. And will do well in Time 
 If they be kept in Awe. 
 
 Ric. In Awe ! I am fure 
 I quake like an Afpen Leaf! 
 
 Ubal. No Mercy, Lady ? 
 
 Ric. Nor Intermifiion ? 
 
 Soph. Let me fee your Work. 
 
 Fie upon't, what a Thread's here ! a poor Cobler's Wife 
 Would make a finer to fow a Clown's Rent ftart up j 
 And here you reel as you were drunk. 
 
 Ric. I am fure it is not with Wine 
 
 Soph* O, take heed of Wine ; 
 Cold Water is far better for your Healths, 
 Of which I am very tender ; you had foul Bodies, 
 And muft continue in this phyfical Diet, 
 Till theCaufeof yourDifeafe be ta'en away 
 For fear of a Relapfe, and that is dangerous ; 
 Yet I hope already that you are in fome 
 Degree recovered, and that Way to refolve me 
 Anfwer me truly ; nay, what I propound 
 Concerns both, nearer ; what would you now give, 
 If your Means were in your Hands, to lie all Night 
 With a frefh and handfome Lady ? 
 
 Ubal. How ! a Lady ? 
 
 O ! I am pals'd it, (Hunger with her Razor 
 Hath made me an Eunuch.) 
 
 Ric. For a Mefs of Porridge, 
 Well fopp'd with a Bunch of Raddifh and a Carrot, 
 
 VOL. II. M I
 
 i 7 8 T H E P I C T U R E. 
 
 I would fell my Barony , but for Women, oh ! 
 No more of Women, (not a Dite for a Doxy) 
 After this hungry Voyage. 
 
 Soph. Thefe are truly 
 Good Symptoms , let them not venture too much in the 
 
 Air 
 Till they are weaker. 
 
 Ric. This is Tyranny. 
 
 Ubal. Scorn upon Scorn. 
 
 Soph. You were fo 
 In your malicious Intents to me, 
 
 Enter a Servant. 
 
 And therefore 'tis but Juftice What's the Bufmefs ? 
 
 Serv. My Lord's great Friend, Signior Baptifta, 
 
 Madam, 
 
 Is newly lighted from his Horfe, with certain 
 Afiiirance of my Lord r s Arrival. 
 
 Soph. How! 
 
 And (land I trifling nere ? Hence with the Mungrels 
 To there feveral Kennels, there let them howl in private, 
 I'll be no farther troubled. [Exeunt Sophia and Servant, 
 
 Ubal. O that ever 
 I faw this Fury ! 
 
 Ric. Or look'd on a Woman 
 But as a Prodigy in Nature ! 
 
 Hit. Silence, 
 No more of this. 
 
 Corif. Methinks you have no Caufe 
 To repent your being here. 
 
 Hil. Have you not learnt, 
 When your 'States are fpent, your feveral Trades to live 
 
 by, 
 And never charge the Hofpital ? 
 
 Corif. Work but tightly, 
 And we will not ufe a Dim-clout in the Houfe 
 But of your Spinning. 
 
 Ubal.
 
 THE PICTURE; 179 
 
 UbaL O ! I would this Hemp 
 \Vere turn'd to a Halter. 
 
 HiL Will you march? 
 
 Ric-. A foft one, 
 Good General, 1 befeech you 1 * 
 
 Ubal. I can hardly 
 Draw my Legs after me. 
 
 HiL For a Crutch you may ufe 
 Your Diftaff, a good Wit makes Ufe of all things. ** 
 
 [Exeunt* 
 
 SCENE II. 
 
 Enter Sophia, Baptifla. 
 
 Soph. Was he jealous of me ? 
 
 Bapt. There's no perfect Love 
 Without fome Touch oft, Madam. 
 
 Soph. A nd my Picture 
 
 Made by your d'ivelifh Art, a Spy upon '^ 
 
 My Actions ? I never fat to be drawn, 
 Nor had you, Sir^ Commifllon for't. 
 
 Bapt. Excufe me ; 
 At his earneft Suit I did it. 
 
 Soph. Very good : 
 Was I grown fo cheap in his Opinion of me? 
 
 Bapt. The profperous Events that crown'd his Foiv 
 
 tunes 
 May qualify the Offence. 
 
 Soph. Rood the Events lj 
 
 11 A good Wit make: Ufe of all Things. 
 
 1 would not interrupt the Reader in the foregoing Scene, but I (hall 
 now obferve that the Device p" raclifed on the two wanton Gentlemen, 
 In Revenge for their Falihood and their Attempt* on Sophia, is very 
 mean, conduces bat little to the Plot, and on the whole, is far inferior 
 to the other Pa"rts of this excellent Play, but great Btattits art alvjayt 
 in (be Confines of great Faults. 
 
 *' Sophia. Rood the Event t. 
 
 This is the Reading of all the old Editions, and i* followed by Mr. 
 but I think we ought to read 
 
 &>/. Good the Events, &C, 
 
 Ma Th*
 
 i So THE PICTURE. 
 
 The Sanctuary Fools and Madmen fly to, 
 
 When their rafh and defperate Undertakings thrive 
 
 well ; 
 
 But good and wife Men are directed by- 
 Grave Counfels, and with fuch Deliberation 
 Proceed in their Affairs, that Chance has nothing 
 To do with 'em. Howfoe'er, take the Pains, Sir, 
 To meet the Honour in the King and Queen's 
 Approaches to my Houfe, that breaks upon me, 
 I \vill expect them with my t beft of Care. 
 
 Bapt. To entertain fuch royal Guefts. 
 
 Soph. I know it. {Exit Baptifta. 
 
 Leave that to me, Sir, what mould move the Queen, 
 So given to Eafe and Pleafure, as Fame fpeaks her, 
 To fuch a Journey ? Or work on my Lord 
 To doubt my Loyalty ? Nay, more, to take 
 For the Refolution of his Fears, aCourfe 
 That is by holy Writ deny'd a Chriftian ? 
 'Twas impious in him, and perhaps the Welcome 
 He hopes in my Embraces may deceive 
 His Expectation. The Trumpets fpeak 
 The King's Arrival. Help a Woman's Wit now, 
 To make him, know his Fault and my juft Anger. 
 
 [Exit Sophia, 
 
 SCENE the loft. 
 
 Loud Mufick. Enter Ladiilaus, Mathias, Eubulus, Ho- 
 noria, .Ferdinand, Baptifta, Acanthe, with Attendants 
 
 Eub. Your Majefty muft be weary. 
 
 Hon. No, my Lord, 
 A willing Mind makes a hard Journey eafy. 
 
 Math. Not Jove, attended on by Hermes, was> 
 More welcome to the Cottage of Philemon, 
 And his poor Baucis^ then your gracious felf, 
 Your matchlefs Queen, and all your royal Train 
 Are to your Servant and his Wife. 
 
 Ladi* Where is me?
 
 T H E P I C T U R E. 181 
 
 Hon. I Jong to fee her as my now Joud Rival. 
 
 Rub. And I to have a Smack at her j ('tis a Cordial 
 To an old Man, better then Sack and a Toaft 
 Before he goes to Supper.) 
 
 Math. Ha ! is my Houfe turn'd 
 To a Wildernefs ? Nor Wife nor Servants ready 
 With all Rites due to Majefty, to receive 
 Such unexpected Bleffings, you aflur'd me 
 Of better Preparation, hath not 
 Th' Excefs of Joy tranfported her beyond 
 if er Underftanding ? 
 
 Bapt. I now parted from her, 
 And gave her your Directions. 
 
 Math. How (hall 1 beg 
 
 Your Majefty's Patience ? Sure my Family's drunk, 
 Or by fome Witch, in Envy of my Glory, 
 A dead Sleep thrown upon 'em. 
 
 Enter Hilario, and Servants. 
 
 i Serv. Sir. 
 
 Math. But that 
 
 The facred Prefence of the King forbids it, 
 My Sword mould make a Mafiacre among you. 
 Where is your Miftrefs ? 
 
 Hit. Firft, you are welcome home, Sir, 
 Then know, me fays Ihe's fick, Sir, there's no Notice 
 Taken of my Bravery. 
 
 Math. Sick at fuch a Time ! 
 It cannot be though fhe were on her Death-bed, 
 And her Spirit even now departed, here (land they 
 Could call it back again, and in this Honour 
 Give her a fecorid Being, bring me to herj 
 I know not what to urge, or how to redeem 
 This Mortgage of her Manners. 
 
 [Exit Mathias and Hilario. 
 
 Eub. There's no Climate . 
 
 In the World, I think, where one Jade's Trick or other 
 Reigns not in Women. 
 
 M 3 Ferd.
 
 ? 8i T H E E I C T U R E, 
 
 ferd. You were ever bitter 
 Againft the Sex. 
 
 Ladif. This is very ftrange. 
 
 Hon. Mean Women 
 Have their Faults as well as Queeps. 
 
 Ladif. Q fhe appears noyv. 
 
 "Enter Mathias, Sophia. 
 
 Math. The Injury that you conceive I have done yot 
 Difpute hereafter, and in your Perverfenefs 
 Wrong not yourfelf, and me. 
 
 Soph. I am pafs'd my Childhood, 
 And need no Tutor. 
 
 Math, This is the great King, 
 To whom I am engag'd till Death, for alj 
 I ftand pofleis'd of. 
 
 Soph. My humble Roof is proud, Sir, 
 To be the Canopy of fo much Greatnefs, 
 Set off with Goodnefs. 
 
 Ladif. My own Praifes flying 
 In fuch pure Air, as your fweet Breath, fair Lady, 
 Cannot but pleafe me. 
 
 Math. This is the Queen of Queens, 
 In her Magnificence to me. 
 
 Soph. In my Duty 
 IkifsherHighnefs Robe, 
 
 Hon. You ftoop to low 
 To her whofe Lips would meet with yours. 
 
 Soph. Howe'er, 
 
 It may appear prepoft'rous in Women 
 So to encounter, 'tis your Pleafure, Madam, 
 And not my proud Ambition do you hear, Sir \ 
 Without a magical Picture, in the Touch 
 J find your Print of clofe and wanton KiiTes 
 On the Queen's Lips. 
 
 Math. Upon your Life be filent. 
 now falute thefe Lords. 
 
 Soph. Since you'll have me, 
 
 YOB
 
 THE PICTURE. 183 
 
 You mall fee I am experienc'd at the Game, 
 And can play it tightly. You are a brave Man, Sir, 
 And do deferve a tree and hearty Welcome. 
 Be this the Prologue to it. 
 
 Eub. An old Man's Turn 
 Is ever laft in Kitting. I have Lips too, 
 Howe'er, cold ones, Madam. 
 
 Soph. I will warm 'em 
 With the Fire of mine. 
 
 Eub. And fo fhe has, I thank you ; 
 1 Ihall deep the better all Night for't. 
 
 Math. You expreis 
 The Boldnefs of a wanton Courtezan, 
 And not a Matron's Modefty j take up, 
 Or you are difgrac'd for ever. 
 
 Soph. How ? with kifiing 
 
 FeelingJy, as you taught me ? Would you have me 
 Turn my Cheek to 'em, as proud Ladies ufe 
 To their Inferiors, as if they intended 
 Some Bufinefs mould be whifper'd in their Ear, 
 And not a Salutation ? What I do, 
 I will do freely j now I am in the Humour 
 I'll fly at all, are there any more? 
 
 Math. Forbear, 
 
 Or you will raife my Anger to a Height 
 That will delcend in Fury. 
 
 Soph. Why ? you know 
 How ro refolve yourfelf what my Intents are, 
 By the Help of Mephoftophilos, and your Picture. 
 Pray you look upon't again. I humbly thank 
 The Queen's great Care of me, while you were abfent. 
 She knew how tedious 'twas for a young Wife, 
 And being for that Time a Kind of Widow, 
 To pafs away her melancholy Hours 
 Without good Company, and in Charity therefore 
 Provided tor me ; out of her own Store 
 She cull'd the Lords Ubaldo and Ricardo, 
 Two principal Courtiers for Ladies Service, 
 To do me all good Offices j and as fuch 
 
 M 4 Employ'd
 
 184 T H E P I C T U R E, 
 
 Employ'd by her, I hope I have received, 
 And entertain'd 'em -, nor fhall they depart 
 Without the Effect arifing from the Caufe 
 That brought 'em hither. 
 
 Math. Thou doft belye thyfelf : 
 I know that in my Abfence thou wer't honeur, 
 However now turn'd Monfter. 
 
 Soph. The Truth is, 
 
 We did not deal like you, in Speculations 
 On cheating Pictures i we knew Shadows were 
 No Subftances, and actual Performance 
 The befl Affurance, I will bring 'em hither 
 To make good in this Prefence ib much for me. 
 Some Minutes Space I beg your Majefty's Pardon 
 You are mov'd j now champ upon this Bit a little, 
 Anon you fhall have another. " Wait me, Hilario. 
 
 [Exeunt Sophia and Hilario, 
 
 Ladif. How now ? turn'd Statue, Sir ? 
 
 Math. Fly, .and fly quickly 
 From this curfed Habitation, or this Gorgon 
 Will make you all as I am, In her Tongue 
 Millions of Adders hifs, and every Hair 
 Upon her wicked Head, a Snake more dreadful 
 Than that Tifipbon threw on Athamas, 
 Which in his Madnefs forc'd him to difmember 
 His proper Iflue. O that ever I 
 Repos'd my Truft in Magick, or believ'd 
 Impoflibilities ! or that Charms had Power 
 To fink and fearch into the bottomlefs Hell, 
 For a falfe Woman's Heart. 
 
 Eub. Thefe are the Fruits 
 Of Marriage ; and old Batchelor, as I am, 
 And what's more, will continue fo, is not troubled 
 With thefe tine Fagaries. 
 
 Ferd, 'Till you are refolv'd, Sir, 
 Forfake not Hope. 
 
 Bapt. Upon my Life, this is 
 Diffimulation. 
 
 Ladif. And it fuits not with 
 
 Your-
 
 T H E P I C T U R E. 185 
 
 Your Fortitude and Wifdom, to be thus 
 7 ranfported with your Paffion. 
 
 Hon. You were once 
 Deceiv'd in me, Sir, as I was in you ; 
 Yet the Deceit pleas'd both. 
 
 Math. She hath confefs'd all, 
 What further Proof mould I alk? 
 
 Hen. Yet remember 
 The Diftance that is interpos'd between 
 A Woman's Tongue and her Heart, and you mult grant 
 You build upon no Certainties. 
 
 Enter Sophia, Corifca, Hilario, Ubaldo, and Ricardo, 
 as before. 
 
 Eub. What have we here ? 
 
 Soph. You muft come on, and fhew yourfelves. 
 
 Wai. The King ! 
 
 Ric. And Queen too ! Would I were as far under the 
 AS I am above it. [Earth 
 
 Ubal. Some Poet will 
 From this Relation, or in Verfe, or Profe, 
 Or both together blended, render us 
 Ridiculous to all Ages. 
 
 Ladif. I remember 
 
 This Face when it was in a better Plight : 
 Are not you Ricardo ? 
 
 Hon. And this Thing, I take it, 
 Was once Ubaldo. 
 
 Ubal. I am now I know not what. 
 
 Ric. We thank your Majefty for employing us 
 To this fubtle Circe. 
 
 Eub. How, my Lord, turn'd Spinfter ! 
 Do you work by the Day, or by the Great ? 
 
 Ferd. Is your Theorbo 
 
 Turn'd to a Diftaff, Signior ? and your Voice, 
 With which you chanted Room for a lufty Gallant, 
 Turn'd to the Note of Lacrymae ? 
 
 Eub. Pr'ythee tell me, 
 
 For
 
 i%6 THE PICTURE. 
 
 For I knowthou art free, how often, and to the Purpofe, 
 Have you been merry with this Lady ? 
 
 Ric. Never, never, 
 
 Ladif. Howfoever you fhould fay fo, for your Credit, 
 Being the only Court Bull. 
 
 Ubal. Q that ever 
 I faw this kicking Heifer ! 
 
 Soph. You fee, Madam, 
 
 How I have cur'd your Servants, and what Favours 
 They with their rampant Valour have won from me. 
 You may, as they are phyfick'd, I prefume, 
 Truft a fair Virgin with 'em ; they have learn'd 
 Their feveral Trades to live by, and paid nothing 
 But Cold and Hunger for 'em, and may now 
 Setup for themfelves, for here I give 'em over. 
 And now to you, Sir, why do you not again 
 Perufe your Picture, and take the Advice 
 Of your learned Confort ? Thefe are the Men, or none,. 
 That made you, as the Italian fays, a Bece. 
 
 Math. I know not which Way to entreat your Pardon 9 
 Nor am I worthy of it, my Sophia, 
 My beft Sophia, here before the King, 
 The Queen, thefe Lords, and all the Lookers on, 
 I do renounce my Error, and embrace you, 
 As the great Example to all After-times 
 For fuch as would die chafte and noble Wives, 
 With Reverence to imitate, 
 
 Soph. Not fo, Sir. 
 
 I yet hold off. However I have purg'd 
 My doubted Innocence, the foul Afperfions, 
 In your unmanly Doubts caft on my Honour, 
 Cannot fo foon be wafh'd off. 
 
 Eub. Shall we have 
 More Jiggobobs yet ? 
 
 Soph. When you went to the Wars, 
 I fet no Spy upon you, to obferve 
 Which Way you wander'd, though our Sex by Nature 
 Is fubject to Sufpicions and Fears ; 
 My Confidence in your Loyalty freed me from 'em. 
 
 But
 
 THE PICTURE. 187 
 
 But to deal as you did 'gainft your Religion, 
 
 With this Enchanter to iurvey my Actions, 
 
 Was more than Woman's Weaknefs ; therefore know, 
 
 And 'tis my Boon unto the King, I do 
 
 Pefire a Separation from your Bed ; 
 
 For I will fpend the Remnant of my Life 
 
 Jn Prayer and Meditation. 
 
 Math. O take Pity 
 Upon my W 7 eak Condition, or I am 
 More wretched in your Innocence, than if 
 I had found you guilty. Have you fhewn a Jewel 
 Out of the Cabinet of your rich Mind 
 To lock it up again ? She turns away. 
 Will none fpeak for me ? Shame and Sin hath robb'd 
 Of the Ufe of my Tongue. [me 
 
 Ladif. Since you have conquer'd, Madam, 
 You wrong the Glory of your Viclory, 
 If you ufe it not with Mercy. 
 
 Ferd. Any Penance 
 
 You pleafe to impofe upon him, I dare warrant 
 He will gladly furfer. 
 
 Eub. Have J liv'd to fee 
 
 But one good Woman, and (hall we for a Trifle 
 Have her turn Nun ? I will firft pull down the Cloyfter. 
 To the old Sport again, with a good Luck to you : 
 'Tis not alone enough that you are good, 
 We muft have fome of the Breed of you : Will you 
 
 deftroy 
 
 The Kind, and Race of Goodnefs ? I am converted, 
 / nd afk your Pardon, Madam, for my ill Opinion 
 Againft the Sex, and Ihcw me but two fuch more, 
 I'll marry yet, and love 'em. 
 
 Hon. She that yet 
 
 Ne'er knew what 'twas to bend but to the King, 
 Thus begs RemifTion for him. 
 
 Soph. O dear, Madam, 
 Wrong not your Greatnefs fo. 
 
 Omnes. We all are Suitors. 
 
 Ubal, I do deferve to be heard among the reft.
 
 :m T H E P i c T u R E. 
 
 Ric. And we have fuffer'd for it. 
 
 Soph. I perceive 
 
 There's no Refinance : But fuppofe I pardon 
 What's pad, who can fecure me he'll be free 
 From Jealoufy hereafter ? 
 
 Math. I will be 
 
 My own Security : Go ride where you pleafe ; 
 Feaft, revel, banquet, and make Choice with whom, 
 I'll fet no Watch upon you ; and for Proof oft 
 This curfed Picture I furrender up 
 To the confuming Fire. 
 
 Bapt. As I abjure 
 The Practice of my Art. 
 
 Soph. Upon thefe Terms 
 I am reconcil'd j and for thefe that have paid 
 The Price of their Folly, I defire your Mercy. 
 
 Ladif. At your Requeft they have it. 
 
 UbaL Hang all Trades now. 
 
 Ric. I will find a new one, and that is to live honed. 
 
 Hit. Thefe are my Fees. 
 
 UbaL Pray you take 'em with a Mifchief. 
 
 Ladif. So, all ends in Peace now. 
 And to all married Men be this a Caution, 
 Which they mould duly tender as their Life, 
 Neither to doattoo much, nor doubt a Wife. 
 
 [Exeunt omnes. 
 
 FINIS.
 
 THE 
 
 FATAL DOWRY. 
 
 A 
 
 TRAGEDY. 
 
 As it hath been often a&ed at the Private Houfe in 
 Black-Fryers, by his Majefty's Servants. 1632. 
 
 WRITTEN 
 
 By PHILIP MASSINGER. 
 
 AND 
 
 NATHANIEL FIELD.
 
 Dramatis 
 
 CHARALOIS. 
 
 FLORIMEL. if 
 
 ROMONT. 
 
 BELLAPERT. j 
 
 CHARMI. 
 
 AYMER. 
 
 NOVALL, Sen. 
 
 NOVALL, Jun 
 
 LlLADAM. 
 
 Advocates- 
 
 Du CROY 
 
 Three Creditor?. 
 
 ROCHFORT. 
 
 Officers. 
 
 BEAUMONT. 
 
 Prieft, 
 
 PONTALIER. 
 
 Taylor. 
 
 MALOTIN. 
 
 Barber. 
 
 BEAUMELLE. 
 
 Perfumer. 
 
 The Scene* Dijon m Burgundy, 
 
 THE
 
 THE 
 
 FATAL DOWRY.* 
 
 ACT I. SCENE I. 
 
 Enter Charalois, ivitb a Paper, Romont, Charmi. 
 
 Cbarmi. 
 
 F)30ef*UR> I may move the Court to fcrve your 
 & s & Will; 
 
 & & But therein fhall both wrong you and myfelf. 
 &JO & Rom . VYhy think you fo, Sir ? 
 
 Cbarmi. 'Caufe I am familiar 
 With what will be their Anfwer : They will fay, 
 'Tis againft Law, and argue me of Ignorance, 
 For orPring them the Motion. 
 
 Rom. You know not, Sir, 
 
 How, in this Caufe, they may difpenfe with Law, 
 And therefore frame not you their Anfwer for them, 
 But do your Parts. 
 
 Cbarmi. I love the Caufe fo well, 
 That I could run the Hazard of a Check for't. 
 
 Rom. From whom ? 
 
 Cbarmi. Some of the Bench, that watch to give it, 
 More than to do the Office that they fit for : 
 But give me, Sir, my Fee. 
 
 Rom. Now you are noble. 
 
 * Majffinger was affifted in writing this Tragedy by Mr. Nathaniel 
 FitU, the Author of two Comedies befide ; and, as a Poet, very 
 much efteemed by the Cotemporaries of the Age in which he lived. 
 
 Cbarmi,
 
 192 THE FATAL DOWRY. 
 
 Charnii* I fhall deferve this better yet, in giving 
 My Lord fome Counfel (if he pleafe to hear it) 
 Than I fhall do with Pleading. 
 
 Rom. What may it be, Sir ? 
 
 CbartnL That it would pleafe his Lordfhip, as the 
 
 Prefidents 
 
 And Couhfellors of Court come by, to ftand 
 Here, and but mew yourfelf, and to fome one 
 Or two, make his Requefl : There is a Minute, T 
 When a Man's Prefence fpeaks in his own Caufe 3 
 More than the Tongues of twenty Advocates. 
 
 Rom. 1 have urg'd that. 
 
 Enter Rochfort, Du Croy. 
 
 Charmi. Their Lordmips here are coming, 
 I muftgo get me a Place. You'll find me in Court, 
 And at your Service. [Exit Charmi. 
 
 Rom. Now, put on your Spirits ! 
 
 DuCroy. The Eafe that you prepare yourfelf, my Lord, 
 In giving up the Place you hold in Court, 
 Will prove, I fear, a Trouble in the State ; 
 And that no flight one. 
 
 Rocb. Pray you, Sir, no more. 
 
 Rom. Now, Sir, lofe not this offer'd Means : Their 
 
 Looks, 
 
 Fix'd on you with a pitying Earneftnefs, 
 Invite you to demand their Furtherance 
 To your good Purpofe. This fuch a Dulnefs 3 
 So foolifli, and untimely, as 
 
 Du Croy. You know him ? 
 
 __ There is a Minutt 
 
 When a Man's Prefence fpeaks> &C. 
 So Sbakefptar, in Julius C&far, fays, 
 
 There is a Tide in the Affairs of Men, 
 Which, taken at the Flood, leads on to Fortune; 
 Omitted, all the Voyage of their Life 
 Is hound in Shallows, and in Mifery. 
 
 Scene V. 
 Rocb.
 
 THE FATAL DOWRY. 193 
 
 Rccb. I do ; and much lament the fudden Fall 
 Of his brave Houfe. It is young Charalois, 
 Son to the Mariha], from whom he inherits 
 His Fame and Vertues only. 
 
 Rom. Ha ! they name you. 
 
 Du Croy. His Father died in Prifon two Days fince. 
 
 Roch. Yes, to the Shame of this ungrateful State j 
 That fuch a Matter in the Art of War, 
 So noble, and fo highly meriting 
 From this forgetful Country, ihould, for Want 
 Of Means to fatisfy his Creditors 
 The Sum he took up for the general Good, 
 Meet with an End fo infamous. 
 
 Rom. Dare you ever hope for like Opportunity ? 
 
 Du Croy. My good Lord ! 
 
 Rocb. My With bring Comfort to you. 
 
 Du Croy. The Time calls us. 
 
 Rocb. Good morrow, Colonel ! 
 
 [Eyeunt Rochfort, Du Croy. 
 
 Rom. This obftinate Spleen, 
 You think becomes your Sorrow, and forts well 
 With your black Suits : But, grant me Wit, or Judg- 
 ment, 
 
 And, by the Freedom of an honeft Man, 
 And a true Friend to boot, I fwear, 'tis fhameful : 
 And therefore, flatter not yourfelf with Hope, 
 Your fable Habit, with the Hat and Cloak, 
 No, though the Ribbons help, have Power to work 'em 
 To what you would : For thole, that had no Eyes 
 To fee the great Ads of your Father, will not, 
 From any Fafhion Sorrow can put on, 
 Be taught to know their Duties. 
 
 Char. If they will not, 
 They are too old to learn, and I too young 
 To give them Counfel ; fince, if they partake 
 The Underftanding, and the Hearts of Men, 
 They will prevent my Words and Tears : If not, 
 What can Pcrfuanon, though made eloquent 
 
 VOL II. N
 
 i 9 4 THE FATAL DOWRY. 
 
 Grief, work upon fuch as have chang'd Natures 
 .ne moft favage Beat! ? Bleft, bleft he ever 
 iciiiory ot that happy Age, when Juftice 
 5 no ua;a;ds to keep off wrong'd Innocence 
 flying to her Succours, and, in that, 
 
 e of Redrefs : Whereas now, Romont, 
 i^amn'd, with more Eafe may afcend from Hell y 
 Then we arrive at her. One Cerberus^ there, 
 Forbids the PafiTage ; in our Courts, a thoufand, 
 As loud and fertile- headed ; and the Client, 
 That wants the Sops, to fill their ray'nous Throats, 
 Muft hope for no Aceefs. Whvfhouldl, then, 
 Attempt Impoffibilitjes, you, Friend, being 
 Too-well acquainted with my Dearth of Means 
 To make my Entrance that Way ? 
 
 Rom. Would I were not. 
 But, Sir I you have a Caufe, a Caufe fo juft, 
 Of fuch Neceffity, not to be deferr'd, 
 As would compel a Maid, whofe Foot was never 
 Set o'er her Father's Threfhold, nor within 
 The Houfe where me was born, ever fpake Word 
 Which was not uflier'd with pure Virgin Blufhes, 
 To drown the Tempeft of a Pleader's Tongue, 
 And force Corruption to give back the Hire 
 It took againfi her : Let Examples move you. 
 You iee Men great in Birth, Efteem and Fortune,, 
 Rather than lofe a Scruple of their Right, 
 Fawn baiely upon fuch, whofe Gowns put off", 
 They would difdain for Servants. 
 
 Cbar. And to thefe can I become a Suitor ? 
 Rom. Without Lofs ; 
 
 Would you confider, that, to gain their Favours* 
 Our chafteft Dames put off their Modeflies, 
 Soldiers forget their Honours, Ufurers 
 Make Sacrifice of Gold, Poets of Wit, 
 And Men religious part with Fame, and Goodnefs- 
 Be therefore won to ufe the Means that may 
 Advance your-pious Ends. 
 
 Cbar.
 
 THE FATAL DOWRY. 195 
 
 'Char. You (hall o'ercome. 
 
 Rom. And you receive the Glory. Pray you, now, 
 
 pradife. 
 *Tis well. 
 
 Enter Old Noval, Liladam, and three Creditors. 
 
 Char. Not look on rhe ! 
 
 Rom. You muft have Patience- -Offer't again, 
 
 Char. And be again contemn'd ! 
 
 Nov. I know what's to be done. 
 
 1 Cred. And, that your Lordfhip 
 
 Will pleafe to do your Knowledge, we offer, firft 
 Our thankful Hearts here,- as a bounteous Earneft 
 To what we will add. 
 
 Nov. One Word more of this, 
 I am your Enemy. Am I a Man, 
 Your Bribes can work bn ? Ha? 
 
 Lilad. Friends! you miftake 
 
 The Way to win my Lord ; he rhuft not hear this, 
 But \i as one in Favour, in his Sight, 
 May hearken to you for my Profit. Sir ! 
 I pray hear 'em. 
 
 Nov. 'Tis well. 
 
 Lilad. Obferve him, now. 
 
 Nov. Your Caufc being good, and your Proceedings 
 
 fo, 
 
 Without Corruption ;- I am your Friend, 
 Speak your Defires. 
 
 2 Cred. Oh, they are charitable ; 
 
 The Martha! flood engag'd, unto us three 
 
 Two hundred thoufand Crowns, which by his Death 
 
 We are defeated of. For which great Lofs 
 
 We aim at nothing but his rotten Flelh ; 
 
 Nor is that Cruelty. 
 
 i Cred. I have a Son 
 
 That talks of nothing but of Guns and Armour, 
 And fwears he'll be a Soldier; 'tis an Humour 
 
 N 3 }
 
 196 THE FATAL DOWRY. 
 
 I would divert him from , and 1 am told, 
 That if I minifter to him, in his Drink, 
 Powder, made of this Bankrupt Marfhal's Bones, 
 Provided that the Carcafe rot above Ground, 
 "'Twill cure his foolim Frenzy. 
 
 Nov. You (hew in it 
 A Father's Care. I have a Son myfelf, 
 A falhionable Gentleman, and a peaceful : 
 And, but I am afllir'd he's not fo given, 
 He mould take of it too. Sir ! what are you ? 
 
 Cbar. A Gentleman. 
 
 Nov. So are many that rake Dunghills. 
 If you have any Suit, move it in Court : 
 I take no Papers in Corners. 
 
 Rom. Yes, as the Matter may be carried, and hereby 
 To manage the Conveyance Follow him. 
 
 Lilad. You're rude : I fay, he (hall not pafs. 
 
 [Exeunt Novall, Charalois, and Advocates. 
 
 Rom. You fay fo ? On what Afiurance ? 
 For the well-cutting of his Lordlhip's Corns, 
 Picking his Toes, or any Office elfe 
 Nearer to Bafenefs ? 
 
 Lilad. Look upon me better ; 
 Are thefe the Enfigns of fo coarfe a Fellow ? 
 Be well advis'd. 
 
 Rom. Out, Rogue ! do not I know [Kicks him. 
 
 Thefe glorious Weeds fpring from the fordid Dunghill 
 Of thy officious Bafenefs ? Wert thou worthy 
 Of any Thing from me, but my Contempt, 
 I would do more then this, more, you Court- Spider ! 
 
 Lilad. But that this Man is lawlefs j he mould find 
 That I am valiant. 
 
 1 Cred. If your Ears are faft, 
 
 'Tis nothing. What's a Blow or two ? As much 
 
 2 Cred. Thefe Chaftifemcnts, as ufeful are as fre- 
 
 quent 
 To fuch as would grow rich. 
 
 Rom.
 
 THE FATAL DOWRY. 197 
 
 Rom. Are they fo, Rafcals ? I will befriend you then 
 
 [Kicks them. 
 
 i Cred. Bear Witnefs, Sirs! 
 
 Lilad. Truth, I have born my Part already, Friends ! 
 In the Court you fhall hear more. [Exit. 
 
 Rom. T know you for 
 
 The word of Spirits, that ftrive to rob the Tombs 
 Of what is their Inheritance, the Dead : 
 For Ufurers, bred by a riotous Peace ; 
 That hold the Charter of your Wealth and Freedom, 
 By being Knaves and Cuckolds, that ne'er pray'd, 
 But when you fear the rich Heirs will grow wife, 
 To keep their Lands out of your Parchment Toils ; 
 And then, the Devil your Father's call'd upon, 
 T' invent fome Ways of Luxury ne'er thought on. 
 Be gone, .and quickly, or I'll leave no Room 
 Upon your Foreheads for your Horns to fprout on, 
 Without a Murmur, or I will undo you ; 
 For I will beat you honeft. 
 
 i Cred. Thrift forbid ! 
 We will bear this, rather then hazard that. 
 
 [Exit Creditor. 
 
 Enter Charalois. 
 
 Ran. I am fomewhat eas'd in this yet. 
 
 Char. Only Friend! 
 
 To what vain Purpofe do I make my Sorrow 
 Wait on the Triumph of their Cruelty ? 
 Or teach their Pride from my Humility, 
 To think it has o'ercome ? They are determined 
 What they will do , and it may well become me, 
 To rob them of the Glory they expect 
 From my fubmifs Intreaties. 
 
 Rom. Think not fo, Sir ! 
 The Difficulties that you encounter with, 
 
 Will crown the Undertaking Heaven ! you weep 
 
 And 1 could do fo too j but that I know, 
 There's more expected, from the Son and Friend 
 
 N 3 Of
 
 igg. THE FAT AT, DOWRY. 
 
 Cf him whofe fatal Lofs now makes our Natures, 
 
 Than Sighs, or 1 ears, in which a Village-Nurfe, 
 
 Or cunning Strumpet, when her Knave is hang'd, 
 
 May overcome us. We are Men, young Lord, 
 
 Lee us not GO like Women. To the Court, 
 
 And there fpeak like your Birth: Wake ileeping Juftice, 
 
 Or dare the Axe. This is a Way will fort 
 
 With what you are: I call you not to that 
 
 I will fhrink from myfelf, i will deferve 
 
 Your I" hanks, or fnfjer with you O how bravely 
 
 That fudcuvi Fire of Anger fhews MI you ! 
 
 Give Fuel to it, fince you're on a Shelf, 
 
 Of extreme Danger, fufter like yourfelf. [Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE II. 
 
 Enter. Rochfort, Novall, fen Charmi, Du Croy, Ad- 
 vocates ^ Beaumont, and Officers, and three Prefidents. 
 
 Du Croy. Your Lordfliip's feated. May this Meet-. 
 ing prove 
 
 r !M?;-OUS to us, and to the general Good of Burgundy, 
 v. fen. Sptak to the Point ! 
 
 Di Croy Which is 
 
 With Honour to difpofe the Place and Power 
 Of PrirnierPrefidcnt, which this reverend Man, 
 fetaveRocbfort, (whom for Honour's Sake I name) 
 Is purpos'd to refign a Place, my Lords, 
 In which he hath, with fuch Integrity, 
 Perform'd the firft and beft Parts of a Judge; 
 That, as his Liie tranfcerids all fair Examples 
 Of fuch a$ were before him in Dijsn, 
 So it remains to thofe that ihall fucceed him, 
 A Precedent that they may imitate, but not equal. 
 
 Rocb. I ma\ not fit to hear this. 
 
 Du Croy. Let the Love, 
 
 Arjd Thankfulnefs we're bound to pay to Goodnefs, 
 In this o'ercome your Modeiiy. 
 
 Koch. My Thanks 
 
 For
 
 THE FATAL DOWRY. i 99 
 .For -this great Favour /hall prevent your Trouble. 
 The honourable Truft, that was impos'd 
 .Upon my Weaknefs, fince you witnefs for me, 
 It was not ill difcharg'd, I will not mention ; 
 Nor now, if Age had not depriv'd me of 
 The little Strength I had to govern well 
 The Province that I undertook, t'orfake it. 
 
 Nov. fen. That we could lend you of our Years. 
 
 Du Croy. Or Strength! 
 
 Nov. fen. Or, as you are, perfuade you to continue 
 The noble Exercife of your knowing Judgment ! 
 
 Roch. That may not be ; nor can your Lordfhip's 
 
 Goodnefs, 
 
 Since your- Employments have conferr'd upon me 
 Sufficient Wealth, deny the Ufe of it; 
 And, though old Age, when one Foot's in the Grave, 
 In many, when all Humours elfe are fpent 
 Feeds no Affection in them, but Deiire 
 To add Height to the Mountain of their Riches : 
 In me it is not fo : I reft content 
 With th* Honours, and Eitate I now pofTefs, 
 And, that I may have Liberty to ufe, 
 What Heav'n, ftill bleffing my poor Induftry, 
 Hath made me Matter of, I pray the Court 
 To eafe me of my Burthen ; that I may 
 Employ the fmall Remainder of my Life, 
 Jn living well, and learning how to die fo. 
 
 Enter Romont, and Charaloh 
 
 Rcm. See Sir, our Advocate. 
 
 DuCroy. The Court intreats 
 Your Lordfhip will be pleas'd to nam< 
 Which you would have your : 
 All prcmife to confirm .c. 
 
 jR.ocb. I embrace it 
 As an , \ffurance of their Fav- . . 
 And name rr.y Loru Atf-r'' 7 
 
 Du Croy. The Couit allows it, 
 
 N4
 
 200 THE FATAL DOWRY. 
 
 Rock. But there are Suiters wait here, and their Caufes 
 May be of more Neceffity to be heard, 
 And therefore vvifh that mine may be deferr'd, 
 And theirs have Hearing. 
 
 Du Cray. If your Lordthip pleafe 
 To take the Place, we will proceed. 
 
 Charmi. The Caufe 
 
 We come to offer to your Lordfhip's Cenfure, 
 Is in itfelf fo noble, that it needs not 
 Or Rhetorick in me that plead, or Favour 
 From your grave Lordfr.ips, to determine of it. 4 
 Since, to the Praife of your impartial Juftice 
 (Which guilty, nay, condemn'd Men, dare not fcandal) 
 It will erefl a Trophy of your Mercy 
 Which marry'd to that Juftice. 
 
 Nov. fen. Speak to the Caufe. 
 
 Charmi. I will, my Lord ! to fay, the late dead Mar* 
 
 fhal, 
 
 The Father of this young Lord here, my Client, 
 Hath done his Country great and faithful Service, 
 Might tafk me of Impertinence, to repeat . 
 What your grave Lordfhips cannot but remember, 
 He, in his Life, become indebted to 
 Thefe thrifty Men, (I will not wrong their Credits, 
 By giving them the Attributes they now merit) 
 And failing, by the Fortune of the Wars, 
 Of Means to free himfelf from his Engagements, 
 He was arrefted, and for Want of Bail, 
 Imprifon'd at their Suit : And not long after 
 With Lofs of Liberty ended his Life. 
 And, though it be a Maxim in our Laws, 
 All Suits die with the Perfon, thefe Men's Malice 
 In Death find Matter for their Hate to work on, 
 Denying him the decent Rites of Burial, 
 Which the fworn Enemies of the Chriflian Faith 
 Grant freely to their Slaves : May it, therefore, pleafe 
 Your Lordfhips, fo to fafhion your Decree, 
 That, what their Cruelty doth forbid, your Pity 
 JMay give Allowance to. 
 
 Nov.
 
 THE FATAL DOWRY. 201 
 
 Ncv. fen. How long have you, Sir, practised in Court? 
 
 Charmi. Some twenty Years, my Lord. 
 
 Nov. fen. By your grofs Ignorance, it fhould appear, 
 Not twenty Days. 
 
 Cbarmi. I hope I have giv'n no Caufe in this, my 
 Lord 
 
 Nov. fen. How dare you move the Court 
 To the difpenfing with an Aft confirm'd 
 By Parliament, to the Terror of all Bankrupts ? 
 Go home ! and with more Care perufe the Statutes : 
 Or the next Motion, favouring of this Boldnefs, 
 May force you to leap (againlt your Will) 
 Over the Place you plead at. 
 
 Cbarmi. I forefaw this. 
 
 Rom. Why, does your Lordfhip think, the moving of 
 A Caufe, more honeft than this Court had ever 
 The Honour to determine, can deferve 
 A Check like this ? 
 
 Nov. fen. Strange Boldnefs ! 
 
 Rom. 'Tis fit Freedom : 
 
 Or, dp you conclude, an Advocate cannot hold 
 His Credit with the Judge, unlefs he ftudy 
 His Face more than the Caufe for which he pleads? 
 
 Charmi. Forbear ! 
 
 Rom. Or, cannot you, that have the Power 
 To qualify the Rigour of the Laws 
 When you are pleafed, take a little from 
 The Stri&nefs of your four Decrees, enacted 
 Jn Favour of the greedy Creditors 
 Againft the o'erthrown Debtor ? 
 
 Nov. fen. Sirrah ! you that prate 
 Thus faucily, what are you ? 
 
 Rom. Why, I'll tell you, 
 Thou Purple-colour'd Man! I'm one to whom 
 Thou ow'ft the Means thou haft of fitting there 
 A corrupt Elder. 
 
 Charmi. Forbear! 
 
 Rom. The Nofe thou wear'ft, is my Gift, and thofe 
 Eyes, 
 
 That
 
 302 THE FATAL DOWRY. 
 
 That .meet no Object fo bafe as their Matter, 
 Had been long fince, torn from that guilty Head, 
 And thou thyielf Slave to fome needy Swifs^ 
 Had I not worn a Sword, and us'd it better 
 Than in thy Prayers thou ever didftthy Tongue. 
 
 NCV. fen. Shall fuch an Infolence pafs unpunifli'd ? 
 
 Charmi. Hear me ! 
 
 Rom. Yet I, that, in my Service done my Country, 
 Difdain to be put in the Scale with thee, 
 Confefs myfelt unworthy to be valu'd 
 With the leaft Part, nay, Hair of the dead Marfhal, 
 Of whofe fo many glorious Undertakings, 
 Make Choice of any one, and that the meaneft, 
 Perform'd againft the fubtle Fox of France, 
 The politick Lewis, or the more defperate Swifs, 
 And 'twill outweigh all the good Purpofe, 
 Though "put in Adi, that ever Gownman pradis'd, 
 
 Nov. Jen. Away with him to Prifpn ! 
 
 Rom. If that Curfes, 
 
 Urg'd juftly, and breath'd forth fo, ever fell 
 On thofe that did deferve them -, let not mine 
 Be fpent in vain now, that thou from this Inftant* 
 May'ft, in thy Fear that they will fall upon thee, 
 Be fenfible of the Plagues they mall bring with them. 
 And for denying of a little Earth, 
 To cover what remains of our great Soldier : 
 May all your Wives prove Whores, your Factors Thieves, 
 And, while you live, your riotous Heirs undo you. 
 And thou, the Patron of their Cruelty, 
 Of all thy Lordfhips live not to be Owner 
 Of fo much Dung as will conceal a Dog, 
 Or, what is worfe, thyfelf in. And thy Years, 
 To th' End thou mayft be wretched, I wifli many, 
 And, as thou haftdeny'd the Dead a Grave, 
 May Mifery in thy Life make thee defire one, 
 "Which Men and all the Elements keep from thee : 
 I have begun well, imitate, exceed. 
 
 Rocb. Good Counfei, were it a Praife-worthy Deed. 
 [Exit Officers with Romont. 
 Du Cro\e.
 
 THE FATAL DOWRY. 903 
 
 J)tt Croye. Remember what we are. 
 
 Char. Thus low my Duty 
 Anlwers your Lordfhip's Counfel. I will ufe 
 In the few Words, with which 1 am to trouble 
 Your Lordfhip's Ears the Temper that you wifh me; 
 Not that 1 fear to fpeak my Thoughts as loud, 
 And with a Liberty beyond Romont : 
 But that I know, for me, that am made up 
 pf all that's wretched, fo to hafte my End, 
 Would feem to moft, rather a Willingnefs 
 To quit the Burthen of a hopelefs Life, 
 Than Scorn of Death, or Duty to the Dead. 
 I, therefore, bring the Tribute of my Praife 
 To your Severity, and commend the Juflice 
 That will not, for the many Services 
 That any Man hath done the Common-wealth, 
 Wink at his leaft of Ills : What, though my Father 
 Writ Man before he was fo, and confirm'd it, 
 By numbring that Day, no Part of his Life, 
 In which he did not Service to his Country ; 
 W as he to be free, therefore, from the Laws, 
 And ceremonious Form in your Decrees ? 
 Or elfe, becaufe he did as much as Man 
 In thofe three memorable Overthrows 
 At Gran/on, jvlorat* Nancy ^ where his Matter, 
 The warlike Cbaralois (with whofe Misfortunes 
 I bear his Name) loft Treafure, Men and Life, 
 To be cxcus'd from Payment of thofe Sums 
 Vvhich (his own Patrimony fpent) his Zeal, 
 To fefve his Country, forc'd him to take up ? 
 
 Nov. fen. The Precedent were ill. 
 
 Char. And yet, my Lord, thus much 
 I know you'll grant; after thofe great Defeatures, 
 Which in their dreadful Ruins buried quick 
 
 Enter Officers. 
 
 Courage and Hope, in all Men but himfelf, 
 He forc'd the proud Foe, in his Height of Conquefr, 
 
 To
 
 404 THE FATAL DOWRY, 
 
 To yield unto an honourable Peace, 
 And in it fav'd an hundred thoufand Lives, 
 To end his own, that was fure Proof againfl 
 The fcalding Summer's Heat, and Winter's Froft, 
 111 Airs, the Cannon, and the Enemy's Sword, 
 In a moft loathibme Prifon. 
 
 ~Du Croy. *Twas his Fault 
 To be fo prodigal. 
 
 Nov. fen. He had from the State 
 Sufficient Entertainment for the Army. 
 
 Char. Sufficient, my Lord ? You fit at Home, 
 And, though your Fees are boundiefs at the Bar, 
 Are thrifty in the Charges of the War, 
 But your Wills be obey'd. To thefe I turn, 
 To thefe foft-hearted Men, that wifely know 
 They're only good Men, that pay what they owe, 
 
 2 -Cred. And fo they are. 
 
 i Cred. 'Tis the City-Doftrine ; 
 We ftand bound to maintain it. 
 
 Char. Be conftant in it ; 
 
 And, fince you are as mercilefs in your Natures, 
 As bafe and mercAary in your Means 
 By which you gejjour Wealth, I will not urge 
 The Court to take away one Scruple from 
 The Right of their Laws, or one good Thought 
 In you to mend your Difpofition with. 
 I know there is no Mufick to your Ears 
 So pleafing as the Groans of Men in Prifon, 
 And that the Tears of Widows, and the Cries 
 Of famim'd Orphans, are the Feafts that take you. 
 That to be in your Danger, with more Care 
 Should be avoided, than infectious Air, 
 The loath'd Embraces of difeafed Women, 
 A Flatterer's Poifon, or the Lofs of Honour. 
 Yet, rather than my Father's reverend Duft 
 Shall want a Place in that fair Monument, 
 In which our noble Anceftors lie intomb'd, 
 Before the Court I offer up myfelf 
 A Prifoner for it : Load me with thofe Irons 
 
 That '
 
 THE FATAL DOWRY. 205 
 That have worn out his Life j in my bed Strength 
 I'll run to the Encounter of cold Hunger, 
 And choofe my Dwelling where no Sun dares enter, 
 So he may be releas'd. 
 
 1 Cred. What mean you, Sir ? 
 
 2 Advo. Only your Fee again : There's fo much faid 
 Already in this Caufe, and laid fo well, 
 
 That, mould I only offer to fpeak in it, 
 I mould not be heard, or laugh'd at for it. 
 
 1 Cred. 'Tis the firft Money Advocate e'er gave back, 
 'Though he faid nothing. 
 
 Roch. Be advis'd, young Lord, 
 And well confiderate -, you throw away 
 Your Liberty, and Joys of Life together : 
 Your Bounty is employ'd upon a Subject 
 That is not fenfible of it, with which wife Man 
 Never abus'd his Goodnefs ; the great Virtues 
 Of your dead Father vindicate themfelves 
 From thefe Mens Malice, and break ope the Prifon, 
 Though it contain his Body. 
 
 Nov. fen. Let him alone : 
 
 If he love Cords, a God's Name, let him wear 'em, 
 Provided thefe confent. 
 
 Char. I hope they are not 
 So ignorant in any Way of Profit, 
 As to neglect a Poffibility 
 To get their own, by feeking it from that 
 Which can return them nothing, but ill Fame, 
 And Curfes for their barbarous Cruelties. 
 
 3 Cred. What think you of the Offer ? 
 
 2 Cred. Very well. 
 
 1 Cred. Accept it by all Means : Let's fhut him up, 
 He is well-fhap'd, and has a villainous Tongue, 
 And mould he ftudy that Way of Revenge, 
 
 As I dare almoft fwear he loves a Wench, 
 We have no Wives, nor ever mail get Daughters 
 That will hold out againft him. 
 DuCroy. What's your Anfwer ? 
 
 2 Cred. Speak you for all. 
 
 i Cred.
 
 So6 THE FATAL DOWRY 
 
 i Cred. Why, let our Executions 
 That lie upon the Father, be return'd 
 Upon the Son, and we releafe the Body. 
 Nov. fen. The Court muft grant you that. 
 Char. I thank your Lordmips, 
 They have in it confirm'd on me fuch Glory, 
 As no Time can take from me : I am ready, 
 Come lead me where you pleafe : Captivity, 
 That comes with Honour, is true Liberty. 
 
 [Exit Charalois, Creditors and Officers 
 Nov. fen. Strange Rafhnefs. 
 Rocb. A brave Refolution rather, 
 Worthy a better Fortune -, but, however, 
 It -is not now to be difputed, therefore 
 To my own Caufe. Already I have found 
 Your Lordftiips bountiful in your Favours to me ; 
 And that mould teach my Modefty to end here, 
 And prefs your Loves no farther. 
 
 Du Croy. There is nothing 
 The Court can grant, but with Afllirance you 
 May afk it, and obtain it. 
 
 Rocb. You encourage a bold Petitioner, and 'tis not 
 Your Favours mould be loft. Befides, 'thas been [fit 
 A Cuftom many Years, at the furrend'ring 
 The Place I now give up, to grant the Prefident 
 One Boon, that parted with it. And, to confirm 
 Your Grace towards me, againft all fuch as may 
 Detracl my Actions, and Life hereafter 
 I now prefer it to you. 
 Du Croy. Speak it freely. 
 Rock. I then defire the Liberty of Rovfont, 
 And that my Lord Noval^ whofe private Wrong 
 Was equal to the Injury that was done 
 To the Dignity of the Court, will pardon it, 
 And now fign his Enlargement. 
 
 Nov. fen. Pray you demand 
 The Moiety pf my Eftate, or any Thing 
 Within my Power, but this. 
 
 Rocb. Am I deny'd then rriy firft and laft Requeft ? 
 
 DxCroy.
 
 THE FATAL DOWRY. io? 
 
 Dtt Cray. It mu ft not be. 
 
 2 Pr^. I have a Voice to give in it. 
 
 3 Pre. And I. 
 
 And, if Periuafion will not work him to it, 
 We will make known our Power. 
 
 Nov. fen< You are too violent j 
 You (hall have my Confent. But would you had 
 Made Trial of my Love in any thing 
 But this, you mould have found then But it (kills not. 
 You have what you defire. 
 
 Rocb. I thank your Lordfhips. 
 
 Du Croy. The Court is up Make Way. 
 
 \_Exeunt all but Rochfort and Beaumont. 
 
 Rocb. I follow you Beaumont ! 
 
 Beaum. My Lord. 
 
 Rotb. You are a Scholar, Beaumont ! 
 And can fearch deeper into th' Intents of Men, 
 Than thofe that are lefs knowing. How appear'd 
 The Piety and brave Behaviour of 
 Young Cbaralois to you ? 
 
 Beaum. It is my Wonder, 
 Since I want Language to exprefs it fully ; 
 And fure the Colonel 
 
 Rocb. Fie ! he was faulty. What prefent Money 
 have I ? 
 
 Beaum. There is no Want 
 Of any Sum a private Man has Uie for. 
 
 Rocb. Tis we- 11 : 
 
 I am ftrangely taken with this Cbaralois ; 
 Methinks, from his Example, the whole Age 
 Should learn to be good, and continue fo. 
 Virtue works ftrangely with us -, and his Goodnefs 
 Rifing above his Fortune, feems to me, 
 Prince-like, to will, not a(k a Courtefy. [Exeunt. 
 
 The End of tbe Fir/1 Atl. 
 
 ACT
 
 208 THE FATAL DOWRY, 
 
 A C T II. S C E N E I. 
 
 Enter Pontalier, Malotin, Beaumont. 
 
 Malot. V \ I S ftrange. 
 
 J[_ Beaum. Methinks fo. 
 
 Pont. In a Man, but young, 
 Yet old in Judgment, theorick and practick, 
 In all Humanity, and (to increafe the Wonder) 
 Religious, yet a Soldier, that he mould 
 Yield his free-living Youth a Captive, for 
 The Freedom of his aged Father's Corps, 
 And rather choofe to want Life's Neceffaries, 
 Liberty, Hope of Fortune, than it mould 
 In Death be kept from Chriftian Ceremony. 
 
 Malot. Come, 'tis a golden Precedent in a Son 
 To let ftrong Nature have the better Hand, 
 (In fuch a Cafe) of all affeded Reafon. 
 What Years fit on this Charalois ? 
 
 Beaum. Twenty-eight ; 
 
 For fince the Clock did ftrike him feventeen old, 
 Under his Father's Wing, this Son hath fought, 
 Serv'd and commanded, and fo aptly both, 
 That fometimes he appear'd his Father's Father, 
 And never lefs than's Son ; the old Man's Virtues 
 So recent in him, as the World may fwear, 
 Nought but a fair Tree could fuch fair Fruit bear. 
 
 Pont. But wherefore lets he fuch a barb'rous Law, 
 And Men more barbarous to execute it, 
 Prevail on his foft Difpofition, 
 That he had rather die alive for Debt 
 Of the old Man in Prifon, than they mould 
 Rob him of Sepulture, confidering 
 Thefe Monies borrow'd bought the Lenders -Peace, 
 And all their Means they enjoy, nor was diffus'd 
 In any impious or licentious Path ? 
 
 Beaum.
 
 *f HE FATAL DOWRY. 209 
 
 Beaum. True ! for my Part, wereic my Father'sTrunk, 
 *The tyrannous Ram-heads, with their Horns mould 
 
 gore it, 
 
 Or caft it to their Curs, than they lefs currim, 
 E'er prey on me fo, with their Lion-Law, 
 Being in my Free Will (as in his) to fhun it, 
 
 Pont. Alas ! he knows himfelf in Poverty loft : 
 For in this partial avaricious Age 
 What Price bears Honour z ? Virtue ? Long ago 
 It was but prais'd, and freez'd, but now-a-days 
 'Tis colder far* and has, nor Love, nor Praife ; 
 Very Praife now freezeth too : For Nature 
 Did make the Heathen far more Chriftian then, 
 Than Knowledge us (lefs heathenim) Chriftian. 
 
 Malo. This Morning is the Funeral. 
 
 Pont. Certainly ! 
 
 And from this Prifon 'twas the Son's Requeft 
 That his dear Father might Interment have. 
 
 [Recorders Mujick 
 See the young Son interr'd a lively Grave. 
 
 JSeaum. They come Obferve their Order. 
 
 Enter Funeral. The Body borne by four. Captains and 
 Soldiers^ Mourners , 'Scutcheons^ &c. in very g'ocd Or- 
 der. Charalois and Romont meet it. Charalois fpeaks. 
 Romont weeping. Solemn Mufick. Three Creditors. 
 
 Char. How like a filent Stream maded with Night, 
 And gliding foftly with our windy Sighs, 
 Moves the whole Frame of this Solemnity ! 
 Tears, Sighs and Blacks filling the Simile ! 
 Whilft I, the only Murmur in this Grove 
 Of Death, thus hollowly break forth ! Vouchfafe 
 
 1 ' In this partial avaricious Age 
 
 What Price bears Honour, &C. 
 
 This beair.iful and juft Reflection holds no lefs true in thefe Days; 
 than it did in thofe of Old. 
 
 VOL. II. O
 
 2io THE FATAL DOWRY. 
 
 To (lay awhile. Reft, reft in Peace, dear Earth f 
 
 Thou, that brought'!! Reft to their unthankful Lives, 
 
 Whofe Cruelty deny'd thee Reft in Death ! 
 
 Here ftands thy poor Executor, thy Son, 
 
 That makes his Life Prifcner, to bail thy Death : 
 
 Who gladlier puts on this Captivity, 
 
 Than Virgins, long in Love, their Wedding Weeds : 
 
 Of all that ever thou haft done Good to, 
 
 Thefe only have good Memories ; for they 
 
 Remember belt, forget not Gratitude. 
 
 I thank you for this laft and friendly Love. 
 
 And, though this Country, like a vip'rous Mother, 
 
 Not only hath eat up ungratefully 
 
 All Means of thee her Son, but laft thyfelf, 
 
 Leaving thy Heir fo bare and indigent, 
 
 He cannot raife thee a poor Monument, 
 
 Such as a Flatterer, or an Ufurer hath. 
 
 Thy Worth, in every honeft Breaft, builds one, 
 
 Making their friendly Hearts thy Funeral Stone. 
 
 Pont. Sir! 
 
 Char. Peace ! O Peace ! This Scene is wholly mine. 
 What ! Weep ye, Soldiers ? Blanch not. Romont 
 
 weeps. 
 
 Ha ! let me fee ! my Miracle is eas'd : 
 The Jailors and the Creditors do weep : 
 E'en they that make us weep, do weep themfelvcs. 
 Be thefe thy Body's Balm : Thefe and thy Virtue 
 Keep thy Fame ever odoriferous, 
 Whilft the great, proud, rich, undeferving Man, 
 Alive ftinks in his Vices, and being vanifh'd, 
 The golden Calf that was an Idol, deck'd 
 With Marble Pillars, Jet, and Porphyry, 
 Shall quickly both in Bone and Name confume, 
 Though wrapt in Lead, Spice, Searcloth, and Perfume. 
 
 j Cred. Sir ! 
 
 Char. What ! Away, for Shame ! you prophane 
 
 Rogues 
 
 Muft not be mingled with thefe holy Reliques : 
 This is a Sacrifrce Our Show'r fhall crown 
 \" Hi 
 

 
 T-HE FATAB DOWRY. 2 H 
 His Sepulchre with Olive, Myrrh, and Bays, 
 The Plants of Peace, of Sorrow, Victory ; 
 Your Tears would fpring but Weeds. 
 
 1 Cred. Would they fo ? 
 
 We'll keep them to ftop Bottles then. 
 
 Rom. No, keep 'em for your own Sins, you Rogues, 
 "Till you repent ; you'il die elfe, and be damn'd. 
 
 2 Cred. Damn'd, ha ! ha ! ha ! 
 Rom. Laugh ye ? 
 
 3 Cred. Yes faith, Sir , we'ld be very glad 
 To pleafe you either Way. 
 
 1 Cred. Ye're! ne'er content, 
 Crying nor laughing. 
 
 Rom. Both with a Birth (he rogues. 
 
 2 Cred. Our Wives, Sir, taught us. 
 
 Rom. Look, look, you Slaves ! your thanklefs Cru- 
 And lavage Manners of unkind Dijon y [elty, 
 
 Exhauft thefe Floods, and not his Father's Death, 
 
 i Cred. 'Slid, Sir ! what would you, you're fo cho- 
 lerick ? 
 
 i Cred. Moil Soldiers are fo i' faith. Let him alone, 
 they've little elfe to live on ; we've not had 
 A Penny of him, have we ? 
 
 3 Cred. 'Slight, would you have our Hearts ? 
 
 i Cred. We've nothing but his Body here in Durance 
 For all our Money. 
 Prieft. On. 
 
 Char. One Moment more, 
 But to beflow a few poor Legacies, 
 All I have left in my dead Father's Rights, 
 And I have done. Captain, wear thou thefe Spurs, 
 That yet ne'er made his Horfe run from a Foe. 
 
 'Lieutenant, thou this Scarf; and may it tie 
 Thy Valour and thy Honefty together : 
 
 v For fo it did in him. Enfign, this Cuirafs, 
 Your General's Necklace, once. You gentle Bearers, 
 Divide this Purfe of Gold : This other, ftrew 
 Among the Poor. 'Tis all I have. Romonf, 
 .Wear thou this Medal of himf^lf, that, like 
 
 02 A
 
 ZTZ THE FATAL DOWRT. 
 
 A hearty Oak, grew'ft clofe to this tall Pine, 
 
 E'en in the wildeft \Vildernefs of War, 
 
 Whereon Foes broke their Swords, and tir'd thetnfelvesj 
 
 Wounded and haek'd ye were, but never fell'd. 
 
 For me, my Portion provide in Heaven : 
 
 My Root is earth'd, and I, a defolate Branch^ 
 
 Left fcatter'd in the Highway of the World ; 
 
 Trod under Foot,- that might have been a Colunm 
 
 Mainly fupporting our demolifh'd Houfe, 
 
 This would I wear- as my Inheritance. 4 
 
 And what Hope can arife to me from it,. 
 
 When I and it are both here Prifoners E 
 
 Only may this, if ever we be free, 
 
 Keep, or redeem me from all Infamy. 
 
 S O N C. 
 
 Fie ! ceafe to wonder ! 
 though you hear Orpheus, with his Ivory Lute, 
 
 Move Trees and Rocks, 
 Sbarm Bulls, Bears, and Men more favage, to be mute 
 
 Weak foolijh Singer, here is one 
 
 Would have transformed thyfelf, to Stone. 
 
 r Cred. No farther ! look to 'em at your own PeriK 
 
 2 Cred. No, as they pleafe : Their Matter's a gooc 
 I would they were at the Bermudas. [Man 
 
 Jailor. You muft no farther. 
 
 The PrifoH limits you, and the Creditors 
 Exact the Striclnefs. 
 
 Rom. Out, you wolfifh Mongrels I 
 "Whofe Brains mould be knock'd out, like Dogs in July 
 Left your Infection poifon a whole Town. 
 
 Char. They grudge our Sorrow. Your ill Wills 
 
 perforce, 
 
 Turn now to Charity : They would not have us 
 Walk too far mourning, Ufurer's Relief 
 Grieves^ if the Debtors have to much of Grief. 
 
 [Exeunt 
 SCENE
 
 THE FATAL DOWRY. 2*3 
 
 SCENE II. 
 
 Enter Beaumelle, Florimel, Bellapert. 
 
 Beaumel. I pr'ythee tell me, Flarimel> why do Women 
 marry ? 
 
 Flor. Why truly, Madam, I think, to lie with their 
 Hufbands. 
 
 Bellap. You are a Fool. She lies. Madam 5 Women 
 
 marry Hufbands, 
 To lie with other Men. 
 
 Flor. 'Faith, e'en fuch a Woman wilt thou make. By 
 this Light, Madam, this Wagtail will Ipoil you, if you 
 take Delight in her Licence. 
 
 Beaumel. 'Tis true, Flor.imel, and thou wilt make me 
 too good for a young Lady. What an Electuary found 
 my Father out for his Daughter, when he compounded 
 you two my Women ? for thou, Florimel^ art e'en a 
 Grain too heavy fimply for a Waiting-Gentlewoman. 
 
 Flor. And thou, Bellapert * a Grain too light. 
 
 Bellap. Well, go thy Ways, goodly Wifdom, whom 
 no-body regards. I wonder, whether be elder, thou or 
 thy Hood : You think, becaufe you ferve -my Lady's 
 Mother, are thirty-two Years old, which is a Peep^out, 
 you know. 
 
 Flor. Well faid, Whirligig. 
 
 Btllap. You are deceived : I want a Peg i* th* Middle, 
 Out of thele Prerogatives ! you think to be Mother of 
 the Maids here, and mortify 'em with Prov: rbs : Go, 
 go, govern the Sweet-meats, and weigh the Sugar, that 
 the Wenches fteal none : Say your Prayers twice a Day, 
 and, as I take it, you have performed your Function. 
 
 Flor. I may be even with you. 
 
 Bellap. Hark ! the Court's 4 broke up. Go, help my 
 old Lord out of his Caroch, and fcratch his Head till 
 Dinner-time. 
 
 Flor. Well. [Exit. 
 
 Bellap. Fie, Madam ! how you walk! By my Maiden- 
 O 3 head,
 
 ai* THE FATAL DOWRY. 
 head, you look feven Years older than you did this 
 Morning : Why, there can be nothing under the Sun 
 valuable, to make you thus a Minute. 
 
 Beaumel. Ah, my fweet Rellapert ! thou Cabinet 
 To all my Counfels, thou doft know the Caule 
 That makes thy Lady wither thus in Youth. 
 
 Bellap. Uds-light, enjoy your Wifhes : Whilft I live, 
 One Way or other you mall crown your Will. 
 Would you have him your Hufband that you love, 
 And can't not be ? He is your Servant, though, 
 And may perform the Office of a Hufband. 
 
 Beaumel. But there is Honour, Wench. 
 ' Bellap. SuchaDifeafe 
 There is indeed, for which ere I would die 
 
 Beaumel. Pr'ythee, diftinguifh me a Maid and Wife. 
 
 Bellap. Taith, Madam, one may bear any Man's 
 
 Children, 
 T'other muft bear no Man's. 
 
 Beaumel. What is a Hufband ? 
 
 Bellap. Phyfick, that, tumbling in your Belly, will 
 make you fick i' th' Stomach. The only Diftindtion be- 
 twixt a Hufband and a Servant is, the firft will lie with 
 you, when he pleafes ; the laft mail lie with you, when 
 you pleafe. Pray tell me, Lady, do you love, to marry 
 after ; or would you marry, to love after ? 
 
 Beaumel. 1 would meet Love and Marriage both at 
 once. 
 
 Bellap. Why then you are out of the Fafhion, and 
 will be contemn'd : For, I'll afllire you, there are few 
 Women in the World, but either they have married 
 firft, and love after ; or love firft, and married after. 
 You muft do as you may, not as you would : Your 
 Father's Will is the Goal you muft fly to. If a Huf- 
 band approach you, you would have farther off, is he 
 your Love ? the lefs near you. A Hufband in thefe 
 Days is but a Cloak to be oftener laid upon your Bed, 
 phan in your Bed. 
 
 Beaumel. Hum ! 
 
 Bellap. Sometimes you may wear him on your Shoul- 
 der j
 
 THE FATAL DOWRY, 215 
 
 der ; and now and then under your Arm ; but feldom. 
 or never let him cover you ; for 'tis not the Fafhion. 
 
 Enter Novall, jutt. Pontalicr, Malgtin, Liladam, 
 Aymer. 
 
 Nov.jun. Belt Day to Nature's Curiofity, 
 Star of Dijon, the Lultre of all France! 
 Perpetual Spring dwell on thy rofy Cheeks, 
 Whofe Breath is Perfume to our Continent, 
 See Flora turn'd in her Varieties. J 
 
 Bellap. Oh divine Lord ! 
 
 Nov.jun. No Autumn, nor no Age ever approach 
 This heavenly Piece, which Nature having wrought, 
 She loft her Needle, and did then defpair 
 Ever to work fo lively and fo fair. 
 
 JJlad. Uds-light, my Lord, one of the Purls of your 
 
 Band 
 Is, without all Difcipline, fall'n out of his Rank. 
 
 WGV. jun. How ? I would not for a thoufand Crowns 
 fhe had feen't. Dear Liladam, reform it. 
 
 Bellap. Oh Lord ! Per fe, Lord ! Quintefience of 
 Honour ! fhe walks not under a Weed that could deny 
 thee any Thing. 
 
 Beaumel. Pr'ythee Peace, Wench ! thou doft but 
 blow the Fire, that flames too much already. 
 
 [Liladam and Aymer trim Novall, wbilft 
 Bellapert her Lady. 
 
 Aymer. By Gad, my Lord, you have the divinefl 
 Taylor in Chriftendom ; he hath made you look like an 
 Angel in your Cloth of Tiffue Doublet. 
 
 Pont. This is a three legg'd Lord : There's a frefh 
 Affault. Oh ! that Men mould fpend Time thus ! * 
 
 J See Flora turnd in her Varletiet. 
 
 Thus it ftands in the old Copies ; but certainly falfe : We ought 
 to read 
 
 See Flora trim'd in her Varieties. 
 
 O 4 See,
 
 216 THE FATAL DOWRY. 
 
 See, fee how her Blood drives to her Heart, and ftraifc 
 vaults to her Cheeks again. 
 
 Malot. What are theie ? 
 
 Pont. One of 'em there, the lower, is a good, fool- 
 ifli, knavilh, fociable Gallimaufry of a Man, and has 
 rnuch taught my Lord with Singing , he is Mailer of a 
 Mufick Houfe. The other is his DrelTing-Block, upon 
 whom my Lord lays all his Cloaths, and Fafhions, ere 
 he vouchfafes ? em his own Perfon j you ihall fee him, 
 j'th' Morning in the Galley-foift, at Noon in the Bul- 
 lion, i' th' Evening in Quirpo, and''a,U Night in . 
 
 Malat, A Baudy-houfe. 
 
 Pont. If my Lord deny, they deny , if he affirm, 
 they affirm : They fkip into my Lord's caft Skin? 
 fome twice a Year ; and thus they live to eat, eat tq 
 Jive, and live to praife my Lord. 
 
 Makt. Good Sir, tell me one Thing. 
 
 Pent. What's chat ? 
 
 Malot. Dare thefe Men ever fight, on any Caufe ? 
 
 Pont. Oh, no, 'twould fpoil their Cloaths, and put 
 their Bands out of Order. 
 
 Nov. jun. Muft you hear the News : Your Father has 
 tefign'd his Prefidentfhip to my Lord my Father. 
 
 Malot. And Lord Charalois undone for ever. 
 
 Pont. Troth, 'tis Pity, Sir ! 
 A braver Hope of fo afTur'd a Father 
 Pid never comfort France^ 
 
 Lilad. A good dumb Mourner. 
 
 Aymer. A filent Black. 
 
 Nov. jun. Oh, fie upon him, how he wears his Cloaths 1 
 As if he had come this Chr$mas from St. Omers 9 
 To fee his Friends, and return'd after Twelf-tide. 
 
 Lilad. His Colonel looks finely like a Drover. 
 
 Nov. jun. That had a Winter lain perdieu i' th' Rain, 
 
 Aymer. What, he that wears a Clout about his Neck ? 
 J3is Cuffs in's Pocket, and his Heart in's Mouth ? 
 
 Nov. jun. Now, out upon him ! 
 
 tyaumel. Servant, tie my Hand. 
 
 How
 
 THE FATAL DOWRY. 217 
 
 your Lips blum, in Scorn that they fhould pay- 
 Tribute to Hands, when Lips are in the Way ! 
 
 Nov. jun. I thus recant ; yet now your Hand looks 
 
 white, 
 
 Becaufe your Lips rob'd it of fuch a Right. 
 Monfteur Aymer, I prythee fing the Song 
 Pevoted to rny Miitrefs, \MuJick* 
 
 SONG, 
 
 4 Dialogue between a Man and a Woman, 
 
 Man. Set Phoebus ! fet\ a fairer Sun doth rife 
 
 From the bright Radiance of my Miftrefi' Eyes 
 Than ever thou begafjl : I dare not look ; 
 Each Hair a golden Line, each Word a Hook 
 The more I Jlrive, the more Jtill I am took. 
 
 Worn. Fair Servant I come ; the Day thefe Eyes do lend 
 To warm thy Blood, thou deft fo vainly fpend > 
 Come fir angled Breath. 
 
 Man. What Note fo facet as this 
 
 That calls the Spirits to a further Pill's ? 
 
 Worn. Yet this out-favours Wins, and this Perfume. 
 
 Man. Let's die^ 1 iaagufi, I confume. 
 
 After the - T, enter Rochfort and Beaumont. 
 
 Beaum. i^mont will come, Sir, ftraight. 
 
 Roch. 'Tis well. 
 
 Beaumel. My Father. 
 
 Nov. jun, My honourable Lord. 
 
 Roch. My Lord Novall ! this is a Virtue in you, 
 So early up and ready before Noon ; 
 That are the Map of Drefllng through all France. 
 
 Nov. jun. I rife to fay my Prayers, Sir, here's my Saint. 
 
 Roch. 'Tis well and courtly j you muft give aic 
 
 Leave, 
 
 I have fome private Conference with my Daughter, 
 Pray ufe my Garden, you fliall dine with inc. 
 
 lilad. We'll wait on you. Nov.
 
 28 THE FATAL DOWRY. 
 
 Nov.jun. Good morn unto your Lordfhip, 
 Remember what you have vow'd [To Beaumelle. 
 [Exeunt all but Rochfort and Beaumelle. 
 
 Beau. Perform I muft. 
 
 Rocb. Why how now, Beaumelle^ thou look'ft not well. 
 Th'art fad of late, come cheer thee ; I have found 
 A wholefome Remedy for thefe maiden Fits, 
 A goodly Oak whereon to twift my Vine, 
 Till her fair Branches grow up to the Stars. 
 Be near at Hand, Succefs crown my Intent, 
 My Bufmefs fills my little Time fo full, 
 I cannot ftand to talk : I know, thy Duty 
 Is Handmaid to my Will, efpecially 
 When it prefents nothing but good and fit. 
 
 Beaum. Sir, I am yours. Oh! if my .Tears prove 
 
 true, 
 jFate hath wrong'd Love, and will deftroy me too. 
 
 [Exit Beaumelle. 
 
 Enter Romont, Keeper. 
 
 Rom. Sent you for me, Sir , ? 
 
 Rocb. Yes. 
 
 Rom. Your Lordfhip's Pleafure ? 
 
 Rocb. Keeper, this Prifoner I will fee forth coming. 
 Upojj.my Word Sit down, good Colonel. 
 
 [Exit Keeper, 
 
 Why I did wiih you hither, noble Sir, 
 Is, to advife you from this Iron Carriage, 
 Which, fo affected, Romont , you will wear, 
 To pity, and to Counfel you fubmit 
 With Expedition to the great Novall : 
 Recant your ftern Contempt, andJlight Neglect 
 Of the whole Court, and him, and Opportunity; 
 Or you will undergo a heavy Cenfurc 
 In public very, fhortly. 
 
 Rom. Reverend Sir, 
 
 I have obferv'd you, and do know you well j 
 And am now more afraid you know not me, 
 By wilhing my Submiffion to Novall, 
 
 Then
 
 THE FATAL DOWRY. 219 
 
 Then I can be of all the bellowing Mouths 
 
 That wait upon him to pronounce the Cenfure, 
 
 Could it determine me to Torments, and Shame. 
 
 Submit, and crave Forgivenefs of a Bead ? 
 
 'Tis true, this Boil of State wears purple TifTue, 
 
 Is high fed, proud : So is his Lordfhip's Horfe, 
 
 And bears as rich Caparifons. I know, 
 
 This Elephant carries on his Back not only 
 
 Tow'rs, Caftles, but the ponderous Republick, 
 
 And never ftoops tbr't, with his ftrong Breath Trunk 
 
 Snuffs other Titles, Lordfhips, Offices, 
 
 Wealth, Bribes, and Lives, under his ravenous Jaws: 
 
 What's this unto my Freedom ? I dare die ; 
 
 And therefore afk this Camel, if thefe Bleffings 
 
 {For fo they would be underftood by a Man) 
 
 But mollify one Rudenefs in his Nature, 
 
 Sweeten the eager Relifh of the Law, 
 
 At whofe great Helm he fits. Helps he the poor 
 
 Jn a juft Bufinefs ? Nay, does he not crofs 
 
 Every deferved Soldier and Scholar, 
 
 As if, when Nature made him, me had made 
 
 The general Antipathy of all Virtue ? 
 
 J-Jow favagely, and blafphemoufly he fpake 
 
 Touching the General, the grave General dead ! 
 
 I muft weep, when I think on't. 
 
 Rocb. Sir. 
 
 ftom. My Lord, I am not ftubborn : I can melt, you 
 
 fee, 
 
 And prize a Virtue better then my Life : 
 For though I be not learn'd, I ever lov'd 
 That holy Mother of all Kibes, good, 
 Whofe white Hand for a Scepter holds a File, 
 To polifh roughed Cuftoms, and in you 
 She has her Right : See ! I am calm as Sleep, 
 J3ut, when I think of the grofs Injuries, 
 The godlefs Wrong done to my General dead, 
 I rave indeed, and could eat this Novall 
 A Soul-lefs Dromedary. 
 
 Roch. Oh ! be temperate, 
 
 Sir,
 
 2*0 THE FATAL DOWRY. 
 
 Sir, though I would perfuade, I'll not conftrain ; 
 Each Man's Opinion freely is his own, 
 Concerning any Thing, or any Body, 
 |Be it right or wrong, 'tis at the Judges Peril, 
 
 Enter Beaumont. 
 
 Btaum. Thefe Men, Sir ! wait without , my Lord is 
 come too. 
 
 Rocb. Pay ? em thofe Sums upon the Table; take 
 Their full Releafes i Stay I want a Witnefs : 
 Let me intreat you, Colonel, to walk in, 
 And ftand but by, to fee this Money paid, 
 It does concern you and your Friends i it was 
 The better Cayfe you were fent for, though faid other* 
 
 wife. 
 The Deed mail make this my Requeft more plain. 
 
 Rom. I mall obey your JPleafure, Sir, though ignorant 
 To what it tends ? \Exit Romont, Servant^ 
 
 Enter Charalois. 
 
 Rocb. Worthieft Sir, 
 
 You are moft welcome : Fie, no more of this : 
 You have out-wept a Woman, noble Charalois ! 
 No Man but has, or muft bury a Father. 
 
 Cbar. Grave Sir ! I buried Sorrow, for his Death, 
 In the Grave with him, I did never think 
 He was immortal though I vow I grieve, 
 And fee no Reafon why the vicious, 
 Virtuous, valiant, and unworthy Men, 
 Should die alike. 
 
 Rocb. They do not. 
 
 Cbar. In the Manner, 
 Of dying Sir, they do not, but all die, 
 And therein differ not : But I have done. 
 I fpy'd the lively Picture of my Father, 
 Faffing your Gallery, and that caft this Water 
 Into mine Eyes : See, foolifh that I am, 
 To let it do fo. Rocb.
 
 THE FATAL DOWRY. 
 
 Rocb. Sweet and gentle Nature ! 
 How filken is this well comparatively 
 To other Men ! I have a Suit to you Sir. 
 
 Char. Take it ; 'tis granted. 
 
 Rocb. What ? 
 
 Char. Nothing, my Lord. 
 
 Rocb. Nothing is quickly granted. 
 
 Char. Faith, my Lord ! 
 That nothing granted, is even all I have, 
 For, all know, I have nothing left to grant. 
 
 Rocb. Sir, have you any Suit to me ? I'll grant 
 You fome Thing, any Thing. 
 
 Char. Nay, furely, I, that can 
 Give nothing, will but fue for that again. 
 No Man will grant me any Thing I lue for. 
 But begging nothing, every Man will give't. 
 
 Rocb. Sir! the Love I bore your Father, and the 
 
 Worth 
 
 I fee in you, fo much refernbling his> 
 Made me thus fend for you. And tender here 
 
 [Draws a Curtain^ 
 
 Whatever you will sake, Gold, Jewels, both, 
 All, to fupply your Wants, and free yourfelf. 
 Where heavenly Virtue in high-blooded Veins 
 Is lodg'd, and can agree, Men mould kneel down, 
 Adore, and facrifice all that they have ; 
 And well they may y it is fo fehdom feen. 
 Put off your Wonder, and here freely take 
 Or fend your Servants : Nor, Sir, mail you ufe 1 
 In aught of this, a poor Man's Fee, or Bribe, 
 Unjuftly taken of the Rich, but what's 
 Directly gotten, and yet by 'the Law. 
 
 Cbar. How ill, Sir, it becomes thofe Hairs to mock! 
 Rocb. Mock ? Thunder ftrike me then, 
 Cbar. You do amaze me. 
 But you (hall wonder too , I will not take 
 One fingle Piece of this great Heap. Why mould I 
 Borrow, that have not Means to pay , nay, am 
 A very Bankrupt, even in flatt'ring Hope 
 
 Of
 
 ?22 THE FATAL DOWRY, 
 
 Of ever raifing any. All my begging, 
 Is Romont's Liberty. 
 
 Enter Romont, Creditors loaden with Money. Beaumont. 
 
 Rock. Here is your Friend, 
 Enfranchife e'er you fpake. I give him you : 
 And, Cbaralois, I give you to your Friend, 
 As free a Man as he : Your Father's Debts 
 Are taken off. 
 
 Char. How? 
 
 Rom. Sir, it is mofi true. 
 I am the Witnefs. 
 
 1 Cred. Yes, faith, we are paid. 
 
 2 Cred. Heaven blefs his Lordfhip I did think him 
 
 wifer. 
 
 3 Cred. He a Statefman ? He an Afs ^Pay other 
 
 Men's Debts ? 
 
 i Cred. That he was never bound for. 
 Rom. One more fuch 
 Would fave the reft of Pleaders. 
 
 Char. Honour'd Rock fort. 
 
 Lie ftill my Tongue, and Blufhes, fcal'd my Cheeks, 
 That offer Thanks in Words, for fuch great Deeds. 
 Rocb. Call in my Daughter : Still I have a Suit to 
 you. [Exit Beaumont. 
 
 Would you requite me. 
 
 Rom. With his Life, I allure you. 
 Rocb. Nay, would you make me now your Debtor, 
 Sir! ; 
 
 Enter Beaumelle. 
 
 This is my only Child : What me appears, 
 
 Your Lordlhip well may fee her Education, Beatimelle 
 
 Follows not any : For her Mind, I know it 
 
 To be far fairer than her Shape, and hope 
 
 It will continue fo : If now her Birth 
 
 Be not too mean for Cbaralois, take her 
 
 This
 
 THE FATAL DOWRY. 223 
 
 This Virgin by the Hand, and call her Wife, 
 Indow'd with all my Fortunes : Blefs me fo, 
 Requite me thus, and make me happier, 
 In joining my poor empty Name to yours, 
 Then if my 'State were multiplied tenfold. 
 
 Char. Is this the Payment, Sir, that you expect ? 
 Why, you precipitate me more in Debt, 
 That nothing but my Life can ever pay. 
 This Beauty being your Daughter (in which yours) 
 I muft conceive Neceffity of her Virtue 
 Without all Dowry is a Prince's Aim. 
 Then, as (he is, for poor and worthlefs me 
 How much too worthy ! Waken me, Romont, 
 That I may know I dream'd, and find this vanifh'd. 
 
 Rom. Sure, I fleep not. 
 
 Roch. Your Sentence Life or Death. 
 
 Cbarmi. Fair Beaumelle, can you love me ? 
 
 Beaum. Yes, my Lord. 
 
 Enter Noval, jun. Ponta, Malotin, Liladam, Aymer. 
 All falute. 
 
 Char. You need not queftion me, if I can you. 
 You are the faireft Virgin in Dijon, ' 
 And Rochfcrt is your Father. 
 
 Nov. jun. What's this Change ? 
 
 Roch. You met my Wifhes, Gentlemen. 
 
 Rom. What make 
 Thefe Dogs in Doublets here ? 
 
 Beaum. A Vifitation, Sir. 
 
 Char. Then thus, fair BeautneHe ! I write my Faith, 
 Thus feal it in the Sight of Heaven and Men. 
 Your Fingers tie my Heart-ftrings with this Touch, 
 In true-love Knots, which nought but Death mail loofe. 
 And yetthefe Tears (an Emblem of our Loves) 
 Like Cryftal Rivers individually 
 Flow into one another, make one Source, 
 Which never Man diftinguifh, lefs divide : 
 Breath, marry, Breath, and Kifles, mingle Souls, 
 
 Two
 
 $24 THE FATAL D O W R ?, 
 
 Two Hearts, and Bodies, here incorporate : 
 
 And, though with little wooing I have won* 
 
 My future Life fhall be, a wooing Time. 
 
 And every Day new as the Bridal one. 
 
 Oh, Sir ! I groan under your Courtefies* 
 
 More then my Father's Bones under his Wrongs* 
 
 You, Cw//tt/-like, have thrown into the Gulf, 
 
 Of this his Country's foul Ingratitude, 
 
 Your Life and Fortunes, to redeem their Shames. 
 
 Rocb. No more, my Glory ! come, kt's in, and haftesi 
 This Celebration. 
 
 Romont, Malotin, Pontalier, Beaumont. 
 
 All fair Blifs upon it. 
 
 [Exeunt Rochfort, Charalois, Romont, Beau- 
 mont, Malotin. 
 
 Nov.jun* Miftrefs ! 
 
 Beaum. Oh Servant, Virtue ftrengthen me \ 
 Thy Prefence blows round my Affection's Vane : 
 You will undo me, if you fpeak again. 
 
 [Exit Beaumelle. 
 
 Lilad. jtym. Here will be Sport for you. This works. 
 [Exeunt Liladam^ Apmr, 
 
 Nov.jun. Peace! Peace! 
 
 Pont. One Word, my Lord Novall! 
 
 Nov.jun. What* thou would'ft Money there. 
 
 PonT. No, I'll none, I'll not be bought a Slave* 
 A Pander, or a Parafite, for all 
 
 Your Father's Worth ; though you have fav'd my Life*. 
 Refcu'd me often from my Wants, I muft not 
 "Wink at your Follies ; that will ruin you. 
 You know my blunt Way, and my Love to Truth : 
 Forfake the Purfuit of this Lady's Honour, 
 Now do you fee her made another Man's, 
 And fuch a Man's fo good, fo popular, 
 Or you will pluck a thoufand Mifehiefs on you. 
 The Benefits you've done me, are not loft, 
 Nor caft away, they are purs'd here in my Heart, 
 
 Bul
 
 THE FATAL DOWRY. 22$ 
 
 fiut let me pay you, Sir, a fairer Way 
 Than to defend your Vices, or to footh 'em. 
 
 Nov. jun. Ha, ha, ha ! what are my Courfes unto 
 
 thee? 
 
 Good CvufmPontetier, meddle with that 
 That fhall concern thyfelf. [Exit Novall. 
 
 Pont> No more but Scorn ? 
 
 Move on then, Stars! work your pernicious Will ! 
 Only the wife Rule, and prevent your 111. [Exif. 
 
 HAUTBOYS. 
 
 Here a Pajfagc ever tbs Stc.ge, while the AR is playing for 
 the Marriage of Charalois 'with Beaumelle, &c. 
 
 ACT III. SCENE I. 
 
 Enter Novall >;;. Bellapert. 
 
 NovfjiM. CM-Y not to thefe *cufes: Thou haft been 
 J/ Falfe in thy JPromife and, when I have 
 
 faid 
 Ungrateful, all is fpoke. 
 
 Bellap. Good my Lord ! but hear me only. 
 
 Nov. jun. To what Purpofe, Trifler ? 
 Can any Thing that thou canft fay, make void 
 The Marriage? Or thofe Pleafures but a Dream, 
 Which Cbaralois (oh Fenush hath, enjoy'd ? 
 
 Bellap. I yet could lay, that you receive Advantage 
 In what you think a.Lofs, would you vouchfafe me j 
 That you were never in the Way till now 
 With Safety to arrive at your Defires , 
 That Pleafure makes Love to you, unatpzftded 
 By Danger or Repentance ? 
 
 Nov. jun. That I could 
 
 But apprehend one Keafon how this might be, 
 Hope would not then forsake me. 
 
 Bellap. Trie enjoying 
 Of what you moft defire \ I fay th 1 enjoying 
 
 VOL. II. P Shall
 
 226 THE FATAL DOWRY. 
 
 Shall, in the full PolTeffion of your Wifhcs, 
 Confirm that I am faithful. 
 
 Nov. jun. Give fome Relifh 
 How this may appear poffible. 
 
 Bellap. I will. 
 
 Relifh, and tafte, and make the Banquet eafy . 
 You fay my Lady's married I confefs it : 
 That Cbaralois hath enjoyed her 'tis mod true: 
 That with her, he's already Matter of 
 The beft Part of my old Lord's 'State. Still better : 
 -But, that the firft, or laft, fhould be your Hindrance, 
 I utterly deny : For, but obferve me, 
 While me went for, and was, I fwear, a Virgin, 
 What Courtefy could me with her Honour give, 
 Or you receive with Safety take me with you ; 
 When I fay Courtefy, do not think I mean 
 A Kifs ; the tying of her Shoe or Garter ; 
 An Hour of private Conference : Thofe are Trifles. 
 In this Word Courtefy, we, that are Gamefters, point at 
 The Sport direct, where not alone the Lover 
 Brings his Artillery, but ufes it: 
 Which Word expounded to you, fuch a Courtefy 
 Do you expect, and fudden. 
 
 Nov. jun. But he tafled the firft Sweets, Bellapert ! 
 
 Bellap. He wrong'd you fhrewdly ; 
 He toil'd to climb up to the Phanix* Neft, 
 And in his Prints leaves your Afcent more eafy. 
 I do not know, you, that are perfect Criticks 
 In Women's Books, may talk of Maidenheads. 
 
 Nov. jun. But for her Marriage. 
 
 Bellap. 'Tis a fair Protection 
 'Gainft all Arrefts of Fear, or Shame for ever. 
 Such as are fair, and yet not foolifh, ftudy 
 To have one at thirteen ; but they are mad 
 That flay till twenty. Then, Sir! for the Pleafure; 
 To fay A-dultery's fweeter, that is ft ale. 
 This only Is not the Contentment more, 
 To fay, this is my Cuckold, than my Rival. 
 More I could fay but, briefly, me doats on you,
 
 THE F A T A L D 6 W R s 227 
 
 If it prove otherwife, fpare not, poifon me 
 VVith the next Gold you give me. 
 
 Enter Beaumelle. 
 
 Beawnel. How's this, Servant? Courting my Woman? 
 
 Bellap. As an Entrance to 
 The Favour of the Miftrefs : You are together 
 And I am perfect in my Cue. [Going* 
 
 Beatimel. Stay Bellapert. 
 
 Bellap. In this, I muft not, with your Leave, obey you* 
 Your Taylor and your Tire-woman wait without 
 And (lay my Couniel* and Direction for 
 Your next Day's DrefTing. I have much to do, 
 Nor will your Ladyfhip, now, Time is precious, 
 Continue idle ; this Choice Lord will find 
 So fit Employment for you. [Exit Bellapert; 
 
 BeaumeL I mall grow angry. 
 
 Nov. jun. Not fo i you have a Jewel in her* Madam ! 
 
 Enter Bellapert; 
 
 Bellap. I had forgot to tell your Ladyfhip 
 The Clofet is private and your Couch ready j 
 And, if you pleafe that I (hall lofe the Key* 
 But fay fo, and 'tis done. [Exit Bellapert. 
 
 Beaumel. You come to chide me, Servant ! and bring 
 
 with you 
 
 Sufficient Warrant. You will fay, arid truly, 
 My Father found too much Obedience in me, 
 By being won too foon : Yet, if you pleafe 
 But to remember, all my Hopes and Fortunes 
 Had Reverence to this Likening you will grant, 
 That, though I did not well towards you, I yet 
 Did wifely for myfelf. 
 
 Ntiv- jun. With too much Fervor 
 I have fo long lov'd and ftill love you, Miftrefs ; 
 To efteem that an Injury to me 
 Which was to you convenient j -that is pafl 
 
 P 2 My
 
 228 THE FATAL DOWRY. 
 My Help, is paft my Cure. You yet may, Lady, 
 In Recompence of all my duteous Service, 
 (Provided that your Will anfwer your Power) 
 Become my Creditrefs. 
 
 Beaumel. I underftand you , 
 And for Aflurance, the Requefl you make 
 Shall not be long unanfwered, pray you fit, 
 And by what you fhall hear, you'll eafily find, 
 My Pafiions are much fitter, to defire, 
 Than to be fued to. 
 
 Enter Romont and Florimel. 
 
 Flor. Sir, 'tis not Envy 
 At the Start my Fellow has got of -me in . 
 My Ladies good Opinion, that's the Motive 
 Of this Difcovery ; but due Payment 
 Of what I owe her Honour. 
 
 Rom. So I conceive it. 
 
 Flor. I have obferv'~d too much, nor mail my Silence 
 
 Prevent the Remedy yonder they are, 
 
 I dare not be feen with you. You may do 
 
 What you think 'fit, which will be, I prefume, 
 
 The Office of a faithful and try'd Friend 
 
 To my young Lord. [Exit Florimef. 
 
 Rom. This is no Vifion : Ha ! 
 
 Nov. jun. With the next Opportunity. 
 
 Beaumel. By this Kifs, and this, and this. 
 
 Nov.jttn. That you would ever fwear thus. 
 
 Rom. If I feem rude, your Pardon, Lady ! youri 
 I do not afk : Come, do not dare to fhew me 
 A Face of Anger, or the lead Diflike, 
 Put on, and fuddenly, a milder Look - y 
 I fhall grow rough, elle. 
 
 Nov. jun. What have I done, Sir! 
 To draw this harfh unfavory Language from you ? 
 
 Rom. Done, Popinjay? Why, doft thou think that, if 
 I e'er had dreamt that thou hadil done me Wrong, 
 Thou Ihoul'dft outlive it t 
 
 Beau-
 
 THE FATAL D O W R Y. 229 
 
 Beaumel. This is fomething more 
 Than my Lord's Friendship gives Commiffion for. 
 NGI\ jun. Your Prefence and the Place, makes him 
 
 prefume 
 Upon my Patience. 
 
 Rom. As if thou e'er wer't angry 
 But with thy Taylor, and yet that poor Shred 
 Can bring more to the making up of a Man, 
 Than can be hop'd from thee : Thou art his Creature, 
 And, did he not each Morning new create thee 
 Thou'dft ftiok and be forgott-eru I'll not change 
 One Syllable more with thee, until thou bring 
 Some Teftimony, under good Mens Hands, 
 Thou art a Chrillian. I fufpeft thee ilrongly, 
 And will be fatisfied : 'Till which Time, keep from me. 
 The Entertainment of your Vifitation 
 Has made w-hat I intended on a Bufinefs. 
 Nov. jun. So we fhall meet Madam ! 
 Rom. Ufe that Leg again, and I'll cut off the other. 
 Nov. jun. Very good. [*// No vail, 
 
 Rom. What a Perfume the Mufk-cat leaves behind 
 
 him! 
 
 Do you admit him for a Property, 
 To fave you Charges Lady ? 
 Beaumel. 'Tis not ufelels, 
 Now you are to fucceed him. 
 
 Rom. So I refpect you, 
 Not for yourfelf, but in Remembrance of 
 "Who is your Father, and whole Wife you now are, 
 That I choofe rather not to underftand 
 
 Your natty Scott than, 
 
 BeaumeL What, you will not beat me, 
 If I expound it to you. Here's a Tyrant 
 Spares neither Man nor Woman. 
 
 Rom. My Intents, 
 
 Madam, deferve not this -, nor do I fray 
 To be the Whetftone of your Wit : Preferve it 
 To fpend on fuch, as know how to admire 
 Such colour'd Stuff. In me there is, now fpeaks to you 
 P 3 As
 
 3P THE FATAL DOWRY. 
 
 AS true a Friend and Servant to your Honour, 
 And one that will with as much Hazard guard it, 
 As ever Man did Goodnefs.T-r But then Lady ! 
 You mud endeavour, not alone to be, 
 But to appear, worthy fuch Love and Service, 
 
 Beaumel. To what tends this ? 
 
 Rom. Why, tp this Purpofe, Lady ! 
 I do defire you mould prove fuch a Wife 
 TO Cbaralois (and fuch a one he Merits) 
 As C*/or, did he Jive, could not except at, 
 Not only innocent from Crime, but free 
 From all Taint and Sufpicion. 
 
 Beaumel. They are bafe that judge meotherwife, 
 
 Rom. But yet, be careful ! 
 Detraction's a bold Mpnfter, and fears not 
 To wound the Fame of Princes, if it find 
 But any Blemifh in their Lives to work on : 
 But I'll be plainer with you : Had the People 
 Been learn'd to fpeak, but what even now I faw, 
 Their Malice out of that would raife an Engine 
 To overthrow your Honour. In my Sight, 
 With yonder painted Fool I frighted from you s 
 You us'd Familiarity beyond 
 A modeft Entertainment : You embrac'd him 
 With too much Ardour for a Stranger, and 
 Met him with KilTes neither chafte nor comely '< 
 But learn you to forget him, as I will 
 Your Bounties to him -, you will find it fafer 
 Rather tp be uncourtly, then imniodeft. 
 
 Beaumel. This pretty Rag about your Neck (hews well, 
 And, being coarfe and little Worth, it fpeaks you 
 As terrible as thrifty. 
 
 Rom. Madam ! 
 
 Beaumel. Yes. 
 
 And this ftrong Belt in which you hang your Honour 
 Will out-laft twenty Scarfs. 
 
 Rom. What mean you, Lady ? 
 
 Beaumel. And all elfe about you Cap-a-pe, 
 So uniform in Spite of Handfomenefs, 
 
 Shews
 
 THE FATAL DOWRY. 231 
 Shews fuch a bold Contempt of Comelinefs, 
 That 'tis not ftrange your Laundrefs in the League, 
 Grew mad with Love of you. 
 
 Rom. Is my free Counfel 
 Anfwer'd with this ridiculous Scorn ? 
 
 Eeaumel Thefe Objects 
 Stole very much of my Attention from me ; 
 Yet fomething I remember, to fpeak Truth, 
 Deliver'd gravely, but to little Purpofe, 
 That almoft would have made me fwear fome Curate 
 Had flol'n into the Perfon of Romont, 
 And, in the Praife of Good-wife Honeily, 
 Had read an Homily. 
 
 Rom. By this Hand. 
 
 Eeaumel. And Sword ; 
 
 I will make up your Oath, 'twill want Weight elle. 
 You're angry with me, and poor I laugh at it. 
 Do you come from the Camp, which affords only 
 The Converfation of -cad Suburb Whores, 
 To fet down to a Lady of my Rank, 
 Limits of Entertainment ? 
 
 Rom. Sure a Legion has poffeft this Woman. 
 Eeaumel. One Stamp more would do well : Yet I de- 
 
 fire not 
 
 You fhould grow Horn mad, till you have a Wife. 
 You are come to warm Meat, and perhaps clean Linen : 
 Feed, -wear it, and be thankful. For me, know, 
 That, though a thoiifand Watches were fet on me f 
 And you the Mafter-fpy, I yet would ufe . 
 The Liberty that belt likes me. I will revel, 
 Feaft, kifs, embrace. Perhaps, grant larger Favours. 
 Yet fuch as live upon my Means, mall know 
 They muft not murmur at it. If my Lord 
 Be now grown yellow, and has chofe out you 
 To ferve his Jealoufy that Way, tell him this, 
 You've fomething to inform him. [Exit Beaumelle.. 
 
 Rom. And I will. 
 
 Believe it, wicked one, I will. Hear, Heaven! 
 But, hearing, pardon me : If thefe Fruits grow, 
 Upon the Tree of Marriage, let me (hun it, 
 
 P 4 As
 
 232 THE FATAL DOWRY, 
 
 Asa forbidden Sweet. An Heir and rich, 
 
 Young, beautiful yet add to this a Wife, 
 
 And I will rather choofe a Spital Sinner 
 
 Carted an Age before, though three Parts rotten, 
 
 And take it for a Bleffing, rather than 
 
 Be fettcr'd to the hellifh Slavery 4 
 
 Of fuch an Impudence. 
 
 Enter Beaumont with Writings. 
 
 Beaum. Colonel! good Fortune 
 To meet you thus : You look fad, but I'll tell you 
 Something that fhall remove it. Oh, how happy 
 Is my Lord Cbalarois in his fair Bride ! 
 
 Rom. A happy Man, indeed ! pray you in what ? 
 
 Beaum. I dare 1 wear, you would think fo good a Lady, 
 A Dower fufficient. 
 
 Rom. No doubt. But on. 
 
 Beaum. So fair, fo chafte, fo virtuous : Indeed 
 All that is excellent. 
 
 Rom. Women have no Cunning to gull the World. 
 
 Beaum. Yet, to all thefe, my Lord, 
 Her Father gives the full Addition of 
 All he does now pofTefs in Burgundy : 
 Thefe Writings to confirm it, are new feaPd, 
 And I moft fortunate topreient him with them, 
 I muft go feek him out, can you direct me ? 
 
 Rom. You'll find him breaking a young Horfe, 
 
 Beaum. 1 thank you, [Exit Beaumont. 
 
 * In an Advertifement prefixed to the Bond-man, which was revived 
 in 1710, we are told that Mr. Reive had revis'd the Works of Naf- 
 Jingcr, and did intena to publifn them ; I am apt to think this Afler- 
 tion true, and that Mr. jl.-i.ve was a great Admirer of our Author, his 
 excellent Pia f - of the Fair Penitent being founded on the Tragedy now 
 before us. The beautiful Scene between Horaiia and Calijla is evi- 
 dently copied from the foregoing, as is that between Altamont and/fc* 
 ratia in the third Aft where they quarrel, from the laft Scene of this j 
 The curious Reader may not be difagreeably amufed in comparing 
 many other fimiiar Parts of thefe excellent Tragedies together. 
 
 Rom,
 
 THE FATAL DOWRY. 233 
 
 Rom. I muft do fomething worthy Char aids Friend- 
 
 fhip. 
 
 If me were well inclin'd, to keep her fo 
 Peferv'd not Thanks : And yet, to flay a Woman J 
 Spur'd headlong by hot Luft to her own Ruin 
 Is harder than to prop a falling Tower 
 With a deceiving Reed. 
 
 Enter Rochfort. 
 
 Roch. Some one feek for me, 
 As foon as he Returns. 
 
 Rom. Her Father ? ha I- 
 How if I break this to him ? Sure it cannot 
 Meet with an ill Conftruction. His Wifdom, 
 Made powerful by th* Authority of a Father, 
 Will warrant and give Privilege to hisCounfels. 
 It fhall be fo My Lord! 
 
 Roch. Your Friend, Romont : 
 Would you aught with me ? 
 
 Rom. I (land fo engag'd 
 To your fo many Favours, that I hold it 
 A Breach in Thankfulnefs, mould I not difcover, 
 Though with fome Imputation to myfelf, 
 All Doubts that may concern you. 
 
 Roch. The Performance 
 Will make this Proteftation worth my Thanks. 
 
 i To flay a Woman 
 
 Spur'd HeadLngt by hot Lujl, &c. 
 Thus in the Plflure. 
 
 It is more 
 
 Impoflible in Nature for grofs Bodies 
 Defcending of themfelves, to hang in the Air, 
 Or wiih my (ingle Arm to underprop 
 A falling Tower ; nay, in its violent Courfe 
 To flop the Lighrning, than to (lay a Woman, 
 Hurried by uvo Furies, Luft and Falfhood, 
 In her full Career to Wickcdncfs, 
 
 Aft 4. Scene x .
 
 234 THE FATAL DOWRY. 
 Rom. Then, with your Patience, lend me your At- 
 tention : 
 
 For what I muft deliver, whifper'd only, 
 You will with too much Grief receive. 
 
 Enter Beaumelle, Bellapert. 
 
 BemimeL See, Wench! 
 Upon my Life as I forefpake, he's now- 
 Preferring his Complaint : But be thou perfect, 
 And we will fit him. 
 
 Bellap. Fear not me, pox on him * 
 A Captain turn Informer againft kifling^ 
 Would he were hang'd up in his rufty Armour! 
 But, if our freQi Wits cannot turn the Plots 
 Of fuch a mouldy Murrion on itfelf ; 
 Rich Cloaths, choice Fare, and a true Friend at a Call, 
 With all the PJeafures the Night yields, forfake us. 
 
 Rocb. This in my Daughter? Do not wrong her. 
 
 Bellap. Now begin. 
 The Games a-foot, and we in Diftance. 
 
 Beaumel. 'Tis thy Fault, foolifh Girl ! pin on my Veil, 
 I will not wear thofe Jewels. Am I not 
 Already rnatch'd beyond my Hopes ? Yet ftill 
 You prune and fetme forth, as if I were 
 Again to pleafe a Suiter. 
 
 Bellap. 'Tis the Courfe 
 That our great Ladies take. 
 
 Rom. A weak Excufe 1 
 
 Beaumel. Thofe that are better feen, in what concerns 
 A Lady's Honour and fair Fame, condemn it. 
 You wait well : in your Abfence, my Lord's Friend, 
 The underftanding, grave, and wife Romont. 
 
 Rom. Muft I be ftill her Sport ? \Afide. 
 
 JSeaumel. Reprove me for it. 
 And he has travell'd to bring home a Judgment 
 Not to be contradicted. You will fay 
 My Father, that owes more to Years than he, 
 Has brought me up to Mufick, Language, Courtmip, 
 And I muft ufe them. True, but not t' offend, 
 /Or render me fufpected. Rocb*
 
 THE FATAL D 9 W R Y. 235 
 
 Roch. Does your fine Story begin from this ? 
 
 Beaumel. I thought a parting Kifs 
 JFrom young ffovall would have difpleas'd no more 
 Than heretofore it hath done , but I find 
 J muft reftrain fuch Favours now ; look therefore, 
 As you are careful to continue mine, 
 That I no more be vifited. I'll endure 
 The ftrifteft Courfe of Life that Jealoufy 
 Can think fecure enough, ere my Behaviour 
 Shall call my Fame in Queftion. 
 
 Rom. Ten Diflemblers 
 Are in this fubtle Devil. You believe this? 
 
 Roch. So far, that if you trouble me again 
 With a Report like this, I mall not only 
 Judge you malicious in your Difpofition, 
 But ftudy to repent what I have done 
 To fuch a Nature, 
 
 Rom. Why, 'tis exceeding well. 
 
 Roch. And for you, Daughter, off with this ; off 
 
 with it : 
 
 I have that Confidence in your Goodnefs, I, 
 That I will not confent to have you live 
 Like to a Reclufe in a Cloyfter : Go, 
 Call in the Gallants, let them make you merry, 
 Ufe all fit Liberty. 
 
 Bellap. Blefling on you. 
 
 If this new Preacher with the Sword and Feather 
 Could prove his Doctrine for Canonical, 
 We (hou|d have a fine World. [Exit Bellapert. 
 
 Rocb. Sir, if you pleafe 
 To bear yourfelf as fits a Gentleman, 
 The Houfe is at your Service ; but, if not, 
 Though you feek Company elfewhere, your Abfence 
 Will not be much lamented [Exit Rochfort. 
 
 Rom. If this be 
 
 The Recompence of driving to preferve 
 A wanton Gigglet honeft, very ihortly 
 'Twill make all Mankind Panders. Do you fmile, 
 Good Lady Loofenefs ? Your whole Sex is like you, 
 
 And
 
 23<5 THE $*ATAL DOWRY. 
 
 And that Man's mad that feeks to better any : 
 What new Change have you next ? 
 
 Beaumel. Oh, fear not you, Sir ! 
 I'll fhift into a Thoufand, but I will 
 Convert your Herefy-. 
 
 Rom. What Herefy ? fpeak ! 
 
 Beaumel. Of keeping a Lady that is married, 
 From entertaining Servants. 
 
 Enter Novall, jun. Malotin, Liladam, Aymer, Pon- 
 talier. 
 
 O, you're welcome. 
 
 Ufe any Means to vex him, 
 
 And then with Welcome follow me, [Exit Beaumel. 
 
 Nov. jun. You are tir'd 
 With your grave Exhortations, Colonel i 
 
 Lilad. How is it ? Faith, your Lordfhip may do well 
 To help him to fome Church-Preferment : 'Tis 
 Now the Fafhipn, for Men of all Conditions, 
 However they have liv'd, to end that Way. 
 
 Aymer. That Face would do well in a Surplice. 
 
 Rom. Rogues, be filent or 
 
 Pont. S'Death ! will you fuffer this ? 
 
 Rom. And you, the Matter Rogue, the Coward Rafcal, 
 I fhall be with you ,fuddenly, 
 
 Nov. jun. Pontalier^ 
 
 If I mould ftrike him, I know I mall kill him : 
 And therefore I would have thee beat him, for 
 He's good for nothing elfe. 
 
 Lilad. His Back 
 
 Appears to me, as it would tire a Beadle. 
 And then he has a knotted Brow, would bruife 
 A court-like Hand to touch it. 
 
 Aymer. He looks like 
 A Currier when his Hide's grown dear. 
 
 Pont. Take heed he curry not fome of you. 
 
 Nov. jun. Gads me ! he's angry. 
 
 Rom. I break no Jefts, but I can break ray Sword 
 About your Pates. Enter
 
 THE FATAL DOWRY. 237 
 
 Enter Charalois and Beaumont. 
 
 Ulad. Here's more. 
 
 Aymer. Come let's be gone ! 
 We are beleaguer'd. 
 
 Nw.jun. Look, they bring up their Troops. 
 
 Pont. Will you fit down with this Difgrace ? 
 You are abus'd moft groQy. 
 
 Ulad. I grant you, Sir, we are ; and you would have 
 Stay and be more abus'd [us 
 
 Nov.jun. My Lord, I'm forry 
 Your Houfe is fo inhofpitable, we muft quit it. 
 
 [Exeunt. Manent Charalois, Romont. 
 
 Char. Pr'ythee, Romont, what caus'd this Uproar ? 
 
 Rom. Nothing. 
 They laugh'd, and us'd their fcurvy Wits upon me. 
 
 Char. Come, 'tis thy jealous Nature : But I wonder 
 That you, which are an honeft Man, and worthy, 
 Should fofter this Sufpicion. No Man laughs, 
 No one can whifper, but thou apprehend'ft 
 His Conference and his Scorn reflects on thee. 
 For my Part, they mould feoff their thin Wits out, 
 So I not heard them j beat me, not being there. 
 Leave, Jeave thefe Fits to confcious Men, to fuch 
 As are obnoxious to thofe foolifh Things 
 As they can gibe at. 
 
 Rom. Well, Sir! 
 
 Char. Thou art known 
 Valiant without Defect, rightly defin'd, 
 Which is (as fearing to do Injury, 
 As tender to endure it) not a Brabbler, 
 A Swearer. 
 
 Rom. Pifli, pifli ! What needs this, my Lord ? 
 If I be known none fuch, how vainly you 
 Do caft away good Counfel ? I have lov'd you, 
 And yet muft freely fpeak : So young a Tutor 
 Fits not fo old a Soldier as I am. 
 And I muft tell you, 'twas in your" Behalf 
 
 I grew
 
 * 3 * THE FATAL D 6 W & , 
 
 I grew enrag'd thus ; yet had rather die 
 
 Than open the great Caufe a Syllable further. 
 Char. In my Behalf? Wherein hath Charalvis 
 
 Unfitly fo demean'd himfelf, to give 
 
 The leaft Occafion to the loofeft Tongue 
 
 To throw Afperfions on him ? Or fo weakly 
 
 Protected his own Honour, as it mould 
 
 Need Defence from any but himfelf? 
 
 They're Fools that judge me by my outward Seeming 5 
 
 "Why mould my Gentlenefs beget Abufe ? 
 
 The Lion is not angry that does deep, 
 
 Nor every Man a Coward that can weep, 
 
 For God's Sake fpeak the Caufe. 
 Rom. Not for the World. 
 
 Oh ! it will ftrike Difeafe into your Bones, 
 
 Beyond the Cure of Phyfick ; drink your Blood, 
 
 Rob you of all your Reft, contract your Sight, 
 
 Leave you no Eyes but to fee Mifery, 
 
 And of your own ; nor Speech, but to wifh thus, 
 
 Would I had perim'd in the Prifon's jaws, 
 
 From whence I was redeemed ! *Twill wear you oldj 
 
 Before you have Experience in that Art, 
 
 That caufes your Affliction. 
 
 Char. Thou doft ftrike 
 
 A deathful Coldnefs to my Heart's high Heat, 
 And fhrink'ft my Liver like the Calenture. 
 Declare this Foe of mine, and Life's, that like 
 A Man I may encounter and fubdue it. 
 It fhall not have one fuck Effect in me, 
 As thou denounced : With a Soldier's Arm, 
 If it be Strength, I'll meet it : If a Fault 
 Belonging to my Mind, I'll cut it off 
 With mine own Reafon, as a Scholar mould.- 
 Speak, though it make me monftrous, 
 
 Rom. I'll die firft. 
 
 Farewel ! continue merry, and high Heaven 
 Keep your Wife chafte. 
 
 Char. Hum ! Stay and take this Wolf 
 Out of my Breaft, that thou haft lodg'd there, or 
 For ever lofe me. Rom.
 
 THE FATAL DOWRY. 39 
 
 Rom. Lofe not, Sir, yourfelf, 
 And I will venture fo the Door is faft. 
 
 [Locks tbt Door. 
 
 Now, noble Cbarakis, colled yourfelf ; 
 Summon your Spirits ; mufter all your Strength 
 That can belong to Man ; fift Pafiion 
 From ev'ry Vein, and, whatfoe'er enfues, 
 Upbraid not me hereafter, as the Caufe of 
 Jcaloufy, Difcontent, Slaughter and Ruin : 
 Make me not Parent to Sin : You will know 
 This Secret that I burn with. 
 
 Cbar. Devil on't, 
 
 What mould it be ? Romany I hear you wifh 
 My Wife's Continuance of Chaftity. 
 
 Rom. There was no Hurt in that. 
 
 Cbar. Why ? do you know 
 A Likelihood or Poflibility unto the contrary ? 
 
 Rom. I know it net, but doubt it i thefe the Grounds. 
 The Servant of your Wife now, young Novall 9 
 The Son unto your Father's Enemy 
 (Which aggravates my Prefumption the more) 
 I have been warn'd of, touching her ; nay, feen them 
 Tie Heart to Heart, one in another's Arms, 
 Multiplying Kifles, as if they meant 
 To 'pofe Arithmetic, or whofe Eyes would 
 Be firft burnt out with gazing on the other's. 
 1 faw their Mouths engender, and their Palms 
 Glew'd, as if Love had lock'd them ; their Words flow 
 And melt each others, like two circling Flames, 
 Where Chaftity, like a Phoenix, methought, burn'd, 
 But left the World nor Ames, nor an Heir. 
 Why ftand you filent thus ? What cold dull Flegm, 
 As if you had no Drop of Choler mix'd 
 In your whole Conftitudon, thus prevails, 
 To fix you now thus ftupid, hearing this ? 
 
 Char. You did not fee 'em on my Couch within, 
 Like George a Horfe-back, on her, nor a-bed ? 
 
 Rom. No. 
 
 Cbar. Ha! ha! 
 
 Rent.
 
 140 THE FATAL DOWRY, 
 
 Rom. Laugh you ? E'en fo did your Wife* 
 And her indulgent Father. 
 
 Cbar. They were wife. 
 Would'ft ha' me be a Fool ? 
 
 Rom. No, but a Man. 
 
 Cbar. There is no Dram of Manhood to fufpeclj 
 On fuch thin airy Circumilance as this 
 Mere Compliment and Courtfhip. Was this Tale 
 The hideous Mbnfter which you fo conceal'd ? 
 Away, thou curious Impertinent, 
 And idle Searcher of fuch lean nice Toys ! 
 Go, thou feditious Sower of Debate! 
 Fly to fuch Matches, where the Bridegroom doubts : 
 He holds not Worth Enough to countervail 
 The Virtue and the Beauty of his Wife. 
 Thou buzzing Drone, that 'bout my Ears doft hurrtj 
 To ftrike.thy rankling Sting into my Heart, 
 Whofe Venom, Time nor Medicine could affwage. 
 Thus do J put thee off, and, confident 
 In mine own Innocency and Defert, 
 Dare not conceive her fo unreafonable, 
 To put Neva/I in Balance againft me, . 
 An Upftart, cran'd up to the Height he has. 
 Hence, Bufybody ! thou'rt no Friend to me, 
 That muft be kept to a Wife's Injury. 
 
 Rom. Is't poffible ? Farewel, fine, honeft Man I 
 Sweet temper'd Lord, adieu ! What Apoplexy 
 Hath knit Senfe up ? Is this Romont's Reward ? 
 Bear Witnefs, the great Spirit of thy Father, 
 With what a healthful Hope I adminifter 
 This Potion that hath wrought fo virulently I 
 I not accufe thy Wife of Act, but would 
 Prevent her Precipice to thy Difhonour, 
 Which now thy tardy Sluggifhnefs will admit ! 
 Would I had feen thee grav'd with thy great Sire* 
 Ere live to have Mens marginal Fingers point 
 At Ckaralois, as a lamented Story. 
 An Emperor put away his Wife for touching 
 Another Man ; but thou wouldft have thine tatted 
 
 And
 
 THE FATAL DOWRY. 241 
 
 And keep her, I think, Phoh ! I am a Fire 
 
 To warm a dead Man, that wafte out myfelf. 
 
 Blood What a Plague, a Vengeance, is't to me, 
 
 If you will be a Cuckold ? Here I mew 
 
 A Sword's Point to thee ; this Side you may mun, 
 
 Or that, the Peril j if you will run on, 
 
 I cannot help it. 
 
 Char. Didft thou never fee me 
 Angry, Romont ? 
 
 Rom. Yes, and purfue a Foe 
 Like Lightning. 
 
 Char. Pr'ythee fee me fo no more. 
 I can be fo again. Put up thy Sword, 
 And take thyfelf away, left I draw mine. 
 
 Rom. Come, fright. your Foes with this, Sir! lam 
 
 your\Friend, 
 And dare ftand by you thus. 
 
 Char. Thou'rt not my Friend ; 
 Or being fo, thou'rt mad. I muft not buy 
 Thy Friend/hip at this Rate , had I juft Cauie, 
 Thou know'ft I durft purfue luch Injury 
 Through Fire, Air, Water, Earth, nay, were they all 
 Shuffled again to Chaos ; but there's none. 
 Thy Skill, Romont, confifts in Camps, not Courts. 
 Farewel, uncivil Man ! Jet's meet no more. 
 Here our long Web of Friendship I untwift. 
 Shall I go whine, walk pale, and lock my Wife 
 For nothing, from her Birth's free Liberty, 
 That open'd mine to me ? Yes ; if I do 
 The Name of Cuckold, then, dog me with Scorn. 
 I am a Frenchman, no Italian born. [Exit. 
 
 Rom. A dull Dutch rather : Fall and cool my Blood! 
 Boil not in Zeal of thy Friend's Hurt fo high, 
 That is folow, and cold himfelf in't ! Woman, 
 How ftrong art thou ! how eafily beguil'd ! 
 How thou doft rack us by the very Horns ! 
 Now Wealth, I fee, change Manners, and the Man. 
 Something I muft do mine own Wrath to affuage, 
 And note my Friendihip to an After-age. [Exit. 
 
 VOL. II. C ACT
 
 242 THE FATAL DOWRY. 
 
 A C T IV. S C E N E I. 
 
 Enter Novall jun. as newly dreffed, a Taylor, Barber, 
 Perfumer, Liladam, Aymer, Page. 
 
 Nov. jun. JL /TEND this a little : Pox ! thou haft burnt 
 iVJL me - Oh! fie upon't! O lard! he has 
 made me fmeli, for all the World, like a Flax, or a red- 
 headed Woman's Chamber: Powder, Powder, Powder. 
 
 Per/. Oh, fweet Lord ! 
 
 [Novall fits in a Chair, Barber orders bis Hair, 
 Perfumer gives Powder, Taylor fets his Cloaths. 
 
 Page, That's his Perfumer, 
 
 Tflyl. Oh, dear Lord ! 
 
 Page. That's his Taylor. 
 
 Nov. jun. Monfieur Liladam ! Aymer! how allow you 
 the Model of thefe Cloaths ? 
 
 Aymer. Admirably, admirably ; oh fweet Lord ! af- 
 furedly it's Pity the Worms mould eat thee. 
 
 Page. Here's a fine Cell -, a Lord, a Taylor, a Per- 
 fumer, a Barber, and a Pair of Monfieurs : Three to 
 three, as little Wit in the one, as Honefty in the other. 
 S'foot I'll into the Country again, learn to fpeak Truth, 
 drink Ale, and converfe with my Father's Tenants ; 
 here I hear nothing all Day, but upon my Soul ! as I 
 am a Gentleman, and an honeft Man ! 
 
 Aymer. I vow and affirm, your Taylor muft needs be 
 an expert Geometrician ; he has the Longitude, Lati- 
 tude, Altitude, Profundity, every Dimenfion of your 
 Body, fo exquifitely. Here's a Lace laid as directly, as 
 if Truth were a Taylor. 
 
 Page. That were a Miracle. 
 
 Lilad. With a Hairs Breadth's Error, there's a Shoul- 
 der-Piece cut, and the Bafe of a Pickadille 6 in puntfs. 
 
 . 6 A Pickadil (Dutch) the Hem about the Skirt of * Garment. 
 
 Aymer.
 
 THE FATAL DOWRY. 243 
 
 Aymer. You are right, Monfieur! his Veflments fit 
 jjs it" they grew upon him ; or Art had wrought 'em on 
 the fame Loom, as Nature fraTti'd his Lord/hip; as if 
 your Taylor were deeply read in Aftrology, and had 
 taken Meafure of your honourable Body, wi'th &Jacob\ 
 Staff, an Epbimendes. 
 
 Taylor. I am bound t'ye, Gentlemen ! 
 
 Page. You are deceiv'd ; they'll be bound to you : 
 You muft remember to truft 'em none. 
 
 Nov. jun-. Nay, 'faith, thou art a reafonable, neat Ar- 
 tificer, give the Devil his Due. 
 
 Page. I, if he would but cut the Coat according to 
 the Cloth ftill. 
 
 Nov. jun. I now want only my Miftrefs's Approbation, 
 who is, indeed, the moft polite punctual Queen of Dr'ef- 
 fing in all Burgundy. Pah, and makes all other young 
 Ladies appear as if they came from board laft Week out 
 of the Country ; is't not true, Liladam ? 
 
 Lilad. True, my Lord ! as if any Thing your Lord- 
 Ihip could fay, could be other wife then true. 
 
 Nov. jun. Nay, O my Soul, 'tisfo, what fouler Object 
 in theWorld, than to fee a young, fair, hsndfome Beauty, 
 unhandfomely dighted and incongruently accouter'd ; or 
 a hopeful Chevalier, unmethodically appointed, in the 
 external Ornaments of Nature ? For, even as the Index 
 tells us the Contents of Stories, and directs to the parti- 
 cular Chapters, even fo does the outward Habit and fu- 
 perficial Order of Garments, (in Man or Woman) give 
 us a Tafte of the Spirit, and demonstratively Point (as 
 it were a manual Note from the Margin) all the internal 
 Quality, and Habiliment of the Soul; and there cannot 
 be a more evident, palpable, grofs Manifellation of poor, 
 degenerate, dunghilly Blood, and Breeding, than a rude, 
 unpolifh'd, diforder'd and flovenly Outfide. 
 
 Page. An admirable Lecture! oh, all you Gallants, 
 that hope to be faved by your Cloaths, edify, edify ! 
 
 Aymer. By the Lard, iwei-t l^ard 1 thou dderv'ft a 
 Penfion o'the State. 
 
 Q^2 Page.
 
 244 THE FATAL DOWRY. 
 
 Page. Oth' Taylors, two fuch Lords were able to 
 ipread Taylors o'er the Face of a whole Kingdom. 
 
 Nov. jun. 'Pox a this Glafs ! it flatters. >! could find 
 in my Heart to break it. 
 
 Page. O, fave the Glafs, my Lord ! and break their 
 Heads : They are the greater Flatterers, I allure you. 
 
 Aymer. Flatters, detracts, impairs. Yet, put it by, 
 Left thou, dear Lord, NarciJ/us-like, mould doat 
 Upon thyfelf, and die ; and rob the World 
 Of Nature's Copy, that me works Form by. 
 
 Lilad. Oh ! that I were the Infanta Queen of Europe! 
 Who but thyfelf, fweet Lord, mould marry me! 
 
 ^ Nov. jun. I marry ? Were there a Queen o'th* World, 
 
 not I. 
 Wedlock? No Padlock, Horfe-Lock, I wear Spurs 
 
 [He capers. 
 
 To keep it off my Heels ; yet, my Aymer! 
 Like a free, wanton Jennet i'th' Meadows, 
 I look about, and neigh, take Hedge and Ditch, 
 Feed in my Neighbour's Paftures ; pick my Choice 
 Of all their fair-mane'd Mares : But married once, 
 A Man is flak'd, or poun'd, and cannot graze 
 Beyond his own Hedge. 
 
 Enter Pontalier, and Malotin. 
 
 Pont. I have waited, Sir ! 
 
 Three Hours to fpeak with you, and take it not well, 
 Such Magpies are admitted, whilft I dance 
 Attendance. 
 
 Lilad. Magpies ? What d'ye take me for ? 
 
 Pont. A long Thing with a moft unpromifing Face. 
 
 Aymer. I'll ne'er aflc him what he takes me for. 
 
 Malot. Do not, Sir ! 
 For he'll go near to tell you. 
 
 Pont. Art not thou a Barber-Surgeon ? 
 
 Barb. Yes, Sirrah! why? 
 
 Pont. My Lord is forely troubled with two Scabs. 
 
 Lilad. Aymer. Humph 
 
 Pont. I prythee, cure him of 'em. 
 
 Nov.
 
 THE FATAB DOWRY. 245 
 
 Nov. jun. Pifh! no more ; 
 
 Thy Gall fure's overthrown : Thefe are my Council, 
 And we were now in ferious Difcourfe. 
 
 Pont. Of Perfume and Apparel. Can you rife, 
 And fpend five Hours in Dreffing-Talk with thefe ? 
 
 Nov. jun. Thould'ft have me be a Dog : Up, ftretch, 
 
 and (hake, 
 And ready for all Day. 
 
 Pont. Sir ! would you be 
 More curious in preferving of your Honour 
 Trim, 'twere more manly. I am come to wake 
 Your Reputation from this Lethargy 
 You let it (leep in ; to perfuade, importune, 
 Nay, to provoke you, Sir ! to call to Account 
 This Colonel Romont, for the foul Wrong, 
 Which, like a Burthen, he hath laid on you, 
 And, like a drunken Porter, you deep under. 
 'Tis all the Town-Talk, and, believe, Sir, 
 If your tough Senfe perfift thus, you're undone, 
 Utterly loft; you will be fcorn'd and baffled 
 By every Lacquey -, feafon now your Youth 
 With one brave Thing, and it mail keep the Odour 
 Even to your Death, beyond ; and on your Tomb, 
 Scent like fweetOils and Frankincenfe : Sir! this Life 
 Which once you fav'd, I ne'er fmce counted mine ; 
 I borrow'd it of you, and now will pay it ; 
 I tender you the Service of my Sword 
 To bear your Challenge ; if you'll write, your Fate. 
 I'll make mine own : What e'er betide you, I, 
 That have liv'd by you, by your Side will die. 
 
 Nov. jun. Ha ! ha ! would'ft ha* me challenge poor 
 
 Romont : 
 Fight with clofe Breeches ? Thou may'ft think I dare 
 
 not. 
 
 Do not miftake me, Coze I'm very valiant ; 
 But Valour (hall not make me fuch an Afs. 
 What Ufe is there of Valour, now-a-days ? 
 'Tis fure, or to be kill'd, or to be hang'd. 
 Fight thou as thy Mind moves thee -, 'tis thy Trade : 
 
 Thou
 
 246 THE FATAL DOWRY. 
 Thou haft nothing elfe to dp. Fight with Romont ? 
 No, I'll not fight under a Lord. 
 
 Pont. Farewell, Sir ! I pity you. 
 Such loving Lords walk their dead Honour's Graves, 
 For no Companions fit, but Fools and Knaves. 
 Come Malotin. [Exeunt Pontalier, Malotin. 
 
 Enter Romont. 
 
 Lilad. , 'Sfoot, Colbrar.d) the low Giant. 
 
 Aymer. He has brought a Battle in his Face, let's go. 
 
 Page. Colbrand) d'ye call him ? He'll make feme of 
 you fmoak, I believe. 
 
 Rom. By your Leave, Sirs! 
 
 Aymer. Are you a Confort ? 7 
 
 Rom. D'ye take me for 
 A Fidler ? y'are deceiv'd: Look. I'll pay you. 
 
 [Kicks 'em. 
 
 Page. It Teems he knows you one, he bumfiddles you 
 fo. 
 
 Lilad. Was there ever fo bafe a Fellow ? 
 
 Aymer. A Rafcal ! 
 
 Lilad. A molt uncivil Groom ! 
 
 Aymer. Offer to kick a Gentleman in a Nobleman's 
 Chamber ? A Fox p' your Manners. 
 
 Lilad. Let him alone, let him alone, thou malt lofe 
 thy Arm, Fellow ! if we ftir againft thee, hang us. 
 
 Page. 'Sfoot, I think they have the better on him, 
 though they be kick'd, they talk fo. 
 
 Lilad. Let's leave the mad Ape. 
 
 Nov.jun. Gentlemen! 
 
 Lilad.' Nay, my Lord ! we will not offer to difnonour 
 you fo much as to (lay by you, fmce he's alone. 
 
 7 Aym. dre you a Cwferf, &c. :. t. Come you here to be play'd 
 on. Thus in Raima* 
 
 Tyb. Meraifio, thou conforc'ft with Romeo 
 
 Mrr. Confort ! what doit thou make us Minftrel", if thou make 
 MirJirels of us, look to hear nothing but Difcords, &c. 
 
 Aft 3, Scene i. 
 
 Nov.
 
 THE FATAL DOWRY. 247 
 
 Nov. jun. Hark you. 
 
 Aymcr. We doubt the Caufe, and will not difparage 
 you, fb much as to take your Lordfhip's Quarrel in 
 Hand. Plague on him, how he has crumpled our Rands. 
 
 Page, I'll e'en away with 'em, for this Soldier beats 
 Man, Woman, and Child. 
 
 \Exeunt all but No vail and Romont. 
 
 Nov. jun. What mean you, Sir ? My People,-^- 
 
 Rom. Your Boy's gone, [Locks the Door. 
 
 And Door's iock'd, yet for no Hurt to you, 
 But privacy : Call up your Blood again 9 Sir ! 
 Be not afraid, I do befeech you, Sir ! 
 And therefore, come, without more Circumftance, 
 Tell me how far the Paflages have gone 
 'Twixt you, and your fair Miftrefs Beaumelk. 
 Tell me the Truth, and, by my Hope of Heaven, 
 It never (hall go farther. 
 
 Nov. jun. Tell you ? Why, Sir ? 
 Are you my Confefibr ? 
 
 Rom. I will be your Confounder, if you do not. 
 
 [Draws a Pocket Dagger. 
 Stir not, nor fpend your Voice. 
 
 Nov. jun. What will you do ? 
 
 Rom. Nothing but line your Brain-pan, Sir ! with 
 
 Lead, 
 
 If you not fatisfy me fuddenly, 
 I'm defperate of my Life, and command yours. 
 
 Nov. Jan. Hold ! hold ! I'll fpeak. I vow to Heaven 
 
 and you, 
 
 She's yet untouch'd, more than her Face and Hands. 
 I cannot call her innocent ; for, I yield, 
 On my follicitous Wrongs me contented, 
 Where Time and Place met Opportunity 
 To grant me all Requefts. 
 
 Rom. But, may I build 
 On this Afiurance ? 
 
 Nov. jun. As upon your Faith. -
 
 248 THE FATAL DOWRY. 
 
 Rom. Write this, Sir ! nay, you muft. 
 
 [Draws Inkhorn and Paper. 
 
 Nov. jun. Pox of this Gun. 
 
 Rsm. Withail, Sir ! you muft fwear, and put your 
 
 Oath 
 
 Under your Hand, (fhakenot) ne'er to frequent 
 This Lady's Company ; nor ever fend 
 Token, or Mefiage, or Letter, to incline 
 This (too much prone already) yielding Lady. 
 
 Nov. jun. 'Tis done, Sir ! 
 
 Rom. Let me fee, this firft is right ; 
 And here you vvifh a fudden Death may light 
 Upon your Body, and Hell take your Soul, 
 If ever more you fee her, but by Chance, 
 Much lefs allure her. Now, my Lord ! your Hand. 
 
 Nov. jun* My Hand to this ? 
 
 Rom. Your Heart elfe, I aflure you. 
 
 Nov. jun. Nay, there 'tis. 
 
 Rom. So, keep this lafl Article 
 
 Of your Faith given, and 'flead of Threat'nings, Sir ! 
 The Service of my Sword and Life is yours : 
 But not a Word of it, 'tis Fairies Treafure ; 
 Which, but reveal'd, brings on the Blabbers Ruin. 
 Ufe your Youth better, and this excellent Form 
 Heav'n hath beflow'd upon you. So, good Morrow to 
 your Lordfhip. [Exit. 
 
 Nov. jun. Good Devil to your Roguefhip. No Man's 
 
 fa'fe. 
 
 I'll have a Cannon planted in my Chamber, 
 Againft fuch roaring Rogues. 
 
 Enter Bellapert. 
 
 Bellap. My Lord, away! 
 
 The Coach flays : Now have your Wifh, and judge, 
 If I have been forgetful. 
 
 Nov. jun. Ha! 
 
 Bellap. D'ye Hand 
 
 Hurnming and hawing now? [Exit. 
 
 ' Nov.
 
 THE FATAL DOWRY. 249 
 
 Nov. jun. Sweet Wench, 1 come. 
 Hence Fear, 
 
 1 fwore, that's all one ; my next Oath I'll keep 
 That I did mean to break, and then 'tis quit. 
 No Pain is due to Lover's Perjury : 
 If Jove himfelf laugh at it, fo will I. [Exit Novall. 
 
 SCENE II. 
 Enter Charalois, Beaumont, 
 
 Beaum. I grieve for the Diftafte 
 Though I have Manners, 
 Not to inquire the Caufe fall'n out between 
 Your Lordlhip and Rotnonf. 
 
 Char. I love a Friend, 
 So long as he continues in the Bounds 
 Prefcrib'd by Friendfhip ; but, when he ufurps 
 Too far what is proper to mylelf, 
 And puts the Habit of a Governor on, 
 I muft and will preferve my Liberty. 
 But fpeak of fomething elfe, this is a Theme 
 I take no Pleafure in : What's this Aymer. 
 Whofe Voice for Song, and excellent Knowledge in 
 The chiefeft Parts of Mufick, you beftow 
 Such Praifes on ? 
 
 Beaum. He is a Gentleman, 
 (For fo his Quality fpeaks him) well receiv'd 
 Among our greateft Gallants ; but yet holds 
 His main Dependance from the young Lord NovalL 
 Some Tricks and Crotchets he has in his Head, 
 As all Muficians have, and more of him 
 I dare not author : But, when you have heard him, 
 I may prefume, your Lordfhip fo will like him, 
 That you'll hereafter be a Friend to Mufick. 
 
 Char. I never was an Enemy to't, Beaumont \ 
 Nor yet do I fubfcribe to the Opinion 
 Of thofe old Captains, that thought nothing mufical, 
 But Cries of yielding Enemies, Neighing of Horfes, 
 
 Clafhing
 
 THE FATAL DOWRY. 
 
 Clafhing of Armour, loud Shouts, Drums, and Trum- 
 pets : 
 
 Nor, on the other Side, in Favour of it, 
 Affirm the World was made by mufical Difcord, 
 Or that the Happinefs of our Life confiils 
 In a well vary'd Note upon the Lute : 
 J love it to the Worth of it, and no farther, 
 But, let us fee this Wonder. 
 
 Beaum, He prevents my calling of him. 
 
 Ejiter Aymer,, 
 
 Aymer. Let the Coach be brought 
 To the Back Gate, and ferve the Banquet up : 
 My good Lord Charalois ! I think my Houle 
 Much honour'd in your Prefence. 
 
 Char. To have Means 
 
 To know you better, Sir, has brought me hither 
 A willing Vifitant ; and you'll crown my Welcome 
 In making me a Witnefs to your Skill, 
 Which, crediting from others, I admire. 
 
 Aymer. Had I been one Hour fooner made acquainted 
 With your Intent, my Lord, you mould have found me 
 Better provided : Now, fuch a? it is, 
 Pray you grace with your Acceptance. 
 
 Beaum. You are modeft. 
 
 \Aymer. Begin the laft new Air. 
 
 Char. Shall we not fee them ? 
 
 Aymer. This little Diftance from the Inftruments 
 Will to your Ears convey the Harmony 
 With more Delight. 
 
 Char. I'll not contend. 
 
 Aymer. Y'are tedious, 
 By this Means fhall I with one Banquet pleafe 
 Two Companies, thofe within, and thefe Gulls here. 
 
 [Mit/lck, and a Song above t 
 
 Beaumel. within. Ha ! ha ! ha ! 
 
 Char., How's this ? It is my Lady's Laugh, molt cer- 
 tain^ 
 
 When
 
 THE FATALDOWRY. 25 
 
 When I firft pleas'd her, in this merry Language, 
 She gave me Thanks. 
 
 Beaum. How like you this ? 
 
 Char. 'Tis rare, 
 
 Yet I may be deceiv'd, and mould be forry, 
 Upon uncertain Suppofitions, rafhly 
 To write myfelf in the black Lift of thofe 
 I have declaimed againft, and to Romont. 
 
 Jymer. I would he were well off. Perhaps your 
 
 Lordfhip 
 
 Likes not thefe fad Tunes : I have a new Song, 
 Set to a lighter Note, may pleafe you better j 
 ?Tis call'd The Happy Hujband. 
 
 Char. Pray fing it. 
 Song below. At the End of the Song, Beaumelle within. 
 
 Beaumel. Ha ! ha ! 'tis fuch a Groom. 
 
 Char. Do I hear this, 
 And yet Hand dc..ibtful ? [Exit Charalois. 
 
 Aymer. Stay him ! I am undone, 
 And they difcover'd. 
 
 Beaum. What's the Matter ? 
 
 Aymer. Ah ! 
 
 That Women, when they're well pleas'd, cannot hold, 
 $ut muft laugh out. 
 
 Enter Novall, jun. Charalois, Beaumelle, Bellapert, 
 
 Nov. jun. Help! fave me ! Murther ! MurtherJ 
 
 Bella]). Undone forever ! 
 
 Char. Oh, my Heart ! 
 Hold yet a little. Do not hope to 'fcape 
 By Flight, it is impofiible : Though I might 
 On all Advantage take thy Life, and juftly ; 
 This Sword, my Father's Sword, that ne'er was drawn 
 But to a noble Purpofe, mail not now 
 Do th' Office of a Hangman ; I referve it 
 To right mine Honour, not for a Revenge 
 So poor, that though with thee it mould cut off 
 Thy Family, with all that are ally'd
 
 252 THE FATAL DOWRY. 
 
 ( To thee in Luft, or Bafenefs, 'twere ftill Ihort of 
 All Terms of Satisfaction. Draw. 
 
 Nov._jun. I dare not: 
 I have already done you too much Wrong 
 ,To fight in fuch a Caufe. 
 
 Char. Why, dar'ft thou neither 
 Be honeft, Coward ? nor yet valiant, Knave ? 
 In fuch a Caufe come, do not fhame thyielf ; 
 Such whofe Blood's Wrongs, or Wrong done to them- 
 
 felves 
 
 Could never heat, are yet in the Defence 
 Of their Whores, daring. Look on her again. 
 You thought her worth the Hazard of your Soul, 
 And yet ftand doubtful, in her Quarrel, to 
 Venture your Body. 
 
 Beaum. No, he fears his Cloaths 
 More than his Flefh. 
 
 Char. Keep from me : Guard thy Life ; 
 Or, as thou haft liv'd like a Goat, thou malt 
 Die like a Sheep. 
 
 Nov.jun. Since there's no Remedy, 
 Defpair of Safety now in me prove Courage. 
 [They fight. 
 
 Char. How foon weak Wrong's o'erthrown ! Lend 
 
 me your Hand, 
 
 Bear this to the Caroch Come, you have taught me 
 To fay, you muft, and (hall : I wrong you not 5 
 Y'are but to keep him Company you love. 
 Is't done ? 'tis well. Raife Officers ! and tfake Care, 
 All you can apprehend within the Houfe 
 May be forth-coming. Do I appear much mov'd ? 
 
 Beaum. No, Sir. 
 
 Char. My Griefs are now thus to be borne ; 
 Hereafter I'll find Time and Place to mourn. 
 
 [Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE
 
 THE FATAL DOWRY. 253 
 
 SCENE III. 
 Enter Romont, Pontalier. 
 
 Pont. I was bound to feek you, Sir ! 
 
 Rom. And, had you found me 
 In any Place but in the Street, I fhould 
 Have done, nor talk'd to you. Are you the Captain ? 
 The hopeful Pontalier ? whom I have feen 
 Do in the Field fuch Service, as then made you 
 Their Envy that commanded, here at Home 
 To play the Parafite to a gilded Knave, 
 And, it may be, the Pander ? 
 
 Pont. Without this, 
 
 I come to call you to Account, for what 
 Is paft already. I by your Example 
 Of Thankfulnefs to the dead General, 
 By whom you were rais'd, have praclis'd to be fo 
 To my good Lord Nova/I, by whom I live ; 
 Whofe leaft Difgrace, that is, or may be offer'd, 
 With all the Hazard of my Life and Fortunes, 
 I will make good on you, or any Man, 
 That has a Hand in't ; and, fince you allow me 
 A Gentleman and a Soldier, there's no Doubt 
 You will except againft me. You mail meet 
 With a fair Enemy ; you underftand 
 The Right I look for, and mufl have. 
 
 Rom. I do ; 
 
 And with the next Day's Sun you mail hear from me. 
 
 [Exfunf. 
 
 SCENE IV. 
 
 Enter Charalois with a Co/kit, Beaumelle, Beaumont. 
 
 Char. Pray bear this to my Father ; at his Leifure 
 He may pe"rufe it : But with your beft Language 
 Intreat his inftant Prefence. You have fworn 
 Not to reveal what I have done. 
 
 Beauni.
 
 THE FATAL DOWRY. 
 
 Beaum. Nor will I but 
 
 Char. Doubt me not. By Heaven, I will do nothing 
 But what may (land with Honour.' Pray you leave me 
 
 [Ex. Beaumont. 
 To my own Thoughts. If this be to me, rife : 
 
 [Beaumel. kneels. 
 
 I am not worthy the looking on, but only 
 To feed Contempt and Scorn ; and that, from you 
 Who with the Lofs of your fair Name have caus'd it, 
 Were too much Cruelty. 
 
 Beaumel. I dare not move you 
 To hear me fpeak. I know my Fault is far 
 Beyond Qualification, or Excufe ; 
 That 'tis not fit for me to hope, or you 
 To think of Mercy ; only I prefume 
 To intreat you would be pleas'd to look upon 
 My Sorrow for it, and believe, thefe Tears 
 Are the true Children of my Grief, and not 
 A Woman's Cunning. 
 
 Char. Can you, Beaumelle^ 
 Having deceived fo great a Trufl as mine, 
 Though I were all Credulity, hope again 
 To get Belief ? No, no ; if you look on me 
 With Pity, or dare praclife any Means 
 To make my Sufferings lefs, or give juft Caufe 
 To all the World, to think what I muft do, 
 Was call'd upon by you, ufe other Ways j 
 Deny what I have feen, or juftify 
 What you have done ; and, as you defperately 
 Made Shipwreck of your Faith to be a Whore, 
 Ufe th* Arms of fuch a one, and fuch Defence ; 
 And multiply the Sin, with Impudence* 
 Stand boldly up, and tell me to my Teeth, 
 That you have done but what's warranted 
 By great Examples, in all Places where 
 Women inhabit : Urge your own Deferts, 
 Or Want in me of Merit : Tell me, how 
 Your Dow ? r from the low Gulf of Poverty, 
 Weigh'd up my Fortunes to what now they are : 
 That I was purchas'd by your Choice, and Practice 
 
 To
 
 THE FATAL DOWRY. 25$ 
 
 ' To flicker you from Shame, that you might fin 
 As boldly as fecurely , that poor Men 
 Are married to thofe Wives that bring them Wealth ; 
 One Day their Hufbands, but Obfervers ever : 
 That when by this proud Ufage you have blown 
 The Fire of my juft Vengeance to the Height, 
 I then may kill you ; and yet fay, 'twas done 
 In Heat of Blood, and after die myfelf, 
 To witnefs my Repentance. 
 
 Beaumel. O my Fate ! 
 That never would confent that I mould fee 
 How worthy thou wert both of Love and Duty 
 Before I loft you , and my Mifcry made 
 The Glafs, in which I now behold your Virtue ! 
 While I was good, I was a Part of you, 
 And of two, by the virtuous Harmony 
 Of our fair Minds, made one : But, fmce I wander'd 
 In the forbidden Labyrinth of Luft, 
 What was infeparable, is by me divided. 
 With Juftice, therefore, you may cut me off, 
 And from your Memory wafh the Remembrance 
 That e'er I was ; like to fome vicious Purpofe 
 Within your better Judgment, you repent of, 
 And ftudy to forger. 
 
 Char. O Eeaumelle! 
 
 That you can fpeak fo well, and do fo ill ! 
 But you had been too great a Blefling, if 
 You had continu'd chafte : See how you force me 
 To this, becaufe mine Honour will not yield 
 That I again fhould love you. 
 
 Beaumel. In this Life 
 
 It is not fit you fhould : Yet you fhall find, 
 Though I was bold enough to be a Strumpet, 
 I dare not yet live one : Let thofe fam'd Matrons 
 That are canoniz'd worthy of our Sex, 
 Tranfcend me in their Sanctity of Life, 
 I yet will equal them in dying nobly, 
 Ambitious of no Honour after Life, 
 But that, when I am dead, you will forgive me. 
 
 Owr.
 
 256 THE FATAL DOWRY. 
 
 Char. How Pity fteals upon me ! fhould I hear her 
 
 [Knock within. 
 
 But ten Words more, I were loft. One knocks, go in. 
 
 [Exit Beaumelle. 
 That to be merciful Ihould be a Sin ! 
 
 Enter Rochfort. 
 
 O, Sir, moft welcome ! Let me take your Cloak, 
 
 I muft not be deny'd. Here are your Robes, 
 
 As you love Juftice, once more put them on. 
 
 There is a Caufe to be determin'd of, 
 
 That does require fuch an Integrity 
 
 As you have ever us'd. I'll put you to 
 
 The Trial of your Conftancy and Goodnefs ; 
 
 And look that you, that have been Eagle-ey'd 
 
 In other Mens Affairs, prove not a Mole 
 
 In what concerns yourfelf. Take you your Seat, 
 
 I will before you prefently. [Exit, 
 
 Roch. Angels guard me ! 
 To what ftrange Tragedy does this Deftruclion 
 Serve for a Prologue ? 
 
 Enter Charalois with NovallV Body, Beaumelle, and 
 Beaumont. 
 
 Char. So, fet it down before 
 The Judgment Seat, and ftand you at the Bar : 
 For me, I am the Accufer. 
 
 Roch. 7V0W/ (lain ? 
 
 And Beaumelle^ my Daughter, in the Place 
 Of one to be arraign'd ? 
 
 Char. O, are you touch'd ? 
 I find that I muft take another Courfe. 
 
 [He Hoodwinks Rochfort. 
 Fear nothing ; I will only blind your Eyes, 
 For Juftice mould do fo, when 'tis to meet 
 An Object that may fway her equal Doom 
 From what it ihould be aim'd at. Good my Lord ! 
 A Day of Hearing.
 
 THE FATAL DOWRY. 257 
 
 Rocb. It is granted* fpeak You fhall have Juftice. 
 
 Char. \ then here accufe, 
 
 Mod equal Judge, the Prifoner, your fair Daughter, 
 For whom I ow'd fo much to you : Your Daughter, 
 So worthy in her own Parts, and that Worth 
 Set forth by yours, to whofe fo rare Perfections, 
 Truth witnefs with me, in the Place of Service 
 I almoft paid idolatrous Sacrifice, 
 To be a falfe Adultrefs. 
 
 Rocb. With whom ? 
 
 Char. With this Novall, here dead. 
 
 Rocb. Be well advis'd, 
 And ere you fay Adultrefs again, 
 Her Fame depending on it, be mod fure 
 That me is one. 
 
 Char. I took them in the Aft. 
 I know no Proof beyond it. 
 
 Rocb. O my Heart ! 
 
 Char. A Judge mould feel no Paffions. 
 
 Rocb. Yetj remember 
 He is a Man, and cannot put off Nature. 
 What Anfwer makes the Prifoner? 
 
 Beaumel. I confefs 
 
 The Fad I am charg'd with, and yield myfelf 
 Mod miferably guilty. 
 
 Rocb. Heaven take Mercy 
 
 Upon your Soul, then ; It muft leave your Body.' 
 
 Now free mine Eyes : I dare unrnov'd look on her, 
 And fortify my Sentence with llrong Realons. 
 Since that the politick Law provides, that Servants, 
 To whofe Care we commit our Goods, (hall die, 
 If they abufe our Trull ; what can you look for, 
 To whofe Charge this moil hopetul Lord gave up 
 All he receiv'd from his brave Anceftors, 
 Or he could leave to his Pofterity ? 
 His Honour, wicked Woman! in whofe Safety 
 All this Life's Joys and Comforts were lock'd up, 
 With thy Luft, a Thief hath now ftoln from4iim ; 
 And therefore 
 
 VOL. II. R Char.
 
 258 THE FATAL DOWRY. 
 
 Char. Stay, juft Judge. May not what's loft 
 By her own Fault (for I am charitable, 
 And charge her not with many) be forgotten 
 In her fair Life hereafter ? 
 
 Rocb. Never, Sir ! 
 
 The Wrong that's done to the chafte married Bed, 
 Repentant Tears can never expiate ; 
 And be aflur'd, to pardon fuch a Sin, 
 Is an Offence as great as to commit it. 
 
 Char. I may not then forgive her ? 
 
 Rocb. Nor Ihe hope it : 
 Nor can me wifh to live. No fun mall rife, 
 But ere it fet, mall mew her ugly Luft 
 In a new Shape, a'nd every one more horrid : 
 Nay, even thofe Prayers, which with fuch humble 
 
 Fervour 
 
 She feems to fend up yonder, are beat back , 
 And all Suits, which her Penitence can proffer, 
 As foon as made, are with Contempt thrown 
 Off all the Courts of Mercy. 
 
 Cbar. Let her die then. [He kills far. 
 
 Better prepar'd I am. Sure I could not take her, 
 Nor fhe accufe her Father, as a Judge 
 Partial againft her. 
 
 BeaumeL I approve his Sentence, 
 And kifs the Executioner : My Lull 
 Is now run from me in that Blood, in which 
 It was begot and nou rimed, [Dies. 
 
 Rocb. Is fhe dead then ? 
 
 Cbar. Yes, Sir, this is her Heart-Blood, is it not ? 
 I think it be. 
 
 Rocb. And you have kill'd her ? 
 
 Cbar. True, and did it by your Doom. 
 
 Rocb. But I pronounc*d it 
 As a Judge only, and a Friend to Juftice, 
 And zealous in Defence of your wrong'd Honour, 
 Broke all the Ties of Nature ; and caft off 
 The Love and foft Affection of a Father. 
 I, in your Caufe, put on a Scarlet Robe 
 
 Of
 
 THE FATAL DOWRY. 259 
 
 Of red-dy'd Cruelty ; but, in Return, 
 You have advanc'd for me no Flag of Mercy. 
 I look'd on you as a wrong'd Huiband ; but 
 You clos'd your Eyes againft me, as a Father. 
 
 Beaumelle ! my Daughter ! 
 Char. This is Madnefs. 
 
 Rocb. Keep from me. Could not one good Thought 
 
 rife up, 
 
 To tell you that (he was my Age's Comfort, 
 Begot by a weak Man, and born a Woman, 
 And could not, therefore, but partake of Frailty ? 
 Or wherefore did not Thankfulnefs ftep forth, 
 To urge my many Merits, which I may 
 Object unto you, fince you prove ungrateful j 
 Flinty-hearted Charalois? 
 
 Char. Nature does prevail above your Virtue* 
 
 Rocb. No i it gives me Eyes, 
 To pierce the Heart of your Defign againfl me. 
 
 1 find it now ; it was my 'State was aim'd at, 
 
 A nobler Match was fought for, and the Hours 
 I liv'd, grew tedious to you : My Companion 
 Towards you hath render'dme mod miferable, 
 And foolifh Charity undone myfelf. 
 But there's a Heaven above, from whofe juft Wreak 
 No Mifts of Policy can hide Offenders. 
 
 Enter Novall, fen. witb Officers. 
 
 Nov. fen. Force ope theDoors. O Monfter! Canibal! 
 Lay hold on him My Son ! my Son ! O Rochfort i 
 'Twas you gave Liberty to this bloody Wolf 
 
 To worry all our Comforts. But this is 
 
 No Time to quarrel j now give your Afiiftance 
 For the Revenge. 
 
 Rocb. Call it a fitter Name. 
 Juftice for innocent Blood. 
 
 Char. Though all confpire 
 Againft that Life which I am weary of, 
 A little longer yet I'll ftrive to keep it, 
 
 R 2 To
 
 260 THEFATAL DOWRY. 
 
 To mew, in Spite of Malice, and their Laws, 
 His Plea muft fpeed, that hath an honeft Caufe. 
 
 [Exeunt. 
 
 ACTV. SCENE I. 
 
 Enter Liladam, Taylor^ Officers. 
 
 Lilad. \\T H Y, 'tis both moft unconfcionable, and 
 
 y Y untimely, 
 
 T' arreft a Gallant for his Cloaths, before 
 He has worn them out : Befides, you faid you afk'd 
 My Name in my Lord's Bond, but for me only, 
 And now you'll lay me up for't. Do not think 
 The taking Meafure of a Cuftomer 
 By a Brace of Varlets, though I rather wait 
 Never fo patiently, will prove a Fafhion 
 Which any Courtier or Inns-of-Court Man 
 Would follow willingly. 
 
 Taylor. There I believe you. 
 But, Sir ! 1 muft have prefent Monies, or 
 
 Aflurance, to fecure me when I mail 
 
 Or I will fee to your coming forth. 
 
 Ulad. Plague on't ! 
 
 You have provided for my Entrance in : 
 That coming forth you talk of, concerns me. 
 What mail I do ? You've done me a Difgrace 
 In the Arreft, but more in giving Caufe 
 To all the Street to think I cannot ftand 
 Without thefe two Supporters for my Arms : 
 Pray you, let them loofe me : For their Satisfaction 
 I will not run away. 
 
 Taylor. For theirs you will not ; 
 But for your own you would : Look to him, Fellows \ 
 
 Lilad. Why do you call them Fellows? Do not 
 Your Reputation fo, as you are merely [wrong 
 
 A 
 
 :
 
 THE FATAL DOWRY. 261 
 
 A Taylor, faithful, apt to believe in Gallants. 
 You're a Companion at a ten Crown Supper 
 For Cloth of Bodkin, and may with one Lark 
 Eat up three Manchets, and no Man obferve you, 
 Or call your Trade in Queflion for't, But, when 
 You ftudy your Debt-Book, and hold Correfpondence 
 With Officers of the Hanger, and leave Swordmen, 
 The Learned conclude, the TayLor and Serjeant 
 In the Expreffton of a Knave are thefe 
 To be fynonymous. Look, therefore, to it ! 
 And Jet us part in Peace, I would be loth 
 You fhould undo yourfeif. 
 
 Enter Old Novall, and Pontalier. 
 
 Taylor. To let you go 
 
 Were the next Way. But, fee ! here's your old Lord ; 
 Let him but give his Word I mall be paid, 
 And you are free. 
 
 Lilcd. S'lid ! I'll put him to't : 
 I can be but denied : or what fay you ? 
 His Lordfhip owing me three Times your Debt 
 If you arrefl him at my Suit, and let me 
 Go run before, to lee the Action enter'd, 
 'Twould be a witty Jeft. 
 
 Taylor. I muft have Earneft. 
 I cannot pay my Debts fo. 
 
 Pont. Can your Lordfhip , 
 
 Imagine, while I live, and wear a Sword, 
 Your Son's Death (hall be unreveng'd ? 
 
 Nov. fen. I know not 
 
 One Reafon why you mould not do like others ; 
 I am fure, of all the Herd that fed upon him, 
 I cannot fee in any, now he's gone, 
 In Pity, or in Thankfulnefs, one true Sign 
 Of Sorrow for him, 
 
 Pont. All his Bounties yet 
 Fell not in fuch unthankful Ground : 'Tis true, 
 He had Weakness, but fuch, as few are free from. 
 
 R 3 And,
 
 262 THE FATAL DOWRY. 
 
 And, though none footh'd them lefs than I, for now 
 
 To fay that I forefaw the Dangers, that 
 
 Would rife from cherifhing them, were but untimely, 
 
 I yet could wifh, the Juftice that you feek for 
 
 Jn the -Revenge, had been trufted to me, 
 
 And not the uncertain Iflue of the Laws : 
 
 *T has robb'd me of a noble Teftimony 
 
 Of what I durft do for him.' But, however, 
 
 My forfeit Life redeem'd by him, though dead, 
 
 Shall do him Service. 
 
 Nov. fen. As far as my Grief 
 Will give me Leave, I tnank you." 
 
 Lilad. Oh, my Lord ! 
 Oh my good Lord ! deliver me from thefe Furies, 
 
 Pont. Arrefted ? This is one of them, whofe bafc 
 And abjedt Flattery help'd to dig his Grave : 
 He is not worth your Pity, nor my Anger,- 
 Go to the Bafket, and Repent. 
 
 Nov. fen. Away ! I only know now to hate thee 
 I will do nothing for thee. [deadly : 
 
 Lilad. Nor you, Captain? 
 
 Pont. No, to your Trade again , put off this Cafe, 
 It may be, the discovering what you were 
 When your unfortunate Matter took you up, 
 May move Companion in your Creditor. 
 Confefs the Truth. 
 
 [Exit Novall, fen. and Pontalier. 
 
 Lilaj, And, now I think on't better, 
 I will, Brother, your Hand ! your Hand, fweet Brother. 
 I'm of your Sec~t, and my Gallantry but a pream, 
 Out of which thefe two fearful Apparitions 
 Againft my Will have wak'd me. This rich Sword 
 Grew fuddenly out of a Taylor's Bodkin , 
 Thefe Hangers from my Vails and Fees in Hell j 
 And, whereas now this Beaver fits, full often 
 A thrifty Cap, compos'd of Broad-cloth Lifts, 
 Near-'kin unto the Culhion where I fat 
 Crofs-leg'd, and yet ungarter'd, hath been feen, 
 Ou: Erciik&frs, famous for the butter'd Loaves, 
 
 J have
 
 THE FATAL DOWRY. 263 
 
 I have with Joy been oft acquainted with ; 
 And therefore ufe a Confcience, though it be 
 Forbidden in our Hall towards other Men, 
 To me that, as I have been, will again 
 Be of the Brotherhood. 
 
 Officer. I know him now : 
 He was a 'Prentice to Le Robe at Orleance. 
 
 Ltlad. And from thence brought by my young Lord, 
 
 now dead, 
 
 Unto Dijon ; and with him, till this Hour, 
 Hath been receiv'd here for a compleat Monfieur. 
 Nor wonder at it ; for but Tythe our Gallants, 
 Even thofe of the firft Rank, and you will find 
 In every ten, one, perad venture two, 
 That fmell rank of the dancing School, or Fiddle, 
 The Pantofle or Preffing-iron : But hereafter 
 We'll talk of this. I will furrender up 
 My Suits again ; there cannot be much Lois. 
 'Tis but the turning of the Lace, with one 
 Addition more you know of, and What wants 
 I will work out. 
 
 Taylor. Then here our Quarrel ends : 
 The Gallant is turn'd Taylor, and all Friends. [Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE II. 
 
 Enter Romont, Beaumont. 
 
 Rom. You have them ready. 
 
 Beaum. Yes ; and they will fpeak 
 Their Knowledge in this Caufe, when thou thinkft fit 
 To have them call'd upon. 
 
 Rom. 'Tis well ; and fomething 
 I can add to their Evidence, to prove 
 Thjis brave Revenge, which they would have call'd 
 
 Murther, 
 A noble Juftice. 
 
 Beaum. In this you exprefs 
 
 (The Breach, by my Lord's Wan: of you, new made up) 
 A faithful Friend. 
 
 R 4 Beaum;
 
 264 THE FATAL DOWRY, 
 
 Rent, That Friendfhip's rais'd on Sand, 
 Which every fudden Guft of Difcontent, 
 Or Flowing of our pafiions, can change, 
 As if it ne'er had been : But do you know 
 Who are to fit on him ? 
 
 Beaum. Monfieur Du Croy, 
 Aflifted by Cbarmi. 
 
 Rom. The Advocate, 
 That pleaded for the Marfhal's Funeral, 
 And was check'd for it by Novall. 
 Beaum. The fame. 
 Rom. How fortunes that ? 
 Beaum. Why, Sir, my Lord Nova!!, 
 Being the Aecufer, cannot be the Judge ; 
 Nor would grieve Rochfort^ but Lord Charalois 
 (However he might wrong him by his Power,) 
 Should have an equal Hearing. 
 
 Rom. By my Hopes 
 Of Cbaralois's Acquittal, I lament 
 That reverend old Man's Fortune. 
 
 Beaum. Had you feen him, 
 As to my Grief I have, now promife Patience, 
 And, e'er it was believ'd, though fpake by him 
 That never break his Word, enrag'd again 
 So far as to make War upon thofe Hairs, 
 Which not a barbarous Scythian durft prefume 
 To touch, but with a fuperftitious Fear, 
 As fomething facred , and then curfe his Daughter ; 
 But with more frequent Violence himfelf, 
 As if he had been guilty of her Fault, 
 By being incredulous of your Report, 
 YOU would not only judge him worthy Pity, 
 But fuffer with him. But here cpmes the Prifoner, 
 
 Enter Charalois, with Officers, 
 
 I dare not flay to do my Duty to him ; 
 Yet, reft aflur'd, all poffible Means in me 
 Tp dp hjm Service^ keeps you Company. 
 
 Roy*.
 
 THE FATAL DOWRY. 265 
 
 Rom. It is not doubted. [Exit Beaumont. 
 
 Char. Why, yet, as I came hither, 
 The People, apt to mock Calamity, 
 And tread on the opprefs'd, made no Horns at me, 
 Though they are too familiar : I deferve them. 
 And, knowing too what Blood my Sword hath drunk, 
 In Wreak of that Difgrace, they yet forbear 
 To (hake their Heads, or to revile me for 
 A Murtherer ; they rather all put on 
 (As for great LofTes the old Romans us'd) 
 A general Face of Sorrow, waited on 
 By a fad Murmur breaking through their Silence, 
 And no Eye but was readier with a Tear 
 To witnefs 'twas fhed for me, than I could 
 Difcern a Face made up with Scorn againfl me. 
 Why mould I then, though for unufual Wrongs 
 I chofe unufual Means to right thofe Wrongs, 
 Condemn myfelf, as over-partial 
 In my own Caufe. Romont ? 
 
 Rom. Befl Friend, wejl met ! 
 By my Heart's Love to you, and join to that 
 My Thankfulnefs that ftill lives to the dead, 
 I look upon you now with more true Joy, 
 Then when I faw you married. 
 
 Cbar. You have Reafon 
 To give you Warrant for't. My falling off 
 From fuch a Friend (hip, with the Scorn that anfwered 
 Your too prophetick Counfel, may well move you 
 To think your meeting me, going to my Death, 
 A fit Encounter for that Hate which juftly 
 I have deferv'd from you. 
 
 Rom. Shall I ftill, then, 
 Speak Truth, and be ill underftood ? 
 
 Cbar. You are not. 
 
 I'm confcious I have wrong'd you, and allow me 
 Only a moral Man to look on you, 
 Whom fooliPnly I have abus'd and injur'd, 
 Mull of Necefiity be more terrible to me, 
 Than any Death the Judges can pronounce 
 
 From
 
 *66 THE FATAL DOWRY. 
 
 From the Tribunal which I am to plead at. 
 
 Rom. Pafllon tranfports you. 
 
 Char. For what I have done 
 To my falfe Lady, orNovall, I can 
 Give fome apparent Caufe ; but, touching you, 
 In my Defence, Child-like, I can fay nothing, 
 But I am forry for't ; a poor Satisfaction ! 
 And yet, miftake me not ; for it is more 
 Then I will fpeak, to have my Pardon fign'd 
 For all I (land accus'd of. 
 
 Rom. You much weaken 
 The Strength of your good Caufe, mould you but 
 
 think, 
 
 A Man for doing well could entertain 
 A Pardon, were it offer'd. You have given 
 To blind and flow pac'd Juftice, Wings, and Eyes, 
 To fee, and overtake Impieties, 
 Which from a cold Proceeding had receiv'd 
 Indulgence or Protection. 
 
 Char. Think you fo ? 
 
 Rom. Upon my Soul, nor fhould the Blood you 
 
 challenge 
 
 And took to cure your Honour, breed more Scruple 
 In your foft Confcience, than if your Sword 
 Had been fheath'd in aTygrefs, or She-Bear, 
 That in their Bowels would have made your Tomb. 
 To injure Innocence is more than Murther : 
 But when inhuman Lufts transform us, then 
 As Beafts, we are to fuffer, not like Men, 
 To be lamented. Nor did Charalois ever 
 Perform an Act fo worthy the Applaufe 
 Of a full Theatre of perfect Men, 
 As he hath done -in this : The Glory got 
 By overthrowing outward Enemies, 
 Since Strength- and Fortune are main Sharers in it, 
 We cannot, but by Pieces, call our own : 
 But, when we conquer our inteftine Foes, 
 Our Paflions bred within us, and of thofe 
 The moft rebellious Tyrant, powerful Love, 
 
 Our
 
 THE FATAL DOWRY. 267 
 
 Our Reafon fuffering us to like no longer 
 Than the fair Object, being good, deferves it, 
 That's a true Victory ; which, were great Men 
 Ambitious to atchieve, by your Example 
 Setting no Price upon the Breach of Faith, 
 But Lois of Life, 'twould fright Adultery 
 Out of their Families, and make Lull appear 
 As loathfome to us in the firft Confent, 
 As when 'tis waited on by Punifhment. 
 
 Char. You have confirm'd me. Who would love a 
 
 Woman 
 
 Th;it might enjoy, in fuch a Man, a Friend ? 
 You've made me know the Juftice of my Caufe, 
 And mark'd me out the Way, how to defend it. 
 
 Rom. Continue to that Refolution conftant, 
 And you mall, in Contempt of their word Malice, 
 Come off with Honour. Here they come. 
 
 Ckar. I am ready. 
 
 SCENE III. 
 
 Enter Du Croy, Charmi, Rochforr, Novall fen. Pon- 
 talier, Beaumont. 
 
 Nov. fen. See, equal Judges, with what Confidence 
 The cruel Murtherer Hands, as if he would 
 Out-face the Court and Juftice ! 
 
 Rocb. But look o'n him, 
 And you mail find (for itill methinks I do, 
 Though Guilt hath dy'd him black) fomething good in 
 
 him, 
 
 That may perhaps work with a \tfifer Man, 
 Than I have been, again to fee him free 
 And give him all he has. 
 
 * Scene 3. The enfulng Scene is moft finely wrote, as is indeed 
 the whole Aft. The Misfortunes of the good old generous Rachfort, 
 and the pious Charalois's Continued Round of Sorrows muft be very af- 
 fecting to every Heart, that is capable of being touched with Pity and 
 7'endernefs. 
 
 Ckarmi,
 
 2 68 THE FATAL DOWRY. 
 
 Char mi. This is not welk 
 I would you had liv'd fo, my Lord ! that I, 
 Might rather have continu'd your poor Servant, 
 Than fit here as your Judge. 
 
 Dtt Crcy. I am forry for you. 
 
 Rocb. In no Act of" my Life I have deferv'd 
 This Injury from the Court, that any here 
 Should thus uncivily ufurp on what 
 Is proper to me only. 
 
 DuCroy. What Diftafte 
 Receives my Lord ? 
 
 Rocb. You fay you are forry for him : 
 A Grief in which I muft not have a Partner : 
 'Tis I alone am forry, that I rais'd 
 The Building of my Life, for feventy Years, 
 Upon fo fure a Ground, that all the Vices, 
 Practis'd to ruin Man, though brought againft me, 
 Could never undermine, and no Way left 
 To fend thefe grey Hairs to the Grave with Sorrow, 
 Virtue, that was my Patronefs, betray'd me : 
 For, cntring, nay, poffefling, this young Man, 
 It lent him fuch a powerful Majefty 
 To grace whate'er he undertook, that freely 
 I gave myfelf up with my Liberty, 
 To be at his difpofing : Had his Perfon, 
 Lovely I mult confefs, or far fam'd Valour, 
 Or any other feeming Good, that yet 
 Holds a near Neighbourhood with 111, wrought on me, 
 I might have borne it better : But, when Goodnefs 
 And Piety itfelf in her beft Figure 
 Were brib'd to my Deftruction, can you blame me, 
 Though I forget to fufTer like a Man, 
 Or rather act a Woman ? 
 
 Beaum. Good my Lord ! 
 
 Nov. fen. You hinder our Proceeding, 
 
 Cbarmi. And forget 
 The Parts of an Accufer. 
 
 Beaum. 'Pray you, remember 
 To ufe the Temper, which to me you promis'd. 
 
 fafk.
 
 THE FATAL DOWRY. 269 
 
 Roch. Angels themfelves muft break, Beaumont ! that 
 
 promife, 
 
 Beyond the Strength and Patience of Angels. 
 But I have done : My good Lord ! pardon me 
 A weak old Man ; and pray add to that 
 A miferable Father ; yet be careful 
 That your Compaffion of my Age, nor his, 
 Move you to any Thing, that may mif-become 
 The Place on which you fit. 
 
 Cbarmi. Read the Indictment. 
 
 Char. It (hall be needlefs ; I myfelf, my Lords! 
 Will be my own Accufer, and confefs 
 All they can charge me with ; nor will I fpare 
 To aggravate that Guilt with Circumftance 
 They leek to load me with : Only I pray, 
 That, as for them you will vouchfafe me Hearing, 
 I may not be, deny'd it for myfelf, 
 When I mall urge by what unanfwerable Reafons 
 I was compell'd to what I did, which yet, 
 Till you have taught me better, I repent not. 
 
 Rccb. The Motion's honed. 
 
 Charmi. And 'tis freely granted. 
 
 Char. Then I confefs, my Lords ! that I flood bound, 
 When, with my Friends, ev'n Hope itfelf had left me, 
 To this Man's Charity for my Liberty ; 
 Nor did his Bounty end there, but began : 
 For, after my Enlargement, cherifhing 
 The Good he did, he made me Mafter of 
 His only Daughter, and his whole Eftate : 
 Great Ties of Thankfulnefs, I muft acknowledge, 
 Could any one, freed by you, prefs this further ? 
 But yet confider, my mod honour'd Lords ' 
 If to receive a Favour, make a Servant, 
 And Benefits are Bonds to tie the Taker 
 To the imperious Will of him that gives, 
 There's none but Slaves will receive Courtefies, 
 Since they muft fetter us to ourDifhonours. 
 Can it be call'd Magnificence in a Prince, 
 To pour down Riches, with a liberal 1 land, 
 
 Upon
 
 270 THE FATAL DOWRY. 
 
 Upon a poor Man's Wants, if that muft bind him, ' 
 
 To play the foothing Parafite to his Vices ? 
 
 Or any Man, becaule he fav'd my Hand, 
 
 Prefume my Head and Heart are at his Service ? 
 
 Or, did I itand engag'd to buy my Freedom 
 
 (When my Captivity was honourable) 
 
 By making myfelf here, and Fame hereafter, 
 
 Bondflaves to Men's Scorn, and calumnious Tongues ? 
 
 Had his fair Daughter's Mind been like her Feature, 
 
 Or, for fome little Blemifli, I had fought 
 
 For my Content elfewhere, wafting on others 
 
 My Body, and her Dowry ; my Forehead then 
 
 Deferv'd the Brand of bafe Ingratitude : 
 
 But if obfequious Ufage, and fair Warning 
 
 To keep her worth my Love, could not preferve her 
 
 From being a Whore, and yet no cunning one, 
 
 So to offend, and yet the Fault kept from me 
 
 What mould I do ? Let any free-born Spirit 
 
 Determine truly, if that Thankfulnefs, 
 
 Choice Form, with the whole World given for a Dowry, 
 
 Could ftrengthen fo an honeft Man with Patience, 
 
 As with a willing Neck to undergo 
 
 The infupportable Yoke of Slave or Wittal. 
 
 Gforw/.What Proof have you me did play falfe, betides 
 Your Oath ? 
 
 Char. Her own Confeffion to her Father. 
 I afk him for a W T itnefs. 
 Roch. 'Tis moft true. 
 
 I would not willingly blend my laft Words 
 With an Untruth. 
 
 Char. And then to clear myfelf, 
 That his great Wealth was not the Mark I mot at, 
 But that I held it, when fair Beaumette 
 Fell from her Vertue, like the fatal Gold 
 Which Brennus took from Delpbos, whofe Pofieffion 
 Brought with it Ruin to himfelf and Army. 
 Here's one in Court, Beaumont, by whom I fent 
 All Grants and Writings back, which made it mine, 
 
 Before
 
 THE FATAL DOWRY. 271 
 
 Before his Daughter dy'd by his own Sentence, 
 .As freely, as, unafk'd, he gave it to me. 
 
 Beaum. They are here to be feen. 
 
 Cbarmi. Open the Cafket. 
 
 Perufe that Deed of Gift. 
 
 Rom. Half of the Danger 
 Already is difcharg'd : The other Part 
 As bravely, and you are not only free, 
 But crown'd with Praife for ever. 
 
 Du Croy. 'Tis apparent. 
 
 Cbarmi. Your 'State, my Lord, again is yours. 
 
 Rocb. Not mine ; 
 
 I am not of the World : If it can profper, 
 (And yet, being juftly got, I'll not examine 
 Why it mould be fo fatal } do you beftow it 
 On pious Ufes : I'll go feek a Grave. 
 And yet, for Proof, I die in Peace, your Pardon 
 I afk -, and, as you grant it me, may Heaven, 
 Your Cflnfcience, and thefe Judges, free you from 
 "What you are charg'd with. So, farewell, forever. 
 
 [Exit Rochfort. 
 
 Novall fen. I'll be mine own Guide. Paffion, nor 
 
 Example 
 
 Shall be my Leaders. I have loft a Son, 
 A Son, grave Judges, I require his Blood 
 From his accurfed Homicide. 
 
 Char mi. What Reply you, 
 In your Defence for this ? 
 
 Cbar. I but attended 
 
 Your Lordihip's Pleafure. For the Fact, as of 
 The former, I confefs it , but with what 
 Bafe Wrongs I was unwillingly drawn to it, 
 To my few Words there are fome other Proofs 
 To witneis this for Truth. When I was married 
 (For there I muft begin) the flain Novatl 
 Was to my Wife, in Way of our French Courtftiip, ' 
 A moft devoted Servant ; but yet aimed at 
 Nothing but Means to quench his wanton Heat^ 
 His Heart being never warm'd by lawful Fires 
 
 As
 
 272 THE FATAL DOWRY. 
 
 As mine was, Lords ; and though, on thefe Prefump- 
 
 tions, 
 
 Join'd to the Hate between his Houfe and mine, 
 I might, with Opportunity and Eale, 
 Have found a Way for my Revenge, I did not ; 
 But flill he had the Freedom as before, 
 When all was mine ; and, told that he abus'd it 
 With fome unfeemly Licence, by my Friend, 
 My approved Friend, Romont, I gave no Credit 
 To the Reporter, but reprov'd him for it, 
 As one uncourtly and malicious to him. 
 What could I more, my Lords ? Yet, after this, 
 He did continue in his firft Purfuit, 
 Hotter then ever, and at length obtained it ; 
 But, how it came to my mod certain Knowledge, 
 For the Dignity of the Court, and my own Honour, 
 I dare not fay. 
 
 Nov. fen. If all may be believ'd 
 A paflionate Prifoner fpeaks, who is fo foolifh 
 That durft be wicked, that will appear guilty? 
 No, my grave Lords : In his Impunity 
 But give Example unto jealous Men 
 To cut the Throats they hate, and they will never 
 Want Matter or Pretence for their bad Ends. 
 
 Charmi. You muft find other Proofs, to ftrengthen thefe 
 But mere Preemptions. 
 
 Du Cray. Or we mall hardly 
 Allow your Innocence. 
 
 Char. All your Attempts 
 Shall fall on me, like brittle Shafts on Armour, 
 That break themfelves ; or like Waves againft a Rock, 
 That leave no Sign of their ridiculous Fury 
 But Foam and Splinters -, my Innocence like thefe 
 Shall ftand triumphant, and your Malice ferve 
 But for a Trumpet to proclaim my Conqueft : 
 Nor mail you, though you do the worft Fate can, 
 How e'er condemn, affright an honeft Man. 
 
 JR.om. May it pleafe the Court, I may be heard.
 
 THE FATAL DOWRY. 273 
 
 Nov. fen. You come not 
 To rail again ? But do You (hall not find 
 Another Rocbfort. 
 
 Rom. In Novell I cannot. 
 But I come fur-niftied with what will ftop 
 The Mouth of his Conspiracy againft the Life 
 Or innocent Charalois. Do you know this Character? 
 
 Nov. fen. Yes, 'tis my Son's. 
 
 Rom. May it pleafe your Lordfhips, read if, 
 And you (hall find there, with what Vehemency 
 He did folicit Bea-umelle -, how he had got 
 A Promife from her to enjoy his Wifhes -, 
 How after he abjur'd her Company, 
 And yet (but that 'tis fit I fpare the Dead) 
 Like a damn'd Villain, as foon as recorded, 
 He brake that Oath ; to make this manifeU, 
 Produce his Bawds and her's. 
 
 Enter Aymer, Florimel, Bellapert. 
 
 Charmi. Have they took their Oaths ? 
 
 Rom. They have, and, rather than endure the Rack, 
 Confefs the Time, the Meeting, nay the Act; 
 What would you more ? Only this Matron made 
 A free Difcovery to a good End ; 
 And therefore I lue to the Court, (he may not 
 Be plac'd in the black Lift of the Delinquents. 
 
 Pont. I fee by this, Novell's Revenge needs me ; 
 And I (hall do. 
 
 Cbarmi. 'Tis evident 
 
 Nov. fen. That J 
 
 Till now was never wretched : Here's no Place 
 To curie him or my Stars. {Exit Novo.ll fin. 
 
 Cbarmi. Lord Charalois ! 
 The Injuries you have fuftain'd, appear 
 So worthy of the Mercy of the Court, 
 That, notwithstanding you .have gone beyond 
 The Letter of the Law, they yet acquit you. 
 
 Pont. But, in Novall^ I do condemn him thus. 
 
 [Sld>s him. 
 
 VOL. II. S Char.
 
 274 THE FATAL DOWRY. 
 
 Char. I'm flain. 
 
 Rom. Can I look on? Oh, murd'rcus Wretch! 
 Thy Challenge now I anfwer. So die with him. 
 
 [Stabs Pomalier. 
 
 Charmi. A Guard! difarm him ! 
 
 Rom. I yield up my Sword 
 Unforc'd -Oh, Charalois ! 
 
 Char. For Shame, Romont ! 
 Mourn not for him, that dies, as he hath liv'd -, 
 Still conftant and unmov'd : What's fall'n upon me, 
 Is by Heav'ns Will j becaufe I made myfelf 
 A Judge in my own Caufe without their Warrant : * 
 But he, that lets me know thus much in Death, 
 With all good Men- forgive me. [Dies, 
 
 Pont. I receive 
 
 The Vengeance, which my Love not built on Virtue, 
 Has made me worthy of. [Dies, 
 
 Charmi. We're taught 
 By this fad Precedent, how juft foever 
 Our Reafons are to remedy our Wrongs, 
 We're yet to leave them to their W T ill and Power, 
 That to that Purpofe have Authority. 
 For you, Romont, although in your Excufe 
 You may plead, what you did, was in Revenge 
 Of the Diihonour done unto the Court : 
 Yet, fince from us you had not Warrant for it, 
 We banifh you the State : For thefe, they fnalj, 
 As they are found guilty or innocent, 
 Or be fet free, or iuffer Punifhment, [Exeunt, 
 
 FINIS,
 
 THE 
 
 EMPEROR of the EAST. 
 
 A 
 
 TRAGI-COMEDY. 
 
 As it hath been divers Times a<5ted, at the Black- 
 Fryers, and Globe Play-Houfes, by the King's 
 Majefty's Servants. 1632. 
 
 WRITTEN 
 
 By PHILIP MASSINGER. 
 
 S 2
 
 To the Right Honourable, and my Efpecial 
 Good Lord, 
 
 JOHN LORD MOHUN, 
 Baron of .OKEH AMPT ON, &c. 
 
 My Good Lord, 
 
 E T my Prejufoftion in fitting you fo (having 
 L ^ never deferred it in my Service) from the Cle- 
 
 cnc y tf y ur no ^ e Difyofition, find Pardon. 
 
 The " Reverence due to the Name of Mohun, long 
 fince honoured in three Earls 0/Somerlet, and eight Barons 
 of Munfter, may challenge from all Pens a deferred Cele- 
 bration. And the rather in refpecl thofe Titles were not 
 furchafed, but conferred, and continued in your Anceftors, 
 for many virtuous, noble, and ftill living AElions ; nor ever 
 forfeited, cr tainted, but when the Iniquity of thofe Times 
 laboured the Deprejfion of approved Gcodnefs, and in wicked 
 Policy held it fit that Loyalty and Faith, in taking Part 
 with the true Prince, Jhould be degraded and mulfted. But 
 this admitting no farther Dilation in this Place, may your 
 Lordfbip pleafe, and with all pojjible Brevity to under- 
 ftand, the Reafons why I am, in humble Thankfulnefs, am- 
 bitious to fkelter this Poem under the Wings of your Ho- 
 nourable Protection. My worthy Friend, Mr. Afton 
 Cockain, your Nephew, to my extraordinary Content, de- 
 liver 'd to me, that your Lordjhip, at your vacant Hours, 
 fcmethncs vouchsafed to perufe fuch Trifles of mine as have 
 paj/ed the Prefs, and not alone warranted them in your 
 gentle Suffrage, but difdained not to beftow a Remembrance 
 of your Love, and intended Favour to me. I profefs to the 
 World, I was exalted with the Bounty, and with good Af- 
 furance, it being fo rare in this Age to meet with one Ncble 
 Name, that, in Fear to be cer.fured of Levity and Weakness, 
 dares exprefs itfeff a Friend or Patron to contemn'd Poetry * 
 
 * That this noble Lord not only favoured Poetry, but wrote him- 
 (clf. appears fiom S r A;lon Cocka:ns Letter to his Lordihip in Verie. 
 5eC l .4.-./Vb Poeir.s, Page 80. 
 
 S 3 Having
 
 Having, therefore, no Means elfe left me to witnefs the 
 Obligation, in which I ftand moft willingly bound to your 
 Lordjhip, I offer this Tragi -Comedy to your gracious Ac- 
 ceptance, no Way defpairing, but that with a clear Afyeft, 
 you will deign to receive it (it being an Induction to my 
 future Endeavours) and that id the Lift of thofe, that to 
 your Merit truly admire you, you may defcend to number 
 
 Your Lordfhip's 
 
 Faithful Honourer, 
 PHILIP MASSINGER. 
 
 PROLOGUEat the BLACK-FRYERS. 
 
 BU T that imperious Cuftom warrants it, 
 Our Author with much Willingnefs would omit 
 This Preface to his new Work. He hath found 
 (And fuffer'd for't) many are apt to wound 
 His Credit in this Kind : and, whether he 
 Exprefs himfelf fearful, or peremptory, 
 He cannot Tcape their Cenfures who delight 
 To mifapply whatever he fhould write. 
 'Tis his hard Fate. And though he will not fue, 
 Or bafely beg luch Suffrages, yet to you 
 Free, and ingenuous Spirits, he doth now, 
 In me prefent his Service, with his Vow 
 He hath done his beft ; and, though he cannot glory 
 In his Invention, (this Work being a Story, 
 Of reverend Antiquity) he doth hope 
 In the Proportion of it, and the Scope, 
 You may obferve fome Pieces drawn like one 
 Of a fledfaft Hand, and with the whiter Stone 
 . To be mark'd in your fair Cenfures. More than this 
 I am forbid to promife, and it is 
 
 With
 
 C 279 ) 
 
 With the moil 'till you confirm it: fmce we know 
 Whate'er the Shaft be. Archer, or the Bow 
 From which *tis fent, it cannot hit the White 
 Unlefs your Approbation guide it right. 
 
 PROLOGUE at COURT. 
 
 AS ever (Sir) you lent a gracious Ear 
 To opprefs'd Innocence, now vouchfafe to hear 
 A fliorr Petition. At your Feet, in me, 
 The Poet kneels, and to your Majefty 
 Appeals for Juftice. What we now prefent, 
 When firit conceiv'd, in his Vote and Intent, 
 Was facred to your Pleafure ; in each Part 
 With his beft of Fancy, Judgment, Language, Art, 
 Fafhion'd, and fofm'd fo, as might well, and may 
 Deferve a Welcome, and no vulgar Way. 
 He durll not (Sir) at fuch a folemn Feaft 
 Lard his grave Matter with one fcurrilous Jeft ; 
 But labour'd that no PafTage might appear, 
 But what the Queen without a Blum might hear : 
 And yet this poor Work fuffer'd by the Rage, 
 And Envy of fome Cato's of the Stage : 
 Yet dill he hopes, this Play, which then was feen 
 With fore Eyes, and condemn'd out of their Spleen, 
 May be by you, the fupreme Judge, fet free, 
 And rais'd above the Reach of Calumny. 
 
 Dramatis
 
 Dramatis Perfonae. 
 
 THEODOSIUS the Younger. 
 
 PAULINUS, a Kinfman to the Emperor. 
 
 PHILANAX, Captain of the Guard. 
 
 PATRIARCH. 
 
 TIMANTUS, 
 
 CHRYSAPIUS, j- Eunuchs of the Emperor's Chamber. 
 
 GRATIANUS, J 
 
 CLEON, a Traveller, Friend to PAULINUS. 
 
 Informer. 
 
 Projeftor. 
 
 Mafter of the Manners. 
 
 Mignion of the Suburbs, 
 
 Countryman. 
 
 Chirurgeon. 
 
 Empirick. 
 
 PULCHERIA, the Proteclrefs. 
 
 ATHENAIS, a ftrange Virgin ; after, the Emprefs. 
 
 Servants. 
 Mutes. 
 
 Scene, Conftantinople. 
 
 THE
 
 THE 
 
 E M P E R O R of the E A S T. 
 
 ACT I. SCENE I. * 
 
 Paulinus, Cleon. 
 
 Paulinus. 
 
 your fix Years Travel, Friend, no doubt, 
 & j 36( you've met with 
 
 & Many, and rare Adventures, and obferv'd 
 ;M jfc The Wonders of each Climate, varying in 
 The Manners, and the Men, and fo return, 
 For the future Service of your Prince and Country, 
 In your Underftanding better'd. 
 
 Cleon. Sir, I have made oft 
 
 The bed Ufe in my Power, and hope my Gleanings, 
 After the full Crop others reap'd before me, 
 Shall not, when I am call'd on, altogether 
 Appear unprofitable : Yet I left 
 The Miracle of Miracles in our Age 
 At home behind me ; every where abroad 
 Fame with a true, though prodigal Voice, deliver'd 
 Such Wonders of Pulcberia the Princefs, 
 To the Amazement, nay, Aftonimment rather 
 Of fuch as heard it, that I found not one, 
 In all the States and Kingdoms that I pafs'd through, 
 Worthy to be her fecond. 
 
 The Plot of this Play is founded on the Hiftoiy of T.hfjAJus tkt 
 
 y s o 
 Lib. 7, 
 
 younger. See Sacrattt, Lib. 7, Thda-er, L. 5, &c.
 
 282 THE EMPEROR 
 
 Paul She, indeed, is 
 A perfect Phcenix, and difdains a Rival. 
 Her infant Years, as you know, prornis'd much i 
 But grown to Ripenefs fhe tranfcends, and makes 
 Credulity her Debtor. I will tell you 
 In my blunt Way, to entertain the Time 
 Until you have the Happinefs to fee her, 
 How in your Abfence fhe hath borne herfelf, 
 And with all poffible Brevity, though the Subject 
 Is fuch a fpacious Field, as would require 
 An Abftraft of the purefl Eloquence 
 (Deriv'd from the mod famous Orators 
 The Nurfe of Learning, Athens, fhew'd the World) 
 In that Man, that fhould undertake to be 
 Her true Hiftorian. 
 
 Cleon. In this you mall do me 
 A fpecial Favour. 
 
 Paul. Since Arcadius* Death, 
 .Our late great Mailer, the Protection of 
 The Prince his Son, the iecond Tbeodc/jus y 
 By a general Vote and Suffrage of the People j 
 Was to her Charge affign'd, with the Difpofure 
 Of his fo many Kingdoms. For his Perfon, 
 She hath fo train'd him up in all thofe Arts 
 That are both great and good, and to be wilhed 
 In an imperial Monarch, that the Mother 
 Of the Gracchi, grave Cornelia (Rome ftill boafls of) 
 The wife Pulcbma but nam'd, mufl be 
 No more remember'd. She, by her Example, 
 Hath made the Court a kind of Academy, 
 In which true Honour is both learn'd, and pra&is'd, 
 Her private Lodgings a chafte Nunnery, 
 In which her Sifters, as Probationers, hear 
 From her their Sovereign Abbefs, all the Precepts 
 Read in the School of Virtue. 
 
 Cleon. You amaze me. 
 
 Paul. I fhall, ere I conclude : For here the Wonder 
 Begins, not ends. Her Soul is fo immenfe, 
 And her ftrong Faculties fo apprehenfive, 
 To* fear ch into the Depth of deep Defigns, 
 
 And
 
 O F T H E E A $ T. 283 
 
 And of all Natures, that the Burthen, which 
 
 To many Men were infupportable, 
 
 To her is but a gentle Exercife, 
 
 Made by the frequent Ufe familiar to her. 
 
 Cleon. With your good Favour, let me interrupt you, 
 Being as me is in every Part fo perfect, 
 Methinks that all Kings of our Eaftern World 
 Should become Rivals for her. 
 
 Paul. So they have ; 
 
 But to no Purpofe. She, that knows her Strength 
 To rule, and govern Monarchs, fcorns to wear 
 On her free Neck the fervile Yoke of Marriage. 
 And for one loofe Defire, envy itfelf 
 Dares not prefume to taint her. Venus* Son ' 
 Is blind indeed, when he but gazes on her. 
 Her Chaftity being a Rock of Diamonds, 
 With which encounter'd, his Shafts fly in Splinters, 
 His flaming Torches in the living Spring 
 Of her Perfections, quench'd : And, to crown allj 
 She's fo impartial when (he fits* upon 
 The high Tribunal, neither fway'd with Pity, 
 Nor aw'd by Fear, beyond her equal Scale, 
 That 'tis not Superilition to believe 
 Afirea once more lives upon the Earth, 
 Pulcbei'ia's Breaft her Temple. 
 
 Cleon. You have given her 
 An admirable Character. 
 
 Paul. She defer ves it, 
 
 And fuch is the commanding Power of Virtue, 
 That from her vicious Enemies it compels 
 Preans of Praife as a due Tribute to her. 
 
 [Solemn loud M&fitk, 
 
 Cleon. What means this folemn Mufick ? 
 
 Paul. It u (hers 
 
 1 Venus Son 
 
 Is blind indeed ', &C. 
 And thus Skaktfpear in C-rio/srui 
 
 Chafte as the Ificle 
 
 That's curdled by the Froft from pureft Sr.owv 
 And hangs on Dian's Temple. 
 
 Art 5. Scene 3. 
 The
 
 284 THE EMPEROR 
 
 The Emperor*s Morning-Meditation, 
 In which Pulcheria is more then affiftant. 
 'Tis worth your Obfervation, and you may 
 Colled: from her Expence of Time this Day, 
 How her Hours for many Years have been difpos'd of. 
 Cleon. I am all Eyes and Ears. 
 
 Enter after a Strain of Mufick^ Philanax, Timantus, 
 Patriarch, Theodofius, Pulcheria, Flaccilla, Arca- 
 dia, followed by Chryfapius and Gratianus, Informer * 
 Servants, Officers. 
 Pulch. Your Patience, Sir. 
 Let thofe corrupted Minifters of the Court, 
 Which you complain of, our Devotions ended, 
 Be cited to appear. For the AmbafTadors 
 Who are importunate to have Audience, 
 From me you may aflume them, that To-morrow 
 They mail in publick kifs the Emperor's Robe, 
 And we in private with our fooneft Leifure 
 Will give 'em Hearing. Have you efpecial Care too 
 That free Accefs be granted unto all 
 Petitioners. The Morning wears. Pray you on, Sir * 
 Time loft is ne'er recover'd. 
 
 [Exeunt Theodofius, Pulcheria, and the "Train, 
 Paul. Did you note 
 The Majefty me appears in ? 
 
 Cleon. Yes, my good Lord ; 
 I was ravifh'd with it. 
 
 Paul. And then with what Speed 
 She orders her Difpatches, not one daring 
 To interpofe , the Emperor himfelf 
 Without Reply, putting in Act whatever 
 She pleas'd t' impofe upon him. 
 
 Cleon. Yet there were fome 
 That in their fullen Looks rather confefied 
 A forc'd Conftraint to ferve her, than a Will 
 To be at her Devotion : What are they ? 
 
 Paul. Eunuchs of the Emperor's Chamber, that re- 
 pine 
 The Globe and awful Scepter mould give Place 
 
 Unto
 
 O F T H E E A S T. 285 
 
 Unto the Diftaff, for as fuch they whifper 
 A Woman's Government, but dare not, yet, 
 Kxprefs themfelves. 
 
 Clecn. From whence are the Ambafladors 
 To whom flie promis'd Audience ? 
 
 Paid. They are 
 
 Employed by divers Princes, who defire 
 Alliance with our Emperor, whofe Years now, 
 As you fee, write him Man. One would advance 
 A Daughter to the Honour of his Bed ; 
 A fecond, his fair Sifter : To inftruct you. 
 In the Particulars would afk longer Time 
 Than my own Defigns give Way to. I have Letters 
 From fpecial Friends of mine, that to my Care 
 Commend a flranger Virgin, whom this Morning 
 I purpofe to prefent before the Princefs : 
 Jf you pleafe, you may accompany me, 
 
 Cleon. I'll wait on you. [Exeunt, 
 
 SCENE II. 
 
 Informer^ Officers bringing in tbe Projector, the Suburbs 
 Mignion, tbe Mafters of the Habit find Manners. 
 
 Informer. Why mould you droop, or hang your work- 
 ing Heads ? 
 
 No Danger is meant to you ; pray, bear up, 
 For aught I know you're cited to receive 
 Preferment due to your Merits. 
 
 Projector. Very likely : 
 In all the Projects I have read and practis'd, 
 J never found one Man compell'd to come 
 Before the Seat of Juftice, under Guard, 
 To receive Honour. 
 
 Informer. No ? It may be, you are 
 The firft Example. Men of Qualities, 
 As I've deliver'd you to the Protectrefs, 
 Who. knows how to advance them, can't conceive 
 A fitter Place to have their Virtues publilh'd, 
 
 Than
 
 256 THE EMPEROR 
 
 Than in open Court. Could you hope that the Princefs, 
 
 Knowing your precious Merits, will reward s em 
 
 In a private Corner ? No ; you know not yet 
 
 How you may be exalted. 
 
 Suburbs Minion. To the Gallows. \ 
 
 Informer. Fie 
 
 Nor yet deprefs'd to the Gallies ; in your Names 
 You carry no fuch Crimes : Your fpecious Titles 
 Cannot but take her Prefident of the Projectors ! 
 What a Noife it makes ? The Mafter of the Habit! 
 How proud would fome one Country be that I know 
 To be your firft Pupil ? Minion of the Suburbs, 
 And now and then admitted to the Court, 
 And honour'd with the Stile of Squire of Dames, 
 What H,urt is in it ? One Thing I muft tell you, 
 As I arn the State-lcout, you may think me an Informer. 
 
 Mafter of the Habit. They are Synonimous. 
 
 Informer. Conceal nothing from her 
 Of your good Parts, 'twill be the better for you ; 
 Or if you mould, it matters not, fhe can conjure, 
 And I am her ubiquitary Spirit, 
 Bound to obey her You have my Instructions, 
 Stand by, here's better Company. 
 
 Enter Paulinus, Cleon, Athenais, with a Petition. 
 
 Atben. Can I hope, Sir, 
 Opprefled Innocence fhall find Protection, 
 And Juftice among Strangers, when my Brothers, 
 Brothers of one Womb, by one Sire begotten, 
 Trample on my Afflictions ? 
 
 Paul. Forget them, 
 Remembring thofe may help you. 
 
 Atben. They have rob'd me 
 Of all Means to prefer my juft Complaint 
 With any promifing Hope to gain a Hearing, 
 Much lefs Redrefs : Petiiions not fweetned 
 With Gold, are but unfavory, oft refufed -, . 
 
 Or, if receiv'd, are pocketed, not read.
 
 O F T H E E A S T. 387 
 
 A Suitor's fwelling Tears by the glowing Beams 
 Of cholerick Authority are dry'd up, 
 Before they fall , or, if feen, never pitied. 
 What will become of a forfaken Maid ? 
 My flatt'ring Hopes are too weak to encounter 
 With my ftrong Enemy, Defpair, and 'tis 
 In vain t' oppofe her. 
 
 Clecn. Cheer her up ; (he faints, Sir. 
 
 Paul. This argues Weaknefs, though your Brothers 
 
 were 
 
 Cruel beyond Exprefilon, and the Judges 
 That fentenc'd you, corrupt , you fhall find here 
 One of your own Fair Sex to do you right, 
 Whole Beams of Juftice, like the Sun, extend 
 Their Light and Heat to Strangers, and are not 
 Municipal, or confin'd. 
 
 Atben. Pray you do not feed me 
 With airy Hopes, unlefs you can allure me 
 The great Pukberia will defcend to hear 
 My miferable Story, it were better 
 I died without her Trouble. 
 
 Paul. She is bound to it 
 By the fureft Chain, her natural Inclination 
 To help th' afflicted , nor mall Jong Delays 
 (More terrible to miferable Suitors 
 Then quick Denials) grieve you. Dry your fair Eyes j 
 This Room will inftantly be fanctify'd 
 With her blefs'd Prefence j to her ready Hand 
 Prelent your Grievances, and reft affur'd 
 You fhall depart contented. 
 
 Athen. You breathe in me 
 A fecond Life. 
 
 Informer. Will your Lordlhip pleafe to hear 
 Your Servant a few Words ? 
 
 Paul. Away, you Rafcal ! 
 Did I ever keep fuch Servants ? 
 
 Informer. If your Honefty 
 Would give you Leave, it would be for your Profit. 
 
 Paul
 
 agg THE EMPEROR 
 
 Paid. To make Ufe of an Informer ? Tell me in what 
 Can you advantage me ? 
 
 Informer. In the firft Tender 
 Of a frefh Suit never beg'd yet, 
 
 Paul. What's your Suit, Sir ? 
 
 Informer. *Tis feafible: Here are three arrant Knaves 
 Difcover'd by my Art : 
 
 Paul. And thou the Arch-knave ; 
 Trie great devour the leis : 
 
 Informer. And with good Reafon ; 
 I muft eat one a Month, I cannot live elfe, 
 
 Paul. A notable Cannibal ? But, mould I hear thee, 
 In what do your Knaves concern me ? 
 
 Informer. In the begging 
 Of their Eftates. 
 
 Paul. Before they are condeinn'd ? 
 
 Informer. Yes, or arraign 'd, your Lordmip may fpeak 
 
 too late elfe. 
 
 They are your awn, and I will be content 
 With the fifth Part of a Share. 
 
 Paul. Hence, Rogue! 
 
 Informer. Such Rogues 
 In this Kind will be heard, and cherifh'd too. 
 Fool that I was to offer fuch a Bargain. 
 To a fpic'd Confcience Chapman But I care not j 
 What he difdains to tafte others will fwallow. 
 
 [Loud Mufick. 
 
 Enter Theodofius, Pulcheria, and the Train. 
 
 Cleon. They are returned from the Temple. 
 
 Paul. See, flie appears ; 
 What think you now ? 
 
 Athen. A cunning Painter, thus, 
 Her Veil ta'n off, and awful Sword and Balance 
 Laid by would picture Juftice. 
 
 Pulcb. When you pleafe, 
 You may intend thole royal Exercifes 
 Suiting your Birth, and Greatnefs : I will bear 
 
 The
 
 OF THE EAST, 
 
 The Burthen of your Cares, and, having purged 
 The Body of your Empire of ill Humours, 
 Upon my Knees furrendcr it. 
 
 Cbryf. Will you ever 
 Be aw'd thus like a Boy ? 
 
 Graf. And kifs the Rod 
 Of a proud Miftrefs ? 
 
 Timan. Be what you were born, Sir. 
 
 Phila< Obedience and Majefty never lodg'd 
 In the fame Inn. 
 
 Theod. No more ; he never learned 
 The right Way to command, that ftop'd his Ears 
 To wife Directions. 
 
 Pulcb, Read o'er the Papers 
 I left upon .my Cabinet; two Hours henee 
 I will examine you. 
 
 Flac. We fpend our Time well. 
 Nothing but praying, and poring on a Book ; 
 It ill agrees with my Conftitution, Sifter. 
 
 Arcad. Would I had been born fome mafq'uing La- 
 dy's Woman, 
 Only to fee ftrangc Sights, rather than live thus. 
 
 Flac. We are gone, forfooth ; there is no Remedy, 
 Sifter. [Exeunt Arcadia and Flaccilla. 
 
 Graf. What hath his Eye found out ? 
 
 Timan. 'Tis fix'd upon 
 That Stranger Lady. 
 
 Chryf. I am glad, yet, that 
 He dares look on a Woman. 
 
 [All this Time the Informer kneeling. to Pulcheria, 
 and delivering Papers.] 
 
 Tbcod. Pbilanax, 
 What is that comely Stranger ? 
 
 Pbila. A Petitioner. 
 
 Cbryf. Will you hear her Cafe, and difpatch her Iri 
 
 your Chamber ? 
 I'll undertake to bring her. 
 
 VOL. II. T
 
 290 THE EMPEROR 
 
 Vbcod. Bring me to 
 
 Some Place where 1 may look on her Demeanour. 
 *Tis a lovely Creature ! 
 
 Cbryf. There's fome Hope in this, yet. 
 
 [Exeunt Theodofius, Patriarch, and the Train, 
 
 Pulch. No, you have done your Parts : 
 
 Paul. Now Opportunity courts you, 
 Prefer your Suit. 
 
 At ben. As low as Mifery 
 Can fall, for Proof of my Humility, - 
 A poor diftreffed Virgin bows her Head, 
 And lays hold on your Goodnefs, the laft Altar 
 Calamity can fly to for Protection. 
 Great Minds erect their never-failing Trophies 
 On the firm Bale of Mercy ; hut to triumph 
 Over a Suppliant, by proud Fortune captiv'd, 
 Argues a Baftard Conqueft 'tis to you 
 I fpeak, to you, the fair and juft Pulcberia, 
 The Wonder of the Age, your Sexes Honour ; 
 And, as fuch, deign to hear me. As you have 
 A Soul moulded from Heaven, and do defire 
 To have it made a Star there, make the Means 
 Of your Afcent to that Celeftial Height 
 Virtue wrng'd with brave Action. They draw near 
 The Nature, and the Eflence of the Gods, 
 Who imitate their Goodnefs. 
 
 Pulch. If you were 
 A Subject of the Empire, which your Habit 
 
 In every Part denies 
 
 Atben. O fly not to 
 Such an Evafion ; whate'er I am, 
 Being a Woman, in Humanity 
 You are bound to right me, though the Difference 
 Of my Religion may feem to exclude me 
 From your Defence (which you'd have confin'd) 
 The moral Virtue, which is general, 
 Muft know no Limits By thefe blefTed Feet 
 That pace the Paths of Equity, and tread boldly 
 On the ftiflf Neck of tyrannous Oppreffion^ 
 
 By
 
 O F T H E E A S T. 291 
 
 Sy thde Tears by which I bathe 'em, I conjure you 
 With Pity to look on me. 
 
 Pulcb. Pray you rife. 
 
 And, as you rife, receive this Comfort from me. 
 Beauty fee off with fuch fweet Language never 
 Can want an Advocate; and you muft bring 
 More than a Guilty Caufe if you prevail not. 
 Some Bufinefs long fmce thought upon, difpatched, 
 You fliall have Hearing, and, as far as Juilice 
 Will warrant me, my bed Aids. 
 
 At hen. I do defire 
 
 No ftronger Guard ; my Equity needs no Favour. 
 Pulcb. Are thefe the Men ? 
 Projeftor. We were, an't like your Highnefs. 
 The Men, the Men of Eminence, and Mark, 
 And may continue fo, if it pleafe your Grace. 
 Majler. This Speech was well projected. 
 Puhh. Does your Confcience 
 (I will begin with you) whifper unto you 
 What here you ftand accus'd of? Are you named 
 The President of Projectors ? 
 Informer. Juftify it, Man, 
 And tell her in what thou'rt ufeful. 
 
 Projeft. That's apparent ; 
 And, if you pleafe, afk fome about the Court, 
 And they will tell you too my rare Inventions, 
 They owe their Bravery, perhaps Means to purchafe, 
 And cannot live without me. 1, alas ! 
 Lend out my labouring Brains to Ufe, and fometimes 
 For a Drachma in the Pound, the more the Pity. 
 I am all Patience, and endure the Curfes 
 Of many, for the Profit of one Patron. 
 
 Pulcb. 1 do conceive the reft What is the Second ? 
 Informer. The Mignion of the Suburbs. 
 Pulcb. What hath he 
 To do in Conftantinople ? 
 
 Mign. I Heal in now and then, 
 As I am thought ufeful \ marry, there I am call'd 
 The Squire of Dames, or Servant of the Sex, 
 
 T 2 And
 
 292 THE EMPEROR 
 
 And by the Allowance of fome fportful Ladies 
 Honour'd with that Title. 
 
 Pulch. Spare your Character, 
 
 You're here deciphered Stand by with your Compere. 
 What is the Third ? A Creature I ne'er heard of; 
 The Mailer of the Manners* and the Habit ? 
 You have a double Office. 
 
 Mafter. In my Actions 
 I make both good ; for by my Theorems 
 Which your polite, and terfer Gallants praftife, 
 I refine the Court, and civilize 
 Their barbarous Natures. I have, in a Table 
 With curious Punctuality fet down 
 To a Hair's Breadth, how low a new-ftamp'd Courtier , 
 May vail to a Country Gentleman, and, by 
 Gradation, to his Merchant, Mercer, Draper, 
 His Linen-Man, and Taylor. 
 
 Pulch. Pray you, difcover 
 This hidden Myftery. 
 
 Mafter. If the 'forefaid Courtier 
 (As it may chance fometimes) find not his Name- 
 Writ in the Citizens Books with a State-Hum 
 He may falute 'em after three Days waiting : 
 But, if he owe them Money, that he may 
 Preferve his Credit,, let him, in Policy, never 
 Appoint a Day of Payment; fo they may hope fliil : 
 But, if he be to take up more, his Page 
 May attend 'em at the. Gate, and ufher- 'em 
 Into his Cellar, and when they are warm'd with Wine, 
 Conduct 'em to his Bedchamber, and though then 
 He be under his Barber's Hands, as foon as feen, 
 He muft ftart up to embrace 'em, vail thus low ; 
 Nay, though he call 'em Coufins, 'tis the better, 
 His Dignity no Way wrong'd in't. 
 
 Paul. Here's a fine Knave ! 
 
 Pulch. Does this Rule hold without Exception, Sirrah, 
 For Courtiers in general ? 
 
 Mafter. No, dear Madam; 
 For one of the laft Edition, and for him
 
 OF THE EAST. 293 
 
 I have compos'd a Dictionary, in which 
 
 He is inftructed, how, when, and to whom 
 
 To be proud or humble ; at what Times of the Year 
 
 He may do a good Deed for itfelf, and that is 
 
 Writ in Dominical Letters ; all Days elfe 
 
 Are his own, and of thofe Days the feveral Hours 
 
 Mark out, and to what Ufe. 
 
 Pukh. Shew us your Method ; 
 I'm ftrangely taken with it. 
 
 Majler. 'Twill deferve 
 A Penfion, I hope. Firft a ftrong Cullis 
 In his Bed, to heighten Appetite : Shuttle cock, 
 To keep him in Breath, when he rifes ; Tennis-Courts 
 Are chargeable, and the riding of great Horfes 
 Too boift'rous for my young Courtier ; let the old ones 
 I think not of, ufe it , next his Meditation 
 How to court his Miftrefs, and that he may feem witty, 
 Let him be furnifh'd with confederate Jefts 
 Between him and his Friend, that, on Occafion, 
 They may vent 'em mutually : What his Pace and Garb 
 Muft be in the Prefence, then the Length of his Sword, 
 The Famion of the Hilt what the Blade is 
 It matters not, 'twere Barbarifm to ufe it, 
 Unlefs to mew his Strength upon an Andiron ; 
 So, the fooner broke, the better. 
 
 Pukh. How I abufe 
 
 This precious Time ! Projector, 1 treat firft 
 Of you and your Difciples , you roar out, 
 All is the King's, his Will above his Laws : 
 And that fit Tributes are top gentle Yokes 
 For his poor Subjects ; whifp'ring in his Ear, 
 If he would have their Fear, no Man mould dare 
 To bring a Sallad from his Country Garden, 
 Without the paying Gabel ; kill a Hen, 
 Without Excife : and that, if he defire 
 To have his Children, or his Servants wear 
 Their Heads upon their Shoulders, you affirm, 
 In Policy, 'tis fit the Owner ihould 
 Pay for 'em by the Poll ; or, if the Prince want 
 
 T 3 A
 
 294 THE EMPEROR 
 
 A prefent Sum, he may command a City 
 
 Impoflibilities, and for Non- performance 
 
 Compel it to fubmit to any Fine 
 
 His Officers [hall impofe. Is this the Way 
 
 To make our Emperor happy ? Can the Groans 
 
 Of his Subjects yield him Mufick ? Muft his Threfliolds 
 
 Be wafh'd with Widow's and wrong'd Orphan's Tears, 
 
 Or his Power grow contemptible ? 
 
 Projett. I begin 
 To feel ray lei f a Rogue again, 
 
 Pukh. But you are 
 
 The Squire of Dames, devoted to the Service 
 Of gamefome Ladies, the hidden Myftery 
 Difcover'd, their ciofe Bawd; thy (lavifh Breath 
 Fanning the Fires of Luft, the Gorbetween 
 This Female and that wanton Sir ; your Art 
 Can blind a jealous Hufband, and, difguis'd 
 Like a Millener or Shoemaker, convey 
 A Letter in a Pantofle or Glove 
 Without Sufpicion : nay, at his Table, 
 In a Cafe of Pick- tooths. You iiaftruft 'em how 
 To parley with their Eyes, and make the Temple 
 A Mart of Loofenefs ; to difcover all 
 Thy fubtije Brokages, were to teach in Publick, 
 Thofe private Pradtices, which are, in Juftice, 
 Severely to be punifh'd. 
 Mignion. I am caft : 
 A Jury of my Patronefles cannot quit me. 
 
 Pukh. You are Matter of the Manners, and the Flabit j 
 Rather the Scorn of fuch as would live Men, 
 And not, like Apes, with lervile Imitation 
 Study prodigious Fafhipns. You keep 
 Intelligence abroad, that may inftrucl: 
 Our giddy Youth at Home what new-found Fafiiion 
 Is now in Ule, fwearing he's moft complete 
 That firft turns Monfter. Know, Villains, I can thruft 
 This Arm into your Hearts, ftrip off the Flefh 
 That covers your Deformities, and mew you 
 Jn ypur own Nakednefs. Now, though the Law 
 
 Call
 
 OF THE EAST. 295 
 
 Call not your Follies Death, you are for ever 
 BaniftYd my Brother's Court. Away with em ; . 
 I will hear no Reply. 
 
 [Exeunt Informer, Officers, Pr ij oners. 
 
 'fhe Curtains drawn above, Theodofius and bis Eunucbs 
 difcovered. 
 
 Paul. What think you now ? 
 
 Clean. That I am in a Dream ; or that I fee 
 A fecond Pallas* 
 
 Pulcb. Thefe remov'd, to you 
 I .clear my Brow. Speak without Fear, fweet Maid, 
 Since with a mild AfpecT:, and ready Ear, 
 I fit prepar'd to hear you. 
 
 Atben. Know, great Princcfs, 
 My Father, though a Pagan, was admired 
 For his deep Search into thofe hidden Studies, 
 Whofe Knowledge is deny'd to common Men : 
 The Motion, with the divers Operations 
 Of the Superior Bodies, by his long 
 And careful Obfervation, were made 
 Familiar to him ; all the fecret Virtues 
 Of Plants, and Simples, and in what Degree 
 They were ufeful to Mankind, he could difcourfe of: 
 In a Word, conceive him as a Prophet honour'd 
 In his own Country. But being born a Man, 
 It lay not in him to defer the Hour 
 Of his approaching Death, though long foretold : 
 In this fo fatal Hour he call'd before him 
 His two Sons, and myfelf, the deareft Pledges 
 Lent him by Nature, and with his Right Hand 
 Blefling our feveral Heads, he thus began : 
 
 Chryf. Mark his Attention. 
 
 Phila. Give me Leave to mark too. 
 
 Athen. If I could leave my Underftanding to you, 
 It were fuperfluous to make Divifion 
 Of whatfoever elfe I can bequeath you : 
 But, to avoid Contention, I allot 
 
 T 4 An
 
 296 T H E E M P E R O R 
 
 An equal Portion of my Pofieffions 
 To you my Sons ; but, unto thee, my Daughter, 
 My Joy, my Darling (pardon me, though 1 
 Repeat his Words if my prophetic Soul 
 Ready to take her Flight, can truly guefs at 
 Thy future Fate, I leave thee ftran'ge Afiurance 
 Of the<Greatnefs thou art born to, unto which 
 Thy Brothers {hall be proud to pay their Service, 
 
 Paul. And all Men elfe that honour Beauty. 
 
 fbeod. Ha! 
 
 Atben. Yet, to prepare thee for that certain Fortune, 
 And that I may from prefent Wants defend thee, 
 I leave ten thoufand Crowns which faid, being caU*4 
 To th' Fellowfhip of our Deities, he expir'd, 
 And with him all Remembrance of the Charge 
 Concerning me, left by him to my Brothers. 
 
 Ptilcb. Did they detain your Legacy ? 
 
 Atben. And ftill do. 
 His Ames were fcarce quiet in his Urn, 
 When, in Derifion of my future Greatnefs, 
 They thruft me out of Doors, denying m$ 
 One mort Night's Harbour, 
 
 Pulcb. Weep not. 
 
 Atben. 1 defire, 
 
 By your Perfuafion, or commanding Power, 
 The Reftitution of mine own ; or that, 
 To keep my Frailty from Temptation, 
 In your Companion of me, you would pleafs 
 I, as a Handmaid, may be entertain'd 
 To do the meaneft Offices to all fuch 
 As are honour'd in your Service. 
 
 Pulcb. Thou art welcome. 
 What is thy Name ? 
 
 Atben. The forlorn Atbenais. 
 
 fulcb. The Sweetnefs of thy Innocence flrangely 
 takes me. 
 
 [Takes ber up and kijfes her. 
 Forget thy Brothers Wrongs ; for I will be 
 jn my Care a Mother, in my Love a Sifter to thee ; 
 
 And,
 
 OF THE EAST. 
 
 And, were it poffible thou could'ft be won 
 To be of our Belief - 
 
 Paul. May it pleafe your Excellence, 
 That is an eafy Talk, I, though no Scholar, 
 Dare undertake it ; clear Truth cannot wane 
 Rhetorical Perfuafions, 
 
 Pulcb. 'TisaWork, 
 
 My Lord, will well become you. Break up the Court-, 
 May your Endeavours profper. 
 
 Paul. Come, my Fair One ; 
 I hope, my Convert. 
 
 Athen. Never : I will die 
 As I was born. 
 
 Paul. Better you ne'er had been. [Exeunt. 
 
 Phila. What does your Majefty think of?- - The 
 Maid's gone. 
 
 Vheod. She's wond'roys fair, and in her Speech ap- 
 Pieces of Scholarfhip. [pear'd 
 
 Chryf. Make Ufe of her Learning 
 And Beauty together ; on my Life, (he will be proud 
 TO be fo converted. 
 
 Ibeod. From foul Luft Heav'n guard me. [Exeunt. 
 
 The End of the Firjt AR. 
 
 A C T II. S C E N E I. 
 
 Pbilanax, Timantus^ Chryfapius, Grafianus. 
 
 fhila. TT 7E only talk, when we (hould do, 
 
 y y <riman. I'll fecond you ; 
 3egin, and when you pleafe. 
 Graf. Be conftant in it. 
 
 Chryf. That Refolution which grows cold To-day, 
 Will freeze To-morrow. 
 
 Grat. 'Slight, I think (he'll keep him 
 Her Ward for ever, to herfelf ingrofling 
 
 The
 
 898 THE EMPEROR 
 
 The Difpofition of all the Favours 
 And Bounties of the Empire. 
 
 Cbryf. We, that by 
 
 The Nearnefs of our Service to his Perfon, 
 Should raife this Man, or pull down that, without 
 Her Licence, hardly dare prefer a Suit, 
 Or, if we do, 'tis crofs'd. 
 
 Phila. You are troubled for 
 
 Your proper Ends ; my Aims are high and honeft. 
 The Wrong that's done to Majefty I repine at : 
 I love the Emperor, and 'tis my Ambition 
 To have him know himfelf, and to thatPurpofe 
 I'll run the Hazard of a Check. 
 
 Graf. And I 
 The Lois of my Place, 
 
 Timan. I will not come behind," 
 Fall what can fall. 
 
 Cbryf. Let us put on fad Afpe&s 
 To draw him on ; charge home, we'll fetch you off, 
 Or lie dead by you. 
 
 Enter Theodofius. 
 
 T'heod. How's this ? Clouds in the Chamber, 
 And the Air clear abroad ! 
 
 Phila. When you, our Sun, 
 
 Obfcure your glorious Beams, poor we, that borrow 
 Our little Light from you, cannot but fuffer 
 A general Eclipfe. 
 
 Timan, Great Sir, 'tis true i 
 For, 'till you pleafe to know, and be yourfelf, 
 And freely dare difpofe of what's your own 
 Without a Warrant, we are falling Meteors, 
 And not fix'd Stars. 
 
 Cbryf. The pale-fac'd Moon, that mould 
 Govern the Night, ufurps the Rule of Day, 
 And ftill is at the Full, in Spite of Nature, 
 And will not know a Change. 
 
 Tbeod. Speak you in Riddles ? 
 
 I am
 
 O F T H E E A S T. 299 
 
 I am no Oedipus, but your Emperor, 
 
 And as fuch would be initru&ed. * 
 
 Phila. Your Command 
 
 Shall be obey'd : Till now, I never heard you 
 Speak like yourfelf ; and may that Power, by which 
 You are fo, ftrike me dead, if what I mall 
 Deliver, as a faithful Subject to you, 
 Hath Root, or Growth from Malice, or bafe Envy 
 Of your Sifter's Greatnefs, I could honour in her 
 A Power fubordinate to yours ; but not 
 As 'tis predominant, 
 
 Timan. Is it fit that (he, 
 
 In her Birth your Vaffal, iliould command the Knees 
 Of fuch as mould not bow but to yourfelf ? 
 
 Graf. She with Security walks upon the Heads 
 Of the Nobility j the Multitude, 
 As to a Deity, offering Sacrifice 
 For her Grace and Favour. 
 
 Chryf. Her proud Feet ev'n wearied 
 \Vith the Rifles of Petitioners. 
 
 Graf. While you, 
 
 To whom alone fuch Reverence is proper, 
 Pafs unregarded by her. 
 
 ( Timan. You have not, yet, 
 Been Mafter of one Hour of your whole Life. 
 
 Cbryf. Your Will and Faculties kept in more Awe 
 Than me can do her own. 
 
 Phila. And as a Bondman, 
 (O let my Zeal find Grace, and Pardon from you, 
 That I defcend fo low) you are defign'd 
 To this or that Employment, fuiting well 
 A private Man, I grant, but not a Prince, 
 To be a perfect Horfeman, or to know 
 The Words of the Chace , or a fair Man of Arms, 
 Or to be able to pierce to the Depth, 
 Or write a Comment on th' obfcureft Poets, 
 I grant are Ornaments ; but your main Scope 
 Should be to govern Men to guard your own, 
 If not enlarge your Empire.
 
 3 oo T H E E M P E R O R 
 
 Chryf. You are built up 
 By th* curious Hand of Nature to revive 
 The Memory of Alexander, or by 
 A profperous Succefs in your brave Aftions, 
 To rival Casf&r. 
 
 fiman. Rouze yourfclf, and let not 
 Your Pleafures be a Copy of her Will. 
 
 Pbila. Your Pupil Age is pall, and manly Actions 
 Are now expected from you. 
 
 Grat. Do not lofe 
 Your Subjects Hearts. 
 
 Timan. What is't to have the Mean$ 
 To be magnificent, and not exercife 
 The boundlefs Virtue ? 
 
 Grat. You confine yourfelf 
 To that which ftricT: Philo-fophy allows of, 
 As if you were a private Man. 
 
 T'iman. No Pomp, 
 
 Or glorious Shows of Royalty, rend'ring it 
 Both lov'd, and terrible. 
 
 Grat. 'Slight, you livei, as it 
 Begets fome Doubt, whether you have, or not s 
 Th* Abilities of a Man. 
 
 Chryf. The Firmament 
 
 Hath not more Stars than there are feveral Beauties 
 Ambitious at the Height to impart their dear, 
 And fweeteft Favours to you. 
 
 Grat. Yet you have not 
 
 Made Choice of one, of all the Sex, to ferve you, 
 In a phyfical Way of Courtfliip. 
 
 ?beod. But that I would not 
 Begin the Expreflion of my being a Man, 
 In Blood, or ftain the firft white Robe I wear 
 Of Abfolute Power, with a fervile Imitation 
 Of any tyrannous Habit, my juft Anger 
 Prompts me to make you in your SufT'rings feel, 
 And not in Words to inftruft you, that the Licence 
 Of the loofe and faucy Language you now pra&ifed. 
 Hath forfeited your Heads. 
 
 Grat,
 
 OF T H E EAST. 301 
 
 Grat. How's this ? [Aftde. 
 
 Pbila. I know not 
 
 What the Play may prove-, but I afiure you that 
 I do not like the Prologue. 
 
 Iheod. O the miferable 
 Condition of a Prince ! who, though he vary 
 More Shapes than Proteus in his Mind, and Manners, 
 He cannot win an universal Suffrage 
 From the many-headed Monfter, Multitude. 
 Like ^Efop^s foolifh Frogs, they trample on him T 
 As a fenfelefs Block, if his Government be eafy : 
 And, if he prove a Stork, they croak, and rail 
 Againft him as a Tyrant. I'll put off 
 That Majefty, of which you think I have 
 Nor Ufe, nor Feeling , and, in arguing with you, 
 Convince you with ftrong Proofs of common Reafon, 
 And not with Abfolute Power, againft which, Wretches, 
 You are not to difpute. Dare you, that are 
 My Creatures, by my prodigal Favours falhion'd, 
 Prefuming on the Nearnefs of your Service, 
 Set off with my familiar Acceptance, 
 Condemn my Obfequioufnefs to the wife Directions 
 Of an incomparable Sifter, whom all Parts 
 Of our World, that are made happy in Knowledge 
 Of her Perfections, with Wonder gaze on ? 
 And yet you, that were only born to eat 
 The Blefiings of our Mother Earth, that are 
 Diftant but one Degree from Beafts (fince Slaves 
 Can claim no larger Privilege) that know 
 No farther than your fenfual Appetites 
 Or wanton Lull have. taught you, undertake 
 To give your Sovereign Laws to follow that 
 Your Ignorance marks out to him ? \Walks ly, 
 
 Graf. How were we 
 Abus'd in our Opinion of his Temper ! \_Aftde* 
 
 Phil. We had forgot 'tis found in Holy Writ, 
 That Kings Hearts are infcruiable. [Afide. 
 
 Timan. I ne'er read it ; 
 
 My Study lies not that Way. [Afide. 
 
 Pbila.
 
 302 THE EMPEROR 
 
 Pbila. By his Looks 
 The Tempeft ftill increafes. ' \Afidt, 
 
 'Tbeod. Am I grown 
 
 So ftupid in your Judgments, that you dare 
 With fuch Security offer Violence 
 To Sacred Majefty ? Will you not know 
 The Lion is a Lion, though he mew not 
 His rending Paws, or fill th' affrighted Air 
 With the Thunder of his Roarings ? You blefs'd 
 
 Saints ! 
 
 How am I trenched on ? Is that Temperance 
 So famous in your cited Alexander^ 
 Or Roman Scipio a Crime in me ? 
 Cannot I be an Emperor, unlefs 
 Your Wives and Daughters bow to my proud Lufts ? 
 And 'caufe I ravifh not their faireft Buildings 
 And fruitful Vineyards, or what is deareft, 
 From fuch as are my Vaflals, muft you conclude 
 I do not know the awful Power, and Strength 
 Of my Prerogative ? Am I clofe-handed, 
 Becaufe I fcatter not among you that 
 I muft not call mine own ? Know, you Court-leeches, 
 A Prince is never fo magnificent 
 As when he's fparing to enrich a Few 
 With th' Injuries of Many. Could your Hopes 
 So grofly flatter you, as to believe 
 I was born and train'd up as an Emperor, only 
 In my Indulgence to give Sanctuary, 
 In their unjuft Proceedings, to the Rapine 
 And Avarice of my Grooms ? 
 
 Pbila. In the true Mirror 
 Of your Perfections, at length we fee 
 Our own Deformities. 
 
 I'iman. And not once daring 
 To look upon that Majefty we now flighted . 
 
 Chryf. With our Faces thus glu'd to the Earth, we 
 Your gracious Pardon. [beg 
 
 Graf. Offering our Necks 
 To be trod on, as a Punilhment for our late 
 
 Pre-
 
 O F T H E E A S T. 303 
 
 Prefumption, and a willing Teftimony 
 Of our Subjection. 
 
 Tbeod. Dcferve our Mercy 
 In your better Life hereafter, you fhall find, 
 Though in my Father's Life I held it Madnefs 
 To uiurp his Power, and in my Youth difdain'd not 
 To learn from the Inftructions of my Sifter. 
 I'll make it good to all the World, I am 
 An Emperor; and ev'n this Inftant grafp 
 The Scepter, my rich Stock of Majefty 
 Entire, no Scruple wafted. 
 
 Phila. If thefe Tears 
 
 I drop, proceed not from my Joy to hear this, 
 May my Eye- balls follow 'em. 
 
 Timan. I will mew myfelf 
 By your fudden Metamorphofis transform'd 
 From what I was. 
 
 Graf. And ne'er prefume to afk 
 What fits not you to give. 
 
 ^heod. Move in that Sphere, 
 
 And my Light with full Beams fhall mine upon you. 
 Forbear this flavim Courtmip -, tis to me 
 In a kind idolatrous. 
 
 Pbila. Your gracious Sifter. 
 
 Enter Pulcheria and Servant. 
 
 Pukb. Has he converted her ? 
 
 Serv. And, as fuch, will 
 Prefent her, when you pleaie. 
 
 Pukb. I am glad of it. 
 Command my DrelTer to adorn her with 
 The Robes that I gave Order for. 
 
 Sew. 1 fhall. 
 
 Pukb. And let thofe precious Jewels I took laft 
 Out of my Cabinet, if't be poftible, 
 Give Luftre to her Beauties ; and, that done, 
 Command her to be near us.
 
 304 THE EMPEROR 
 
 Serv. *Tis a Province 
 I willingly embrace. [Exit Servant* 
 
 Pulch. O, my dear Sir, 
 
 You have forgot your Morning Tafk, and therefore 
 With a Mother's Love I come to reprehend you, 
 But it fhall be gently. 
 
 Tbeod. 'Twill become you, though 
 You faid with reverent Duty. Know hereafter, 
 If my Mother liv'd in you, howe'er her Son, 
 Like you fhe were my Subject. 
 
 Pulch. How? 
 
 fbeod. Put off 
 
 Amazement ; you will find it. Yet I'll hear you 
 At Diftance, as a Sifter, but no longer 
 As a Governefs, I allure you. 
 
 Graf. This is put home. [Afide, 
 
 Timan. Beyond our Hopes. [Afide, 
 
 Phila. She ftands, as if his Words 
 Had powerful Magick in 'em. [Afide, 
 
 Tbeod. Will you have me 
 Your Pupil ever ? The Down on my Chin 
 Confirms I am a Man, a Man of Men, 
 The Emperor, that knows his Strength. 
 
 Pulch. Heav'n grant 
 You know it not too foon. 
 
 fbeed. Let it fuffice 
 
 My Wardfhip's out. If your Defign concerns us 
 As a Man, and not a Boy, with our Allowance 
 You may deliver it. 
 
 Pulch. A ftrange Alteration ! 
 
 But I will not contend. [Afide.] Be as you wifh, Sir, 
 Your own Difpofer ; uncompell'd I cancel 
 All Bonds of my Authority. [Kneels. 
 
 Theod. You in this 
 
 Pay your due Homage ; which perform'd, I thus 
 Embrace you as a Sifter, no Way doubting 
 Your Vigilance for my Safety as my Honour ; 
 And what you now come to impart, I reft 
 Moft confident, points at one of them, 
 
 Puhh.
 
 O F T H E E A S T. 305 
 
 Pulch. At both, 
 
 And not alone the prefent, but the future 
 Tranquility of your Mind : Since in the Choice 
 Of her, you are to heat with holy Fires, 
 And make the Confort of your Royal Bed, 
 The certain Means of glorious Succeflion, 
 "With the true Happinefs of our human Being, 
 Are wholly comprehended. 
 
 Tbeod* How ? A Wife ? 
 Shall I become a Votary to Hymen^ 
 Belore my Youth hath facrifi c'd to Venus ? 
 *Tis fomething with the fooneft Yet, to fhew, 
 In Things indifferent, I am not averfe 
 To your wife Counfels, let me firft furvey 
 Thole Beauties, that, in being a Prince, I know 
 Are Rivals for me. You will not confine me 
 To your Election ; I muft fee, dear Sifter 
 With mine own Eyes. 
 
 Pulch. 'Tis fit, Sir Yet, in this, 
 You may pleafe to confider, abfolute Princes 
 Have, or mould have, in Policy, lefs free Will 
 Then fuch as are their VafTals. For you muft, 
 As you are an Emperor, in this high Bufmefs, 
 Weigh with due Providence, with whom Alliance 
 May be moft ufeful for the Prefervation 
 Or your Increafe of Empire. 
 
 Tbecd. I approve not 
 Such Compositions for our moral Ends, 
 In what is in itfelf divine, nay more, 
 Decreed in Heav'n. Yet, if our Neighbour Princes, 
 Ambitious of fuch nearnefs, mail prefent 
 Their deareft Pledges to me (ever referving 
 The Caution of mine own Content) I'll not 
 Contemn their courteous Offers. 
 
 Pulcb. Bring in the Pictures. [Two Pictures brought in. 
 
 Tbeod. Muft I then judge the Subftances by the Sha- 
 dows ? 
 
 The Painters are moft envious, if* they want 
 Good Colours for Preferment. Virtuous Ladies 
 
 VOL. II. U Love
 
 3 o6~ Tfr EMPEROR 
 
 Love this Way to be flatter'd, and accufe 
 The Workman of Detraction, if he add not 
 Some Grace they cannot truly call their own, 
 Is't not fo, Gratianus ? You may challenge 
 Some Intereft in the Science. 
 
 Graf. A Pretender 
 
 To the Art, I truly Honour, and fubfcribe 
 To your Majefty's Opinion. 
 
 Tbeod. Let me fee 
 
 Cleanthe, Daughter to the King of Epirtts, 
 
 JEtatis fu<e, the fourteenth : Ripe enough, 
 
 And forward too, I allure you. Let me examine. 
 
 The Symmetries. If Statuaries could 
 
 By the Foot of Hercuhs&t down punctually 
 
 His whole Dimenfions, and the Countenance be 
 
 The Index of the Mind, this may inftruct me, 
 
 With th' Aids t)f that I've read touching this Subject, 
 
 What me is inward. The Colour of her Hair, 
 
 If it be, as this does Promife, pale, and faint, 
 
 And not a glitt'ring white. Her brow, fo fo. 
 
 The Circles of her Sight, too much contracted ; 
 
 Juno's fair Cow-eyes by old Homer are 
 
 Commended to their Merit , here's a fliarp Froft, 
 
 I' th' Tip of her Nofe, which by the Length allures m 
 
 Of Storms at Midnight, if I fail to pay her 
 
 The Tribute fhe expects. I like her not : 
 
 What is the other ? 
 
 Chryf. How hath he commenc'd 
 Doctor in this fo fweet and feeret Art, 
 Without our Knowledge ? [Afide- 
 
 Timan. Some of his forward Pages 
 Have robbed us of the Honour. [Afide* 
 
 Pbila. No fuch Matter ; 
 He has the Theory only, not the Practic. [Afide. 
 
 Tbeod. Amafia^ Sifter to the Duke of Athens j 
 Her Age eighteen, defcended lineally 
 From Thefeus, as by her Pedigree 
 Will be made apparent Of his lufty Kindred, 
 And lofe fo much Time ? 'Tis ftrange ! As I live, 
 hath 

 
 O F T n E E A S T. 307 
 
 A Philofophical Afpect : There is 
 
 More Wit than Beauty in her Face, and, when 
 
 I court her, it muft be in Tropes, and Figures, 
 
 Or (he will cry abfurd. She will have her Clenche* 
 
 To cut off any Fallacy I can hope 
 
 To put upon her, and expect I fhould 
 
 Ever conclude in Syllogifms, and thofe true ones 
 
 In farte fcf toto, or fhe'll tire me with 
 
 Her tedious Elocutions in the Praife 
 
 Of the Increafe of Generation, for which 
 
 Alone the Sport, in her Morality, 
 
 Is good and lawful, and to be often practised 
 
 For fear of miffing,' Fie on't, let the Race 
 
 Of Tbefeus be match'd with Ariftotles, 
 
 I'll none of her. 
 
 Pulcb. You are curious in your Choice, Sir, 
 And hard to pleafe j yet, if that your Confent 
 May give Authority to it, I'll prefent you 
 With one, that, if her Birth, and Fortunes anfwer 
 The Rarities of her Body, and her Mind, 
 Detraction durft not tax her. 
 
 Theod* Let me fee her, 
 
 Though wanting thofe Additions, which we can 
 Supply from our own Store : it is in us 
 To make Men rich, and noble , but, to give 
 Legitimate Shapes and Virtues, does belong 
 To the Great Creator of 'em, to whofe Bounties 
 Alone 'tis proper/ and in this difdains 
 An Emperor for his Rival. 
 
 Pulcb. I'applaud 
 
 This fit Acknowledgment, fince Princes then 
 Grow lefs than common Men, when they contend 
 With Him, by whom they are fo. 
 
 
 Enter Paulinus, Cleon, Athenais newly habited. 
 
 Tbecd. I confefs it. 
 
 Pulcb. Not to hold you in Sufpencc, Behold the Vir* 
 gin 
 
 U a
 
 $oS THEEMPEROR 
 
 Rich in her natural Beauties, no War borrowing 
 Th' adulterate Aids of Art. Perufe .her better - 
 She's worth your ferious View. 
 
 Phila. I am amaz'd too : 
 I never faw her Equal. 
 
 Grat. How his Eye 
 Is fix'd upon her ! 
 
 Timan. And, as me were a Fort, 
 He'd fuddenly furprize, he meafures her 
 From the Bafes to the Battlements. 
 
 Chryf. Ha ! now I view her better, 
 I know her , 'tis the Maid that, not long fmce, 
 Was a Petitioner ; her Bravery 
 So alters her, I had forgot her Face. 
 
 Phila. So has the Emperor. 
 
 Paul. She holds out yet, 
 And yields not to th' Afifault. 
 
 Cleon. She's flrongly guarded 
 In her Virgin Blufhes. 
 
 Paul. When you know, fair Creature, 
 It is the Emperor that honours you 
 With fuch a ftricT: Survey of your fweet Parts y 
 InThankfulnefs you cannot but return . 
 Due Reverence for the Favour. 
 
 Athen. I was loft 
 
 In my Aftonimment at the glorious Object, 
 And yet reft doubtful whether he expeds, 
 Being more then Man, my Adoration 
 (Since fure there is Divinity about him :) 
 Or will reft fatisfy'd, if my humble Knees 
 In Duty thus bow to him. 
 
 Theod. Ha ! it fpeaks. 
 
 Pulch. She is no Statue, Sir, 
 
 Tbeod. Suppofe her one, 
 
 And that me had nor Organs, Voice, nor Heat, 
 Moft willingly I would refign my Empire, 
 So it might be to After-times recorded 
 That I was her Pygmalion, though, like him, 
 1 doated on my Workmanfhip, without Hope too 
 
 Of
 
 OF T H E" E A S T. 309 
 
 Of having Cytberea fo propitious 
 
 To my Vows, or Sacrifice, in her Compafiion 
 
 To give it Life or Motion. 
 
 Pulch. Pray you, be not rap'd fo, 
 Nor borrow from imaginary Fiction 
 Impoffible Aids. She's Flelh and Blood, I afiure you^ 
 And, if you pleafe to honour her in the Trial, 
 And be your own Security, as you'll find 
 I fable not, me comes in a noble Way 
 To be at your Devotion. 
 
 Cbryf. 'Tis the Maid 
 
 I offer'd to your Highnefs ; her chang'd Shape 
 Conceal'd her from you : 
 
 1'beod. At the firft I knew her ; 
 And a fecond Firebrand Cupid brings, to kindle 
 My Flames almoft put out : I am too cold, 
 And play with Opportunity. May I tafte, then, 
 The Nectar of her Lip ? I do not give it 
 ThePraife it merits: Antiquity is too poor 
 To help me with a Simile to exprefs tar. 
 Let me drink often from this living Spring, 
 To nourifh new Invention. 
 
 Pulcb. Do not furfeit 
 Jn over-greedily devouring that 
 Which may without Satiety feaft you often. 
 From the Moderation in receiving them, 
 The choiceft Viands do continue pleafing 
 To the moft curious Palates. If you think her 
 Worth your Embraces, and the fovereign Title 
 Of the Grecian Emprefs 
 
 Theod. If? How much you fin, 
 Only to doubt it , the PoiTeffion of her 
 Makes all, that was before moft precious to me, 
 Common, and cheap in this you've mown yourielf 
 A provident Protectrefs. I already 
 Grow weary of the abfolute Command 
 Of my fo numerous Subjects, and defire 
 No Sov'reignty but here, and write down gladly 
 A Period to my Wifhes. 
 
 U 3 Pulcb.
 
 3 io THE EMPEROR 
 
 Pulcb. Yet, before 
 
 It be too late, confider her Condition j 
 Her Father was a Pagan, (he herfelf 
 A new-converted Chriftian. 
 
 tfheod. Let me know 
 The Man to whofe religious Means I owe 
 So great a Debt. 
 
 Paul You are advanc'd too high, Sir, 
 To acknowledge a Beholdjngneis, 'tis difcharg'd. 
 And 1, beyond my Hopes, rewarded, if 
 My Service pleafe your Majefty, 
 
 Theod. Take this Pledge 
 Of our aflured Love. /\re there none here 
 Have Suits to prefer ? On fuch a Day as this 
 My Bounty's without Limit. O my deareft, 
 I will not hear thee fpeak ; whatever in 
 Thy Thoughts is apprehended, I grant freely. 
 Thou would'fl plead thy Unworthinefs , by thyfelf 
 The Magazine of Felicity, in thy Lownefs 
 Our Eaftern Queens, at their full Height, bow to thee, 
 And are, in their beft Trim, thy Foils and Shadows. 
 Excufe the Violence of my Love, which cannot 
 Admit the lead Delay. Command the Patriarch 
 With Speed to do his Holy Office for us, 
 That, when we are made one 
 
 Pulcb. You m lift forbear, Sir* 
 She is not yet baptiz'd. 
 
 Theod. In the fame Hour 
 }n which {he is confirmed in our Faith, 
 "We mutually will give away each other, 
 And both be Gainers ; we'll hear no Reply 
 That may divert us, On 
 
 Pulcb. You may, hereafter, 
 'Pleafe to remember to whofe Furtherance 
 You owe this Height of Happineis, 
 
 Atben. As I was 
 
 Your Creature when I firft petidon'd you, 
 J will continue fo, and you fhall find me, 
 
 Though
 
 O F T H E E A S T. 311 
 
 Though an Emprefs, ftill your Servant. 
 
 [All exit but Philanax, Gratianus, and Timantus. 
 
 Graf. Here's a Marriage 
 Made up o' th' fudden ! 
 
 Phila. I repine not at 
 
 The fair Maid's Fortune though I fear the Princefs 
 Had fome peculiar End in't. 
 
 Timan. Who's fo fimple 
 Only to doubt it ? 
 
 Graf. It is too apparent, 
 She hath prefer'd a Creature of her own, 
 By whofe Means (he may ftill keep to herfelf 
 The Government of the Empire. 
 
 Timan. Whereas if 
 
 The Emperor had efpous'd fome Neighbour Queen, 
 Pulcheria^ with all her Wifdom, could not 
 Keep her Preheminence. 
 
 Pbila. Beit as it will, 
 
 'Tis not now to be alter'd, Heaven, I fay, 
 Turn all to th' bed ! 
 
 Graf. Are we come to praying again ? 
 
 Pbil. Leave thy Prophanenefs 
 
 Graf. Would it leave me. 
 I am fure I thrive not by it. 
 
 'Timan. Come to the Temple. 
 
 Graf. Ev'n where you will I know not what to 
 think on't. 
 
 Tbe End of the Second Aft. 
 
 ACT III. SCENE I. 
 
 Paulinus, Philanax. 
 Paul *\J OR th is > nor th' Age before us, ever look'd 
 
 1\| on 
 
 The like Solemnity. 
 
 U 4
 
 3 I2 THE EMPEROR 
 
 Pbila. A ftidden Fever 
 
 Kept me at home. Pray you, my Lord, acquaint me 
 "With the Particulars. 
 
 Paul. You may prefume, 
 No Pomp, nor Ceremony could be wanting, 
 Where there was Privilege to command, and Means 
 To cherifh rare Inventions, 
 
 Pbila, I believe it j 
 But the Sum of all, in brief. 
 Paul. Pray you fo take it j 
 Fair AtbenaiS) not long fince a Suitor, 
 And almoft in her Hopes forfaken, firft 
 Was chrift'ned, and the Emperor's Mother's Name, 
 Eudoxia^ as he will'd, impos'd upon her : 
 Pulcberia^ the ever matchlefs Princefs, 
 Aflifted by her reverend Aunt Maria, 
 Her God-morhers. 
 
 Pbila. And who the Mafculine Witnefs ? 
 Paul. At the new Emprefs' Suit I had the Honour 5 
 For which I muft ever ferve her. 
 
 Pbila. *Twas a Grace, 
 With Juftice you may boaft of. . 
 Paul. The Marriage tollow'd, 
 And, as 'tis faid, the Err peror made bold 
 To turn the Day to Night ; for to Bed they went 
 As icon as they had din'd, and there are Wagers 
 Laid by fome merry Lords, he hath already 
 Begot a Boy upon her. 
 
 Pbila. That is yet 
 
 To be determin'd of; but I am certain, 
 A Prince, Ib ibon in his Difpofition alter'd, 
 Was never heard nor read of. 
 
 Paul. But of late,. 
 
 Frugal and fparing, now nor Bounds, nor Limits 
 To his magnificent Bounties. He affirm'd, 
 Having receiv'd more Bleflings by his Emprefs 
 Then he could hope, in Thankulnefs to Heaven 
 He cannot be too prodigal to others. 
 
 Whit-
 
 O F T H E E A S T. 3^ 
 
 Whatever's offer'd to his Royal Hand 
 He figns without perufing it. 
 
 Pbila. I am here 
 
 Jnjoin'd to free all fuch as lie for Debt, 
 The Creditors to be paid out of his Coffers. 
 
 Paul. And I all Malefactors that are not 
 Convicted, or for Treafon or foul Murther ; 
 Such only are excepted ; 
 
 Phila. 'Tis a rare Clemency ! 
 
 Paul, Which we muft not difpute, byt put in Practice. 
 
 [Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE II. 
 
 Loud Mufick, Shouts 'within : Heaven preferve the Empe- 
 ror ^ Heaven blefs the Emprefs. Then in State, Chry- 
 fapius, Patriarch. Paulinus, Theodofius, Athenais, 
 Pulcheria, her two young Sifters bearing up Athenais'j 
 Train, followed by Philanax, Gratianus, Timantus, 
 Suitors, presenting Petitions, the Emperor f eating them. 
 Pulcheria appears troubled, 
 
 Pulch. Sir, by your own Rules of Philofophy 
 You know Things violent lafl not. Royal Bounties 
 Are great, and gracious while they are difpens'd 
 With Moderation ; but, when their Excefs 
 Jn giving Giant-Bulks to others, take from 
 The Prince's juft Proportion, they lofe 
 The Names ot Virtues, and, their Natures chang'd, 
 Grow the mod dangerous Vices 
 
 Theod. In this, Sifter, 
 
 Your Wifdom is not circular ; they that fow 
 In narrow Bounds, cannot expect, in Reafon, 
 A Crop beyond their Ventures, what I do 
 Pifperle, I lend, and will with Ufury 
 Return unto my Heap. I only then 
 Am rich, and happy ''though my Coffers found 
 With Emptinefsj when my glad Subjects feel, 
 Their Plenty and Felicity is my Gift* 
 
 And
 
 3H THE EMPEROR 
 
 And they will find, when they with Cheerfulnefs 
 
 Supply not my Defects, I being the Stomach 
 
 To th' politick Body of the State, the Limbs 
 
 Grow fuddenly faint and feeble. I could urge 
 
 Proofs of more Finenefs in their Shape and Language j 
 
 But none of greater Strength. Diffuade me not ; 
 
 What we will, we will doj yet, to affure you 
 
 Your Care does not offend us, for an Hour, 
 
 Be happy in the Converfe of my bed 
 
 And deareft Comfort May you pleafe to licenfe 
 
 My Privacy fome few Minutes ? [To Athenais. 
 
 Atben. Licenfe, Sir ? 
 
 I have no Will, but is deriv'd from yours, 
 And that ftill waits upon you ; nor can I 
 Be left with fuch Security with any, 
 As with the gracious Princefs, who receives 
 Addition, though (he be all Excellence, 
 In being ftil'd your Sifter. 
 
 fbeod. O fweet Creature ! 
 Let me be cenfur'd fond, and too indulgent, 
 Nay, though they fay uxorious, I care not ; 
 Her Love, and fweet Humility exact 
 A Tribute far beyond my Power to pay 
 Her matchlefs Goodnefs. [Afide^ Forward. 
 
 {Exeunt Theodofius and the Traitt, 
 
 Pulcb. Now you find 
 
 Your dying Father's Prophecy, that foretold 
 Your prefent Greatnefs, to the full accomplifh'd. 
 For the poor Aids, and Furtherance I lent you, 
 I willingly forget. 
 
 Atken. Ev'n that binds me 
 To a more drift Remembrance of the Favour ; 
 Nor mail you, from my foul Ingratitude, 
 In any Circumftance, ever find Caufe 
 T'upbraid me with your Benefit. 
 
 Pulcb. I believe fo. 
 
 Pray you give us Leave -What now I muft deliver 
 Under the cleepeft Seal of Secrecy, 
 
 Though
 
 OF THE EAST. 313 
 
 Though it be for your Good, will give AJTurance 
 Of what is look'd for, if you not alone 
 Hear, but obey my Couniels. 
 
 Athen. They mutt be 
 
 Of a ftrange Nature, if with zealous Speed 
 I put 'em not in Practice. 
 
 Pulch. 'Twere Impertinence 
 To dwell on Circumtiances, fince the Wound 
 Requires a fudden Cure ; efpecially 
 Since you, that are the happy Inftrument 
 Elected to it, though young in your Judgment 
 Write far above your Years, and may inltruct 
 Such as are more experienc'd. 
 
 Atben. Good Madam, 
 In this I muft oppoie you, I am well 
 Acquainted with my Weaknefs, and it will not 
 Become your Wjfdom, by which I am rais'd 
 To this titulary Height, that fhouid correct 
 The Pride, and overweening of my Fortune, 
 To play the Parafite to it, in afcribing 
 That Merit to me, unto which I can 
 Pretend no Intereft Pray you, excufc 
 My bold Simplicity, and to my Weight 
 Defign me where you pleale, and you mall find 
 Jn my Obedience, 1 am (till your Creature. 
 
 Pulcb. 'Tis nobly anfwer'd, anfl I glory in 
 The Building I have rais'd. Go on, fweetLady, 
 In this your virtuous Progrefs. Rut to the Point; 
 You know, nor do I envy it, you have 
 Acquir'd that Power, which, not long fince, was mine, 
 Jn governing the Emperor, and muft ufe 
 The Strength you hold in the Heart of his Affections, 
 For his private, as the pubiick Prekrvation, 
 To which there is no greater Knemy, 
 Than his exorbitant Prodigality, 
 Howe'er his Sycophants, and Flatterers call it, 
 Royal Magnificence j and, though he may 
 Urge what's done for your Honour, muft not be 
 
 Curb'd
 
 316 THE EMPEROR 
 
 Curb'd, or be controul'd by you, you cannot in 
 Your Wifdom but conceive, if that the Torrent 
 Of his violent Bounties be not ftop'd, or leflen'd, 
 It will prove rnoft pernicious. Therefore, Madam, 
 Since 'tis your Duty, as you are his Wife, 
 TO give him faving Counfels, and, in being 
 Almoft his Idol, may command him to 
 Take any Shape you pleafe, with a powerful Hand, 
 To ftop him in his Precipice to Ruin. 
 
 Atben. Avert it, Heaven ! 
 
 Pukh. Heaven is mod gracious to you, Madam, 
 In chufing you to be the Inftrument 
 Of fuch a pious Work. You fee he figns 
 What Suit foever is prefer'd, not once 
 Enquiring what it is, yielding himfelf 
 A Prey to all. I would, therefore, have you, Lady, 
 As I know you will, to advife him, or command him, 
 As he would reap the Plenty of your Favours, 
 To ufe more Moderation in his Bounties ; 
 And that, before be gives, he would confider, 
 The what, to whom, and wherefore. 
 
 Atben. Do you think 
 Such Arrogance, or Ufurpation, rather, 
 Of what is proper, and peculiar 
 To ev'ry private Hufband, and much more 
 To him an Emperor, can rank with th' Obedience 
 And Duty of a Wife ? Are we appointed 
 In our Creation (let me reafon with you) 
 To rule, or to obey ? Or, 'caufe he loves me 
 With a kind Impotence; muft I tyrannize 
 Over his Weaknefs ? Or abufe the Strength, 
 With which he arms me, to his Wrong ? Or, like 
 A proftituted Creature, merchandize 
 Our mutual Delight for Hire ? Or to 
 Serve mine own fordid Ends ? In vulgar Nuptials 
 Priority is exploded, though there be 
 A Difference in the Parties ; and mail I, 
 His Vaflal, from Obfcurity, rais'd by him 
 
 To
 
 OF T H E E A S T, 317 
 
 To this fo eminent Light, * prefume t' appoint him 
 To do, or not to do, this, or that ? When Wives 
 Are well accommodated by their Hufbands 
 With all Things both for Ufe, and Ornament, 
 Let them fix there, and never dare to queftion 
 Their Wills or Actions. For myfelf, I vow, 
 Though now my Lord would rafhly giveaway 
 His Scepter, and Imperial Diadem, 
 Or if there could be any Thing more precious, 
 I would not crofs it ; but I know this is 
 But a Trial of my Temper, and as fuch 
 I do receive it ; or, if 't be othervvife, 
 You are fo fubtil in your Arguments, 
 I dare not ftay to hear them. 
 
 Pulch. Is't ev'n fo ? 
 
 I've Power o'er thefe, yet, and command their Stay, 
 To hearken nearer to me. 
 
 1 Sifter. We are charg'd 
 
 By the Emperor, our Brother, to attend 
 The Kmprefs' Service. 
 
 2 Sifter. You are too mortify'd, Sifter, 
 (With Reverence I fpeak it) for young Ladies 
 To keep you Company. I am fo tir'd 
 With your tedious Exhortations, Doctrines, 
 Ufes of your religious Morality, 
 
 That, for my Health-fake, I mud take the Freedom 
 To enjoy a little of thole pretty Pleafures 
 That I was born to. 
 
 i Sifter. When I come to your Years, 
 I'll do as you do ; but, till then, with your Pardon, 
 I'll lofe no more Time. I have not learn'd to dance yet, 
 Nor fing, but Holy Hymns, and thofe to vile Tunes tooj 
 Nor to difcourfe, but of Schoolmens Opinions. 
 How fhall I anfwer my Suitors ? Since, I hope, 
 Ere long I fhall have many, without Practice 
 
 1 To tkiifo eminent Light. 
 
 Thus we read in the old Copies, which -I have here follow'd, tho' 
 I think it ought to be 
 
 To tbisfo eminent Height. 
 
 To
 
 3 iS THE EMPEROR 
 
 To write, and fpeak fomething that's not derived 
 From the Fathers of Philofophy. 
 
 2 Sifter. We ftiall fhame 
 Our Breeding, Sifter, if we 'fhould goon thus. 
 
 1 Sifter. 'Tis for your Credit, that we ftudy 
 How to converfe with Men ; Women with Women 
 Yields but a barren Argument. 
 
 2 Sifter. She frowns 
 
 But you'll protect us, Madam ? 
 
 Athen. Yes, and love 
 Your fweet Simplicity. 
 
 1 Sifter. All young Girls are fo, 
 'Till they know the Way oft. 
 
 2 Sifter. But, when we are enter*d, 
 We fhall on a good round Pace. 
 
 Atben. I'll leave you, Madam. 
 
 i Sifter. And we ; our Duties with you. 
 
 [Exeunt Athenais and the young Ladies. 
 Pulch. On all Hands 
 
 Thus flighted? No Way left ? Am I grown ftupid 
 In my Invention ? Can I make no Ufe 
 Of the Emperor's Bounties ? Now 'tis thought : within 
 there. 
 
 Enter Servant. 
 
 Serv. Madam. 
 
 Pukb. It fhall be fo : Nearer ; your Ear 
 Draw a Petition to this End. 
 
 Serv. Befides 
 
 The Danger to prefer it, I believe 
 'Twill ne'er be granted. 
 
 Pulch. How's this ? Are you grown, 
 From a Servant, my Director ? Let me hear 
 No more of this. Difpatch, I'll matter him 
 
 [Exit Servant. 
 At his own Weapon. 
 
 Enter
 
 OF THE EAST. 
 
 Enter Theodofius, Favorinus, Philanax, Timantus, 
 Gratianus. 
 
 Tbeod. Let me underftand it, 
 If yet there be ought wanting that may perfect 
 A general Happinefs. 
 
 Favor. The People's Joy 
 In Seas of Acclamations flow in 
 To wait on yours. 
 
 Pbila. Their Love with Bounty levied, 
 Is a fure Guard : Obedience, forc'd from Fear, 
 Paper Fortification, which in Danger 
 Will yield to the Imprefiion of a Reed, 
 Or of itfelf fall off. 
 
 'Tbeod. True, Pbilanax. 
 And by that certain Compafs we refolve 
 To (leer our Barque of Government. 
 
 Enter Servant with tbe Petition. 
 
 Pukb. 'Tis well. 
 
 Tbeod. My deareft, and my all-deferving Sifter, 
 As a Petitioner kneel ? It muft not be. 
 Pray you, rife ; although your Suit were half my Em- 
 
 pire, 
 'Tis freely granted. 
 
 Pulch. Your Alacrity 
 To give hath made a Beggar ; yet, before 
 My Suit is by your facred Hand and Seal 
 Confirmed, 'tis neceflary you perufe 
 The Sum of my Requeft. 
 
 Tbeod. We will not wrong 
 Your Judgment, in conceiving what 'tis fit 
 For you to afk, and us to grant, fo much, 
 As to proceed with Caution, give me my Signet, 
 With Confidence I fign it, and here vow 
 By my Father's Soul, but with your free Confent, 
 It is irrevocable.
 
 $20 THE EMPEROR 
 
 Vivian. What if fhe now 
 Calling to Memory, how often we 
 Have crofs'd her Government, in Revenge hath made 
 Petition for our Heads ?' 
 
 Grat. They muft even off, then ; 
 No Ranfom can redeem us. 
 
 Theod. Let thofe Jewels 
 So highly rated by the Pcrfian Merchants 
 Be bought, and as a Sacrifice from us 
 Prefented to Eudoxia, fhe being only 
 Worthy to wear 'em. I am angry with 
 The unrefiftable Neceflity 
 Of my Occafions, and important Cares, 
 That fo long keep me from her. 
 
 [Exeunt Theodofius and the Train. 
 
 Pulcb. Go to the Emprefs, 
 And tell her on the fudden, I am fick, 
 And do defire the Comfort of a Vifit, 
 If fhe pleafe to vouchfafe it. From me ufe 
 Your humblefl Language. But, when once I have her 
 
 [Exit Servant. 
 
 In my PofTeflion, I will rife, and fpeak 
 In a higher Strain : Say it raife Storms, no matter. 
 Fools judge by the Event, my Ends arehoneft. [Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE III. 
 
 Theodofius, Timantus, Philanax. 
 
 Tbeod. What is become of her ? Can fhe that carries 
 Such glorious Excellence of Light about her, 
 Be any where conceal'd ? 
 
 Phila. We have fought her Lodgings, 
 And all we can learn from the Servants, is, 
 She by your Majefly's Sifters waited on, 
 The Attendance of her other Officers, 
 By her exprefs Command, deny'd, 
 
 Tbeod. Forbear 
 
 Impertinent Cjrcumftances, whither went Jhe ? Speak. 
 
 Pbila.
 
 6 F THE EAST. 321 
 
 Pbila. As they guefs, to the Laurel Grove. 
 
 Yheod. So (lightly guarded ! 
 What an Earthquake I feel in me ! and, but that 
 Religion allures the contrary, 
 The Poets Dreams of luftful Fawns, and Satyrs, 
 Would make me fear I know not what. 
 
 Enter Favorinus. 
 
 Favor. I have found her, 
 And it pleafe your Majefty. 
 
 Tbeod. Yes, it doth pleafe me. 
 But why return'd without her ? 
 
 Favtir. As me made 
 
 Her fpeedieft Approaches to your Prefence, 
 A Servant of the Princefs's, Pulcheria, 
 Encountered her. What 'twas he whifper'd to her 
 I'm ignorant ; but, hearing it, me ftarted, 
 And will'd me to cxcufe her Abfence from you 
 The third Part of an Hour. 
 
 Theod. In this fhe takes 
 
 So much of my Life from me ; yet, I'll bear it 
 With what Patience I may ; fince 'tis her Pleafure, 
 Go back, my Favorinus^ and intreat her 
 Not to exceed a Minute. 
 
 Timant. Here's ftrange Fondnefs \ [Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE IV. 
 
 Pulcheria. Servants. 
 
 Pulcb. You're certain fhe will come ? 
 
 Serv. She is already 
 Enter'd your outward Lodgings. 
 
 Pulch. No Train with her ? 
 
 Serv. Your Excellency's Sifters only. 
 
 Pulch. 'Tis the better. 
 See the Doors ftrongly guarded, and deny 
 Accefs to all, but with our fpecial Licence : 
 
 VOL. II. X Why
 
 32* T H E E M P E R O R 
 
 Why doft thou ftay ? Shew your Obedience ; 
 
 Your Wifdom now is ufelefs. [Exeunt Servants. 
 
 Enter Athenais, Arcadia, FUccilla, 
 
 Flac. She is Tick, fure ; 
 Or, in fit Reverence to your Majefty, 
 She had waited you at the Door, 
 
 Arcad. 'Twould hardly be 
 
 [Pulcheria walking by, 
 Excus'd, in civil Manners, to her Equal ; 
 But with more Difficulty to you, that are 
 So far above her. 
 
 Atben. Not in her Opinion ; 
 She hath been too long accuflom'd to Command 
 T' acknowledge a Superior. 
 
 Arcad. There fhe walks. 
 
 Flac. If fhe be not fick of the Sullens, I fee not 
 The leafl Infirmity in her. 
 
 At ben. This is ft range ! 
 
 Arcad. Open your Eyes : The Emprefs. 
 
 Pulch. Reach that Chair : 
 KOW, fitting thus at Diftance, I'll vouchfafe 
 To look upon her. 
 
 Arcad. How, Sifter ? Pray you awake. 
 ./Vre you in your Wits ? 
 
 . Flac. Grant, Heaven, your too much Learning 
 Does not conclude in Madnefs. 
 
 Atben. You intreated 
 A Vifit from me. 
 
 Pulch. True, my Servant us'd 
 Such Language : But now, as a Miftrr.fs, J 
 Command your Service. 
 
 Atben. Service ? 
 
 Arcad. She's ftark mad, fure. 
 
 Pulcb. You'll find I can difpofe of what's mine own 
 Without a Guardian. 
 
 Atben. Follow me.-r I will fee you 
 When your frantick Fit is o'er. I do begir* 
 To be of your Belief.
 
 O F T H E E A S T. 323 
 
 Pulcb. It will deceive you. 
 
 Thou fhak not ftir from hence. Thus, as mine own, 
 I feize upon thee. 
 
 Flac. Help, help ! Violence 
 OfFer'd to the Emprefs' Perfon ! 
 
 Pulcb. 'Tis in vain : 
 
 She was an Emprefs once ; but, by my Gift : 
 Which, being abus'd, I do recall my Grant. 
 You are read in Story ; call to Remembrance 
 What the great Heftor's Mother, Hecuba* 
 Was to Ulyffu, Ilium fack'd. 
 
 At ben. A Slave. 
 
 Pulcb. To me thou art fo. 
 
 Athen. Wonder and Amazement 
 Quite overwhelm me : How am I transform'd ? 
 How have I loft my Liberty ? 
 
 [Knocking without. 
 
 Enter Servant' 
 
 Pulcb. Thou malt know 
 
 Too foon, no Doubt. Who's that, with fuch Rudenefs 
 Beats at the Door ? 
 
 Serv. The Prince Paultnus, Madam, 
 Sent from the Emperor to attend upon 
 The gracious Emprefs. 
 
 Arcad. And who is your Slave now ? 
 
 Flac. Sifter, repent in Time, and beg Pardon 
 For your Prefumption. 
 
 Pulcb. It is refolv'd : 
 From me return this Anfwer to Paulinas; 
 She mall not come j flic's mine ; the Emperor hath 
 No Intereft in her. [Exif Servant. 
 
 Athen. Whatfoe'er I am, 
 
 You take not from your Power o'er me, to yield 
 A Reafon for this Ufage. 
 
 Pulcb. Though my Will is 
 Sufficient to add to thy Affliction, 
 Know, Wretched Thing, 'tis not thy Fate, \ * Fo"y 
 Hath made thee what thou art : Tis fome ^. 
 
 X 2 To
 
 324 THE EMPEROR 
 
 To urge my Merits to one fo ungrateful ; 
 
 Thereiore with Horror hear it. -When thou wert 
 
 Thruft as a Stranger from thy Father's Houfe, 
 
 Expos'd to all Calamities that Want 
 
 Could throw upon thee -, thine own Brothers' Scorn, 
 
 .And in thy Hopes, as by the World, forfakeri, 
 
 My Pity, the laft Altar that was left thee j 
 
 I heard thy Syren Charms, with Feeling heard them, 
 
 And my Compafiion made mine Eyes vie Tears 
 
 "Wnh thine, diOembling Crocodile ! and when Queens 
 
 Were emulous tor thy Imperial Bed, 
 
 The Garments ot thy Sorrows caft afide, 
 
 I put thee in a Shape as would have forc'd 
 
 Envy from Cleopatra, had fhe feen thee. 
 
 Then, when i knew my Brother's Blood was warm'd 
 
 With youthful Fires, I brought thee to his Prefence ; 
 
 And how my deep Defigns, for thy Good plotted, 
 
 Succeeded to my Wifhes, is apparent, 
 
 And needs no Repetition. 
 
 Athen. I am ccmfcious 
 Of our fo many, and unequal'd Favours, 
 But find not how I may accufe myfelf 
 For any Facts committed, that with Juftice 
 Can raife your Anger to this Height againfl me. 
 
 Pulch, Pride and Forgetfulneis would not let thee 
 
 fee that, 
 
 Againft which now thou canft not clofe thine Eyes, 
 What Injury could be equal to thy late 
 Contempt of my good Counfel, when I urg'd 
 The Emperor's prodigal Bounties, and intreated 
 That you would uie your Power to give 'em Limits, 
 Or, at the Icaft, a due Consideration 
 Of fuch as fu'd, and for what, ere he fign'd it ? 
 In Oppofition, you brought againft me 
 Th' Obedience of a Wife, that Ladies were nor, 
 Being well accommodated by their Lords, 
 To queftion, but much les to crofs, their Pleafures i 
 Kor would you, though the Emperor were refolv'4 
 To give away his Scepter, hinder it. 
 
 Since
 
 OF THE EAST. 325 
 
 Since 'twas done for your Honour, covering with 
 FaJfe Colours of Humility your Ambition. 
 
 Athen. And is this my Offence ? 
 
 Pulcb. As wicked Counfel 
 Is ftill mod hurtful unto thofe that give it j 
 Such as deny to follow what is good, 
 In Reafon, are the firft that mult repent it. 
 When I pleafe, you (hall hear more ; in the mean 
 Thank your own wilful Folly that hath chang'd you 
 From an Emprefs to a Bondwoman. 
 
 Tbeod. Force the Doors : 
 Kill thofe that dare refilr. 
 
 Enter Theodofius, Paulinus, Philanax, Chryfapius, 
 Gratianus. 
 
 Athen. Dear Sir, redeem me. 
 
 Flac. O fuffer not, for your own Honour's fake, 
 The Emprefs, you fo late lov'd, to be made 
 A Prifoner in the Court. 
 
 Arcad. Leap to his Lips, 
 You'll find them the beft Sanctuary, 
 
 Flac. And try, then, 
 What Intereft my reverend Sifter hath 
 To force you from 'em. 
 
 Theod. What ftrange May game's this ? 
 Though done in Sport, how ill this Levity 
 Becomes your Wifdom ? 
 
 Pulch. I am ferious, Sir, 
 
 And have done nothing but what you in Honour s 
 And as you are yourfelf an Emperor, 
 Stand bound to juftify. 
 
 Tbeod. Take heed -, put not thefe 
 Strange Trials on my Patience. 
 
 Pulch. Do not you, Sir, 
 Deny your own Ac~b , as you are a Man, 
 And ftand on your own Bottom, 'twill appear 
 A childifh Weaknefs to make void a Grant, 
 Sign'd by your Sacred Hand and Seal, and ftrengthen'd 
 X 3 With
 
 326 THE EMPEROR 
 
 With a religious Oath, but with my Licence 
 Never to be recall'd. For Tome few Minutes 
 Let Reafon rule your Paflion, and in this, 
 
 (Delivers the DceL 
 
 Be pleas'd to read my Intereft. You will find, there, 
 What you in me call Violence, is Juftice, 
 And that I may make Ufe of what's mine own, 
 According to my Will. 'Tis your own Gift, Sir ; 
 And what an Emperor gives, fhould ftand as firm 
 As the Celeftial Poles upon the Shoulders 
 Of Atlas> or his Succeilor in that Office 
 The great Alcides. 
 
 Tbeod. Miferies of more Weight, 
 Than 'tis feign'd they fupported, fall upon me ! 
 W T hat hath my Rafhnefs done ? In this Tranfaction 
 Drawn in exprefs and formal Terms, I have 
 Giv'n and confign'd into your Hands, to ufe 
 And obferve, as you pleafe, my dear Eudoxa. 
 It is my Deed, I do confefs it is, 
 And, as I am myfelf, not to be cancelled : 
 But yat you may (hew Mercy and you will, 
 When you confider that there is no Beauty 
 So perfect in a Creature, but is foil'd 
 With fome unbefeeming Blemifh. You have laboured 
 To build me up a complete Prince ; 'tis granted : 
 Yet, as I am a Man, like other Monarchs, 
 I have Defects and Frailties ; my Facility, 
 To fend Petitioners with pleas'd Looks from me, 
 Is all I can be charg'd with, and it will 
 Become your Wifdom, (fince 'tis in your Power) 
 In Charity to provide, I fall no further 
 Or in my Oath, or Honour. 
 
 Pulcb. Royal Sir, 
 
 This was the Mark I aim'd at, and I glory 
 At the length, you fo conceive it : 'Twas a Weaknefs 
 To meafure by your own Integrity 
 The Purpofes of others. I have mewn you, 
 In a true Mirror, what Fruit grows upon 
 The free of hoodwink'd Bounty, and what Dangers, 
 
 Preci-
 
 O F T H E E A S T, 327 
 
 Precipitation in the managing 
 Your great Affairs produceth. 
 
 Tbeod. I embrace it 
 
 As a grave Advertifement, and voW hereafter 
 Never to fign Petitions at this Rate. 
 
 Pulch. For mine, fee, Sir, 'tis cancel'd ; on my Knees 
 I re- deliver what I now begg'd from you. 
 
 [Tears the Deed. 
 She is my fecond Gift. 
 
 Tbeod. Which if I part from 
 'Till Death divorce us [Kijfing Athenais. 
 
 Athen. So, Sir 
 
 Theod. Nay, Sweet, chide not : 
 I am punifh'd in thy Looks -, defer the reft, 
 'Till we're more private. 
 
 Pulch. I afk Pardon too, 
 If, in my perfonated Pafiion, I 
 Appear'd too harm and rough. 
 
 Athen. 'Twas gentle Language^ 
 What I was then confider*d. 
 
 Pulch. O dear Madam, 
 It was Decorum in the Scene. 
 
 Athen. This Trial, 
 
 "When I was Athenais , might have pais'd ; 
 But, as I am the Emprefs 
 
 Theod. Nay, no Anger, 
 Since all Good was intended. 
 
 [Exeunt Theodofius, Athenais, Arcadia, Flaccilla. 
 
 Pulch. Building on 
 That certain Bafe, 1 fear not what can follow. 
 
 [Exit Pulcheria. 
 
 Paul. Thefe are ftrange Devices, Philanax. 
 
 Phila. True, my Lord. 
 May all turn to the bed ! 
 
 Grat. The Emperor's Looks 
 Promis'd a Calm. 
 
 Chryf. But the vex'd Emprefs' Frowns 
 Prefag'd a fecond Storm. 
 
 Paul. I am fure I feel one 
 
 X 4 Ifl
 
 3 2S T H E E M P E R O R 
 
 In my Leg already. 
 
 Phila. Your old Friend, the Gout ? 
 
 Paul. My forc'd Companion, Philanax. 
 
 Cbryf. To your Reft. 
 
 Paul. Reft, and forbearing Wine, with a temperate 
 
 Diet, 
 
 Though many Mountebanks pretend the Cure oft, 
 I've found my beft Phyficians. 
 
 Pbila* Eafe to your Lordlhip. [Exeunt. 
 
 The End of the fbird Aft. 
 
 A C T IV. S C E N E I. 
 
 Athenais, Chryfapius. 
 
 Atlm. "\ /[ A K E me her Property ? 
 
 iV Cbryf. Your Majefty 
 Hath juft Caufe of Diftafte ; and your Refentment 
 Of the Affront in the Point of Honour cannot 
 But meet a fair Conftrudion. 
 
 Atben. I have only 
 
 The Title of an Emprefs, but the Power 
 Is, by her, ravifh'd from me. She furveys 
 My Actions as a Governefs, and calls 
 My not obferving all that fhe directs, 
 Folly, and Difobedience. 
 
 Chryf. Under Correftion, 
 With Grief I've long obierv'd it ; and, if you 
 Stand pleas'd to fign my Warrant, I'll deliver 
 In my unfeign'd Zeal, and Defire to ferve you, 
 (Howe'er I run the Hazard of my Head for't, 
 Should it arrive at the Knowledge of the Princefs) 
 Not alone, the Reafons why Things are thus carried* 
 But give into your Hands the Power to clip 
 The Wings of her Command. 
 
 jftfa*.
 
 O F T H E E A S T. 329 
 
 Atben. Your Service this Way 
 Cannot offend me. 
 
 Cbryf. Be you pleas'd to know, then, 
 (But ftill with Pardon, if I am too bold) 
 Your too much Sufferance imps the broken Feathers 
 Which carry her to this proud Height, in which 
 She with Security foars, and ftill tow'rs o'er you : 
 But, if you would employ the Strengths you hold 
 In the Emperor's Affections, and remember 
 The Orb you move in fhoukl admit no Star elfe, 
 You never would confefs the managing 
 Of State Affairs to her alone are proper, 
 A nd you fit by a Looker on. 
 
 Atben. I would not, 
 If it were poflible I could attempt 
 Her Diminution, without a Taint 
 Of foul Ingratitude in myfelf. 
 
 Cbryf. In this 
 
 The Sweetnefs of your Temper does abufe you 5 
 And you call that a Benefit to yourielf 
 Which me for her own Ends confer'd upon you. 
 'Tis yielded me gave Way to your Advancement : 
 But for what Caufe ? that fhe might ftill continue 
 Her Abfolute Sway and Swing o'er thp whole State ; 
 And that flie might to her Admirers vaunt, 
 The Emprefs was her Creature, and the Giver 
 To be prefer'd before the Gift. 
 
 Atben. It may be. 
 
 Cbryf. Nay, 'tis moft certain : Whereas, would you 
 
 pleafe 
 
 In a true Glafs to look upon yourielf, 
 And view without Detraction your own Merits, 
 Which all Men wonder at, you would find that Fate, 
 Without a fecond Caufe, appointed you 
 To the fupremeft Honour. For the Princefs, 
 She hath reign'd long enough, and her Remove 
 Will make your Entrance free to the Pofiefiion 
 Of what you were born td ; and, but once refolve 
 To build upon her Ruins, leave the Engines 
 
 * That
 
 THE EMPEROR 
 
 That muft be us'd to undermine her Greatnefs 
 To my Provifion. 
 
 Atben. I thank your Care : 
 But a Defign of fuch Weight muft not be 
 Rafhly determin'd of; it will exaft 
 A long and ferious Confultation from me, 
 In the mean Time, Cbryfapius, reft aflur'd 
 I Jive your thankful Miftrefs. [Exit Athenais. 
 
 Cbryf. Is this all ? 
 
 Will the Phyfick that I minifter'd work no further ? 
 I've play'd the Fool ; and, leaving a calm Port, 
 Embark'd myfelf on a rough Sea of Danger. 
 In her Silence lies my Safety, which how can I 
 Hope from a Woman ? But the Die is thrown, 
 And I muft ftand the Hazard. 
 
 Enter Theodofius, Philanax, Timantus, Gratianu^ 
 Hunt/men. 
 
 fbeod. Is Paulinus 
 So tortur'd with his Gout ? 
 
 Pbila. Moft miferably, Sir. 
 And it adds much to his Affliction, that 
 The Pain denies him Power to wait upon 
 Your Majejly. 
 
 I'heod. 1 pity him.- He is 
 
 A wond'rous honeft Man, and what he fuffers, 
 I. know, will grive my Emprels. 
 
 Timan. He, indeed, is 
 Much bound to her gracious Favour. 
 
 Theod. He deferves it ; 
 She cannot find a Subject upon whom 
 She better may confer it. Is the Stag 
 Safe lodg'd ? 
 
 Grat. Yes, Sir, and the Hounds and Huntfmen ready, 
 
 Pbila. He will make you royal Sport. He is a Deer, 
 Of ten, at the leaft. 
 
 Enter
 
 O F T H E E A S T. 331 
 
 Enter Countryman with an dpple. 
 
 Grat. Whither will this Clown ? 
 
 Timan. Stand back. 
 
 Count. I would zee the Emperor. Why mould you 
 
 Courtiers 
 
 Scorn a poor Countryman ? We zweat at the Plough 
 To vill your Mouths, you and you Curs might ftarve, 
 
 elfe. 
 
 We prune the Orchards, and you cranch the Fruit; 
 Yet ftill y'are fnarling at us. 
 
 TbeoJ. What's the matter ? 
 
 Count. I would look on thy fweet Face. 
 
 Timan. Unmannerly Swain ! 
 
 Count. Zwain ? Though I am a Zwain, I have ft 
 
 Heart, yet, 
 
 As ready to do Service for my Leg, 
 As any Princock, Peacock of you all. 
 Zookers ! had I one of you zingle, with this Twig 
 I would fo veeze you. 
 
 Timan. Will your Majefty 
 Hear this rude Language ? 
 
 Tbecd. Yes, and hold it as 
 An Ornament, not a Blemifh. O Timantus ! 
 Since that dread Power by whom we are, difdains not 
 With an open Ear to hear Petitions from us, 
 Eafy Accefs in us, his Deputies, 
 To the meaneft of our Subjects, is a Debt 
 Which we Hand bound to pay. 
 
 Count. By my Granam's Ghoft 
 
 'Tis a wholefome Zaying , our Vicar could not mend k 
 In the Pulpit on a Zunday. 
 
 Tbeod. What's their Suit Friend ? 
 
 Count. Zute ? I would laugh at that. Let the Court 
 
 beg from thee, 
 
 What the poor Country gives. I bring a Prefent 
 To thy good Grace, which I can call mine own, 
 And look not, like thefe gay Volk, for a Return
 
 T H E E M P E R O R 
 
 Of what they venture. Have I giv'nt you, ha ! 
 
 Cbryf. A perilous Knave. 
 
 Count. Zee here a dainty Apple. [Prefents the Apple. 
 Of mine own grafting; zweet and zownd, I affltre thee. 
 
 Tbeod. It is the faireft Fruit I ever faw. 
 Thofe golden Apples in the Hefperian Orchards 
 So ftrangely guarded by the watchful Dragon, 
 As they requir'd great Hercufes to get 'em ^ 
 Nor thofe with which Hippomenes deceiv'd, 
 Swift-footed Atalanta^ when I look 
 On this, deferve no "Wonder. You behold 
 The poor Man, and his Prefent, with Contempt : 
 I to their Value prize both \ He, that could 
 So aid weak Nature, by his Care and Labour, 
 As to compel a Crabtree-ftock to bear 
 A precious Fruit of this large Size and Beauty, 
 Would by his Induftry change a petty Village 
 Into a populous City, and from that 
 Erect a flourifhing Kingdom. Give the Fellow, 
 For an Encouragement to his future Labours, 
 TenAttick Talents. 
 
 Count. I will weary heaven 
 With my Prayers for your Majefty. [Exit Countryman, 
 
 Theod. Philanax, 
 
 From me prefent this Rarity to the rareft 
 And bed of Women. When I think upon 
 The boundlefs Happinefs that from her flows to me 
 In my Imagination I am rap'd 
 Beyond myfelf. But I forget our Hunting, 
 To the Foreft for the Exercife of my Body ; 
 But for my Mind, 'tis wholly taken up 
 In the Contemplaxion of her matchlefs Virtues. [Exeunt* 
 
 S C E N E II. 
 Athenais, Pulcheria, Arcadia, Flaccilk. 
 
 Athen. You mail know there's a Difference between us. 
 
 Pulch. There was, I'm certain, not long fince, when 
 
 you Kneel'd
 
 O F T H E E A S T. $3$ 
 
 Kneel'd a Petitioner to me ; then you were happy 
 To be near my Feet ; and do you hold it, now, 
 As aDifparagementthat I fide you, Lady? 
 
 Atben. Since you refpect me only as I was, 
 What I am (hall be remember'd. 
 
 Pulch. Does the Means 
 I practis'd, to give good and faving Counfels 
 To th' Emperor, and your new ftamp'd Majefty 
 Still flick in your Stomach ? 
 
 Aiben. 'Tis not yet digefted, 
 In troth it is not. Why, good Governefs, 
 Though you are held for a grand Madam, and yourfelf 
 The firft that overprize it, I ne'er took 
 Your Words for Delphian Oracles, nor your Action* 
 For Inch Wonders as you make 'em, there is one, 
 When (he mall fee her Time, as fit and able 
 To be made Partner of the Emperor's Cares, 
 As your wife felf, and may with Jutlice challenge 
 A nearer Intereft. You have done your Vifit, 
 So, when you pleafe, you may leave me. 
 
 Pulcb. I'll not bandy 
 
 Words with your Mightinefs, proud one, only this, 
 You carry too much Sail for your fmall Bark ; 
 And that, when you leaft think upon't, may fink you, 
 
 [Exit Pulcheria. 
 
 Flac. I am glad (he's gone. 
 
 Arcad. I fear'd (he wpuld have read 
 A tedious Led u re to us. 
 
 Enter Philanax with tbe Apple. 
 
 Phila. From the Emperor. 
 This rare Fruit to the rareft. 
 
 Atben. How, my Lord ? 
 
 Pbila. I ufe his Language, Madam ; and that Truft, 
 Which he impos'd on me, difcharg'd, his Pleafure 
 Commands my prefent Service. [Exit Philanax, 
 
 Albert. Have you ieen 
 So fair an Apple ? 
 
 Flac.
 
 THE EMPEROR 
 
 Flac. Never. 
 
 Arcad. If the Tafte 
 Anfwer the Beauty. 
 
 Atben. Prettily beg'd ; you mould have it ; 
 But that you eat too much cold Fruit, and that 
 Changes the frefh Red in your Cheeks to Palenefs. 
 
 Enter Servant. 
 
 I*ve other Dainties for you ; you come from 
 Paulinas ; how is't with that truly noble, 
 And honeft Lord ? My Witnefs at the Fount ; 
 In a Word, the Man to whofe blefs'd Charity 
 I owe my Greatnefs. How is't with him ? 
 
 Serv. Spiritly, 
 
 In his Mind ; but, by the raging of his Gout, 
 In his Body much diftemper'd ; that you pleas'd 
 To inquire his Health, took off much from his Pain ; 
 His glad Looks did confirm it. 
 
 At hen. Do his Doctors. 
 Give him no Hope ? 
 
 Serv. Little -, they rather fear, 
 By his continual burning, that he ftands 
 In danger of a Fever. 
 
 Atben. To him again, 
 And tell him that I heartily wi(h it lay 
 In me toeafe him, and from me deliver 
 This choice Fruit to him ; you may fay to that 
 I hope it will prove phyfical. 
 
 Serv. The good Lord 
 Will be o'erjoy'd with the Favour. 
 
 Atben. He deferves more. [Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE III. 
 Paulinus brought in a Chair, Chirurgeon. 
 
 Chirurg. I've done as much as Art can do, to flop 
 The violent Courfe of your Fit, and I hope you feel it. 
 How does your Honour ? Paul.
 
 O F T H E E A S T. 335 
 
 Paul, At fome Eafe, I thank you : 
 I would you could aflure Continuance of it, 
 For the Moiety of my Fortune. 
 
 Chirurg. If I could cure 
 
 The Gout, my Lord, without the Philofopher's Stone 
 I (hould foon purchafe, it being a Difeafe, 
 In poor Men very rare, and in the rich 
 The Cure impoflible, your many Bounties 
 Bid me prepare you for a certain Truth, 
 And to flatter you, were difhoneft. 
 
 Paul. Your plain dealing 
 
 Deferves a Fee. Would there were many more fuch 
 Of your Profeffion. Happy are poor Men -, 
 If fick with the Excefs of Heat or Cold, 
 Caus'd by neceflitous Labour, not loofe Surfeits 
 They, when fpare Diet, or kind Nature fail 
 To perfect their Recovery, foon arrive at 
 Their Reft in Death -, but, on the contrary, 
 The Great and Noble are expos'd as Preys 
 To the Rapine of Phyficians ; and they, 
 In ling'ring out what is remedilefs, 
 Aim at their Profit, not the Patients Health. 
 A thoufand Trials and Experiments 
 Have been put upon me, and I forc'd to pay dear 
 For my Vexation ; but I am refolv'd, 
 (I thank your honeft Freedom) to be made 
 A Property no more for Knaves to work on. 
 -What have you there ? 
 
 Enter Cleon with a Parchment Roll. 
 
 Qeon. The Triumphs of an Artfman 
 O'er all Infirmities, made authentical 
 With the Names of Princes, Kings and Emperors 
 That were his Patients. 
 Paul. Some Empirick. 
 
 Cleon. It may be foj but he fwears, within three Days 
 He will grub up your Gout by th* Roots, and make 
 you able 
 
 To
 
 336 THE EMPEROR 
 
 To march ten Leagues a Day in compleat Armour, 
 Paul. Impoflible. 
 
 Clean. Or, if you like not him 
 
 Chirurg. Hear him, my Lord, for your Mirth ; I will 
 
 take Order, 
 
 They mall not wrong you. 
 Paul. Ufher in your Monfter. 
 Cleon. He is at hand, march up : Now fpeak for 
 yourfelf. 
 
 Enter Empirick. 
 
 Empir. J come not, Right Honourable, toyourPre- 
 fence, with any bafe and fordid End of Reward ; the 
 Immortality of my Fame is the White I (hoot at, the 
 Charge of my moil curious and coftly Ingredients de- 
 fray'd, amounting to fome feventeen thoufand Crowns 
 a Trifle in refped of Health writing your noble Name 
 in my Catalogue, I fhall acknowledge myfelf amply fa- 
 tisfy'd. 
 
 Chirurg. I believe fo. 
 
 Empir. For your own Sake, I moft heartily wiftr, 
 that you had now all the Difeafes, Maladies and Infir- 
 mities upon you, that were ever remember'd by old 
 Galen, Hippocrates, or the later, and more admired Pa- 
 racelfus. 
 
 Paul. For your good Wilh, I thank you. 
 
 Empir. Take me with you, I befeech your good 
 Lordfhip. I urg'd it, that your Joy, in being certainly 
 and fuddenly free from them, may be the greater, and 
 cny not to be parallel'd Skill the more remarkable. The 
 Cure of the Gout's a Toy, without Boaft be it laid ; 
 my Cradle-practice, the Cancer, the Fiftula, theDropfy, 
 Confurnption of Lungs and Kidneys, Hurts in the Brain, 
 Heart, or Liver, are Things worthy my Oppofition ; 
 but in the Recovery of my Patients I ever overcome 
 them. But to your Gout 
 
 Paul. I, marry, Sir ; that cur'd, I mail be apter 
 To give. Credit to the reft. 
 
 Empir.
 
 O F t H E E A S T. 337 
 
 fcmpir. Supp >fe it done, Sir. 
 
 Chirar. And trie Means you ufe, I befeech you. 
 
 Empir. I will do it in the plaineft Language, and dif- 
 cover my Ingredients. Firft, my boteni Terebintbina, of 
 Cvpris, my Manna, ros ccelo^ coagulated with vetulos 
 tivorum, vulgarly Yolks of Eggs, with a little Cyath, 
 or Quantity of my potable Elixir, with fome few Scru- 
 ples of Safftfras and Guacum, fo taken every Morning 
 and Evening, in the Space of three Days, purgeth, 
 clean feth, and diffipateth the inward Caufes of the viru- 
 lent Tumor. 
 
 Paul. Why do you fmile ? 
 
 Chirur. When he hath done, I will refolve you. 
 
 Empir. For my exterior Applications, I have thefe 
 Balfumunguentulums, extracted from Herbs, Plants, 
 Roots, Seeds, Gums, and a Million of other Vegeta- 
 bles, the principal of which are Ulitlipona, or Serpenta- 
 ria, Sophia, or Herba Confolidarum, Parthenion, or 
 Commanilla Romana, Mumia tranfmarina, mixed with 
 my plumbum Philofophorum, and mater metallorum, 
 cum offa parakli, eft univerfale medicamentum in podagra. 
 
 Cleon. A conjuring Balfamum, 
 
 Empir. This applied warm upon the pained Place, 
 with a feather of Struthio cameli, or a Bird of Paradife, 
 which is every Where to be had, mall expulfe this tarta- 
 rous, vifcous, anatheos, and malignant Dolor. 
 
 Chirur. An excellent Receipt ! but does your Lordfhip 
 Know what it is good for ? 
 
 Paul. I would be inftrufted. 
 
 Chirur. For the Gonorrhoea, or, if you will hear it 
 In a plainer Phrafe, the Pox. 
 
 Empir. It it cure his Lordfhip 
 Of that, by the Way, I hope, Sir, 'tis the better. 
 My Medicine ferves for all Things, and the Pox, Sir, 
 Though faliely nam'd the Sciatica, or Gout, 
 Is the moreCatholick Sicknefs. 
 
 Paul. Hence with the Rafcal ! 
 Yet hurt him not - 3 he makes me fmile, and that 
 
 VOL. II. Y Frees
 
 338 THE EMPEROR 
 
 Frees him from Punifhment. 
 
 [They tbruft off the Empirick. 
 Cbirur. Such Slaves as this 
 Render our Art contemptible, 
 
 Enter Servant. 
 
 Svrv. My good Lord 
 
 Paul. So foon return'd ? 
 
 Serv. And with this Prefent from 
 Your great, and gracious Miftrefs, with her Wimes 
 It may prove phyfical to you. 
 
 Paul. In my Heart 
 
 I kneel, and thank her Bounty. Dear Friend Ckon\ 
 Give him the Cup-board of Plate in the next Room 
 For a Reward, [Exeunt Cleon and the Servant. 
 
 Moft glorious Fruit -, but made 
 More precious by her Grace and Love that fent it. 
 To touch it only, coming from her Hand, 
 Makes me forget all Pain. A Diamond 
 Of this large Size, though it would buy a Kingdom, 
 Hew'd from the Rock, and laid down at my Feet, 
 Nay, though a Monarch's Gift, will hold no Value, 
 Compared with this And yet, ere I prefumc 
 To tafte it, though, fans Queition, it is 
 Some heavenly Reftorative, I in Duty 
 Stand bound to weigh my own Unworthinefs. 
 Ambrofia is Food only for the Gods ; 
 And not by human Lips to be prophan'd. 
 I may adore it as fome holy Relique, 
 Deriv'd from thence, but impious to keep it 
 In my Poffeflion ; the Emperor only 
 Is worthy to enjoy it. Go, good Cleon y 
 
 Enter Cleon. 
 
 (And ceafe this Admiration at this Object) 
 From me prefent this to my Royal Matter, 
 I know it will amaze him, and excufe me 
 
 That
 
 OF THE EAST. 
 
 That I am not myfelf the Bearer of it. 
 
 That I fhould be lame now, when with Wings of Duty 
 
 I Ihould fly to the Service of this Emprefs ! 
 
 Nay, no Delays, good Clean. 
 
 Cleon. I am gone, Sir. [Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE IV. 
 
 Theodofius, Chryfapius, Timantus, Gratianus. 
 
 Chryf. Are you not tir'd, Sir ? 
 
 Theod. Tir'd ? I muft not fay fo, 
 However, though I rode hard. To a Huntfman, 
 His Toil is his Delight, and to complain 
 Of Wearinefs, would (hew as poorly in him, 
 As if a General mould grieve for a Wound, 
 Receiv'd upon his Forehead, or his Bread, 
 After a glorious Victory, lay by 
 Thefe Accoutrements for the Chafe. 
 
 Enter Pulcheria. 
 
 Pulcb. You are well return'd, Sir, 
 From your Princely Exercife. 
 
 Tbeod. Sifter, to you 
 I owe the Freedom, and the Ufe of all 
 The Pleafures I enjoy. Your Care provides 
 For my Security, and the Burthen, which 
 I fhould alone fuftain, you undergo, 
 And, by your painful Watchings, yield my Sleeps 
 Both found, and fure. How happy am I in 
 Your Knowledge of the Art of Government ! 
 And, credit me, I glory to behold you 
 Difpofe of great Defigns, as if you were 
 A Partner, and no Subject of my Empire. 
 
 Pulch. My Vigilance, fince it hath well fucceeded, 
 I'm confident, you allow of yet it is not 
 Approved by all. 
 
 Y z Weed.
 
 34 o THE EMPEROR 
 
 T'heod. Who dares repine at that 
 "Which hath our Suffrage? 
 
 Pulch. One that too well knows 
 The Strength of her Abilities can better 
 My weak Endeavours. 
 
 ttcbd. In this you reflect: 
 Upon my Emprefs ? 
 
 Pulch. True \ for, as me is 
 The Confort of your Bed, 'tis fit me mare hr 
 Your Cares, and abfolute Power. 
 
 Theod. You touch a String ' 
 That founds but harfhly to me, and I muft 
 In a Brother's Love advife you, that hereafter 
 You would forbear to move it. Since fhe is 
 In her pure felf a Harmony of fuch Sweetnefs, 
 Compos'd of Duty, chafte Defires, her Beauty 
 (Though it might tempt a Hermit from his Beads) 
 The leaft of her Endowments. I am forry 
 Her holding the firft Place, fince that the fecond 
 Is proper to yourfelf, calls on your Envy. 
 She err ? It is impoffible in a Thought, 
 And, much more, fpeak, or do what may offend me. 
 In other Things, I would believe you, Siller : 
 But, though the Tongues of Saints and Angels tax'd her 
 Of any Imperfection, I mould be 
 Incredulous, 
 
 Pulch. She Is, yet, a Woman, Sir. 
 
 Tbeod. The .Abftract of what's excellent in the Sex : 
 But to their Mulcts, and Frailties a mere Stranger : 
 I'll die in this Belief. 
 
 Enter Cleon witb the Affile, 
 
 Cleon. Your humbleft Servant, 
 The Lord Paulinus^ as a Witnefs of 
 His Zeal and Duty to your Majefty,, 
 Prefents you with this Jewel. 
 <Tbeod. Ha ! 
 
 Cleon. It is 
 Prcferr'd by him fbwd.
 
 OF THE EAST. 341 
 
 Tbeod. Above his Honour ? 
 
 Cleon. No, Sir; 
 I would have faid his Patrimony. 
 
 Theod. 'Tis the fame. 
 
 Cleon. And heintreats, fince Lamenefs may excufe 
 His not prefenting it himfelf, from me 
 (Though far unworthy to fupply his Place) 
 You would vouchfafe to accept it. 
 
 Tbeod. Farther off; 
 
 You've told your Tale : Stay you for a Reward ? 
 Take that. [Strikes him. 
 
 Pulcb. How's this? 
 
 Cbryf. I never law him mov'd thus. 
 
 We mufl not part fo, Sir A Guard upon him. 
 
 Enter Guard. 
 
 May I not vent my Sorrows in the Air, 
 Without Difcovery ? Forbear the Room ! 
 
 \Tbey all go afide. 
 
 Yet be within Call What an Earthquake I feel in me! * 
 And on the fuddcn my whole Fabrick totters. 
 My Blood within me turns, and through my Veins 
 Parting with natural Rednefs I difcern it, 
 Chang'd to a fatal Yellow. What an Army 
 Of hellim Furies in the horrid Shapes 
 Of Doubts, and Fears, charge on me ! Rife to my 
 
 Refcue, 
 
 Thou flout Maintainer of a chafte Wife's Honour, 
 The Confidence of her Virtues ; be not fhaken 
 With the Wind of vain Surmifes ; much lefs furlbr 
 The Devil Jealoufy to whifper to me 
 My curious Obfervation of that 
 
 J What an Earthquake I feel in me 
 
 And on the fudden, &C. 
 
 Though Shakefpear is peculiar excellent in the*Paffion of Jealoufy, 
 yet in my Opinion there are fome Flights of a MaJJinger fo truly 
 Original, that if he does not equal that immortal Bard, he comes the 
 neareft to him of all our other -dramatic Writers. 
 
 Y 3 I
 
 342 THE EMPEROR 
 
 I muft no more remember. Will it not be ? 
 Thou uninvited Gueft, ill-manner'd Monfter, 
 I charge thee, leave me ! wilt thou force me to 
 Give Fuel to that Fire I would put out ? 
 The Goodnefs of my Memory proves my Mifchief, 
 And I would fell my Empire, could it purchafe 
 The dull Art of Forgetfulnefs. Who waits there ? 
 
 Timan. Mo't Sacred Sir. 
 
 Tbeod. Sacred, as 'tis accurs'd, 
 Is proper to me. Sirrah, upon your Life, 
 Without a Word concerning this, command 
 
 [Exit Timantus, 
 
 Eudoxia to come to me. Would I had 
 IS e'er known her by that Name, my Mother's Name ! 
 Or that, tor her own Sake, me had continued 
 Poor Athenais (till ! No Intermiffion ? 
 "Wilt thou fo loon torment me ? Muft I read 
 Writ in the Table of my Memory, 
 To warrant my Sufpicion, how Paulinus 
 (Though ever thought a Man averfe to Women) 
 Firft gave her Entertainment ? Made her Way 
 For Audience to my Sifter ; then I did 
 Myfelf obferve how he was ravifh'd with 
 The gracious Delivery of her Story, 
 (W ; hich was, I grant, the Bait that firft took me, too) 
 She was his Convert ; what the Rhetorick was 
 He us'd, I know not, and, fmce me was mine, 
 In private, as in publick, what a Mafs 
 Of Grace and Favours hath fhe heap'd upon him ! 
 And but to-day this fatal Fruit She's come. 
 
 Enter Timantus, Athenais, Flaccilla, Arcadia. 
 
 Can me be guilty ? 
 
 Athen. You feem troubl'd, Sir , 
 My Innocence makes me bold to afk the Caufe, 
 That I may eafe you of it. No falute 
 After four long Hours Abfence ? 
 
 Tbeod. Prythee, forgive me. [Kffis her. 
 
 Methinks
 
 OF THE EAST. 343 
 
 Methinks I find Paulinus on her Lips, 
 
 And the frefh Neftar that I drew from thence 
 
 Is on the fudden pal'd \Afide. ,] How have you Ipent 
 
 Your Hours fmce I laft law you ? 
 
 Athen. In the Converfe 
 Of your fweet Sifters. 
 
 Tbeod. Did notPhilanax, 
 From me, deliver you an Apple ? 
 
 Athen. Yes, Sir ; 
 Heaven ! how you frown ! Pray you, talk of fornething 
 
 elfe : 
 Think not of fuch a Trifle. 
 
 Theod. How ! a Trifle ? 
 Does any Toy from me prefented to you, 
 Deferve to be fo flighted ? Do you value 
 What's fent, and not the Sender ? From a Peafant 
 It had deferv'd your Thanks. 
 
 Athen. And meets from you, Sir 
 All poffible Refped. , 
 
 Theod. I priz'd it, Lady, 
 
 At a higher Rate than you believe, and would not 
 Have parted with it, but to one I did 
 Prefer before myfelf. 
 
 Athen. It was, indeed, 
 The faireft that I ever faw. 
 
 Theod. It was ? 
 
 And it had Virtues in it, my Eudoxia, 
 Not vifible to the Eye. 
 
 Athen. It may be fo, Sir, 
 
 Theod. What did you with it, tell me punctually ; 
 I look for a ftrift Accompt. 
 
 Athen. What mail I anfwer ? 
 
 Theod. Do you ftagger ? Ha ! 
 
 Athen. No, Sir, I have eaten it. 
 It had the pleafant Tafte. I wonder that 
 You found it not in my Breath. 
 
 Tbeod. I'faith I did not, 
 And it was wond'rous ftrange. 
 
 Athen. Pray you, try again. 
 Y 4
 
 344 T H E E M P E R O R 
 
 fbeod. I find no Scent oft here. You play with ifle> 
 You have it {till ? 
 
 Atben. By your facred Life, and Fortune, 
 An Oath I dare not break, I've eaten it. * 
 Theod. Do you know how this Oath binds ? 
 Athen. Too well, to break it. 
 'fbtod. That ever Man to pleafe his brutifh Senfe 
 Should flave his Underftanding to his Paffions, 
 And, taken with foon fading White and Red 
 Deliver up his credulous Ears to hear 
 The Magick of a. Syren, and from thefe 
 Believe there ever was, is, or can be 
 More than a feeming Honefty in bad Woman. 
 Athen. This is ftrange Language, Sir. 
 Ibeod. Who waits? Come all. 
 Nay, Sifter not fo near , being of the Sex, 
 J fear you are infected to, 
 Pulcb. What mean you ? 
 Tbeod. To mow you a Miracle, a Prodigy 
 Which Afric never equal'd : Can you think 4 
 This Mafter-piece of Heaven, this precious Vellam, 
 Of fuch a Purity, and Virgin Whitenefs, 
 Could be defign'd to have Perjury, and Whoredom 
 In Capital Letters writ upon't ? 
 Pulcb. Dear Sir, 
 
 <Theod. Nay, add to this, an Impudence beyond 
 All proftituted Boldnefs. Art not dead, yet ? 
 Will not the Tempefts in thy Confcience rend thee 
 As fmall as Atoms ? That there may no Sign 
 Be left, thou ever wert fo ? Wilt thou Jive 
 'Till thou art blafted with the dreadful Lightning 
 Of pregnant and unanfwerable Proofs, ' 
 
 * Can yeu think 
 
 This Mafler-piece of Heaven, &c. 
 
 Thus in Othello. 
 
 Was this fair Paper, this moft goodly Book 
 to write Whore upon ? 
 
 Aft 4. Scene g. 
 
 Of
 
 O F T H E E A S T. 345 
 
 Of thy adulterous twines ? Die yet, that I 
 With my Honour may conceal it. 
 
 Athen. Would, long fince, 
 The Gorgon of your Rage had turn'd me Marble. 
 Or, if I have offended - 
 
 Theod. If! good Angels! 
 $ut I am tame. Look on this dumb Accufer. 
 
 [Shewing the Apple. 
 
 Athen. Oh, I am loft ! [Afuk. 
 
 tfheod. Did ever Cormorant 
 Swallow his Prey and then digeft it whole, 
 As (he hath done this Apple? Philanax, 
 As 'tis, from me prefented it. The good Lady 
 Swore (he had eaten it ; yet, I know not how, 
 Jt came intire unto Paulinu? Hands, 
 And I from him receiv'd it j fent in Scorn 
 Upon my Life, to give me a clofe Touch, 
 That he was weary of thee. Was there nothing 
 Left thee to fee him, to give Satisfaction 
 To thy infatiate Luft, but what was fent 
 As a dear Favour from me ? How have I fin'd 
 In ray Dotage on this Creature ? But to her 
 I've liv'd, as I was born, a perfect Virgin. 
 Nay, more, I thought it not enough to be 
 True to her Bed, but that I muft feed high, 
 To flrengthen my Abilities to cloy 
 Her rav'nous Appetite, little fufpecling 
 She would defire a Change. 
 
 Athen. I never did, Sir. 
 
 Theod. Be dumb j I will not wafte my Breath in taxing 
 Thy bafe Ingratitude. How I have rais'd thee, 
 Will by the World be, to thy Shame, fpoke often. 
 But for that Ribawd, who held in my Empire 
 The next Place to myfelf, fo bound unto me 
 By all the Ties of Duty, and Allegiance 
 He lhall pay dear for't, and feel what it is 
 Jn a Wrong of fuch high Confequence to pull down, 
 His Lord's flow Anger on him. Philanax, 
 He's, troubl'd with the Gout j let him be cur'd 
 
 With
 
 346 T H E E M P E R O R 
 
 With a violent Death, and in the other World, 
 Thank his Phyfician. 
 
 Pbila. His Caufe unheard, Sir ? 
 
 Pulcb. Take Heed of Rafhnefs. 
 
 fbeod. Is what I command, 
 To be difputed ? 
 
 Pbila. Your Will fhall be done, Sir: 
 But that I am the Inftrument 
 
 1'beod. Do you murmur ? 
 
 {Exit Philanax with tbe Guard. 
 What couldft thou fay, if that my Licence mould 
 Give Liberty to thy Tongue ? Thou would'ft die ? I am 
 not { Athenais kneeling^ points /oTheodofius&cw^. 
 So to be reconcil'd. See me no more : 
 The Sting of Confcience ever gnawing on thee, 
 A long Life be thy Punifliment. [Exit Theodofius. 
 
 Flac. O fweet Lady. 
 How I could weep for her ! 
 
 Arcad. Speak, dear Madam, fpeak. 
 Your Tongue, as you area Woman, while you live, 
 Should be ever moving ; at the lead, the laft Part 
 That ftirs about you. 
 
 Pulcb. Though I mould, fad Lady, 
 In Policy rejoice, you as a Rival 
 Of my Greatnefs are remov'd, Companion, 
 Since I believe you innocent, commands me 
 To mourn your Fortune ; credit me I will urge 
 All Arguments I can alledge that may 
 Appeafe the Emperor's Fury. 
 
 Arcad. I will grow too, 
 Unto my Knees, unlefs he bid me rife, 
 And fwear he will forgive you. 
 
 Flac. And repent too : 
 ,/Ul this Pother for an Apple ? 
 
 [Exeunt Pulcheria, Arcadia, Flaccilla. 
 
 Chryf. Hope, dear Madam, 
 And yield not to Defpair. I'm ftill your Servant, 
 And never will forfake you ; though a while 
 You leave the Court, and City, and give Way 
 
 To
 
 O F T H E E A S T. 347 
 
 To th' violent Paffions of the Emperor. 
 Repentance in his Want of you will foon find him. 
 In the mean Time I'll difpofe of you, and omit 
 No Opportunity that may invite bin? 
 To fee his Error. 
 
 At ben. Oh ! \Wringing her Hands, 
 
 Cbryf. Forbear, for Heav'n's Sake : 
 
 The End of the Fourth AS. 
 
 ACTV. SCENE I. 
 
 Philanax, Paulinus, Guard* Executioners. 
 
 Paul ^TpHis is moft barbarous ! how have you loft 
 
 \_ All Feeling of Humanity, as Honour, 
 In your Confent alone, to have me us'd thus ? 
 But to be, as you are a Looker on, 
 Nay, more, a principal A ctor in't the Softnefs 
 Of your former Lite confider'd; almoft turns me 
 Into a fenfeiefs Statue. 
 
 Pbila. Would, long fince, 
 
 Death, by fome other Means, had made you one, 
 That you might be lefs fenfible of what 
 You have, or are to fuffer. 
 
 Paul. Am to fuffer ? 
 
 Let fuch, whofe Happinefs, and Heaven, depend 
 Upon their prefent Being, fear to part with 
 A Fort, they cannot long hold ; mine to me is 
 A Charge that I am weary of, all Defences 
 By Pain, and Sicknefs batter'd -, yet, take heed, 
 Take heed, Lord Pbilanax* that, for private Spleen, 
 Or any falfe conceived Grudge againft me, 
 (Since in one Thought of Wrong to you, I am 
 Sincerely innocent) you do not that 
 My Royal Mailer muft in Juftice pumfh,
 
 34* THE EMPEROR 
 
 If you pafs to your own Heart thorough mine, 
 The Murther, as it will come out, difcover'd. 
 
 Pbila. I muither you, my Lord? Heav'n witnefs forme 
 With the reftoring of your Health, I wifh you 
 Long Life, and Happinefs : For myfelf, I am 
 CompelFd to put in Execution that 
 "Which I would fly from ; 'tis die Emperor, 
 The high incenfed Emperor's Will commands 
 What I tnuft fee performed. 
 
 Paul. The Emperor ? 
 
 Goodnefs, and Innocence guard me! Wheels, nor Racks 
 Can force into my Memory, the Remembrance 
 Of the leaft Shadow of Offence, with which 
 I ever did provoke him , though belov'd, 
 (And yet the People's Love is mort, and fatal) 
 I never courted popular Applaufe ; 
 Feafted the Men of Action, or laboured 
 By prodigal Gifts to draw the needy Soldier, 
 The Tribunes, or Centurions to a Faction, 
 Of which I would rife up the Head againft him. 
 I hold no Place of Strength, Fortrels or Caflle 
 In my Command, that can give Sanctuary 
 To Mai-contents, or countenance Rebellion. 
 I've built no Palaces to face the Court, 
 Nor do my Follower's Bravery fhame his Train : 
 And, though I cannot blame my Fate for Want, 
 My competent Means of Life deferves no Envy. 
 In what, then, am I dangerous? 
 
 Phiia, His Difpleafure 
 Reflects on none of thofe Particulars 
 Which you have mention'd, though fome jealous Princes 
 In a Subject cannot brook 'em. 
 
 Paul. None of thefe ? 
 In what, then, am I worthy his Sufpicion ? 
 But it may, nay it muft be, fome Informer, 
 To whom my Innocence appear'd a Crime, 
 Hath poifon*d his late good Opinion of me. 
 'Tis not to die, but, in the Cenfure of 
 So good a Matter, guilty, that afflicts me. 
 
 Phila.
 
 OF T H E E A S T. 
 
 Pbila. There is no Remedy. 
 
 Paul. No ?' I have a Friend, yet, 
 Could the Strictnefs of your Warrant give way to it, 
 To whom the State I (land in now deliver'd, 
 That by fair Interceflion for me would 
 So far prevail, that, my Defence unheard, 
 I fhould not, innocent or guilty, fuffer, 
 Without a fit Diftinction. 
 
 Pbila. Thefe falfe Hopes, 
 
 My Lord, abufe you. What Man, when condemned, 
 Did ever find a Friend ? or who dares lend 
 An Eye of Pity to that Star-crofs'd Subject 
 On whom his Sovereign frowns ? 
 
 Paul. She that dares plead 
 For Innocence without a Fee ; the Emprefs, 
 My great and gracious Miftrels. 
 
 Phila. There's your Error. 
 
 Her many Favours, which you hop'd fhould make you 
 Prove your Undoing. She, poor Lady, is . 
 Banifh'd for ever from the Emperor's Prefence, 
 And his confirmed Sufpicion, to his Wrong, 
 That you have been over- familiar with her, 
 Dooms you to Death. I know you underiland me. 
 
 Paul. Over-familiar ? 
 
 Phila. In fharing with him 
 Thofe fweet and fecret Pleafures of his Bed, 
 Which can admit no Partner. 
 
 Paul. And is that 
 
 The Crime for which I am to die ? Of all 
 My num'rous Sins, was there not one of Weight 
 Enough to fink me, if he borrow'd not 
 The Colour of a Guilt I never faw, 
 To paint my Innocence in a deform'd 
 And monftrous Shape ? But that it were prophane 
 To argue Heav'n of Ignorance, or Injuftice, 
 I now mould tax it. Had the Stars that reign*d 
 At my Nativity fuch curfed Influence, 
 As not alone to make me miferable, 
 But, in the Neighbourhood of her Goodnefs to me, 
 
 To
 
 350 THE EMPEROR 
 
 To force Contagion upon a Lady, 
 
 Whofe purer Flames were not inferior 
 
 To theirs, when they mine brighteft ? To die for her, 
 
 Compar'd with what (he fuffers, is a Trifle. 
 
 By her Example warn'd, let all great Women 
 
 Hereafter throw Pride and Contempt on fuch 
 
 As truly ferve 'em, fince a Retribution 
 
 In lawful Courtefies, is now ftil'd Luft, 
 
 And to be thankful to a Servant's Merits 
 
 Is grown a Vice, no Virtue. 
 
 Phila. Thefe Complaints 
 Are to no Purpofe : Think on the long Flight 
 Your better Part muft make. 
 
 Paul. She is prepar'd : 
 Nor can the freeing of an Innocent 
 From the Emperor's furious Jealoufy hinder her. 
 It mail out, 'tis refolv'd, but to be whifper'd 
 To you alone. What a folemn Preparation 
 Is made here to put forth an Inch of Taper 
 In itfelf almoft extinguifh'd ? Mortal Poifori ? 
 The Hangman's Sword, the Haltar ? 
 
 Pbila. 'Tis left to you 
 To make Choice of which you pleafe. 
 
 Paul. Any will ferve 
 To take away my Gout and Life' together. 
 I would not have the Emperor imitate 
 Rome's Monfter, Nero., in that cruel Mercy 
 He fhew'd to Seneca. When you have difcharg'd 
 What you are trufted with, and I have giv'n you 
 Reafons beyond all Doubt or Difputation, 
 Of the Emprefs's and my Innocence , when I am dead, 
 (Since 'tis my Mailer's Pleafure, and High Treafon ' 
 In you not to obey it) I conjure you, 
 By the Hopes you have of Happinefs hereafter, 
 Since mine in this World are now parting from me, 
 That you would win the young Man to Repentance 
 Of the Wrong done to his chafte Wife Eudoxia - 9 
 And if perchance he med a Tear for what 
 
 In 
 
 . I
 
 O F T H E E A S T. 
 
 In his Rafhnefs he impos'd on his true Servant', 
 So it cure him of future Jealoufy, 
 'Twill prove a precious Balfam, and find me 
 When I am in my Grave. Now, when you pleafe, 
 For I am ready. 
 
 Pbila. His Words work ftrangely on me, 
 And I would do but I know not what to think on't. 
 
 [Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE II. 
 
 Putcberia, Flaccitla, Arcadia., Timantus, Gratianus, 
 Cbryfapius. 
 
 Pulcb. Still in his fullen Mood ? No Intermifiion 
 Of his melancholy Fit ? 
 
 Timan. It rather, Madam, 
 Increafes, than grows lefs. 
 
 Graf. In the next Room 
 
 To his Bed-Chamber, we watch'd , for he by Signs 
 Gave us to underftand, he would admit 
 Nor Company, nor Conference. 
 
 Pulcb. Did he take 
 No Reft, as you could guefs ? 
 
 Cbryf. Not any, Madam -, 
 Like a Numidian Lion, by the Cunning 
 Of the defp'rate Huntfm an, taken in a Toil, 
 And forc'd into a fpacious Cage, he walks 
 About his Chamber, we might hear him gnafti 
 His Teeth in Rage ; which open'd, hollow Groans 
 And Murmurs iflu'd from his Lips, like Winds 
 Imprifon'd in the Caverns of the Earth 
 Striving for Liberty ; and fometimes throwing 
 His Body on his Bed, then on the Ground, 
 And with fuch Violence, that we more than fear'd 
 And ftill do, if the Tempeft of his Paffions 
 ByyourWifdom be not laidj he will commit 
 Some Outrage on himfelf. 
 
 Pulcb. His better Angel, 
 
 I hope,
 
 352 THE EMPEROR 
 
 I hope, will flay him from fo foul a Mifchief 5- 
 Nor fhall my Care be wanting. 
 
 Timan. Twice I heard him 
 Say, Falfe Eudoxia ! how much art thou 
 Unworthy of thefe Tears ! Then figh'd, and ftraight 
 Roard out, Paulinus \ was his gouty Age 
 To be prefer'd before my Strength and Youth ? 
 Then groan'd again, fo many Ways exprcffing 
 Th* Afflictions of a tortur'd Soul, that we, 
 Who wept in vain for what we could not help, 
 Were Sharers in his Suff'rings. 
 
 Pulch. Though your Sorrow 
 Is not to be condemn'd, it takes not from 
 The Burthen of his Miferies. We muft practife 
 With fome frefh Object to divert his Thoughts 
 From that they're wholly fix'd on. 
 
 Chryf. Could I gain 
 The Freedom of Accefs, I would prefent him 
 
 [4 Paper delivered. 
 
 With this Petition. Will your Highnefs pleafe 
 To look upon it : You will foon rind there 
 What my Intents and Hopes are. 
 
 Enter Theodofius. 
 
 Graf. Ha ! 'tis he. 
 
 Pulch. Stand clofe, 
 
 And give way to his Pafiions : 'tis 'not fafe 
 To flop them in their violent Courfe, before 
 They've fpent themfelves. 
 
 Tbeod. I play the Fool, and am 
 Unequal to myfelf ; Delinquents are 
 To fuffer, not the Innocent. I have done 
 Nothing, which will not hold Weight in the Scale 
 Of my impartial Juftice \ neither feel 
 The Worm of Confcience upbraiding me 
 With one black Deed of Tyranny ; wherefore, then, 
 Should I torment myfeli ? Great Julius would not 
 
 Reft
 
 O F T H E E A S T. 353 
 
 Reft fatisfy'd that his Wife was free from Fact, 
 
 But, only for Sufpicion of a Crime, 
 
 Su'd a Divorce ; nor was this Roman Rigour 
 
 Cenfur'd as cruel : And dill the wife Italian, 
 
 That knows the Honour of his Family 
 
 Depends upon the Purity of his Bed 
 
 For a Kifs, nay, wanton Look, will plough up Mifchief, 
 
 And fow the Seeds of his Revenge in Blood. 
 
 And fhall I, to whofe Power the Law's a Servant, 
 
 1 hat Hands accomptable to none, for what 
 
 My Will calls an Offence, being compell'd, 
 
 And on fuch Grounds to raife an Altar to 
 
 My Anger ; though, I grant, 'tis cemented 
 
 With aloofe Strumpet's and Adulterer's Gore, 
 
 Repent the Juftice of my Fury ? No, 
 
 I fhould not : Yet ftill my Excefs of Love, 
 
 Fed high in the Remembrance of her choice 
 
 And fweet Embraces, would perfuade me that 
 
 Connivance, or Remiflion of her Fault, 
 
 Made warrantable by her true Submifiion 
 
 For her Offence, might be exoufable, 
 
 Did not the Cruelty of my wounded Honour 
 
 With an open Mouth deny it. 
 
 Pulch. I approve of 
 Your good Intention, and I hope 'twill profper. 
 
 [To Chryfapius. 
 
 He now feems calm. Let us upon our Knees 
 Encompafs him. Moft Royal Sir 
 
 Flac. Sweet Brother ' 
 
 Arcad. As you're our Sovereign, by the Ties of Nature 
 You're bound to be a Father in your Care 
 To us poor Orphans. 
 
 Timant. Shew Companion, Sir, 
 Unto yourfelf. 
 
 Grat. The Majefly of your Fortune 
 Should fly above the Reach of Grief. 
 
 Cbryf. And 'tis 
 Impair'd, if you yield to it. 
 
 VoLlI. Z Tktod.
 
 354 THE EMPEROR 
 
 fbeod. Wherefore pay you 6 
 This Adoration to a fmful Creature ? 
 I'm Flefh and Blood, as you are ; fenfible 
 Of Heat and Cold ; as much a Slave unto 
 "The Tyranny of my Pafiions, as the meaneft 
 Of my poor Subjects. The proud Attributes 
 (By oil-tongu'd Flattery impos'd upon us) 
 As Sacred, Glorious, High, Invincible, 
 The Deputy of Heaven, and in that 
 Omnipotent, with all falfe Titles elfe 
 Coin'd to abufe our Frailty, though compounded, 
 And by the Breath of Sycophants apply'd, 
 Cure not the leaft Fit of an Ague in us. 
 We may give poor Men Riches ; confer Honours 
 On Undefervers ; raife, or ruin fuch 
 As are beneath us, and, with this puff'd up, 
 Ambition would perfuade us to forget 
 That we are Men : But He that fits above us, 
 
 6 Wherefore pay you 
 This Adoration to a fmful Creature ? 
 
 Thcfe Reflections are very beautiful and juft. In Sbakefpear we 
 have many of the like Kind, thus in Richard II. the unfortunate 
 King fays, 
 
 Within the hollow Crown 
 
 That rounds the mortal Temples of a King, 
 
 Keeps Death his Court. And there the Antic fits, 
 
 Scoffing his State, and grinning at his Pomp ; 
 
 Allowing him a Breath, a little Scene 
 
 To monarchize, be fear'd, and kill with Looks : 
 
 Infufing him with felf and vain Conceit, 
 
 As if this Flem which walls about our Life, 
 
 Were Brafs impregnable : And humour 1 d thus, 
 
 Comes at the laft, a ,d with a little Pin 
 
 Bores through his Caftle Walls, and farewel King f 
 
 Cover your Heads, and mock not Flefh and Blood 
 
 With folemn Rev'rence : Throw away Refpeft, 
 
 Tradition, Form, and ceremonious Duty ; 
 
 For you have but miflook me : 11 this while : 
 
 I live on Bread like you ; feel Wan' like you ; 
 
 Tafte Grief, want Fnends like you : Subjected thus, 
 
 How can you fay to me, I am a King ? 
 
 Aft IV. Scene 4. 
 
 And
 
 O F T H E E A S T. 355 
 
 And to whom, at our utmofl Rate, we are 
 
 But Pageant Properties, derides our Weaknefs. 
 
 In me, to whom you kneel, 'tis moft apparent. 
 
 Can I call back Yefterday, with all their Aids 
 
 That bow unto my Scepter ? Or reftore 
 
 My Mind to that Tranquillity and Peace 
 
 It then enjoy'd ? Can it make Eudoxia chafte ? 
 
 Or vile Pautinus honeft ? 
 Pulcb. If I might, 
 
 Without Offence, deliver my Opinion 
 
 I'heod. What would you fay ? 
 Pulch. That, on my Soul, the Emprefs 
 Is innocent. 
 
 Cbryf. The good Paulinus guiltlefs. 
 Graf. And this ihould yield you Comfort. 
 Theod. In being guilty 
 Of an Offence, far, far tranfcending that 
 They ftand condemn'd for. Call you this a Comfort, 
 Suppofe it could be true ? A Corrofive rather ; 
 Not to eat our dead Flefh, but putrify 
 What yet is found. Was Murther ever held 
 A Cure for Jealoufy ? or the crying Blood 
 Of Innocence, a Balm to take away 
 Her fefl'ring Anguifh ? As you do defire 
 I fhould not do a Juftice on myfelf, 
 Add to the Proofs by which Paulinus fell, 
 And not take from 'em ; in your Charity 
 Sooner believe that they were falfe, than I 
 Unrighteous in my Judgment ? Subjects Lives 
 Are not their Prince's Tennis-Bails to be bandy'd 
 In Sport away. All that I can endure 
 For them, if they were Guilty, is an Atom 
 To the Mountain of Affliction I pull'd on me, 
 Should they prove innocent. 
 
 Cbryf. For your Majefty's Peace 
 I more than hope they were not. The falfe Oath 
 Took by the Emprefs, and for which fhe can 
 Plead no Excufe, convicted her, and yields 
 A fure Defence for your Sufpicion of her. 
 
 Z 2 And
 
 35 6 THE EMPEROR 
 
 And yet, to be refolv'd, fince firong Doubts are 
 More grievous, for the moft Part, than to know 
 A certain Lofs. 
 
 Iheod. Tis true, Chryfapius j 
 Were there a poffible Means. 
 
 Chryf. 'Tis offer'd to you, 
 
 If you pleafe to embrace it. Some few Minutes 
 Make Truce with Paflion j and but read, and follow 
 What's there projected, you IhaJl find a Key 
 Will make your Entrance eafy to dilcover 
 Her fecret Thoughts ; and then, as in your Wifdom 
 You (hall think fit, you may determine of her, 
 And reft confirm'd, whether Paulinus died 
 A Villain, or a Martyr. 
 
 Theod. It may do ; 
 
 Nay, fure it muft : Yet, howfoever it fall, 
 I am moft wretched ; which Way in my Wifhes 
 I mould 'fafhion the Event, I'm lo diffracted 
 I cannot yet refolve of. Follow me ; 
 Though in my Name, all Names are comprehended, 
 I muft have Witnefles, in what Degree 
 I have done Wrong, or fuffer'd. 
 
 Pulcb. Hope the belt, Sir. [Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE III. 
 
 A fad Song. Athenais in Sack- doth ; her Hair locfe. 
 
 Athen. TJ/'HT art thou flow, thou Reft of trouble, 
 
 Death, 
 
 Jlop a Wretch's Breath, 
 That calls on thee, and offers her fad Heart 
 
 . A Prey unto thy Dart ? 
 I am ncr young, nor fair ; be, therefore, bold. 
 
 Sorrow hath made me old, 
 Deform* d, and wrinkled \ all that I can crave, 
 
 Is Quiet in my Grave, 
 
 Such as live happy, hold Long Life a "Jewel ; 
 But to me thou art cruel 5
 
 OF THE EAST. 357 
 
 y tlou end not my tedious Mifery, 
 
 And I foon ceafe to be. 
 Strike ', and Jlrike home, then ; Pity unto tne, 
 
 In one Jhort Hour's Delay is Tyranny. 
 
 Thus, like a dying Swan, to a fad Tune 
 
 I fing my own Di r ge , would a Requiem follow, 
 
 Which in my Penitence I defpair not of, 
 
 (This brittle Glafs of Life already broken 
 
 With Mifcry) the long and quiet Sleep 
 
 Of Death would be moft welcome. Yet, before 
 
 We end our Pilgrimage, 'tis fit that we 
 
 Should leave Corruption, and foul Sins behind us. 
 
 But with wafh'd Feet, and Hands, the Heathens dare not 
 
 Enter their prophane Temples ; and for me 
 
 To hope my Paflage to Eternity 
 
 Can be made eafy, 'till I have fhook off 
 
 The Burthen of my Sins in free Confefiion, 
 
 Aided with Sorrow, and Repentance for 'em, 
 
 Is againft Reafon. ' i'is not laying by 
 
 My royal Ornaments, or putting on 
 
 This Garment of Humility and Contrition ; 
 
 The throwing Dull and Ames on my Head ; 
 
 Long Fafts to tame my proud Flefh, that can make 
 
 Attonement for my Soul ; that muft be humbled, 
 
 All outward Signs of Penitence, elfe, are ufelefs. 
 
 Chryfapius did allure me, he would bring me 
 
 A holy Man, from whom (having difcover'd 
 
 My fecret, crying Sins) I might receive 
 
 Full Abfolution. And he keeps his Word. 
 
 Enter Theodofius, like a Friar, with Chryfapius. 
 
 Welcome, moft Reverend Sir ! upon my Knees 
 I entertain you, 
 
 Tbeod. Noble Sir, forbear 
 The Place ; The facred Office that I come for 
 
 [Exit Chryfapius.' 
 Commands all Privacy. My penitent Daughter, 
 
 Z 3 Be
 
 358 THE EMPEROR 
 
 Be careful, as you wifh Remiffion from me, 
 
 That, in Confefiion of your Sins, you hide not 
 
 One Crime, whole pond'rous Weight, when you would 
 
 make 
 
 Your Flights above the Firmament, may fink you. 
 A foolifh Modefty in concealing aught 
 Is now far wcrfe than Impudence to profefs, 
 And juftify your Guilt ; be, therefore, free: 
 So may the Gates of Mercy open to you. 
 
 Atben. Firfl then, I afk a Pardon, for my being 
 Ingrateful to Heav'n's Bounty. 
 
 Tbeod. A good Entrance. 
 
 Atben. Greatnefs comes from Above ; and I, rais'd 
 
 to it 
 
 From a low Condition, finfully forgot 
 From whence it came, and, looking on myfelf 
 In the falfe Glafs of Flattery, I receiv'd it 
 As a Debt due to my Beauty, not a Gift 
 Or Favour from the Emperor. 
 
 1"heod. 'Twas not well. 
 
 Atben. Pride waited on Unthankful nefs, and no more 
 Rememb'ring the CompalTion of the Princefs, 
 And the Means me us'd to make me what I was, 
 Contefted with her, and with fore Eyes feeing 
 Her greater Light, as it dimm'd mine, I pradis'd 
 To have it quite put out. 
 
 Tbeod. A great Offence j 
 But, on Repentance, not unpardonable. 
 Forward. 
 
 Atben. O Father ! what I now muft utter, 
 I fear, in the Delivery will deftroy me, 
 Before you have ablolv'd me. 
 
 Thecd. Heav'n is gracious, 
 Out with it. 
 
 Atben. Heav'n commands us to tell Truth. 
 Yet I, moft finful Wretch forfwore myfelf. 
 
 <Tbeod. On what Occafion ? 
 
 Atben. Quite forgetting that 
 An'innocent Truth can never Hand in need 
 
 Of
 
 O F T H E E A S T. 359 
 
 Of a guilty Lie, being on the fudden afk'd 
 By the Emperor, my Hufband, for an Apple 
 Prefented by him, I fwore I had eaten it ; 
 When my griev'd Confcience too well knows, I fent it 
 To comfort fick Paulinus, being a Man, 
 I truly lov'd and favoured. 
 
 Theod. A cold Sweat, 
 Like the Juice of Hemlock, bathes me. [Afide. 
 
 Athen. And from this 
 A furious Jealoufy getting Poflefiion 
 Of the good Emperor's Heart, in his Rage he doom'd 
 The innocent Lord to die, my Perjury 
 The fatal Caufe of Murder. 
 
 Theod. Take heed, Daughter, 
 
 You niggle not with your Confcience, and Religion, * 
 In (tiling him an Innocent from your Fear, 
 And Shame to accufe yourfelf. The Emperor 
 Had many Spies upon you, faw fuch Graces, 
 Which Virtue could not warrant, fhowr'd upon him 5 
 Glances in publick, and more liberal Favours 
 In your private Chamber-meetings, making Way 
 For foul Adultery , nor could he be 
 But fenfible of the Compact pafs'd between you, 
 To the Ruin of his Honour. 
 
 Atben. Hear me, Father : 
 I look'd for Comfort , but, in this, you come 
 To add to my Afflictions. 
 
 Theod. Caufe not you 
 Your own Damnation, in concealing that 
 Which may, in your Difcovery, find Forgivenefs. 
 Open your Eyes , fet Heaven, or Hell, before you. 
 In the revealing of the Truth, you mall 
 Prepare a Palace for your Soul to dwell in, 
 Stor'd with Celeftial Bleffings ; whereas, if 
 
 7 Theod. Take Heed, Daughter, 
 
 Tau niggle not with your Confcience, and Religion. 
 
 The Word niggle I cannot find in any Dictionary, I am apt to think 
 it ought to be Wife, which fignifies a Trifle, a Thing of little or no 
 Value. 
 
 Z 4 YOU
 
 360 T H E E M P E R O R 
 
 You palliate your Crime, and dare beyond, 
 Playing with Lightning, in concealing it, 
 Expect a dreadful Dungeon, fill'd with Horror, 
 And never-ending Torments. 
 
 Atben. May they fall 
 Eternally upon me, and increafe, 
 When that which we call Time hath loft its Name \ 
 May Lightning cleave ihe Centre of the Earth, 
 And 1 fink quick, before you have abfolv'd me, 
 Into the bottomlefs Abyfs, if ever 
 In one unchafte Defire, nay, in a Thought 
 I wrong'd the Honour of the Emperor's Bed. 
 I do deferve, I grant more, than I fuffer, 
 In that, my Fervor and Defire to pleaie him, 
 In my holy Meditations, prefs'd upon me, 
 And would not be kept out, now to diffemblc 
 (When I (hall fuddenty be infenfible 
 Of what the World fpeaks of me) were mere Madnefs : 
 And, though you are incredulous, Iprefume, 
 If, as I kneel now ; my Eyes fwol'n with Tears, 
 My Hands heav'd up thus, my ftretch'd Heart-firings 
 
 ready 
 
 To break afunder, my incenfed Lord 
 (His Storm of Jealoufy blown o'er) fhouH hear me, 
 He would believe I lied not. 
 
 Tbeod. Rife, and fee him, [Difcovers bimfelf. 
 
 On his Knees, with Joy affirm it. 
 
 Atben. Can this be ? 
 
 beod. My Sifters, and the reft there, all bear Wit- 
 nefs. 
 
 Enter Pulcheria, Arcadia, Flaccilla, Chryfapius, Gra- 
 tianus, Timantus, Philanax. 
 
 In freeing this incomparable Lady 
 From the Sufpicion of Guilt, I do 
 Accufe myfelf, and willingly fubmit 
 To any Penance, fhe in Juilice fhall 
 Plcafe to impofe upon me.
 
 O F T H E E A S T. 361; 
 
 Atken. Royal Sir, 
 Your ill Opinion of me's foon forgiven. 
 
 Pulch. But how you can make Satisfaction to 
 The poor 'Paulinas, he being dead, in Reafon 
 You muft conclude impofiible. 
 
 <Theod. And in that 
 I am moft miferable : The Ocean 
 Of Joy, which in your Innocence flow'd high to me, 
 Ebbs in the Thought of my unjuft Command, 
 By which he died. O Philanax (as thy Name 
 Interpreted fpeaks thee) thou haft ever been 
 A Lover of the King, and thy whole Life 
 Can witnefs thy Obedience to my Will, 
 In putting that in Execution, which 
 Was trufted to thee , fay but, yet, this once, 
 Thou hail not done what rafhly I commanded, 
 And that Paulinus lives, and thy Reward, 
 For not performing that which I enjoin'd thee, 
 Shall centuple whatever yet thy Duty, 
 Or Merit, challeng'd from me. 
 
 Pbila. 'Tis too late, Sir. 
 
 He's dead , and, when you know he was unable 
 To wron 6 you, in the Way that you fufpected, 
 You'll wilh it had been otherwife. 
 
 ?be0d. Unable? 
 
 Pbila. I am fure he was an Eunuch, and might fafcly 
 Lie by a Virgin's Side ; at four Years made one ; 
 Though, to hold Grace with Ladies, he conceal'd it. 
 TheCircumftances, and the Manner how, 
 You may hear at better Leifure. 
 
 Thecd. How ! an Eunuch ? 
 
 The more the Proofs are, that are brought to clear thee, 
 My bed Eudoxia^ the more my Sorrows. 
 
 Athen. That I am innocent ? 
 
 Tbeod. That I am guilty 
 Of Murther, my Eudoxia, I will build 
 A glorious Monument to his Memory ; 
 And, for my Pumfhment, live and die upon it, . 
 And never more converfe with Men. 
 
 Enter
 
 36*2 THE EMPEROR 
 
 Enter Paulinus. 
 
 Paul Live long, Sir ! 
 May I do fo to ferve you ! and, if that 
 I live does not difpleafe you, you owe for it 
 To this good Lord. 
 
 fbeod. Myfelf, and all that's mine. 
 
 Pbila. Your Pardon is a Payment. 
 
 <Theod. I am rap'd 
 
 With Joy beyond myfelf. Now, my Eudoxia, 
 My Jealoufy puff'd away thus, in this Breath 
 I fcent the natural Sweetnefs. [Kijfcs her, 
 
 Arcad. Sacred Sir, 
 
 I'm happy tq behold this, and prefume, 
 Now you are pleas'd, to move a Suit, in which 
 My Sifter is join'd with me. 
 
 <Tbeod. Pr'ythee, fpeak it; 
 For I have vow'd to hear before I grant -, 
 I thank your good Inftru.dHons. [To Pulcheria* 
 
 Arcad. 'Tis but this, Sir. 
 We have obierv'd the faHing out, and in, 
 Between the Hufband and the Wife mews rarely ; 
 Their Jars and Reconcilements ftrangeiy take us. 
 
 Flac. Anger and Jealoufy that conclude in Kiffes 
 Js a fweet War, in footh. 
 
 Arcad. We therefore, Brother, 
 Moil humbly beg you would provide us Hufbands, 
 That we may tafte the Pleafure oPt. 
 
 Flac. And with Speed, Sir ; 
 For fo your Favour's doubled. 
 
 fheod. Take my Word, 
 I will with all Convenience ; and not blufh 
 Hereafter to be guided by your Counfels : 
 ] will deferve your Pardon. Pbilanax 
 Shall be remember'd, and magnificent Bounties 
 Fall on Chryfapivs : My Grace on all. 
 
 Let
 
 OF THE EAST, 
 
 Let Cleon be deliver'd and rewarded. 
 
 My Grace on all, which as I lend to you, 
 
 Return your Vows to Heaven, that it may pleafe 
 
 (As it is gracious) to quench in me 
 
 All future Sparks of burning Jealoufy* 
 
 FINIS. 
 
 EPILOGUE.
 
 EPILOGUE. 
 
 WEVe Reafon to be doubtful, whether he, 
 On whom (forc'd to it by Neceflity) 
 The Maker did confer his Emperor's Part, 
 Hath giv'n you Satisfaction, in his Art 
 Of Aftion and Delivery ; 'tis fure Truth 
 The Burden was too heavy for his Youth 8 
 To undergo. But in his Will, we know, 
 He was not wanting, and (hall ever owe, 
 With his, our Service, it your Favours deign 
 To give him Strength, hereafter to fuftain 
 A greater Weight. It is your Grace that can 
 In your Allowance of this, write him Man 
 Before his Time : which if you pleafe to do, 
 You make the Player and the Poet too. 
 
 8 The Burden was too heavy for his Youth, 
 
 itert of this Ep 
 )rmed the Part < 
 were iomething doubtful 
 
 The Intent of this Epilogue is to apologize for fome young A&or 
 who performed the Port of the Emperor, and of whofe Abilities they
 
 THE 
 
 MAID of H O N O U R. 
 
 A 
 
 TRAGI-COMEDY. 
 
 As it hath been often prefented with good Allow- 
 ance at thePb&nix mDrury-Lane, by the Queen's 
 Majefty's Servants. 1632. 
 
 WRITTEN 
 
 By PHILIP MASSINGER. 
 Qtttfc9*GftK^?iia^^

 
 
 To my moft honour'd Friends, SirpRANCis 
 
 FOLIAMBE, Knt. and Bart, and to Sir 
 
 THOMAS BLAND, Knt. 
 
 you have been and continued fo for many 
 Tears, fince you vouchfafed to own me Patrons 
 
 W ^W W fo me an ^ m y ^ e f^f e ^ $ fu di es -> I cannot but with 
 ij.7kJit. a n h um bi e fhankfulnefs acknowledge : And liv- 
 ing, as you have done, infeparable in your Friendship (not- 
 withftanding all Differences, and Suits in Law arifing be- 
 tween you) I held it as impertinent, as abfurd, in the Pre- 
 fentment of my Service in this Kind, to divide you. A free 
 Confejfion of a Debt in a meaner Man, is the ampleft Satis- 
 fa5lion to his Superiors, and I heartily Wijh, that the World 
 may take Notice, and from myfelf, that I had not to this 
 lime fubjifted, but that 1 was fupported by your frequent 
 Courteftes, and Favours. When your more ferious Occa- 
 ftons will give you Leave, you may pleafe to perufe this Tri- 
 fle, and -per adventure find fomething in it that may appear 
 worthy of your Protection. Receive it, I befeech you, as a 
 Teftimony of his Duty, who, while he lives, rejolves to be 
 
 Truly and fincerely devoted to your Service, 
 
 PHILIP MASSING ER. 
 
 Dramatis
 
 Dramatis Perfonae. 
 
 ROBERTO, King of Sicily. 
 
 FERDINAND, Duke of Urbin. 
 
 BERTOLDO, the King's natural Brother, a Knight of 
 
 Malta. 
 GONZAGA, a Knight of Malta, General to the Dutchefs 
 
 of Siena. 
 
 ASTUTIO, a Counfellor of State. 
 FULGENTIO, the Minion of Roberto. 
 ADORNI, a Follower of Camiola's Father. 
 AMBASSADOR, from the Duke of Urbin. 
 SIGNIOR SYLLI, a foolilh Self-lover. 
 
 PIE RIO, a Colonel to Gonxaga. 
 
 RODERIGO,? ^ . 
 
 IACOMO, '{ Captains to 
 
 Ca P tains to Duke 
 PAULO, a Prieft, Camiola's Confefibr. 
 
 AURELIA, Dutchefs of Siena. 
 CAMIOLA, the Maid of Honour. 
 CLARINDA, her Woman. 
 
 Scout, Soldiers, Servants, Gaoler, Dwarf, Mutes. 
 
 THE
 
 % jt**L j*y^ & 
 xe xw** ^ s X^F i 
 
 THE 
 
 M A I D of HONOUR 
 
 A C T I. S C E N E I. 
 
 77* Prefence Chamber. 
 
 Aflutio, Adorni. 
 
 Adorni. 
 
 ~}80ef*lOOD Day to your Lordfhip ! 
 G & y#/. Thanks, Adorni. 
 
 Adorni. May I prefume to afk if the Am- 
 
 baflfador 
 
 Employ'd by Ferdinand, the Duke of Urbin, 
 Hath Audience this Morning ? 
 
 Enter Fulgentio. 
 & 
 
 AJiutio. 'Tis uncertain, 
 For, though a Counfellor of State, I am not 
 Of the Cabinet Counfel. But there's one, if he pleafe, 
 That may refolve you. 
 
 Adorni. I will move him Sir. 
 
 Fulgen. If you've a Suit, mew Water, lam blind, clfe. 
 
 Adorni. A Suit, yet of a Nature, not to prove 
 The Quarry that you hawk for: If your Words 
 Are not like Indian Wares, and every Scruple, 
 To be weigh'd and rated, one poor Syllable, 
 Vouchfaf'd in Anfwer of a fair Demand, 
 Cannot deferve a Fee. 
 
 VoL/IJ. A a Fulgenl
 
 3 7 o THE MAID OF HONO.UR, 
 
 Fulgen. It feems you're ignorant ; 
 I neither ipeak, nor hold my Peace, for nothing: 
 And yet, for once, I care not if I anfwer 
 One fingle Queftion, gratis. 
 
 Adorni. I much thank you.. 
 Hath the Ambafiador Audience, Sir, To-day ? 
 
 Edgen. Yes, 
 
 ^Adorni. - At what Hour ? 
 
 Fulgen. I promis'd not fo much. 
 A Syllable- you begg'4-^ -my G barky gave it. 
 Move me no further. [Exit Fulgentio. 
 
 AJlutio. This you wonder at ? 
 With me, 'tis ulual. 
 
 Adorni. Pray you, Sir, what is he ? 
 
 Aftutio. A Gentleman, yet no Lord. He hath fome 
 
 Drops 
 
 Of the King's Blood running in his Veins, deriv'd 
 Some ten Degrees off. His Revenue lies 
 In a narrow Compafs, the. King's Ear , and yklds him. 
 Every Hour a fruitful Harveft. Men may talk 
 Of r theerps-in a Year .in the Fortunate I/lands. ' 
 Or 'Profit made by Wool : But, while there are Suitors, 
 His Sheep-fheering, n;iy, {having to the quick 
 Is in every Quarter of the Moon, and conflant. 
 In the Time of trufllng a Point, he can undo, 
 Or make a Man. His Play or Recreation 
 Is to raife this up, or pull down that. ; and, though 
 He never yet took Orders, makes more Biilxops 
 In Sicily, than the Pape himfelf. 
 ' . . . . 
 
 Enter Bertoldo, Gafpara, Anthonio, a Servant. 
 ^ 
 
 Adorni. Moil ft range \ 
 
 AJlutio. I'he Prelence -fills. He in the Malta HabiC 
 Is the natural Brother of the King a By-blow. 
 
 Adorni. \ uinderftand you. 
 
 Gafp. 'Moiiow ; to my Uncle. 
 
 Anth. And'my^iate Guardian. x But at length I have 
 The Reigns in my own Hands. 
 
 Afttttio.
 
 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 371 
 
 AJtutio. Pray you ufe 'em well, 
 Or you'll too late repent it. 
 
 Bert. With this Jewel 
 Prefented to Camiola^ prepare 
 
 This Night a Vifit for me. I mall have [Exit Strvant, 
 Your Company, Gallants, I perceive, if that 
 The King will hear of War. 
 
 Antb. Sir, I have Horfes 
 Of the beft Breed in Naples, fitter far 
 To break a Rank, then crack a Lance, and are 
 In their Career of fuch incredible Swiftnefs 
 They out-ftrip Swallows. 
 
 Bert. And fuch may be ufeful 
 To run away with, mould we be defeated. 
 You're well provided, Signior ? 
 
 Antb. Sir, excufe me. 
 
 All of their Race by Inftinct know a Coward, 
 And fcorn the Burthen. They come on like Lightning; 
 Founder'd in a Retreat. 
 
 Bert. By no means back 'em ; 
 Unlefs you know your Courage fympathize 
 With the daring of your Horfe. 
 
 Antb. My Lord, this is bitter. 
 
 Gafp. I will raife me a Company of Foot j 
 And, when at pufh of Pike I am to enter 
 A Breach, to (hew my Valour, I have brought me 
 An Armour Cannon- propf. 
 
 Bert. Yoit will not leap, then, 
 O'er an Out-work in your Shirt ? 
 
 Gafp. I do not like 
 Activity that Way. 
 
 Bert. You had rather (land 
 A Mark to try their Mufkets on ? 
 
 Gafp. If I do 
 No Good, I'll do no Hurt. 
 
 Bert. 'Tis in you, Signior, 
 A Chriftian Refolution, and becomes you-. 
 But I will not dilcourage you. 
 
 A a 2
 
 372 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 
 
 Antl). You are, Sir, 
 
 A Knight of Malta, and, as I have heard, 
 Have lerv'd againft the Turk. 
 
 Bert. 'Tis true. 
 
 Antb. Pray you, fhew us 
 The Difference between the City-Valour,. 
 And Service in the Field. 
 
 Bert. 'Tis fomewhat more 
 Then roaring in a Tavern, or a Brothel, 
 Or to (leal; a Lan thorn from a fleeping Watch ;, 
 Then burn their Halberts , or, fafe-guarded by 
 Your Tenant's Son's, to carry away a Maypole 
 From a Neighbour- Village. You. will not find, there,. 
 Your Matters of Dependencies to take up 
 A drunken Brawl, or, to get you the Names 
 Of valiant Chevaliers, Fellows that will be, 
 For a Cloak with thrice-dy'd Velvet, and a caft Suit, 
 Kick'd down the Stairs. A Knava with half a Breech^ 
 
 there, 
 
 And no Shirt ( being a Thing-fuperfluous, 
 And worn out of his Memory) if you bear not 
 Yourfelves both in, and'upright with a provant Sword, 
 Will flam your Scarlets, and your Plum a new Way ; 
 Or with the Hilts thunder about your Ears 
 Such Muficfc, as will make your Worfhips dance 
 To the, doleful Tune of Lachryma^ 
 
 Gafp. I'flTufttell you, 
 In private, as you are my princely; Friend, 
 I do not like fuch Fidlers.. 
 
 Bert. No? They are ufefuf 
 For your Imitation -, I remember you, 
 When you came firft to the Court, and talk'd of nothing 
 But your Rents, and your Entradas, ' ever chiming 
 
 The 
 
 * Tour Rents and y cur Entradas-. 
 
 T&us it ftands in the old Copies, the Senfe of which I take to be 
 Your Rents aad your Comings in. 
 
 The
 
 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 373 
 
 The Golden Bells in your Pockets, you believ'd 
 
 The taking of the Wall, as a Tribute due to 
 
 Your gaudy Cloaths.; and could not walk at Midnight 
 
 Without a caufelefs Quarrel, as if Men 
 
 Of coarfer Outfides were in Duty bound 
 
 To fuffer your Affronts : But, when you had been 
 
 Cudgel'd wall, twice or thrice, and from the Doctrine 
 
 Made profitable Ufes, -you .concluded 
 
 The Sov'reign Means to teach irregular Heirs 
 
 Civility, with Conformity of Manners, 
 
 Were, two or three found Beatings. 
 
 Antb. I confefs 
 They did much Good upon me. 
 
 Gafp. And on me j the Principles that they read were 
 found 
 
 Bert. You'll find 
 The like Inftructions in the Camp. 
 
 AJtutio. The King 
 
 A Flourijh. 
 Enter Roberto, Fulgentio, AmbafTador, Attendants. 
 
 Rober. We fit prepared to hear. 
 
 Ambaff, Your Majefty 
 Hath been long fince familiar, I doubt not, 
 With th* defp'rate Fortunes of my Lord ; and Pity 
 O' th' much that your Confederate hath furfer'd 
 (You being his laft Refuge) may perfuade you 
 Not alone to compaffionate, but to lend 
 Your Royal Aids, to flay him in his Fall 
 To certain Ruin. He, too late, is confciotis 
 That his Ambition to encroach upon 
 His Neighbour's Territories, with the Danger of 
 
 The Word Entradas I am apt to think is falfe, and that it ought to 
 be Intrado from the Spamjh, which iignifks the coming-in, /'. t. into 
 any Place. 
 
 Thus Sbakrfptar in Henry jth. 
 
 What are thy Rents ? What arc thy Comings in ? 
 
 A a 3 His
 
 374 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 
 
 His Liberty, nay, his Life, hath brought in Quefttan 
 
 His own Inheritance : But Youth and Heat 
 
 Of Blood, in your Interpretation, may 
 
 Both plead, and meditate for him. I muft grant it 
 
 An Error in him, being deny'd the Favours 
 
 Of the fair Princefs of Siena (though 
 
 He fought her in a noble Way) t' endeavour 
 
 To force Affection, by Surpriial of 
 
 Her principal Seat, Siena. 
 
 Rober. Which now proves 
 The Seat of his Captivity, not Triumph. 
 Heav'nisftilljuft. 1 
 
 Ambafl. And yet that Juftice is 
 To be with Mercy tempered, which HeavVs Deputies 
 
 * Rober. Heavn iifilljujt 
 AmbafT. And yet that Juftice is 
 
 To be <witb Mercy temper d* 
 
 This is a very beautiful Paflage, and not le r s fo for being bor- 
 rowed from Religion. After the Ambafl'ador of the Duke of Urbin 
 had reprefented the Misfortunes of his Matter, Roberto fays, that Hea- 
 ven is Jiilljujl " juft in purriftiing the Ambitious." The Ambaffa- 
 
 dor anfwers, that " the Juftice of Heaven is tempered with Mercy, 
 which he, as Heaven's Deputy, {lands bound to minifter." This is a 
 fine Addrefs to the King's Pafljons. He would represent the Mercy of 
 Heaven as infinite, and extended to all in Diftrefs : And how then 
 can the King refufe Mercy, when the Deity has (hewed his to all Men, 
 even to the King hhnfelf ? If this could not raife in him Sentiments of 
 Comp ilHon, yet furely the Thoughts of his being Heaven's Deputy 
 Jhould He was obliged by his Office to fhew Mercy as the Deity had 
 done, and to relieve as many of the Mifersble as he could, becaufe 
 Heaven had relieved all Men. Sbukefyear has very happily exprefs'4 
 this Thought in his Meafure for Meafure. A*gdo fays to Ij'abella 
 
 Your Brother is a Forfeit of the Law, 
 And.you but wafte your Words. 
 
 Ifab. Alas! alas! 
 
 Why, all the Souls that are, were forfeit once. 
 And he that ight the 'Vantage beft have'took, 
 Found out the Remedy. How would you be, 
 If he which is the top of Judgment, ftiould 
 But judge you as you are ? Oh ! think on thatj 
 And Mercy then will breathe within your Lips, 
 Like Man, new made, 
 f Aft 2. Scene 7, 
 
 Stand
 
 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 375 
 
 Stand bound to miniiler. T-hemjur'd Dutchefs 
 By Realon taught, as Nature, could not, with 
 The Reparation of her W ongs, but aim at 
 A brave Revenge-, and my ..Lord feels too late 
 That Innocence will find Friends. The great Goxxagf., 
 The Honour of his Order ; I muil praife 
 Virtue, though in an Enemy) He whole Fights 
 And Conqueils hold one Number, rallying up 
 Her fcatter'd Troops, before we could get Time 
 To victual, or to man the conquer'd City, 
 Sat down before it ; and, prefuming that 
 ^Tis not to be relicv'd, admits no Parley, 
 Our Flags of Truce hung out in vain : Nor will he 
 Lend an liar to Compofition, but exacts 
 With th' rend'ring up the Town, the Goods, and Lives 
 Of all within the Wails, and of all Sexes 
 To be at his Difcretion. 
 Rober. Since InjufHce 
 
 In your Duke meets this Correction, can you prefs us, 
 With any feeming Argument of Reafon, 
 In foolifh Pity to decline his Dangers, 
 To draw '.em -on Our Self? Shall We not be 
 Warn'd by his Harms ? The League, proclaim'd be- 
 tween us, 
 
 Bound neither of us farther than to aid 
 Each other, if by foreign Force invaded ; 
 And fo far in my Honour I was ty'd. 
 But, fmce, without our Counlel, or Allowance, 
 He hath took Arms, with his good Leave, he muft 
 Excofe us, if we fleer not on a Rock 
 We fee, and may avoid. Let other Monarchs 
 Contend to be made glorious by proud War, 
 And with the Blood of their poor Subjects purchafc 
 Increafe of Empire, and augment their Cares 
 In keeping that which was by Wrongs extorted, 
 Gilding unjuftlnvafions with the trim 
 Of glorious Conquefts ; We, that -would be known 
 The Father of our People in our Study 
 And Vigilance for their Safety, muft not change 
 
 A a 4 Their
 
 37$ THE MAID OF HONOUR. 
 Their Plough-fhares into Swords, and force them from 
 The fecure Shade of their own Vines to be 
 Scoi ch'd with the Flames of War, or, for our Sport, 
 Expofe their Lives to Ruin. 
 Ambaft. Will you, then, 
 In his Extremity forfake your Friend ? 
 Rober. No , but preferve Our Self. 
 Bert. Cannot the Beams 
 Of Honour thaw your icy Fears ? 
 Rober. Who's that? 
 
 Bert. A kind of Brother, Sir ; howe'er, your Sub- 
 led, 
 
 Your Father's Son, and one who blulhes that 
 You are not Heir to his brave Spirit, and Vigour, 
 As to his Kingdom. 
 Rober. How's this ? 
 Bert. Sir, to be 
 
 His living Chronicle, and to fpeak his Praife, 
 Cannot deferve your Anger. 
 
 Rober. Where's your Warrant 
 For this Prefumption ? 
 
 Bert. Here, Sir, in my Heart. 
 Let Sycophants, that feed upon your Favours, 
 Stile Coldnefs in you Caution, and prefer 
 Your Eafe before your Honour ; and conclude 
 To eat and fleep fupinely, is the End 
 Of Human Blefilngs : I muft tell you, Sir, 
 Virtue, if not in Aclion, is a Vice, J 
 And, when we move not forward, we go backward -, 
 
 * I muft teU you, Sir, 
 
 Virtue, if not in Atiier, is a Vitc. 
 
 The Poets have many Paffages fimilar to this. Thus Shake/pear 
 
 If our Virtues 
 
 Did not go forth of us, 'twere all alike 
 
 As if we had them not. 
 
 Meafure for Meafure, Act i. Scene ^. 
 
 And Horace tells us, Virtue concealed is of little Confequencc. 
 Paulum fepultte djftat inertia: 
 Celata virtHt, 
 
 Nor
 
 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 377 
 
 Nor is this Peace (the Nurfe of Drones, and Cowards) 
 Our Health, but a Difeafe. 
 
 Gafp. Well urg'd, my Lord. 
 
 Anth. Perfect what is ib well begun. 
 
 Ambaff. And bind 
 My J-ord your Servant. 
 
 Rober. Hare brain'd Fool ! What Reafon 
 Canft thou infer to make this Good ? 
 
 Bert. A thoufand, 
 
 Not to be contradicted. But confider 
 Where your Command lies ? 'Tis not, Sir, in France^ 
 Spain^ Germany ', Portugal^ but in Sicily ; 
 An Ifland, Sir. Here are no Mines of Gold 
 Or Silver to enrich you ; No Worm fpins 
 Silk in her Womb, to make Diftindion 
 Between you and a Peafant, in your Habits. 
 No Fifh lives near our Shores, whofe Blood can dye 
 Scarlet, or Purple ; all that we poflefs, 
 With Beads we have in common :. Nature did 
 Defign us to be Warriors, and to break through 
 Our Ring the Sea, by which we are environ'd ; 
 And we by Force muft fetch in what is wanting, 
 Or precious to us. Add to this, we are 
 A populous Nation, and increafe fo faft, 
 That, if we by our Providence are not fent 
 Abroad in Colonies, or fall by the Sword, 
 Not Sicily (though now it were more fruitful 
 Than when 'twas ftil'd the Granary of great Rome) 
 Can yield our num'rous Fry Bread : We muft ftarve* 
 Or eat up one another. 
 
 Adorni. The King hears 
 With much Attention. [Afide. 
 
 AJtutio. And feems mov'd with what 
 Bertoldo hath deliver'd. [Afide. 
 
 Bert. May you live long, Sir, 
 The King of Peace, fo you deny not us 
 The Glory of the War ; let not our Nerves 
 Shrink up with Sloth, nor, for want of Employment, 
 Make younger Brothers Thieves : 'Tis their Sword, Sir, 
 
 Muft
 
 57 o* THE MAID OF HONOUR. 
 
 Muft Tow and reap their Harvcft. If Examples 
 May move you more than Arguments, look on Eng- 
 land, * 
 
 The Emprefs of the European Ifles, 
 And unto whom alone ours yields Precedence, 
 When did fhe flourish fo, as when flie was 
 The Miftrefs of the Ocean ? Her Navies 
 Putting a Girdle round about the World, 
 When the Iberian quak'd, her Worthies nam'd ; 
 And the fair Fleur de Lis grew pale, fet by 
 The Red Rofe and the White. Let not our Armour 
 Hung up, or our unrigg'd Armada make us 
 Ridiculous to the late poor Snakes our Neighbours 
 Warm'd in our Bofoms, and to whom again 
 We may be terrible ; while we fpend our Hours 
 Without Variety, confin'd to Drink, 
 Dice, Cards, or Whores. Rouze us, Sir, from the 
 
 Sleep 
 
 Of Idlenefs, and redeem our mortgag'd Honours. 
 Your Birth, and juftly, claims my Father's Kingdom ; 
 But his heroic Mind defcends to me: 
 -I will confirm fo much, 
 
 Adorni. In his Looks he feems 
 To break ope Janus' Temple. 
 
 Aftutio. How thefe Younglings 
 Take Fire from ,him ! 
 
 Ador. It works an Alteration 
 Upon the King. 
 
 Antb. I can forbear no longer : 
 War, War, my Sovereign ! 
 
 Fulgen. The King appears 
 Reforv'd, and does .prepare -to fpeak. 
 
 * Look on .England, 
 
 The Emprefi of European JJles. 
 
 All our old Poets have celebrated their Country, neither is Mqf~ 
 finger wanting : As the- PaiTagesfimilar-.to 'this are well known, I {hall 
 forbear felting them down hare.
 
 t HE MAID OF HONOUR. 379 
 
 Rober. Think not 
 
 Our Counsel's built upon fo weak a Bafe, 
 As to be overturn'd, or fhaken with 
 Tempeftuous Winds of Words. As I, my Lord, 
 Before refolv'd you, I will 'not engage 
 My Perfon in this Quarrel $ neither prefs 
 My Subjects to maintain it : Yet, to fhew 
 My Rule is gentle, and that I've Feeling of 
 Your Mailer's Sufferings, fince thefe Gallants, weary 
 Of the Happinefs of Peace, defire to tafte 
 The bitter Sweets of War, we -do con lent 
 That, as Adventurers, and Volunteers 
 (No Way compell'd by us) they may make Trial 
 Of their boafted Valours. 
 Bert. We defire ,no more. 
 Rober, 'Tis well j and, but my Grant in this, expeft 
 
 not 
 
 Afiiftance from me. Govern as you pleafe 
 The Province you make Choice of; tor, I vow 
 By all Things facred, if -that thou mifcarry 
 In this ram Undertaking, I will hear it 
 No otherwife than as a fad Difafter, 
 Fall'n on a Stranger ; nor will I efteem 
 That Man my Subject, who, in thy Extremes, 
 In Purfe or Perfon aids thee. Take your Fortune: 
 You know me ; I have laid it. So, my Lord, 
 You have my whole Anfwer. 
 
 Ambaff* My Prince pays 
 In me his Duty. 
 
 Rober. Follow me, fiulgentto, 
 A-nd you, Aftutio. [Exeunt Roberto, Fulgetftio, 
 
 Aftutio, Attendants. 
 Gafp. What a Frown he threw, 
 At his Departure, on you. 
 
 Serf. Let him keep 
 
 His Smiles for his State-Catamite , I care not. 
 Antb. Shall we aboard To-night ? 
 Ambaff. Your Speed, my Lord, 
 Doubles the Benefit. 
 
 Bert.
 
 3 8o THE MAID OF HONOUR. 
 
 Serf. I have a Bufmefs 
 
 Requires Difpatch. Some two Hours hence I'll meet 
 you. [Exeunf. 
 
 SCENE IL 
 Camiola'j Houfe. 
 
 Signior Sylfi, walking fantaftically before, followed by 
 Camiola and Clarinda. 
 
 Camiola. Nay, Signior, this is too much Ceremony 
 In my own Houfe. 
 
 Sylli. What's gracious abroad, 
 Muft be in Private practis'd. 
 
 Clar. For your Mirth-fake 
 Let him alone, he has been all this Morning 
 In Practice with a peruk'd Gentleman-Ufher, 
 To teach him his true Amble and his Poftures, 
 
 \ [Sylli walking by, and -praftifing his Poftures. 
 When he walks before a Lady. 
 
 Sylli. You may. Madam, 
 Perhaps, believe that I in this ufe Art, 
 To make you doat upon me by expofing 
 My more than moft rare Features to your View. 
 But I, as 1 have ever done, deal fimply ; 
 A Mark of fweet Simplicity, ever noted. 
 I* th' Family of the Syllies. . Therefore, Lady, 
 Look not with too much Contemplation on me ; 
 If you do, you are i* th* Suds. 
 
 Camiola. You are no Barber ? 
 
 Sylli. Fie ! no, not I ; but my good Parts have drawn 
 More loving Hearts out of fair Ladies Bellies, 
 Than the whole Trade have done Teeth. 
 
 Camiola. Is't poflible ? 
 
 Sylli. Yes, and they live too ; marry, much condoling 
 The Scorn of their Narciffus, as they call me, 
 Becaufe I love myfelf. 
 
 Camiola. Without a Rival. 
 What Philtres or Love-powders do. you ufe 
 
 To
 
 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 381 
 
 To force AffecYion ? I fee nothing in 
 Your Perfon , but I dare look on, yet keep 
 My own poor Heart ftill. 
 
 Sylli. You are warn'd be arm'd ; 
 And do not lofe the Hope of fuch a Hufband, 
 In being too foon enamour'd. 
 
 Ctar. Hold in your Head, 
 Or you muft have a Martingale. 
 
 Sylli. I have fworn . 
 Never to take a Wife, but fuch a one 
 (O may your Ladylhip prove fo ftrong !) as can 
 Hold out a Month againft me. 
 
 Camiola. Never fear it ; 
 
 Tho* your bed taking Part, your Wealth, were trebled, 
 I would not woo you, But, fince in your Pity 
 You pleafe to give me Caution, tell me what 
 Tem'prations I muft fly from. 
 
 Sylli. The firft is, 
 
 That your ne'er hear me fmg ; for I'm a Syren. 
 If you obferve, when I warble, the Dogs howl, 
 As raviih'd with my Ditties, and you will 
 Run mad to hear me. 
 
 Camiola. I will flop my Ears, 
 And keep my little Wits. 
 
 Sylli. Next, when I dance, 
 And come aloft, thus, caft not a Sheep's Eye 
 Upon the Quiv'ring of my Calf. 
 
 Camiola. Proceed, Sir. 
 
 Sylli. But on no Terms (for 'tis a main Point) dream 
 
 not 
 
 Q' th* Strength of my Back, though 'twill bear a Burthen 
 With any Porter. 
 
 Camiola. I mean not to rid6 you. 
 
 Sylli. Nor I your little Ladyfhip, 'till you have 
 Perform'd the Covenant. Be not taken with 
 My pretty Spider- Fingers ; nor my Eyes, 
 That twinkle on both Sides. 
 
 Camiola. Was there ever fuch [One knocks. 
 
 A Piece of Motley heard of! Who's that ; you may 
 
 fpare The
 
 3 Sa THE MAID OF HOhTOUR. 
 
 The Catalogue of my Dangers. [Exit Clarinda, 
 
 Sylli. No, good Madam \ 
 I have not told you half. 
 
 Camiola. Enough, good Signior 3 
 If I eat more of finch. Swee.t-meats, I {hall furfeic. 
 
 Enter Clarinda. 
 Who is't ? 
 
 Clar. The Brother of the King.' 
 
 Sylli. Nay, ftart not. 
 
 The Brother of the King ! Is he no more ? 
 "Were it the King himfelf, I'd give him Leave 
 To fpeak his Mind to you, for I'm not jealous ; 
 And, to allure your Ladylhip of fo much, 
 I'll ufher him in, and, that done hide myfelf. 
 
 [Exit Sylli, 
 
 Camiola. Camiola, if ever, now be conftant : 
 This is, indeed, a Suitor, whofe fweet Prefence, 
 Courtfhip, and loving Language, would have ftagger'd 
 The chaftq Penelope \ and, to increafe 
 The Wonder, did not Modefty forbid it, 
 I mould afk that from him, hefues to me for. 
 And yet my Reafon, like a Tyrant, tells me 
 I muft nor give, nor take it. 
 
 Enter Sylli and Bertoldo. 
 
 Sylli. I muft tell you, 
 
 You lofe your Labour. 'Tis enough to prove it, 
 Signior Sylli came before you ; and you know, 
 Firil come, firft ferv'd : Yet, you/hall have my Coun- 
 tenance 
 
 To parley with her ; and I'll take fpecial^Care 
 That none (hajl interrupt you. 
 
 Bert. You are courteous. 
 
 Sylli. Come, Wench, wilt thou hear Wifdom ? 
 
 [Steps afide. 
 
 Clar. Yes, from you, Sir.
 
 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 383 
 
 Bert* IF forcing this fweet Favour from your Lip?, 
 
 [Kiflctb her. 
 
 Fair Madam, argue me of too much Boldnefs 
 When you are pleas'd to underftand, I take, 
 A parting Kifs, if not excufe, at lead 
 'Twill qualify th' Offence. 
 
 Camiola.. A parting Kifs, Sir? 
 What Nation, envious of the Happinefs 
 Which Sicily enjoys in your fweet Prefence, 
 Can buy you from her ? or what Climate yield 
 Pleafures tranfcending thofe which you enjoy here, 
 Being both belov'd and honour'd ? the North-Star 
 And Guiderof all Hearts, and, to fum up 
 Your full Accompt of Happinefs in a Word, 
 The Brother of the King. 
 
 Bert. Do you, alone, 
 And with an unexampled Cruelty, 
 Enforce my, Abfence, and deprive me of 
 Thofe Bleffings, which you with a polifh'd. Phrafe 
 Seem to infmuate that I do pofTefs, 
 And yet tax me as being guilty of 
 My wilful Exile ? What are Titles to me ? 
 Or Popular Suffrage ? or my Nearnefs to 
 The King in Blood ? or fruitful Sicily , 
 Though it'confefs'd ho Sovereign but myfelf ; 
 When you, that are the Eflence of my Being, 
 The Anchor of my Hopes, the real Subftancc 
 Of my Felicity, in your Difdain 
 Turn all to fading and deceiving Shadows ? 
 
 Camiola. Y6u tax me without Caufe. 
 
 Bert. You mud coafels it. 
 
 But, anfwtr Love with Love, and feal the Contract 
 In the unitfngof our Souls, how gladly 
 (Though now I were in Action, and aflur'd, 
 Following my Fortune, that plum'd Vidtory 
 Would make her glorious Stand upon my Tent) 
 Would I put off my Armour, in my Heat 
 Of Conqueft, and, like Anthony^ purfue 
 My Cleopatra ! Will you yet look on me 
 
 With
 
 384 THE MALT) OF HONOUR. 
 
 With an Eye of Favour ? 
 
 Camiola. Truth bear Witnefs for me, 
 That, in the Judgment of my Soul, you arc 
 A Man fo abfolute, and circular 
 In all thofe wilh'd-for Rarities, that may take 
 A Virgin captive, that, though at this Inftant 
 All fcepter'd Monarchs of our Weftern World 
 Were Rivals with you, andCamiola worthy 
 Of fuch a Competition, you alone 
 Should wear the Garland. 
 
 Bert. If fo, what diverts 
 Your Favour from me ? 
 
 Camiola. No Mulct in yourfelf ; 
 Or in your Perfbn, Mind, or Fortune. 
 
 Bert. What then ? 
 
 Camiola. The Confcioufnefs of mine own Wants. 
 
 Alas ! Sir, 5 
 
 We are not Parallels ; but, like Lines divided, 
 Can ne'er meet in one Center. Your Birth, Sir, 
 (Without Addition) were an ample Dowry 
 For one of fairer Fortunes ; and this Shape, 
 Were you ignoble, far above all Value : 
 To this fo clear a Mind, fo furnifh'd with 
 Harmonious Faculties, moulded from Heaven, 
 That, though you were Therfites in your Features, 
 Of no Defcent, and Irus in your Fortunes, 
 UlyJJes like, you'd force all Eyes and Ears 
 To love, but feen , and, when heard, wonder at 
 Your matchlefs Story. But, all thefe bound up 
 Together in one Volume, give me Leave 
 With Admiration to look upon 'em 5 
 But not prefume, in my own flatt'ring Hopes, 
 1 may, or can, enjoy 'em. 
 
 Alas! Sir, 
 
 We are not Paralltls ; but, like Lines divided* 
 Can ne'er meet in one Center. 
 
 This feems badly exprefled. Parallels are the only Lines that 
 cannot meet in a Center ; for all Lines divided with any Angle to- 
 wards each other, muft meet fomewhere, if continued both Ways. 
 
 Bert,
 
 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 385 
 
 Bert. How you ruin 
 
 Vv'hat you would fee m to build up ! I know no 
 Di (parity between us , you're an Heir 
 Sprung from noble Family ; fair, rich, young, 
 And ev'ry Way my Equal. 
 
 Camiola. Sir, excule me, 6 
 One airy with Proportion, ne'er difclofes 
 The Eagle and the Wren : Tifllie and Prize, 
 In the fame Garment, monftrous : But, fuppofe 
 That what's in you exceffive, were diminim'd, 
 And my Defert fupply'd, the ftrongeft Bar, 
 Religion, Hops our Entrance. You are, Sir, 
 A Knight of Malta, by your Order bound 
 To a fingle Life : You cannot marry me ; 
 And, I allure myfelf, you are too noble 
 To feek me (though my Frailty mould confent) 
 In a bafe Path. 
 
 Bert. A Difpenfation, Lady, 
 Will eafily abfolve me. 
 
 Camiola. O take heed, Sir ! , 
 When what is vow'd to Heav'n is difpens'd with, 
 To ferve our Ends on Earth, a Curfe muft follow, 
 And not a Bleffing. 
 
 Bert. Is there no Hope left me ? 
 
 Camiola. Nor to myfelf, but is a Neighbour to 
 Irnpoffibility. True Love mould walk 
 On equal Feet , in us it does not, Sir. 
 But reft aflur'd, excepting this, I (hall be 
 Devoted to your Service. 
 
 fxcufe me, 
 
 Ore airy ivitb Prcportisn ncer difchfes 
 
 The Eagle and the Wren. 
 
 This Pafiage is forr.ewhat difficult. Camiola is {hewing how nn- 
 likely it was, that Bertoldo (hould Condefcend to marry her, becaufe 
 of the Difparity of their Birth ; and (he fays, " One who k puffed 
 up with an high Opinion of bis own Birth, and the Equality there 
 ought to bs in Marriages : Or.e dry <witb Proportion will never ftoop 
 fo low, as Birto/do rnuft to marry her: The Eagle might as well 
 vouchfafe to court the Wren." 
 
 VOL. II. B b
 
 386 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 
 
 Bert. And this is your 
 Determinate Sentence ? 
 
 Camiola. Not to be revok'd. 
 
 Bert. Farewel, then, faireft Cruel ! All Thoughts in 
 Of Women perifh ! Let the glorious Light [me 
 
 Of noble War extinguifli Love's dJvine ' aper, 
 That only lends me Light to fee my Folly ! 
 Honour, be thou my ever living Miftreis, 
 And fond Affection as thy Bond- (lave ferve thee \ 
 
 [Exit Bertoldo. 
 
 Camiola. How foon my Sun is fet ! He being abfent, 
 Never to rife again ! What a fierce Battle 
 Is fought between my Paffions ! Methinks 
 We mould have kifs'd at Parting. 
 
 Sylli. I perceive 
 
 He has his Anfwer. Now muft I ftep in 
 To comfort her. You have found, I hope, fweet Lady 
 Some Difference between a Youth of my Pitch, 
 And this Bug-bear Bertoldo. Men are Men, 
 The King's Brother is no more : Good Parts will do it,. 
 When Titles fail. Defpairnotj I may be 
 In Time entreated. 
 
 Camiola. Be fo now, to leave me. 
 Lights for my Chamber. O my Heart ! 
 
 [Exeunt Camiola and Clarinda. 
 
 Sylli. She now, 
 
 I know, is going to Bed to ruminate 
 Which Way to glut herfelf upon my Perfon , 
 But, for my Oath-fake, I will keep her hungry ; 
 And, to grow full myfelf, I'll ftrait to Supper. 
 
 [Exit. 
 ffa. End of the Firjl Att. 
 
 ACT
 
 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 387 
 
 A C T II. S C E N E I. 
 
 The Palace at Palermo. 
 Roberto, Fulgentio, Aftutio. 
 
 Rober. TpMbarq'd To-night, do you fay ? 
 PJ Fulgen. I faw him aboard, Sir. 
 
 Rober. And without taking of his Leave ? 
 
 Aftutio. 'Twas ftrange ! 
 
 Rober. Are we grown fo contemptible ? 
 
 Fulgen. 'Tis far from me, Sir, to add Fuel to your 
 
 Anger, 
 
 That in your ill Opinion of him burns 
 Too hot already , elfe, I fhould affirm 
 It was a grofs Neglect. 
 
 Rober. A wilful Scorn 
 Of Duty and Allegiance ; you give it 
 Too fair a Name. But we fhall think on't. Can you 
 Guefs what the Numbers were that followed him 
 In his defperate Action ? 
 
 Fulgen. More than you think, Sir. 
 All ill-affected Spirits in Palermo, 
 Or to your Government, or Perfon, with 
 The turbulent Sword-men , fuch, whofe Poverty forc'd 
 To wim a Change, are gone along with him ; ['em 
 Creatures devoted to his UnHrtakings, 
 In Right or Wrong, and, to exprefs their Zeal, 
 And Readinefs to ferve him, ere they went, 
 Prophanely took the Sacrament on their Knees, 
 To live and die with him. 
 
 Rober. O moft impious ! 
 Their Loyalty to us forgot ? 
 
 Fulgen. I fear fo. 
 
 Aftutio. Unthankful as they are ! 
 
 Fulgen. Yet this deferves not 
 B b 2
 
 3 88 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 
 
 One troubled Thought in you, Sir ; with your Pardon 
 I hold that their Remove from hence makes more 
 For your Security, than Danger. 
 
 Rober. True ; 
 
 And, as Fil fafhion it, they Cball feel it too. 
 Aftutio, you (ball preiendy be difpatch'd 
 With Letters writ, and fign'd with our own Hand, 
 To the Dutchefs of Siena, in Excufe 
 Of thefe Forces fent againft her. , If you (pare 
 An Oath to give it Credit, that we never 
 Confented to it, fwearing for the King, 
 Though falfe, it is no Perjury. 
 
 Aftutio. I know it. 
 
 They are not fit to be State Agents, Sir, 
 That> without Scruple of their Confcience cannot 
 Be prodigal in fuch Trifles. 
 
 Fulgen. Right, Aftutio. 
 
 Rober. You muft, befide, from us take fome In- 
 
 ftructions, 
 
 To be imparted, as you judge 'ern ufeful, 
 To the General Gonzaga. Inftantly 
 Prepare you for your Journey. 
 
 Aftutio. With the Wings 
 Of Loyalty and Duty \_Exii Aft uric. 
 
 Fulgen. I am bold to put your Majefty in Mind 
 
 Rober. Of my Promife, 
 
 And Aids, to further you in your am'rous Project 
 To the fair and rich Camiala : There's my Ring j 
 Whatever you (hall fay that I intreat, 
 Or can command by Pow'r, I will make good. 
 
 Fulgen. -Ever your Majefty's Creature. 
 
 Rober. Venus prove propitious to you ! 
 
 [Exit Roberto, 
 
 Fulgen. All forts to my Wifhes . 
 Bertoldo was my Hindrance. He remov'd, 
 I now will court her in the Conqu'ror's Stile ; 
 " Come, fee, and overcome."' Boy ! 
 
 Enter
 
 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 389 
 
 Enter Pc.ge. 
 
 Page. Sir, your Plcafure ! 
 
 Fu'gen. Halle to Camiola ; bid her prepare 
 An Entertainment fuitable to a Fortune 
 She could not hope for. Tell her, I vouchfafe 
 To honour her with a Vifit. 
 
 Page. 'Tis a Favour 
 Will make her proud. 
 
 Fulgtn. I know it. 
 
 Pc.ge. I am gone, -Sir. [Exit Page. 
 
 Fulgen. Entreaties fit not me ; a Man in Grace 
 May challenge Awe, and Privilege, by his Place. 
 
 {Exit Fulgentio. 
 
 SCENE II. 
 
 Camiola'j Houfe. 
 Sylli, Adorni, Clarinda. 
 
 Adorni. So melancholick, fay you ? 
 
 Clar. Never given 
 To fuch Retirement. 
 
 Adorni. Can 'you guefs the Caufe ? 
 
 Clar. If it hath not its Birth, and Being, from 
 The brave Bertoldo's Abfence, I confefs 
 'Tis pad my Apprehenfion. 
 
 Sylli. You are wide ; 
 
 The whole Field wide. I, in my Underftanding, 
 Pity your Ignorance. Yet, if you will 
 Swear to conceal it, I will let you know 
 Where her Shoe wrings her. 
 
 Clar. I vow, Signior, 
 By my Virginity. 
 
 Sylli. A perilous Oath, 
 
 In a Waiting- Woman of Fifteen ! and is, indeed, 
 A Kind of Nothing. 
 
 Adorni. I'll take one of Something, 
 
 B b 3 .If
 
 S9 o THE MAID OF HONOUR. 
 
 If you pleafe to minifter it. 
 
 Sylli. Nay, you fhall not fwear : 
 I had rather take your Word ; for, mould you vow, 
 Damn me, I'll do this, you are lure to break. 
 
 Adorni. I thank you, Signior , butrefoive us 
 
 Sylli. Know, then, 
 
 Here walks the Caufe. She dares not look upon me ; 
 My Beauties are fb terrible, and enchanting, 
 She can't endure my Sight. 
 
 Adcrni. There I believe you. 
 
 Sylli. But the Time will come (be comforted) when 
 
 I will 
 
 Put off this Vizor of Unkindnefs to her, 
 And mew an amorous and yielding Face : 
 And, until then, though Hercules himfelf 
 Defire to fee her, he had better eat 
 His Club tl an pals her Threlhold j for I'll be 
 Her Cerberus to guard her, 
 
 Adorni. A good Dog ! 
 
 Clar, Worth twenty Porters. 
 
 Enter Page. 
 
 Page. Keep you Open Houfe, here ? 
 NO Groom t' attend a Gentleman ? O, I-fpy one. 
 
 Sylli. He means not me, I am fure. 
 
 Page. You, Sirrah ! Sheep's-head, 
 With a Face cut on a Cat-flick, Do you hear ? 
 You Yeoman-Phewterer, 7 conduct me to 
 The Lady of the Manfion ; or my Poignard 
 Shall difembogue thy Soul. 
 
 Syti. O terrible ! 
 
 Dilembogue ? I talk'd of Hercules, and here is one 
 Bound up in decimo-fexto. 
 
 Page. Anfwer, Wretch, 
 
 7 You, Teomstv-Phewtircr, i. e. You Journeyman. - In the Plfiure, 
 Aft 5. ^cene i. we find the fame Exp;effion varied: It is there 
 Ttoman Pbentcnr* 
 
 Sylli.
 
 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 391 
 
 Sytti. Pray you, littJe Gentleman, be not fo furious ; 
 The Lady keeps her Chamber. 
 
 Page. And we prefcnt ? 
 Sent in an Embafly to her ? But here is 
 Her Gentlewoman, Sirrah ! hold my Cloak, 
 While I take a Leap at her Lips. Do it and neatly; 
 Or having firil tripp'd up thy Heels, I'll make 
 Thy Back my Footflool. [_P a g e ki/es Clarinda. 
 
 SyllL Tamerlane in little! 
 Am I turn'd Turk ? What an Office am I put to ! 
 
 Clar. My Lady, gentle Yourh, is indifpos'd. 
 
 Page. Though (he were dead and buried, only tell her, 
 The great Man in the Court, the brave Fulgentio, 
 Defcends to vifit her, and it will raife her 
 Out of die Grave for Joy. 
 
 Enter Fulgentio. 
 
 Sytti. Here comes another ! 
 The Devil, I fear in his Holiday Cloaths. 
 
 Page. So foon ! 
 
 My Part is at an End then. Cover my Shoulders ; 
 When I grow great, thou (halt ferve me. 
 
 _ Fulgen. Are you, Sirrah, 
 An Implement of the Houfe ? 
 
 Sylli. Sure he will make 
 A Joint- (tool of me ! 
 
 Fulgen. Or, if you belong 
 To the Lady of the Place, command her hither. 
 
 Adorni. I do not wear her Livery ; yet acknowledge 
 A Duty to her. And as little bound 
 To ferve your peremptory Will, as fhe is 
 To obey your Summons. 'Twill become you, Sir, 
 To wait her Leifure ; then, her Pleafure known, 
 You may prefent your Duty. 
 
 Fulgen. Duty, Slave ? 
 I'll teach you Manners. 
 
 Adorni. I'm paft Learning-, make not 
 A Tumult in the Houfe. 
 
 B b 4 Fulgen,
 
 392 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 
 
 Fulgen. Shall I be brav'd thiis ? [fl'hey 
 
 Sylli. O I am dead ! and now I fwoon. 
 Clar. Help ! Murther ! [Fails on bis Face, 
 
 Page. Recover, Sirrah! the Lady's here. 
 
 Enter Camiola. 
 
 SylU. Nay, then 
 I am alive again, and I'll be valiant. 
 
 Camiola. Yv hat Inlblence is this ? Adorni Hold, 
 Hold, I command you. 
 Fulgen. Saucy Griom! 
 Cawiola. Not fo, Sir ; 
 However, in his Life, he had Dependance 
 Upon my Father ; he is a Gentleman 
 As well born as yourfelf. Put on your Hat. 
 Fulgen. In my Prefence, without Leave ? 
 Sylli. He has mine, Madam ? 
 
 Camiola. And 1 muft tell you, Sir, and in plain Lan- 
 guage, 
 
 Howe'er your glittering Outfide promife Gentry, 
 The Rudcnefs of your Carriage and Behaviour 
 Speaks you a coarfer Thing. 
 
 Sylli. She means a Clown, Sir : 
 I am her Interpreter, for want of a better. 
 
 Camiola. I am a Queen in mine own Houfe , nor muft 
 
 you 
 Expedl an Empire here. 
 
 Sylli. Sure, I muft love her 
 Before the Day, the pretty Soul's fo valiant. 
 
 Camiola. What are you? And what would you with 
 
 me? 
 
 Fulgen. Proud one, 
 
 "When you know what I am, and what I came for, 
 And may, on your Submifilon, proceed fo, 
 You in your Reafon muft repent the Coarfenefs 
 Of my Entertainment. 
 
 Camiola. Why fine Man, what are you ? 
 
 Fulgen.
 
 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 393 
 
 Fulgen. A Kinfman of the King's. 
 Camiola. I cry you Mercy ! 
 
 For his Sake, not your own. But, grant you are fo, 
 * i'is not impoffible, but a King may have 
 A Fool to's Kinfman, no Way meaning you, Sir. 
 Fulgen. You have heard of Fulgentio. 
 Camicla. Long fince, Sir; 
 A Suit-broker in Court. He has the worft 
 Report, among good Men, I ever heard of, 
 For Bribery and Extortion : In their Prayers 
 Widows and Orphans curfe him for a Canker 
 And Caterpiller in the State. I hope, Sir, 
 You're not the Man \ much lefs employ'd by him 
 As a Smock-agent to me. 
 
 Fulgen. I reply not 
 
 As you deferve, being afiur'd you know me, 
 Pretending Ignorance of my Perfon, only 
 To give me a Tafte of your Wit: 'Tis well and courtly, 
 I like a fharp Wit well. 
 
 Sylli, I can't endure it ! 
 Nor any of the Syllies. 
 
 Fulgen. More I know too, 
 This harm Induction muft ferve as a Foil 
 To the well-tun'd Obfervance and Refpect 
 You will hereafter pay me, being made 
 Familiar with my Credit with the King, 
 And that contain your Joy I deign to love you. 
 Camiola. Love me ? 1 am not rap'd with't. 
 Fulgen. Hear't again. 
 I love you honeftly Now you admire me. 
 
 Camiola. I do, indeeed, it being a Word fo feldom 
 Heard from a Courtier's Mouth, But, pray you, deal 
 
 plainly, 
 
 Since you find me fimple, what might be the Motives 
 Inducing you to leave the Freedom of 
 A Batchelor's Life, on your foft Neck to wear, 
 The ftubborn Yoke of Marriage ? And, of all 
 The Beauties in Palermo, to choofe me, 
 Poor me ? That is the main Point you muft treat of. 
 
 Fulgen.
 
 394 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 
 
 Fulgen. Why, I will tell you. Of a little Thing 
 You are a pretty Piece, indifferently fair too , 
 And like a new rigg'd Ship both tight, and y'are 
 Well trufs'd to bear. Virgins of Giant Size 
 Are Sluggards at the Sport : But, for my Pleafure, 
 Give me a neat well-timber'd Gamefter like you ; 
 Such need no Spurs, the Quicknefs of your Eye 
 Allures an active Spirit. 
 
 Camiola. You're pleafant, Sir -, 
 Yet I prefume that there was one Thing in me 
 Unmention'd yet, that took you more than all 
 Thofe Parts you have remember'd. 
 
 Fulgen. What? 
 
 Camiola. My Wealth, Sir. 
 
 Fulgen. You are i'th' right; without that, Beauty is 1 
 A Flowjer \vorn in the Morning, at Night trod on : 
 But, Beauty, Youth, and Fortune meeting in you, 
 I will vouchfafe to marry you. 
 
 Camiola. You fpeak well ; 
 And, in Return, excufe me, Sir, if I 
 Deliver Reafons why, upon no Terms, 
 I'll marry you -, I fable not. 
 
 Sylli. I'm glad 
 To hear this ; I began to have an Ague. [Aftde. 
 
 Fulgen. Come, your wife Reafons. 
 
 Camiola. Such as they are, pray you, take them. 
 Firft, 1 a,m doubtful whether you are a Man, 
 Since, for your Shape trim'd up in a Lady's Dreffing, 
 You might pafs for a Woman : Now I love 
 To deal on Certainties, And, for the Fairnefs 
 Of your Complexion, which you think will take me, 
 The Colour, I muft tell you, in a Man 
 Is weak and faint, and never will hold out 
 If -put to Labour. Give me the lovely brown. 
 
 8 Beauty is 
 
 A FUtxer ivorn in the Morning, at Night trod on. 
 This Thought is happily cxprsfs'd by Mr. Gay in the fixth Air of 
 r'i Opera. 
 
 Aft i. Scene 7. 
 A
 
 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 395 
 
 A thick curl'd Hair of the fame Dye ; broad Shoulders ; 
 A brawny Arm full of Veins , a Leg without 
 An artificial Calf-, I fufpect yours ; 
 B.it let that pafs. 
 
 Sylli. She means me, all this while, 
 For I have every one of thofe good Parts, 
 
 Sylli! fortunate Sylli! 
 Camiola. You are mov'd, Sir. 
 Fulgen. Fie! no; goon. 
 
 Camiola. Then, as you are a Courtier, 
 A grac'd one too, I fear you have been too forward : 
 And fo much for your Ferfon. Rich you are, 
 Devilifh rich, as 'tis reported, and fure have 
 The Aids of Satan's little Fiends to get it -, 
 And what is got upon his Back, mull be 
 Spent you know where ; the Proverb's ftale. One Word 
 
 more, 
 And I have done. 
 
 Fulgen. I'll eafe you of the Trouble, 
 Coy, and difdainful. 
 
 Camiola. Save me, or elfe he'Jl beat me. 
 
 Fulgen. No, your own Folly fliall ; and, flnce you 
 
 put me 
 To my laft Charm, look upon this, and tremble. 
 
 [Shews the King's Ring. 
 
 Camiola. At the Sight of a fair Ring ? The King's, I 
 take it : 
 
 1 have feen him wear the like : If he hath fent it 
 As a Favour to me 
 
 Fulgen. Yes, 'tis very likely ; 
 His dying Mother's Gift, priz'd at his Crown. 
 By this he does command you to be mine -, 
 By his Gift you are fo : You may, yet, redeem all. 
 
 Camiola. You are in a wrong Account (till. Though 
 
 the King may 
 
 Difyofe of my Life and Goods, my Mind's mine own, 
 And never mall be your's. The King (Heav'n blefs him !) 
 Is good and gracious, and, being in himfelf 
 Abftemious from bafe and goatifh Locfenefs, 
 
 \Vill
 
 396 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 
 
 Will not compel, againft their Wills, chafte Maidens, 
 To dance in his Minion's Circles. I believe, 
 Forgetting it, when he wafh'd his Hands, you Mole it 
 With an Intent to awe me. But you are cozen'd ; 
 I'm ftill myfelf, and will be. 
 
 Fulgen. A proud Haggard, 
 
 And not to be reclaim'd ! Which of your Grooms, 
 Your Coachman, Fool, or Footman, Minifters 
 Night-phyfick to you ? 
 
 Camiola. You're foul-mouth'd, 
 
 Fulgen. Much fairer 
 Than thy black Soul ; and fo I will proclaim thee. 
 
 Camiola. Were I a Man, thou durft not fpeak this. 
 
 Fulgen. Heaven 
 
 So profper me, as I refolve to do it 
 To all Men, and in every Place, fcorn'd by 
 A Tit of Ten-pence? [Exit Fulgentio and bis Page. 
 
 Sylli. Now I begin to be valiant : 
 Nay, I will draw my Sword. O for a Butcher ! 9 
 Do a Friend's Part ; 'Pray you, carry him the Length 
 
 oft. 
 
 I give him three Years and a Day, to match my Toledo; 
 And then we'll fight life Dragons. 
 
 Adorni. Pray, have Patience. 
 
 Camiola. I may live to have Vengeance : My Bertoldo 
 Would not have heard this. 
 
 Adorni. Madam. 
 
 Camiola. 'Pray you, fpare 
 Your Language ; Pr'thee Fool, make me merry : 
 
 Sylli. That is my Office, ever. 
 
 9 O for a Butcher ! 
 
 Do a friends Part, Sec. 
 
 This is a true Pifture of a Fop. He is here drawn in his proper 
 Features A Coward. Nothing could be more abjectly fearful, than 
 this our Bravado, when in Danger : But, now his Enemy is gone, he 
 fwaggers about moft courageoufly. Now I begin :o be valiant ; nay, I 
 will draw my Sword. Ofor.a Butcher ! The bloody cruel Temper of 
 one : He wifhes he could aft like one of them. Then turning to 
 Adorni with the fame intrepid Refolution, he fays, Do a Friend's Part ; 
 frayjou, carry him the Length o/'t, &c. 
 
 Adorni.
 
 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 397 
 
 Adorni. I mult do, 
 
 Not talkj this glorious Gallant mall hear from me. " 
 
 [Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE III. 
 
 The Caftle at Siena. 
 
 The Chambers difcbarg'd. A Flcurijh, as to an Affault. 
 Gonzaga, Pierio, Roderigo, Jacomo, Soldiers. 
 
 Gonz. T S the Breach made aflaultable ? 
 Pierio. J[ Yes, and the Moat 
 Fill'd up -, the Cannoneer hath done his Parts, 
 We may enter fix a-breaft. 
 
 Roder. There's not a Man 
 Dares (hew himfelf upon the Wall. 
 
 Jacomo. Defeat not 
 The Soldiers hoped-for Spoil. 
 
 Pierio. It you, Sir, 
 
 Delay the Aflault, and the City be given up 
 To your Difcretion, you in Honour cannot 
 Ufe the Extremity of War, but, in 
 Compaffion to 'em, you to us prove cruel. 
 
 Jacomo. And an Enemy to yourfelf. 
 
 Roder. A Hindrance to 
 The brave Revenge you've vow'd. 
 
 Gonz. Temper your Heat, 
 And lofe not, by too fucTden Rafhnefs, that 
 Which, be but Patient, will be offer'd to you. 
 Security ufhers Ruin ; proud Contempt 
 Of an Enemy, three Parts vanquilh'd, with Defire 
 
 10 The foregoing Scene we ftill find is a perfeft Reprefentation of 
 the Infolence of Oftce. Power inebriates. But few have Strength to 
 bear r. It turns the Heads of che many, and makes them think their 
 Sration is a Protection for whatever thev fay or do. They have a cer- 
 tain Self-iufficiency that bears them out in every Thing ; even like 
 :i!gcntio againlt good Manners and Virtue : They think like him that 
 whatever their Soul luiteth after they can attain it ; that there is KO 
 Man tLfj cannot Lribt and no Woman they caniot lie ou'.'/' 1 . 
 
 And
 
 398 THE MAID OF HONOUR, 
 
 And Greedinefsof Spoil, hath often wrefted 
 A certain Victory from the Conqu'ror's Gripe. 
 Discretion is the Tutor of the War, 
 Valour the Pupil ; and, when we command 
 With Lenity, and our Direction's follow'd 
 With Chearfulnefs, a profp'rous End mud crown 
 Our Works well undertaken. 
 
 Roder. Ours are finilh'd. 
 
 Pierio. If we make Ufe of Fortune. 
 
 Gonz. Her falfe Smiles 
 
 Deprive you of your Judgments. The Condition 
 Of our Affairs exacts a double Care, 
 And like bifronted Jams, we mud look 
 Backward, as forward. Though a flatt'ring Calm 
 Bids us urge on, a fudden Tempeft rais'd, 
 Not fear'd, much lefs expected, in our Rear 
 May foully fall upon us, anddiftract us 
 To our Confufion. 
 
 Enter Scout. 
 
 Our Scout ! what brings 
 
 Thy ghaftly Looks, and fudden Speed ? 
 
 Scout. Th* AiTurance 
 Of a new Enemy. 
 
 Gonz. This I fcre-faw, and fear'd. 
 W T hat are they ? Know'ft thou ? 
 
 Scouf. They are, by their Colours, 
 Sicilians, bravely mounted, and the Brightnefs 
 Of their rich Armours doubly gilded with 
 Reflection of the Sun. 
 
 Gonz. From Sicily ? 
 
 The King in League ! No War proclaim ! 'Tis foul: 
 But this muft be prevented, nor difputed. 
 Ha ! how is this ? Your Oftrich plumes, that, but 
 E'n now, like Quills of Porcupines feem'd to threaten 
 The Stars, drop at the Rumour of a Shower ? 
 And like to captive Colours fweep the Earth ? 
 Bear up ; but, in great Dangers, greater Minds 
 
 Are
 
 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 399 
 
 Are never proud. Shall a few loofe Troops, untrain'd 
 But in a cuftomary Oftentation 
 Prcfented as a Sacrifice to your Valours, 
 Caufe a Dejection in you ? 
 
 Pierio. No Dejection. 
 
 Roder. However ilartl'd, where you lead, we'll follow. 
 
 Gonz. 'Tis bravely faid. We will not flay their Charge, 
 But meet 'em Man to Man, and Horfe to Horfe. 
 Pierio^ in our Abience hold our Place, 
 And with our Footmen, and thofe fickly Troops, 
 Prevent a Sally. I in mine own Perfon, 
 With part of the Cavalry, will bid 
 Thefe Hunters welcome to a bloody Breakfaft : 
 But I lofe Time. 
 
 Pierio. I'll to my Charge. [Exit Pierio, 
 
 Gonz. And we 
 To ours : I'll bring you on. 
 
 Jacomo. If we come off, 
 It's not amifs ; if not, my 'State is feftl'd. 
 
 [Exeunt* Alarm. 
 
 SCENE IV. 
 
 Siena. 
 Ferdinand, Drufo, Livio above. 
 
 Ferd. No Aids from Sicily ? Hath Hope forfook us ? 
 And that vain Comfort to Affliction, Pity, 
 By our vow'd Friend, deny'd us ? We cun nor live, 
 Nor die, with Honour : Like Beafts in a Toil 
 We wait the Leifure of the bloody Hunter, 
 Who is not fo far reconcil'd unto us, 
 As in one Death to give a Period 
 To our Calamities , but, in delaying 
 The Fate we cannot fly from, ftarv'd with Wants, 
 We die this Night, to live again To-morro,v, 
 And fuffer greater Torments. 
 
 Drufo. There is not 
 
 Three Day's Provision for every Soldier, 
 At an Ounce of Bread a Day, left in the City. 
 
 Lh.
 
 400 THEMAIDOFHONOUR. 
 
 Liv. To die the Beggar's Death, with Hunger made 
 Anatomies while we live, cannot but crack 
 Our Heart-firings with Vexation. 
 
 Ferd. Would they would break, 
 Break altogether ! How willingly, like Cato, " 
 Could I tear out my Bowels, rather than 
 Look on the Conqueror's infultins; Face ; 
 But that Religion, and the horrid Dream 
 To be fufFer'd in th' other World, denies it. 
 What News with thee ? 
 
 Enter Soldier. 
 
 Sold. From the Turret of the Fort, 
 By the rifing Clouds of Duft, through which, like Light- 
 ning 
 
 The Splendour of bright Arms fometimes break through, 
 I did defcry fome Forces making towards us ; 
 And, from the Camp, as emulous of their Glory, 
 The General, (for I know him by his Horfe) 
 And bravely feconded, encounter'd 'em. 
 Their Greetings were too rough for Friends ; their Swords, 
 And not their Tongues, exchanging Courtefies. 
 By this the main Battalias are join'd ; 
 And, if you pleaie to be Spectators of 
 The horrid Ifitie, I will bring you where, 
 As in a Theatre, you may lee their Fates 
 In purple Gore prelented. 
 
 1 * Hvx wittingly, like Cato, 
 
 Could 1, &c. 
 
 Ferdinand in the midft of his Misfortunes, could willingly murder 
 himfe'f like Cat: ; but that he \vas retrained by Religion. Shaxefytar 
 makes liami.t reafon in the fame Manner: And, indeed, nothing can 
 fupport a refolute Mind labouring under Afflictions without any Hope 
 of Relief, and .make h^m bear them rather than put an End to them, 
 but the Thoughts of an hereafter The Thoughts of running into 
 greater and more lading Miferies, to avoid lefTer. Pity but Cato could 
 have reafoned and afted like Frrdiuand and Hamlet: He vould have 
 been not lefs a Patriot the more a Hero; and would then have bet- 
 ter deferved to be prefented upon an Englfo Stage. 
 
 Ferd.
 
 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 401 
 
 Ferd. Heav'n, if yet 
 
 Tho art appeas'd for my Wrong done to Aurelia^ 
 Take Pity of my Miferies ! Lead the Way, Friend. 
 
 [Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE V. 
 
 Before the Caftk of Siena. 
 
 A long Charge, after a Flourijh for ViRory. 
 
 Gonzaga, Jacomo, Roderigo wounded. Bertoldo, Gaf- 
 paro, Anthonio, Prifoners. 
 
 Gonz. We have 'em yet, though they cod us dear. 
 
 This was 
 
 Charg'd home, and bravely follow'd. Be to yourfelves 
 True Mirrors to each other's -Worth ; and, looking 
 With noble Emulation on his Wounds 
 (The glorious Liv'ry of triumphant war) 
 
 [To Jacomo and Roderigo. 
 Imagine thefe with equal Grace appear 
 Upon yourfelf. The bloody Sweat youVe fuffer'd 
 In this laborious, nay, toilfome Harveft, 
 Yields a rich Crop of Conqueft, and the Spoil, 
 Mofl precious Balfam to a Soldier's Hurts, 
 Will eafe and cure 'em. Let me look upon 
 
 [To Gafparo and Anthonio. 
 
 The Prifoners Faces. Oh, how much transform 'd 
 From what they were ! O Mars ! were thefe Toys fa- 
 
 fhion'd 
 
 To undergo the Burthen of thy Service ? 
 The Weight of their defenfive Armour bruis'd 
 Their weak, effem'n ate Limbs, and would have forc'd 'em 
 In a hot day without a Blow to yield. 
 
 Anth. This Infultation fhews not manly in you. 
 
 Gonz. To men I had forborn it ; you are Women, 
 Or, at the beft, loole Carpet-knights. What Fury 
 Seduc'd you to exchange your Eafe in Court 
 For Labour in the Field ? Perhaps, you thought 
 
 VOL. II. C c To
 
 402 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 
 
 To charge, through Duft and Blood, an armed Foe, 
 
 Was but like graceful running at the Ring 
 
 For a wanton Mift.efs' Glove, and the Encounter 
 
 A foft Impreffion on her Lips. But you 
 
 Are gaudy Butterflies, and I wrong myfelf 
 
 In pari'mg with you. 
 
 Gafp. V<e vittisl now we prove it. 
 
 Roder. But here's one falhion'd in another Mould, 
 And made of tougher Metal. 
 
 Gonz. True ; I owe him 
 For this Wound bravely given. 
 
 Bert. O that Mountains 
 Were heap'd upon me, that I might expire 
 A Wretch no more remember'd ! 
 
 Gonz. Look up, Sir. 
 
 To be o'ercome deferves no Shame. If you 
 Had fal'n inglorioufly, or could accule 
 Your want of Courage in Refiftance, 'twere 
 To be lamented : But, ilnce you perform'd 
 As much as could be hop'd for from a Man x 
 (Fortune his Enemy) you wrong yourfelf 
 In this Dejection. I am honour'd in 
 My Victory o'er you ; but to have thefe 
 My Prifoners, is, in my true Judgment, rather 
 Captivity than a triumph. You mail find 
 Fair Quarter from me, and your many Wounds 
 (Which 1 hope are not mortal) with fuchCare 
 Look'd to, and cur'd, as if your neareil Friend 
 Attended on you. 
 
 Bert. When you know me better, 
 You will make void this Promife : Can you call me 
 Into your Memory ? 
 
 Gonz. The brave Bertoldo / 
 A Brother of our Order ! by St. John* 
 (Our holy Patron)! am moreamaz'd, 
 Nay, thunderftruck, with thy Apoflacy, 
 And Precipice from the moft folemn Vows 
 Made unto Heaven, when this, the glorious Badge 
 Of our Redeemer was conferr'd upon thee 
 
 By
 
 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 403 
 
 By the great Matter, then if I had feen 
 
 2\ reprobate Jew, an Atheift, Turk, or Tartar 
 
 Baptiz'd in our Religion. 
 
 Bert. This I look'd for, 
 And am refolv'd to fuffer. 
 
 Gonz. Fellow-Soldiers, 
 
 Behold this Man, and, taught by his Example, 1 
 Know that, 'tis fafer far to play with Lightning, 
 Than trifle in Things facred. In my Rage. 
 I fhed thefe at the Funeral of his Virtue, 
 Faith and Religion why, I will tell you ; 
 He was a Gentleman, fo trained up, and fafhion'd 
 F\>r noble Ufes, and his Youth didPromife 
 Such Certainties, more than Hopes, of great Atchieve- 
 
 ments, 
 
 As, if the Chriftian World had ftood oppos'd 
 Againft the Ottoman Race to try the Fortune 
 Of one Encounter, this Bertoldo had been, 
 For his Knowledge to direct, and matchlefs Courage 
 To execute, without a Rival, by 
 The Votes of good Men chofen General,. 
 As the prime Soldier, and moft deferving, 
 Of all that wear the Crofs ; which now, in Juftice, 
 I thus tear from him, 
 
 Bert. Let me die with it 
 LTpon my Bread. 
 
 Gonz. No ; by this, thou wert fworn 
 On all Occafions, as a Knight, to guard 
 Weak Ladies from Oppreflion, and never 
 To draw thy Sword againft 'em ; whereas thou, 
 In Hope of Gain or Glory, when a Princefs, 
 And fuch a Princefs as Aurelia is, 
 Was difpoffefs'd by Violence, of what was 
 Her true Inheritance, againft thine Oath, 
 Hafte to thy uttermoft labour'd to uphold 
 Fler falling'Enemy. But thou (halt pay 
 A heavy Forfeiture, and learn too late, 
 
 C c 2 Valour,
 
 404 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 
 
 Valour, employ 'd in an ill Quarrel, turns li 
 
 To Cowardice, and Virtue then puts on 
 
 Foul Vice's Vizard. This is that which cancels 
 
 All Friendfhip's Bands between us. Bear 'em off-, 
 
 (I will hear no Reply) and let the Ranfom 
 
 Of thefe, for they are yours, be highly rated. 
 
 In this I dio but right, and let it be 
 
 Stil'd Juftice, and not wilful Cruelty. [Exeunt. 
 
 The End of the Second Att. 
 
 ACT HI. SCENE I. 
 
 Before the Walls of Siena. 
 Gonz-aga, Aftutio, Roderigo^ Jacorao. 
 
 Gonz. "TT THAT I have done, Sir, by the Law of 
 
 W Arms 
 
 I can, and will, make good. 
 
 Aftutio, I've no Comrniffion 
 To expoftulate the Ad. Thefe Letters fpeak 
 The King my Matter's Love to you, and his 
 Vow'd Service to the Dutchefs, on whole Perfon 
 I am to give Attendance. 
 
 Gonz. At this Inftant, 
 
 She's at Pienza.: You may fpare the Trouble 
 Of riding thither ; I, have advertized her 
 Of our Succefs, and on what humble Terms 
 Siena ftands : Though preiently I can 
 PofTefs it, I defer it, that ihe may 
 
 an ill Quarrel, turns 
 To Cowardice, &C. 
 
 The Greeks and Romqns were fo fond of this Thought, that they 
 have adopted it into their Languages, and made the fame Word Hand 
 for Valour and the right Ufe of it. 'Apeljj is Courage and Virtue. So 
 in Latin. But the Greskt.zn&Romanf are no longer imitated ! 
 
 Enter
 
 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 405 
 
 Enter her own, and, as (he pieafe, difpofe of 
 The Prifoners and the SpoiL 
 
 Aftutio. \ thank you, Sir. 
 I' the mean Time, if I may have your Licence, 
 T have a Nephew, and one once my Ward ; 
 For whole Liberties and Ranfoms, I would gladly 
 Make Compofition. 
 
 Gonz. They are, as I take it, 
 Cali'd Gafparo and Anthcmo? 
 
 Aftutio. The fame, Sir. 
 
 Gonz. For them you muil treat with thefe : But, for 
 
 Betoldo, 
 
 He is- mine own : If the King will ranforh him, 
 He pays down fifty thoufand Crowns ; if ndt, 
 He lives and dies my -lave, 
 
 Aftutio. Pray you' a Word 
 
 The King will rather thank you to detain him, 
 Than give one crown to free him. 
 
 Gonz. At his Fleafure. 
 
 I'll fend the Prifoners under Guard : My Bufirteft 
 Calls me another Way. [EMI Gonzaga. 
 
 Aftutio. My Service waits you. 
 
 Now, Gentlemen, do not deal like IVTefchantS with me^ 
 But noble Captains \ you know} in great Minds, 
 PoJ/e, & nolle, nobik. 
 
 Roder. Pray you, fpeak 
 Our Language. 
 
 Jacomo. I find not, in my CommifTion, 
 An Officer's bound to fpeak or underftand 
 More than his Mother-tongue. 
 
 Roder. If he fpeak that 
 After Midnight, 'tis remarkable. 
 
 Aftutio. In plain Terms, then. 
 Anthonio is your Prifoner ; Cri/paro^ yburs. 
 
 Jacomo. You are i' the right. 
 
 Aftutio. At what Sum do you rate 
 Their feveral Ranfoms. 
 
 Roder. I muft make my Market 
 As the Commodity coft me. 
 
 C c 3 JJlttti
 
 406 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 
 
 Aftutio. As it coft you ? 
 
 You did not buy your Captainfhip ? Your Defert, 
 I hope, advanc'd you. 
 
 Roder, How ? It well appears 
 You are no Soldier. Defert in thefeDays ? 
 Defert may make a Serjeant to a Colonel, 
 And it may hinder him from rifing higher , 
 But, if it ever get a Company 
 (A Company , pray you, mark me) without Money, 
 Or private Service done for the General's Miftrefs, 
 With a Commendatory Epiftle from her, 
 I will turn Lancepefade. 
 
 Jacomo. Pray you, obferve, Sir : 
 I ferv'd two 'Prentjcefhips, jufl fourteen Year, 
 Trailing the puifiant Pike -, and half fo long 
 Had the Right-hand File , and I fought well, 'twas 
 
 faid, too : 
 But I might have ferv'd, and fought, and ferv'd till 
 
 Doomfday, 
 
 And ne'er have carried a Flag, but for the Legacy 
 A buckfome widow, of threefcore, bequeath'd me, 
 And that too, my Back knows, I labour hard for. 
 But was better paid. 
 
 Aftutio. Y're merry with yourfelves : 
 But this is from the Purpofe. 
 
 Roder. To the Point then. 
 Pris'ners are not ta'en every Day \ and, when 
 We have 'em, we muft make the beft Ufe of 'em, 
 Our Pay is little to the Part we fhould bear, 
 And that fo long a coming, that 'tis fpent 
 Before we have it, and hardly wipes off Scores 
 At the Tavern, and th' Ordinary. 
 
 Jacomo. You may add too, 
 Our Sport took up on Tfuft. 
 
 Roder. Peace, thou Smock- vermin ! 
 Difcover Commanders Secrets ? In a Word, Sir, 
 We have enquir'd, and find our Pris'ners rich : 
 Two thoufand Crowns a-piece, our Companies coft us ; 
 And fo much each of us wijl have, and that 
 In prefent Pay, Jacomo,
 
 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 307 
 
 Jacomo. It is too little : Yet, 
 Since you have faid the Word, I am content; 
 Buc will not go a Gazet lefs. '* 
 
 Aftutio. Since you are not 
 To be brought lower, there is no evading : 
 I'll be your Pay-mafter. 
 
 Roder. We defire no better. 
 
 Ajlutio. But not a Word of what's agreed between us, 
 Till I have fchool'd my Gallants, 
 
 Jacomo. I am dumb, Sir. 
 
 Enter a Guard: Bertoldo, Anthonio, Gafparo, in Irons. 
 
 Bert. And where remov'd now ? Hath the Tyrant 
 
 found out 
 Worfe 'Ufage for us? v 
 
 Antb. Worfe it cannot be. 
 
 My Greyhound has frefh Straw, and fcrapes in his Ken- 
 nel; 
 But we have neither. 
 
 Gafp. Did I ever think 
 To wear fuch Garters on filk Stockings ? Or 
 That my too curious Appetite, that turn'd 
 At the Sight of Godwits, Pheafant, Partridge, Quails 
 Larks, Wood-cocks, collar'd Salmon, as coarie Diet, 
 W r ould leap at a mouldy Cruft ? 
 
 Anth. And go without it; 
 So oft as I do ? Oh ! how have I jeer'd 
 The City Entertainment. A huge Shoulder 
 Of glorious Ram Mutton, feconded 
 With a Pair of tame Cats, or Conies, a Crab tart 
 With a worthy Loin of Veal, and valiant Capon, 
 Monity'd to grow tender. Thefe I fcorn'd 
 From their plentiful Horn of Abundance, though in- 
 vited : 
 
 1 * But will not go a Gazet left. 
 
 From the Word Gazetta, a Farthing, Mojmgtr makes Ufe of the 
 fame Word, and to the fame Purpofe, in the firit Scene of the Guar- 
 dian. 
 
 C c 4 But
 
 408 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 
 
 But now I could carry my own Stool to a Tripe, * 
 And call their Chitterlings Charity, and blefs the Foun- 
 der. 
 
 Bert. O that I were no farther fenfible 
 Of my Miferies than you are ! You, like Beafts, 
 Feel only Stings of Plunger, and complain not 
 But when you're empty : But your narrow Souls 
 (If you have any) cannot comprehend 
 How iniupportable the Torments are, 
 "Which a free and noble Soul, made Captive, fuffers : 
 Moft miferable Men ! and what am I, then, 
 That envy you? Fetters, though made of Gold, 
 Exprefs bafe 1 hraldom, and ail Delicate s 
 Prepar'd by Median Cooks for Epicures, 
 When not our own, are bitter ; Quilts, fill'd high 
 With Goffemore and Rofes, cannot yieid 
 The Body foft Repofe, the Mind kept waking 
 With Anguifh and Affliction. 
 
 Aftutio, My good Lord 
 
 Bert. This is no Time, nor Place for Flatt'ry, Sir : 
 Pray you, ftile me, as I am, a Wretch, forfaken 
 Of the World, as myfelf. 
 Aftutio, I would it were 
 In me to help you. 
 
 Bert. If that you want Power, Sir, 
 Lip-Comfort cannot cure me. Pray you, leave me 
 To mine own private Thoughts. 
 
 Aftutio. My valiant Nephew ! \W r alks by. 
 
 And my more than warlike Ward ! I am glad to fee you 
 After your glorious Conquefls. Are theie Chains 
 Rewards for your good Service ? If they are, 
 You fhould wear 'em on your Necks (fmce they are 
 
 mafley) 
 
 Like Aldermen of the Ward. 
 Anth. You jeer us too. 
 
 Gafp. Good Uncle, name not (a^s you are a Man of 
 Honour) 
 
 * A Miftake of the Proverb, Bring your Cheer. 
 
 That
 
 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 409 
 
 That fatal Word of War ; the very Sound oft 
 Is more dreadful than a Cannon. 
 
 Anth. But redeem us 
 
 From this Captivity, and I'll vow hereafter 
 Never to wear a Sword, or cut my Meat 
 With a Knife that has an Edge or Point. I'll ftarve firft. 
 
 Gafp. I will cry Brooms or Cat's Meat in Palermo ; 
 Turn Porter, carry Burthens j any Thing, 
 Rather than live a Soldier. 
 
 Aftutio. This mould have 
 
 Been thought upon before. At what Price, think you, 
 Your two wife Heads are rated ? 
 
 Anth. A Calve's Head is 
 
 More worth than mine ; I'm fure it had more Brains in't, 
 Or I had ne'er come here. 
 
 Roder. And I will eat it 
 With Bacon, if I have not fpeedy Ranfom. 
 
 Antb. And a lirtle Garlick too, for your own Sake, 
 'Twill boil in your Stomach, elie. [Sir : 
 
 Gafp. Beware of mine, 
 Or th' Horns jnay choak you. I am marry'd, Sir. 
 
 Anth. You mall have my Row of Houfes near the 
 Palace. 
 
 Gafp. And my Villa. All 
 
 Antb. All that we have. [To Aftutio. 
 
 Aftutio. Well, have more Wit hereafter : For this 
 You're ranfom'd. [Time 
 
 J-acomo. Off with their Irons. 
 
 Roder. Do, do : 
 If you are ours again, you know your Price. 
 
 Anth. Pray you, difpatch us : 1 mail ne'er believe 
 I am a Freeman, 'till I fet my Foot 
 In Sicily again, and drink Palermo^ 
 And in Palermo too. 
 
 Aftutio. The Wind fits fair, 
 You (hall aboard To-night : With the rifing Sun 
 You may touch upon the Coaft. But take your Leaves 
 Of the late General, firft. 
 
 Gaff. I will be brief. 
 
 Antb.
 
 4ip THE MAID OF HONOUR. 
 
 Anth. And I. My Lord, Heaven keep you. 
 
 Gajp. Yours, to ufe 
 In the Wajrof Peace ; but, as your Soldiers, never. 
 
 Anth. A Pox of War ! No more of War ! 
 
 Ben. Have you 
 
 \Exeunt Roderigo, Jacomo, Anthonio, Gafparo. 
 Authority to loofe their Bonds, yet leave 
 The Brother of your King, whofe Worth difdains 
 Comparifon with fuch as thefe, in Irons ? 
 Jf Ranfom may redeem them, I have Lands, 
 A Patrimony of mine own affign'd me 
 By my deceafed Sire, to fatisfy 
 Whatever can be demanded for my Freedom. 
 
 AJlutio. I wifh you had, Sir j but the King, who 
 
 yields 
 
 No Reafon for his Will, in his Difpleafure 
 Hath feiz'd on all you had ; nor will Gonzaga^ 
 Whofe Pris'ner now you are, accept of lefs 
 Than fifty thoufand Crowns. 
 
 Bert. I find it now, 
 
 That Mifery ne'er comes alone. But, grant 
 The King is yet inexorable, Time 
 May work him to a Feeling of my Sufferings. 
 I've Friends, that fwore their Lives and Fortunes were 
 At my Devotion, and among the reft 
 Yourlelf, my Lord, when, forfeited to the Law 
 For a foul Murther, and in cold Blood done, 
 I made your Life my Gift, and reconcil'd you 
 To this incenfed King, and got your Pardon. 
 Beware Ingratitude. I know you're rich, 
 And may pay down the Sum. 
 
 AJlutio. I might, my Lord j 
 But, pardon me. 
 
 Bert. And will Aftutio prove, then, '* 
 To pleafe a paffionate Man, the King's no more, 
 
 Falfe 
 
 + Bert. And will AtootiQprovt, then, 
 
 To pleafe a paj/ionate Man, &C, 
 
 BertolJo's Reafoning is ftrong, though, at firfl Sight, not very 
 clear ; *' Will AJlutio break through all his Obligations to me, to 
 
 pleafe
 
 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 411 
 
 Falfe to his Maker -and his Reafon, which 
 Commands more than I afk ? O Summer-Friendfhip, 
 Vv'hofe flatt'ring Leaves that fhadow'd us in 
 Our Proiperity, with the leafl Gull drop off 
 In th' .Autumn of Adverfity ! How like 
 A Priibn is to a Grave ! When dead, we are . 
 With folemn Pomp brought thither ; and our Heirs, 
 (Mafking their Joy in falle, diflembled Tears) 
 Weep o'er the Hearfe ; but Earth no Iboner covers 
 The Earth brought thither, but they turn away 
 With inward Smiles, the Dead no more remember'd. 
 So, enter'd in a Prifon.- 
 
 Aftutio. My Occafions 
 Command me hence, my Lord. 
 
 Bert. Pray you, leave me, do ; 
 And tell the cruel King, that I will wear 
 Thefe Fetters 'till my Flefh and they are one 
 Incorporated Subftance. In myfelf, 
 As in a Glafs, I'll look on human Frailty, 
 And curfe the Height of Royal Blood : fmce I, 
 In being born near to Jove, am near his Thunder. 
 
 [Exit Aftutio. 
 
 Cedars once fliaken with a Storm, their own 
 Weight grubs their Roots out. Lead me where you 
 
 pleafe ; 
 
 I am his, not Fortune's Martyr, and will die 
 The great Example of his Cruelty 
 
 [Exit with the Guard. 
 
 pleafe a paflionate Mad man, for the King is no more, he is one ? 
 Will Aftutio prove falfe to his Maker, and deaf to his own Reafon, which 
 commands, in Return for the Benefits rfceired of me, more than I 
 aflc ? furely he cannot. '' But, feeing the courtly Aflutio unmoved 
 with thefe gsnerovs Sentiments, Eertoldo breaks out into that beauti- 
 ful Defciption which follows: 
 
 O Summer -Fritnd/hip, &c. 
 
 SCENE
 
 412 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 
 
 SCENE II. 
 
 A Grove near the Palace at Palermo. 
 
 Adorni. He undergoes my Challenge, and contemns 
 And threatens me with the late EdicT: made [it, 
 
 'Gainft Duellifts, that Altar Cowards fly to. 1S 
 But I, that am engag'd, and nourifh in me 
 A higher Aim than fair Camiola dreams of, 
 Mutt not fit down thus. In the Court I dare not 
 Attempt him ; and in Publick, he's fo guarded 
 With a Herd of Parafites, Clients, Fools and Suitors, 
 That a Mufket cannot reach him. My Defigns 
 Admit of no Delay. This is her Birth-day > 
 Which with a fit and due Solemnity 
 Camiola celebrates ; and on it, al 1 fuch 
 As love or ierve her, ufually prefent 
 A tributary Duty. I'll have fomething 
 To give, if my Intelligence prove true, 
 Shall find Acceptance. I'm told, near this Grove 
 Fulgcntio every Morning makes his Markets 
 With his Petitioners. I may prefent him 
 With a (harp retition. Ha ! 'tis he : my Fate 
 Be ever blefs'd for't 
 
 Enter Fulgentio. 
 
 Fulgen. Command fuch as wait me, 
 Not to prefume, at the lead for half an Hour, 
 To prels on my Retirements. 
 
 Page. \ will fay, Sir, you are at your Prayers, 
 
 5 'Gainfl Duellifts, then, &C. 
 
 Fulgentio put up his Challenge, and, inftead of accepting it, 
 threatened Mm with the Law againft Duels. This Adorni would 
 reprefent as bafe Treatment. A Man of Courage he fuppofes would 
 not have taken the Advantage of fuch a Law. 'That Altar, that 
 was a Sanctuary Cowards only would fly to. The Senfe here 
 plainly requires the Alteration I have made of that for then, which 
 in the former Reading was fcarce intelligible. 
 
 Fulgen.
 
 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 413 
 
 Fulgen. That will not find Belief; 
 Courtiers have fomething elfe to do. Be gone, Sir. 
 Challeng'd ! 'tis well. And by a Groom ! ftill better. 
 Was this Shape made to fight ? I have a Tongue, yet, 
 Howa'er no Sword, to kill him ; and what Way, 
 This Morning I'll reiblve of. {Exit Fulgentio. 
 
 Adorni. 1 ihall crofs 
 Your Refolution, or fuffer for you. [Exit Adorni. 
 
 SCENE III. 
 CamiolaV Houfe. 
 
 Camiola : divers Servants with Prefents. 
 Sylli, Clarinda. 
 
 Sytti. What are all thefe ? 
 Clar. Servants with feveral Prefents, 
 And rich ones too. 
 
 1 Serv. With her beft Wiflies, Madam, 
 Of many fuch Days to you, the Lady PetuU 
 Prefents you with this Fan. 
 
 2 Serv. This Diamond 
 From your Aunt Honoria. 
 
 3 Serv-. This Piece of Plate 
 
 From your Uncle, old Vinctntio, with your Arms 
 Graven upon it. 
 
 Camiola. Good Friends, they are too 
 Munificent in their Love, and Favour to me. 
 Put of my Cabinet return fuch Jewels 
 As this directs you, for your Pains ; and yours j 
 Nor muft you be forgotten. Honour me 
 With the drinking of a Health. 
 
 1 Serv. Gold, on my Life ! 
 
 2 Serv. She fcorns to give bafe Silver. 
 
 3 Serv. Would me had been 
 Born every Month in the Year! 
 
 1 Serv. Month ? every Day. 
 
 2 Sfrv, Shew fuch another Maid. 
 
 3 Serv.
 
 4 i4 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 
 
 3 Serv. All Happinefs wait you. 
 Sylli. Fll lee your Will done. 
 
 {Exeunt Sylli, Clarinda, Servants. 
 
 Enter Adorni wounded. 
 
 Camiola. How ! Adorni wounded ? 
 
 Adorni. A Scratch got in your Service, elfe not worth 
 Your Obfervation ; I bring not, Madam, 
 In Honour of your Birth-day, antique Plate, 
 Or Pearl, for which the favage Indian dives 
 Into the Bottom of the Sea ; nor Diamonds 
 Hewn from fteep Rocks with Danger: Such as give 
 To thofe that have what they themfelves want, aim at 
 A glad Return with Profit : Yet, defpife not 
 My Off'ring at the Altar of your Favour ; 
 Nor let the Lownefs of the Giver leffen 
 The Height of what's prefented. Since it is 
 A precious Jewel, almoft forfeited, 
 And, dim'd with Clouds of Infamy, redeem'd, 
 And, in its natural Splendor, with Addition, 
 Reftor'd to the true Owner. 
 
 Camiola. How is this ? 
 
 Adorni. Not to hold you in Sufpenfe, I bring you, 
 
 Madam, 
 
 Your wounded Reputation cur'd, the Sting 
 Of virulent Malice, feft'ring your fair Name, 
 Pluck'd out and trod on. That proud Man, that was 
 Deny'd the Honour of your Bed, yet durft 
 With his untrue Reports ftrumpet your Fame, 
 Compell'd by me, hath giv'n himfeJf the Lye, 
 And in his own Blood wrote it. You may read 
 Fulgentio fubfcrib'd. 
 
 Camiola. I am amaz'd ! 
 
 Adorni. It does deferve it, Madam. Common Service 
 Is fit for Hinds, and the Reward proportion'd 
 To their Conditions. Therefore, look not on me 
 As a Follower of your Father's Fortunes, or 
 One that fubfifts on yours. You frown ! my Service 
 
 Merits
 
 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 415 
 
 Merits not this Afpect. 
 
 Cawiola. Which of my Favours, 
 I might fay Bounties, hath begot, and nourifh'd 
 This more then rude Prefumption ? Since you had 
 An Itch to try your defp'rats Valour, wherefore 
 Went you not to the VV ar ? Couldft thou fuppofc 
 My Innocence could ever fall fo low 
 As to have Need of thy ram Sword to guard it 
 Againft malicious Slander ? O how much 
 Thofe Ladies are deceiv'd and cheated, when 
 The Clearnefs and Integrity of their Actions 
 Do not defend themfelves, and Hand fecure 
 On their own Bafes ? Such as in a Colour 
 Of feeming Service give Protection to 'em, 
 Betray their own Strengths. Malice, fcorn'd, puts out 
 Itfelf; but argu'd, gives a kind of Credit 
 To a falfe Accufation. In this, 
 This your moft memorable Service, you believ'd 
 You did me right ; but you have wrong'd me more 
 In your Defence of my undoubted Honour, 
 Than falfe Fulgentio could. 
 
 Adorni. I am forry, what 
 Was fo well intended, is fo ill receiv'd. 
 
 Enter Clarinda. 
 
 Yet, under your Correction, you wifh'd 
 Bertoldo had been prefent. 
 
 Camicla. True, I did : 
 But he and you, Sir, are not Parallels, 
 Nor muft you think yourfeif fo. 
 Adorni. I am what 
 You'll pleafe to have me. 
 
 Camiola. If Bertoldo had 
 Punifh'd Fulgenti o's Inlblence, it had mown 
 His Love to her, whom in his Judgment he 
 Vouchfafe to make his Wife j a Height, I hope, 
 Which you dare not afpire to. The fame Actions 
 Suit not all Men alike: But I perceive 
 
 Repentance
 
 416 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 
 
 Repentance in your Looks. For this Time, leave me 
 I may forgive, perhaps forget, your Folly, 
 Conceal yourfelf till this Storm be blown over.. 
 You will be fought for -, yet, for my Eftate 
 
 [Gives him her Hand to kifs. 
 Can hinder it, mall not fuffer in my Service. 
 
 Adorni. This is fomething, yet, though I mifs'd the. 
 Mark I mot at. [Exit Adorni. 
 
 Camiola. This Gentleman is of a noble Temper ; 
 And I too harm, perhaps, in my Reproof: 
 Was I not, Clarinda ? 
 
 Clar. I am not to cenfure 
 
 Your Actions, Madam : but there are a thoufand 
 Ladies, and of good Fame, in fuch a Caufe, 
 Would be proud of fuch a Servant. 
 
 Camiola. It may be ; 
 
 Enter a Servant. 
 
 Let me offend in this Kind. 
 Why uncall'd for ? 
 
 Serv. The Signiors, Madam, Gafparo and Antbonio, 
 (Selected Friends of the renown'd Bertoldo) 
 Put amore this Morning. 
 
 Camiola. Without him ? 
 
 Serv. I think fo. 
 
 Camiola. Never think more, then. 
 
 Serv. They have been at Court. 
 Kifs'd the King's Hand ; and, their firft Duties done 
 To him, appear ambitious to tender 
 To you their fecond Service. 
 
 Camiola. Wait 'em hither. [Exeunt Servant. 
 
 Fear, do not rack me ! Reafon, now, if ever, 
 Halle with thy Aids, and tell me, fuch a Wonder 
 As my Bertolda is, with fuch Care fafhion'd, 
 Muft not, nay, cannot, in Heav'ns Providence 
 
 Enter
 
 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 417 
 
 Enter Anthonio, Gafparo, Servant. 
 
 So foon mifcarry , pray you, forbear ; e'er you 
 Take the Privilege, as Strangers, to falute me, 
 (Excufc my Manners) make me firft underftand, 
 How it is with Bertoldo ? 
 
 Gafp. The Relation 
 Will not, I fear, deferve your Thanks. 
 
 Anth. I wifh 
 Some other fhould inform you. 
 
 Camiola. Is he dead ? x 
 
 You fee, though with fome Fear, I dare enquire it. 
 
 Gaf-p. Dead? Would -that were the worft, a Debt 
 
 were paid then, 
 Kings in their Birth owe Nature. 
 
 Camiola. Is their aught 
 More terrible than Death ? 
 
 Anth. Yes, to a Spirit 
 Like his ; cruel Imprifonment, and that 
 Without the Hope of Freedom. 
 
 Camiola. You abufe me : 
 The Royal King cannot, in Love to Virtue 
 (Though all Springs of Affection were dry'd np) 
 But pay his Ranfom. 
 
 Gafp. When you know what 'tis, 
 You will think otherwife No Jefs will do it 
 Then fifty thoufand Crowns. 
 
 Camiola. A petty Sum ; 
 
 The Price weigh'd with the Purchafe , fifty thoufand ? 
 To the King 'tis nothing. He, that can fpare more 
 To his Minion for a Mafque, cannot but ranfom 
 Such a Brother at a Million You wrong 
 The King's Magnificence. 
 
 Anth. In your Opinion ; 
 But 'tis mod certain. He does not alone 
 In himfelf refufe to pay it ; but forbids 
 /Ul other Men. 
 
 Camiola. Are you fure of this ? 
 
 VOL. II. D d Gafp.
 
 418 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 
 
 Gafp. You may read 
 
 The Edict to that Purpofe, publifh'd by him : 
 That will refolve you. 
 
 Camiola. Pofiible ? Pray you, ftand off; 
 If I do not mutter Treafon to myfelf, 
 My Heart will break : Yet I will not curfe him ; [Afide* 
 He is my King The News you have deliver'd, 
 Makes me weary of your Company : we'll falute 
 When we meet next. I'll bring you to the Door. 
 Nay, pray you, no more Compliments. 
 
 Gafp. One Thing more, 
 And that's fubftantial : Let your Adorni 
 Look to himfelf. 
 
 Antb. The King is much incens'd 
 Againft him, for Fulgentio. 
 
 Camiola. As I am 
 For your Slownefs to depart. 
 
 Both. Farewel, fweet Lady ! 
 
 [Exeunt Gafparo, Anthonio. 
 
 Camiola. O more then impious Times ! when not alone 
 Subordinate Minifters of Juftice are 
 Corrupted and feduc'd, but Kings themfelves 
 (The greater Wheels by which the lefTer move) 
 Are broken or disjointed ! could it be, elfe, 
 A King, to footh his politick Ends, fhould fo far 
 Forfake his Honour, as at once to break 
 Th' Adamant Chains of Nature and Religion, 
 To bind up Atheifm, as a Defence l6 
 To his dark Counfels ? Will it ever be ? 
 That to deferve too much is dangerous, 
 And Virtue, when too eminent, a Crime ? 
 Muft She ferve Fortune (till ? Or, when ftripp'd of 
 Her gay, and glorious Favours, lofe the Beauties 
 Of her own natural Shape ? O my Eertoldo ! 
 Thou only Sun in Honours Sphere, how foon 
 Art thou eclips'd and darken'd ! not the Nearnefs 
 
 1 6 To bind up Jtbeifm, &c. 
 This appears to me to be falfe ; I would read, 
 To bring up Atheifm, &c . 
 
 Ar 
 
 .
 
 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 419 
 
 Of Blood prevailing on the King ; nor all 
 
 The Benefits to the gen'ral Good difpens'd 
 
 Gaining a Retribution ! but that 
 
 To owe a Courtefy to a fimple Virgin 
 
 Would take from the deferring, 1 find in me 
 
 Some Sparks of Fire, which, fann'd with Honours 
 
 Breath, 
 
 Might rife into a Flame, and in Men darken 
 Their ufurp'd Splendor. Ha! my Aim is high, 
 And, for the Honour of my Sex, to fall fo, 
 Can never prove inglorious. 'Tis reiblv'd : 
 Call in Adorni. 
 
 Clar. I am happy in ^ 
 
 Such Employment, Madam. [Exit Clarinda, 
 
 Camiola. He's a Man, 
 
 I know, that at a reverend Diftance loves me, 
 And fuch are ever faithful. What a Sea 
 Of melting Ice I walk on ! what ftrange Ceafures 
 Am I to undergo ! but good Intents 
 Deride all future Rumours. 
 
 Enter Clarinda and Adorni. 
 
 Adorni. I obey 
 Your Summons, Madam. 
 
 Camiola. Leave the Place, Clar bull : 
 One Woman, in a Secret of fuch Weight, 
 Wife Men may think too much. Nearer, Adorni. 
 
 [Exit Clarinda. 
 I warrant it with a Smile. 
 
 Adorni. I cannot afk 
 Safer Protection, what's your Will ? 
 
 C&miola. To doubt 
 
 Your ready Defire to ferve me, or prepare you 
 With the Repetition of former Merits, 
 Would in my Diffidence, wrong you : But I will, 
 And without Circumftance, in the Truft that I 
 Impofe upon you, free you from Sufpicioa. 
 
 Adorni. I fofter none of you. 
 
 Camiola, I know you do not, 
 
 You are Adorni > by the Love you owe me. 
 
 D d 2 Adsrni.
 
 420 THE MAID OF HONOUR, 
 
 Adorni. The Cured Conjuration. 
 
 Camiola. Take me with you. 
 
 Love born of Duty ; but advance no further. 
 
 You are, Sir, as I fakl, to do me Service, 
 
 To undertake a Tafk, in which your Faith, 
 
 Judgment, Difcretion in a Word, your all 
 
 That's good, muft be engag'd ; nor muft you fludy, 
 
 In the Execution, but what may make 
 
 For th' Ends I aim at. 
 
 Adorni. They admit no Rivals. 
 
 Camiola. You anfwer well. You have heard of Ber- 
 
 teldo's 
 
 Captivity ? and the King's Neglect ? the Greatnefs 
 Of his Ranfom, fifty thoufand Crowns, Adorni ; 
 Two Parts of my Eftate. 
 
 Adorni. To what tends this ? 
 
 Camiola. Yet I fo love the Gentleman (for to you 
 I will confefs my Weaknefs) that I purpofe, 
 Now, when he is forfaken by the King, 
 And his own Hopes, to ranfom, and receive him 
 Into my Bofom as my lawful Hufband, 
 
 [Adorriijtarts, andfeems troubled, 
 Why change you Colour ? 
 
 Adorni. 'Tis in Wonder of 
 Your Virtue, Madam. 
 
 Camiola. You muft, therefore, to 
 Siena for me, and pay to Gcnzaga 
 This Ranfom for his Liberty ; you mail 
 Have Bills of Exchange along with you. Let him fwear 
 A folemn Contract to me, for you muft be 
 My principal Witnefs, if he fhould But why 
 Do I entertain thefe Jealoufies ? You will do this ? 
 
 Adorni. Faithfully, Madam. But not live long after. 
 
 [Aftde, 
 
 Camiola. One Thing I had forgot. Befides his Free- 
 He may want Accommodations ; furnilh him [c}om, 
 According to his Birth. And from Camiola 
 Deliver this Kifs, printed on your Lips [.Kiffes him. 
 Seal'd on his Hand. You mail not fee my Blufhes ; 
 
 I'll
 
 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 421 
 
 I'll inftantly difpatch you. [Exit Camiola, 
 
 Adorni. I'm half-hang'd 
 Out of the Way, already. Was there ever 
 Poor Lover fo employ'd againft himfelf 
 To make Way for his Rival ? I muft do it : 
 Nay, more, I will. If Loyalty can find 
 Recompence beyond Hope, or Imagination, 
 Let it fall on me in the other World, 
 As a Reward ; for, in this, I dare not hope it. [Exit. 
 
 The End of tbe Third Aft. 
 
 #M^$5#^^ 
 
 A C T IV. S C E N E I. 
 
 The Camp. 
 Gonzaga, Pierlo, Roderigo, Jacomo. 
 
 Gonz. *V7*O u ' ve feiz'd upon the Citadel, and difarm'd 
 J[ All that could make Refiftance ? - 
 
 Pierio. Hunger [had 
 
 Done that, before we .came ; nor was the Soldier 
 Compell'd to feek for Prey , the famifh'd Wretches, 
 In Hope of Mercy, as a Sacrifice offer'd 
 All that was worth the taking. 
 
 Gcnz. You proclaim'd, 
 
 On Pain of Death, no Violence fhould be ofFex'd 
 To any Woman ? 
 
 Roder. But it needed not ; 
 For Famine had fo humbled 'em, and took off 
 The Care of their Sex's Honour, that there was not 
 So coy a Beauty in the Town, but would 
 For half a mouldy Bifket fell hej felf 
 To a poor Befognion, and without fhrieking. 
 
 Gonz. Where is the Duke of Urbin ? 
 
 Jacomo. Under Guard, 
 As you directed. 
 
 D d 3
 
 422 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 
 
 Gonz. See the Soldiers fet 
 
 In Rank, and File , and, as the Dutchefs pafies, 
 Bid 'em vail their Enfigns ; and charge 'em, on their 
 Not to cry Whores. [Lives, 
 
 Jacomo. The Devil cannot fright 'em 
 From their military Licence , though they know 
 They are her Subjects, and will part with Being, 
 To do her Service ; yet, fince (he's a Woman, 
 They will touch at her Breech with their Tongues 
 
 and that is all 
 
 That they can hope for. [A Shout ', and a general 
 
 Cry within. Whores! Whores! 
 
 Gonz. O the Devil ! they are at it. 
 Hell ftop their bawling Throats. Again ! make up 
 And cudgel them into Jelly. 
 
 Roder. To no Purpofe, 
 Though their Mothers were there, 
 They would have the fame Name for 'em. [Exeunt, 
 
 SCENE II. 
 
 Before the Walls of Siena. 
 
 Roderigo, Jacomo, Pierio, Gonzaga, Aurelia (under 
 & Canopy). Aftutio prefents far with Lettgrs. Loud, 
 Mufick. She .reads the Letters. 
 
 Gonz. I do befeech your Highnefs not to afcribe 
 To th* Want of Difcipline, the barbarous Rudenefs 
 Of the Soldier, in his Prophanation of 
 Your facred Name and Virtues. 
 
 Aurelia. No, Lord General, 
 I've heard my Father fay oft, 'twas a Cuftom, 
 Ufual i' th' Camp ; nor are they to be punifh'4 
 For Words, that have in Fact deferv'd fo well. 
 Let the one excufe the^)ther. 
 
 All. Excellent Princefs ! 
 
 Aurelia. But for thefe Aids from Sicily lent againft us 
 To blaft our Spring ot Conqueft in the Bud : 
 
 I can-
 
 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 4^ 
 
 I cannot find, my Lord AmbafTador, 
 How we mould entertain': but as a Wrong, 
 With Purpofe to detain us from our own ; 
 Howe'er the King endeavours, in his Letters, 
 To mitigate th' Affront. 
 
 Aftutio. Your Grace, hereafter, 
 May hear from me fuch flrong AfTurances 
 Of his unlimited Defires to ferve you, 
 As will, I hope, drown in Forgetfulnefs 
 The Mem'ry of what's paft. 
 
 Aurelia. We mall take Time 
 To fearch the Depth oft further, and proceed 
 As our Council fhall direct us. 
 
 Gsnz. We prefent you 
 
 With the Keys of the City ; all I*ets are remov'd j 
 Your Way is fmooth and eafy - 3 at your Feex 
 Your proudeft Enemy falls. 
 
 Aurelia. We thank your Valours : 
 A Victory without Blood is twice atchiev'd, 
 And the Difpofure of it, to us tender'd, 
 The greateft Honour. Worthy Captains, Thanks ! 
 My Love extends itfelf to All. [A Guard made, 
 
 Aurelia paffes through 'em. Loud Mufick. 
 
 Gonz. Make Way, there. [Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE III. 
 
 A Prifon. 
 Bertoldo ? with a fmall Book, in Fetters. Jailor. 
 
 Bert. J Tis here determin'd 17 (great Examples, arm'd 
 With Arguments, produc'd to make it good) 
 
 That 
 
 1 7 TM here deter^in d t &C. 
 
 This Soliloquy of Bertoldos is a very true Account of the Incon- 
 iiftency of the Stoicks. It was one of their favourite Maxims, that 
 Pain was not an Evil. Their wife Man was to be infenfible ; and yet 
 no one bore Pain worfe than he. They could argue, with great Ap- 
 pearance of Reafon, againft fuffering from Affliction ; but, when 
 ihey felt it, it wgs intolerable. They were mighty Heroes in Theory. 
 D fl 4 but,
 
 4 2 4 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 
 
 That neither Tyrants, nor the wrefted Laws ; 
 
 The People's frantick Rage, fad Exile, Want, 
 
 Nor, that which I endure, Captivity, 
 
 Can do a wile Man any Injury. 
 
 Thus Seneca, when he wrote it, thought. But then 
 
 Felicity courted him ; his Wealth exceeding 
 
 A private Man's , happy in the Embraces 
 
 Of his chafte Wife Paulina , his Houfe full 
 
 Of Children, Clients, Servants, flatt'ring Friends, 
 
 Soothing his Lip-Pofitions, and created 
 
 Prince of the Senate, by ihe general Voice, 
 
 As his Pupil news Suffrage : Then, no Doubt, 
 
 He held, and did believe, this. But no fooner 
 
 The Prince's Frowns, and Jealoufies had thrown him 
 
 Out of Security's Lap, and a Centurion 
 
 Had offer'd him what Choice of Death he pleas'd -, 
 
 But told him, Die he muft : when ftraight the Armour 
 
 Of his fo boafted Fortitude, fell off, 
 
 [Throws away the Bock* 
 Complaining of his Frailty. Can it, then, 
 Be cenfur'd womanifh Weaknefs in me, if, 
 Thus clogg'd with Irons, and the Period 
 To clofe up ail Calamities deny'd me, 
 (Which was prefented Seneca) I wifh 
 I ne'er had Being ; at ieaft, never knew ^ 
 
 What Happinefs was -, or argue with Heav'ns Juftice, 
 Tearing my Locks, and in Defiance throwing 
 Dull in the Air ? or, falling on the Ground, thus 
 With my Nails and Teeth to dig a Grave, or rend 
 The Bowels of the Earth, my Step-mother, 
 And not a natural Parent ? or thus practife 
 To die, and, as J were infenfible, 
 Believe I had no Motion ? [Lies on bis Face, 
 
 
 
 but, in Pia&ice, Cowards. The great Clea-nthcs ftarved himfelf to 
 Death, becaufe of a little Inflammation in his Gums. The Prince 
 of Patriots, Cafo, chofe to die, becaufe he could not bear to fee 
 Cfffar : And Sen'ca puled and whined at Death with the moft \vo- 
 rnanifh fear imaginable: Tl.efe were the Men who could demon- 
 {bate that Pain was not an Evil ! 
 
 Enter
 
 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 
 
 Enter Gonzaga, Adorni, Jailor. 
 
 -Gonz, There he is : 
 
 I'll not enquire by whom his Ranfom's paid, 
 I'm fatisfy'd that I have it ; nor allege 
 One Reafon to excufe his cruel Ufage, 
 As you may interpret it , let it fuffice 
 It was my Will to have it fo. 'He is yours, now, 
 Difpofe of him as you pleafe [Exit Gonzaga, 
 
 Adorni. Howe'cr I hate him, 
 As one preferr'd before me, being a Man, 
 He does deferve my Pity. Sir, he deeps, 
 Or is he dead ?- Would he were a Saint in Heaven ; 
 J Tis all the Hurt I wifh him. But, I was not 
 
 [Kneels ly him, 
 
 Born to fuch Happinefs. No, he breathes Come near, 
 And, if 't be poflible, without his Feeling, 
 Take off his Irons. So, now leave us private. 
 
 [His Irons taken off. 
 
 He does begin to ftir, and as tranfported [Exit Jailor, 
 With a joyful Dream. How he ftares ! and feels his 
 As yet uncertain, whether it can be [Legs, 
 
 True or phantaftical. 
 
 Bert. Minifters of Mercy, 
 Mock not Calamity. Ha ! 'tis no Vifion ! 
 Or, if it be, the happieft that ever 
 Appear'd to finful Flefli ! Who's here ? His Face 
 Speaks him Adorni! but fome giorious Angel, 
 Concealing its Divinity in his Shape, 
 Hath done this Miracle, it being not an Act 
 For wolvifh Man. Kefolve me, if thou loolv'ft for 
 Bent Knees in Adoration ?- - 
 
 Adorni. O forbear, Sir ! 
 J am Adorni> and the Inftrument 
 Of your Deliverance , but the Benefit 
 You owe another. 
 
 Bert. If he has a Name, 
 As foon as fpoken, 'tis writ on my Heart, 
 J am his Bondman.
 
 426 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 
 
 Adorni. To the Shame of Men, 
 This great Act is a Woman's. 
 
 Bert. The whole Sex 
 
 For her fake mult be deify 'd. How I wander 
 In my Imagination, yet cannot 
 Guefs who this Phoenix mould be ! 
 
 Adorni. 5 Tis Camiola. 
 
 Bert. Pray you fpeak't again ! there's Mufick in her 
 
 Name ! 
 Once more, I pray you, Sir ! 
 
 Adorni. Camiola^ 
 The Maid of Honour. 
 
 Bert. Curs'd Atheirt that I was, 
 Only to doubt it could be any other ; 
 Since me alone, in th' Abftract of herfelf, 
 That fmall, but ravifliing Subftance, comprehends 
 "Whatever is, or can be wim'd, in the 
 Idea of a Woman. O what Service, 
 Or Sacrifice of Duty, can I pay her, 
 If not to live, and die, her Charity's Slave ? 
 Which is refolv'd already. 
 
 Adorni. She expects not 
 Such a Dominion o'er you : Yet, ere I 
 Deliver her Demands, give me your Hand : 
 On this, as me enjoin'fl me, with my Lips 
 I print her Love arid Service, by me fent you. 
 
 Bert. I am o'erwhelm'd with Wonder ! 
 
 Adorni. You muft now 
 ("Which is the Sum of all that me defires) 
 By a folemn Contract bind yourfelf, when me 
 Requires it, as a Debt due for your Freedom, 
 To marry her. 
 
 Bert. This does engage me further, 
 A Payment ! an Increafe of Obligation ! 
 To marry her ! 'twas my nil ultra, ever ! 
 The End of my Ambition ! O that now 
 The Holy Man, fhe prefent, were prepar'd 
 To join our Hands, but with that Speed, my Heart 
 \Yiihes mine Eyes might fee her. 
 
 Adoani,
 
 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 427 
 
 Adcrni. You muft fvvear this. 
 
 Bert. Swear it ? Collect all Oaths and Imprecations, 
 Whofe lead Breach is Damnation ; and thofe 
 IVlinifter'd to me in a Form more dreadful ; 
 Set Heav'n and Hell before me, I will take 'em : 
 Falfe to Camiola ? Never. Shall I now 
 Begin my Vows to you ? 
 
 Adorni. I am no Churchman ; 
 Such a one muft file it on Record. You are free ; 
 And, that you may appear like to yourfelf 
 (For fo ihe wifh'd) there's Gold with which you may 
 Redeem your Trunks and Servants, and whatever 
 Of late you loft. I have found out the Captain 
 \Vhofe Spoil they were. His Name is Roderigo. 
 
 Bert. I know him. 
 
 Adorni. I have done my Part. 
 
 Bert. So much, Sir, 
 As I am ever yours for't. Now, methinks, 
 
 1 walk in Air ! Divine Camiola ! 
 
 But Words cannot exprefs thee. I'll build to thee 
 
 An Altar in my Soul, on which I'll offer 
 
 A ftill increafing Sacrifice of Duty. [Exit Bertoldo. 
 
 Adorni. What will become of me now is apparent ! 
 Whether a Poniard, or a Halter be 
 The neareft Way to Hell (for I muft thither, 
 After Pve kill'd myfelf ) is fomewhat doubtful. 
 This Roman Refolution of Self-Murther, 
 Will not hold Water, at the high Tribunal, 
 When it comes to be argu'd ; my good Genius 
 Prompts me to this Confideration. He 
 That kills himfelf to avoid Mifery, fears it. 
 And, at the beft, mews but a baftard Valour. 
 This Life ? s a Fort committed to my Truft, 
 Which I muft not yield up, 'till it be forc'd. 
 Nor will I. He's not valiant that dares die, 
 But he that boldly bears Calamity. [Exit. 
 
 SCENE
 
 4 23 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 
 
 SCENE IV. 
 
 Siena. A Flourijb. 
 
 Pkrio, Roderigo, Jacorno, Gonzaga, Aurelia, Ferdi- 
 nand, Aftutio. Attendants. 
 
 Aurelia. A Seat here for the Duke. It is our Glory 
 To overcome with Courteiies, not Rigour ; 
 The lordly Roman, who held it the Height 
 Of human Happinefs, to have Kings and Queens 
 To wait by his triumphant Chariot-wheels 
 Jn his infuhing Pride, depriv'd himfelf 
 Of drawing near the Nature of the Gods, 
 Beft known for fuch, in being merciful. 
 Yet, give me Leave, but ilill with gentle Language, 
 And with the Freedom of a Friend, to tell you, 
 -To feek by Force, what Courtfhip could not win, 
 \Vas harfh, and never taught in Love's mild School. 
 "Wife Poets feign, that Venn? Coach is drawn 
 By Doves and Sparrows, not by Bears and Tygers. 
 
 Ferd. I fpare the Application, =Jn my Fortune 
 Heav Vs Juftice hath confirmed it ; yet, great Lady, 
 Since my Offence grew from Excefs of Love, 
 And not to be refitted, having paid too, 
 With Lofs of Liberty, the Forfeiture 
 Of my Prefumption, in your Clemency 
 It may find pardon. 
 
 Aurelia. You mail have juft Caufe 
 To fay it hath. The Charge of the long Siege 
 Defray'd, and the Lofs my Subjeds have fuftain'd 
 Made good, (fince fo far I muft deal with Caution) 
 You have your Liberty. 
 
 Ferd. I could not hope for 
 Gentler Conditions. 
 
 Aurelia. My Lord Gonzaga, 
 Since my coming to Siena, I've heard much of 
 Your Pris'ner, brave Bertoldo, 
 
 Gonz,
 
 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 429 
 
 Gonz. Such an one, 
 Madam, I had, 
 
 Aftutio. And have ftill, Sir, I hope". 
 
 Gonz. Your Hopes deceive you. He is ranfom'd, 
 Madam. 
 
 AJlutio. By whom, I pray you, Sir ? 
 
 Gonz. You had beft enquire 
 Of your Intelligencer : I am no Informer. 
 
 AJlutio. I like not this. [Afide. 
 
 Aurelia. He is, as 'tis reported, 
 A goodly Gentleman, and of noble Parts, 
 A Brother of your Order. 
 
 Gonz. He was, Madam, 
 
 'Till he, againft his Oath, wrong'd you, a Princtfi, 
 Which his Religion bound him from. 
 
 Aurelia. Great Minds, 
 For Trial of their Valours, oft maintain 
 Quarrels that are unjuft; yet without Malice 5 
 And fuch a fair Conftru<5lion I make of him, 
 I would fee that brave Enemy. 
 
 Gonz. My Duty 
 Commands me to feek for him. 
 
 Aitrdia. Pray you do : 
 And bring him to our Prefence. [.W/ Gonzaga. 
 
 AJlutio. I muft blaft 
 
 His Entertainment. [Afide.'} May it pleafe your Ex- 
 cellency, 
 
 He is a Man debauch'd, and for his Riots 
 Caft off by th* King my Matter j and that, I hope, is 
 
 !A Crime fufficient. 
 Ferd. To you, his Subjects, 
 That like as your King likes 
 
 Aurelia. But not to Us ; 
 "We muft weigh with our own Scale. 
 
 Enter Gonzaga, Bertoldo ricbfy habited, Adofcii. 
 
 This is he, fure ! 
 
 How foon mine Eye had found him ! What a Port 
 
 He
 
 430 THE MAID OR HONOUR. 
 
 He bears ! how well his Bravery becomes him ! 
 A Pris'ner ! nay, a Princely Suitor, rather ! 
 But I'm too fudden. 
 
 Gonz. Madam, 'twas his Suit, 
 TJnfent for, to prefent his Service to you, 
 Ere his Departure. 
 
 Aurelia. With what Majefty 
 He bears himfelf ! 
 
 Aftutio. The Devil, I think, fupplies him. 
 Ranfom'd ? and thus rich, too ! 
 
 Aurelia. You ill deferve 
 
 [Bertoldo, kneeling^ ktffes her Hand. 
 The Favour of our Hand. We are not well : 
 Give Us more Air. [She defcends fuddenly^, 
 
 Gonz. What fudden Qualm is this ? 
 
 Aurelia. That lifted yours againft me. 
 
 Bert. Thus, once more, 
 I fue for Pardon. 
 
 Aurelia. Sure his Lips are poifon'd, 
 And, through thefe Veins, force PafTage to my Heart, 
 Which is already feiz'd upon. [Aftde. 
 
 Bert. I wait, Madam, 
 
 To know what your Commands are ; my Defigns 
 Exact me in another Place. 
 . Aurelia. Before 
 
 You have our Licence to depart ? If Manners, 
 Civility of Manners cannot teach you 
 T* attend our Leifure, I muft tell you, Sir, 
 That you are ftill our Priforier ; nor had you 
 Commiffion to free him. 
 
 Gonz. How's this, Madam ? 
 
 Aurelia. You were my Subftitute, and wanted Power, 
 "Without my Warrant, to difpofe of him. 
 I will pay back his Ranfom ten times over, 
 Rather than quit my Intereft. 
 
 Bert. This is 
 Againft the Law of Arms. 
 
 Aurelia. But not of Love : \_Afide* 
 
 Why, hath your Entertainment, Sir, been fuch 
 
 In
 
 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 431 
 
 In your Reftraint, that, with the Wings of Fear, 
 You wduld fly from it ? 
 
 Bert. I know no Man, Madam, 
 Enamour'd of his Fetters, or delighting 
 In Cold or Hunger, or that would in Reafqn 
 Prefer Straw in a Dungeon, before 
 A Down Bed in a Palace. 
 
 Aurelia. How ! Come nearer ; 
 Was his Ufage fuch ? 
 
 Gonz. Yes ; and it had been worle, 
 Had I forefeen this. 
 
 Aurelia. O thou mif-fhap'd Monfler ! 
 In thee it is confirm'd, that fuch as have 
 No Share in Nature's Bounties, know no Pity- 
 To fuch as have 'em. Look on him with my Eyes, 
 And anfwer then, whether this were a Man 
 Whofe Cheeks of lovely Fulnefs mould be made 
 A Prey to meagre Famine ? or thefe Eyes, 
 Whofe every Glance ftore Cupid's empty'd Quiver, 
 To be dim'd with tedious Watching ; or thefe Lips, 
 Thefe ruddy Lips, of whofe frem Colour, Cherries 
 And Rofes were but Copies, fhould grow pale 
 For want of Neftar ? or thefe Legs that bear 
 A Burthen of more Worth, than is fupported 
 By Atlas' weary'd Shoulders, fhould be cramp'd 
 With the Weight of Iron ? Oh, I could dwell ever 
 On this Defcription ! 
 
 Bert. Is this in Derifion, 
 Or Pity, of me ? 
 
 Aurelia. In your Charity 
 
 Believe me innocent. Now you are my Prifoner, 
 You (hall have fairer Quarter ; you will fhame 
 The Place where you have been, mould you now leave it 
 Before you are recovered. I'll conduct you 
 To more convenient Lodgings, and it mall be 
 My Care to cherifh you. Repine who dare ; 
 It is our Will. You'll follow me ? % 
 
 Bert. To the Centre, 
 
 Such a Sibylla guiding me. \Exsunt Aurelia, Bertoldo. 
 
 Genz.
 
 432 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 
 
 Conz. Who fpeaks firft ? 
 
 Ferd. We ftand, as we had feen Medufa** Head ! 
 
 Pierio. I know not what to think, I'm To amaz'd ! 
 
 Roder. Amaz'd ! I'm thunderftruck ! 
 
 Jacomo. We are enchanted. 
 And this is fome Illufion. 
 
 Adorni. Heav'n forbid ! 
 In dark Defpair, it mews a Beam of Hope. 
 Contain thy Joy, Adorni. 
 
 Aftutio. Such a Princefs, 
 And of fo long experienc'd Refervednefs 
 Break forth, and on the fudden, into Flames 
 Of more than doubted Loofenefs ! 
 
 Gonz. They come again, 
 
 Smiling, as I live : His Arm circling her Waift 
 I mall run mad : Some Fury hath poflefs'd her. 
 If I fpeak, I may be blafted. Ha! I'll mumble 
 A Prayer or two, and crofs myfelf, and then, 
 Though the Devil fart Fire, have at him. 
 
 Enter Bertoldo and Aurelia. 
 
 Aurelia. Let not, Sir, 
 
 The Violence of my Pafllons nourifh in you 
 An ill Opinion ; or, grant my Carriage 
 Out of the Road, and Garb of private Women, 
 'Tis ftill done with Decorum. As I am 
 A Princefs, what I do, is above Cenfure, 
 And to be imitated. 
 
 Bert. Gracious Madam, 
 Vouchfafe a little Paufe ; for I am fo rap'd 
 Beyond myfelf, that, 'till I have collected 
 My fcatter'd Faculties, I cannot tender 
 My Relblution. 
 
 Aurelia. Confider of it, 
 I will not be long from you. 
 
 [Bertoldo walking by, mufmg. 
 
 G&nz.
 
 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 433 
 
 Gonz. Pray I cannot, 
 This curfed Object ftrangles my Devotion : 
 I muft fpeak, or I burft. Pray you, fair Lactyj 
 If you can n Courtefy, direct me to 
 The chafte Aurelia. 
 
 Aurelia. Are you blind ? Who are We ? 
 
 Gonz. Another kind of Thing. Her Blood was go 
 
 vern*d 
 
 By her Difcretion, and not rul'd her Reafon : 
 The Reverence and Majefty of Juno 
 Shin'd in her Looks, and, coming to the Camp, 
 Appeared a fecond Pallas. I can fee 
 No fuch Divinities in you : If I 
 Without Offence may fpeak my Thoughts, you are, 
 As't were, a wanton Helen. 
 
 Aurelia. Good j e'er long, 
 You mall know me better. 
 
 Gonz. Why, if you are Aurelia, 
 How mall I difpofe of the Soldier ? 
 
 Aftutio. May it pleafe you 
 To haften my Difpatch ? 
 
 Aurelia. Prefer your Suits 
 Unto Bertoldo ; we will give him Hearing* 
 And you'll find him your beft Advocate. [#// Aurelia. 
 
 Aftutio. This is rare ! 
 
 Gonz. What are we come to ? 
 
 Roder. Grown up in a Moment 
 A Favourite ! 
 
 Ferd. He does take State already^ 
 
 Bert. No, no, it cannot be ! yet, but Camiola, 
 There is no Stop between me and a Crown : 
 -Then my Ingratitude ! a Sin in which 
 All Sins are comprehended ! aid me, Virtue, 
 Or I am loft. [4fde. 
 
 Gonz. May it pleafe your Excellence 
 ' Second me, Sir* 
 
 Bert. Then my fo horrid Oaths, 
 And hell-deep Imprecations made againft it. [Aftde. 
 
 VOL. II. E e 4ftutio t
 
 434 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 
 
 AJlutio. The King, your Brother, will thank you for 
 
 th' Advancement 
 Of his Affairs 
 
 Bert. And yet who can hold out 
 Againft inch Batteries, as her Power and Greatnefs 
 Raife up againft my weak Defences ! [/4fide. 
 
 Gonz. Sir, 
 
 Enter Aurelia. 
 
 Do you dream waking ? Slight, fhe's here again. 
 
 Bert. Walks (he on woollen Feet ! 
 
 Aurelia. You dwell too long 
 In your Deliberation, and come 
 \Vith a Cripple's Pace to that which you fhould fly to. 
 
 Bert. It is confefs'd : Yet, why fhould I, to win 
 From you, that hazard all to my poor nothing, 
 By falfe Play fend you off a Lofer from me ? 
 I'm already too too much engag'd 
 To th' King my Brother's Anger ; and who knows 
 But that his Doubts, and politick Fears, fhould you 
 Make me his Equal, may draw War upon 
 Your Territories ; were that Breach made up, 
 I fhould with Joy embrace, what now I fear 
 To touch but with due Rev'rence. 
 
 Aurelia. That Hindrance 
 Is eafily remov'd. I owe the King 
 For a Royal Vifit, which I flraight will pay him, 
 And having firft reconcil'd you to his Favour, 
 A Difpenlation fhall meet with us, 
 
 Bert. I am wholly yours. 
 
 Aurelia. On this Book feal it. 
 
 Gonz. What Hand and Lip too ? Then the Bargain's 
 
 fure, 
 You've no Employment for me ? 
 
 Aurelia. Yes, Gonzaga - 3 
 Provide a Royal Ship. 
 
 Gonz. A Ship ? Saint John ! 
 Whither are we bound, now ? 
 
 Aurelia.
 
 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 435 
 
 Aurelia. You fhall know hereafter, 
 My Lord, your Pardon, for my too much trenching 
 Upon your Patience. 
 
 Adorni. Camiola \Wbifpers to Bertoldo, 
 
 Aurelia. How do you ? 
 
 Bert, Indifpoled , but I attend you. [Exeunt. 
 
 Adorni. The heavy Curfe that waits on Perjury, 
 And foul Ingratitude, purfue thee, ever ! 
 Yet why from me this ? In this Breach of Faith 
 IVly Loyalty finds Reward ! what poifons him, 
 Proves Mithridate to me l8 I have performed 
 All (he commanded punctually, and now, 
 In the clear Mirrour of my Truth, fhe may 
 Behold his Falfhood. O that I had Wings 
 To bear me to Palermo ! this, once known, 
 Muft change her Love into a juft Difdain, 
 And work her to Companion of my Pain. [Exit* 
 
 SCENE V, 
 
 Camiola'j Houfe. 
 Sylli, Camiola, Clarinda, at federal Doors. 
 
 Sjlli. Undone ! undone ! poor I, that whilome wai 
 The Top and Ridge of my Houfe, am, on the fudden, 
 Turn'd to the pititulleft Animal 
 O 1 th' Lineage of the Syllies ! 
 
 Camiola. What's the Matter ? 
 
 Sylli. The King break Girdle, break ! 
 
 Camiola. Why, what of him ? 
 
 Sylli. Hearing how far you doted on my Perfon, 
 Growng envious-of my Happinefs, and knowing 
 His Brother, nor his Favourite Fulgmtio^ 
 Could get a Sheep's Eye from you, I being prefent, 
 
 1 8 What poifoni him 
 
 Proves Mithridate to me, &C. 
 
 Mithridate (called after its Inventor, Mithridate, K'ng of Ponttts] a 
 Confection, that is a fpecial Prefervaiive againft Poifon. 
 
 E e 2
 
 436 THE MAID OF HONOUR, 
 
 Is come himfelf a Suitor, with the Awl 
 Of his Authority to bore my Nofe, 
 And take you from me Oh, oh, oh ! 
 
 Camiola. Do not roar fo : 
 The King ? 
 
 Sylli. The King : Yet loving Sytti is not 
 So forry for his own, as your Misfortune ; 
 If the King mould carry you, or you bear him, 
 What a Lofer mould you be ? He can but make you 
 A Queen, and what a fimple Thing is that 
 To th' being my lawful Spoufe. The World can never 
 Afford you fuch a Hufband. 
 
 Camiola. I believe you. 
 But how are you fure the King is fo inclined ? 
 Did not you dream this ? 
 
 Sylli. With thefe Eyes I faw him 
 Difmifs his Train, and 'lighting from his Coach, 
 Whifper Fulgentio in the Ear. 
 
 Camiola. If fo, 
 I guefs the Bufineis. 
 
 SyUi. It can be no other 
 But to give me the Bob, that being a Matter 
 Of main Importance. Yonder they are, I dare not 
 
 Enter Roberto, Fulgentio. 
 
 Be feen, I am fo defperate ! if you forfake me, 
 
 Send me Word, that I may provide a Willow-Garland, < 
 
 To wear, when I drown myfelf. O Sylli* O Sylli. 
 
 [Exit crying. 
 
 Ful. It will be worth your Pains, Sir, to obferve 
 The Conftancy and Bravery of her Spirit. 
 Though great Men tremble at your Frowns, 1 dare 
 Hazard my Head, your Majefty, fet off 
 With Terror, cannot fright ter. 
 
 Rober. May me anfwer 
 My Expectation. 
 
 Fulgen. There me is 
 
 Cam. My Knees thus- 
 
 Bent
 
 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 437 
 
 Bent to the Earth (while my Vows are fent upward 
 For th' Safety of my Sov'reign) pay the Duty 
 Due for fo great an Honour, in this Favour 
 Done to your humbleft Hand-maid. 
 
 Rober. You miftake me, 
 I come not (Lady) that you may report 
 The King, to do you Honour, madeyourHoufe* 
 (He being there) "his Court ; but to correct 
 Your ftubborn Difobedience. A Pardon, 
 For that, could you obtain it, were well purchas'd 
 With this Humility. 
 
 Camioia. A Pardon, Sir ? 
 'Till I am confcious of an Offence, 
 I will not wrong my Innocence to beg one, 
 What is my Crime, Sir ? 
 
 Rober. Look on him I favour, 
 By your fcorn'd and neglected. 
 
 Camioia. Is that all, Sir ? 
 
 Rober. No, Minion; though that were too much. 
 
 How can you 
 
 Anfvver the fetting on your defp'rate Bravo 
 To murther him ? 
 
 Camioia. With your Leave, I muft not kneel, Sir, 
 While I reply to this : But thus rife up 
 In my Defence, and tell you as a Man 
 (Since when you are unjuft, the Deity 
 Which you may challenge as a King, parts from you) 
 'Twas never read in Holy Writ, or moral, 
 That Subjects on their Loyalty were oblig'd 
 To love their Sov'reign's Vices ; your Grace, Sir, 
 To fuch an Undeferver is no Virtue. 
 
 Fulgen. What think you now, Sir ? 
 
 Camioia. Say you mould love Wine, 
 You being the King, and 'caufe I am your Subject:, 
 Muft I be ever drunk ? Tyrants, not Kings, 
 By Violence, from humble Vafials force 
 The Liberty of their Souls. I could not love him. 
 
 Courts make no: Kings, but Kings Courts. 
 
 DKNHAM. 
 
 E c 3 And
 
 438 THE MAID OF HONOUR, 
 
 And to compel Affection, as I take it, 
 Is not found in your Prerogative. 
 
 Rober. Excellent Virgin ! 
 How I admire her Confidence! 
 
 Camioia. He complains 
 Of Wrong done him : But, be no more a King, 
 IJnlefs you do me right. Burn your Decrees, 
 And of your Laws and Statutes make a Fire 
 To thaw the frozen Numbnefs of Delinquents, 
 If he elcape unpunifh'd. Do your Edicts 
 Call it Death in any Man that breaks into 
 Another's Houfe to rob him, though of Trifles, 
 And (hall Fulgentio, your Fulgtntio live ? 
 Who hath committed more than Sacrilege 
 Jn the Pollution of my clear Fame 
 By his ma'icious Slanders. 
 
 Rober. Have you done this ? 
 Anfwer truly on your Life. 
 
 Fulgen. In the Heat of Blood 
 Some fuch Thing I reported. 
 Roller. Our qf my Sight ! 
 for I vow, if by true Penitence thou win not 
 This injur'd Lady to fue out thy Pardon, 
 Thy Grave is digg'd already. 
 Fulgen. By my own Folly 
 I've made a fair Hand oft, [Exit Fulgentio, 
 
 Rober. You mall know, Lady, 
 While I wear a Crown, Juftice fliall ufe her Sword 
 To cut Offenders off, though neareft to us. 
 
 Camioia. I, now you (hew whofe Deputy you are, 
 If now I bathe your Feet with Tears, it cannot 
 Be cenfur'd uperftition. 
 Rober. You muft rife. 
 
 Rife in our Favour, and Protection ever : \Kijfes her. 
 
 Camioia. Happy are Subjects! when the Prince is flill 
 
 Guided by Juftice, not His paflionate Will. [Exeunt. 
 
 of tty Fourth Aft. 
 
 ACT
 
 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 439 
 
 ACTV. SCENE I. 
 
 Camiola'j Houfe. 
 Camiola, Sylli. 
 
 Camiola. "\T O U fee how tender I am of the Quiet 
 
 j[ And Peace of your Affection, and what 
 
 great ones 
 I put off in your Favour. 
 
 Sylli. You do wifely, 
 
 Exceeding wifely ! and, when I have faid, 
 I thank you for't, be happy. 
 
 Camiola. And good Realon, 
 Jn having fuch a Bleffing. 
 
 Sylli. When you have it, 
 But the Bait is not yet ready. Stay the Time, 
 While I triumph by myfelf. King, by your Leave, 
 I have wip'd your royal Nofe, without a Napkin, 
 You may cry Willow, Willow ! for your Brother, 
 I'll only fay go by. For my fine Favourite, 
 He may graze where he pleafe j his Lips may Water 
 Like a Puppies o'er a frumenty Pot, while Sylli 
 Out of his tvvo-leav'd Cherry-ftone Difh drinks Neftar! 
 I cannot hold out any longer \ Heav'n forgive me, 
 'Tis not the firftOath, I have broke, I muft take 
 A little for a Preparative. [Offers to kifs and embrace ber. 
 
 Camiola. By no Means. 
 If you forfwear yourfelf we ftiall not profper. 
 I'll rather lofe my Longing. 
 
 Sylli, Pretty Soul ! 
 
 How careful it is of me ! let me bufs yet, 
 Thy little dainty Foot for'c : That, I'm fure, is 
 Out of my Oath. 
 
 Camiola, Why if thou canft difpenfe with't 
 So far, I'll not be fcrupulous -, fuch a Favour 
 
 E c 4 My
 
 440 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 
 
 My amorous Shoemaker fteals. 
 
 Sylli. O moft rare Leather ! [KiJ/es her Shoe often. 
 I do begin at the loweft, but in time 
 I n.ay grow higher. 
 
 Camiola. Fie ! you dwell too long there ; 
 Jlife, pry'thee, rife. 
 
 Sylli. O, I am up already. 
 
 Enter Clarinda baftify. 
 
 Camiola. How I abufe my Hours! What news with 
 thee, now ? 
 
 Clar. Off with that Gown, 'tis mine i mine by your 
 
 Promife : 
 
 Signior Adorni is return'd ! now upon Entrance j 
 Off with it, off with it, Madam. 
 
 Camiola. Be not fo hafty : 
 When I go to Bed, 'tis thine. 
 
 Sylli. You have my grant too-, 
 But, do you hear, Lacy, though I give Way to this, 
 You rauft hereafter alk my Leave before 
 You part with Things of Moment. 
 
 Camiola. Very good , 
 When I'm yours, I'll be govern'd. 
 
 Sylli. Sweet Obedience ! 
 
 Enter Adorni. 
 
 Camiola. You're well return'd 
 
 Adorni. I wifh that the Succefs 
 pf my Service had deferv'd it. 
 
 Camiola. Lives Bertoldo ? 
 
 Adorni. Yes, and return'd with Safety. 
 
 Camiola. 'Tis not, then, 
 In the Hower of Fate to add to, or take from. 
 My perfect Happinefs : And yet he mould 
 Have made me his firft Vifit. 
 ' ' Adorni. So I think too ; 
 But he 
 
 Sylli.
 
 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 441 
 
 Sylli. Durft not appear, I being prefent : 
 ^That's his Excufe, 1 warrant you. 
 
 Camiola. Speak, where is he ? 
 
 y/ith whom ? Who hath deferv'd more from him ? Or 
 Can be of equal Merit ? In this 
 PO not except the King. 
 
 Adorni. He's at the Palace 
 With the Dutcheis of Siena. One Coach brought J em 
 
 hither, 
 
 Without a third. He's very gracious with her, 
 You may conceive the reft. 
 
 Camiola. My jealous Fears 
 Make me to apprehend. 
 
 Adorni. Pray you, difmifs 
 Signior Wifdom, and I'll make relation to you 
 Of the Particulars. 
 
 Camiola. Servant, I would have you 
 TO hatle unto the Court. 
 
 Sylli. I will out-run 
 A Footman for your Pleafure. 
 
 Camiola. There obferve 
 The Dutchefs* Train and Entertainment. 
 
 Sylli. Fear not, 
 
 } will difcover all that is of Weight 
 To the Liveries of her Pages, and her Footmen. 
 This is fit Employment for me. [Exit Sylli. 
 
 Camicla. Gracious with 
 The Duchefs ! fure, you faid fo ? 
 
 Adorni. I will ufe 
 
 All poffible Brevity to inform you, Madam, 
 Pf what was trufted to me, and difcharg'd 
 With Faith and loyal Duty. 
 
 Camiola. I believe it ; 
 
 You ranfom'd him, and fupply'd his Wants imagine 
 That is already fpoken ; and what Vows 
 Of Service he made to me, is apparent ; 
 His Joy of me, and Wonder too perfpicuous ; 
 poes not your Story end fo ? 
 
 Adorni. Would the End 
 
 Had
 
 442 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 
 
 Had anfwered the Beginning In a Word, 
 Ingratitude and Perjury at the Height, 
 Cannot exprefs him. 
 
 Camiola. Take heed. 
 
 Adorni. Truth is arm'd 
 And can defend irfelf. It muft out, Madam. 
 I faw (the prefence full) the amorous Dutchels 
 Kifs and embrace him, on his Part accepted 
 With equal Ardor, and their willing Hands 
 No fooner join'd, hut a Remove was publifh'd, 
 And put in Execution. 
 
 Camiola. The Proofs are 
 Too pregnant. Bertoldo ! 
 
 Adorni. He's not worth 
 Your forrow, Madam. 
 
 Camiola. Tell me, when you faw this, 
 Did not you grieve, as I do now, to hear it ? 
 
 Adorni. His Precipice from Goodnefs raifing mine, 
 And ferving as a Foil to fet my Faith off, 
 I had little Reafon. 
 
 Camiola. In this you confefs 
 The Devillim Malice of your Difpofition, 
 As you were a Man, you flood bound to lament it, 
 And not in Flattery of your falfe Hopes 
 To glory in it. When good Men purfue 
 The Path mark'd 'out by Virtue, the bleiled Saints 
 With Joy look on it, and Seraphic Angels 
 Clap their celeftial Wings in heav'nly Plaudits, 
 To fee a Scene of Grace fo well presented, 
 The Fiends, and Men made up of envy, mourning \ 
 Whereas now, on the contrary, as far 
 As their Divinity can partake of Paflion, 
 With me they weep, beholding a fair Temple j 
 Built in Bertotdo's Loyalty, turn'd to Afhes 
 By the Flames of his Inconftancy, the damn'd 
 Rejoicing in the Object- 'Tis not well 
 In you, Adorni. 
 
 Adorni. What a temper dwells 
 
 In this rare Virgin, Can you pity him [Afide 
 
 That
 
 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 443 
 
 That hath (hewn none to you ? 
 
 Camiola. I muft not be 
 Cruel by his Example, You, perhaps, 
 Expect now I mould leek Recovery 
 Of what I have loft by Tears, and with bent Knees 
 Reg his Companion. No ; my tow'ring Vertue, 
 From the Ailurance of my Merit, fcorns 
 To itoop fo low. I'll take a nobler Courfe, 
 And, confident in the Juftice of my Caufe, 
 (The King his Brother, and new Mtftrefs Judges) 
 Ravifh him from her Arms You have the Contract 
 In which he fwore to marry her ? 
 
 Adorni. 'Tis here, Madam. [Hufband, 
 
 Camiola, He fliall be, then, againft his will my 
 And when 1 have him, I'll fo ufe him Doubt not, 
 But that, your Honefty being unqueftion'd ; 
 This Writing with your Teftimony clears all. 
 
 Adorni. And buries me in the dark Milts of Error. 
 Camiola. I'll prefently to Court, pray you, give Order 
 For my Coach, 
 
 Adorni. A Cart for me were fitter, 
 To hurry me to th f Gallows [Exit Adorni. 
 
 Camiola. O lalfe Men ! 
 
 Inconftant ! perjur'd! My good Angel, help me 
 In thefe my Extremities ! 
 
 Enter Sylli. 
 
 Sylli. If you ever will fee a brave Sight, 
 Lofe it not now. Berloldo and the Dutchefs 
 Are prefently to be married. There's fuch Pomp 
 And Preparation. 
 
 Camiola. If I marry, 'tis 
 This Day, or never. 
 
 Sylli. Why, with all my Heart; 
 Though I break this, Pll keep the next Oath I make, 
 And then it is quit. 
 
 Camiola. Follow me to my Cabinet ; 
 You know my Confeflbr, Father Paulo ?
 
 444 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 
 
 Sytti. Yes : Shall he 
 Do the Feat for us ? 
 
 Camtola. I will give in Writing 
 Directions to him, and attire myielf 
 Like a Virgin-bride, and fomething I will do 
 That fhall deferve Men's Praife and Wonder too. 
 
 Sytti . And I, to make all know I am not fhallow, 
 Will have my Points of Cochineal and Yellow. [Exeunt, 
 
 SCENE II. 
 
 *fbe Palace at Palermo. 
 Loud Mufick, 
 
 Roberto, Bertoldo, Aurelia, Aftutio, Gonzaga, Rode- 
 rigo, lacomo, Pierio, Bilhop, with Attendants. 
 
 Rober. Had your Divifion been greater, Madam, 
 Your Clemency, (the Wrong being done to you) 
 In Pardon of it, like the Rod of Concord, 
 Muft make a perfect Union, once more 
 With a brotherly Affection we receive you 
 Into our Favour. Let it be your Study 
 Hereafter to deferve this Bleffing, far 
 Beyond your Merit. 
 
 Bert. As the Princefs, Grace 
 To me is without Limit, my Endeavours 
 With all Obfequioufnefs to ferve her Pleafures 
 Shall know no Bounds ; nor will I, being made 
 Her Hufband, forget the Duty that 
 I owe her as a Servant, 
 
 Aureila. I expect not 
 But fair Equality, fince I well know, 
 If that Superiority be due, 
 
 'Tis not to me. When you are made my Confort, 
 All the Prerogatives of my high Birth cancell'd, 
 I'll practice the Obedience of a Wife, 
 And freely pay it. Queens themfelves, if they 
 Make Choice of their Inferiors, only aiming 
 
 To
 
 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 445 
 
 To feed their fenfual Appetites, and to reign 
 Over their Hufbands, in fome Kind commit 
 Authoriz'd Whoredom , nor will I be guilty, 
 In my Intent of fuch a Crime. 
 
 Gonz. This done, 
 
 As it is promis'd, Madam, may well ftand for 
 A Precedent to great Women : But, when once 
 The griping Hunger of Defire is cloy'd, 
 (And the poor Fool, advanced, brought on his Knees) 
 Mod of your Eagle-Breed, I'll not fay all, 
 (Ever excepting you; challenge again, 
 What in hot Blood they parted from. 
 
 Aurelia. You are ever 
 
 An Enemy of our Sex, but you, I hope, Sir, 
 Have better Thoughts. 
 
 Bert. I dare not entertain 
 An ill one of your Goodnefs. 
 
 Rober. To my Power 
 I will enable him, to prevent all Danger 
 Envy can raife againft your Choice. One Word more 
 Touching the Articles. 
 
 Enter Fu!gentio y Camiola, Sylli, Adorni. 
 
 Fulgen. In you alone 
 
 Lie all my Hopes ; you can or kill or fave me 5 
 But pity in you will become you better, 
 (Though, I confefs, in juftice 'tis deny'd me) 
 Then too much Rigour. 
 
 Camiola. I will make your Peace 
 As far as it lies in me ; but muft firfl 
 Labour to right myfelf. 
 
 Aurelia. Or add or alter 
 What you think fit. In him I have my all, 
 Heav'n make me thankful for him. 
 
 Rober. On to the Temple. 
 
 Camiola. Stay, Royal Sir, and, as you are a King, 
 Erect one here, in doing Juftice to 
 An injur'd Maid. 
 
 Aurelia.
 
 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 
 How's this ? 
 
 Bert. O I am Blafted ! [Promptnefs 
 
 Rcber. I have giv'n fome Proof, fweet Lady, of my 
 To do you Right, you need not, therefore, doubt me ; 
 And reft affur'd. that, this great Work difpatch'd, 
 You (hall have Audience and Satisfaction 
 To all you can demand. 
 
 Camiola. To do me Juftice 
 Exads your prefent Care, and can admit 
 Of no Delay. If ere my Caufe be heard, 
 In Favour of your Brother, you go on, Sir, 
 Your Scepter cannot right me. He's the Man, 
 The guilty Man, whom I accufe, and you 
 Stand bound in Duty, as you are Supreme, 
 To be impartial. Since you are a Judge, 
 As a Delinquent look on him, and not 
 As on a Brother, Juftice painted blind, 
 Infers, her Minifters are oblig'd to hear 
 The Caufe and Truth, the Judge determine of it ; 
 And not fway'd, -or by Favour or Affection, 
 By afalfe Glofs, or wrefted Comment, alter 
 The true Intent, and Letter of the Law. 
 
 Roder. Nor will I, Madam, 
 
 Aurelia. You feem troubled, Sir, 
 
 Gonz. His Colour changes too. 
 
 Camisla. The Alteration. 
 
 Grows from his Guilt. The Goodnefs of my Caufe 
 Begets fuch Confidence in me, that I bring 
 No hir'd Tongue to plead for me, that with gay 
 Rhetorical Flourifhes may palliate 
 That which, ftripp'd naked, will appear deform'd. 
 I (land here mine own Advocate ; and my Truth, 
 Deliver'd in the plaineft Language, will 
 Make good itfelf -, nor will I, if the King 
 Give Suffrage to it, but admit of you, 
 My greateft Enemy, and this Stranger Prince, 
 To fit Afliftants with him. 
 
 Aurelia. I ne'er wrong'd you. 
 
 Cam. In your Knowledge of the Injury, I believe it -, 
 
 Nor
 
 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 447 
 
 Nor will you in your Juftice, when you are 
 Acquainted with my Intereft in this Man 
 Which I lay claim to. 
 
 Rober. Let us take our Seats, 
 What is your Title to him ? 
 
 Camiola. By this Contract, 
 Seal'd folemnly before a reverend Man, 
 I challenge him for my Hufband. 
 
 Sylli. Ha ! was I 
 
 Sent for the Frier, for this ? O Sylli ! Sylli ! 
 Some Cordial, or I faint ! 
 
 Rober. This Writing is 
 Authentical. 
 
 Aurelia. But done in Heat of Blood, 
 (Charm 'd by her Flatt'ries, as, no doubt, he was) 
 To be difpens'd with. 
 
 Ferd. Add this, if you pleafe, 
 The Diftance and Difparity between 
 Their Births and Fortunes; 
 
 Camiola. What can Innocence hope for, 
 When fuch as fit her Judges, are corrupted ! 
 Difparity of Birth, or fortune, urge you ? 
 Or Syren Charms ? or, at his beft, in me, 
 Wants to deferve him ? Call fome few Days back, 
 And, as he was, confide* him, and you 
 Muft grant him my Inferior. Imagine 
 You faw him now in fetters, with his Honour, 
 His Liberty loft ; with her black Wings Defpair 
 Circling his Miferies, and this Gonzago 
 Trampling on his Afflictions ; the great Sum 
 Propofed for his Redemption ; the King 
 Forbidding Payment of it ; his near Kinfmen, 
 With his protefting Followers and Friends, 
 Falling off from him -, by the whole World forfaken ; 
 Dead to all Hope, and buried in the Grave 
 Of his Calamities j and then weigh duly 
 What (he deferv'd (whofe Merits now are doubted) 
 That as his better Angel in her Bounties 
 Appear'd unto him, his great Ranfom pay'd j 
 
 His
 
 448 THE MAID OF HONOUR, 
 
 His Wants,- and with a prodigal Hand, fupply'd j 
 Whether, then, being my manumifed Slave, 
 He ow'd not himfelf to me ? 
 
 Aurelia. Is this true ? 
 
 Rober. In his Silence 'tis acknowledg'd. 
 
 Gonz. If you want 
 A Witnefs to this Purpofe, I'll depofe it. 
 
 Camiola. If I have dwelt too long on my Defervi i 
 To this unthankful Man, pray you pardon me; 
 The Caufe requir'd it. And, though now I sdd 
 A little, in my Painting to the Life 
 His barbarous Ingratitude, to deter 
 Others from Imitation, let it meet with 
 A fair Interpretation. This Serpent, 
 Frozen to Numbnefs, was no fooner warm'cJ 
 In the Bofom of my Pity and Compaffion, 
 But, in Return, he ruin'd his Preferver, 
 The Prints, the Irons had made in his Flefh* 
 Still ulcerous ; but all that I had done 
 (My Benefits in Sand, or Water written) I9 
 As they had never been, no more remember'd : 
 And on what Ground, but his ambitious Hopes 
 To gain this Duchefs' Favour. 
 
 Aurelia. Yes ; the Object 
 (Look on it better, Lady) may excufe 
 The Charge of his Affection. 
 
 Camiola. The Object ? 
 In what ? forgive me, Modefty, if I fay 
 You look upon your Form in the falfe Glafs 
 Of Flatt'ry and Self-love, and that deceives you. 
 That you were a Dutchefs, as I take it, was not 
 Character'd on your Face, and, that not leen, 
 For other Feature, make all thefe, that are 
 Experienc'd in Women, judges of 'em ; 
 And, if they are not Parafites, they muft grant 
 
 1 9 My Benefits in Sand, or Water Written. 
 
 Thus in Shake/pea? t Henry V1I1. 
 Men's Evil I 
 
 Manners live in Brafs ; their Virtues 
 We write in Water. ACT. tV. 
 
 For
 
 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 449 
 
 For Beauty without Art, though you ftorm at it, 
 I may take the Right-Hand File. 
 
 Goaz. Well faid, I' faith! 
 T fee fair Women on no Terms will yield 
 Priority in Beauty. 
 
 Camiola. Down, proud Heart ! 
 Why do I rife up in Defence of that, 
 Which, in my cherifhing of it, hath Undone me ! 
 No, Madam, I recant ; You are all Beauty, 
 Goodnefs and Virtue ; and poor I not worthy 
 As a Foil to fetyou off; Enjoy your Conqueft ; 
 But do not tyrannize. Yet, as I am 
 In my Lownefs from your Height, you may look on me, 
 And in your Suffrage to me, make him know 
 That, though to all Men elfe I did appear 
 The Shame and Scorn of Women, 10 He Hands bound 
 To hold me as her Mafter-piece. 
 
 Rober. By my Life, 
 
 You've fhew'n yourfelf of fuch an abject Temper, 
 So poor, and low-condition'd, as I grieve for 
 Your Nearnefs to me. 
 
 Ferd. I am chang'd in my 
 Opinion of you, Lady, and profefs 
 The Virtues of your Mind, an ample Fortune 
 For an abfolute Monarch. 
 
 Gonz. Since you are refolv'd 
 To damn yourfelf, in your forfaking of 
 Your noble Order for a Woman, do it [meet not 
 
 For this. You may fcarch through the World, and 
 With fuch another Ph<enix. 
 
 Aurelia. t On the Sudden 
 I feel all Fires of Love quench'd in the Water 
 
 * o / jjj a ppg ar , 
 
 The Shame and Scorn of Want . 
 
 This is the Reading of all the Old Copies, but I imagine it is falfe, 
 and that we ought to read. 
 
 * / did afpfar, 
 
 The Shame and Scorn of Nature. 
 
 What ftrengthcns this Soppofidon, is the Lines following, which 
 jn^kes the Senfe entire. 
 
 VOL. II. F f Of
 
 450 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 
 
 Of Companion. Make your Peace , you have 
 
 My free Confent -, for here I do difclaim 
 
 All Int'reft in you : And, to further your 
 
 Defires, fair Maid, compos'd of Worth and Honour, 
 
 The Difpenfation procur'd by me, 
 
 Freeing Bertoldo from his Vow, makes Way 
 
 To your Embraces. 
 
 Bert. Oh, how have I ftray'd, 
 And wilfully, out of the noble Track 
 Mark'd me by Virtue ! 'Till now, I was never 
 Truly a Prifoner. To excufe my late 
 Captivity, I might allege the Malice 
 Of Fortune ; you, that conquer'd me, confefTmg 
 Courage in my Defence was no Way wanting. 
 But now I have furrender'd up my Strengths 
 Into the Power of Vice, and on my Forehead 
 Branded with mine own Hand, in Capital Letters, 
 Difloyal and ingrateful. Though barr'd from 
 Human Society, and hifs'd into 
 Some Defert ne'er yet haunted with the Curfes 
 Of Men and Women, fitting as a Judge 
 Upon my guilty felf, I muft confefs 
 It juftly falls upon me -, and one Tear, 
 Shed in Compaflion of my Suff'rings, more 
 Than I can hope for. 
 
 Camiola. This Compunction 
 
 For th' Wrong that you have done me, tho* you mould 
 Fix here, and your true Sorrow move no farther, 
 Will, in refpedl: I lov'd once, make thefe Eyes 
 Two Springs of Sorrow for you. 
 
 Bert. In your Pity 
 
 My Cruelty (hews more monftrous: Yet I am not, 
 Though moft ingrateful, grown to fuch a Height 
 Of Impudence, as in my Wilhes only 
 To alk your Pardon. If, as now I fall 
 Proftrate before your Feet, you will vouchfafe 
 To aft your own Revenge, treading upon me 
 - AS a Viper eating through the Bowels of 
 Your Benefits, to whom, with Liberty, 
 
 I owe
 
 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 451 
 
 I owe my Being, 'twill take from the Burthen 
 That now is infupportable. 
 
 Camiola. Pray you, rife ; 
 As I wifh Peace and Quiet to my Soul, 
 I do forgive you heartily. Yet, excufe me, 
 Though I deny myfelf a BlefTmg that, 
 By the Favour of the Dutchefs feconded, 
 With your Submiflion is offer'd to me, 
 Let not the Reafon I allege for't grieve you, 
 You have been falfe once. I have done : and if, 
 When I am married (as this Day I will be) 
 As a perfect Sign of your Atonement with me 3 
 You wilh me Joy, I will receive it for 
 Full Satisfaction of all Obligations 
 In which you ftand bound to me. 
 
 Bert. I will do it, 
 
 And, what's more, in Defpite of Sorrow, live 
 To fee myfelf undone, beyond all Hope 
 To be made up again. 
 
 Sylli. My Blood begins 
 To come to my Heart again. 
 
 Camiola. Pray you, Signior Sylli, 
 Call in the holy Frier. , He's prepared 
 For finiming the Work. 
 
 Sylli. I knew I was 
 The Man. Heaven make me thankful ! 
 
 Rober. Who is this ? 
 
 Aftutio. His Father was the Banker of Palermo : 
 And this the Heir of his great Wealth. His Wifdom 
 Was not hereditary. 
 
 Sylli. Though you know me not, 
 Your Majefty owes me a round Sum ; I have 
 A Seal or two, to witnefs , yet, if you pleafe 
 To wear my Colours, and dance at my Wedding, 
 I'll never fue you. 
 
 Rober. And I'll grant your Suit. 
 
 Sylli. Gracious Madona, noble General, 
 Brave Captains and my quondam Rivals wear 'em, 
 
 F f 2 Since
 
 452 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 
 
 Since I am confident you dare not harbour 
 
 A Thought; but that Way current. [Extf. 
 
 Aurelia. For my Part k 
 
 I cannot guefs the IfTue. 
 s 
 
 Enter Sylli with the Friar. 
 *r 
 
 Sylli. Do your Duty, 
 And with all Speed you can, you may difpatch us. 
 
 Paulo. Thus, as a principal Ornament to the Church, 
 I feize her. 
 
 All How ! 
 
 Robe'r. So young, and fo religious ! 
 
 Paulo. She has forfook the World. 
 
 Sylli. Andr///'teo,? 
 I mall run mad. 
 
 Rober. Hence with the Fool ! Proceed, Sir. 
 
 [Sylli tbrttft off. 
 
 Paufo. Look on this Maid of Honour, now j 
 
 Truly honour'd in her Vow 
 She pa^s to Heaven : Vain Delight 
 By Day, or PJeafure of the Night, 4 
 
 She no more thinks of: This fair Hair 
 (Favours for great Kings to wear) 
 Mud now be morn. Her rich Array 
 Chang'd into a homely gray. 
 The Dainties, with which me was fed 
 And her proud Flefli pampered, 
 Muft not be tafted ; from the Spring, 
 For Wine, cold Water we will bring, * 
 
 And with fading mortify * 
 The Feafts of Senfuality. 
 Her Jewels, Beads ; and me muft look 
 Not in a Glafs, but holy Book -, 
 To teach her the ne'er erring Way 
 To Immortality. O may 
 She, as me purpofes to be 
 A child new born to Piety, 
 Perfevere in it, and good Men, 
 
 With
 
 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 453 
 
 With Saints and Angels, fay, Amen ! 
 
 Camiola. This is the Marriage ! this the Port to which 
 My Vows muft fleer me ! Fill my fpreading Sails 
 With the pure Wind of your Devotions for me, 
 That I may touch the fecure Haven, where 
 Eternal Happinefs keeps her Refidence, 
 Temptations to Frailty never ent'ring. 
 I am dead to the World, and thus difpofe 
 Of what I leave behind me, and, dividing 
 My 'State into three Parts. I thus bequeath it. 
 The firft to the fair Nunnery, to which 
 I dedicate the laft, and better Part 
 Of my frail Life ; a fecond Portion 
 To pious Ufes j and the third to thee, 
 Adorni^ for thy true and faithful Service. 
 And, e'er I take my laft Farewel, with Hope 
 To find a Grant, my Suit to you is, that 
 You would, for my Sake, pardon this young Man, 
 And to his Merits love him, and no further. 
 
 Rober. I thus confirm it. 
 
 [Gives his Hand to Fulgentio. 
 
 Camiola. And, as e'er you hope, [To Bertoldo. 
 
 Like me, to be made happy, I conjure you 
 To re-afiume your Order ; and in fighting 
 Bravely againft the Enemies of our Faith 
 Redeem your mortgag'd Honour. 
 
 Rober. I reftore this : [*Tbe white Crofs. 
 
 Once more Brothers in Arms. 
 
 Bert. I'll live and die fo. 
 
 Camiola. To you my pious Wiflies ! And, to end 
 All Differences, Great Sir, I befeech you 
 To be an Arbitrator, and compound 
 The Quarrel, long continuing, between 
 The Duke and Dutchefs. 
 
 Rober. Til take it into 
 My fpecial Care. 
 
 Camiola. I'm then at reft. Now, Father, 
 Conduct me where you pleafe. 
 
 [Exeunt Paulo and Camiola. 
 Rober.
 
 454 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 
 
 Rober. She well deferves 
 
 Her Name, 'The Maid of Honour ! May flie (land 
 To all Pofterity, a fair Example 
 For noble Maids to imitate ! Since, to live 
 In Wealth and Pleafure, is common ; but to part with 
 Such poifon'd Baits is rare, there being nothing 
 Upon this Stage of Life to be commended, 
 Though well begun, till it be fully ended. [Exeunt. 
 
 We are now come to the Conclufion of the Maid of Honour : A 
 Piece which in my Judgment does Honour to its Author, and well de- 
 ferves to be prefented upon the Englijh Stage. 
 
 fbe E ND of the SECOND VOLUME.

 
 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES 
 
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